Published: November 17, 2021
Writer: Daniel Jose Older
Artist: Toni Bruno
Colours: Rebecca Nalty
Letters: Jake M. Wood
Cover Artist: Harvey Tolibao
The synopsis;
Chaos at Takodana!
After the Nihil have attacked the Jedi temple, the Padawans must face them once again. Overwhelmed and outnumbered, the heroes are backed into a corner until an unlikely Padawan among them unmasks their full potential and saves the day!
The review;
It has been a very long few weeks waiting for this comic to be released. Last issue, Daniel Older began to provide backstory to Qort, a character who has found himself adored by fans the world over. Rather than just rely on the cute factor, we got to see the meaning behind the mask, the physical representation of what many Jedi have to overcome. With engaging artwork by Toni Bruno, it felt like the calm before the storm. Now, I’m ready for Older and Bruno to unleash the storm.
And what a storm they unleash! The core of this entire story can is Qort, and there is a lot here for the character. We begin by seeing Qort leaving to go to for his Jedi training. Older is able to use this flashback to bring Yoda back into the story (as well as the timeline). We know that he is doing something, but the character hasn’t been seen for some time during The High Republic and it was a pleasant surprise to see him here. The bond between Sav and Qort is obvious but the really touching moment is shown by Bruno through the artwork. The last two panels (one a full page) have no words, relying totally on Bruno’s skill to create the emotional response to the moment. When Qort turns his head to look back as he’s leaving, you can feel Bruno pulling your heartstrings. It’s a very well executed moment.
Before I discuss anymore the development of Qort, I can’t say more without mentioning more of the artwork by Bruno. He excels in this comic! There is a lot of action in this issue, action always comes down to the artist to guide the reader. But Bruno goes so much further here. There are a lot of profound moments throughout this issue for Qort. While other writers would have words to help explain the moments, Older gives these moments for Bruno to work his magic. And magic they are. It is the visual implication that carries the weight of the moment, not the words. It’s like watching a movie where the sound volume begins to fade out to a whisper to focus on the important plot point happening. Bruno does it exceptionally well and it creates such an emotional impact for the reader.
One such moment, and the moment the really sees Qort develop as a character, is finding his mask smashed. Much like Luke in Return of the Jedi when having to face the Emperor or Rey in The Force Awakens having to face Kylo, Older doesn’t allow the character the choice of if he is ready. It is now or never. Put it down to the force, to destiny or simply life, that chooses when the time is for Qort to become himself. For younger readers, this is so important for them to understand, that at times, even when you feel unready, you have to face a problem head on. This moment that Older and Bruno bring together is like something straight from a movie. The flashbacks to Sav’s advice, the complete silence of everything as Qort has to make his decision of what he is going to do, the emotions that Bruno is able to show in every panel. If any of these had been off, the moment would have been lost, but the come together perfectly and the moment feel like one of the very best moments of the entire series. This is not a disappointment but surpasses all expectations. It shows a writer and artist working in complete partnership to provide us with the best possible story.
The issue is consumed with all of this and it’s right that it should be. Every part of this issue does not feel rushed, does not feel excessive, does not feel forced. Older and Bruno make sure that it gets the space it deserves and Older pushes all the other characters away. It allows Qort’s story to really shine and have the biggest impact. Sav and Maz are there to provide the humour to help lighten these very deep moments in true Star Wars fashion. And at the end? With all Qort has been through, we see him returned to his friends.
This issue is the culmination of a lot of deep issues previously in the series; it has action, emotion, and important life lessons. But it’s the delivery that really sets this issue apart, those quiet moments (and there are a lot of them) that pull you through the emotional ringer and never seem to let up. Older may have written it, but Bruno really pushes himself to drive this story (and series) to new heights with the incredible artwork. It is so grand and cinematic that you feel exhausted having just read such a deep and profound scene. It’s such a pleasure to read. I happily say this is my favourite series to read and its these moments that really set it apart. Older is able to write such intense and awe-inspiring events (and have artists illustrate them so well) that feel like pure, undulated Star Wars. What perhaps is even more terrifying, is it was only a few issues ago that Older gave us a true ‘Yoda’ scene explaining the force in a way few can… and now he creates another, equally profound moment. Older is a writer who just keeps giving and giving. This is a series for every fan, young or old, as it shows just what a Star Wars comic series can be. It can have everything that we love from the films and more, with characters we care about and lessons that we can take with us throughout our lives. Add in blasters, lightsabers and space battles and what more could you possibly want?
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures is an ongoing series available from IDW Publishing. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available from all good comic bookstores in the USA and from Forbidden Planet in the UK.
