Published: August 18, 2021
Writer: Daniel Jose Older
Artist: Harvey Tolibao
Colourist: Rebecca Nalty
Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Cover Artist: Harvey Tolibao
The synopsis;
As the galaxy prepares for its Republic Fair, Qort and Farzala are sent on a diplomatic mission to negotiate with the Hutts, who have joined them in the fight against the Drengir. But relations turn sour, and it’s going to take all of their training to get them out of the situation!
The review;
This issue could not come fast enough for me. Issue 6 Older decided to go far darker than he had yet to do, providing a very enthralling tale that brought several elements of The High Republic together, including my favourite, the crew from Into the Dark by Claudia Gray. It’s easy to look at this series by itself, and it can stand happily on its own. Yet it’s the fact that it is part of an entire story told over multiple series and multiple books that really makes this whole era really come into its own. High Republic Adventures is supposed to be the more child orientated storyline, yet Older has shown that just because that is your target audience, doesn’t mean you can’t write a story that far surpasses this, that deals with issues that will appeal to fans of any age. So why wouldn’t any fan not want more? Together with gorgeous artwork by Tolibao, I don’t doubt that this will again be a tremendous addition to the series…
As with most of Older’s stories, this is a tale of two parts: Farzala’s and the antics on the Vessel. I mentioned in issue six that there were a lot of similarities between the themes in this story and that of The Empire Strikes Back. The same is true of this issue. Farzala’s is him facing his fears much like Luke on Dagobah and the remaining team on the Vessel are trying to escape, much like Leia and Chewbacca on Bespin. I don’t say this to undermine Older’s writing, for it is this continuous use of the foundations of Star Wars that allow Older to tell a new and exciting tale while at its heart, it still taps into what makes Star Wars, Star Wars. It is these beats that allow us the connection to a galaxy far, far away. Older seems to do it with ease and every time I’m amazed at how original the story is, yet still so connected to the original story created over forty years ago. These two stories serve very different purposes. The hide and seek going on the Vessel allow Older to bring in some much-needed humour with the jokes about Geode flying fast. Every time the villains mention it, I was laughing out loud, their voices almost echoing the disbelieving fans of this character. It works very well to help lighten an otherwise dark comic.
It is here I want to mention the artwork by Tolibao. The artwork, as always, is superb, guiding you through the story. Yet this issue Tolibao really brings in a dark, creepy atmosphere to both parts of the story, that really give a completely different feel to the start of these series. The use of shadows on the Vessel works very well, creating this cat and mouse feel to the hunting of our heroes. Equally, it works fantastically for Farzala’s part, echoing the emotions he is feeling. Added the wonderful wide panel shots for some of the key action scenes, I think this could be my favourite issue of Tolibao’s to date.
Half this story had to bring in the humour, for the other part of this comic, Farzala, is quite dark in places and needs those pauses to lighten things. Just like the previous issue, we start with the tales of Jedi master Tal Bota. As I said in my last review, I love hearing this, of seeing the myths and legends that are found in the Jedi Order. Even though it is for Jedi told by Jedi, they still have heroes who are glorified in battle. We’ve not seen it done from the Jedi’s point of view before an I really hope there is an opportunity to see even more of this sort of thing, to provide a very emotional element to the Jedi. But this actually serves a purpose for the story, that we all have dreams and the way we think life is going to turn out, yet the grim reality is very different. Farzala recalls this and Older makes it clear that he is trying to live up to the expectations of the legends of the order, that one should not be afraid and do what is needed. We see a return to the similarities with Luke, who himself is trying to live up to the expectations of Yoda and Obi-Wan, to follow his destiny. Farzala, like Luke, loses his hope, and feels fear.
I would imagine if you would ask fans what their favourite moment of The Empire Strikes Back is, a lot would say the speech by Yoda to Luke on the nature of the force. Following these beats of the film, Older does the same in a series of flashbacks using Farzala’s master, Obratuk Glii. The effect is the same. Older hooks the reader that you almost want to skip to the flashbacks to hear the full message, the important lesson that we are being told. For like the lesson Yoda gives to Luke, although it should be aimed more towards the younger generation, it is a very important lesson for us all. I couldn’t help when reading but thinking of Yoda saying, “You must unlearn what you have learnt”. If Older meant for this echo to be heard I can see why, Yoda is around at this time, and I would imagine that his teaching would be similar to that of other Jedi at this time. I won’t say what this important lesson is, but the effect, the thought process behind it is fascinating and insightful, a true Jedi lesson and one that really sets this issue apart.
We have another datafile, this time about the Hutts, who don’t make a huge appearance in the issue, but when we do see them really show their true sides. Fans have been wondering about the Hutts since the very first movie and it’s great to see the bickering and squabbling of this time. They really are true to form and haven’t seemingly changed in centuries. It helps to create this persona of them that will then be echoed with their reputation in The Phantom Menace. It also adds to what we know of the Hutts through The High Republic series from Marvel and written by Cavan Scott. Like I said at the start of my review, it’s this constant fitting of all these pieces together that really bring this era alive.
A short two issue hiatus from the main story, focusing on characters that we haven’t really explored. When written like this it could be the recipe for disaster, yet the only disaster Older has created is in on word of that description: short! These two issues have been superb, bringing back fan favourite characters, exploring what it means to be a Jedi and examining an area of the galaxy that we don’t know too much about (at least in this era). My only complaint is that it was only two issues as I want to see more, a lot more. To have such a true Yoda moment (albeit from a different master) in this two-issue arc and have the impact it does is nothing more than miraculous. Older shows every issue how he understands what makes true Star Wars, what makes those moments that stay with you long after you’ve read the story. This isn’t Older just writing a story, this is him writing a meaningful journey that stays true to the franchise and is engaging for all. With the artwork of Tolibao, this duo has yet to put a panel out of place in this series. Incredible writing and incredible artwork make for one incredible series. This issue, like the rest, show that this is a series that every fan should be reading as there is something here for everyone. Now begins the waiting game for the next issue and it always feels like a very long wait…
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures is an ongoing series available from IDW Publishing. This issue is available from all good comic bookstores in the USA and from Forbidden Planet in the UK. This issue retails at $3.99.
