Comic Review: The High Republic (Phase III) #1

The Force is with us, now and forever! Set a year after the tragic destruction of Starlight Beacon, the Jedi Order and the Republic are reeling from Marchion Ro’s victory in the Outer Rim. An impenetrable Stormwall now separates a massive area of Nihil space, with the trapped worlds bowing to the marauders rule or facing the dire consequences. With the threat of the Nameless ever present and Marchion determined to see the light of the Jedi extinguished, it’s up to Keeve Trennis and the Republic Coalition to try and save the galaxy from the Nihil. Returning to the series is writer Cavan Scott, ready and waiting to break our hearts some more, alongside artists Ario Anindito and Jim Towe.

With that little recap over, let’s hit the hyperdrive…

Starting off Phase III of The High Republic, this issue has four gorgeous cover variants, all featuring Jedi Master Keeve Trennis. Phil Noto has the new Master ready for action with her new haircut and a certain Twi’lek who’s back on the scene. Meanwhile Baldeón creates a sense of foreboding in a chilling cover that has a Nameless poised to strike at Keeve. In contrast, Suayan’s variant has the Jedi rising victorious from a Nihil battlefield, while Wu has Keeve in a classic pose, her lightsaber ignited against a striking green background.

There is unrest throughout the galaxy. With Marchion Ro creating the Occlusion Zone and cutting off dozens of worlds from the Republic, millions are trapped under Nihil rule. Communications are impossible and no ships seem to be able to cross the Stormwall. The Republic and the Jedi Order have teamed together to try and find a solution, with Jedi being promoted at a startling pace under the Guardian Protocols. Keeve Trennis now finds herself granted the rank of Master and carrying all the responsibilities associated with the title.

Scott opens up this new chapter for the High Republic by focussing on one of the series’ most beloved characters. We’ve seen Keeve go from being an unruly Padawan who ran her mouth to having to leave her Master to flee the Nameless. Keeve has been through a tremendous amount for a young person in a short amount of time and now she’s got the rank of Master. Although she’s accepted the mantle, it’s clear that maybe she’s not quite ready.

With the Outer Rim in chaos, Keeve is part of the Republic Coalition Defence forces trying to keep the peace. She’s helping to lead a team of Jedi yet there are cracks already in the team. Terec and Ceret have not recovered well from the events on Starlight, and Santar seems to lack respect for Keeve’s leadership. Rather than working as a cohesive unit, everyone is trying to do their own thing. This isn’t surprising. Keeve is still grieving Sskeer and trying to rebalance herself with the Force, so she’s not in the best of headspaces to now lead a team as a Master.

Anindito and Towe do an incredible job of translating these insecurities in Keeve’s artwork. She’s plagued by nightmares as she meditates, and her body language seems tense. Even Keeve’s new hairstyle appears to be a way for her to try and fit in amongst the older Jedi Masters she suddenly finds herself equal with. It’s also interesting how her robes are now dark browns, possibly in reference to how the golden age of the Republic is drawing to a close.

As the team make their way to the planet Ballum to convince the Hutts not to join forces with the Nihil, the Republic find themselves fighting on two fronts. As the Hutts start a dogfight with the Republic Longbeam (very touchingly named the Gios), the Jedi engage the Nihil on the planet’s surface. But they’ve come prepared with a nameless. Scott writes Keeve’s trauma so well in this action sequence, as she become frozen in shock and fear, replaying the events on Starlight. There are elements of PTSD woven into the story and hopefully Keeve will be able to heal over the course of The High Republic in future issues.

 Or not! Scott isn’t afraid to show the brutal realities of conflict and even this first issue deals some very heavy emotional blows. Already there is loss and grief, compounding on the events that have only just passed since Marchion’s victory at Starlight. The High Republic #1 is setting a dark tone as the Jedi take one final stand against the Nihil. After a whirlwind of reveals The High Republic (Phase III) #1 ends on a big cameo. Is Lourna Dee still working for Marchion Ro? Does she know the secrets to pass through the Occlusion Zone? Next issue will see the Jedi enter into some possibly aggressive negotiations as they continue to fight back against the marauders!