The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight #1 (of 4)

As darkness shrouds in on the golden age of the Republic, the Jedi stand tall as they continue to fight for the Light in Noto’s dramatic cover. Having the Council against a black backdrop is so striking and it only makes each lightsaber stand out more. It’s a truly stunning piece and this is a cover that’s going to get framed by many. Garbett’s variant focusses on Yoda in a candid moment where the wizened Master could be meditating or mourning the loss of so many, while Marquez’s variant has a more triumphant feel as Master Agra poses ready for battle.

For light and life! Phase III is starting with Shadows of Starlight written by Charles Soule, but where are we now in the timeline? While Phase II saw a trip back in time to events 150 years prior to the fall of Starlight Beacon, this era of the High Republic is back in the current era as the Jedi are trying to deal with the Nihil nearly a year after their tragic loss at Starlight. It’s a time of uncertainty, fear, and mourning.

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

As the ashes of Starlight settle and relief is sent to aid or find any survivors, the Jedi Order lies in chaos. There has been no greater threat to the Order, nor the Force itself since the wars against the Sith. With the Council implementing the emergency Guardian Protocols, much is changing for those who serve the Order – no matter their age. With the Nihil threat still at large, Yoda leaves to try and uncover the secrets of the Nameless.

While the Nihil threat is very real and the Jedi are determined to protect themselves, what occurs through the Guardian Protocols will impact generations. Soule brilliantly writes a mandate that will change the Jedi Order and ultimately shape it into what we see in the Prequels. Suddenly, Padawans of any age can take the trials, which is what is seen during The Clone Wars, and it’s hinted at that Obi Wan is relatively young to be seeking Knighthood. Proficiency in weaponry is advanced over other teachings, and ties with the Republic military are becoming strengthened.

Lightsabers become less about form and more about function. Rather than being a reflection of their wielder, with flair and personal style, they are stripped back into the far more familiar chrome hilts. Cross-guards, light whips, even double-bladed are all too time consuming for weapons that could easily be lost in battle. The Jedi are preparing to become soldiers rather than keepers of the peace. When the High Republic lightsabers were originally unveiled in character art, fans were so surprised by the ornate designs, which looked like nothing that had come before. Yet what happened to this style? Soule provides answers in a way that canonically makes sense and also fits with the changing ethos underway at this time.

Yet as the Jedi start to implement these changes, there are conflicting voices. Some wish to stay true to the ways of the Force, while others are more than happy to take the fight to the Nihil. And it’s Yoda who tries to be the greatest voice of reason. Calmly sweeping in, he sets the path that the Jedi should be most concerned about. The Nameless. These creatures are the biggest threat and only patience will uncover a way to defeat the monsters, so Yoda has found someone who might be able to help. Azlin Rell. Now this name will be very familiar if you’ve read Edge of Balance: Precedence, in which Azlin falls victim to the Nameless, though he’s not turned to dust but rather seems to lose his mind, drawing patterns and speaking nonsense.

During his recovery he disappears and here in Shadows of Starlight #1, he’s considered a traitorous apostate. Yoda sees beyond Azlin’s past though and is more interested in the knowledge he’s gained on the Nameless. It’s very interesting seeing the two work together because Azlin has turned to the ways of the Dark Side. Yoda still believes there is light within the fallen Jedi though, even if the Council are reluctant to work with him, and it’s heartening to see such empathy. However, there’s still tension between the two and Azlin’s actions do make an impact on Yoda. He might be endlessly wise and very forgiving, but even Yoda has his limits.

As the Guardian Protocols are implemented, each stage is beautifully illustrated by Roberson. There is such an incredible range of panels, from wide shots focusing on Starlight’s fall (prepare to be emotionally destroyed all over again), to close character portraits that highlight the differing emotions being felt by Jedi of all ages. There are different areas of the Jedi Temple, including a new look at a lightsaber forge! With so many panels to pore over, it really captures the feel of how the Jedi are changing at every level, from personal to political.

Shadows of Starlight #1 not only sets up the dark times for The High Republic, but the future shape of the Jedi Order that is seen throughout the Prequels. Already there is bureaucracy entering the Council chambers and the Republic are slowly turning to the Jedi for warriors to help fight alongside the current military. Soule is putting cracks into the very foundations of the Jedi Order – ones that will have ramifications in generations to come.

Availability;

Shadows of Starlight is a 4-part mini-series published by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $5.99 and is available via ComiXology and all good comic book stores.