The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight #2 (of 4)

As the wreck of Starlight Beacon slowly fades into the waters of Eiram, one Mann stands on the shoreline in Noto’s direct cover. Bruised and dirty from the battle, he holds his best friend’s lightsaber as a reminder of all that has been lost. The Jedi Master is also the focus of Camuncoli’s variant, though Elzar is ready for combat as his lightsaber cuts through the air. Meanwhile Elzar and Avar stand together in Okazaki’s stunning monochromatic variant, which is a beautiful reference to the mourning these characters are currently going through.

For light and life! Phase III is continuing 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 and fear as millions find themselves trapped in the Occlusion Zone.

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

Starlight Beacon lies in pieces. What was meant to be a symbol of hope and peace has become entwined with tragedy. While relief teams try to help survivors, Jedi Masters Elzar Mann and Avar Kriss stand together in mourning over the loss of their friend – Stellan Gios. There’s barely time to grieve though as Coruscant demands their immediate return to the Jedi Temple. As Elzar makes his way to follow orders, Avar is determined to make things right. Little do they know that her decision will split the two apart… literally.  

One of the most tragic parts of the Starlight Beacon disaster is the loss of Stellan Gios. He gives his all to try and protect the station and evacuate as many people as possible. In the end it is his sacrifice that allows so many others to survive, including his best friends, Elzar and Avar. Fans were devastated by his death, and it is a very heavy topic for Shadows of Starlight #2. Soule writes the tragedy in a beautifully mellow way that captures the pain Elzar and Avar are feeling. Both are dealing with their grief in different ways and being there for each other is so important.

Shadows of Starlight #2 is a focus on grief. It pauses the story to acknowledge the loss of Stellan – as it should. Life pauses in the face of death and can only continue when such grief has been acknowledged. Avar and Elzar’s conversation brings the two friends together, sharing their memories of Stellan, and promising to honour his legacy. Although the Jedi Order have strict beliefs about attachment, it is clear from these scenes that it is attachment that is helping Elzar and Avar to go on. Without their friendship they would have to be dealing with their grief alone.

What makes this sequence even more profound is the artwork by Cresta. Each panel is muted in tone, filled with greys and ashes in the air. It’s a reflection of the characters’ feelings and the loss of light from the Force. The simplicity of the location also helps to bring all the focus onto Elzar and Avar, their pain practically palpable. Every expression is so thoughtfully drawn, truly capturing the mixed emotions the two Jedi are experiencing – frustration, sadness, anger.

 And Avar is angry. She blames herself not only for the destruction of Starlight but also the loss of Stellan. If she had been a better Marshal, then her fellow Jedi Master would not have had to step in. With Avar’s unique connection to the song of the Force, Stellan’s death is even harder as it’s a note she can no longer hear. Even after everything she has been through, Avar is still being led by her emotions and Stellan’s death has only made them stronger. She decides to ignore Coruscant’s recall order and go rogue in her hunt for the Nihil. And considering how that went with the Drengir, it’s a worrying development.

It also leaves Elzar to follow the rules for once. It’s a role reversal for these two characters and highlights how the destruction of Starlight has changed them both. When the Occlusion Zone is created by Marchion Ro, separating a huge chunk of the Outer Rim, Elzar immediately tries to reach Avar. No matter what happens between them, their friendship still remains strong. Elzar goes through so many different attempts to try and contact Avar, each riskier than the last, and it’s a testament to his loyalty that he’s willing to do anything to help.

With the Occlusion Zone now in place and Marchion Ro tightening his fist around Outer Rim worlds, the Nihil are rallying more to their cause. Those who sympathise with the Republic are considered enemies and any Jedi are being hunted. It is a dark time and Soule doesn’t hold back with the feelings of melancholy. Everything appears pretty hopeless for some of the series most beloved characters, and it will be interesting to see how Avar tries to survive under the relentless pursuit of the Nihil.

Shadows of Starlight #2 is darkening the storyline for the High Republic, showing just how far Marchion Ro is willing to go for ultimate control over the galaxy. With no way to cross the Occlusion Zone, the Republic military and the Jedi Order are going to have to work together to protect the lives of all those trapped behind the shadowy veil. No matter how bleak things may seem if they give up then the galaxy is lost.