Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1by Valarie NicharicoReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 "The Galaxy is at peace, ruled by the glorious REPUBLIC and protected by the noble and wise JEDI KNIGHTS."In IDW's Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, we are taken back to a time before the Star Wars we have become familiar with throughout the past four decades, a time when Master Yoda was still young and training padawans to protect the galaxy. The story begins with Master Yoda and a number of padawans on an academic cruiser headed to the planet of Trymant IV for their first mission to save the inhabitants from falling debris that could lead to the destruction of the planet. One padawan, Lula Talisola, is feeling unsure of their success. On the planet's surface, we meet Zeen Mrala and her friend Krix. They have been taught that the force is something to be feared and avoided, but Zeen is aware that she is Force-sensitive. She can feel the force within her and knows that she would hold great power were she ever to unleash it. Now, with the coming of a giant spider-like ship, Zeen can feel the Force pulling at her even more. We are given a brief glimpse into Zeen's background, and how they came to arrive on Trymant IV before learning that those who arrived on the spider-ship had no intention of saving all of the community members. As the Jedi arrive, and attempt to commandeer the ship in order to save as many lives as possible, they find themselves surrounded by hostiles, and Zeen gives in to the pull of the Force in order to save them all from the falling debris with the help of Padawan Lula. This first issue makes it clear that Lula and Zeen will play a large part in the storyline. This issue introduces us to several new characters and a wide range of species that are not as common in earlier Star Wars series. We're introduced to a Zygerrian (Padawan Farzalla), a Bravaisian (Bibs), a Mikkian (Zeen), Gran (Elder Tromak), and a Chagrian (Jedi Master Torbin Buck). Padawan Qort is a member of a special I am wholly unfamiliar with (and is not identified in the Wookipedia). Several other species can be seen on the deck of the StarHopper as well. While the Jedi have always been diverse and accepting of force-sensivites in every species this is the first time I have seen such a large, diverse group as a collective group. Too often, we have a large number of human characters with one or two alien races as side characters in each episode. When considering that the series spans a galaxy, I always found it a bit lacking that we weren't shown more alien species; as though humans were the predominant race across the galaxy, regardless of the number of planets they encountered. Harvey Tolibao's artwork is highly detailed, from the fine lines on Master Yoda's face to Krix's freckled cheeks. At times the frames seem a bit too cramped and busy, but overall the line art and simple coloring style are well executed. The reader can easily get a feel for the emotions of the characters as huge, burning chunks of debris fall from the sky above the lush greenery of Bralanak City. It's almost heartbreaking to know that such a beautiful place is facing imminent destruction. Overall, I am interested to see where the story leads this new cast of characters and how much of a part Master Yoda will continue to play. I'm giving this first issue a solid 9 out of 10. Written: April 10, 2021
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