The first four stories of the Star Wars: The High Republic series were released in January and the four stories set up what will be an exciting series of stories.
The High Republic series, previously known as Project Luminous, has thus far consisted of an adult novel, a middle grade reader, a comic by Marvel comics and a children’s book. Five Star Wars authors are involved in the project: Charles Soule, Justina Ireland, Cavan Scott, Claudia Gray and Daniel Jose Older.
Light of the Jedi – Charles Soule
Two hundred years before the Skywalker Saga, the Jedi Order is at its prime, serving The High Republic as the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. The Republic is expanding its reach to the furthest stars—also known as the Outer Rim.
Suddenly, a shocking catastrophe in hyperspace tears a ship to pieces. Master Avar Kriss, who uniquely hears the Force as a song, calls several Jedi into action to save the people of a planet threatened by the shrapnel from the catastrophe.
Afterward, the Jedi learn of the existence of the Nihil, a group of pirates who will test the Jedi in ways they never have been.
A Test of Courage – Justina Ireland
Justina Ireland’s middle grade reader is the strongest of the four stories. The story centers on young Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh (who at 16 has just become a Jedi Knight), who is assigned to watch over aspiring inventor Avon Starros on a crusier headed to the dedication of a new space station known as the Starlight Beacon (introduced in Light of the Jedi).
Soon, though, bombs go off onboard the crusier. Vernestra and Avon manage to escape the ship with Jedi Padawan Imri Cantaros, the son of an ambassador named Honesty Weft and Avon’s droid J-6.
The five manage to escape the doomed ship and land on a nearby moon. However, danger looms on the planet and they must do whatever they can to survive.
What makes A Test of Courage unique is the youth of all of the main characters. The story reads like a classic 80s movie, with the kids forming a bond and relying on each other while having an adventure.
The High Republic #1 (Marvel) – Cavan Scott
The first comic book of The High Republic follows the Jedi Trials of Keeve Trennis.
In a 24-page story, Keeve faces the ultimate choice: completing her Jedi Trails or rescuing the innocent from disaster. Of course like many Jedi, she’ll try to do both.
The comic also features the first appearance of Master Yoda, who appears at the end of the story. Yoda is mentioned several times in the other stories as well and will likely make appearance in future releases.
Keeve is a wonderfully written character who has the same enthusiasm of Luke Skywalker in the first film, and who reacts to meeting Master Avar in the exact way some folks would react to meeting their favorite celebrity.
The Great Jedi Rescue – Cavan Scott
A book for children, The Great Jedi Rescue serves as a retelling of the first act of Light of the Jedi.
The story features many of the same characters as the adult book, with a little more emphasis on the Wookie padawan Burryaga Agaburry and the master/padawan duo of Loden Greatstorm and Bell Zettifar, whose relationship is similar to other masters and apprentices we’ve seen before in Star Wars canon.
More coming soon
The first stories in The High Republic are just the beginning of the massive publishing initiative.
A second comic, this time publishing by IDW Publishing, will be released on Feb. 3. A young adult book, titled Into the Dark and written by Claudia Gray is due out tomorrow, Feb. 2.
Several more stories, including the next adult book The Rising Storm, are scheduled for release this summer.
If the first four releases are any indication, Star Wars: The High Republic will contain some of the best storytelling in Star Wars canon.
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