Even the High Republic era book series gets an opening crawl introduction

Concept art of the various new Jedi of the High Republic. Art by Phil Noto. Photo: Star Wars.
Concept art of the various new Jedi of the High Republic. Art by Phil Noto. Photo: Star Wars.

Star Wars has an opening crawl for the High Republic books that are set to come out.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the High Republic era of content Star Wars is getting ready to release onto us, we won’t have the privilege of seeing “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” followed by hearing those familiar horns blasting.

Yes, that won’t be possible because the High Republic era will all be captured in literary form, from novels and comics and even books for younger fans to read. That being said, it doesn’t mean they won’t incorporate some familiar elements into the new series. And that includes the famous opening crawl that’s played at the beginning of most movies.

As the internet has found out, the official Star Wars website includes the opening crawl for the High Republic era, and it sets the scene for what readers can expect in the upcoming series of books. Here’s what the opening crawl for Star Wars: The High Republic says:

"The galaxy is at peace, ruled by the glorious REPUBLIC and protected by the noble and wise JEDI KNIGHTS.As a symbol of all that is good, the Republic is about to launch STARLIGHT BEACON into the far reaches of the Outer Rim. This new space station will serve as a ray of hope for all to see.But just as a magnificent renaissance spreads throughout the Republic, so does a frightened new adversary. Now the guardians of peace and justice must face a threat to themselves, the galaxy, and the Force itself…."

This era is said to take place about 200 years before Episode I. And as such, it’s noted that this is when the Jedi were at their absolute prime. In one interview, it was described as being like the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.  And through this crawl, we can see that the Jedi were truly the ultimate beacons of everything that is the Light Side of the Force.

Unfortunately, there will be a new type of villain in this. Not quite the Sith. But if the crawl is alluding to what we think it is, it looks like the newest villain to hit the scene will be called the Nihil. Apparently, according to author Charles Soule, these villains are more ruthless than the Sith. And without a moral code, it definitely shows that they’ll be the true opposition to the Jedi.

Since we haven’t heard much about these new villains yet, we’re not quite sure what the Jedi will be up against. But what’s interesting is that the crawl says they will be up against the Force itself. Will there be moments where the Force will fail them? Will they find out that the Jedi/people of the Light aren’t the only ones to wield the Force? It’s an interesting concept for sure, and one that I hope is really explored in the upcoming books on the High Republic era.

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