Review: Star Wars The High Republic (2023) 1 – A return

WARNING: This review contains SPOILERS for Star Wars The High Republic (2023) 1.

As far as Star Wars comics go, the mainline The High Republic comic runs have been consistently spectacular since they began in 2021. The Phase III series, Star Wars The High Republic (2023) released its first issue this week — and you’re not ready for the ending.

This series begins at the start of Phase III. It has been a year since the fall of Starlight Beacon, and the Nihil have put up something called the Stormwall, which cannot be penetrated by ships traveling through hyperspace. Communications beyond the Occlusion Zone are nearly impossible, and the galaxy grows more dangerous every day.

The chancellor wants to prevent as many from siding with the Nihil as possible, fearing the complete collapse of the Republic. The Senate is going to need the help of the Jedi to fend off the Nihil to the best of their ability.

Jedi Master Keeve Trennis has been assigned to prevent the Hutts from signing a treaty with the Nihil. But traveling into Hutt space proves more of a bad idea than usual, since the Nihil now have a tendency to bring a Nameless creature wherever they go.

But that’s not the only thing waiting for Keeve. A surprise “guest” is about to arrive — one you may have thought wouldn’t return at all.

It’s the ending that sold this one for me. Keeve is also a complex character who has already lost a great deal, is about to lose a lot more, and has no idea how to handle any of it. Many are eager to see how Keeve’s story ends, and for good reason — the Jedi Master seems to be on the edge of something sinister, and in Star Wars, that’s never a good thing.

As usual, Cavan Scott is a master storyteller who has surprises waiting for us at every turn. How dare he.

Star Wars: The High Republic (2023) 1 is available now wherever you get your Star Wars comics.

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