WARNING: This post contains possible SPOILERS for The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 3.
The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 3 takes place across the year following the fall of Starlight Beacon, and Bell Zettifar is this issue’s main player.
It has been five days since the fall of Starlight Beacon. All remaining Jedi have been called back to Coruscant in the wake of the devastating Nihil attack and the resulting aftermath, but Bell Zettifar is not ready to return “home.” Burryaga is still missing after the beacon’s fall, and Bell is determined not to leave until he finds his friend.
After Burryaga is rescued, both he and Bell are officially promoted to the rank of Jedi Knight. But Burry is worried about Bell, who seems to be looking for somewhere to direct his anger at the Nihil and particularly at Marchion Ro, who is responsible for Loden Greatstorm’s death — Bell’s former master.
The closer the Jedi get to the Nihil, the harder the fight is going to be. But Jedi are stronger together. As long as they work as a team, they will emerge from the fight victorious.
This story brings up important themes of confronting and acknowledging fear — one of Burry’s tasks following his rescue is spending time with younglings in the temple who are struggling to deal with their fears following the Nihil attack. It’s through drawing, actually, that Burry realizes he needs to be with Bell and help him deal with his strong emotions.
Knowing where these two end up at the start of Phase III, this issue was a delight to read. The friendship between Bell and Burry is unmatched, and I can’t wait to see how the two continue to interact as Phase III continues through the next year or so.
There’s just one issue left in this thrilling miniseries. So if you have been wondering what certain members of the Nihil were up to in the year between the fall of Starlight Beacon and the start of Phase III of The High Republic … you’re definitely not going to want to miss that one either.
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