REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures,’ Issue #1

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1 is written by Daniel Jose Older, illustrated by Harvey Tolibao, colored by Rebecca Nalty, and lettered by Jake M. Wood. It is published by IDW Publishing. Taking place 200 years before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, the first issue finds Yoda leading a group of Padawans on a search and rescue mission to the planet Trymant IV after the destruction of The narrative is split between Padawan Lula Talisola, who is training to be “the best Jedi ever,” and Zeen Mrala, a Trymant native who was raised to fear the Force.

The High Republic began last month in the Star Wars: The High Republic series for Marvel Comics. With The High Republic Adventures, there is a little bit of a shift to a younger audience, though the issue still contains all the elements of Star Wars that fans know and love. Older, who previously wrote the Star Wars novel Last Shot, effortlessly shifts gears into another era. He also makes it easily accessible for newcomers: fans who haven’t picked up the other High Republic books or are entering the Star Wars universe for the first time will be able to pick up the book and enjoy it.

Older also presents an interesting duality between Lula and Zeen, and the way they view the Force. Although Lula is striving to be the best Jedi who ever lived, she struggles with anxiety, as this is her first mission. Likewise, despite her upbringing, Zeen can feel the Force within her, which she describes as a fire. Older jumps between viewpoints, eventually blending the two together as they meet on Trymant. And probably the best part of the issue is a younger Yoda who almost immediately leaps into action. He is a far cry from the wise and patient Jedi Master most fans were introduced to in Star Wars films. However, it takes a little while for our cast of characters to meet, with the end of the issue promising more character dynamics and action for future installments.

Tolibao’s art features immense texture, both in the characters’ features as well as the environment. Readers will be able to see every wrinkle in Yoda’s forehead and every crease in the Jedi’s robes, as well as the collection of robes and weapons that the marauders known as the Nihil wear. The environment also receives the same treatment, whether it’s the inky black of space or the lush islands of Trymant. Bringing the environment to life are Nalty’s colors, which add a splash of vibrant life to the scenes on Trymant.

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1 is a slow-burn start to a new story in the High Republic era, tackling anxiety through the prism of the Star Wars universe. The High Republic continues to impress, and Star Wars fans old and new will definitely want to give it a look.

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1 is available wherever comics are sold.