Comic Review // Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, Vol. 2 by Daniel José Older
See, I told you I was falling into the Star Wars hole! Help me, Obi wan Sherlock Clousseau. You are my only hope for getting back to 40k! Wow, what a reference - I hope you are old enough for that! I wonder who will pick up on it.
Title: Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, Vol. 2
Author: Daniel José Older
Artwork: Charles Soule, Cladia Gray
Blurb: An even longer time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the adventures continue for Lula and her fellow Padawans in the Republic’s golden age!
The High Republic is an unexplored period in Star Wars history, set hundreds of years before the events of the Skywalker Saga—when the Jedi were at their height and Master Yoda was much younger, and still training Padawans in the field.
It is here where we find Jedi Padawans Farzala and Qort, who are taking a break from the ongoing battle against the dangerous marauders known as the Nihil. As part of a secret mission, they join an aging Jedi Knight on the starship The Vessel to negotiate a peace treaty with the Hutt crime family. Hey, what could go wrong? As it turns out: literally everything.
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures is part of a broader storytelling initiative exploring a mysterious, bygone era of the Galactic Republic through comics and prose.
Collects Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures issues #6–7, Annual 2021 and the 2021 Free Comic Book Day story!
Format: 120 pages, Paperback
Buy from my Amazon affiliate link, and we both get a treat!
Review
First comment straight out of the gate: I was impressed that you could read this as a stand-alone title. Yes, it does continue the story arc of Vol. 1, but you do not need that information to enjoy the title. This is something that drew me in straight away. Another great highlight is the fact that it is all short story-based. There is no long arcing story here. Short, snappy pieces are the name of the game and are great for a young reader—the target demographic of this comic.
Now, this did lead to a downside for me. Nothing happens. None of the stories pushed the adventure forward or mattered. The content seemed more jokey and cartoonish. Even the artwork needed to be more focused. I understand it isn't designed for me, but young fans would also find this style change jarring. I am left feeling a little disappointed. I got excited about these High Republic tales, even reading some of the novels now and then this one hit. I hate to say this, but it feels like a Disney cash grab.
It would be solid enough if I were a 10-13 year old or reading to my youngsters. But as a growing fan of the story setting, I want to progress, which does not happen here, and I will have to say give it a miss.
