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Star Wars: The High Republic (2021) (Single Issues)

Star Wars: The High Republic (2021-2022) #4

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THE JEDI TURNED AGAINST EACH OTHER?! AVAR KRISS and her band of brave JEDI helpless in the clutches of a traitor in their midst. STARLIGHT BEACON under attack from an insidious foe. Danger from an age-old enemy. Who is really pulling the strings on the distant planet of SEDRI? Plus: The secret history of the terrifying DRENGIR revealed.

22 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2021

21 people are currently reading
162 people want to read

About the author

Cavan Scott

861 books442 followers
is a freelance comic writer and author. He is best known for his work on a variety of spin-offs from both Doctor Who and Star Wars, as well as comics and novels for Vikings, Pacific Rim, Sherlock Holmes, and Penguins of Madagascar.

Cavan Scott, along with Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, Daniel Jose Older, and Charles Soule are crafting a new era in the Star Wars publishing world called Star Wars: The High Republic. Cavan's contribution to the era is a comic book series released through Marvel Comics titled Star Wars: The High Republic.

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5 stars
202 (37%)
4 stars
229 (42%)
3 stars
93 (17%)
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9 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Alexandra Elend Wolf.
660 reviews315 followers
May 12, 2021
“There are no shortcuts on light’s path. We strive. We repeat. We succeed.”


Wow. Okay. I see where this is going.

I... was absolutely not expecting things to turn the way they do. I had thought about many different scenarios and none of them had been that. But, really, I'm not surprised because this is Star Wars and it goes perfectly on-brand with everything.

With how everything was developing in the book's side of the story development I think this way of moving forward will be most rewarding and interlace quite nicely with all the craziness that is ensuing in the galaxy.

Through it all, it was a very meh issue for me. Not too exciting or sharing anything mind-blowing. Just, nice and easy and hopeful. Very Star Wars.

“He always believed in me… even when I didn’t. Always knew what to say. The legendary Sskeer. Renowned tactician. Respected scholar. My master. Always there to catch me when I fell. To put me back on track.”

________________

THAT was certainly not what I was expecting... I love it!

RTC.
________________

Okay, okay, what is going to happen now?

I'm really excited to see but I have honestly no idea what can happen next or, really, much more than a surface-level of understanding of what is going on right now. Nothing good, I know, but at least I don't think it'll end up being deadly... which may turn out to be my famous last words, I guess we'll see.

All I do know is that Aver Kriss is in it and that makes it absolutely worth it for me.
Profile Image for Patricia.
217 reviews27 followers
April 8, 2021
Issue #4 is another solid continuation of the story "There Is No Fear"!
I loved the flashbacks and more emotionally tense moments and I hope that in the final two issues of this arc, we'll get more plot and a bit less action. All in all, this was a super enjoyable read and fun comic.

My detailed spoiler-review in German can be found here: https://jedi-bibliothek.de/2021/04/ma...
Profile Image for Scott Rhee.
2,389 reviews187 followers
July 12, 2021
Jedi Master Sskeer is being controlled by the ancient evil plant-monster Drengir. Jedi Marshall Kriss and Jedis Keeve and Ceret find themselves hanging upside down in the Drengir’s cave, being prepared to be served up as plant-food. Back on Starlight Beacon, the autopsy of the dead Hutt will provide a major clue. The inhabitants of the farming planet of Sedri Minor will soon find out who is responsible for unleashing Drengir on their innocent world…

Marvel’s Star Wars: High Republic is proving itself to be a fun, exciting series that is carrying on the Star Wars legacy, thanks to Cavan Scott, writer, and Ario Anindito, artist.
Profile Image for Jacqui.
196 reviews
April 8, 2021
I really enjoyed it and might have found it to be the best of the series so far. This issue seemed to me to be the most intense so far, and the plot is definitely thickening. There is the threat of the Drengir, the danger of the Nihil, and now a corrupt Hutt cartel added into the mix of adversaries the Jedi and their allies must confront in this High Republic comic series.

The Drengir in this issue were more menacing to me than they had ever been in the past. It was chilling to see their vines growing up the noses and other facial features of our Jedi protagonists. Nightmare fuel for sure right there. And the lab portion where the corpse appeared to be re-animated by the malevolent possession of the Drengir was chilling in a way reminiscent of a zombie movie or Frankenstein.

It was nice to see Imri and Vernestra integrated into the plot of the comics (though Vernestra had made an appearance in the comics, Imri had not if I recall correctly). Gives some insights into what they might have been up to after Test of Courage.

The Drengir history we get compliments and expands on what we are given in Into the Dark. I appreciate that the comics are providing the origin story of the Drengir for the benefit of those readers who haven't read Into the Dark since that helps ensure that the comics can be enjoyed independently of Into the Dark, but I do find that Into the Dark can still enhance the comics if they are both read. I also found it really interesting to learn that the Drengir had been allies of the Sith (don't think that was mentioned in Into the Dark) and that the Drengir felt betrayed by the Sith. More about the Sith interactions with the Drengir could be fascinating to learn in future books and/or comics.

And the relationship between Sskeer and Keeve continues to shine! They are too awesome Jedi with a wonderful dynamic between them. Can't wait to see where their stories go next!
Profile Image for [boredom.is.overrated].
138 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2022
It took a few issues but this series has really taken off by this book. I really think that by reading (seriously) ALL of the novels, manga, and audiobook, I’m getting so much more out of these comics.

In other words, excellent writers like Claudia Gray and Charles Soule have built up these characters from nothing and then the reader gains visuals of them in the comics. There’s nothing like these expansive multi-media projects (looking at you, Shadows of the Empire) that fills the scifi shaped hole where my heart lies.
Profile Image for Candice.
893 reviews31 followers
May 2, 2021
I love how this story is full of twists and turns. You never know who the next adversary might be.
Profile Image for Zeina (Taylor's Version).
397 reviews9 followers
June 28, 2021
I really loved the flashbacks and the story was really interesting and I loved the illustrations.
Profile Image for Maggie Lovitt.
139 reviews23 followers
April 7, 2021
The horrors of the Drengir continue in the fourth issue of Star Wars: The High Republic. Ensnared by the carnivorous plant, Jedi Master Avar Kriss and Jedi Knights Ceret and Keeve struggle to survive as they discover that their friend and Master, Sskeer, has succumbed to the hive mind of the botanical beast. (READ MORE: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-star...)

The comic starts out with a flashback to six years ago on Kirima, in the Mid-Rim, as Sskeer trains his apprentice Keeve. This training exercise — which involves jumping across an insurmountable chasm — brought back a flashback for me as well. While the intentions of Sskeer are clearly to train his apprentice to tap into and trust the Force (and to provide Keeve the time to reflect on her Master’s training in a time of need) I was reminded of a panel from Star Wars: Age Of Resistance - Supreme Leader Snoke. In that panel, Snoke throws Kylo Ren off a cliff, only to catch him and taunt him. In Age of Resistance Kylo Ren remarks: "Would you have caught me if I hadn't caught myself, Supreme Leader Snoke?"

This, perhaps unintentional parallel, stands in stark contrast with Keeve’s own contemplation: “My Master. Always there to catch me when I fell. To put me back on track.” The parallel cuts even deeper when Sskeer reassures her: “There are no ssshortcuts on light’s path. We ssstrive. We repeat. We sssucceed.” For those who have read Age of Resistance, you might recall that Snoke’s own response to Ben Solo was: "I need more from you. I need you to find your true power. Your true potential. If you are to rule by my side, Ren, then I can't have you defeated by heights." 

I want to believe that this comparison is intentional, seeing as the Drengir and the Amaxine station are seen in scenes between Snoke and a young Ben Solo in The Rise of Kylo Ren comic series — centuries in the future, of course. 

Star Wars: The High Republic goes full-tilt into the horror genre with some gorgeous and terrifying panels that reveal the early origins of the Drengir, complete with skulls and rhinophobia inducing images. It also ties in Claudie Gray’s Into the Dark and subtly clues readers into where we are in The High Republic timeline. 

Back on the Starlight Beacon, the Hutt autopsy goes awry as they discover that the cadaver is infested with Drengir! Terrible luck for Imri and Vernestra (first seen in Justine Ireland’s A Test of Courage) as they are caught in the crosshairs of a new adversary. 

Fortunately for the Jedi dangling in the clutches of the Drengir on Sedri Minor — Jedi Master Sskeer had been playing the long game with Drengir and allowing himself to fall prey to its thrall long enough to learn what he needed to know about defeating it and rescuing the other Jedi. This section of the comic has me curious to see where The High Republic goes with exploring the Jedi killing. We’ve seen hints of this in past issues of this comic run (when Ssskeer kills the Nihil) and in Into the Dark when the purpose of the lightsaber is brought up. 

If you’ve been reading my past reviews, you may be sighing a breath of relief that I haven’t mentioned colonization once, but… this review isn’t over yet! 

Issue #4 closes out with Jedi Masters Ssskeer and Kriss breaking down the door of Speaker Sulman’s residence (where he is roughing up two Rodians who have given information to the Jedi). It’s very clear that Sulman is up to no good on Sedri Minor — but does that warrant Ssskeer using the Force to violently pin him to the ceiling? 

Sulman maintains that he knows nothing about the Drengir, though the Drengir is not the only adversary the people of Sedri Minor are up against as the comic closes on the arrival of and takeover by the “glorious Hutt Cartel.” 

As always, Cavan Scott has created another thought-provoking issue of Star Wars: The High Republic. While I love good, aimless fun, I also enjoy picking up a comic that leaves me ready to have a deep-dive conversation with my friends, as we pick apart the overarching themes and issues addressed throughout The High Republic. 
15 reviews
May 11, 2025
Issue #4 escalates the tension both thematically and visually as the Jedi face the full horror of the Drengir, an ancient species rooted in the dark side of the Force. After a slow burn of mystery and foreshadowing in the first few issues, this chapter explodes into full conflict—with the Jedi caught between duty, survival, and a growing sense that the threat they’ve uncovered is far worse than expected.

Keeve Trennis continues to be a strong emotional anchor for the series. Her fear and confusion feel real, especially as she’s forced to confront not only the monstrous Drengir but also her former master Sskeer, who has become frighteningly unstable. His erratic behavior turns even more disturbing in this issue, culminating in the revelation that he’s been mentally linked—possibly corrupted—by the Drengir themselves.

The Jedi team, including the calm and commanding Avar Kriss and the imposing twins Terec and Ceret, work together to uncover more about the threat, but their combined strength is barely enough. The Drengir are not only physically terrifying—they’re psychic, invasive, and relentless. Their twisted ideology, referring to all living beings as “meat,” introduces a chilling counterpoint to the Jedi’s life-preserving principles.

Cavan Scott’s writing keeps the pace tight without sacrificing character development. The interpersonal dynamics—especially Keeve’s strained relationship with Sskeer—are filled with tension and emotional complexity. The issue touches on key Jedi themes like attachment, control, and the danger of giving in to fear, without becoming preachy or bogged down in exposition.

Artist Ario Anindito continues to deliver, especially with the Drengir’s grotesque designs. Their thorny, sinewy bodies and nightmarish expressions contrast sharply with the sleek look of the Jedi. The panels flow well, balancing fast-paced action with emotionally charged close-ups. Annalisa Leoni’s colors add richness to both the radiant Force effects and the sickly, creeping green of the Drengir.

Verdict:
Issue #4 is the most intense and horror-leaning installment yet, delivering action, suspense, and emotional drama in equal measure. The corruption of Sskeer and the full reveal of the Drengir threat raise the stakes considerably. It’s a dark, exciting chapter that continues to push The High Republic series into bolder, more psychologically rich territory.
Profile Image for Saimi Korhonen.
1,381 reviews57 followers
April 9, 2021
"My master. Always there to catch me when I fell. To put me back on track. He was my rock. My universe… How could it have gone so wrong?”

This was such a fun, exciting issue! The Jedi have been trapped by the Drengir and they have lost one of their own to the Drengir's mind control. At the same time, on the Starlight Beacon, Jedi Maru is making some disturbing findings about the corpse of a Hutt they have been examining.

I'm really liking the direction this story is going, and I'm loving the horror aspects and vibes of this series. The Drengir are wonderfully creepy and I like how they are a very different threat compared to the Nihil, which makes this era more interesting and poses all kinds of different struggles for the Jedi and the Republic. I also love how this series connects all these different High Republic stories and brings them together - in this issue we have a lot of major callbacks to Into the Dark and some characters from A Test of Courage appear, which was super fun. I loved them in the book so it was wonderful to see them pop up in this comic! The relationship with Sskeer and Keeve is also very sweet, and getting to see flashbacks of them and really see how much Keeve loves and respects his master, was so heartwarming.

This series continues to be awesome, and I highly recommend you check it out. Can't wait for issue five - this issue ended with such a cliffhanger!
Profile Image for Elwin Kline.
Author 1 book11 followers
April 8, 2025
"I liked it!" - 3.5 out of 5 star rating, with a round up.

Outside of Light of the Jedi (amazing book), these comics might be the most enjoyable High Republic (HR) experience I've been exposed to thus far.

These comics are pretty good! Which for HR says a lot, as there are many books that are just hard misses for me. With that, mid-tier aka slightly above average HR content comes across as gold.

I was hesitant to push this upwards into the 4-star realm, but considering how awful some HR books have been - I think these is fair and merited.

The Drengir are very fun in this and present some really nice sci-fi/fantasy material. Sskeer is awesome and I really like him. Keeve Trennis isn't all that bad either! She's a healthy mix of confidence, fallacies, and relatability (even as a male reader) for a young lady transitioning from Padawan to Knight.

The cherry on top here that pushes this to a 4 is what happens to the Hutt at the end.

With that said, really looking forward to what will happen next!
Profile Image for Ian Sharman.
Author 51 books13 followers
April 11, 2021
This series continues to be excellent, with outstanding writing and art.

The Drengir are a genuinely new, and very creepy, addition to the Star Wars universe, and there's a feeling that literally anything could happen. Jedi could turn...could fall to the Dark Side...characters could die... Which makes a change from the main Star Wars comics, which are set between existing films, so you know that nobody of any importance is going to suffer any major life altering events.

It was also great to see Vernestra and Imri, as I'm currently rereading A Test Of Courage, which rather prominently features them. I like the fact that you don't have to be reading everything in the High Republic, but there are little Easter eggs for those of us who are at least trying to keep up with it all!

Looking forward to the next issue...and the introduction of the Hutt Cartel!
Profile Image for N.E.C.C..
473 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2021
Best one so far.

This series gets better and better. Such a great story with a touch of horror (not enough to give me nightmares so that's good). It seems that our heroes can't catch a break, they can't even finish properly with one problem that another one seems to be waiting for them. This issue was very well paced and full of action, loved it. I don't read everything Star Wars but i think i recognized some of the characters from one of the kids books, i do like that type of connectivity.

I don't usually read comics but i feel like this covers are giving away spoilers. Sskeer better be ok, you read me Disney? YOU READ ME!?!?!?

Overall, this series is amazing and each volumes is better than the previous one, i hope they can keep the quality of both art and story.
Profile Image for Brayden Raymond.
587 reviews13 followers
April 12, 2021
This was a very exciting issue. The look into the Past of the new Drengir enemies that we have come know in the High Republic was fascinating and I am glad it gave us more knowledge about the ancient Sith. To which we currently know very little about In Canon. So that was awesome. I am also very excited about the prospect of a Drengir incursion on the beacon and seeing the Drengir become a larger enemy to the Jedi during this time, as they are a Darkside enemy that isn't as straightforward as conflicts with the Sith are. I'm willing to overlook Sskeers Deus Ex Machina type moment and award 5 stars given the other aspects of this issue.
Profile Image for G.H. Roberts.
Author 10 books2 followers
April 9, 2021
Going Strong

Cavan Scott continues to impress with this addition. The lines in his story both obscure and obvious are converging in exciting ways. His "story over agenda" style is holding strong and it's paying dividends. The cliffhanger from the previous issue comes to a surprising conclusion, there is more revealed about the villains and their history, and one of the main characters comes into her own. Even with all this, more lines are heading off into interesting directions. Can't wait for the next issue.
Profile Image for RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez.
Author 8 books32 followers
May 22, 2021
Buen número. Breves pero apetecibles baits de este período por explorar de la cronología de Star Wars con la historia de estas criaturas parasitarias vegetales. Me ha gustado ver otra clase de "caída Jedi" más allá del Lado Oscuro.

El cliffhanger... Esperaba que fuesen los piratas estos... Aunque bien podrían estar los Hutts asociados a ellos. A ver qué pasa.
Profile Image for John Michael Strubhart.
536 reviews11 followers
August 25, 2022
OK, issue #4 and it's not really moving along all that much. I'm just tapping my toes and hoping that there will be some actual progress in upcoming issues. Speaking of issues, all the characters here have issues. Fortunately, none of them are fluid in nature. I'm giving this series up if the next one doesn't move the story along.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Trupiano.
191 reviews
November 25, 2022
I liked this and kind of wish Sskeer would go full dark side. I find it interesting when the Jedi mention “corruption” by the dark side but who are they really to say the darkness is corrupting. I get that both side have different connotations, but objectively light does not equate to good and dark bad.
Profile Image for Andy Hickman.
7,466 reviews54 followers
November 6, 2023
#4 – Attack of the Hutts – (plenty of humour here, for example..) “Work for the Hutts, they said. You’ll become rich, they said.” (- Kalo).

Also, a guy that looks like Greedo’s ancestor says, “Going somewhere, KALO?” (haha, reminiscent of Greedo’s ‘Going somewhere, Solo?’ < "Oonta goota, Solo?">)
Profile Image for The Resistance Book Club.
297 reviews
April 11, 2021
The Drengir

Okay...we are starting to learn more about the Drengir and their origin story...I feel like I need more...but this is still a good read...it's crazy to read this while reading the Into The Dark...
Profile Image for Micah Ulibarri.
122 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2021
I've really been enjoying this Star Wars from scratch we've been getting with the High Republic. I would also say that the comics have been doing a great job of putting meat on the bones of the novels.
15 reviews
April 24, 2021
Issue #4 continues our heroes' encounter with the Drengir. The character work with Kreeve and Sskeer is welcome but nothing new for the franchise. I do want to see where these mind-controlling creatures go in the lore. Right now, they are not much to write home about.
Profile Image for Spencer.
1,493 reviews43 followers
April 9, 2021
A really fun issue with some wonderfully dynamic artwork
Profile Image for Marek Bartoš.
7 reviews
April 11, 2021
Its actually getting better! I did not expect that twist with Sssskeer and i must say I did enjoys this issue. Cant wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Norrin Shearer.
555 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2021
The High Republic keeps getting better and better! It’s so cool seeing characters from the other stories (Reath, Vernestra, Imri) make appearances in the comics. I’m so exited to see what’s next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews