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Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures (IDW)
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #3
In the glory days of the Republic, the Jedi stand as guardians of galactic peace—until a powerful new adversary called the Nihil arrives. Zeen accompanies the Jedi to the Starlight Beacon, a glowing symbol of the Jedi and Republic. where she learns what it means to be a Padawan. Meanwhile, Krix and the Nihil fight their way through a Republic blockade to safety, and Krix begins to wonder who this strange man who helped him really is.
Writer Daniel José Older, bestselling author of Star Wars: Last Shot, and artist Harvey Tolibao bring IDW into The High Republic, a massive publishing crossover spanning comics and prose!
Writer Daniel José Older, bestselling author of Star Wars: Last Shot, and artist Harvey Tolibao bring IDW into The High Republic, a massive publishing crossover spanning comics and prose!
32 pages, ebook
Published March 3, 2021
14 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Daniel José Older
179 books1,965 followersDaniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher (Scholastic), the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series (Penguin), and the upcoming Middle Grade sci-fi adventure Flood City (Scholastic). He won the International Latino Book Award and has been nominated for the Kirkus Prize, the Mythopoeic Award, the Locus Award, the Andre Norton Award, and yes, the World Fantasy Award. Shadowshaper was named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read. You can find his thoughts on writing, read dispatches from his decade-long career as an NYC paramedic and hear his music at http://danieljoseolder.net/, on youtube and @djolder on twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 21, 2021
“There are two voices screaming inside of me, Zeen, one that misses you more than anything… and one that hates you for not telling me what you really are.”
This. Was. So. Much. Fun.
I truly wasn't expecting things to take such a dark and disturbing tone, but I am really liking the way things are shaping to be and how that will mold and form our characters.
Krix has such an interesting character development that has me fascinating. I didn't pay much attention to him before but now I'm definitely hooked to see what he does next and what he becomes.
I still think that Zeen and Lula are pretty cool mirrors of each other, even though they are much less so now that things have progressed. I wouldn't mind seeing more of the both of them working together and learning from each other. Both are rather cute.
Seeing the Masters take some part of the action was nice, especially because Yoda can always dish some wisdom at any age he is in.
I'm still having a lot of fun with this one. And I think that the story plot is simple and nuanced enough for it to be a rather breezy read.
“Sure, they haven’t treated me all that bad here. The food’s actually pretty good, and I haven’t been hurt but… that’s not the point! All that could change at any moment. The point is: Everyone I know – everyone I’ve ever cared about – has abandoned me. I am truly alone.
____________
Welp, that took a turn really fast.
RTC.
____________
Of the Star Wars comics that I've been reading, I think this one is one of my favorites because I like the parallels the story draws between the two main characters. So, I was very excited and happy to discover that contrary to my belief that this issue was just coming out I found out that a couple more issues are already out! Now, I just have to hurry up and read them all.
April 29, 2021
Color me enthusiastic!
April 19, 2021
Surprisingly... I liked this one better than the last two. Maybe because this edition wasn't so action-focused and the story took a breath and concentrated on the people at the center of the action.
With this edition, Older explores the characters themselves and their relationships. I found it interesting how the Jedi were portrayed here. There is a strong family dynamic amongst their ranks rather than the stoic mannerism the Jedi later adopt. It raises the question of how the Jedi make that transition from being this blase family unity and moved toward a more stoic mannerism. This may all be the case that this particular story is focused on Jedi Younglings/Padawans but even Yoda and the master Jedi seem far more relaxed and banter quite often amongst each other.
It was interesting seeing how Krix's character gradually shifts towards something darker the more the plot unfolds. In a way his attitude reminds me of Darth Bane, he isn't just siding with the Nihil because he wants to, but because he wants to survive and elevate himself past the feeling of betrayal he'd felt from Zeen. But to what cost?
The Nihil are still just a cliched biker gang to me and not the dynamic bad guys I was hoping they'd be. Maybe time will tell with them, but as it stands, I fail to see how they could be such a credible threat to a group like the Jedi.
All and all, I enjoyed this edition and will be looking forward to the next.
With this edition, Older explores the characters themselves and their relationships. I found it interesting how the Jedi were portrayed here. There is a strong family dynamic amongst their ranks rather than the stoic mannerism the Jedi later adopt. It raises the question of how the Jedi make that transition from being this blase family unity and moved toward a more stoic mannerism. This may all be the case that this particular story is focused on Jedi Younglings/Padawans but even Yoda and the master Jedi seem far more relaxed and banter quite often amongst each other.
It was interesting seeing how Krix's character gradually shifts towards something darker the more the plot unfolds. In a way his attitude reminds me of Darth Bane, he isn't just siding with the Nihil because he wants to, but because he wants to survive and elevate himself past the feeling of betrayal he'd felt from Zeen. But to what cost?
The Nihil are still just a cliched biker gang to me and not the dynamic bad guys I was hoping they'd be. Maybe time will tell with them, but as it stands, I fail to see how they could be such a credible threat to a group like the Jedi.
All and all, I enjoyed this edition and will be looking forward to the next.
April 9, 2021
Bland and Inorganic
So this is just a filler issue to set up the next series of events in future offerings and the author gets his setup but it doesn't hit right because he only develops one of his characters, Zeen, properly. This issue bounces back and forth between Starlight Beacon and the Nihil ship Gaze Electric in a contrast/compare painting each environment from the perspective of two characters Zeen and Krix. Zeen's arc is handled perfectly while Krix' turn makes absolutely no real sense. Everyone else is played as extreme caricatures of the requisite tropes needed to propel the plot which turns the bulk of this issue into a series of events "because story" . This set up is shaky at best, favors one character over another and leaves the reader reeling but not in a good way.
So this is just a filler issue to set up the next series of events in future offerings and the author gets his setup but it doesn't hit right because he only develops one of his characters, Zeen, properly. This issue bounces back and forth between Starlight Beacon and the Nihil ship Gaze Electric in a contrast/compare painting each environment from the perspective of two characters Zeen and Krix. Zeen's arc is handled perfectly while Krix' turn makes absolutely no real sense. Everyone else is played as extreme caricatures of the requisite tropes needed to propel the plot which turns the bulk of this issue into a series of events "because story" . This set up is shaky at best, favors one character over another and leaves the reader reeling but not in a good way.
June 15, 2021
This was a decent issue, the internal struggle between two friends that have been separated by the Jedi and the Nihil deepens. I wasn’t a fan of the art in this issue. While it was mostly consist with the previous issue, it started to mix art styles, with hints of manga style art.
April 29, 2021
This next book really shows the stark contrast of good versus evil. We see Zeen embraced by the Jedi while Krix is willing to throw anyone under the bus in order to survive. I loved the art work and getting to see more characters from Light of the Jedi showcased.
May 15, 2021
Another very strong continuation of the surprisingly great High Republic Adventures comic. While not quite as purely entertaining as the nonstop thrillride that was issue #2, I loved this entry as well. I had to get used to the dual-recordings framing device at first but it didn't consume the entire issue and Daniel Jose Older used it to excellent narrative effect.
The first half, through the framing device I just mentioned, both offers some really great character work and shows some nice little pieces of lore about the inner workings of the nihil and the Jedi of the High Republic.
The second half then moves the plot forward and left things on an exciting cliff hanger. I can't wait for issue #4.
This publication also includes an excerpt from another Star Wars Adventures storyline taking place on Jakku and focusing on Rey before the events of The Force Awakens. It was cute, but didn't really grab my attention in any particular fashion.
The first half, through the framing device I just mentioned, both offers some really great character work and shows some nice little pieces of lore about the inner workings of the nihil and the Jedi of the High Republic.
The second half then moves the plot forward and left things on an exciting cliff hanger. I can't wait for issue #4.
This publication also includes an excerpt from another Star Wars Adventures storyline taking place on Jakku and focusing on Rey before the events of The Force Awakens. It was cute, but didn't really grab my attention in any particular fashion.
April 7, 2021
Daniel José Older has done it again. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures packs a ton of heart, intrigue, and adventure into every issue, and Issue #3 hits all the right beats. (READ MORE: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-star...)
Following the attack on Bralanak City, Krix and Zeen find themselves in very different situations. Aboard the Gaze Electric, Krix reflects on Zeen’s secret Force abilities and the sense of betrayal he feels; while Zeen finds herself embraced by her newfound friends and fellow Force users on the Starlight Beacon.
Krix and Zeen’s stories are told in parallel to each other. While the Jedi Masters consider what to do with a Force user that is too old to join the Jedi Order, Marchion Ro schemes for information to take down the Jedi Order. While Zeen hangs out with her new friends, Krix feels isolated aboard the Gaze Electric. While Zeen watched Farzala and the other Padawan reenact their fight in Bralanak City, Krix is taken to the Rink to fight.
I wasn’t sure what to make of Krix selling out Elder Tromak for his own actions or his willingness to help the Nihil trick the Jedi and, by extension, Zeen. I’m sure self-preservation played a part in his decisions, but perhaps Krix fits in with the Nihil and their distaste for the Jedi more than even he expected to.
My kingdom for a detailed floor plan of the Gaze Electric. I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that the Nihil’s battleship has an entire fighting rink on it that could easily rival the Petranaki arena from Attack of the Clones. Just how big is this battleship? It’s even more mindboggling when you consider that most of the Nihil ships are described as being slapped together with recycled components. I have questions and I look forward to the eventual answers.
Better yet, what is this mysterious ancient relic that the Nihil are looking for? Will Krix provide Marchion Ro with the information about the Kharvashark Ruins?
The High Republic Adventures continues to be one of my favorite stories from The High Republic and each new issue has me counting the days until the next release date. The combination of Older’s storytelling, alongside Harvey Tolibao and Rebecca Nalty’s artwork, makes for a thrilling read.
Following the attack on Bralanak City, Krix and Zeen find themselves in very different situations. Aboard the Gaze Electric, Krix reflects on Zeen’s secret Force abilities and the sense of betrayal he feels; while Zeen finds herself embraced by her newfound friends and fellow Force users on the Starlight Beacon.
Krix and Zeen’s stories are told in parallel to each other. While the Jedi Masters consider what to do with a Force user that is too old to join the Jedi Order, Marchion Ro schemes for information to take down the Jedi Order. While Zeen hangs out with her new friends, Krix feels isolated aboard the Gaze Electric. While Zeen watched Farzala and the other Padawan reenact their fight in Bralanak City, Krix is taken to the Rink to fight.
I wasn’t sure what to make of Krix selling out Elder Tromak for his own actions or his willingness to help the Nihil trick the Jedi and, by extension, Zeen. I’m sure self-preservation played a part in his decisions, but perhaps Krix fits in with the Nihil and their distaste for the Jedi more than even he expected to.
My kingdom for a detailed floor plan of the Gaze Electric. I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that the Nihil’s battleship has an entire fighting rink on it that could easily rival the Petranaki arena from Attack of the Clones. Just how big is this battleship? It’s even more mindboggling when you consider that most of the Nihil ships are described as being slapped together with recycled components. I have questions and I look forward to the eventual answers.
Better yet, what is this mysterious ancient relic that the Nihil are looking for? Will Krix provide Marchion Ro with the information about the Kharvashark Ruins?
The High Republic Adventures continues to be one of my favorite stories from The High Republic and each new issue has me counting the days until the next release date. The combination of Older’s storytelling, alongside Harvey Tolibao and Rebecca Nalty’s artwork, makes for a thrilling read.
May 9, 2025
The High Republic Adventures #3 builds on the emotional and narrative groundwork laid in the first two issues, pushing characters into more difficult choices while expanding the presence of the series’ main antagonists, the Nihil. This installment continues to center Zeen Mrala and Lula Talisola while deepening the moral and emotional tensions that define their arcs.
As the Jedi work to evacuate survivors from Trymant IV, Zeen is torn between her loyalty to Krix—who is falling deeper under the sway of the Nihil—and her own growing connection to the Jedi and the Force. The dramatic tension comes to a head when Zeen must decide where she stands, and the moment is delivered with emotional impact and clarity.
Lula, meanwhile, continues to shine as a standout Padawan character. She’s strong and capable but also empathetic and uncertain, a refreshing and believable portrayal of a young Jedi learning not just about lightsabers and battles, but about people. The issue subtly explores what it means to be a Jedi beyond combat, especially in moments of moral ambiguity and compassion.
Krix’s arc takes a darker turn in this issue, hinting at how fear and manipulation can steer someone down a tragic path. His relationship with Zeen is increasingly strained, and Older does a great job portraying the pain of friends growing apart under pressure.
Harvey Tolibao’s artwork is consistent with the high-energy, expressive style of the series. Action scenes are vibrant, but it’s in the character expressions and body language where the emotion really lands. The use of color—especially in Force scenes—is dramatic and visually striking.
Verdict:
Issue #3 is a turning point for the series, as it pushes Zeen and Krix down diverging paths and begins to cement the found-family dynamic among the young Jedi and their new ally. The writing remains emotionally intelligent and age-appropriate, while the action and tension ramp up. A strong chapter in what’s becoming one of the most heartfelt and compelling Star Wars youth-focused stories.
As the Jedi work to evacuate survivors from Trymant IV, Zeen is torn between her loyalty to Krix—who is falling deeper under the sway of the Nihil—and her own growing connection to the Jedi and the Force. The dramatic tension comes to a head when Zeen must decide where she stands, and the moment is delivered with emotional impact and clarity.
Lula, meanwhile, continues to shine as a standout Padawan character. She’s strong and capable but also empathetic and uncertain, a refreshing and believable portrayal of a young Jedi learning not just about lightsabers and battles, but about people. The issue subtly explores what it means to be a Jedi beyond combat, especially in moments of moral ambiguity and compassion.
Krix’s arc takes a darker turn in this issue, hinting at how fear and manipulation can steer someone down a tragic path. His relationship with Zeen is increasingly strained, and Older does a great job portraying the pain of friends growing apart under pressure.
Harvey Tolibao’s artwork is consistent with the high-energy, expressive style of the series. Action scenes are vibrant, but it’s in the character expressions and body language where the emotion really lands. The use of color—especially in Force scenes—is dramatic and visually striking.
Verdict:
Issue #3 is a turning point for the series, as it pushes Zeen and Krix down diverging paths and begins to cement the found-family dynamic among the young Jedi and their new ally. The writing remains emotionally intelligent and age-appropriate, while the action and tension ramp up. A strong chapter in what’s becoming one of the most heartfelt and compelling Star Wars youth-focused stories.
April 7, 2021
"It’s amazing to allow myself to actually feel the Force flow through me instead of trying to pretrend it’s not there. I mean the truth is… I’ve also never felt more at home in myself, more surrounded by people that care about me."
This series continues to be such a delight! Zeen has arrived on the Starlight Beacon and is trying to figure out what she wants to do next, now that she has lost her home and her best friend. The Jedi also have plans for her. At the same time Krix, still angry at Zeen for lying to him, is travelling with the Nihil and trying his best to survive.
I really like this series and every issue so far has been just such a joy to read. I'm loving the directions Zeen and Krix's storylines are going, and how you get to see both the Jedi and the Nihil from an outsider's perspective. The battered friendship between Zeen and Krix is also something I'm eager to see more of. Zeen's friendship with the other young Jedi, especially Lula Talisola, is super wholesome and it's just so fun to see her meet people like her and finally be able to spend time with people who understand and accept her as she is. Krix on the other hand is not making any new pals with the Nihil, but I do like seeing him interact with Marchion Ro, who is a cool character I want to learn more about.
The art was once again beautiful and colourful and vibrant, and I think it suits the story so well. Daniel José Older also is just a very funny writer and you can just feel how much fun he has writing this series. There are plenty of jokes and silly moments, but they never feel out of place.
Can't wait for issue 4 - the ending of this issue was very cool and exciting and I don't want to wait another month to see what comes next!
This series continues to be such a delight! Zeen has arrived on the Starlight Beacon and is trying to figure out what she wants to do next, now that she has lost her home and her best friend. The Jedi also have plans for her. At the same time Krix, still angry at Zeen for lying to him, is travelling with the Nihil and trying his best to survive.
I really like this series and every issue so far has been just such a joy to read. I'm loving the directions Zeen and Krix's storylines are going, and how you get to see both the Jedi and the Nihil from an outsider's perspective. The battered friendship between Zeen and Krix is also something I'm eager to see more of. Zeen's friendship with the other young Jedi, especially Lula Talisola, is super wholesome and it's just so fun to see her meet people like her and finally be able to spend time with people who understand and accept her as she is. Krix on the other hand is not making any new pals with the Nihil, but I do like seeing him interact with Marchion Ro, who is a cool character I want to learn more about.
The art was once again beautiful and colourful and vibrant, and I think it suits the story so well. Daniel José Older also is just a very funny writer and you can just feel how much fun he has writing this series. There are plenty of jokes and silly moments, but they never feel out of place.
Can't wait for issue 4 - the ending of this issue was very cool and exciting and I don't want to wait another month to see what comes next!
June 7, 2021
The story continually flips between Krix with the Nihil on the Gaze Electric and Zeen with the Jedi on the Starlight Beacon (I keep wanting to call it the Starlight Citadel, but that's something from a whole different comic entirely).
It's an interesting dichotomy as both the Nihil and the Jedi are manipulating Krix and Zeen in their own ways and asking them to do things they're not entirely comfortable with. But, of course, while the Jedi are motivated by wanting to fight evil, the Nihil have very different motivations.
This issue is mostly set up for the conflict to come, but that's not a bad thing. Things need to be set up in a story...that's how story telling works. And in the meantime we get to know Zeen and Krix a bit better. Krix is clearly someone who's willing to throw others under the bus to save his own neck. But...can you really blame him? How would any of us act in his situation.
The art is really quite lovely. It's not in the usual "Marvel style" that those reading recent Star Wars comics will be accustomed to, and reminds me more of the Star Wars comics produced in the early days of Dark Horse's run. But, this isn't a Marvel comic, after all, and the art style fits the book incredibly well.
It's an interesting dichotomy as both the Nihil and the Jedi are manipulating Krix and Zeen in their own ways and asking them to do things they're not entirely comfortable with. But, of course, while the Jedi are motivated by wanting to fight evil, the Nihil have very different motivations.
This issue is mostly set up for the conflict to come, but that's not a bad thing. Things need to be set up in a story...that's how story telling works. And in the meantime we get to know Zeen and Krix a bit better. Krix is clearly someone who's willing to throw others under the bus to save his own neck. But...can you really blame him? How would any of us act in his situation.
The art is really quite lovely. It's not in the usual "Marvel style" that those reading recent Star Wars comics will be accustomed to, and reminds me more of the Star Wars comics produced in the early days of Dark Horse's run. But, this isn't a Marvel comic, after all, and the art style fits the book incredibly well.
April 16, 2022
For me, at 54, it's the equivalent of a Saturday Morning cartoon adventure show. It takes me back to a much simpler time. It's the visualization of the characters depicted in the High Republic novels. Very well done. This story further illustrates the conflict between friends Zeen and Krix. This conflict was brought up in the novel Midnight Horizon. The comic explains where the conflict began. Krix felt betrayed by Zeen who is a force user. The society where Krix and Zeen lived thought the use of The Force was not a good thing. Since Zeen felt the force within her, she kept it a secret. She was afraid her people and Krix would turn her away if they knew she was able to use the force. During a Nihil attack on their planet, Jedi Knights came to help. Zeen saw this and instinctively joined in their efforts. This is the beginning of the conflict between two friends. At this point, the two paths are split.
August 21, 2021
This series is doing a poor job of informing the reader about what is going on? Who is the Nihil? Why do they want to kill the Jedi? There's more questions but those are the main ones. It feels like I'm supposed to have read the other comics and books to know the plot and for the most part this just doesn't feel like Star Wars at all. Had high hopes for all things High Republic because of how much I dug Old Republic.
May 22, 2021
Veo que están tratando de fraguar un conflicto bastante interesante. Pero el estilo artístico y el título de la cabecera no me dan muchas esperanzas porque esto llegue a los senderos que espero. Creo que esto es más que nada para presentar y asentar a los Nihil (que cuentan con aspectos amenazantes pero que de momento parecen pura fachada), más que otra cosa.
April 8, 2021
Classic Yoda: serves you pastries, then tries to talk you into betraying your problematic friend.
April 18, 2021
I smell tragedy
Love the narrative foil between Zeen and Krix. Can't wait to see how this pans out for the both of them. 👍
Love the narrative foil between Zeen and Krix. Can't wait to see how this pans out for the both of them. 👍
April 22, 2021
Éste está mucho menos interesante (y peor dibujado) que el otro.
April 26, 2021
Still really enjoying this series. Lots of Jedi. Lots of Nihil. Really fleshing out what's going on in the High Republic.
May 15, 2021
Another great talent in this series
June 24, 2021
An interesting issue, not really that much action. It focuses primarily on conflict between two friends and it's effect to their chosen groups.
July 5, 2021
Zatímco v adult High republic komiksu jsme poznali Drengiry, tady poznáváme trochu víc Nihily. Mnoho lidí tento komiks při čtení High republic věcí vynechalo, já to ale doporučuji alespoň zkusit ❤️.
July 11, 2021
A slightly quieter issue.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews