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Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures (IDW)
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures (2021-2022) #8
Back together and safe on the Starlight, Lula, Zeen, Farzala, and Qort recover from their adventures on the Junk Moon and Nal Hutta, but a new challenge awaits them in the form of an old friend. Meanwhile, Marchion Ro encourages Krix’s violent obsessions, leading to an attack on Batuu! Writer Daniel José Older, bestselling author of Star Last Shot and artist Toni Bruno bring IDW into The High Republic, a massive publishing crossover spanning comics and prose!
29 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Daniel José Older
184 books1,968 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 23, 2021
“These are perilous times, and each of us, padawans, knights, and masters alike, must help in whatever way we can.”
I'm so happy everyone is reunited back together! Really, this series doesn't feel quite right if we don't have the whole cast together.
This issue really was a relaxing, plot-building, interconnecting issue. There really isn't much I can say other than the fact that I am interested to see how things will move from here on out. Because, though the stakes are maybe lower right now, they are still pretty significant.
One of the things that called my attention the most was the fact that all the characters look more adult in this issue. I don't know if it was because the art style was different or if it was because time has passed, significant time, and they all grew up. Either way, I thought it was a really nice thing to see.
It suited them.
Seeing new faces, as well, was nice... though I do hope the cast doesn't grow too much more, because it was already big, to begin with, and I'm not the best at remembering faces.
Honestly, though, seeing characters from the other High Republic works was a really cool thing. I'm a huge fan of the interconnectivity that this whole era of storytelling is maintaining. It just, well, adds a little bit of spice to the more relaxed flavor.
“It’s amazing seeing everyone so happy after all we’ve been through. But still, something lingers… A gnawing feeling, the deep dread of knowing there’s still something I have to take care of, well, someone really. Krix Kamarat.”
______________________
Ohhh, that cover intrigues me.
We've been following Farzala and his adventure at Nal Hutta but I have missed my girls so it'll be nice to see them again.
I also didn't know where the previous arc could have gone from there so this is a win-win if you asked me.
September 6, 2021
I love me an issue that gives the characters some time to breathe! This one was so wholehearted and adorable, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
While I can't exactly place just what Ishnar and Ram's place will be in this new arc, I can't wait to find out, and I'm really looking forward to see more of Marchion and his kinda-adoptive son Krix as well.
This issue also marks the first change of artists in this series, and I have to say that I really like the more simplistic art style. Both Tolibao and Bruno have their unique takes on the characters, and both are great in their own way. I'm ready for more!
While I can't exactly place just what Ishnar and Ram's place will be in this new arc, I can't wait to find out, and I'm really looking forward to see more of Marchion and his kinda-adoptive son Krix as well.
This issue also marks the first change of artists in this series, and I have to say that I really like the more simplistic art style. Both Tolibao and Bruno have their unique takes on the characters, and both are great in their own way. I'm ready for more!
September 4, 2021
The High Republic: Adventures is back in a brand new issue and the loose threads of Zeen and Krix’s conflict from the first story arc converge with the second story arc, propelling the band of beloved Padawans into a new conflict with the Nihil. (READ MORE: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-the-...)
The High Republic Adventures begins with Farzala and Qort returning from their harrowing adventure on Bilbousa. In their absence, Lula, Zeen, and the rest of the Padawan crew have endured the conflict on Valo and now have Ram (one of the main characters of Race to Crashpoint Tower) in tow. Farzala and Qort have also returned with a new friend, Ishnar Ti-Kharatal, who had assisted them during their ordeal with the Hutts.
At this, Zeen reflects on the fact that she’s no longer the new arrival among the Jedi and, given everyone’s changed appearances, plenty of time has elapsed since was rescued on Trymant. I have only had these characters in my life for around seven months and already it feels like watching children grow up right before your eyes.
Aboard the Gaze Electric, Krix has also matured beyond the strident little boy that was taken in by the Eye. He now wears clothes that are not dissimilar from Marchion Ro’s, fur around his shoulders, and sleek armor befitting of the Nihil warrior he’s becoming. The chip on Krix’s shoulder is still evident as he plots how to destroy the Jedi and his once best friend, Zeen. In his discussion with Marchion, it is revealed that Marchion has allowed Krix into his inner circle and promoted him above the Nihil who have been there longer than him.
One has to wonder what Marchion Ro’s underlying intent is by taking Krix under his proverbial wing. Krix is young and, while he proves himself as a Nihil throughout the issue, he is far from the type of character one would expect Ro to favor. I wonder if Charles Soule’s upcoming comic, which delves into Marchion Ro’s origin story, will reveal that Marchion Ro sees some aspect of his own youth in Krix.
Back on the Starlight Beacon, the young Padawan reflect on what happened on Valo and discuss the loss of Master Loden Greatstorm. Master Kantam and Buckets of Blood listen to their questions, which sound a lot like the questions seen on Twitter in the wake of The Rising Storm. They also reveal that they have been designated as a special task force to handle what has occurred with the Nihil and, much to Zeen's disappointment, they reveal that Krix has been behind some of the recent attacks. She assures them that there is no longer a close relationship between her and Krix and insists to be part of the action.
Krix’s desire to rid the galaxy of Jedi takes us to a familiar location — Takodana, where Maz Kanata and a single Jedi are located. The final beat of the issue sets the scene for what’s to come: the Jedi are headed to Takodana and Krix is leading his own band of Nihil to destroy the temple there.
The High Republic Adventures begins with Farzala and Qort returning from their harrowing adventure on Bilbousa. In their absence, Lula, Zeen, and the rest of the Padawan crew have endured the conflict on Valo and now have Ram (one of the main characters of Race to Crashpoint Tower) in tow. Farzala and Qort have also returned with a new friend, Ishnar Ti-Kharatal, who had assisted them during their ordeal with the Hutts.
At this, Zeen reflects on the fact that she’s no longer the new arrival among the Jedi and, given everyone’s changed appearances, plenty of time has elapsed since was rescued on Trymant. I have only had these characters in my life for around seven months and already it feels like watching children grow up right before your eyes.
Aboard the Gaze Electric, Krix has also matured beyond the strident little boy that was taken in by the Eye. He now wears clothes that are not dissimilar from Marchion Ro’s, fur around his shoulders, and sleek armor befitting of the Nihil warrior he’s becoming. The chip on Krix’s shoulder is still evident as he plots how to destroy the Jedi and his once best friend, Zeen. In his discussion with Marchion, it is revealed that Marchion has allowed Krix into his inner circle and promoted him above the Nihil who have been there longer than him.
One has to wonder what Marchion Ro’s underlying intent is by taking Krix under his proverbial wing. Krix is young and, while he proves himself as a Nihil throughout the issue, he is far from the type of character one would expect Ro to favor. I wonder if Charles Soule’s upcoming comic, which delves into Marchion Ro’s origin story, will reveal that Marchion Ro sees some aspect of his own youth in Krix.
Back on the Starlight Beacon, the young Padawan reflect on what happened on Valo and discuss the loss of Master Loden Greatstorm. Master Kantam and Buckets of Blood listen to their questions, which sound a lot like the questions seen on Twitter in the wake of The Rising Storm. They also reveal that they have been designated as a special task force to handle what has occurred with the Nihil and, much to Zeen's disappointment, they reveal that Krix has been behind some of the recent attacks. She assures them that there is no longer a close relationship between her and Krix and insists to be part of the action.
Krix’s desire to rid the galaxy of Jedi takes us to a familiar location — Takodana, where Maz Kanata and a single Jedi are located. The final beat of the issue sets the scene for what’s to come: the Jedi are headed to Takodana and Krix is leading his own band of Nihil to destroy the temple there.
September 30, 2021
After a brief couple of issues following two of the young Padawans, Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures begins a new story arc; one that feels a lot closer to how the series began, exploring the conflict between the Jedi and the Nihil through childhood best friends Zeen Mrala and Krix Kamerat.
A brief warning needs to be given before people delve into this issue, however, as this new arc of the story takes place after two other entries in The High Republic cross-media saga. This new story follow on from both The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott, and Race To Crashpoint Tower by Daniel Jose Older, two novels in the series. If you’re up to date on these book then there’s nothing to worry about, but if like myself you’ve struggled to find the time to read all of the novels whilst keeping up with the comics you will get some spoilers, one of which is a reveal of a character death.
The comic picks up several months after the last time the Padawans have been together, and it really does look like time has passed for them. One of the things about this particular title that has been frustrating is knowing the age of the younger characters. In the first story arc Zeen, Krix, and all the others looked to be barely into their teens, possibly still around ten or eleven years old. They were fresh faced kids, whilst here they’ve definitely matured, especially Krix, who seems like a weathered young man in his late teens. I know that a lot of this is down to which artist is working on the book, but thanks to a few lines of dialogue dropped in this issue it really does feel like a long time has passed.
Unfortunately, this passage of time seems to have firmly entrenched Krix in with the Nihil, and he’s seen here leading raiding parties to try and kill Jedi. I’ve very much enjoyed how Older has been using these two childhood friends to show what each side of the conflict is like, but it’s getting to the point where I honestly don’t know if the two of them could ever resolve it. It very much seems like Krix has gone too far down a dark path; but then again, redemption has always been a big theme in Star Wars.
Outside of the existing characters this issue brings some new faces into the series. Ram Jomaram, who first appeared in Older’s novel Race To Crashpoint Tower, has joined proceedings, making his first appearance in comic form. It also seems like Ishnar Ti-Kharatal, who appeared in the previous arc as a member of the Hutt security forces on Nal Hutta, has joined our regular cast of teen characters, having travelled to Starlight Beacon with her new friends. These two are both very different characters to the rest of the cast, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table, especially Ishnar, who has no connection to the force at all.
Possibly the coolest addition to this issue, however, is Jedi Sav Malagan. This is a character that was revealed in a review a while ago, and one that Older has revealed to be ‘the most bad-assed’ Jedi he’s ever written. And her introduction in this issue definitely seems to show that. A Kyuzo, the same species as fan favourite bounty hunter Embo, she wears a similar shield helmet, and wields a staff that can split in two to become twin purple bladed light sabres. Older gives her a hell of a first showing in this issue, and with promise of more to come from her next month I’m genuinely excited to see more of her.
The art on this issue is also really good, with Toni Bruno and Rebecca Nalty providing both the art and colours respectively. I think that whilst this might not be the favourite of the art styles that’s been used on the series so far it might be one of the better ones. Bruno draws the younger characters in a way they’ve never really looked before, and it’s thanks to this change that I’ve finally been able to see the kids as anything but ten year olds. The characters finally feel like teens, and the way he’s drawn Krix really sells the journey he’s been going on. Bruno also draws the action incredibly well, and the scene where Sav gets to cut loose is one of the best in the series so far.
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures continues to be a strong book. It’s well written, the art is great, and it’s one of the most enjoyable and accessible part of The High Republic that’s around. I’m honestly loving this series.
A brief warning needs to be given before people delve into this issue, however, as this new arc of the story takes place after two other entries in The High Republic cross-media saga. This new story follow on from both The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott, and Race To Crashpoint Tower by Daniel Jose Older, two novels in the series. If you’re up to date on these book then there’s nothing to worry about, but if like myself you’ve struggled to find the time to read all of the novels whilst keeping up with the comics you will get some spoilers, one of which is a reveal of a character death.
The comic picks up several months after the last time the Padawans have been together, and it really does look like time has passed for them. One of the things about this particular title that has been frustrating is knowing the age of the younger characters. In the first story arc Zeen, Krix, and all the others looked to be barely into their teens, possibly still around ten or eleven years old. They were fresh faced kids, whilst here they’ve definitely matured, especially Krix, who seems like a weathered young man in his late teens. I know that a lot of this is down to which artist is working on the book, but thanks to a few lines of dialogue dropped in this issue it really does feel like a long time has passed.
Unfortunately, this passage of time seems to have firmly entrenched Krix in with the Nihil, and he’s seen here leading raiding parties to try and kill Jedi. I’ve very much enjoyed how Older has been using these two childhood friends to show what each side of the conflict is like, but it’s getting to the point where I honestly don’t know if the two of them could ever resolve it. It very much seems like Krix has gone too far down a dark path; but then again, redemption has always been a big theme in Star Wars.
Outside of the existing characters this issue brings some new faces into the series. Ram Jomaram, who first appeared in Older’s novel Race To Crashpoint Tower, has joined proceedings, making his first appearance in comic form. It also seems like Ishnar Ti-Kharatal, who appeared in the previous arc as a member of the Hutt security forces on Nal Hutta, has joined our regular cast of teen characters, having travelled to Starlight Beacon with her new friends. These two are both very different characters to the rest of the cast, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table, especially Ishnar, who has no connection to the force at all.
Possibly the coolest addition to this issue, however, is Jedi Sav Malagan. This is a character that was revealed in a review a while ago, and one that Older has revealed to be ‘the most bad-assed’ Jedi he’s ever written. And her introduction in this issue definitely seems to show that. A Kyuzo, the same species as fan favourite bounty hunter Embo, she wears a similar shield helmet, and wields a staff that can split in two to become twin purple bladed light sabres. Older gives her a hell of a first showing in this issue, and with promise of more to come from her next month I’m genuinely excited to see more of her.
The art on this issue is also really good, with Toni Bruno and Rebecca Nalty providing both the art and colours respectively. I think that whilst this might not be the favourite of the art styles that’s been used on the series so far it might be one of the better ones. Bruno draws the younger characters in a way they’ve never really looked before, and it’s thanks to this change that I’ve finally been able to see the kids as anything but ten year olds. The characters finally feel like teens, and the way he’s drawn Krix really sells the journey he’s been going on. Bruno also draws the action incredibly well, and the scene where Sav gets to cut loose is one of the best in the series so far.
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures continues to be a strong book. It’s well written, the art is great, and it’s one of the most enjoyable and accessible part of The High Republic that’s around. I’m honestly loving this series.
September 1, 2021
”I know I’ve made mistakes before. But I’ve learned a lot these past months. From all of you. And I know what I have to do.”
Issue 8 begins a whole new arc and I am just so ready for this story! The padawans are reunited after being apart for a few months and are immediately told by the masters on Starlight Beacon that there's a new mission waiting for them: protect Takodana's Jedi temple from a team of Nihil led by none other than Zeen's old childhood friend Krix.
This issue was very much a setup for the rest of the arc. The characters were reunited - which was super cute cause these padawans are just always hugging and being all cute and sweet with each other and because I just love everyone - and the central conflict was introduced. I can't wait to seem more of Takodana (and most likely Maz) at this point in the timeline. We also got our first glimpse of a new Jedi, Sav Malagan. I already love her. She is funny, strange and surprisingly chipper about destroying things and fighting. I can't wait to learn more about her. It was also cool seeing Krix again. He has grown quite a bit and is now a serious threat and a devout Nihil, which is interesting. I can't wait for him and Zeen to be reunited - that's going to be rather heavy, I think.
The art style has changed, and though it is very different and it took some getting used to because I am accustomed to seeing these characters drawn in that one particular way, I did really like it. It's different but cool and beautiful. It's nice that several artists get to interpret these characters and have their own High Republic moment.
This series continues to be a delight. It's one of my favorite SW comics of all time, without a doubt.
Issue 8 begins a whole new arc and I am just so ready for this story! The padawans are reunited after being apart for a few months and are immediately told by the masters on Starlight Beacon that there's a new mission waiting for them: protect Takodana's Jedi temple from a team of Nihil led by none other than Zeen's old childhood friend Krix.
This issue was very much a setup for the rest of the arc. The characters were reunited - which was super cute cause these padawans are just always hugging and being all cute and sweet with each other and because I just love everyone - and the central conflict was introduced. I can't wait to seem more of Takodana (and most likely Maz) at this point in the timeline. We also got our first glimpse of a new Jedi, Sav Malagan. I already love her. She is funny, strange and surprisingly chipper about destroying things and fighting. I can't wait to learn more about her. It was also cool seeing Krix again. He has grown quite a bit and is now a serious threat and a devout Nihil, which is interesting. I can't wait for him and Zeen to be reunited - that's going to be rather heavy, I think.
The art style has changed, and though it is very different and it took some getting used to because I am accustomed to seeing these characters drawn in that one particular way, I did really like it. It's different but cool and beautiful. It's nice that several artists get to interpret these characters and have their own High Republic moment.
This series continues to be a delight. It's one of my favorite SW comics of all time, without a doubt.
September 13, 2021
Wow. Just wow. This really feels like Daniel Jose Older’s defining issue so far in this IDW series. Part of this is due to the addition of Sav Malagan.
Daniel himself hyped up this new Kyuzo Jedi. He said “ She is the most badass Jedi I’ve ever written AND i got to design her lightsaber! My first time! “ It really does show in this issue. Honestly, just give Daniel a book to write about some elite badass Jedi. Sav is stationed on Takodana at the Jedi Temple there. We also get a Maz Kanata reference as well. It is a B plot that really feels like an A plot.
We see the main gang back on Starlight beacon and they are talking about Loden’s death. This is the first mention we get of Loden’s passing which is interesting. In the latest High Republic issue, and in Out of the Shadows. It is piece of criticism I had in both of those things. They just kind of skip over it. I am very glad to see that addressed here. Their plot ends with them getting ready to answer the distress signal on Takodana. I’m pretty sure them going is unnecessary though. Sav can take on the whole Nihil fleet and win. I am actually scared to see her pilot skills.
The last thing I am going to address is the art. I believe they got a new artist for this issue and I must admit, I am not a fan with the way they drew preexisting characters. They look a bit too…old to be honest. It honestly looks like they aged up a few years since the previous issues. But I love the way Takodana and Sav look
Overall rating: 10/10
Daniel himself hyped up this new Kyuzo Jedi. He said “ She is the most badass Jedi I’ve ever written AND i got to design her lightsaber! My first time! “ It really does show in this issue. Honestly, just give Daniel a book to write about some elite badass Jedi. Sav is stationed on Takodana at the Jedi Temple there. We also get a Maz Kanata reference as well. It is a B plot that really feels like an A plot.
We see the main gang back on Starlight beacon and they are talking about Loden’s death. This is the first mention we get of Loden’s passing which is interesting. In the latest High Republic issue, and in Out of the Shadows. It is piece of criticism I had in both of those things. They just kind of skip over it. I am very glad to see that addressed here. Their plot ends with them getting ready to answer the distress signal on Takodana. I’m pretty sure them going is unnecessary though. Sav can take on the whole Nihil fleet and win. I am actually scared to see her pilot skills.
The last thing I am going to address is the art. I believe they got a new artist for this issue and I must admit, I am not a fan with the way they drew preexisting characters. They look a bit too…old to be honest. It honestly looks like they aged up a few years since the previous issues. But I love the way Takodana and Sav look
Overall rating: 10/10
October 21, 2021
8 issues in and I feel as if barely anything has really happened. It’s tough to be attached to any particular characters when new characters seem to constantly spring up. Meanwhile the two or three characters introduced at the start receive almost no attention or development. I couldn’t tell you anything about any of the characters in this series, they all lack personality or motives. The art style does this series no favours either, it stands in stark contrast to the great work occurring in other High Republic comic series.
Overall this series has been the weakest link since the High Republic’s launch.
Overall this series has been the weakest link since the High Republic’s launch.
September 2, 2021
Every hero eventually gets a chance to go missing, I guess.
September 20, 2021
Heading in the right direction!
October 1, 2021
3,5⭐/5⭐ Jsem ráda, že tento sešit zpomalil a všichni se seznámili, ale proč nenechali Tolibaa jako kreslíře? Teď to vypadá jako každý druhý SW Adventures komiks. Budu si muset zvyknout.
June 12, 2022
A calm before the storm. Looking forward to seeing what happens on Takodana.
September 20, 2023
this was SO good
December 30, 2021
While the artwork is vastly inferior to previous installments of The High Republic Adventures and there was a bit too much monologuing for my taste (mostly just in the beginning), it feels great to have Lula Talisola and Zeen back together with Qort and Farzala, along with newcomers Ishnar Ti-Kharatal and Ram Jomoram (first featured in Race to Crashpoint Tower (along with a cameo from The Rising Storm))
I loved the banter between the core cast of reunited and expanded jedi youths. In addition, the plot that Daniel Jose Older set up looks to be pretty exciting and the parallel stories between Krix and Zeen appear to be entering another step in their character journeys, a compelling progression from the first 5 issues.
More like a 3.5 than a 4, but I'm still rounding up because I'm definitely on board.
I loved the banter between the core cast of reunited and expanded jedi youths. In addition, the plot that Daniel Jose Older set up looks to be pretty exciting and the parallel stories between Krix and Zeen appear to be entering another step in their character journeys, a compelling progression from the first 5 issues.
More like a 3.5 than a 4, but I'm still rounding up because I'm definitely on board.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews