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Star Wars: The High Republic (Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: The High Republic - Trail of Shadows
JEDI KNIGHT AND PRIVATE EYE TEAM UP TO UNCOVER A MYSTERY THAT WILL CHANGE THE HIGH REPUBLIC FOREVER! A Jedi Master is dead. Another is in a state of complete shock. It's a murder the likes of which the Jedi Order has never seen before. There are no leads. There are no suspects. There is no motive. But Jedi Investigator EMERICK CAPHTOR must solve the case before it's too late. The fate of the Jedi, the Hutts, the Nihil and everyone in the galaxy, hangs by this tangled thread of lies and deceit. Emerick will need to dive into the darkness, testing himself and his Jedi ideals like never before. He'll need help. Luckily, Private Eye SIAN HOLT lives in the dark. Together, they'll follow this trail of shadows wherever it leads. If they can work together, that is.
111 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2022
53 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Daniel José Older
178 books1,964 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 - 30 of 126 reviews
September 17, 2022
This is a collection that is a one off that is set during The High Republic series. Even though this is a one off it has ties to the whole series as we see characters and events that have been in the novels or other forms of material in the series. In this one, a Jedi is paired with a detective to determine what caused the mysterious death of Jedi that we have seen in a book.
I haven't been the biggest supporter of the whole series as I feel that I have not really connected with the characters. That did not happen in this collection as I connected with the two main characters. I especially connected with their chemistry. I also liked that even though this connected with the whole overall series it isn't required reading. That has also been a flaw in my mind about the series. The whole series is been outsourced in novels, short stories, comics, and audiobooks. I feel like it is a chore to keep up with it all when it is over some many different forms. I did not feel this way with this book even though it is connected. I felt like this is a story that stands on its own. I enjoyed the artwork also especially with the characters. I could feel the various emotions they were feeling in that particular scene.
This did not exactly evoke Star Wars as this had more of a film noir feeling to it. I think that just added to the story. I enjoy it when this universe does try different things and they pull it off. They don't always. This one did and even though it is only rated three stars by me I believe it is one of the better stories from this series.
I haven't been the biggest supporter of the whole series as I feel that I have not really connected with the characters. That did not happen in this collection as I connected with the two main characters. I especially connected with their chemistry. I also liked that even though this connected with the whole overall series it isn't required reading. That has also been a flaw in my mind about the series. The whole series is been outsourced in novels, short stories, comics, and audiobooks. I feel like it is a chore to keep up with it all when it is over some many different forms. I did not feel this way with this book even though it is connected. I felt like this is a story that stands on its own. I enjoyed the artwork also especially with the characters. I could feel the various emotions they were feeling in that particular scene.
This did not exactly evoke Star Wars as this had more of a film noir feeling to it. I think that just added to the story. I enjoy it when this universe does try different things and they pull it off. They don't always. This one did and even though it is only rated three stars by me I believe it is one of the better stories from this series.
June 21, 2024
It's a very good book. Good story and artwork, which perfectly fits the story. I just have to say from the start I love to continuity between the novel and comics (despite being from different companies). If you read all of the IDW and junior novels, you will recognise a couple of cameos.
This book starts right from the end of Rising Storm. A Jedi has been killed by an unknown entity. Others in its presence have been driven close yo madness. Now the evil Nihils are claiming to be able to sell the weapon responsible, though again not everything is as it seems.
I also like the way the Jedi are more unsure of themselves and more emotional (even when they are not trying to be). The interaction between the characters is great, but it did feel a bit rushed. I wish this was six issues book as I feel there was so much more that could have been covered but was left out to fit five issues.
This book starts right from the end of Rising Storm. A Jedi has been killed by an unknown entity. Others in its presence have been driven close yo madness. Now the evil Nihils are claiming to be able to sell the weapon responsible, though again not everything is as it seems.
I also like the way the Jedi are more unsure of themselves and more emotional (even when they are not trying to be). The interaction between the characters is great, but it did feel a bit rushed. I wish this was six issues book as I feel there was so much more that could have been covered but was left out to fit five issues.
April 19, 2022
A Jedi teaming up with a hardboiled P.I. is a great premise, I wish the execution could have lived up to it a bit more.
February 15, 2025
Me gustó este cómic. Todo empieza con el jedi investigador Emerick quien luego de la batalla de Grizal va a recolectar muestras del supuesto jedi Loden pero no identifica nada del polvo que recoge. A su vez, tenemos a la investigadora Sian Holt, quien, cuando la canciller le dice que su amigo asesinado Keefar Branto trabajaba para la República, será instigada a colaborar con Emerick.
Detrás de todo eso está Arathab Fal, un Tarnack, que tiene conflictos incluso con los Nihil. Así aparecerán otros muchos personajes como el abominable Doctor Kisma Uttersond, quien trabaja para Marchion Ro y también Avar Kriss, Keeve Trennis, Etc.
Me gustó la relación de Emerick y Sian. Ella es tan espontánea y sincera que contrasta con el jedi. El último número es muy interesante y se conecta con la novela "Estrella caída". La descripción que hace Sian del Sin nombre es muy interesante. Y la manera cómo Emerick trata de enfrentarlos también.
Detrás de todo eso está Arathab Fal, un Tarnack, que tiene conflictos incluso con los Nihil. Así aparecerán otros muchos personajes como el abominable Doctor Kisma Uttersond, quien trabaja para Marchion Ro y también Avar Kriss, Keeve Trennis, Etc.
Me gustó la relación de Emerick y Sian. Ella es tan espontánea y sincera que contrasta con el jedi. El último número es muy interesante y se conecta con la novela "Estrella caída". La descripción que hace Sian del Sin nombre es muy interesante. Y la manera cómo Emerick trata de enfrentarlos también.
April 18, 2025
I like the noir detective tone at the start of this series. But by the end, it seems like that potential hasn't been fully realized, because along the way, the story is required to include small bits of plot to keep the overall High Republic story moving. It felt to me like a bunch of loosely connected pieces of plot and character.
Knowing the correct order in which to read all this High Republic stuff is always confusing. This one begins right at the end of The Rising Storm, but its ending reveals a major plot point that hasn't happened in the other books yet. Lucasfilm really made the High Republic as difficult as possible to engage with.
Knowing the correct order in which to read all this High Republic stuff is always confusing. This one begins right at the end of The Rising Storm, but its ending reveals a major plot point that hasn't happened in the other books yet. Lucasfilm really made the High Republic as difficult as possible to engage with.
June 6, 2022
C/W:
Star Wars: The High Republic - Trail of Shadows was an excellent noir mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end. David Wachter's illustrations are incredibly evocative; they gave this one-shot a unique tone that both clearly fits into the High Republic while standing out from the other runs. The story also fills out a bit more of .
This was a thoroughly enjoyable one-shot that I'd recommend to any High Republic fans.
Star Wars: The High Republic - Trail of Shadows was an excellent noir mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end. David Wachter's illustrations are incredibly evocative; they gave this one-shot a unique tone that both clearly fits into the High Republic while standing out from the other runs. The story also fills out a bit more of .
This was a thoroughly enjoyable one-shot that I'd recommend to any High Republic fans.
September 4, 2022
Besides getting some Leveller lore, this didn't do much for me. Very little context was given which drives me up the wall. No Classic Star Wars text crawl. Everything felt scattered. I liked the premise, just not the execution.
Basically you got a Jedi dude and a private investigator lady work together on a mystery involving the Nihil selling stuff on the black market because the chancellor said so. Fast forward, a myriad of terribly paced alien/Nihil stuff. Fast forward, Jedi stuff. Fast forward, Leveller stuff.
Characters were fine. Story was fine. It ties in to Fallen Star nicely. Reading it was just not fun. 2 stars.
Basically you got a Jedi dude and a private investigator lady work together on a mystery involving the Nihil selling stuff on the black market because the chancellor said so. Fast forward, a myriad of terribly paced alien/Nihil stuff. Fast forward, Jedi stuff. Fast forward, Leveller stuff.
Characters were fine. Story was fine. It ties in to Fallen Star nicely. Reading it was just not fun. 2 stars.
November 22, 2023
OK I actually really liked this one. Very spooky.
September 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this. Totally new characters, with no connection to the established canon that I could see. There is so much out there in the Star Wars universe that I don't know why we have to keep coming back to the same small group of characters (Leia, Luke, Han, etc.) over and over, filling in tiny moments between the bigger stories of the films. In Trail of Shadows, a PI and a Jedi team up to find the answer to the mystery of what is killing Jedi, causing them to crumble to dust. Is it a new weapon? Between the Nihil and a Chadra-fan doctor, trying to pay off his student loans (yes, really), and a threat that looks like it could take down the Jedi Order, indeed even the Republic itself, the stage is set for an exciting, intriguing mystery. The artwork is pretty good, though it does get a bit rudimentary at times. Looking forward to more of this story.
January 1, 2025
For readers of High Republic books only.
This thriller-style series is directly linked to the general plot of the HR and to The Rising Storm in particular. Without this background you will be hopelessly lost.
Otherwise it's OK, without being over the top. New characters are introduced and we learn a bit more about the threat revealed by The Eye. The plot starts off on a classic crime novel basis and ends up taking a slightly more SW angle, without really choosing sides.
Not essential, but a decent addition to the new mythology.
This thriller-style series is directly linked to the general plot of the HR and to The Rising Storm in particular. Without this background you will be hopelessly lost.
Otherwise it's OK, without being over the top. New characters are introduced and we learn a bit more about the threat revealed by The Eye. The plot starts off on a classic crime novel basis and ends up taking a slightly more SW angle, without really choosing sides.
Not essential, but a decent addition to the new mythology.
April 5, 2022
THIS was just so so so strong. The main plot, the integration of other characters, just so good. Through the High Republic, Daniel José Older has quickly gone from one of my least favorite SW authors to one of my favorites.
June 19, 2022
SOOOOO GOOD!! i love when star wars incorporates different genres. the murder mystery/noir aspect worked really well and the art style added to it rather than retracted (i’m looking at you high republic vol 3). so glad it’s finally on marvel unlimited.
April 28, 2022
EDIT: Po rereadingu stále skvělá zábava
Shrii- Ka- Rai- Ka- Rai, we're coming to take you away....
Star Wars komiksy obvykle nejsou místo na nějaké zajímavé experimenty. Trail of the shadows je ale výjimka. Autora napadlo napasovat temné mystery, noir a detektivku na svět SW. A překvapivě se mu to povedlo. Tenhle komiks má taky výhodu v tom, že se odehrává v HR a tvůrci neměli tak svázané ruce jako u klasických runů hlavně z Imperial éry. Plus ještě
tě za ty experimenty lidi v HR fandomu nesežerou.
Když vemu komiks jako takový, tak první, co mě trkne do oka je scénář. Older svým scénářem dokázal vytvořit atmosféru příběhu a chemii mezi postavami bez zbytečného popisování věcí. Dobře fungují i myšlenkové bubliny jednotlivých postav, protože je k nim pak bližší vztah a ty bubliny jsou ve vhodný čas. Kresba tohoto komiksu se mi nejdřív nezamlouvala, ale po druhém čísle mi artisticky sedla do tónu komiksu a oddělovala atmosféricky tento komiks od rozjuchanějších HR komiksů jako Monster of the Temple peak. A u této kresby se opravdu snažili, není to Dark Empire, kde to bylo "rádoby umělecký". Plus se výborně pracovalo s barvami a stíny, protože to často ponurou atmosféru umocňovalo.
Pusťte Daniela José Oldera více ke psaní SW komiksů! Fakt mu to jde a má co nabídnout. A já si přeji více takový SW komiksů.
Shrii- Ka- Rai- Ka- Rai, we're coming to take you away....
Star Wars komiksy obvykle nejsou místo na nějaké zajímavé experimenty. Trail of the shadows je ale výjimka. Autora napadlo napasovat temné mystery, noir a detektivku na svět SW. A překvapivě se mu to povedlo. Tenhle komiks má taky výhodu v tom, že se odehrává v HR a tvůrci neměli tak svázané ruce jako u klasických runů hlavně z Imperial éry. Plus ještě
tě za ty experimenty lidi v HR fandomu nesežerou.
Když vemu komiks jako takový, tak první, co mě trkne do oka je scénář. Older svým scénářem dokázal vytvořit atmosféru příběhu a chemii mezi postavami bez zbytečného popisování věcí. Dobře fungují i myšlenkové bubliny jednotlivých postav, protože je k nim pak bližší vztah a ty bubliny jsou ve vhodný čas. Kresba tohoto komiksu se mi nejdřív nezamlouvala, ale po druhém čísle mi artisticky sedla do tónu komiksu a oddělovala atmosféricky tento komiks od rozjuchanějších HR komiksů jako Monster of the Temple peak. A u této kresby se opravdu snažili, není to Dark Empire, kde to bylo "rádoby umělecký". Plus se výborně pracovalo s barvami a stíny, protože to často ponurou atmosféru umocňovalo.
Pusťte Daniela José Oldera více ke psaní SW komiksů! Fakt mu to jde a má co nabídnout. A já si přeji více takový SW komiksů.
July 10, 2023
It's a mystery, High Republic style, as two Jedi from different paths unite to try and solve a murder. Agatha Christie with a lightsaber.
This series introduces two more characters to the High Republic, but I really didn't care about either of them by the end of the series at all. I was more invested in the character introduced in #4 than I was in the two Jedi characters, which is saying something. They're meant to be...romantically involved, I think, but there's like zero chemistry between the two of them, it's very strange.
The mystery itself is okay, and I expect if you were reading this before the rest of the High Republic books it'd be more intriguing, but given that I've just read the last volume of the first Phase, I knew what the ultimate conclusion was going to be, and we don't learn anything here that we didn't already know elsewhere.
The art's fine. Not Dave Wachter's best work, but it's serviceable enough. Not much else to say here, really.
This is okay. It would probably have been more impactful if I'd read it before, but the thin plot and even thinner characters didn't do much for me at all. It's not bad, just kind of bland.
This series introduces two more characters to the High Republic, but I really didn't care about either of them by the end of the series at all. I was more invested in the character introduced in #4 than I was in the two Jedi characters, which is saying something. They're meant to be...romantically involved, I think, but there's like zero chemistry between the two of them, it's very strange.
The mystery itself is okay, and I expect if you were reading this before the rest of the High Republic books it'd be more intriguing, but given that I've just read the last volume of the first Phase, I knew what the ultimate conclusion was going to be, and we don't learn anything here that we didn't already know elsewhere.
The art's fine. Not Dave Wachter's best work, but it's serviceable enough. Not much else to say here, really.
This is okay. It would probably have been more impactful if I'd read it before, but the thin plot and even thinner characters didn't do much for me at all. It's not bad, just kind of bland.
March 1, 2025
"For even in the darkest hours, knowledge defats fear and shines through the shadows"
June 27, 2022
Written more like a detective story, "Trail of Shadows" teams Jedi Investigator Emerick Caphtor with private eye Sian Holt and covers the discovery of the Great Leveler. This beast has been prevalent in both the novels and the comics and is known to be deadly to only jedi, turning them stone-like, then to dust if touched by anything. They cause overwhelming amounts of Force-enduced fear, causing Jedi to be almost powerless against them.
The story is good, especially for barely having any previously established characters in it. Emerick is able to survive an attack from the Leveler, but only with the help from Sian. The story, like most of them I am reading now, ends just after the destruction of Starlight Beacon. Can't wait for the High Republic stuff to get back to where we are leaving off, but that won't be till phase 3.
Recommend. You should be reading the High Republic Star Wars stuff.
The story is good, especially for barely having any previously established characters in it. Emerick is able to survive an attack from the Leveler, but only with the help from Sian. The story, like most of them I am reading now, ends just after the destruction of Starlight Beacon. Can't wait for the High Republic stuff to get back to where we are leaving off, but that won't be till phase 3.
Recommend. You should be reading the High Republic Star Wars stuff.
April 3, 2024
8/10:
This story is awesome! I love getting a genuine detective story set within the Star Wars universe, it’s not done nearly enough or this well!
I really enjoyed the vast connections to other pieces of High Republic stories, particularly the tragic first page showcasing the corpse of a fallen Jedi (whom I loved dearly but won’t name to prevent spoilers).
I’m really excited to continue reading more from this era, especially seeing the larger role that the Nameless will play in the story!
This story is awesome! I love getting a genuine detective story set within the Star Wars universe, it’s not done nearly enough or this well!
I really enjoyed the vast connections to other pieces of High Republic stories, particularly the tragic first page showcasing the corpse of a fallen Jedi (whom I loved dearly but won’t name to prevent spoilers).
I’m really excited to continue reading more from this era, especially seeing the larger role that the Nameless will play in the story!
January 14, 2023
THIS WAS SO GOOD!
Unskippable. Honestly, in terms of advancing the plot, it's better than The Fallen Star! I'm a sucker for mystery/ detective stories :P
Unskippable. Honestly, in terms of advancing the plot, it's better than The Fallen Star! I'm a sucker for mystery/ detective stories :P
December 24, 2023
Love Sian
March 29, 2024
Master Buck 😭😭😭
June 4, 2022
A scary lullaby that is connected to a strange creature that consumes the Force. Good partner dynamic. Kark, Kriffin'
February 24, 2022
YASS SLAY SIAN
April 17, 2022
Shrii Ka Rai Ka Rai
We're coming to take you away
They'll do what they can
They'll do what they must
But when they do find you
All there'll be is dust...
The battle of Grizal: Jedi vs Nihil. Jedi Master Loden lies dead in the rain. Cause of death? Unknown. As his body rapidly dissolves into dust it quickly becomes apparent to his brothers-in-arms that they are facing a threat that defies all rational explanation.
In Star Wars: The High Republic -Trail of Shadows by writer Daniel Jose Older and artist David Wachter the noble knights of the galaxy are shaken by this mystery. This story is set around 200 years prior to the events portrayed in the movies, during a time when the High Republic governed the galaxy with the help of the Jedi Order. Keeping the peace within such a vast territory often involves clashes with the Nihil, an organised group of marauders from the Outer Rim Territories who frequently raid worlds on the Frontier.
In the Jedi Temple on the Republic capital planet Coruscant, Stellan and Emerick discuss the events of that fateful day. They were attacked by someone, or something, that none of them can remember clearly... a mysterious entity that also had a profoundly disturbing effect on their minds: at least two of the Jedi present are in shock and Stellan still has nightmares about it.
And both he and Emerick are haunted by a strange old song...
Sian Holt is a musician, part of a live band that performs in the nightclubs of Coruscant. That is not all she is, however; she has a nice little side line as a private investigator. When she sees her mercenary friend Keefar Branto in the audience, associating with a shady character, her curiosity is piqued and she follows him into a very disreputable part of town. They are ambushed by a very large, very unpleasant alien. Branto dies in the skirmish and Sian barely survives.
Meanwhile, Jedi Emerick has been charged with investigating the mysterious entity that turned Master Loden into a pile of dust. Aided by Cuetoo, a droid mounted on his back, he strives to unravel the mystery. What is the connection of the strange old song? He and Stellan recall it from when they were both younglings, huddled terrified in their beds, haunted by dreams of a sinister boogeyman...
Emerick and Sian are both called to a meeting with the Supreme Chancellor of the High Republic, Lina Soh. They are told that Branto was working undercover for Republic security, trying to track down Nihil agents who are seeking to sell a weapon of immense power on the black market. Emerick and Sian have to work together to find this weapon which, Emerick feels certain, is connected to the mysterious power that caused the death of Loden and almost drove his fellow knights to insanity.
This is a compelling story that takes our two investigators to many exotic locations, featuring a rich array of alien characters (both familiar and new), imaginative landscapes and neatly designed spacecraft, smoothly illustrated by Wachter. The arena of the 'Old' Republic is brought vividly to life with elements that tie in nicely with the readers' collective memory of the original movies. Sian's band is an hommage to the classic Mos Eisley Cantina, and there are many recognisable species dotted among the diverse crowds.
The tone here is a little different to most Star Wars tales you might be familiar with. The grand space opera setting is very much in evidence of course, but our two heroes - like a transplanted Mulder and Scully - are space-faring sleuths confronting an enigma of paranormal dimensions.
There is a unique angle here that is refreshing for a franchise that has been reinterpreted many times, mostly in the same old vein: in this narrative, the Jedi - those super-powered saviours who can always call upon the quasi-mystical Force to save the day - are on the back foot. They are facing something which even they do not understand. This disturbing phenomenon, whatever it is, is something that they are not only matched by, it is something to which they are specifically vulnerable.
This shadowy, Lovecraftian horror only kills Jedis. The gallant superior warriors are now the helpless victims. In terms of the very ethos of Star Wars, this is a sickening lurch of a paradigm shift. It's Jedi kryptonite.
When your omnipotent heroes are dropping like flies, hope itself ... turns to dust.
We're coming to take you away
They'll do what they can
They'll do what they must
But when they do find you
All there'll be is dust...
The battle of Grizal: Jedi vs Nihil. Jedi Master Loden lies dead in the rain. Cause of death? Unknown. As his body rapidly dissolves into dust it quickly becomes apparent to his brothers-in-arms that they are facing a threat that defies all rational explanation.
In Star Wars: The High Republic -Trail of Shadows by writer Daniel Jose Older and artist David Wachter the noble knights of the galaxy are shaken by this mystery. This story is set around 200 years prior to the events portrayed in the movies, during a time when the High Republic governed the galaxy with the help of the Jedi Order. Keeping the peace within such a vast territory often involves clashes with the Nihil, an organised group of marauders from the Outer Rim Territories who frequently raid worlds on the Frontier.
In the Jedi Temple on the Republic capital planet Coruscant, Stellan and Emerick discuss the events of that fateful day. They were attacked by someone, or something, that none of them can remember clearly... a mysterious entity that also had a profoundly disturbing effect on their minds: at least two of the Jedi present are in shock and Stellan still has nightmares about it.
And both he and Emerick are haunted by a strange old song...
Sian Holt is a musician, part of a live band that performs in the nightclubs of Coruscant. That is not all she is, however; she has a nice little side line as a private investigator. When she sees her mercenary friend Keefar Branto in the audience, associating with a shady character, her curiosity is piqued and she follows him into a very disreputable part of town. They are ambushed by a very large, very unpleasant alien. Branto dies in the skirmish and Sian barely survives.
Meanwhile, Jedi Emerick has been charged with investigating the mysterious entity that turned Master Loden into a pile of dust. Aided by Cuetoo, a droid mounted on his back, he strives to unravel the mystery. What is the connection of the strange old song? He and Stellan recall it from when they were both younglings, huddled terrified in their beds, haunted by dreams of a sinister boogeyman...
Emerick and Sian are both called to a meeting with the Supreme Chancellor of the High Republic, Lina Soh. They are told that Branto was working undercover for Republic security, trying to track down Nihil agents who are seeking to sell a weapon of immense power on the black market. Emerick and Sian have to work together to find this weapon which, Emerick feels certain, is connected to the mysterious power that caused the death of Loden and almost drove his fellow knights to insanity.
This is a compelling story that takes our two investigators to many exotic locations, featuring a rich array of alien characters (both familiar and new), imaginative landscapes and neatly designed spacecraft, smoothly illustrated by Wachter. The arena of the 'Old' Republic is brought vividly to life with elements that tie in nicely with the readers' collective memory of the original movies. Sian's band is an hommage to the classic Mos Eisley Cantina, and there are many recognisable species dotted among the diverse crowds.
The tone here is a little different to most Star Wars tales you might be familiar with. The grand space opera setting is very much in evidence of course, but our two heroes - like a transplanted Mulder and Scully - are space-faring sleuths confronting an enigma of paranormal dimensions.
There is a unique angle here that is refreshing for a franchise that has been reinterpreted many times, mostly in the same old vein: in this narrative, the Jedi - those super-powered saviours who can always call upon the quasi-mystical Force to save the day - are on the back foot. They are facing something which even they do not understand. This disturbing phenomenon, whatever it is, is something that they are not only matched by, it is something to which they are specifically vulnerable.
This shadowy, Lovecraftian horror only kills Jedis. The gallant superior warriors are now the helpless victims. In terms of the very ethos of Star Wars, this is a sickening lurch of a paradigm shift. It's Jedi kryptonite.
When your omnipotent heroes are dropping like flies, hope itself ... turns to dust.
May 29, 2022
The High Republic has been amazingly creative and fresh so far. The one thing that was kind of an inconsistent let-down for me was most of the main comic line by Cavan Scott. I was willing to put that down to writing style and story presentation. I’d only read Older’s short story in From a Certain Point of View ( Born in the Storm ) and wasn’t too impressed with that, but the premise of this comic and the reception it got convinced me to give it a shot. Besides, the author seems like a wonderful guy with heart for the era and franchise.
I was not disappointed and I think this is the best High Republic comic far, and probably the best Star Wars comic I’ve read.
Where in the mainline comic the balance between action, character development (or what there was of it) and plot progression where all over the place Trail of Shadows is a controlled and well told story. I love Noir in my Space Operas and the comics pulls it of wonderfully. Both Emerick and Sian are great characters that add very unique views of the workings of justice, the criminal underworld and the Jedi order during the High Republic. The way their relationship grows over the events is natural and very interesting. They contrast and complement each other very nicely.
There’s a bunch of diverse and interesting side characters including some love for the Chadra-Fan species and a role for Jedi Master Buckets of Blood!
Like the rest of The High Republic project, this is an interwoven story that picks up straight from the events of The Rising Storm and throughout crosses paths with multiple other stories, finishing with the events of The Fallen star . As a noir detective tale it's competent, but its value is raised so much higher by knowing the many characters and events that get touched upon from different perspectives. In that, this comic is supplementary material to the bigger stories at play, but it pulls it off very well.
Likewise, the art in the mainline comic was kind of all over the place, especially in the middle parts, but here the illustrations are beautiful and detailed. The facial expression given as much love as the surroundings and space ships. There were some returning characters which were drawn quite differently from what we’re used to in their own comics, but I was fine with that.
Once again, the sequences involving the horror of , is displayed terrifically and terrifying.
So yeah, I really enjoyed this and look forward to re-reading it and seeing the characters return and develop in future content. I can’t wait to see the connections in Phase 2 of The High Republic.
I was not disappointed and I think this is the best High Republic comic far, and probably the best Star Wars comic I’ve read.
Where in the mainline comic the balance between action, character development (or what there was of it) and plot progression where all over the place Trail of Shadows is a controlled and well told story. I love Noir in my Space Operas and the comics pulls it of wonderfully. Both Emerick and Sian are great characters that add very unique views of the workings of justice, the criminal underworld and the Jedi order during the High Republic. The way their relationship grows over the events is natural and very interesting. They contrast and complement each other very nicely.
There’s a bunch of diverse and interesting side characters including some love for the Chadra-Fan species and a role for Jedi Master Buckets of Blood!
Like the rest of The High Republic project, this is an interwoven story that picks up straight from the events of The Rising Storm and throughout crosses paths with multiple other stories, finishing with the events of The Fallen star . As a noir detective tale it's competent, but its value is raised so much higher by knowing the many characters and events that get touched upon from different perspectives. In that, this comic is supplementary material to the bigger stories at play, but it pulls it off very well.
Likewise, the art in the mainline comic was kind of all over the place, especially in the middle parts, but here the illustrations are beautiful and detailed. The facial expression given as much love as the surroundings and space ships. There were some returning characters which were drawn quite differently from what we’re used to in their own comics, but I was fine with that.
Once again, the sequences involving the horror of , is displayed terrifically and terrifying.
So yeah, I really enjoyed this and look forward to re-reading it and seeing the characters return and develop in future content. I can’t wait to see the connections in Phase 2 of The High Republic.
March 30, 2024
This graphic novel includes THR Trail of Shadows #1-5. My reviews for each issue are as follows:
#1: Nice to know that even in Star Wars the children’s lullabies are deeply disturbing if you actually pay attention to the words! In all seriousness, I thought this was a great first issue of this new series. I’m unsure how these two stories connect so far, but they really hooked me with the cave writings being the lullaby that has been haunting the Jedi’s minds!
#2: Interesting to see another Pau’an in the universe, even if only for a brief moment. Anyways, I like the tension building in the story and the cuteness/cleverness of Q—his little tracker toss was incredible!
#3: I feel sad for Master Emerick. Elzar, Stellan, and Avar are so close. I had no idea he was in their class too. I wonder if that’s why he seems to always be in a mood…but then Sian’s hug at the end!!!!! My heart! I like the depictions of Starlight Beacon in this issue. It’s giving us a bigger picture of just how vast it is and how much can be going on at once. I also like the progression of the bigger story and the emotions we see through the various Jedi here, especially Emerick. I was crying at the final page…the first time I’ve ever cried over a comic. One of my favorite issues so far!
#4: Since I’m reading these in release order rather than timeline order, I never know exactly where we are in the timeline, but the last panel answered that REAL QUICK! I cannot believe it. I wonder what they’ll do to save Emerick now. I hope they have time to figure it out! This series is really keeping me gripped—probably my favorite of all the comics released so far!
#5: Not Master Buck stripping to his undies to then go and fight again! 🤭😅 This issue was so good, as I expected it would be. It had me all emotional and I’m eager to see where this leads. As this is some of the final issues of Phase I, I wonder if we’ll learn about this creature now or later. I hope sooner because I gotta know how the nihil are doing this to force users!
#1: Nice to know that even in Star Wars the children’s lullabies are deeply disturbing if you actually pay attention to the words! In all seriousness, I thought this was a great first issue of this new series. I’m unsure how these two stories connect so far, but they really hooked me with the cave writings being the lullaby that has been haunting the Jedi’s minds!
#2: Interesting to see another Pau’an in the universe, even if only for a brief moment. Anyways, I like the tension building in the story and the cuteness/cleverness of Q—his little tracker toss was incredible!
#3: I feel sad for Master Emerick. Elzar, Stellan, and Avar are so close. I had no idea he was in their class too. I wonder if that’s why he seems to always be in a mood…but then Sian’s hug at the end!!!!! My heart! I like the depictions of Starlight Beacon in this issue. It’s giving us a bigger picture of just how vast it is and how much can be going on at once. I also like the progression of the bigger story and the emotions we see through the various Jedi here, especially Emerick. I was crying at the final page…the first time I’ve ever cried over a comic. One of my favorite issues so far!
#4: Since I’m reading these in release order rather than timeline order, I never know exactly where we are in the timeline, but the last panel answered that REAL QUICK! I cannot believe it. I wonder what they’ll do to save Emerick now. I hope they have time to figure it out! This series is really keeping me gripped—probably my favorite of all the comics released so far!
#5: Not Master Buck stripping to his undies to then go and fight again! 🤭😅 This issue was so good, as I expected it would be. It had me all emotional and I’m eager to see where this leads. As this is some of the final issues of Phase I, I wonder if we’ll learn about this creature now or later. I hope sooner because I gotta know how the nihil are doing this to force users!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
230 BBY.
Set between the novels 'The Rising Storm' by Cavan Scott and 'The Fallen Star' by Claudia Gray, this graphic novel follows Jedi investigator Emerick Caphtor and private eye Sian Holt as they follow the trail of a mysterious Jedi-killing weapon used by the Nihil.
I very much enjoyed the premise of this book, pairing two experienced investigators, one Jedi and one not, as they explore one of the more mysterious elements of the High Republic narrative, the so-called Eaters of the Force. It also explores the divisions within the villains of the series, the Nihil, and shows the backstabbing and internal conflict of the violent raiders.
All in all it's a story idea that I really liked and which felt like something the rest of the High Republic publishing project was missing.
The problem, however, is specifically how the High Republic stories have been planned. Because they were created by a handful of primary authors, Older among them, there has been a tendency to treat High Republic books as if they're all one narrative. That means to get the full story of any one book, you have to have also read the other novels, graphic novels, YA books etcetera.
This book in particular suffers from this because it's reliant on you having read 'The Rising Storm' for set-up but then also doesn't actually resolve the main mystery itself, ending in a sort-of 'To be continued elsewhere...' moment. It's very frustrating, not least because this was a miniseries which could easily have had its own closed narrative whilst still tying-in to the larger one.
I definitely would've rated this book higher if the core mystery had actually been properly resolved. The fact that it wasn't feels like a huge mistake in what is ostensibly supposed to be a detective story and it's pretty frustrating.
Imagine if Poirot never actually revealed whodunnit...
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
Set between the novels 'The Rising Storm' by Cavan Scott and 'The Fallen Star' by Claudia Gray, this graphic novel follows Jedi investigator Emerick Caphtor and private eye Sian Holt as they follow the trail of a mysterious Jedi-killing weapon used by the Nihil.
I very much enjoyed the premise of this book, pairing two experienced investigators, one Jedi and one not, as they explore one of the more mysterious elements of the High Republic narrative, the so-called Eaters of the Force. It also explores the divisions within the villains of the series, the Nihil, and shows the backstabbing and internal conflict of the violent raiders.
All in all it's a story idea that I really liked and which felt like something the rest of the High Republic publishing project was missing.
The problem, however, is specifically how the High Republic stories have been planned. Because they were created by a handful of primary authors, Older among them, there has been a tendency to treat High Republic books as if they're all one narrative. That means to get the full story of any one book, you have to have also read the other novels, graphic novels, YA books etcetera.
This book in particular suffers from this because it's reliant on you having read 'The Rising Storm' for set-up but then also doesn't actually resolve the main mystery itself, ending in a sort-of 'To be continued elsewhere...' moment. It's very frustrating, not least because this was a miniseries which could easily have had its own closed narrative whilst still tying-in to the larger one.
I definitely would've rated this book higher if the core mystery had actually been properly resolved. The fact that it wasn't feels like a huge mistake in what is ostensibly supposed to be a detective story and it's pretty frustrating.
Imagine if Poirot never actually revealed whodunnit...
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
March 21, 2022
The High Republic has been a mixed bag for me in the comics realm, but this is the most solid entry I've seen. It's still inconsistent, especially in the second half, where Older has to quickly wrap up the central mystery while also tieing it into the events of the Fallen Star novel and setting up the next phase of THR that's coming in the Fall. So, yeah, it's a crowded series when it probably should've been the opposite of that, but I enjoyed myself.
The noir-adjacent vibes of the first couple of issues are excellent and make me wish the whole miniseries had maintained that style. Still, the latter half has its fair share of moments, and even though it loses the mystery angle it marketed itself with, it does crossover with the broader THR landscape in some satisfying ways. I really dug the almost-horror elements, too, and would love to see Older continue in this vein. He's got a knack for character dynamics that lends itself well to this genre of mystery, and it's a nice change of pace from the YA/Middle-Grade stuff he usually does (which I also tend to enjoy, for the most part).
I wasn't blown away by the artwork, which shouldn't be surprising, considering how in line with the rest of Marvel's Star Wars series have been. They need to do something about that because as serviceable as the artwork is, it's unremarkable with only the occasional exception. There are moments in Trail of Shadows that outrank many of the other Star Wars comics, but again, they're the exception, not the norm, and those memorable moments primarily come about as a result of what's in the script.
Despite all that, this still lands somewhere in the 3-4-star range. My Star Wars blinders certainly play a part in that, but there is some genuinely good stuff in here that I'd argue is pretty essential to the broader story The High Republic is telling.
The noir-adjacent vibes of the first couple of issues are excellent and make me wish the whole miniseries had maintained that style. Still, the latter half has its fair share of moments, and even though it loses the mystery angle it marketed itself with, it does crossover with the broader THR landscape in some satisfying ways. I really dug the almost-horror elements, too, and would love to see Older continue in this vein. He's got a knack for character dynamics that lends itself well to this genre of mystery, and it's a nice change of pace from the YA/Middle-Grade stuff he usually does (which I also tend to enjoy, for the most part).
I wasn't blown away by the artwork, which shouldn't be surprising, considering how in line with the rest of Marvel's Star Wars series have been. They need to do something about that because as serviceable as the artwork is, it's unremarkable with only the occasional exception. There are moments in Trail of Shadows that outrank many of the other Star Wars comics, but again, they're the exception, not the norm, and those memorable moments primarily come about as a result of what's in the script.
Despite all that, this still lands somewhere in the 3-4-star range. My Star Wars blinders certainly play a part in that, but there is some genuinely good stuff in here that I'd argue is pretty essential to the broader story The High Republic is telling.
September 10, 2022
3 stars
Jedi Investigator Emerick Caphtor is assigned to a case where Jedi are mysteriously being turned to ash. He's paired with a private eye, Sian Holt whose partner was killed a day or so prior. Sian has personal stakes in this and teams up with Emerick to uncover who or what is targeting Jedi.
I do like Emerick and Sian as characters. I would be curious to know more about their back story. It's hinted that Emerick is someone who lets his emotions show which isn't normally the Jedi way. I like this a lot because I think it provides depth to his character. It's clear that there might be a romance being developed between Emerick and Sian which feels a bit too quick to me. I would have liked to see them bond more as friends and partners versus pairing them up right away.
As I was reading this, I felt I was reading this out of order. I felt a bit confused as I found myself looking up who the Nihil are and their place in the galactic order. I also found it difficult to keep track of everyone's allegiance as it seems like there are some characters who aren't aligned with anyone and some who are against the Jedi.
I think The High Republic has a lot of potentials as I like that it takes place before the prequel trilogy, but I did find the story a bit convoluted. I wouldn't be in a rush to continue this series, but I would still keep reading it.
Jedi Investigator Emerick Caphtor is assigned to a case where Jedi are mysteriously being turned to ash. He's paired with a private eye, Sian Holt whose partner was killed a day or so prior. Sian has personal stakes in this and teams up with Emerick to uncover who or what is targeting Jedi.
I do like Emerick and Sian as characters. I would be curious to know more about their back story. It's hinted that Emerick is someone who lets his emotions show which isn't normally the Jedi way. I like this a lot because I think it provides depth to his character. It's clear that there might be a romance being developed between Emerick and Sian which feels a bit too quick to me. I would have liked to see them bond more as friends and partners versus pairing them up right away.
As I was reading this, I felt I was reading this out of order. I felt a bit confused as I found myself looking up who the Nihil are and their place in the galactic order. I also found it difficult to keep track of everyone's allegiance as it seems like there are some characters who aren't aligned with anyone and some who are against the Jedi.
I think The High Republic has a lot of potentials as I like that it takes place before the prequel trilogy, but I did find the story a bit convoluted. I wouldn't be in a rush to continue this series, but I would still keep reading it.
December 19, 2022
Star Wars. Wielka Republika. Szlak cieni to pojedynczy album z Uniwersum Star Wars zawierający zeszyty #1–5 serii Star Wars: The High Republic – Trail of Shadows. Za scenariusz do komiksu odpowiada amerykański pisarz Daniel José Older, za rysunki zaś – David Watcher.
Akcja rozpoczyna się w momencie, w którym dowiadujemy się o tajemniczej katastrofie na planetoidzie Grizal, której ofiarą padli Rycerze Jedi. Rada zleca więc swemu podopiecznemu, Emerickowi Caphtorowi dochodzenie. W tym samym czasie Sian Holt, prywatna detektyw, przypadkiem zostaje świadkiem kolejnego morderstwa. Ścieżki tych dwojga w końcu się przecinają, zmuszając ich do wyruszenia w nieznane, by wspólnie odkryć kto, lub też co, stoi za atakami na Zakon…
Szata graficzna prezentuje się naprawdę ładnie, a fabuła faktycznie od początku wzbudza zainteresowanie. Dbają o to poszczególne elementy dodające mrocznego klimatu, nieodparta aura tajemniczości oraz żwawe tempo akcji. Samą opowieść niestety psują niekiedy banalne dialogi i idący na skróty scenariusz.
Przechodząc do podsumowania, przedstawiona historia posiadała duży potencjał, który nie został w pełni spożytkowany, co niestety sprawia, że po lekturze odczuwam pewien niedosyt. Mimo wszystko miło mi, że mogłam się z nią zapoznać, ze względu na starannie wykonaną grafikę oraz przykuwające wzrok sceny walki. W gruncie rzeczy komiks posiada odważne zakończenie oraz dostrzegalny ślad kreatywnego myślenia.
Gdybym miała komuś zarekomendować ten komiks, to głównie starszym czytelnikom z uwagi na brutalny wydźwięk wielu scen oraz dającą się zauważyć krew.
Więcej na: CzasoStrefa
Akcja rozpoczyna się w momencie, w którym dowiadujemy się o tajemniczej katastrofie na planetoidzie Grizal, której ofiarą padli Rycerze Jedi. Rada zleca więc swemu podopiecznemu, Emerickowi Caphtorowi dochodzenie. W tym samym czasie Sian Holt, prywatna detektyw, przypadkiem zostaje świadkiem kolejnego morderstwa. Ścieżki tych dwojga w końcu się przecinają, zmuszając ich do wyruszenia w nieznane, by wspólnie odkryć kto, lub też co, stoi za atakami na Zakon…
Szata graficzna prezentuje się naprawdę ładnie, a fabuła faktycznie od początku wzbudza zainteresowanie. Dbają o to poszczególne elementy dodające mrocznego klimatu, nieodparta aura tajemniczości oraz żwawe tempo akcji. Samą opowieść niestety psują niekiedy banalne dialogi i idący na skróty scenariusz.
Przechodząc do podsumowania, przedstawiona historia posiadała duży potencjał, który nie został w pełni spożytkowany, co niestety sprawia, że po lekturze odczuwam pewien niedosyt. Mimo wszystko miło mi, że mogłam się z nią zapoznać, ze względu na starannie wykonaną grafikę oraz przykuwające wzrok sceny walki. W gruncie rzeczy komiks posiada odważne zakończenie oraz dostrzegalny ślad kreatywnego myślenia.
Gdybym miała komuś zarekomendować ten komiks, to głównie starszym czytelnikom z uwagi na brutalny wydźwięk wielu scen oraz dającą się zauważyć krew.
Więcej na: CzasoStrefa
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