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Star Wars: The High Republic (Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: The High Republic - The Blade
Hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga, witness the birth of a Jedi legend! Porter Engle is perhaps the most skilled lightsaber wielder in the High Republic. With his sister and fellow Jedi Knight Barash Silvain, he travels the galaxy, serving as a guardian of peace and justice. As the two Jedi journey to a planet far on the Republic frontier in response to a desperate request for aid, they are certain they will succeed. Because no one in the galaxy fights like Porter Engle. No warrior can stand against him. No one even comes close. They are sure of victory…until they see what awaits them! Collecting STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC - THE BLADE #1-4.
112 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2023
35 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Charles Soule
1,518 books1,692 followersCharles Soule is a #1 New York Times-bestselling novelist, comics author, screenwriter, musician, and lapsed attorney. He has written some of the most prominent stories of the last decade for Marvel, DC and Lucasfilm in addition to his own work, such as his comics Curse Words, Letter 44 and Undiscovered Country, and his original novels Light of the Jedi, The Endless Vessel, The Oracle Year and Anyone. He lives in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 13, 2023
This is a collection that begins a new series with the character Porter Engle. He was introduced to us in the first phase of The High Republic series. In this collection we see a younger version of him and his role in trying to diffuse a civil war on a planet.
I was not the biggest fan of the first phase of The High Republic series. Throughout the different forms of media that was involved for the series I had no connection with any of the characters. That changes with this collection and I am hopeful that it stays this way for the second phase. I enjoyed the character Porter as we get to see his skills but also nods of how we know him in the first phase. I also loved his relationship with another Jedi and this was easily the highlight of this collection. As for the story it was enjoyable but nothing really new as once again Jedi are sent to a planet to diffuse a conflict. There were a couple of twists within the story that wasn't that impactful. I believe this happened because there wasn't as much build up for these characters as this is only a four issue collection.
I was hesitant going into this. Did I really need to know more about a character that I saw in the first phase but had no connection with? The answer is yes because finally a character was fleshed out that I could connect with. This is the beginning of the exploration of this character and I am looking forward to seeing more of him after reading this collection.
I was not the biggest fan of the first phase of The High Republic series. Throughout the different forms of media that was involved for the series I had no connection with any of the characters. That changes with this collection and I am hopeful that it stays this way for the second phase. I enjoyed the character Porter as we get to see his skills but also nods of how we know him in the first phase. I also loved his relationship with another Jedi and this was easily the highlight of this collection. As for the story it was enjoyable but nothing really new as once again Jedi are sent to a planet to diffuse a conflict. There were a couple of twists within the story that wasn't that impactful. I believe this happened because there wasn't as much build up for these characters as this is only a four issue collection.
I was hesitant going into this. Did I really need to know more about a character that I saw in the first phase but had no connection with? The answer is yes because finally a character was fleshed out that I could connect with. This is the beginning of the exploration of this character and I am looking forward to seeing more of him after reading this collection.
August 16, 2025
I think I have a new favourite Jedi in the High Republic era. Porter Engle has been mentioned as a legond in a couple of High Republic books. Here I see why. I have been very critical of the Jedi in the Disney era compared to the Legonds/Extended Universe. The Disney just did not seem as powerful Engle starters that. He is a literal one man army.
Porter Engle and his sister have a great arrangement she points him at the people who need to be saved and whose butt's to kick. However, their latest mission it is hard to find the truth. The book also show the past of their time as Padawans in the Jedi Temple.
Cool, charismatic, and lethal. The blade is the perfect name for him. I am glad another series is coming, but I want more. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery and a sketchbook of the characters and scenes.
Porter Engle and his sister have a great arrangement she points him at the people who need to be saved and whose butt's to kick. However, their latest mission it is hard to find the truth. The book also show the past of their time as Padawans in the Jedi Temple.
Cool, charismatic, and lethal. The blade is the perfect name for him. I am glad another series is coming, but I want more. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery and a sketchbook of the characters and scenes.
July 19, 2023
The author does well to present an unexpectedly tender origin story for the legendary High Republic Era Jedi who would come to be known as The Blade of Bardotta…
…though I guess that happens next volume? I’ll stay tuned!
…though I guess that happens next volume? I’ll stay tuned!
April 1, 2025
Este cómic está ambientado 150 años antes de la caída del Faro Starlight. Es de la fase 2 de Star Wars: The High Republic pero nos habla de un personaje que primero lo conocimos en la fase 1: Porter Engle. Ahí lo conocimos ya viejo y recordemos que la fase 2 es anterior cronológicamente. Decidí leer este cómic que explica bastante el origen de Porter Engle y sobre todo de su compañera jedi Barash Sivain, a quien considera su hermana. En el libro que acabo de leer "El ojo de la oscuridad" se habla de un encuentro entre Porter y la generala Viess. Y se menciona que antes ambos ya se habían enfrentado. Este cómic trata de eso.
También pasan cuando Porter y Barash eran padawans niños. Ella no gusta de usar sables pero es mejor sintiendo la fuerza y lo que puede suceder. Ambos hacen un pacto de jóvenes para no separarse a pesar de las reglas jedi. En la actualidad de este cómic ambos están en el planeta Boneworld, pero luego son llamados al planeta Gansevor. Allí los recibe Envoy Seleen quien les relata que están en una guerra civil y un asedio. Ambos jedi unirán sus habilidades para ayudar a resolver el conflicto que incluye dos bandos y luego uno de mercenarios.
Un volumen muy interesante y que nos explica mucho de lo que le pasó a estos personajes.
llaman a la Generala Viess
También pasan cuando Porter y Barash eran padawans niños. Ella no gusta de usar sables pero es mejor sintiendo la fuerza y lo que puede suceder. Ambos hacen un pacto de jóvenes para no separarse a pesar de las reglas jedi. En la actualidad de este cómic ambos están en el planeta Boneworld, pero luego son llamados al planeta Gansevor. Allí los recibe Envoy Seleen quien les relata que están en una guerra civil y un asedio. Ambos jedi unirán sus habilidades para ayudar a resolver el conflicto que incluye dos bandos y luego uno de mercenarios.
Un volumen muy interesante y que nos explica mucho de lo que le pasó a estos personajes.
llaman a la Generala Viess
March 29, 2023
PORTER AND BARASH YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS !!!!!!!!
March 30, 2023
Probably my favorite High Republic story so far. I really enjoyed and want more of Porter Engle and Barash Silvain!
March 17, 2024
Fine comic
April 3, 2023
oh i’m sad now
October 24, 2023
Não tenho conhecimento nenhum da linha High Republic de Star Wars, peguei esse volume pra conhecer mesmo. Então não faço ideia se ele está sendo fiel com outros produtos dessa franquia de Star Wars. Como leitor incitante nesse universo de muitos anos atrás e numa galáxia ainda mais distante, achei que é uma história inteligível com uma trama com um reviravolta interessante. Mas mais do que os personagens e a trama o que mais me chamou atenção foi a arte bem desenvolvida na história em quadrinhos. Os desenhistas Marco Castiello e Jethro Morales fazem um ótimo trabalho tanto no traço leve e expressivo como na narrativa, mas o roteiro de Charle Soule demora muito para dizer a que veio. A gente só começa a entender a trama e os personagens lá pela terceira edição dessa minissérie em quatro partes. Por isso, essa é uma história em quadrinhos ok, passável, mas nada muito mais que isso.
March 30, 2023
Since the High Republic initiative started, I thought I would give it a go when the right time came. The whole line seems to be very complicated, and nowadays, retcons in Star Wars are a very normal thing, so my enthusiasm to read something new fades... But a mini-series from Charles Soule featuring a bearded dual wielding the best in the galaxy swordsman ever sounded so good I had to try it.
And It was OK. The story is fairly simple and promises "the biggest, hardest" adventure for Porter, which unfortunately does not happen in this. There is so much focus on his sister and the overall conflict, which I did not enjoy. I do not know anything about this character, but I understand that if you have a Jedi who can duel anything and want to bring him down, you do it in a way other than fighting... But for this, it seems only as a prequel to a larger story, which will come.
To my disappointment, I was expecting some cool lightsaber fights because I am a big child and want to see space wizards hit themselves with differently coloured sticks, and there are some cool scenes with force and guns... But no, you know, sword fighting.
Overall, it was fine. I will probably pick up the continuation of the comic, as I still like the tropes and what can be done with it.
And It was OK. The story is fairly simple and promises "the biggest, hardest" adventure for Porter, which unfortunately does not happen in this. There is so much focus on his sister and the overall conflict, which I did not enjoy. I do not know anything about this character, but I understand that if you have a Jedi who can duel anything and want to bring him down, you do it in a way other than fighting... But for this, it seems only as a prequel to a larger story, which will come.
To my disappointment, I was expecting some cool lightsaber fights because I am a big child and want to see space wizards hit themselves with differently coloured sticks, and there are some cool scenes with force and guns... But no, you know, sword fighting.
Overall, it was fine. I will probably pick up the continuation of the comic, as I still like the tropes and what can be done with it.
April 5, 2023
I feel cheated since I thought this was going to be a mini series and now I have no idea when the next issue will be out. Excited for that though, whenever it comes.
July 14, 2023
In Soule I trust. Great mini series.
August 31, 2024
This is by far my favorite book in the High Republic Phase 2 so far. I liked some of the ideas in Path of Deceit, and The Blade engages with a different set of interesting ideas. The Blade feels the most like The Acolyte, which I love. Specifically, this story gives the origin of the Barash Vow that Torbin takes in The Acolyte. But more than that, the overall tone of this story and the issues the two Jedi knights wrestle with would be very at home in The Acolyte, or as an episode in Visions.
Throughout the story, Charles Soule's writing remains very subtle, generally avoiding cliche and excess. The steady reveal of lies upon lies behind the walls of Firevale reach near-comedic level, and I think the story acknowledges that appropriately. Because I disliked Convergence, I loved the way this story mildly pokes fun at the "fairy tale romance" ending generations of war.
The main themes of this book are the question of the Jedi's authority—What right do they have to swoop in a colonialist saviors and arbitrate in conflicts they know nothing about?—and the prohibition on attachment between Jedi knights. Both of these themes allow deeper exploration of the Star Wars mythology, allowing it to mature and consider grey-area viewpoints on right and wrong (and who decides which is which). Good stuff all throughout. I hope other Phase 2 graphic novels will follow this path.
Throughout the story, Charles Soule's writing remains very subtle, generally avoiding cliche and excess. The steady reveal of lies upon lies behind the walls of Firevale reach near-comedic level, and I think the story acknowledges that appropriately. Because I disliked Convergence, I loved the way this story mildly pokes fun at the "fairy tale romance" ending generations of war.
The main themes of this book are the question of the Jedi's authority—What right do they have to swoop in a colonialist saviors and arbitrate in conflicts they know nothing about?—and the prohibition on attachment between Jedi knights. Both of these themes allow deeper exploration of the Star Wars mythology, allowing it to mature and consider grey-area viewpoints on right and wrong (and who decides which is which). Good stuff all throughout. I hope other Phase 2 graphic novels will follow this path.
March 21, 2025
This was okay. Not something I'm too bothered about.
May 12, 2025
9/10
fuckin banger, porter engle my goat
fuckin banger, porter engle my goat
January 22, 2024
star wars fans will see one (1) targaryen coded character in the franchise and just go apeshit
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5b/3d/2b/5b...
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5b/3d/2b/5b...
July 2, 2023
3.5 Stars- After Phase I and hearing what a legend Porter Engle it was nice to be given the opportunity to see him in his prime… even if the book still relies on his legend.
While the main conflict is a bit thin, and a little too similar to plot of Convergence, there’s a lot to like in this book. Mostly the relationship of Engle and his adopted sister, Barash. Their chemistry light up the pages and I would very much like more tales of theirs. Which, based on the stories conclusion seems inventible.
A good book with some gritty art work that heightens tension. Leaves you wanting more across the board. More good stuff out of the High Republic
While the main conflict is a bit thin, and a little too similar to plot of Convergence, there’s a lot to like in this book. Mostly the relationship of Engle and his adopted sister, Barash. Their chemistry light up the pages and I would very much like more tales of theirs. Which, based on the stories conclusion seems inventible.
A good book with some gritty art work that heightens tension. Leaves you wanting more across the board. More good stuff out of the High Republic
March 29, 2023
This was one of the better HR stories. Love porter and barash's relationship
November 28, 2023
snooze
December 29, 2023
need thr writers & artists to stop making characters so attractive thx
barash silvain call me please my number is-
barash silvain call me please my number is-
January 6, 2024
If I am being honest, comics are not my most favorite medium to read; see: how I am still finishing Phase I Adventures. However, The Blade perfectly meshes Phase II content/vibes with Phase I characters/themes, creating a very refined story. Definitely kept me turning pages. Of course, I have to mention that there is amazing art in this comic, maybe some of the best I've seen in the comics thus far. The Blade somehow manages to flesh out a character that I didn't even know I needed to know more about from Phase I, continuing to prove that Phase II illuminates Phase I more than I had ever expected. I am excited to read the rest of the comics for this Phase!
August 13, 2023
"Well, look at this fine situation we've found ourselves in."
Hundreds of years before The Skywalker Saga... a Sacred Jedi Whatsit!
Porter Engle is quite the character, but it's Barash Silvain that completely stole my heart!
This was pretty rad & I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the miniseries!
Hundreds of years before The Skywalker Saga... a Sacred Jedi Whatsit!
Porter Engle is quite the character, but it's Barash Silvain that completely stole my heart!
This was pretty rad & I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the miniseries!
June 29, 2023
Charles Soule introduced us to a fantastic character in Porter Engle, back when the High Republic project started in Light of the Jedi. A book that I thoroughly loved.
Much of the feel of that book somehow translates to this comic format. It blends action, world building and interesting characters very well and leaves me wanting more.
The mainline comics by Scott have been pretty disappointing to me, but I am glad that things like Trail of Shadows and The Blade can give me wonderful THR comic experiences.
One thing that immediately stands out is the art, both the cover arts as well as the panels are very well done. There is fantastic light/shadow play good facial consistency and expressions and a nice conveyance of motion. Especially the designs of both Barash and Porter are wonderfully rendered, giving them even more character.
The both of them are the starts of the story. Where Porter has already made a name for himself as one of the Order’s most skilled lightsaber wielders, Barash is very well connected to the force and uses it to investigate and judge people of their missions. They complement each other perfectly and form a sibling team. It is a wonderful construct and their interactions are great.
The plot revolves around a planetary dispute where we see them both try to resolve the issues with their expertise. This means that layered, political negotiations and intrigue are balanced with tense actions scenes and awesome feats of Jedi prowess. It is a great formula that works well in revealing the complexities of the situation as they go.
Without spoiling too much of the story: at its crux is the hubris of the Jedi to trust in peace and the light where others can abuse and take advantage of them. A very compelling take on the fight for Light and Life.
So yeah, I am very pleased with this wonderful comic. It does many things right; it tells a great story, it has a refined, consistent and fitting art style and is a fantastic addition to the High Republic as a whole.
It has also inspired me to get back to drawing, which is always a good thing.
very much looking forward to the sequel series!
Much of the feel of that book somehow translates to this comic format. It blends action, world building and interesting characters very well and leaves me wanting more.
The mainline comics by Scott have been pretty disappointing to me, but I am glad that things like Trail of Shadows and The Blade can give me wonderful THR comic experiences.
One thing that immediately stands out is the art, both the cover arts as well as the panels are very well done. There is fantastic light/shadow play good facial consistency and expressions and a nice conveyance of motion. Especially the designs of both Barash and Porter are wonderfully rendered, giving them even more character.
The both of them are the starts of the story. Where Porter has already made a name for himself as one of the Order’s most skilled lightsaber wielders, Barash is very well connected to the force and uses it to investigate and judge people of their missions. They complement each other perfectly and form a sibling team. It is a wonderful construct and their interactions are great.
The plot revolves around a planetary dispute where we see them both try to resolve the issues with their expertise. This means that layered, political negotiations and intrigue are balanced with tense actions scenes and awesome feats of Jedi prowess. It is a great formula that works well in revealing the complexities of the situation as they go.
Without spoiling too much of the story: at its crux is the hubris of the Jedi to trust in peace and the light where others can abuse and take advantage of them. A very compelling take on the fight for Light and Life.
So yeah, I am very pleased with this wonderful comic. It does many things right; it tells a great story, it has a refined, consistent and fitting art style and is a fantastic addition to the High Republic as a whole.
It has also inspired me to get back to drawing, which is always a good thing.
very much looking forward to the sequel series!
June 27, 2025
I like Porter Engle. I like Barash Silvain. It is CRIMINAL that they teased a sequel to this that may be more interesting and haven't had any updates on it yet.
April 9, 2024
It's been a while since I read anything Star Wars. Following a very long quiet period since Legacy and Yoozhan Voong, only few books I was interested in were Republic Commando, Darth Bane series and those few Knights of the Old Republic novels. I stand corrected, I did enjoy that alternate universe Star Wars Ronin novel, that one was weird and thankfully I did not know anything about the author at the time (one more thing why books are to be judged by quality and not by author's approaches to life, Ronin was very, very interesting novel but again it was in alternate universe so not actually continuation of the main story, so unfortunately one off novel).
After that, nothing came out that I would find interesting for a very long time. You can call me weird but Dark Horse did (at least for me) very good job and Marvel's rather .... lukewarm? ..... continuance of the series was little bit of a letdown. Various rebranding (Legends, ultra legends :) cannon, non-cannon, I just lost interest).
High Republic was so controversial that I put it to backlog and after a long time decided to try first with the action oriented comic so I picked up The Blade.
So, first thing - art. I am fan of black and white art, ink playing shadows and giving volume to the art. Here, everything is very clear, very pristine, and for me a little bit non-Star Wars. Main difference between Star Wars and everything else was that everything in Star Wars had that patina of old, used, not unlike old cowboy shows or martial arts movies. There were shiny bits, sure but everything had that feeling of old, ancient (if you follow W40K you know what I mean). Not necessary sign of lack of progress, but just that technology is/was around so long that it feels.
Here, everything is a bit too clean, it just looks a little bit too sanitized. Coloring is good but art itself would benefit a lot from more pencil and ink and more elaborate page organization - I mean battle with the mercenaries was so lacking in depth that it just did not make sense. Much better page organization for me would be 200AD's Lawless and siege of that frontier city, it just gives you feeling of masses fighting it out. Or take those magnificent pages from Tales of the Jedi, land assaults or assault of Krath battle droids on Jedi conclave - not many pages or frames, but those that are given are so epic, so ..... full, they manage to show you the battle and loss of life.
It might be me but this element of war itself is missing here (even graphic novel about origins of Darth Bane while smaller in scale when compared to Tales of the Jedi, was serious enough to show the toll of combat and destruction when mighty forces collide).
If I understand correctly this period of the Republic is supposed to be relatively peaceful but again Jedi's are exploring isolated worlds without contact with the Republic so there is a chance to show conflict on the frontier, unknown enemies and empires fighting the Republic's expansion. I mean, it is Star Wars in the title, right? There needs to be conflict here, high adventure, armies clashing, space opera at its best - right?
Story is pretty straight forward, in a vein of veni-vidi-vici, I wont go much into detail because I would spoil it for sure. Ending I am not so sure..... it did not make much sense, especially last few frames (I guess follow up book will explain).
Characters were .... well I guess mercs will return at some point, and locals were OK I guess (although I would let the Queen to resolve the problem the way she wanted). Jedi's were..... like some weird cross between NGOs, hippies and A-Team. These are not wandering warriors going around and trying to help those in need. They are more like very young NGOs (think Salvation Army noobs) with weapons, and huge egos. When you take into account that (at least according to the books and previous cannon) Jedi Knights were rather serious people (remember Ulic Qeldroma, his master or various groups during the war with the Sith) and I do not remember them being this carefree with theirs and other peoples lives.
Also here they are shown as almost invincible - Jedi's were never invincible, no matter how powerful they were there was always a very serious risk of them getting killed when overwhelmed by opposition. Here, it does not matter - missiles, guns, tanks, blasters, grenades, hundred of troops, its all swatted aside as if they were fighting kids. It just seems weird considering the existing lore.
Not a bad story, but just does not feel complete, it is like entire story is [for lack of better world] too simplified (especially when compared to Dark Horse series which, compared to this look more like 2000AD/W40K, adult oriented works).
Setting looks interesting, will see if I can get more out of the novels, but will definitely try some other comics at later time.
After that, nothing came out that I would find interesting for a very long time. You can call me weird but Dark Horse did (at least for me) very good job and Marvel's rather .... lukewarm? ..... continuance of the series was little bit of a letdown. Various rebranding (Legends, ultra legends :) cannon, non-cannon, I just lost interest).
High Republic was so controversial that I put it to backlog and after a long time decided to try first with the action oriented comic so I picked up The Blade.
So, first thing - art. I am fan of black and white art, ink playing shadows and giving volume to the art. Here, everything is very clear, very pristine, and for me a little bit non-Star Wars. Main difference between Star Wars and everything else was that everything in Star Wars had that patina of old, used, not unlike old cowboy shows or martial arts movies. There were shiny bits, sure but everything had that feeling of old, ancient (if you follow W40K you know what I mean). Not necessary sign of lack of progress, but just that technology is/was around so long that it feels.
Here, everything is a bit too clean, it just looks a little bit too sanitized. Coloring is good but art itself would benefit a lot from more pencil and ink and more elaborate page organization - I mean battle with the mercenaries was so lacking in depth that it just did not make sense. Much better page organization for me would be 200AD's Lawless and siege of that frontier city, it just gives you feeling of masses fighting it out. Or take those magnificent pages from Tales of the Jedi, land assaults or assault of Krath battle droids on Jedi conclave - not many pages or frames, but those that are given are so epic, so ..... full, they manage to show you the battle and loss of life.
It might be me but this element of war itself is missing here (even graphic novel about origins of Darth Bane while smaller in scale when compared to Tales of the Jedi, was serious enough to show the toll of combat and destruction when mighty forces collide).
If I understand correctly this period of the Republic is supposed to be relatively peaceful but again Jedi's are exploring isolated worlds without contact with the Republic so there is a chance to show conflict on the frontier, unknown enemies and empires fighting the Republic's expansion. I mean, it is Star Wars in the title, right? There needs to be conflict here, high adventure, armies clashing, space opera at its best - right?
Story is pretty straight forward, in a vein of veni-vidi-vici, I wont go much into detail because I would spoil it for sure. Ending I am not so sure..... it did not make much sense, especially last few frames (I guess follow up book will explain).
Characters were .... well I guess mercs will return at some point, and locals were OK I guess (although I would let the Queen to resolve the problem the way she wanted). Jedi's were..... like some weird cross between NGOs, hippies and A-Team. These are not wandering warriors going around and trying to help those in need. They are more like very young NGOs (think Salvation Army noobs) with weapons, and huge egos. When you take into account that (at least according to the books and previous cannon) Jedi Knights were rather serious people (remember Ulic Qeldroma, his master or various groups during the war with the Sith) and I do not remember them being this carefree with theirs and other peoples lives.
Also here they are shown as almost invincible - Jedi's were never invincible, no matter how powerful they were there was always a very serious risk of them getting killed when overwhelmed by opposition. Here, it does not matter - missiles, guns, tanks, blasters, grenades, hundred of troops, its all swatted aside as if they were fighting kids. It just seems weird considering the existing lore.
Not a bad story, but just does not feel complete, it is like entire story is [for lack of better world] too simplified (especially when compared to Dark Horse series which, compared to this look more like 2000AD/W40K, adult oriented works).
Setting looks interesting, will see if I can get more out of the novels, but will definitely try some other comics at later time.
March 1, 2025
So... is the Broken Blade still happening... or...?
March 12, 2024
382 BBY, part of Phase 2 of The High Republic.
Jedi Knights Porter Engle and Barash Silvain answer a call for help on the remote planet Gansevor, where countless innocents are threatened amid the conflict between two warring city-states. Whilst Porter utilises his unparalleled combat skills, Barash seeks to find the truth hidden at the heart of the conflict.
This book starts off really well and has a lot going for it. I particularly liked seeing the development of the bond between Porter and Silvain, through their actions together and through flashbacks to their history.
There's also something compelling about a story which, at its core, is simply the tale of two Jedi acting as Knights errant, without any of the baggage of the messy High Republic publishing programme weighing it down.
Unfortunately, despite having a lot of good elements, the end result is underwhelming.
The fact that the Jedi try to mediate a conflict and then accidentally escalate it because they've been lied-to just feels very... obvious. I'm pretty sure, if I was so inclined, I could find a dozen other Star Wars stories which tell more or less the same tale with the same predictable twist.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
Jedi Knights Porter Engle and Barash Silvain answer a call for help on the remote planet Gansevor, where countless innocents are threatened amid the conflict between two warring city-states. Whilst Porter utilises his unparalleled combat skills, Barash seeks to find the truth hidden at the heart of the conflict.
This book starts off really well and has a lot going for it. I particularly liked seeing the development of the bond between Porter and Silvain, through their actions together and through flashbacks to their history.
There's also something compelling about a story which, at its core, is simply the tale of two Jedi acting as Knights errant, without any of the baggage of the messy High Republic publishing programme weighing it down.
Unfortunately, despite having a lot of good elements, the end result is underwhelming.
The fact that the Jedi try to mediate a conflict and then accidentally escalate it because they've been lied-to just feels very... obvious. I'm pretty sure, if I was so inclined, I could find a dozen other Star Wars stories which tell more or less the same tale with the same predictable twist.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
November 4, 2024
2.5 stars
This is another time when High Republic novels failed me in descriptiveness, because when I first saw Porter Engle illustrated here, I thought he had goggles on his head. I didn’t even realize those bumps were a normal part of his species’ head structure. His most prominent physical feature is almost not at all mentioned in the novels.
The comics in this collection are interesting in that they give the background of Porter, the Barash vow, and his longstanding beef with General Viess. They are helpful in that they filled in some pieces I didn’t know before. However, I didn’t really like his character in this story (very one-dimensional fighter), or the sort of stereotypical way he only fought and Barash only worked with feelings. It gives more backstory to Barash than to Porter, actually, and I liked him less here than I did in the HR novels. I also really did not like the drawing style for Porter especially.
This is another time when High Republic novels failed me in descriptiveness, because when I first saw Porter Engle illustrated here, I thought he had goggles on his head. I didn’t even realize those bumps were a normal part of his species’ head structure. His most prominent physical feature is almost not at all mentioned in the novels.
The comics in this collection are interesting in that they give the background of Porter, the Barash vow, and his longstanding beef with General Viess. They are helpful in that they filled in some pieces I didn’t know before. However, I didn’t really like his character in this story (very one-dimensional fighter), or the sort of stereotypical way he only fought and Barash only worked with feelings. It gives more backstory to Barash than to Porter, actually, and I liked him less here than I did in the HR novels. I also really did not like the drawing style for Porter especially.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews