Review: Star Wars The High Republic #3

Star Wars The High Republic #3 is a well written transitional issue marred by uneven artwork and a lack of an overarching direction. This issue takes us out of the conflict with the Hutt cartel, with Skarabda now turning against the Nihil and siding the the Jedi, and into the next phase as the search for Sskeer begins.

The book remains centered around Keeve Trennis and benefits around the power of her characterization. Cavan Scott is an incredible story-teller who knows how to make readers care about each character. The fact that we remain so invested in the relationship between Keeve and Sskeer in spite of over a year between story arcs is a testament to that skill.

The issue opens with Keeve recalling an adventure alongside Skeer showing the faith he has always had in her skills. We then move to the present with an space battle with the Hutts and Jedi on one side and Lourna Dee on the other. Keeve ignores orders and attacks Lourna, making quick work of her defenses.

The Jedi realize that Lourna has been involved with human trafficking and has jettisoned her prisoners in cargo as a distraction. Ai-Dan and Terec stop to work to rescue them giving Lourna a seeming opening for escape. But Scarabda and Keeve are able to keep on fighting and take Lourna on.

Artistically the battle between Lourna and Keeve is the best part of this issue. The inks are heavy emphasizing the vicious battle and there are real stakes. It would have been nice to see this battle given more space given the important history between these characters but what we get is well done.

Once the battle is won Commander Velko Jahan orders the troops to return. But given clues that Sskeer might be alive in the Occlusion Zone, Keeve determines the Ataraxia containing herself, Lourna, Terec and Ceret will head into the Zone to find and rescue him.

This book has strong characters and conflicts but needs to make the stakes within the broader High Republic universe clear. Hopefully the trip into the Occlusion Zone will bring those stakes. The art and story are a bit uneven but Lourna and Keeve are great characters and the conflict between them as well as the heart of Sskeer drives this book to greatness.

Writing: 4 of 5 stars
Art: 3.4 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.5 of 5 stars

Overall:
3.6 of 5 stars

Writer: Cavan Scott
Art: Jim Towe and Maria Cresta
Colors: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.