Review: Star Wars The High Republic #8

Cavan Scott is one of the best writers on the stands and in modern fiction. Along with artist Ario Anindito, Scott is crafting one of the best comic runs in Star Wars history. What this team gets so right is expressing characterization in the midst of action. We get to know who these heroes are without the momentum slowing down. It would be nice to dive in more to get to know the hearts and minds of the Drengir. Given the depth we have seen with the Nihil it would be interesting to get an issue or even a series from the Drengir perspective. They are a massive threat and Anindito succeeds in making them artistically interesting.

Here the Jedi and Hutt Cartel unite to cut off the Drengir at their inspirational source, taking on the Great Progenitor on Mulita. The heart of this story remains Keeve Trennis, but Scott succeeds in the promise of the High Republic here, filling the story with Jedi we have met along the way in this and other tales.

This is the issue where the tapestry of the High Republic feels like it’s coming together, before the last page rips it all apart. The issue begins with the always awesome Sskeer asking Estala Maru for reinforcements. Since the Republic Fair is underway the Jedi are short-handed in the battle with the Drengir. The remaining Jedi and Hutt gather in a massive battle. This battle really allows Anindito to showcase some incredible skill, with the best art we’ve seen in this series. The Drengir here feel deadly rather than silly.

The dialogue is also great as there are references to other parts of the High Republic continuity such as Myarga teasingly reminding Sskeer that a Jedi is never on their own. Keeve arrives at the fight and introduces the team to Orla Jareni. Orla and Sskeer clearly already have a deep history. With the backup of Terec, Keeve scrambles to stop Avar Kriss from being taken over by the Drengir’s Great Progenitor (‘It’s A Trap!’).

The Progenitor references the prior betrayal by the Sith who had previously contained them. Keeve uses the force to unite the Jedi and cleave the Progenitor’s connection to the Drengir hive. Myarga pushes to kill the Progenitor but the Jedi refuse, as Reath Silas surrounds it in a stasis field to place it in a vault on Starlight Beacon. The Jedi celebrate their victory but the joy is short lived as Estella calls to tell them that the Nihil have struck at the Republic Fair.

Writing: 5 of 5 stars
Art: 4.8 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.7 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.8 of 5 stars

Writer: Cavan Scott
Art: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales
Colors: Annalisa Leoni
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.