For The High Republic, beyond comics, graphic novels, manga, and book covers, plenty of its events and characters may never been seen in a visual medium, so Lucasfilm teamed up with Eastham Studios for a series of digital shorts introducing fans to characters in the initiative, starting with A Test of Courage’s Vernestra “Vern” Rwoh! Also out today is the first excerpt from Claudia Gray’s young adult novel, The High Republic – Into the Dark, where we meet some of the colorful cast you’ll get to spend tons of time with in the book!
Characters of Star Wars: The High Republic is an awesome way to introduce fans to the stars of the initiative, giving readers a chance to learn more about their backstories ahead of their trials and tribulations in the initiative’s large story. Short, to the point, and easy on the eyes, the first entry makes me eager for more, as it’ll be neat to see more from other characters I’ve really enjoyed, like Bell Zettifar, Avon Starros, Avar Kriss, and Keeve Trennis, to name a few. If you want to see where Vern’s journey begins, check out the excellent middle-grade novel, A Test of Courage, by Justina Ireland! There was no schedule announced for when more of the videos will release, but I hope it’s soon and there are plenty, as this first one was already exceptional. I also hope these will continue as we move between each Phase, giving fans an easier way to keep track as these characters’ journeys span across various publishing media and years. UPDATE: They’ve just released an Avar Kriss focused one so I had to include here as well! I’ll eventually do a post with more of them after they release a bunch.
We’re a few short weeks away from the release of the third book in Phase I: Light of the Jedi, Into the Dark by Claudia Gray, and its first excerpt has finally arrived. It’s a fun place in the novel, as it’s the introduction of Matthew McConaughey’s Star Wars equivalent Leox Gyasi (whose concept art was revealed in the livestream video prior to THR’s launch), the tough and determined Affie Hollow who’s next in line for the Byne Guild leadership position when her adopted mother passes the baton, and well…a rock, Geode, though you’ll need to read the novel to see what, or what he doesn’t, all get up to! In related news, I was honored to have a quote from a previous review of Gray’s works included on the back of Into the Dark, so you’ll see a familiar name on the book when you pick it up February 2!
Last but never least, the covers for issue #4 of The High Republic comic from Marvel, written by Cavan Scott, were released. There’s the ominous main cover from Phil Noto, pictured above, and a variant by Leinil Francis Yu to check out. The issue won’t be out until April, but we already have a review for first issue, an awesome start to what looks like quite the promising series, with stunning art from Ario Anindito and team.
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.
THE HIGH REPUBLIC NEWS
Review: The High Republic – A Test of Courage
Review: The High Republic – Light of the Jedi
Review: The High Republic #1
Livestream for The High Republic Launch Reveals Trailer, New Content, Three Phases, And More!!