– Spoiler Review –
In The High Republic #12, just when the Jedi and us readers think the greatest enemy to the Order in this era is from without, it feels more and more like it’s within, as the fallout from the undercover mission by Keeve Trennis and Terec goes far beyond the failure to capture Lourna Dee.
I was a little thrown off at first with this issue, as it jumps forward a bit after the end of The High Republic #11, which seemed jarring considering Avar Kriss was about to bring Lourna Dee’s ship down to enact justice, but all the hints were there last issue it wouldn’t work, I just didn’t see them. Issue #12 puts Avar’s struggles in focus more, highlighting how the era’s Hero of Hetzal’s emotions were already in her way, so dead-set on bringing Dee to justice after what seems like survivor’s guilt for not being there on Valo, to protect the Republic Fair like she did Hetzal, she’s lost sight of what’s made her such a valuable Jedi to the Order. Is it a hero complex, thinking she would’ve been enough had she been there, coordinating the Jedi’s efforts again? Regardless, to make up for her absence she wants to bring in Lourna Dee and when she falls short here, her already roiling anger over what happened preventing her from doing what she does best, the failure only compounds the growing anger and frustrations within. This era’s Jedi, never really facing conflict and loss of this scale before, are definitely more emotionally stable and have had time to perfect their control, but the level of attachment they prescribe to one another, and all life as the Force flows through it, is already causing issues, Avar being a case in point to what could happen to the whole Order in this era. Her pain over losing Dee forces her to react harshly to Sskeer, who’s actions definitely went a little too far to save Keeve, and causes her to ignore Keeve and Terec’s conditions when they rescue them. Avar regrets taking Sskeer’s saber away from him even as she does it, her hypocrisy laid bare as he plead for her moments before to look after their hurt Jedi and not focus on bringing down Lourna, but at least she admits her decision to send Jedi undercover was a rash and unsuccessful one, knowing their light should never lurk in the shadows of their enemy. Avar’s level-headed enough where she can come back from this and hopefully Keeve and Sskeer can help her in the mission ahead to attack the Nihil homebase, No-Space. As much as this explores Avar more than any issue before it, via Keeve’s own introspection and remembrance of events, it does bring to light the need for more POV with Avar, especially for a character so important to the era at this point, as if she’s to fall or stumble, it’d be a shame it would happen without a glimpse into her mindset and how she rationalizes what comes next, especially given this era is full of content where she could shine even more. With Wave III of Phase I’s story nearly here, The Fallen Star is less than a month away as of his publishing, it’s possible we’ll get that but for now this issue made it more necessary by the Wave.
Keeve considers her actions on Xais a failure, giving into fear like she did, but no Jedi is really trained to deal with something like the Leveler and she is, as always, being too hard on herself. When you watch one of your closet friends start to calcify, distorted by the weird effects the beast injects into the Force, with no help seemingly close enough to rescue them, a Jedi of this era isn’t ready for such a situation after knowing peace for most of their lives. Despite her feelings, unlike Avar, Keeve talks them through and admits her shortcomings, though she’s more concerned about her mentor, old Master, and friend Sskeer. No matter his actions, Keeve still feels he’s just as much a Jedi as anyone else, arguing against Avar’s decision to ground him even though he himself doesn’t fight it. Keeve confronts Sskeer, meditating away in his chambers and ready to accept his fate at the hands of the Jedi Council, ashamed of his actions and his own fear of telling others what is happening to him. The secret of Sskeer’s disconnect from the Force is finally revealed, after Keeve’s pleads for him to share it with her, telling her it’s him and definitely not her why he didn’t share before: he suffers from a rare Trandoshan disease called Magrak Syndrome, almost like Alzheimer’s here where the brain slowly gives into its baser urges, something he already fought to get to this point and now must fight even harder to keep it at bay, which is why his connection falters more and more. Keeve hears this and points out he’s too willing to accept his fate instead of fighting it, as this is just another form
of giving up, as she’s convinced of his place amongst the Order. They strike a deal then, as she watches out for Avar, she also is willing to watch out for Sskeer, knocking him out of the equation if he falters again. Their attachments might look to cause them more pain in the time ahead, but it’s also their greatest strength at this moment, as Avar is obviously happy Sskeer didn’t listen to her harsh judgement from earlier and will be at her side as they head to the Nihil headquarters. I’ve loved the bond between Sskeer and Keeve, which helps make their chat in his chambers hit emotionally, and this feels like the natural culmination of everything we’ve watched these two experience so far. It’s a harrowing time ahead regardless, as while I imagine Sskeer’s diminished connection to the Force could help him with fighting the Leveler as its effects might not affect him much, it could prevent him from keeping his disease at bay and turn him feral. If we thought the worst was behind us for these two, I’d argue they are still ahead and I am so (not) ready.
My only other confusion in this issue was the time jump and when exactly this seems to take place in regard to the rest of the era. They reference a mission to Dalna this issue that gains them a lot of Nihil intel, though this seems to be the story to be told in February’s (it was delayed a month) Mission to Disaster, where Vernestra Rwoh and her Padawan Imri respond to an attack there and rush to rescue Avon Starros, something teased in Justina Ireland’s A Test of Courage way back in January. Is MtD set before, during, or after The Fallen Star, which is out January 4, 2022? Typically the middle-grade books are set around the same time as the adult book, so it would seem this issue is set around the same time as both books? Further supporting that idea is a panel in this issue matching art drawn by Petur Antonsson for MtD, which shows the Halcyon (aka Star Wars Hotel) ship helping out Starlight Beacon. It doesn’t change my feelings on this issue, but a little clarity is always appreciated!
Ario Anindito returns to the series next issue, so this is Georges Jeanty and team’s final issue for the moment, and what a last issue to have! Joined once again by Carlos Lopez on colors, Karl Story for inks, and Ariana Maher for lettering, the team leans into the emotional aspects of the issue, putting character faces in the forefront often, with expressive detail making their pain, anger, sadness, or resolute nature more palpable for readers beyond Cavan Scott’s stellar scrip that builds off all the amazing character work he’s done so far. Avar’s anger screams across her face as she tries pulling Lourna’s ship down, while the way Jeanty and team reveal her shame over taking Sskeer’s saber also identifies how she knows he probably has every right to do the same to her. I appreciated the usage of shadows with Sskeer’s resolute nature, accepting his fate when Avar takes his blade or when Keeve talks him out of giving up, as it adds a lot to his scaly face and his points to his internal fight. And then the hopeful looks on Avar, Sskeer, and Keeve’s faces at the end only makes me even more worried for them as we head into the ominous Wave 3 content in January. Letter Ariana Maher returns to the series, her dynamic SFX always a delight, especially with Keeve’s knocks at Sskeer’s door followed by her breaking in with the Force, as they added a little humor before the big emotional moment between the two.
Here are a few other things:
- Terec and Ceret thankfully remain in their hibernation, though Keeve still can’t sense them inside, so here’s hoping there’s some type of cure coming up and these two can recover and maybe be less of a punching bag going forward.
- Speaking of trying to figure out where things are in the High Republic’s storyline, Manor writer Chris, alongside @bhx_1138 on Twitter, have developed a living document regarding broad strokes of the era’s timeline. Great for new and old readers alike, give it a look!
- Just last week, a video game set within the High Republic era, was announced at The Game Awards: Star Wars Eclipse. As exciting as the idea of a new Star Wars video game is, especially one set in such a stellar era for the Saga, the developers behind it are led by founders who run a toxic workplace and express queerphobic and hurtful comments. It’s a poor choice by Lucasfilm Games to team with Quantic Dream on this project, given the inclusive distinction of this era from the wonderful Luminous team, who by all reports aren’t involved with the game. One can be excited about the prospect of the game, but not considering what message this sends to LGBTQIA+ members of the Star Wars community, and to LGBTQIA+ in general, would go against everything this Saga stands for. There’s a growing movement on Twitter, hashtag BlackoutStarWarsEclipse, to show support for the community and hopefully help Lucasfilm see the error of their decision, so please help spread the word to help this already marginalized community feel more accepted despite LFL’s choices.
The High Republic #12 ends its first year of content with an issue scaling back the action and focusing on the characters, who have come so far ahead of the first Phase’s end.
+ Avar’s trajectory
+ Keeve and Sskeer’s bond
+ Dealing with emotional fallout
– A little confusing at times
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 COMIC REVIEWS:
There Is No Fear: #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 — Heart of the Drengir: #6 | #7 | #8 — The Shadow of the Nihil: #9 | #10 — Jedi’s End: #11