– Spoiler Review –
The High Republic #11 might be lite on answers, but it’s an action-packed, emotional ride by Cavan Scott and team as the Jedi race against time to save their own from Lourna Dee’s latest chaos inducing plans.
It didn’t take long for the Jedi’s undercover mission into the Nihil to go awry, but it swiftly and thoroughly went to hell last issue when Lourna Dee arrived. Fresh off her own forced sojourn, Lourna’s deadly instincts are honed for mass chaos, no longer willing to let others tell her what to do and ready to take over and/or be at Marchion Ro’s side, never underneath again. In the short time since she was picked up by Zeetar, she’s managed to have the Leveler, Marchion’s Jedi neutralizing creature, brought under her control to use against the unsuspecting Keeve Trennis and Terec. The fact Marchion was willing to let her borrow the Leveler, under Dr. Uttersound’s watch of course, shows her push for equality with Ro is working. We’ve seen what the Leveler can do to the Jedi, especially Loden Greatstorm’s petrified body now visually witnessed in the spooky Trail of Shadows #1, but we get a little more detail on how it feels/works against them as Terec/Ceret suffer and Keeve, kept alive since the Nihil still need more breathing Jedi subjects, survives it, like Bell Zettifar did. It’s curious how the Leveler induces memory loss to some degree in those it touches, but doesn’t turn fully, as Keeve can’t quite recall the monstrosity in the box even though the issue starts with her mad scramble away from it, the art in the panels suggesting a sphere of influence of sorts emanating from the beast. As for Terec/Ceret, the bond twins’ connection gives Ceret a chance to answer Sskeer and Avar Kriss’ pressing questions aboard the Ataraxia before subduing themselves into a meditative trance, telling them the Leveler induces a total absence of the Force, like the ysalamir of Legends-past, and instead of the Force or each other, they only feel a void. It’s not all necessarily new information, as The Rising Storm’s few pages throughout with the Leveler reveal much of the same via several characters, but the more Jedi who encounter it, hear about it, and survive it might help the rest of the Order prepare for it, though I suspect most of the pertinent details, like likely buried Jedi history, will come from Emerick Caphtor and Sian Holt’s investigation in the Trail of Shadows miniseries.
Keeve’s reaction, and the hollowing of the Force, leave her sure fear is all there is, but she doesn’t have to tremble long as Ceret guides the Ataraxia to Xais, where Sskeer, fresh off whatever devastating news he learned from Starlight Beacon’s doctor, doesn’t hold back saving his ex-apprentice. It’s a reckless regard for life, Sskeer shooting down Nihil with the intention to kill and carving his blade through the few Nihil too loyal to run, something we haven’t seen the Jedi of the High Republic display yet, and it shocks Avar Kriss. With the Force leaving Sskeer, the answer why still aggravatingly out of reach even this issue, he’s not as concerned with his actions anymore, likely believing there’s no way back to the Force so why bother staying beholden to its ideals, especially when a friend’s life is on the line. It’s not out of anger Sskeer tears his way through the Nihil, only protection of someone he cares about, but Avar Kriss sees his actions and believes it to be the dark side, though she doesn’t stop him (even helping him at one point, as far as I could tell when Zeetar’s hammer is held by the Force) as his rush helps save Keeve and potentially Terec from utter destruction, while giving Kriss a chance to bring Lourna Dee to justice. Dee might be flying away, but Kriss reaches out with the Force, attempting to pull her back down to capture her once and for all!
The action-packed issue leaves readers wanting more, much like last issue’s cliffhanger with the Leveler’s appearance, as I’m eager to see Kriss and Dee battle one another. The Nihil leader seems proficient with the lightsaber and she held her own against Jedi during the events of The Rising Storm, so even for all of Kriss’ might, it should be an epic clash, though I have a suspicion Dee will manage to get away, again, but I hope not! And as for the fates of Terec/Ceret? Hopefully Caphtor can find enough info to help the Jedi reverse the effects its already had on the bond-twins, but as the overall story heads into its darkest sounding chapter yet, with all the ominous titles of Wave III’s books out in January, my hopes are too high things will go well.
Georges Jeanty continues for art, with Carlos Lopez & Jesus Arburtov as colorists, and Karl Story, Victor Olazaba, & Mark Morales as inkers, while Travis Lanham letters once again. There are more panels here that I liked than didn’t, but it’s hard to ignore some art problems this issue, like where last issue Avar looked like a child in one panel but in this one there are moments where her face is a round circle with lines for facial features, almost like stick figures I’m barely able to draw myself. Other than that, Sskeer at least looked a little less scrunched together/hunched, which was good timing considering his more starring role this issue, leaping from his Vector into the crowd of Nihil, crashing in masks, and cutting Zeetar’s machine in half, some of my favorite panels from the team. The tears on Keeve’s face are excessive in some panels, but the look of fear on her face as she’s under the Leveler’s influence certainly brings home the horror of the moment, while the tunnel-like, bubble-almost effect it has on her vision is haunting, from how Dee looks like a shadowy monster herself (not too far off, actually), while Terec looks like a mushed, wavy mess, the Leveler’s influence making it look far worse than what those not under its influence see, though I guess the creature is messing with the Force so hence the distortion of vision and senses. It’s a neat effect I’m looking to seeing more of, even knowing it means more pain for our Jedi heroes. Dee once again looked imposing and it might be my favorite depiction of this team’s work, from her decked out gear, impressive arms, and intense growl.
Here are a few other things:
- In the last few days, rumors have swirled regarding what Star Wars movie we’ll actually see in December 2023, as it seems Rogue Squadron will be delayed to make sure it’s right/the director can fulfill her other commitments, so what will take it’s place? The going consensus in rumors and reports: The High Republic era set film! Whether it’s true or not remains to be seen, but for now, I put together an article looking at a bunch of ideas and theories on what a The High Republic film might entail!
- We’re drawing ever closer to Phase I, Wave III’s release in January, so get yourselves mentality prepared for whatever pain this team has in store for us!
The High Republic #11 sets up for a big issue next month with another cliffhanger moment, this time the imminent battle between Avar Kriss and Lourna Dee, while hopefully the truth about Sskeer stops being teased out.
+ Sskeer unleashed
+ More Leveler effects
+ Promise of even bigger action and answers next issue
– Some art panels
– Maybe too action-packed for its own good
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