Comic Book Review - Star Wars: The High Republic #4

Rob reviews Star Wars: The High Republic #4...

I'm thoroughly enjoying The High Republic. Its storytelling doesn't have to rely on any previous lore, and to an extent writer, Cavan Scott is crafting his masterpiece away from the mainstream Star Wars series. 

Set way before the dark days of the Republic that lead to the rise of the Galactic Empire. The High Republic focuses on both the Republic and its Jedi Knights who are both at the height of their power. It's not all glamorous as the Jedi are dealing with various foes such as the pirate-like Nihil and the sentient plant - The Drengir.

Issue #3 of The High Republic saw the Jedi investigating Sedri Minor after the events onboard the Hutt starship that had been attacked by the Nihil back in issue #2. The Jedi's search then turns into a rescue mission as the inhabitants of the planet inform them of various missing people - including the Jedi Knight, Ceret. The Series protagonist, Jedi Knight Keeve Trennis then joins forces with a local to investigate the disappearances. Together they manage to find both the missing people and Ceret, but the duo came across something more sinister. The Drengir, a sentient plant-like creature had not only taken control of Ceret but also Sskeer - Trennis's own Master. 

With this revelation, The High Republic #4 opens up 6-years in the past. This flashback (much like previous flashbacks) features Keeve - who's still a Padawan, in training with her Master the Trandoshan Jedi Master Sskeer. Scott gives us a lot of insight into both Keeve and Sskeers relationship as  Keeve's future thoughts reflect over the flashback. We also see a different side to the Jedi Master who's less conflicted with the Dark-Side temptations that have subtly plagued him so far. We're then thrown back into the present as the now Drengir possessed Sskeer makes his move against the Jedi. 

We also see the difference in the diplomacy of both Keeve and Jedi Master Avar Kriss. Keeve is the more diplomatic of the two who tries to appeal to Sskeer's memories of their past experiences. Whereas Avar, as good as chastises her fellow Jedi for giving into the Drengir's temptation. In true villain style, neither way works and the Drengir - through Sskeer delves into its history.

We learn that the Drengir once spread its self through the galaxy with the help of a group of beings who wield red lightsabers. Before too long the Drengir is betrayed by its allies and where placed within a stasis until they were awoken by the Jedi. 

Scott slows things down for this issue as we learn more about Drengir and Sskeer's past and motivations. It's also interesting to see the Sith (and, or the Dark-Side) creep ever more into the story as the Drengir corrupted Sskeer reveals the creature's secrets. The Hutt corpse mystery also deepens as the Jedi learn that the creature was killed before the events seen in issue #2. The art continues to play a pivotal role and each panel is packed to the brim with detail. When the action kicks off, everything has that Star Wars feel and is filled with gorgeous, yet flashy lightsaber fun. The High Republic is everything any Star Wars fan would want, and a lot more. 

Rating 10/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev