Comic Book Review - Star Wars: The High Republic #5

Rob reviews Star Wars: The High Republic #5...

An uneasy alliance, a new threat, and Master Sskeer's secret is finally revealed...It's just another day at the office for the Jedi! 

Set 200 years before the events of 'The Skywalker Saga', Star Wars: The High Republic doesn't need to rely on too much-established lore to tell its story. And as such we're able to explore a more expanded story within this far away galaxy. So far The High Republic has seen the Republic expand its influence into The Outer Rim - a lawless territory that falls under the jurisdiction of the Hutt clans and their criminal enterprises. 

Naturally, the Hutt's don't take too kindly to the Republic (and the Jedi) meddling with their business and an uneasy tension between the two sides has been simmering away in the background. However, the discovery of the Drengir on Sedri Minor has forced both sides into an uneasy alliance. And so writer Cavan Scott gives us another masterclass in Star Wars storytelling.

Star Wars: The High Republic #5 opens up with the Hutt Myarga the Benevolent demanding that the Jedi vacate Sedri Minor. Whilst Sedri Minor isn't in Hutt controlled space, the colonialists signed a treaty with the Hutts to protect the planets Bacta supply. This doesn't go down well with Sskeer who under Drengir possession attacks Myarga the Benevolent. This then leads to an all-out brawl as the Jedi battle against Myarga's forces and her pretty impressive Rancor. As both sides battle to a natural stalemate, Avar Kriss convinces Myarga that neither side can successfully defeat the Drengir on their own. Initially sceptical, word soon reaches Myarga of other Hutt worlds falling to the Drengir and so the two sides team-up.

Sskeer is also battling his inner demons as the Trandoshan deals with his possession by the Drengir. There's a great deal of to and fro as Sskeer switches between himself and the Drengir (all portrayed with black speech bubbles). Keeve's also not willing to give up on her Master and goes to some pretty extreme lengths to save him. In previous issues, Scott has touched upon Sskeer's secret and it's in the closing parts of this issue that all is revealed. It's a touching moment between the two Jedi and adds a lot of character to both Sskeer and Keeve. 

Cavan Scott is truly writing a masterpiece with The High Republic. He's not only diving into a pivotal moment in both the Republic and the Jedi's history, but he's also giving us plenty of unexpected moments. Anyone who's a Star Wars fan wouldn't expect the Jedi and the nefarious Hutts to team up, yet here they do. It's two very different sides, with very different agendas teaming up for the preservation of their interests - maybe they're not so different after all...

Ario Anindito art is solid throughout and gives off that signature Star Wars look and feel. The fight between the Jedi and the Hutts is a great choreographed piece. It's full of flashy lightsaber action that highlights the Jedi's power and the ruthlessness of the Hutts. Each scene is packed with detail with great attention to facial expressions that bring Scott's writing to life. 

How this alliance plays out is anyone's guess yet, Star Wars: The High Republic is shaping up to be something truly wonderful.

Rating 10/10 

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