Comic Book Review - Star Wars: The High Republic #6

Rob reviews Star Wars: The High Republic #6...

Marvel's High Republic series keeps going from strength to strength. Throughout the last six issues writer Cavan Scott has given us a stellar story that's not only slowly ramping up its tension - there's also no sight or mention of those pesky Sith. 

That's what makes Star Wars: The High Republic a compelling read. Its story doesn't rely on the events of the films, and as such it gives Scott a far grander scope to tell his story.

Over the last few issues, we've seen the Jedi's war with the plant-like Drengir go from bad to worse. Not only did the Drengir manage to attack the Jedi where they're most powerful - The Starlight Beacon. The resulting Jedi offensive at Sedri Minor also resulted in a somewhat muted victory. As such leaving the Drengir unchecked would spell certain doom for both the Outer Rim, but also the Republic too.

The last issue saw the Jedi form an uneasy alliance with the local Hutt Cartel. Who, well have a vastly different modus operandi to the heroic Jedi. With the battle now taking place on Daivak, Jedi Master Avar Kriss and the Hutt Myarga struggle to keep the planet from falling into Drengir hands. Meanwhile, the Jedi Council have taken an interest in what's happening out on the Rim. Whilst Kriss and Myarga's alliance is working, Master Gios seems unconvinced. 

The rest of this action-packed issue then deals with both Sskeer and Keeve's Master/ Padawan relationship. While Keeves desperate act (as seen in issue #5) held off the Drengir at Sedri Minor, it almost certainly cost Sskeer his life. 

Star Wars: The High Republic #6 is a fantastic read from cover to cover. Cavan Scott throws quite a lot at the reader throughout. What struck me is that the classic 'prequel trilogy' Jedi arrogance is starting to show. This is mainly seen from Master Gios with his condemnation of the Alliance with Myarga, and seemingly having full faith in the Jedi - who up until this point have been struggling to contain the threat. It's an interesting take that somewhat mirrors Myarga's bravado within the opening pages. Maybe the Jedi and the Hutts have more in common than either realises?

Scott also dives into the Master/Padawan relationship between Sskeer and Keeve. It's been great to see these two characters develop over the series and to see the young Padawan not willing to write off her Master is quite touching. Considering that Keeve also risks her life - and Starlight Beacon to save Sskeer is also an admiral feat. 

The art team of Georges Jeanty, Karl Story, and Annalisa Leonie give us some fantastic visuals of both the alliance and the Drengir doing their thing. It's always unnerving to see the Drengir stick their roots through people and the team here deliver that 'horror' aspect in..well quite a horrific way. We're also treated to some classic Star Wars action as Avar Kriss slices and dices her way through the plant-like Drengir. The scenes between Keeve and Sskeer are also cleverly designed and as such they give off a somewhat mystical-dreamlike feel with plenty of purples and blues. 

The full-page reveal of the 'Great Progenitor' is just a wonderful piece of work. This not only highlights a future battle but also shows just how ferocious this enemy is. 

All in all Star Wars: The High Republic #6 is a turning point within the High Republic story. At the forefront, the Jedi/Hutt Alliance now have the location of the Drengir 'leader' thanks to the intervention of Sskeer and Keeve. Yet with the Trandoshan's connection to The Force waining - at what cost does this victory come? 

Rating 10/10 

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