Comic Book Review - Star Wars: The High Republic - Trail of Shadows #1

Rob reviews Star Wars: The High Republic - Trail of Shadows #1...

Trail of Shadows is the latest chapter within Marvel's High Republic Star Wars era. Much like the main series - The High Republic - Trail of Shadows is filled with deep characterization and a very intriguing plot. 

This 5-part series follows on from the events portrayed within The Rising Storm novel, and follows two new - and very different characters to what we've seen before.

 

During the battle of Grizal, Jedi Master Loden Greatstorm seemingly turns to dust in front of his fellow Jedi. Stellan Gios is witness to this and recruits fellow Jedi, Emerick Caphtor to investigate. While Caphtor's initial investigation leads to a dead-end, Gios is haunted by a nursery rhyme from his youth which could be the key to unlocking the mystery. Meanwhile in the bowels of Coruscant Sian Holt stumbles into her mystery. She's on the trail of her partner Keefer Branto who's meeting one of Coruscant's many gangsters deep in the bowels of the planetary city. The meeting soon goes sour as the trio is attacked by something...big. 

This opening issue ends with Caphtor and a small Republic contingency arriving on Vrant Tarum. This place holds significant value to the Nihil and it's a place where Gios is convinced will solve the mystery. Yet all Caphtor finds is a door inscribed with the words to Gios' ominous nursery rhyme. 

Writer, Daniel Jose Older kicks off this murder mystery in great fashion. The characters of Emerick Caphtor and Sian Holt are already intriguing and it's going to be interesting to see how both characters entwine through the series. Older brings plenty of characterization to his cast and adds more to the already established characters. Stellan Gios for example is seen as quite a capable Jedi Master, yet here he's shaken by what he saw on Grizel. It's small things like this that not only builds depth to the current story, it also adds plenty of layers to the whole High Republic era. 

Art comes from David Watcher who brings plenty to this already rich universe. The introductory scenes to Sian Holt show a side of Coruscant which is much different to the Jedi Temple and the Senate. Considering the city encompasses the entire planet, we've never scratched the surface. Away from Coruscant, Watcher brings everything to life in an immersive way that keeps you from turning away. Everything has that signature Star Wars look and feel to it, yet there's plenty here that'll feel fresh too. 

Overall, Star Wars: The High Republic - Trail of Shadows #1 is a great addition to the wider High Republic era. It's an accessible detective noir that doesn't rely on the reader to have read The Rising Storm. While it will certainly give you a deeper understanding of the events, Older packs in plenty of exposition to quickly get you up to speed. If anything Trail of Shadows shows the other end of the Star Wars spectrum. It's a bit seedy and isn't afraid to get its hands dirty.

Rating 9/10 

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