Comic Book Review - Star Wars: The High Republic #10

Rob reviews Star Wars: The High Republic #10...

So far The High Republic has been an incredible series that's managed to capture everything that makes Star Wars great. The story has been superb with writer, Cavan Scott bringing plenty of twists and turns to his take on the Star Wars spectrum.

The story has seen all manner of trials for the Jedi of Starlight Beacon. While only just managing to see off the threat of the Drengir, the Jedi have now turned their attention back to the Nihil threat. This has seen the Jedi Keeve Trennis and Terec defect to the pirate faction. However, this is just the beginning as the young Jedi will soon face a tougher challenge. To prove her loyalty, Keeve has to execute the Hutt, Myarga - the Jedi's former ally against the Drengir.

The High Republic #10 picks off straight after the events of #9. Keeve and Terec are really in the thick of it. With Myarga's life on the line, and the whole mission to capture "The Eye" at stake, Keeve comes up with a plan that involves some clever use of the force. Whilst this distraction gives both Jedi and Myarga more time, it lands them in yet more trouble.

Star Wars: The High Republic #10 is a pretty brutal entry to the series. While the multimedia project has previously gone to some dark places, this one does so in a pretty brutal way. Cavan Scott brings this darkness out in a myriad of ways and as such we see a very different side to the universe.

This issue also places Keeve right in the middle of this brutality. Not only that, she's then asked to choose between her morals, her duty, and everything that the Jedi stand for. It's a nice touch that moves the story away from the basic light and dark. While Keeve chooses the Jedi path, there is a slight temptation as she attempts to justify why killing Myarga wouldn't be a bad choice.

At the same time, we also see Sskeer battle his demons as he finally gets an answer to why he's losing his connection to The Force. The revelation has been a long time coming and while we're going to have to wait a little while longer, I hope the payoff is worth it.

Come to the end of the issue and things aren't looking too good. Not only does Scott tie events into the recently released Trail of Shadows, but also Rising Storm and Light of the Jedi. Yes! Lourna Dee makes her surprising return and it's clear she's got a major grudge against the Jedi. Not only does Dee's inclusion spell trouble for Keeve and Terec, but she also causes trouble for the crew of the Ataraxia.

The visual presentation continues to shine. There's plenty of that classic Star Wars feel as Georges Jeanty mixes smooth and rough lines to symbolise both the Jedi and the Nihil. When The action kicks in there's plenty of fluidic moments, especially when the lightsabers get drawn. Colourwork is also very well represented. Carlos Lopez mixes light and dark palettes to symbolise the shift in perspective. The reintroduction of Dee is also a gorgeous full-page, that paints the Twi'lek with a menacing allure.

Arguably this issue is the best of the series so far. Cavan Scott packs so much into the story that I didn't want it to end. There's plenty of small detail here that goes back to previous issues, as well as the wider High Republic multimedia series. It's quite a dark instalment that's not afraid to show that more brutal side of the Star Wars universe. And considering how this issue ends...that's not a bad thing!

Rating 10/10

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

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