The High Republic #1 – “Trial By Ordeal”

For Light and Life!

This issue has two story lines; one regarding the Starlight Beacon, and the other concerning Padawan Keeve Trennis. Starlight Beacon is a space station intended to better connect the Outer Rim to the rest of the galaxy. The beacon is meant to represents unity throughout the galaxy, and it is nearing its highly anticipated dedication ceremony. Meanwhile, Padawan Keeve Trennis finds herself trudging through the forests on the planet Shuraden. It is Trennis’ story which is the focus of the issue.

The events on Starlight Beacon see Jedi Master Avar Kriss, appointed the new marshal. This appointment is a result of events which are revealed in “Light of the Jedi” (read our review here). Thinking she might receive an invitation to join the Jedi Council after her leadership during the Hetzal crisis, this new posting comes as a surprise to her.

On Shuraden, Trennis is set to begin her Jedi trials under the supervision of Master Sskeer. However, those trials are soon halted as Keeve is forced to act quickly in order to save a local city from destruction. Seeing her master’s Vector starfighter empty, she uses the autopilot to divert the threat away from the city and out into space.

After her act of heroism she and Sskeer return to the beacon in time for the dedication ceremony, and she is called to meet with Master Kriss. Believing she is to be disciplined for her actions on Shuraden, she is instead surprised with a promotion from Padawan to Jedi Knight. Overwhelmed with emotion Keeve joins the other Jedi at the ceremony, ignites her saber, and exclaims “For Light and Life!”

verdict

Overall, this was a very solid entry into this new era of Star Wars storytelling. The writing is very well done, and I was surprised by the amount of humor between the characters. The artwork, both cover and in-story, is excellent and I would expect nothing less from a high profile Star Wars property. The story begins just after the end of Light of the Jedi, but the book is not required reading to understand this issue.

Moving to the story itself, the first issue is expected to begin laying the groundwork for the overall story arc. However, it doesn’t get too bogged down with exposition, adding a good mix of action woven into the broader groundwork for the story. Keeve Trennis is an excellent new character, written in a way that highlights how one might believe an up and coming Padawan might think and act. She’s got some snark, humor, and tenacity about her that is pleasant to read. It will be very enjoyable seeing how her character grows moving forward. Not very many ‘negatives’, if any, with this introductory issue aside from perhaps Kadrii. A new character he seems meant only to annoy Trennis throughout her trials. It does allow for some funny internal thoughts to come through in the writing, but the character acts more like pest then any sort of sidekick (if only a short-lived sidekick).

In conclusion, a very enjoyable entry into this new timeline for Star Wars with great writing, artwork, and characters befitting the franchise. We’re very excited to see how this story unfolds!

Score: 9 out of 10