Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Phase III--Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone

Star Wars: The High Republic

by Daniel José Older, Alyssa Wong, Cavan Scott

This graphic novel collects the entire Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone miniseries, which tells thrilling stories of Jedi and their allies trapped behind enemy lines as they prepare for their climactic battle against the nefarious Nihil!

The marauders known as the Nihil have stranded hundreds of worlds in a part of the galaxy known as the Occlusion Zone. With communications blocked and ships unable to enter, Jedi Knights Keeve Trennis and Elzar Mann have turned to centuries-old technology to send messages of hope into the Zone.

The messages they receive in return tell stories of a growing resistance movement against Marchion Ro’s oppression. Behind the Stormwall, Jedi Knight Qort prepares for war on Eriadu; rebel fighter Ruu cultivates an unlikely ally in the enemy’s ranks; Jedi detective Emerick Caphtor investigates the origins of the Nameless alongside the diabolical Niv Drendow; and saber-for-hire Ty Yorrick hunts Nihil on the ravaged surface of Dalna.

This inspired anthology series pairs longtime Star Wars authors Daniels José Older, Alyssa Wong, and Cavan Scott with a roster of amazing illustrators, including Paris Alleyne, Valeria Favoccia, and Lucas Marangon, to bring you tales of the High Republic on the brink of war! Featuring stunning new cover art by fan-favorite artist Jake Bartok.

Collects Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Phase III--Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone #1–#4.

Genres: Star Wars, Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Space Opera

96 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

Daniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher (Scholastic), the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series (Penguin), and the upcoming Middle Grade sci-fi adventure Flood City (Scholastic). He won the International Latino Book Award and has been nominated for the Kirkus Prize, the Mythopoeic Award, the Locus Award, the Andre Norton Award, and yes, the World Fantasy Award. Shadowshaper was named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read. You can find his thoughts on writing, read dispatches from his decade-long career as an NYC paramedic and hear his music at http://danieljoseolder.net/, on youtube and @djolder on twitter.

Reviews

[Jesús De la Jara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claro, en realidad este volumen trata de todo lo referente a los intentos de comunicación entre la República y la Zona de Oclusión. Prácticamente antes del contraataque de los Jedi.
Elzar envía droides antiguos que pueden atravesar el Muro Tormenta para enviar mensajes, el primero que lo recibe es el maestro Qort quien hace un resumen a Elzar de lo que está pasando en Eiradu. Por otro lado, Driggit Parse también ha recibido de casualidad uno y su jefe le encarga poder descifrarlo. Para tratar de recuperar el droide, van Crash y Ruu al campamento Nihil, allí se enfrentarán a Driggit.
En otro lugar, el malvado Niv Drendow tiene un encuentro con el jedi investigador Emerick Caphtor y al final se encuentran con los apuntes de Azlin Rell, el ex jedi que ha estado estudiando a los Sin Nombre desde hace muchos años. Finalmente, Ty Yorrick y Drewen se ofrecen en buscar otros droides que han quedado atrapados en la Zona de Oclusión. En medio del caos aparecen Tey Sirrek y Lourna Dee. Al final, se ve el plan de ataque de la República que más o menos coincide con lo narrado en "Tentación de la fuerza" y los cómics de "Adventures".

[Tyler Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always sat for new Ty Yorrik stories. These one off stories are full of so much hope despite so many people being lost and alone in the Nihil’s Occlusion Zone. It sets up the stage for the main story going forward after this and in very much looking forward to this conclusion.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm beyond figuring out what order everything happens in during the High Republic era. The three stars for this collection are primarily for the Ty story at the end, which feature a style of art that feels unusual for SW graphic novels. Like so many High Republic books, the details in this one are mostly forgettable as soon as I've turned a page, and yet there are occasional pieces that feel like they're actually very important to the rest of the series. It's such a frustrating way to encounter a story.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up, the first comic of phase 3 so far that kinda just feels like filler

[Zettifar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion stories of 4 different sets of Jedi and their allies in the occlusion zone before the fall of the stormwall.

Personally Ty Yorrick story was the pick of the bunch for me and her finishing line sums up the end of the high republic for me , "There has been enough pain, It is time to Heal. Ty has been a character that I didn't think that much about but she has definitely shined during the phase 3 Adventures comics and has left me wishing we had gotten more of her but maybe during Phase more. Getting to see what has happened to dalna was pretty sad tbh, It use to be such a beautiful planet.

The third story on jedi master and investigator Emrick Caphtor and his capture by Niv dremdow was fun and satisfying to get a bit more of a glimpse into Niv horrible upbringing by Baron boolan. But again another character who has become completely obsessed with the Shrii Ka Rai and a need to know everything about them. But getting a pack of charhounds in this story was everything :)

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

228 BBY

This graphic novel collects Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Phase III--Dispaches from the Occlusion Zone issues #1-4 into one volume. The volume has somewhat interconnected stories, though each story sort of encompasses its own short story. The Nihil have caused many worlds to be stranded and isolated without outside contact or communication. Because of this, the Republic sends out dispatch droids (hence the title) hoping they will find those who can share the news of the isolated planets and the Nihil movements therein. We get to see plan leader, Elzar Mann, as well as some characters from other key stories, like Saber for Hire or The Battle of Eriadu.

I found this collection to be a fun way to see different perspectives with how the people on the different planets are handling the Nihil situation. The different stories all have a different sort of artistic approach, which was a fun way to make them their own self-encompassed stories. I enjoyed seeing characters seen throughout the High Republic era in a collective way that demonstrates how many are really stuck in this Nihil control situation. Overall, a fun and interesting addition to the High Republic that emphasizes the need for Jedi support.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

228 BBY.
Jedi Master Elzar Mann sends a swarm of EX droids into the Nihil Occlusion Zone to gather information from behind enemy lines. Among those who send reports back are Jedi Knight Qort, turncoat Driggit Parse, Master Emerick Caphtor and saber-for-hire Ty Yorrick.

These are effectively four linked short stories, a comic-issue each, offering some general updates about the state of the conflict with the Nihil in the run-up to its conclusion. Therefore, there's no strong through-narrative and no really major plot events on offer here and it is all very supplemental information.

However, that said, each of these stories is perfectly enjoyable in and of itself and do the job nicely of showing how, despite the Nihil's successes, that hope remains for those trapped in the Occlusion Zone.

Also, it's nice to see artist Lucas Marangon return to the Galaxy Far, Far Away, since I've enjoyed his Star Wars work for decades now.

* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Finally bringing in plots and stories from all Phase Three, wrapping up everything very nicely to prepare us for the grand finale. The High Republic is finally stepping up with the latest comics and I can't wait to see how it all ends. Also, the art is stunningly beautiful, it is ridiculous how great it looks.

[Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alright set of stories in the High Republic. Again, this paperback fell into the issue that much of Phase III has in that the timeline of events is jumbled up, and it is hard to piece together when all of this is happening in relation to the novels.

I enjoyed the parts with Emerick and Ty, the rest was just okay. Definitely not a must read, even for fans of the era.

[Mityl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The graphic style of the series is undoubtedly iconic, but the pace drops for a bit towards the end of the first half, which reduced its unputdownable quality, hence the four stars. Thanks to Edelweiss for a reviewer's copy.

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find any of this to be necessary to the overall storyline. Yes, there were fragments of plot (information being sent to places), but these stories could easily just not exist. BUT Ty Yorrick had a really bad ass moment in a full-page panel and I loved that for her lol

[Nunya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lourna used to be a murderer.
Ty used to be a monster hunter.
Ruu used to be a girl.

But they're not anymore. People can change.

[Jazmin Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good cast of characters, wish we had some Sian
Elzar Mann my man
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
(also the beginning of the end omg😭)
Also, the art of that last issue was SO GOOD!

[Tyson]

gavi crumbs

[Stronglysalty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better phase 3 comics. The stories have a point and the artwork is lovely. The only thing that’s still frustrating is knowing when to slot these in around the books.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four one off stories that set up this last batch of stories set in the High Republic. We revisit everyone trapped in the Occlusion Zone by the Nihil. It's not bad.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely fills some gaps between parts of the story I already forgot.

[Bane Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

[Declan O'Keeffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, this anthology really goes to all 4 corners of the high republic and brings them together in unexpected ways while also telling a great through story before the big finale.

Shout out to Jake Bartok on the covers!!! Ive been following his work for a while, and he earned the recognition.