Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, Vol. 1

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures (2021) (Collected Editions)

by Daniel José Older, Harvey Tolibao (Illustrator)

Two hundred years before the events of the Skywalker Saga, the galaxy is experiencing unparalleled peace--until a new enemy threatens everything the Jedi have built.

In the days of the High Republic, the Jedi are at the height of their power. But the emergence of the piratical, anarchic Nihil proves that even the most successful peace is fragile, and the Jedi's influence is neither as pervasive nor as benevolent as they would believe.

Now Lula, Farzal, and Qort, inexperienced Jedi Padawans, must help the inhabitants of Trymant IV in the wake of a Nihil attack. All the while, they'll face suspicion and outright opposition from a group of subversive citizens who resent and fear the Jedi. Two of those citizens, Zeen and Kriz, will have to decide whether to accept the Padawans' aid or try to save the day on their own.

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures is part of a broader publishing initiative exploring a mysterious, bygone era of the Galactic Republic through comics and prose.

Collects Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures issues #1-5.

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

122 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 2021

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

[Jim C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part of the "High Republic" series and takes place before the novella Race To Crashpoint Tower. This collection has characters from that book. In this one, the Nihil attack a planet that despises force users. The Jedi rush in and discover a girl who lives on this planet and is strong in the force.

I liked this collection which is meant for the younger audience. I liked it more than I did the novella that this collection ties in with. My complaint with the novella is that I had no character connection. I had connection with the characters in this collection whether they were Jedi or Nihil. I thought this was a nice prequel to the novella as it tells the story of what happened to the characters. In the novella it mentioned these incidents several times and it never landed. As for the artwork it isn't the best but it works for the target audience that this meant for. It is very colorful as the colors pop from the page.

I haven't been a big fan of this series from this universe. I believe the character exploration has been weak. That being said, the two comic collections I have read from this series has done a serviceable job with character exploration. I also believe that this collection highlights one of the major problems with this series. This series wants everything to tie in with each other which I have no problem. The problem is the release order and trying to keep up with the series. This collection was released after the novella. The novella references the incidents that happen in this collection and it did not work since I wasn't able to read about these incidents. Now I am backtracking and it is affecting my enjoyment. Maybe Disney is taking on a too great of a scope of events with all the crossovers with novels, short stories, and comics. If they trimmed it a little maybe I would enjoy the offerings a little more.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place just before Race to Crashpoint Tower. It us where Luka and Zeen meet. A good story and very good artwork. Quite a lot of battles both space and on the ground, but these fo seem a bit rushed. Some important points that lead into the Rising Storm. Also a clue why Yoda is not in the main stories.

I love the continuity in the books fispite the format. A comic will lead to a book, which will lead to a the main novels. I also like his the books and novels are on both forks in the story.

[myo ⋆｡˚ ❀ * · Rating 3 out of 5]

not sure i’ll keep up with high republic adventures at least for phase one because i kinda didn’t care about anything going on… sorry 😭

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This comic is written for younger children. It takes place before the middle grade novel Race to Crashpoint Tower. It's about a force sensitive girl, Zeen, who meets up with some Jedi while her best friend takes off with the Nihil. A lot of the story is just her hanging out with the other Padawans. It's OK, but lost most of my interest early on.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story that was exciting but felt like it crammed way too much into too few pages making the relatively complex character development seem rushed and less meaningful. It also is part of a larger series so it doesn't feel like a standalone and some of the backstory therefore seems opaque and the character's actions seem to make less sense. On the plus side the art is kinetic and clear and we get a lot of Yoda time!

**Thanks to the author, artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free coy in exchange for an honest review.

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

Los cómics de "The High Republic Adventures" de la Fase 1 van a seguir a la padawan Lula Talisola. La historia está, aproximadamente, en la misma línea temporal que el cómic principal "The High Republic" y el libro "Luz de los Jedi".
Este volumen empieza cuando pedazos del desastre de Hetzal amenazan el sistema planetario Trymant IV. La nave más cercana es la "Star Hopper" donde está la protagonista Lula Talisola (padawan del maestro Kantam Sy), con el maestro Yoda y Torban Buck (quien es sanador) y sus amigos padawans Qort y Farzala Tarabal. Esta será la primera misión de Lula.
En el planeta están Zeen Mrala y su amigo Krix Kamerat. Zeen puede usar la fuerza pero los ancianos de su clan la disuaden de hacerlo y por ello hasta ahora recién usará sus habilidades.
El ataque de los Nihil no se hace esperar y de eso tratará el volumen. Me sorprendió mucho que Marchion Ro se encuentra tan rápido con Yoda. Interesante que incluye algunas láminas que explican naves, rangos y otros temas a lo largo del cómic.
La manera de contar la historia no fue de mi total agrado aunque el argumento es algo interesante.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

note #1: I read all 5 single issues but wanted to write a collective review
note #2: actual rating is 3.5 *

The High Republic Adventures is an enjoyable middlegrade comic-run which offers a visually clever experience and uses the medium to its full advantage. However, it suffers from very convoluted fighting scenes and a weak fourth issue. I wasn't the target audience for this and the art just wasn't my taste, but I still had a good time reading the series since it spun a nice emotional arc from its first to fifth issue. I also really enjoyed that Marchion Ro as well as Starlight Beacon's Jedi made an appearance and I'm intrigued by the decisions they made.

I'll definitely keep reading the series and grab a physical copy of the Volume as well. If you want to get the full High Republic experience, you shouldn't miss out on this story but keep in mind that it is targeted at younger readers.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Vol. 1 was a fun story that bridges the gap between some of the other High Republic releases. I really loved our two main characters, Lula and Zeen. It would have been great to get just a smidge more character development, particularly of Lula's friends Farzal and Qort. Overall, though, this was a really enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.

[katie :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

yoda’s jawline made me feel icky but buckets of blood made me feel whole again

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced tale of star-crossed...buddies, I guess?



The line-heavy art was a refreshing change of pace, I found myself enjoying it even if I was occasionally lost amidst the details.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a surprisingly good little story. In contrast to so much of the High Republic books, which try to do too much in one book or tell only part of a story, this one stays focused on a limited number of characters, and the conflict between Krix and Zeen feels weighty by the final pages. I enjoyed seeing Marchion as the primary antagonist, away from the tempest runners. Elder Tromak's revelation that he and Yoda knew each other many years before during the war on Dalna is a great connection to Phase 2, but it wouldn't have meant anything when this book came out and there was not yet a Phase 2. I really think reading the High Republic according to story chronology rather than publication order makes the most sense.

What exactly does Yoda put in his delicious pastry treats?

[☮ morgan ☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Only those who wish to be rescued, are we able to save."

This gave me old Star Wars comics vibes.

[Holly (The GrimDragon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

BUCKETS OF BLOOOOOD!!!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like that arc of the clone wars where Yoda took the younglings to Ilum, but better. I also love that there’s a Jedi whose nickname is Buckets of Blood because he’s a healer and wants to keep buckets of blood IN people’s bodies.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jedi head to Trymant V to prevent Nihil attack. There are two youths there, longtime friends, Krix and Zeen. Krix has protected Zeen for years, and they care a lot for each other. Trymant V is also a planet with no love for the Jedi, and Zeen’s had a secret for years—she can sense and wield the Force.

The Nihil are also headed to Trymant V to find something, and the Jedi and Nihil clash, with Zeen preventing a disaster by using the Force, and breaking Krix’s trust in her. He leaves with the Nihil and one of Trymant’s leaders, furious with Zeen, and blaming her for his now dangerous situation.

Zeen is welcomed to Starlight Beacon, and feels accepted for the first time in her life. She and Lula and other young Jedi padawans become good friends as Zeen gets a chance to learn properly about the Force. Meanwhile Krix continues to behave as if all of his unfortunate choices and precarious position aboard Marchion Ro’s ship is totally Zeen’s fault.

The action is fast, and artwork is kinetic, and I liked how the author drew parallels between Zeen’s and Krix’s experiences, respectively, aboard the Beacon and the Nihil ship, while also contrasting how Zeen blossomed, and Krix became a smaller, meaner, and more cruel version of himself.

I anticipate Marchion Ro will continue to use Krix’s weak mind against him, while dealing the Republic and the Jedi more reversals.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s like 3.5⭐️. It’s entertaining but definitely more for a younger audience, which is great! The art was pretty good too.

[Alexandrine D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so good!! I am loving these new characters and can't wait to see where this is going

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally Yoda has actually shown up instead of being inconveniently away and unable to easily solve a problem that otherwise takes a whole novel to solve (every other High Republic entry so far).

Stoked to get into these comics.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vaguely female ethnic lead #3 in the new Star Wars universe, and the most uselessly undefined one yet. Combine childish and clunky art with poor dialogue (variations of 'We Got this', 'You got this', 'I've got this' appear multiple times per issue it seems) and overly emotional psychobabble make for a Bad read.

[emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked this a lot !!! the parallels between zeen and krix were really interesting and i’m excited to see where this story goes.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine as a low commitment sampling of Star Wars’s new High Republic era. The setting and new Nihil baddies are intriguing enough to check out some of the non-YA books and comics, but the story here is ultimately too juvenile for me to care about. Amid a much larger catastrophe, the main character’s two big worries are “is my best friend going to be mad at me over a misunderstanding?” and “will this new group of people I have to go with be nice to me?” It also has the sort of YA protagonist who’s preternaturally the most talented at everything they try but also deeply insecure that they’ll fail. I could see this being a great read along with someone younger, and I’m glad for the quick glimpse at High Republic stuff, but I don’t think I’ll continue for myself. I’m similarly mixed on the art; the ink lines are thick and busy in a way that sometimes reminds me of James Stokoe’s distinctive style (which I love) and sometimes feels blander, like the purposeful lines of a coloring book.

[Melvyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN!

Firstly, I adored the artwork! The drawing style is a nice blend of old school comic book and modern day comics. The variety of aliens was great. There were a lot of picturesque moments in this collection, including the side-by-side panels.

Speaking of the side-by-sides panels, I enjoyed the parallel storylines of Zeen and Krix. It was a very entertaining way to follow both the Jedi storyline and the Nihil machinations simultaneously. In many ways, it reminded me of Lost Stars by Claudia Gray (which I also highly recommend).

Finally, Zeen was absolutely enchanting and adorable. I would love to read more of her adventures in the future. And Krix is not to be underestimated either, his story appealed more to my curiosity. And without going into any spoilers, there are other awesome characters in this comic series that I am always very happy to see!

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the author, the publishers and the NetGalley team for providing me with an Advanced copy. I cherished this opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.

[Brett Wyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is an interesting one. Jedi and Nihil go at it on Trymant IV. Meanwhile, there's a group of locals who hate Jedi but has a force user among them. I like but don't particularly love the characters and the storytelling was very juvenile. 3 stars

[Mangrii · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 / 5

En 2021 Star Wars emprendió una nueva etapa en su canon, situada dos siglos antes de La amenaza fantasma, en un proyecto de comics y libros que pretenden contar una historia interconectada. Una de esas piezas es Star Wars Adventures, una serie de comics middle-grade escrita por Daniel José Older y dibujada por Harvey Tolibao con la ayuda de Pow Rodrix y Manuel Bracchi.

La historia nos lleva hasta el planeta Trymant IV, cuando los peligrosos piratas Nihil han atacado la ciudad. Sin embargo, la nave Star Hopper está cerca junto a los jóvenes padawans que viajan a bordo. Durante el rescate, una habitante llamada Zeen revela su sensibilidad a la fuerza, algo prohibido en su pueblo, y que ni su mejor amigo Krix conocía. Krix, sintiendo una extraña traición, huye junto a los Nihil mientras Zeen se une a la joven padawan Lula Talisola y la Starlight Beacon.

Los cinco números que componen este primer tpb resultan una agradable y divertida presentación de nuevos personajes, ofreciendo una experiencia visual inteligente (aunque a veces enrevesada de leer) y repleta de color. La serie, orientada a su público más infantil, no es profunda en el desarrollo de personajes ni intrigas, pero sí que resulta agradable y la aparición de personajes como Yoda o Marchion Ro la enriquecen.

Este primer arco de la serie nos enseña esos jedis en pleno aprendizaje, su camaradería y como buscan su lugar en el mundo. Todo resulta bastante orgánico, con más momentos de comedia tonta que otros, pero con un pequeño y sutil mensaje sobre la manipulación. Lo que más me ha gustado, aparte de conocer nuevos personajes, ha sido las dosis de color. La gama explosiva de Rebecca Nalty entra por los ojos como la verdadera estrella del comic.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I had read everything our library had from High Republic phase 1, but I found this comic collection when searching to see if they had the first book of phase 2 or not. I decided to give it a shot, even though I’m not a huge fan of comics, because I was curious how the HR Adventures comics differed from the others I’d seen before.

First off: I really really did not like the drawing style and panel design of this one. It was incredibly chaotic and made it very hard to follow the story, especially in any kind of fight scene. It felt like there was barely any narrative in some parts. And the way Yoda was drawn here is…creepy.

Second: the fact that Zeen is introduced here made me annoyed all over again at how HR doesn’t bother to properly introduce its characters and instead assumes you’ve read everrrrything. And honestly, I pretty much did, except for comics, and it was *still* hard for me to follow. I read most of Older’s novel Midnight Horizon without knowing that Zeen had purple head tendrils, which should be an absolutely basic part of describing her, but I guess since she’d been carefully drawn here, he didn’t write her in equally as much detail. This was a repeated problem in the books; I think knowing that a comics version of the character exists made the authors way less conscientious about drawing a picture in your mind with words. Same thing with Marchion Ro—I read all of HR phase 1 without getting the idea that he had an actual eye painted on his helmet, as is shown here.

Third: I just found these boring. Stopped partway through and almost DNFd. Finished just so that I could write this review and remember I didn’t like it, in case I forgot, saw it again sometime, and checked my GoodReads to verify whether I’d read it.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found High Republic Yoda! Finally! Been waiting to see what's he's been up to...
This Volume of High Republic Adventures takes place after "Light of the Jedi" and deals a bit with the Hyperspace Incident. But the majority of the story revolves a bunch of Padawans going with Master Yoda and a Jedi Master they call "Buckets of Blood" (because of how much of a healer he is, not a brutal savage) to investigate a Nihil attack on Trymant IV. They intersect stories with two kids from that planet, Zeen, who demonstrates Force abilities, and Krix, who joins the Nihil working specifically for Marchion Ro.
The story is well written (excellent Star Wars author) but is primarily a juvenile book, so it's not crazy lore heavy. It's great to see visual representations of both the Nihil and Jedi, and this book does a great job working with the other lore seen in the adult and teen level novels. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to continue on and see what happens next.

Recommend.


Side Note: I would like to bring up one of the padawans here, for the long time Star Wars fans, especially those who remember 'Legacy Era SW Stuff'. Padawan Qort.... is that a Vonduun crab shell on his head? Is he Yuuzhan Vong? Maybe a recipient of some of the same upbringing that Darth Krayt experienced? Just through me a bit. If you caught the same, comment and we can talk about it.

[Parker J · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Originally read monthly as single issues*

I used to love Star Wars so much, but in recent years I really haven't been that into it. Honestly...I hate what Disney has done with Star Wars for the most part and most of the Star Wars movies, books, and comics that have come out in recent years have been very...okay. Also, I started watching Star Trek

But I decided to pick this series up because it sounded really fun and I was excited that they decided to do a bunch of stories set in the High Republic Era. I want more Jedi stories not the depressing shit that comes later down the timeline. I'm glad I decided to read this, while it didn't shape up to be anything amazing it was very fun! Something that has been lacking in a lot of the Star Wars things I've tried out. Also, the art is STUNNING.

This series kind of lacks character development but the plot is fun and the characters are interesting so I will check out the next issues.

[TaunTaunTalk_de · Rating 3 out of 5]

In diesem Comic welcher in der Hohen Republik Zeit angelegt ist lernen wir die beiden Freunde Zeen und Krix kennen welche auf dem Planeten Trymant IV leben und dort eigentlich ein unbeschwertes Leben leben. Zumindest bis zu der großen Hyperraum Katastrophe, wodurch nun unzählige Trümmerteile auf ihre Heimatwelt stürzen. Aber Rettung naht, und zwar wie kann es anders sein durch die Jedi. Denn ein Jedi Kreuzer befindet sich in Rufweite zu dem Planeten. Dieses Schiff, welches zur Ausbildung von Padawane genutzt wird, eilt natürlich sofort zur Hilfe. Angeführt werden die Padawane nicht nur von anderen Jedi Rittern und Meistern, auch unser kleiner grüner Freund Yoda befindet sich an Bord und leitet diesen Einsatz jetzt. Unsere beiden Hauptfiguren Zeen und Krix werden bei diesem Durcheinander voneinander getrennt. Zeen schließt sich den Jedi an, da sie ebenfalls starke Machtfähigkeiten besitzt, welche sie aber auf ihrer Heimatwelt nie ausüben durfte. Der kleine Krix wird von den Nihil aufgenommen, welche sich ebenfalls auf dem Planeten aufhalten. Und so bekommen wir ein Abenteuer auf beiden Seiten präsentiert. Wir sehen die Jedi und die Nihil gegenübergestellt und erfahren so einiges mehr über die beiden Gruppierungen der Hohen Republik. Die Geschichte nimmt uns mit nach Ord Mantell und zur Starlight Station, von dort geht es immer hin und her. Die Geschichte hat mich gut unterhalten und ich hatte meinen Spaß. Allerdings lässt sie uns mit einem kleinen Cliffhanger zurück und die Panels sind manchmal vollgepackt mit gefühlt allen enthaltenen Charakteren, die in dieser Story enthalten sind. Wobei mich das nicht groß gestört hat, aber übersichtlich ist was anderes. Was ich genau meine solltet, ihr auf jeden Fall selber herausfinden, denn ich kann sagen, mit den 120 Seiten Star Wars Comic macht man nichts falsch.
Danke fürs Dranbleiben und bis zum nächsten Mal.
Möge die Macht mit euch sein!
In Liebe, euer Matze.

[Nate Balcom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #20 of my #30BookSummer Challenge! Though aimed at a younger audience, I really enjoyed the side-by-side storytelling of this series. Jedi Master Buck aka "Buckets of Blood," is a fabulous addition to the pantheon of High Republic Jedi. I look forward to seeing how this wave of comics ties into the second wave of novels.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't realise this was middle grade level until I started it. Very basic and immature story as you can imagine and strictly for completionists in my opinion if reading as an adult. I didn't get on with the art style at all either, just too much going on in each page, it was hard to define at times what was even happening in the art work.