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Star Wars: The High Republic
Star Wars: The High Republic - The Edge of Balance: Precedent
The next phase of the interconnected cross-publisher initiative, Star Wars: The High Republic, an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling.
In the all-new era of the glorious HIGH REPUBLIC, the noble and wise Jedi Knights must face a frightening threat to themselves, the galaxy, and to the Force itself…
Long before the Nihil cast their shadow over the Republic, an unexpected encounter threatened the Jedi Knights and their exploration of the Outer Rim. An encounter so mystifying the aftermath still ripples through the galaxy…
© & TM 2022 LUCASFILM LTD
Copyright © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
One hundred and fifty years before Starlight Beacon shone its light into the Outer Rim, the galaxy was filled with new threats and Nameless unknowns. Banchii is still unexplored when the young Wookiee Jedi Arkoff journeys to Dalna to aid his fellow Jedi in the fight against the secretive faction the Path of the Open Hand.
Along with his former Master Ravna and her droid ZZ, Arkoff joins the fight at the Battle of Dalna, and during the struggle a terrifying threat emerges. Arkoff’s longtime friend, Jedi Knight Azlin, falls victim to an unseen force whose effect on the Jedi is unlike anything previously encountered. Will Arkoff’s past come back to haunt him, or will it be the key to tilting the balance in their fight again the Nihil over a century later?
In the all-new era of the glorious HIGH REPUBLIC, the noble and wise Jedi Knights must face a frightening threat to themselves, the galaxy, and to the Force itself…
Long before the Nihil cast their shadow over the Republic, an unexpected encounter threatened the Jedi Knights and their exploration of the Outer Rim. An encounter so mystifying the aftermath still ripples through the galaxy…
© & TM 2022 LUCASFILM LTD
Copyright © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
One hundred and fifty years before Starlight Beacon shone its light into the Outer Rim, the galaxy was filled with new threats and Nameless unknowns. Banchii is still unexplored when the young Wookiee Jedi Arkoff journeys to Dalna to aid his fellow Jedi in the fight against the secretive faction the Path of the Open Hand.
Along with his former Master Ravna and her droid ZZ, Arkoff joins the fight at the Battle of Dalna, and during the struggle a terrifying threat emerges. Arkoff’s longtime friend, Jedi Knight Azlin, falls victim to an unseen force whose effect on the Jedi is unlike anything previously encountered. Will Arkoff’s past come back to haunt him, or will it be the key to tilting the balance in their fight again the Nihil over a century later?
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
19 people are currently reading
3324 people want to read
About the author
Daniel José Older
178 books1,965 followersDaniel 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 31, 2024
This is a manga comic collection that is a stand alone story. In this one a droid is standing guard for many years over a Jedi document. The droid tells the story of how he got there. Basically this collection is a story of the present and also a story of the past told thru flashbacks.
I am definitely in the minority on this one as this did not do much for me. First off let me say I am not into manga so maybe that is why. The only manga I have consumed is the offerings in this universe. There were a couple of aspects I did like about this collection. I thought the author did a terrific job of linking the past with the present which is phase I and phase II in the High Republic series. This worked. There were also a couple of characters that I did like. The droid was pretty cool and I liked the antagonist. Both of these characters are involved in the past and the present. On the subject of characters we follow a Wookie during this adventure. The problem with this is they do not speak a readable language and the time with him was more just illustrations. I had a hard time connecting with him. Speaking of the artwork that is where this collection lost me. It was confusing as the illustrator attempted to convey the frenetic pace of the action. The problem was I had no idea what was going on and I could not follow it at all. I read pages where I had no idea where the story was going.
There were several factors why I did not like this collection and why I seem to be alone with the level of enjoyment from this collection. I am not a fan of manga and I have not been the biggest fan of The High Republic series. Then add in artwork that I found disorientating and it is a recipe not made for me. There were little things I did enjoy but not enough for me to recommend this. I do think there is a little tidbit from this collection that might tie in with future offerings from this time in this universe. I guess we will find out the importance of this collection.
I am definitely in the minority on this one as this did not do much for me. First off let me say I am not into manga so maybe that is why. The only manga I have consumed is the offerings in this universe. There were a couple of aspects I did like about this collection. I thought the author did a terrific job of linking the past with the present which is phase I and phase II in the High Republic series. This worked. There were also a couple of characters that I did like. The droid was pretty cool and I liked the antagonist. Both of these characters are involved in the past and the present. On the subject of characters we follow a Wookie during this adventure. The problem with this is they do not speak a readable language and the time with him was more just illustrations. I had a hard time connecting with him. Speaking of the artwork that is where this collection lost me. It was confusing as the illustrator attempted to convey the frenetic pace of the action. The problem was I had no idea what was going on and I could not follow it at all. I read pages where I had no idea where the story was going.
There were several factors why I did not like this collection and why I seem to be alone with the level of enjoyment from this collection. I am not a fan of manga and I have not been the biggest fan of The High Republic series. Then add in artwork that I found disorientating and it is a recipe not made for me. There were little things I did enjoy but not enough for me to recommend this. I do think there is a little tidbit from this collection that might tie in with future offerings from this time in this universe. I guess we will find out the importance of this collection.
May 23, 2023
From a storytelling perspective, I thought this was a fascinating story for the High Republic. While the previous two manga editions have been fairly linear, this book employs flashbacks really well!
This book really employs villains well. I was so excited to see Marchion Ro on the page, and even though it was short, his appearance made me excited for Phase 3! In addition, we also got the new villain Vol Garat, who is really menacing and works well for the scope of this story. Using a Harch, who are notoriously hard to kill or get rid of as we learn in "The Clone Wars", makes him freaky and understandable that he would be present during both eras of the High Republic.
Of the Jedi in this book, Jedi Knight Arkoff, who is a young Jedi at this time, gets the most page time. Because he didn't necessarily have dialogue, his character wasn't the most interesting. I really wanted to find out what was up with Azlin Rell, even though his scenes got a little bit repetitive. A few other characters are present, but this really is a small cast of characters for this book.
The most fascinating character in the book, however, was the droid "ZZ-10". Despite being a droid and I only really know him from this book, he has become a favorite HR character. His devotion to his master and determination to not give up, as well as his hutzpah in the face of danger was fascinating. I really hope we get a lot of him in Phase 3, because he was delightful!
Where this book really misses the mark is the artwork. The artwork was so sloppy and difficult to understand at times. I understood the story because of the writing in the text boxes and dialogue, but the artwork itself was pretty bad. They switched from Mizuki Shakakibara (who did the art for Edge of Balance #1 and #2), and brought in Tomio Ogata, who overall tried to mimic the style. However, the artwork just doesn't work near as well, and there were entire panels that needed so much work. I wonder if the artwork was rushed on this one? Regardless, its the weakest artwork of thus far.
That being said, I really want to grade this based off of the story and not based off the artwork. I do think this is the most entertaining and well done story of the Edge of Balance stories, so it gains a few points there. But the artwork is noticeably worse, so it loses a little. I'll give it an overall 8 out of 10! Well Done Daniel Jose Older!
This book really employs villains well. I was so excited to see Marchion Ro on the page, and even though it was short, his appearance made me excited for Phase 3! In addition, we also got the new villain Vol Garat, who is really menacing and works well for the scope of this story. Using a Harch, who are notoriously hard to kill or get rid of as we learn in "The Clone Wars", makes him freaky and understandable that he would be present during both eras of the High Republic.
Of the Jedi in this book, Jedi Knight Arkoff, who is a young Jedi at this time, gets the most page time. Because he didn't necessarily have dialogue, his character wasn't the most interesting. I really wanted to find out what was up with Azlin Rell, even though his scenes got a little bit repetitive. A few other characters are present, but this really is a small cast of characters for this book.
The most fascinating character in the book, however, was the droid "ZZ-10". Despite being a droid and I only really know him from this book, he has become a favorite HR character. His devotion to his master and determination to not give up, as well as his hutzpah in the face of danger was fascinating. I really hope we get a lot of him in Phase 3, because he was delightful!
Where this book really misses the mark is the artwork. The artwork was so sloppy and difficult to understand at times. I understood the story because of the writing in the text boxes and dialogue, but the artwork itself was pretty bad. They switched from Mizuki Shakakibara (who did the art for Edge of Balance #1 and #2), and brought in Tomio Ogata, who overall tried to mimic the style. However, the artwork just doesn't work near as well, and there were entire panels that needed so much work. I wonder if the artwork was rushed on this one? Regardless, its the weakest artwork of thus far.
That being said, I really want to grade this based off of the story and not based off the artwork. I do think this is the most entertaining and well done story of the Edge of Balance stories, so it gains a few points there. But the artwork is noticeably worse, so it loses a little. I'll give it an overall 8 out of 10! Well Done Daniel Jose Older!
August 26, 2023
A good book set in (Phase 2 and Phase 1) both eras of the High Republic. I would recommend reading Cataclysm and the Edge of Ballance comics before reading this one.
Towards the end of the battle of Dalna Jedi Apprentice Arkoff, his Master Ravna, and her droid ZZ fought bravely against the Path of the Open Hand. However, after the "victory," they made a discovery devastating yo the Jedi. Those who survived will be scared or broken. Not the remnant if the Path and the Nihil want what was hidden.
It was great to see both Arkoff and Ravna in action. There is not too much new information here, but a good bridging book. The book finishes with some character sketches.
Towards the end of the battle of Dalna Jedi Apprentice Arkoff, his Master Ravna, and her droid ZZ fought bravely against the Path of the Open Hand. However, after the "victory," they made a discovery devastating yo the Jedi. Those who survived will be scared or broken. Not the remnant if the Path and the Nihil want what was hidden.
It was great to see both Arkoff and Ravna in action. There is not too much new information here, but a good bridging book. The book finishes with some character sketches.
October 22, 2024
How the Jedi respond to anything that's almost certain to come back to haunt them:
May 23, 2023
This was incredible!!! Daniel Jose Older is in my top 5 authors and he does not disappoint in this story. It’s action-packed, and you really feel the tension throughout. I was instantly connected to and invested in the characters, both new and familiar. And the art by Tomio Ogata is incredible. It was visceral and captivating. Highly recommend for any fan of the High Republic initiative, but also would be enjoyable as a stand-alone manga.
July 29, 2023
The Edge of Balance: Precedent is the perfect bridge between the manga stories of Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3. Set both in current day and 150 years in the past, it tells a compelling story of loss, trauma and mystery. The introduction of the new character Master Ravna is executed brilliantly, her traits and essence pinpointed through just a few lines of dialogue. Arkoff, on the other hand, is no new character and therefore appears different than we know him from the two previous manga, while still feeling like the same character overall. And then there is Azlin Rell, traumatized by the Night of Sorrow and a mystery in itself, whose visions come to live through haunting art by Tomio Ogata.
This manga managed to grip both my attention and my emotions, allowing theories about the future of the story to thrive and leaving a feeling of unease as well as certainty behind.
My only complaint is that it took me a while to get used to the art style during the fight scenes, in which I often could not tell what was going on. Overall, there was just a bit too much action for my taste.
Fans of The High Republic should definitely not miss out on this manga, as it is not just a fun time, but could also hold more meaning than we might be able to tell yet.
This manga managed to grip both my attention and my emotions, allowing theories about the future of the story to thrive and leaving a feeling of unease as well as certainty behind.
My only complaint is that it took me a while to get used to the art style during the fight scenes, in which I often could not tell what was going on. Overall, there was just a bit too much action for my taste.
Fans of The High Republic should definitely not miss out on this manga, as it is not just a fun time, but could also hold more meaning than we might be able to tell yet.
May 26, 2024
Precedent was one that I had set off for so long and I regret that. This story follows a "present day" (non-Phase 2) timeframe with a story told about The Night of Sorrows. It's absolutely masterful how Older portrays the story. Without spoiling it, it was a gut puncher and a great wrap up to Phase 2's events. This story also ties in to the Adventures comics, which I appreciated as a comic and book enjoyer. Overall, this was just an amazing little story that really added something to the timeline, as well as offered amazing illustrations for some of the things that we see/experience in the books.
July 17, 2024
3.5: A neat, quick, and entertaining HR story that gets a bit bogged down by being set up that doesn’t provide much characterization for Arkoff or Azlin
May 24, 2023
CRAZY CRAZY STUFF
June 10, 2023
This was so fun!!!! I thought it was the perfect balance of phase 1 and phase 2. I loved every character and felt a connection to each one. Also the elements of horror were unexpected but well done.
July 25, 2023
”The hallucinations still haunt me… even now. Something on Dalna… took hold of me. I can’t tell what’s real anymore. I’m so scared.”
The Edge of Balance: Precedent acts as a link between phases 1, 2 and 3. The story follows two timelines, one set after the events of phase 1 as the Nihil arrive on the newly devastated Banchii to locate a priceless old item, and one set during phase 2 after the Battle of Dalna, where Arkoff is trying to figure out the mystery of what the strange weapon the Path of the Open Hand used against the Jedi was.
This volume was so much fun to read. It was action-packed, sometimes horrifying and it packed quite a few gut-punches for such a short manga. This was the last phase 2 story I had left, and I felt like it wrapped up the phase pretty well while also making me even more excited about phase 3. I cannot wait to see how the events of this book will impact future stories. The fact that
I loved Arkoff in the phase 1 volumes of the comic, so getting to see him as a young padawan was super fun. His backstory makes him so much richer as a character, and now I lowkey want to re-read the first two volumes to see how all this new information about him might impact my opinion of him. ZZ the droid definitely deserves a place in the Star Wars Droids Hall of Fame as yet another heartbreakingly loyal, brave droid. The highlight of the volume for me was, however, Azlin Rell, whose story is one of the saddest in all of phase 2. Seeing how his mind is fractured after the events at Dalna and seeing how he cannot move on from that terror and panic the Nameless unleashed upon him broke my heart, cause he was such a good, humble Jedi and didn't deserve any of this. Azlin is one of those characters that reminds you that despite all their powers, the Jedi are just people, humans and aliens. They can break, grieve, fear and lose themselves, and not just as in they turn to the dark side, but in a way anyone can. Even though it hurt, I liked what Azlin represents. I also loved seeing how the Jedi are taking his trauma seriously and do their best to support and heal him.
The art was stunning all throughout the book, but the moments with Azlin where we get to see inside his head were just incredible and horrifying. I loved the occasional horror vibes this book had.
This story had a nice few cameos from other phase 2 characters that made this book feel solidly part of that story (I'm always happy to see my boys Vildar Mac and Tey Sirrek). The phase 1 volumes of Edge of Balance felt perhaps a bit more disconnected from the main storyline, and while I didn't mind that, I also did like that this book felt like an integral part of this phase and the upcoming phase.
I urge you with all my heart to read this before phase 3!
The Edge of Balance: Precedent acts as a link between phases 1, 2 and 3. The story follows two timelines, one set after the events of phase 1 as the Nihil arrive on the newly devastated Banchii to locate a priceless old item, and one set during phase 2 after the Battle of Dalna, where Arkoff is trying to figure out the mystery of what the strange weapon the Path of the Open Hand used against the Jedi was.
This volume was so much fun to read. It was action-packed, sometimes horrifying and it packed quite a few gut-punches for such a short manga. This was the last phase 2 story I had left, and I felt like it wrapped up the phase pretty well while also making me even more excited about phase 3. I cannot wait to see how the events of this book will impact future stories. The fact that
I loved Arkoff in the phase 1 volumes of the comic, so getting to see him as a young padawan was super fun. His backstory makes him so much richer as a character, and now I lowkey want to re-read the first two volumes to see how all this new information about him might impact my opinion of him. ZZ the droid definitely deserves a place in the Star Wars Droids Hall of Fame as yet another heartbreakingly loyal, brave droid. The highlight of the volume for me was, however, Azlin Rell, whose story is one of the saddest in all of phase 2. Seeing how his mind is fractured after the events at Dalna and seeing how he cannot move on from that terror and panic the Nameless unleashed upon him broke my heart, cause he was such a good, humble Jedi and didn't deserve any of this. Azlin is one of those characters that reminds you that despite all their powers, the Jedi are just people, humans and aliens. They can break, grieve, fear and lose themselves, and not just as in they turn to the dark side, but in a way anyone can. Even though it hurt, I liked what Azlin represents. I also loved seeing how the Jedi are taking his trauma seriously and do their best to support and heal him.
The art was stunning all throughout the book, but the moments with Azlin where we get to see inside his head were just incredible and horrifying. I loved the occasional horror vibes this book had.
This story had a nice few cameos from other phase 2 characters that made this book feel solidly part of that story (I'm always happy to see my boys Vildar Mac and Tey Sirrek). The phase 1 volumes of Edge of Balance felt perhaps a bit more disconnected from the main storyline, and while I didn't mind that, I also did like that this book felt like an integral part of this phase and the upcoming phase.
I urge you with all my heart to read this before phase 3!
June 8, 2023
This dad read Star Wars The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Precedent by Daniel José Older and Tomio Ogata! Precedent is the sole manga offering from Phase II of The High Republic and, true to its name, tells a cautionary tale of the Jedi’s history with the Nameless that can hopefully be a guide in their ongoing battles against the Nihil.
The Edge of Balance: Precedent, similar to The Nameless Terror miniseries, is told in flashback. Vol Garath (an arachnid-type species known as a Harch) is an ex-Path of the Open Hand member and in the timeline of The High Republic Phase I, is seeking information on the Nameless as he’s out for revenge against the Jedi. He’s joined by none other than the Nihil and their leader Marchion Ro himself. On the planet Dalna, Garath and company uncover droid ZZ-10, who’s been hidden for over a century and becomes the narrator of this tale.
We’re taken back 150 years, when Wookiee Padawan Arkoff, his Master Revna and young Jedi Knight Azlin Rell head to offer assistance in the Battle of Dalna. They quickly are thrown into the fray and encounter the horrors of the Nameless. While Master Revna is a force to be reckoned with (pun intended), both Arkoff and Rell struggle, with Rell suffering the worst. While the trio experience the destructive horrors of their enemy, seeing Rell’s ongoing suffering might be even more terrifying. Rell’s haunting visions are cause for alarm, but can Arkokk in the “present day” of Phase I learn from the past in the Jedi’s ongoing battle against the Nihil?
In typical Daniel José Older style, Precedent is filled to the brim with frenetic action that’s both awesome and terrifying. While Precedent is firmly a Phase II story, Older cleverly links it to Phase I and teases what we can expect from our Jedi heroes in Phase III. Also, he twists the narrative of the Nameless that readers have come to know, with Azlin Rell surviving his encounter with the Force-consuming beast with ghastly consequences. In terms of characters, Jedi Master Ravna is a particular standout; she’s small but mighty and has numerous scenes that will leave your jaw on the floor. Artist Tomio Ogata fills each page with amazing artwork that can at times be a little hard to follow, but nonetheless makes the story come to life beautifully.
As one of the final offerings in The High Republic Phase II, The Edge of Balance: Precedent definitely isn’t to be missed. I give it 🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 – highly recommend!
The Edge of Balance: Precedent, similar to The Nameless Terror miniseries, is told in flashback. Vol Garath (an arachnid-type species known as a Harch) is an ex-Path of the Open Hand member and in the timeline of The High Republic Phase I, is seeking information on the Nameless as he’s out for revenge against the Jedi. He’s joined by none other than the Nihil and their leader Marchion Ro himself. On the planet Dalna, Garath and company uncover droid ZZ-10, who’s been hidden for over a century and becomes the narrator of this tale.
We’re taken back 150 years, when Wookiee Padawan Arkoff, his Master Revna and young Jedi Knight Azlin Rell head to offer assistance in the Battle of Dalna. They quickly are thrown into the fray and encounter the horrors of the Nameless. While Master Revna is a force to be reckoned with (pun intended), both Arkoff and Rell struggle, with Rell suffering the worst. While the trio experience the destructive horrors of their enemy, seeing Rell’s ongoing suffering might be even more terrifying. Rell’s haunting visions are cause for alarm, but can Arkokk in the “present day” of Phase I learn from the past in the Jedi’s ongoing battle against the Nihil?
In typical Daniel José Older style, Precedent is filled to the brim with frenetic action that’s both awesome and terrifying. While Precedent is firmly a Phase II story, Older cleverly links it to Phase I and teases what we can expect from our Jedi heroes in Phase III. Also, he twists the narrative of the Nameless that readers have come to know, with Azlin Rell surviving his encounter with the Force-consuming beast with ghastly consequences. In terms of characters, Jedi Master Ravna is a particular standout; she’s small but mighty and has numerous scenes that will leave your jaw on the floor. Artist Tomio Ogata fills each page with amazing artwork that can at times be a little hard to follow, but nonetheless makes the story come to life beautifully.
As one of the final offerings in The High Republic Phase II, The Edge of Balance: Precedent definitely isn’t to be missed. I give it 🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 – highly recommend!
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October 26, 2023Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Star Wars: Die Hohe Republik: Am Rande des Gleichgewichts: Präzedenzfall
Die Handlung:
Auf Dalna bekämpfen sich Pfad-Mitglieder und Jedi. Die jungen Ritter Arkoff und Azlin Rell eilen zusammen mit Meisterin Ravna und dem Droiden ZZ zur Hilfe. Schnell erkennen sie, dass in dem dunklen Höhlensystem nicht nur profane Bedrohungen wie der Harch-Kopfgeldjäger Vol hausen, sondern auch eine metaphysische Gefahr. Eine Gefahr, die für die Machtnutzer ungreifbar scheint und ihr weiteres Schicksal für immer bestimmen soll…
Meine Meinung:
Schön nach den ganzen Adaptionen mal wieder einen original Manga lesen zu dürfen. „Präzedenzfall” liefert nicht nur die detaillierte Vorgeschichte zu Jedi-Meister Arkoff, sondern auch ein wichtiges Bindeglied zwischen Dalna und „Shadows of Starlight”. Die Verwandlung von Azlin Rell stellen Autor und Illustrator überzeugend dar. Besonders beeindruckend fand ich die Illustrationen der Nameless-Attacken, die etwas grotesk-horrorhaftes haben und einen ganz neuen Blickwinkel bieten. Meisterin Ravna hat als besonderes Highlight nur einen kurzen Auftritt, jedoch bei mir bleibenden Eindruck hinterlassen. Ein Hoch auch auf den dem Manga beigelegten Postkartendruck, der das Titelbild zeigt 🙌
Fazit:
Eine gelungene Vorgeschichte, die das Beste aus dem Manga-Genre rausholt 🤩
Werbung: Vielen lieben Dank an Panini für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionexemplares!
Star Wars: Die Hohe Republik: Am Rande des Gleichgewichts: Präzedenzfall
Die Handlung:
Auf Dalna bekämpfen sich Pfad-Mitglieder und Jedi. Die jungen Ritter Arkoff und Azlin Rell eilen zusammen mit Meisterin Ravna und dem Droiden ZZ zur Hilfe. Schnell erkennen sie, dass in dem dunklen Höhlensystem nicht nur profane Bedrohungen wie der Harch-Kopfgeldjäger Vol hausen, sondern auch eine metaphysische Gefahr. Eine Gefahr, die für die Machtnutzer ungreifbar scheint und ihr weiteres Schicksal für immer bestimmen soll…
Meine Meinung:
Schön nach den ganzen Adaptionen mal wieder einen original Manga lesen zu dürfen. „Präzedenzfall” liefert nicht nur die detaillierte Vorgeschichte zu Jedi-Meister Arkoff, sondern auch ein wichtiges Bindeglied zwischen Dalna und „Shadows of Starlight”. Die Verwandlung von Azlin Rell stellen Autor und Illustrator überzeugend dar. Besonders beeindruckend fand ich die Illustrationen der Nameless-Attacken, die etwas grotesk-horrorhaftes haben und einen ganz neuen Blickwinkel bieten. Meisterin Ravna hat als besonderes Highlight nur einen kurzen Auftritt, jedoch bei mir bleibenden Eindruck hinterlassen. Ein Hoch auch auf den dem Manga beigelegten Postkartendruck, der das Titelbild zeigt 🙌
Fazit:
Eine gelungene Vorgeschichte, die das Beste aus dem Manga-Genre rausholt 🤩
Werbung: Vielen lieben Dank an Panini für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionexemplares!
May 29, 2024
I think I liked this manga more than the other two in Phase 1. Having the droid as the narrator was such a good idea and it actually added a lot of information and empathy to the story because we could see how much this droid loved these Jedi and wanted to help. I also loved that we got both the past and present story tied together so seamlessly. All the pieces are falling into the place! The art style is really great too and fits so well within the Star Wars universe.
August 5, 2024
I need more star wars manga.
October 25, 2024
Azlin Rell
January 13, 2025
"No matter what power is behind the blow... one well-timed hit will be more effective than ten misplaced ones."
Did I read this out of order? Yes. Do I care? Nope :D
Did I read this out of order? Yes. Do I care? Nope :D
February 26, 2025
sad droids make me sad too
June 13, 2025
I liked the framing device and the exploration of characters including Arkoff (I just love wookie jedi), but the art was a bit messy and made things hard to decipher what was really going on.
December 9, 2023
MORE HIGH REPUBLIC!!!
April 20, 2024
Star Wars High Republic Edge of Balance Precedent
Is a great story! Star Wars meets Manga, does it get better than that?! Disney really upped their game when putting out crossover reading material! It really adds to the High Republic experience. Following the Attack on Banchii, a group of Nihil warriors search the ruins of the Banchii Jedi Temple under orders from Marchion Ro, the Eye of the Nihil in search of an ancient relic from the Path of the Open Hand that has some supernatural Force power he is seeking to have the upper hand against the Jedi. However Jedi Master Arkoff will not let that happen! He fights through the Nihil and goes up against Vol Garat an old enemy. When Vol Garat makes his way to the location of the sacred item and opens the slab protecting the item a droid known as ZeeZee an old ZZ-model is protecting something. This brings up Arkoffs past as he knows this droid from over 150 years ago along with his missing Master. Find out the conclusion yourself I don’t want to spoil anymore.
Moving forward to Starlight Beacon
Five Lightsabers Raised High!
Is a great story! Star Wars meets Manga, does it get better than that?! Disney really upped their game when putting out crossover reading material! It really adds to the High Republic experience. Following the Attack on Banchii, a group of Nihil warriors search the ruins of the Banchii Jedi Temple under orders from Marchion Ro, the Eye of the Nihil in search of an ancient relic from the Path of the Open Hand that has some supernatural Force power he is seeking to have the upper hand against the Jedi. However Jedi Master Arkoff will not let that happen! He fights through the Nihil and goes up against Vol Garat an old enemy. When Vol Garat makes his way to the location of the sacred item and opens the slab protecting the item a droid known as ZeeZee an old ZZ-model is protecting something. This brings up Arkoffs past as he knows this droid from over 150 years ago along with his missing Master. Find out the conclusion yourself I don’t want to spoil anymore.
Moving forward to Starlight Beacon
Five Lightsabers Raised High!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Star Wars: The Edge of Balance – Precedent is an okay addition to the High Republic era, and I would only suggest reading if you are a completionist. As someone who doesn’t usually read manga, I found the format a bit different and sometimes hard to connect with. The pacing is a little slow, and the characters didn’t fully grab me, but the artwork is solid. One of the highlights is how Daniel José Older does a good job linking Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the High Republic, helping to bridge the storylines in a meaningful way. The book also uses flashbacks well, adding depth to the characters and showing how past events shape the present.
6 out of 10
Star Wars: The Edge of Balance – Precedent is an okay addition to the High Republic era, and I would only suggest reading if you are a completionist. As someone who doesn’t usually read manga, I found the format a bit different and sometimes hard to connect with. The pacing is a little slow, and the characters didn’t fully grab me, but the artwork is solid. One of the highlights is how Daniel José Older does a good job linking Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the High Republic, helping to bridge the storylines in a meaningful way. The book also uses flashbacks well, adding depth to the characters and showing how past events shape the present.
6 out of 10
July 27, 2023
I'm a bit confused what this Manga is about. The cover and the blurb suggest that it's about Arkoff, but we don't really see his journey. We see him in the past and we see him in the present and how he changed, but we don't see how he got there by overcoming his fears and misbeliefs. For me, the real hero of this story is ZZ, the altruistic droid who wants his coworkers to succeed. This part was nice.
The art is in part beautiful, in part confusing. Trying to decipher what's going on in some panels gave me headaches.
The art is in part beautiful, in part confusing. Trying to decipher what's going on in some panels gave me headaches.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
High Republic Project #34
Characters: Arkoff (Jedi), Azlin Rell (Jedi), Ravna (Jedi), Vol Garat (Path/Bounty Hunter), Marchion Ro (Nihil), ZZ-10 (Jedi Droid)
Major Events: Battle of Dalna, Death of Mazter Ravna, Azlin Rell loses sanity over the Nameless and disappears in search for answers, Arkoff in the present goes in search fo ZZ-10 who is decoding Azlin's Journal, and kills Vol Garat who is searching for the droid
Scores
Characterization: 2.5/10
As a manga, its difficult to really get inside someons head without narration. That compounded with the fact that most characters dont interact with each other on page, and one of the main characters doesnt speak an understandable language, any character development is extremely weak here.
Lore Building: 5/10
We see Master Ravna being (so far) the only Jedi to somewhat resist the effects of the Nameless, which was pretty cool, as well as Harch appearance.
Continuity/Impact: 7/10
This plays into the Battle of Dalna, and directly with Azlin towards the end of Path of Vengeance and the previous Edge of Balance series characters. I am giving this a higher score under the assumption that Azlin's research pays of in Phase 3, otherwise this is a useless tie in.
Enjoyment: 6/10
While the art is great, and the stylization of Nameless hallucinations and force powers (namely in the fights involving Ravna and Azlin) are uniquely shown on page here in ways that i havent seen before. Otherwise, I felt the action either dull or hard to follow, and the main narrative lacking.
Overall: 5.25/10
Characters: Arkoff (Jedi), Azlin Rell (Jedi), Ravna (Jedi), Vol Garat (Path/Bounty Hunter), Marchion Ro (Nihil), ZZ-10 (Jedi Droid)
Major Events: Battle of Dalna, Death of Mazter Ravna, Azlin Rell loses sanity over the Nameless and disappears in search for answers, Arkoff in the present goes in search fo ZZ-10 who is decoding Azlin's Journal, and kills Vol Garat who is searching for the droid
Scores
Characterization: 2.5/10
As a manga, its difficult to really get inside someons head without narration. That compounded with the fact that most characters dont interact with each other on page, and one of the main characters doesnt speak an understandable language, any character development is extremely weak here.
Lore Building: 5/10
We see Master Ravna being (so far) the only Jedi to somewhat resist the effects of the Nameless, which was pretty cool, as well as Harch appearance.
Continuity/Impact: 7/10
This plays into the Battle of Dalna, and directly with Azlin towards the end of Path of Vengeance and the previous Edge of Balance series characters. I am giving this a higher score under the assumption that Azlin's research pays of in Phase 3, otherwise this is a useless tie in.
Enjoyment: 6/10
While the art is great, and the stylization of Nameless hallucinations and force powers (namely in the fights involving Ravna and Azlin) are uniquely shown on page here in ways that i havent seen before. Otherwise, I felt the action either dull or hard to follow, and the main narrative lacking.
Overall: 5.25/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2023
When I picked this graphic novel up, I expected it to be fully a High Republic Phase Two book, but it both starts and ends with a scene from early Phase Three. Nice to see they are going to link them so well...
Highlights:
- Most of the story is a current (early Phase Three) tale being told by droid ZeeZee to a villainous bounty hunter called Harch. The droid is protecting something and has been for more than 100 years....
- We are introduced to a second Wookiee Jedi, Arkoff, who during Phase Two is Padawan to Master Ravna. We see them fighting the Path during the Battle of Dalna.
- Arkoff and Ravna come across Jedi Azlin Rell, who is suffering from madness caused by the Nameless. They are able to save him, but Ravna is killed in the process.
- Rell is taken to Coruscant to heal mentally but keeps speaking of the Shrii-Ka-Rai (Eaters of the Force), who readers know as the Nameless. The Great Leveler is one of these, but this manga makes the other Nameless possibly worse. (I know we'll find out more about these creatures as time goes on) Rell is writing a manual on these beings but Arkoff takes it from him so he might get better.
- Jumping back to the present, ZeeZee finishes their story as now Jedi Master Arkoff shows up to protect the manual from being taken by Harch. (What does Marchion Ro want with it?)
Love these High Republic manga! Strong recommend and I hope to see something coming out in Phase 3 to help wrap this up.
Highlights:
- Most of the story is a current (early Phase Three) tale being told by droid ZeeZee to a villainous bounty hunter called Harch. The droid is protecting something and has been for more than 100 years....
- We are introduced to a second Wookiee Jedi, Arkoff, who during Phase Two is Padawan to Master Ravna. We see them fighting the Path during the Battle of Dalna.
- Arkoff and Ravna come across Jedi Azlin Rell, who is suffering from madness caused by the Nameless. They are able to save him, but Ravna is killed in the process.
- Rell is taken to Coruscant to heal mentally but keeps speaking of the Shrii-Ka-Rai (Eaters of the Force), who readers know as the Nameless. The Great Leveler is one of these, but this manga makes the other Nameless possibly worse. (I know we'll find out more about these creatures as time goes on) Rell is writing a manual on these beings but Arkoff takes it from him so he might get better.
- Jumping back to the present, ZeeZee finishes their story as now Jedi Master Arkoff shows up to protect the manual from being taken by Harch. (What does Marchion Ro want with it?)
Love these High Republic manga! Strong recommend and I hope to see something coming out in Phase 3 to help wrap this up.
August 6, 2024
POPKULTUROWY KOCIOŁEK:
Akcja Star Wars. Wielka Republika. Na skraju równowagi – Przeszłość rozgrywa się w czasach kiedy to galaktyka pełna była tajemniczych i nieznanych miejsc i najróżniejszych niebezpieczeństw. Przekonuje się o tym młody Jedi Arkoff, który wspiera swoją mistrzynię Ravnę w walce o planetę Dalnę, którą chce przejąć sekta Ścieżki Otwartej Dłoni. To nie oni stanowią jednak największe zagrożenie. Nagle pojawia się bowiem siła, która ma destrukcyjny wpływ na rycerzy Jedi i której mało kto potrafi się oprzeć.
Mamy tutaj do czynienia z tytułem, po który powinni raczej sięgnąć wielcy fani uniwersum Star Wars. Większa część tomiku to retrospekcje wydarzeń sprzed Równowagi Mocy. Zawarta w mandze fabuła trudna jest jednak do jednoznacznego osadzenia w czasie. Sprawia to, że mniej obeznani czytelnicy mogą się w treści komiksu zwyczajnie gubić.
Praca Daniela Jose Oldera (scenarzysta) to nie tylko odkrywanie tajemnic przeszłości, ale przede wszystkim charakterystyczna dla uniwersum widowiskowość. Samej akcji tutaj nie brakuje i potrafi ona przyciągać uwagę czytelnika, trzymając go ponadto w napięciu do samego końca. Całkiem dobrze prezentują się także występujące tu postacie. Każda z nich jest odpowiednio mocno zarysowana z własnym charakterem wpływającym na jej zachowanie i podejmowane decyzje....
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/star-...
Akcja Star Wars. Wielka Republika. Na skraju równowagi – Przeszłość rozgrywa się w czasach kiedy to galaktyka pełna była tajemniczych i nieznanych miejsc i najróżniejszych niebezpieczeństw. Przekonuje się o tym młody Jedi Arkoff, który wspiera swoją mistrzynię Ravnę w walce o planetę Dalnę, którą chce przejąć sekta Ścieżki Otwartej Dłoni. To nie oni stanowią jednak największe zagrożenie. Nagle pojawia się bowiem siła, która ma destrukcyjny wpływ na rycerzy Jedi i której mało kto potrafi się oprzeć.
Mamy tutaj do czynienia z tytułem, po który powinni raczej sięgnąć wielcy fani uniwersum Star Wars. Większa część tomiku to retrospekcje wydarzeń sprzed Równowagi Mocy. Zawarta w mandze fabuła trudna jest jednak do jednoznacznego osadzenia w czasie. Sprawia to, że mniej obeznani czytelnicy mogą się w treści komiksu zwyczajnie gubić.
Praca Daniela Jose Oldera (scenarzysta) to nie tylko odkrywanie tajemnic przeszłości, ale przede wszystkim charakterystyczna dla uniwersum widowiskowość. Samej akcji tutaj nie brakuje i potrafi ona przyciągać uwagę czytelnika, trzymając go ponadto w napięciu do samego końca. Całkiem dobrze prezentują się także występujące tu postacie. Każda z nich jest odpowiednio mocno zarysowana z własnym charakterem wpływającym na jej zachowanie i podejmowane decyzje....
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/star-...
May 23, 2024
This story is not at all what I was expecting. I went into this comic with the belief that it was a standalone tie-in to the Edge of Balance manga series, but little did I know that it was an integral part of that universe. It is essentially Edge of Balance volume 2.5, and it takes all of the best elements of that series and elevates them.
The story suffers from some truly weak characterization; while the beloved Master Arkoff takes centerstage in this story, the flashback that makes up the bulk of the narrative is mostly from the perspective of ZZ-10, a sassy little droid in the service of the Jedi. This means that we don't get to experience any of the interior thoughts or struggles of Arkoff as he deals with the traumas of this tale. That makes his sudden shift from Padawan to Master a bit anti-climactic in some ways.
With that said, the storytelling itself (plot, pacing, action) were a step above the other volumes. While we never get a definitive name for the dark side entity that continues to haunt the Jedi in this tale, the use of some horrifying visuals and light horror elements set the story apart from others in the franchise. It almost introduces a bit of Lovecraftian nightmare fuel, and I think that's a welcome addition to the series. The plot struggles with context, with the Path of the Open Hand's entire philosophy only summed up in a single line, but otherwise, this was a stellar action narrative with some truly memorable moments.
The story suffers from some truly weak characterization; while the beloved Master Arkoff takes centerstage in this story, the flashback that makes up the bulk of the narrative is mostly from the perspective of ZZ-10, a sassy little droid in the service of the Jedi. This means that we don't get to experience any of the interior thoughts or struggles of Arkoff as he deals with the traumas of this tale. That makes his sudden shift from Padawan to Master a bit anti-climactic in some ways.
With that said, the storytelling itself (plot, pacing, action) were a step above the other volumes. While we never get a definitive name for the dark side entity that continues to haunt the Jedi in this tale, the use of some horrifying visuals and light horror elements set the story apart from others in the franchise. It almost introduces a bit of Lovecraftian nightmare fuel, and I think that's a welcome addition to the series. The plot struggles with context, with the Path of the Open Hand's entire philosophy only summed up in a single line, but otherwise, this was a stellar action narrative with some truly memorable moments.
March 19, 2024
Following the Fall of Starlight Beacon agents of the Nihil, led by bounty hunter Vol Garat, seek a lost artefact on Banchii. There they encounter a droid who has been slumbering for more than a century and reveals the story behind Garat's first battle with the Arkoff amid the Battle of Dalna.
The framing story of this book takes place as an interlude between Phases 1 and 3 of the High Republic publishing programme, but the main bulk of the book is set in 382 BBY, amid Phase 2. Due to all of that this feels very much like a disposable side story, rather than an integral part of either the High Republic in general or the Edge of Balance specifically.
That's not to say that there's not things to like here, however. I particularly enjoyed seeing a Wookiee go toe-to-toe with a Harch (the big tarantula-type creatures that Admiral Trench is in The Clone Wars), where their physicalities cancel each other out and it is Garat's skill as a bounty hunter or Arkoff talents as a Jedi which will decide the outcome.
There is also some awesome imagery, particularly in how the horrifying Force-visions brought on by the Nameless affect Jedi Knight Azlin Rell.
Not at all essential reading, but still enjoyable.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
The framing story of this book takes place as an interlude between Phases 1 and 3 of the High Republic publishing programme, but the main bulk of the book is set in 382 BBY, amid Phase 2. Due to all of that this feels very much like a disposable side story, rather than an integral part of either the High Republic in general or the Edge of Balance specifically.
That's not to say that there's not things to like here, however. I particularly enjoyed seeing a Wookiee go toe-to-toe with a Harch (the big tarantula-type creatures that Admiral Trench is in The Clone Wars), where their physicalities cancel each other out and it is Garat's skill as a bounty hunter or Arkoff talents as a Jedi which will decide the outcome.
There is also some awesome imagery, particularly in how the horrifying Force-visions brought on by the Nameless affect Jedi Knight Azlin Rell.
Not at all essential reading, but still enjoyable.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
June 7, 2023
With the release of The Edge of Balance — Precedent, phase two of The High Republic has officially come to an end.
But some of the stories are far from over, as phase two was a prequel to the events of the main/phase one storyline. And the newest manga volume is a solid conclusion to phase two while also subtly teasing what’s to come when phase three arrives in the fall.
The story begins in phase one when Vol Garat (an arachnoid type species called a Harch), who’s an ex-member of the Path of the Open Hand, and the Nihil are looking for more information on the Nameless creatures. Like the Nihil and Eye Marchion Ro, Vol hates the Jedi and wants revenge after the tragic Battle of Dalna.
That’s where droid ZZ comes in, as the story turns into a flashback to Wookiee Jedi Arkoff and his Master Ravna on that galaxy-changing night. Because of Cataclysm and Path of Vengeance, we know many Jedi were killed, injured, or traumatized by the effects of the Nameless creature during the climactic battle of phase two. And in Precedent, we see the final moments of that battle from Arkoff’s and Master Ravna’s points of view — as well as Jedi Knight Azlin Rell, arguably the one suffering from the most brutal PTSD.
Star Wars manga has been famous for stunning illustrations, dynamic panels, and individual contemplative elements that make it stand out from its prose counterparts. Precedent does have those elements, but it’s a much more plot- and action-forward story than the other two Edge of Balance volumes.
For a story with Arkoff at its center, I felt more intrigued by Azlin’s plight than any of the others. As seen in Path of Vengeance, Azlin is mentally scarred by his encounters with the Nameless creatures, and that nightmarish darkness and hallucinations don’t let up.
Precedent is another entry in the long list of stories of Jedi being tormented by the Nameless creatures and how far those effects reach. With Daniel José Older and Tomio Ogata at the helm, the manga volume is a fast-paced read that adds even more depth to the phase two-defining Night of Sorrow.
But some of the stories are far from over, as phase two was a prequel to the events of the main/phase one storyline. And the newest manga volume is a solid conclusion to phase two while also subtly teasing what’s to come when phase three arrives in the fall.
The story begins in phase one when Vol Garat (an arachnoid type species called a Harch), who’s an ex-member of the Path of the Open Hand, and the Nihil are looking for more information on the Nameless creatures. Like the Nihil and Eye Marchion Ro, Vol hates the Jedi and wants revenge after the tragic Battle of Dalna.
That’s where droid ZZ comes in, as the story turns into a flashback to Wookiee Jedi Arkoff and his Master Ravna on that galaxy-changing night. Because of Cataclysm and Path of Vengeance, we know many Jedi were killed, injured, or traumatized by the effects of the Nameless creature during the climactic battle of phase two. And in Precedent, we see the final moments of that battle from Arkoff’s and Master Ravna’s points of view — as well as Jedi Knight Azlin Rell, arguably the one suffering from the most brutal PTSD.
Star Wars manga has been famous for stunning illustrations, dynamic panels, and individual contemplative elements that make it stand out from its prose counterparts. Precedent does have those elements, but it’s a much more plot- and action-forward story than the other two Edge of Balance volumes.
For a story with Arkoff at its center, I felt more intrigued by Azlin’s plight than any of the others. As seen in Path of Vengeance, Azlin is mentally scarred by his encounters with the Nameless creatures, and that nightmarish darkness and hallucinations don’t let up.
Precedent is another entry in the long list of stories of Jedi being tormented by the Nameless creatures and how far those effects reach. With Daniel José Older and Tomio Ogata at the helm, the manga volume is a fast-paced read that adds even more depth to the phase two-defining Night of Sorrow.
March 31, 2024
Manga is not particularly the easiest format for me to read. The art is great, but I have difficulty processing what I'm looking at in terms of the fight scenes.
This volume particularly had a lot of heavy lifting with the dialogue via the droid "Zeezee", since our main character is Wookie Jedi Arkoff.
I think my favorite part of the story is Azlin Rell's moments. I have been wanting to get so much more from him, especially after Path of Deceit. I hear there is more of him in Phase 3, so that's very exciting.
The fact that there is a general reaction that Force sensitives have toward the Nameless, yet Azlin's own experience is much more different, amplified and has a prolonged haunting effect on him is interesting. Combined with the trauma of witnessing the aftermath of the Nameless attacks to his fellow Jedi, I for one cannot decide if Azlin's hallucinations are a remnant of the Nameless attack, or possibly a psychological condition to his part. I guess it can be both.
But yeah.. all in all another good chapter of the High Republic story.
This volume particularly had a lot of heavy lifting with the dialogue via the droid "Zeezee", since our main character is Wookie Jedi Arkoff.
I think my favorite part of the story is Azlin Rell's moments. I have been wanting to get so much more from him, especially after Path of Deceit. I hear there is more of him in Phase 3, so that's very exciting.
The fact that there is a general reaction that Force sensitives have toward the Nameless, yet Azlin's own experience is much more different, amplified and has a prolonged haunting effect on him is interesting. Combined with the trauma of witnessing the aftermath of the Nameless attacks to his fellow Jedi, I for one cannot decide if Azlin's hallucinations are a remnant of the Nameless attack, or possibly a psychological condition to his part. I guess it can be both.
But yeah.. all in all another good chapter of the High Republic story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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