Review – ‘The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight’ #3 Features Some Happy Reunions
Bell Zettifar fans, anyone? If so, the latest issue of The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight is for you. The young Jedi is a top-tier character in the High Republic era and at the front and center of this comic. I enjoyed the first two installments in this short miniseries more than this one, but that’s not to say it’s without its merits. There has yet to be something High Republic-related I couldn’t find at least something to enjoy. Bell isn’t alone at the forefront of this comic. He’s joined by everyone’s favorite Wookiee of the era: Burryaga. If you didn’t know Burry was still alive and I somehow just spoiled that for you, I am sorry, but where have you been?
Burry is still missing at the beginning of this one, but they quickly jump to the point of his rescue by Bell. It’s a touching tale you should read in the short story anthology Tales of Light and Life. The story All Jedi Walk Their Own Path is perfect.
Now, let’s get into this. As always, beware of spoilers.
The comic opens up with an image of the wreckage of Starlight Beacon once again. There has been no shortage of images, callbacks, and references to this galaxy-defining moment when the beacon of the outer rim was brought crashing down. It still resonates here with the full extent of Bell’s sorrow channeled into the opening pages. However, despite Bell’s sorrow, he wears his spirit of perpetual hope around him like a suit of armor. Despite all the losses he’s endured and considering the unlikely event Burry is still out there, he refuses to give up on his friend.
He and Elzar engage in a frank discussion of the situation. Bell references the teachings of his old master, Loden Greatstorm. He had told Bell once that “home” was people. For the Jedi, the relationships and people they impact are their home. Now, Bell feels like his home’s been destroyed and tells Elzar his home is gone, too. Despite thinking Burry is gone, Elzar hands Bell the Wookiee’s lightsaber — just in case he finds him. Can we also pause for a moment and marvel at how massive a Wookiee’s lightsaber is?
Finding Burry is one of the most wholesome moments of The High Republic. It’s a moment where you can let out a deep breath and enjoy a moment of happiness. Also, just take a peep at how skinny Burry is!!!
Burry and Bell wasn’t the only reunion in this one!!! He is met with a marvelous surprise after thinking his best buddy Ember was lost behind the Stormwall with Porter Engle. Upon landing, he was met with the full force of the faithful, charging Charhound. Ember was passed on to Master Indeera Stokes, who is still recovering slowly at the Jedi Temple. It was a wonderful reunion all the way around. Bell and Ember are back together, and Bell sees Indeera again. The happy vibes just fuel the fire of the first few pages of this one after a tough start, and I am so happy about it. Bell needed some good things to vibe his way.
After some hugs and rejoicing, the two Padawans learn they will be Padawans no more! Yes, our boys are finally growing up to be the Jedi Knights we all knew they would be. After reading this, I was almost waiting for some horrible ball to drop. What’s the catch? How bad will it get? This much sweetness in a High Republic comic at this stage? Are we sure this is real?
Soon after, Bell begins his work as a Jedi. He is understandably hell-bent on bringing Marchion Ro to his knees. While understandable, you can see from the image below there is a tempest rising in young Bell’s soul. Of course, anger and hate are not the Jedi way, and I’m not suggesting Bell is at that point, but you can’t deny the concerning look in his eye. It was so concerning that Burry didn’t feel comfortable keeping it to himself. He went straight to Jedi Grandmaster Pra-Tre Veter about his concerns.
Soon after, Bell is tasked with accompanying the Grandmaster to a Republic patrol ship. The Nihil have been raiding the star systems just beyond the Stormwall, and the Jedi are determined to help. Bell, for one, is eager to feel as if he is doing something. I think most of us can certainly relate to the feeling of helplessness he and many of his fellow Jedi are probably feeling at this time. To Bell’s delight, Burry has also volunteered to join them on their mission.
It doesn’t take long for the Nihil plans to take shape. They were hoping to lure the Grandmaster out this far away from Coruscant. As soon as the Jedi arrive on the planet to assist the locals, their ship is attacked, and Nihil’s forces begin raining down on them. While it looks like imminent doom is upon them, there is nothing more glorious than seeing a group of Jedi ignite their lightsabers in preparation for a battle.
Unfortunately, the Nihil has developed a lightsaber nullifier. It drains energy fast, but it will be effective for a short amount of time in an attempt to capture Pra-Tre Veter. The Nihil think they have him right where they want him. But they have forgotten one thing. Veter’s ally is the Force and a powerful ally it is. Veter is a master of Shon-Ju, the ancient art of unarmed Force combat. In an epic image below, just witness the full power of Veter.
After a thorough beat down of several Nihil forces, their commander finally had enough and rained fire on him from above. The comic concluded with a battered Veter lying in front of a multitude of Nihil forces. We will have to wait until the next issue to find out what Bell and Burry’s response is.
Rating: 7/10
Finding ways to nonchalantly incorporate Star Wars quotes into 8th grade classroom, Tyler lives and breathes Star Wars. His morning tradition is sending the latest number in the countdown for different Star Wars projects and loves engaging in uplifting Star Wars dialogue. If you are passionate about Star Wars you can follow him on Twitter at TyBrad5.
