New Concept Art from Phase III of Star Wars: The High Republic Puts Familiar Characters In a Different Light

Writers and artists from The High Republic publishing initiative recently shared new story details and concept art on Starwars.com. The art and descriptions of the new characters give a better understanding of the direction Lucasfilm Publishing is going for the final phase of The High Republic.



Phase III of The High Republic has officially begun with the first adult novel, The Eye of Darkness, releasing on November 14. Feel free to read our review of The Eye of Darkness by George Mann that Staff Writer, Nate Manning, described as an 'intimate beginning of the end.'







Writer George Mann and artists MinJi Yoon and Ario Anindito elaborate on how the appearances of various characters have changed. Starting with the man on the front cover, Marchion Ro, writer George Mann says that 'he's got everything he wanted, and it feels hollow.' It appears that the villain of the story isn't satisfied with his power and may be seeking even more power in the upcoming novel.







Regarding Ro's physical changes, Anindito commented:

Switching to some of the main protagonists, many of the Jedi seen are in hiding or working undercover. Because of this, characters like Avar Kriss and Porter Engle have shed their bright Jedi robes for darker civilian clothing. Both are stuck in the Occlusion Zone, an area controlled by the Nihil, the story's villains.







Speaking about Kriss, Mann commented:

Regarding Engle, Mann said:

Phase III will also feature some returning favorites. The three mentioned characters are Burryaga, Bell Zettifar (alongside his charhound Ember), and Vernestra Rwoh. All three of them are more mature and battle-hardened compared to when readers first met them.



For Burryaga, George Mann describes the Wookie as 'just glad to be alive and able to be amongst his friends, making a difference.'







Artist, MinJi Yoon commented:

The young Bell Zettifar is no longer the bright and optimistic Padawan he once was. The Jedi now has additional armor and is more mission-focused than ever before.







Mann included the following on Zettifar's character changes:

Then there's fan-favorite Vernestra Rwoh, the youngest Jedi to be knighted in a generation. But her new responsibilities are certainly affecting her, as she faces them with determination.







Artist, Ario Anindito commented on Rwoh for Phase III:

And finally, there is Ghirra Starros, the former senator now aligned with the Nihil. Artist MinJi Yoon highlights the character's gas mask, and gleaming pendant showing the Eye. Those are symbols of the characters' loyalty to the Nihil. But Yoon also remarks that her colors are more muted as she begins to 'fall in line.'







Mann also included the following comment on Starros:

Be sure to also check out an excerpt of The Eye of Darkness featuring Avar Kriss, and another previous excerpt featuring Elzar Mann. For the latest Star Wars Disney Plus news, check out our report on all the writers revealed for The Acolyte, the first Star Wars live-action media set in The High Republic era.



Click HERE to check out and comment on this topic on our main site