Review: New Paths Forged in IDW’s The High Republic Adventures #13

Daniel José Older has put a bow on The High Republic Adventures with this thirteenth and final issue. Fans of Midnight Horizon probably felt some mixed emotions in this one. Older has been absolutely cranking out the content recently with this issue, Trail of Shadows #5, Edge of Balance, Vol.2, and of course, Midnight Horizon. This issue brings the series to a beautiful close while leaving us yearning for more Lula and Zeen content. We all are desperate to know how their story ends. Our other favorite Padawans, Quart, and Farzala take the backseat in this one mostly until their grand moment in the closing pages. It’s certainly not the best issue in the series, but it’s a fitting conclusion nonetheless. 







Spoilers Ahead. 



Our story begins with Jedi Padawan Lula Talisola and Jedi Master Torban Buck, aka Buckets of Blood. Lula is struggling through a bit of a personal crisis. Since being found by Master Santam and Yoda, she has only ever strived to become the greatest Jedi; never wavering in her devotion to the Order, until now. As she and Master Buckets head back to the Star Hopper, he shares the fellow masters intend to knight her if she feels ready for it. She has spent so long preparing for this moment, but the moment is here, and she is not sure. 







With the mission to capture the Nihil leader Krix complete, Zeen Mrala begins to interrogate her former best friend for information. Midnight Horizon readers will resonate with this scene in particular and some of what follows as it comes straight out of Older’s thrilling novel. 







As the interrogation takes place Lula continues to struggle with her feelings for Zeen and how those feelings factor into her decision whether or not to be knighted. 







While Zeen successfully manipulates Krix into providing a glance into the Nihil's plan, the emotional toll is heavy. The old wounds and hurt buried pour out as she exits the room, falling right into Lula’s awaiting arms. 







Dead set on rushing to the aid of their friends on Corellia, Zeen and Lula are forced to say what could be a permanent goodbye. Moments like these are often times where words can fail us, and rather than express exactly what the two intended, they share their need for one another. After some reflection, Lula wishes she had told Zeen she loved her, but for now it will have to wait. 







With Zeen gone, the time came for Lula to make her decision, and ultimately, she opts against being knighted. Qort and Farzala are stunned at her decision, but after hearing her explanation stand by their friend. They, however, make a much different decision in regards to their futures. 







To conclude our arc the youngsters are knighted. In a beautiful ceremony brimming with much needed hope, we see a glimpse into what this era in Star Wars is desperately trying to get back to. The Nihil will keep coming, and it’s definitely going to get worse. But moments like these can’t help but fill you with awe. 






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