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Review - Past Lessons Present Solutions in IDWs The High Republic Adventures #7

Discussion in 'Star Wars: The High Republic' started by SWNN Probe, Aug 20, 2021.

  1. SWNN Probe

    SWNN Probe Seeker

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    The High Republic continues exploring the meditations of Jedi and their past informing their present. The seventh issue of The High Republic Adventures picks up after Padawan Farzala Tarabal and pilot Leox Gyasi have been captured by the Hutts after a diplomatic rendezvous turned into an attack. The Hutts, quick to blame the Jedi, haven't realized they're being played by an ambitious Jabba, who seeks to fracture the Hutt Clan to claim dominance in that leadership vacuum. Meanwhile, Jabba's hired guns have taken control of the Vessel, leaving it up to Affie Hollow and a group of Padawans to stop them. SPOILERS AHEAD....



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    Writer Daniel José Older begins with another glimpse of the ancient Jedi Master Tal Bota through the recollections of Farzala's Youngling days. The Padawan laments how much easier it was to see a galactic dichotomy of simply good and evil. Heroes showed up to vanquish the villains and that was that. Older's framing of this legendary Jedi Master begins to suggest we may see cracks in this history and Tal Bota's role in the Sith War may be more complicated than Farzala romanticized as a child. Just speculating here, so keep an eye on that and I could be wrong.



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    Presently, Farzala is faced with how ugly and complex the galaxy is. Storming the castle with a lightsaber is a simple solution but the results are much more complicated. He and Leox remain confined in a Hutt dungeon. Farzal is overcome with fear and is spiraling. Recalling Jedi who have been lost and the Jedi who are still missing (NOTE: This takes place before the events of The Rising StormRace to Crashpoint Tower, and Out of the Shadows). As the waves of anxiety approach him, Farzala remembers the beginning of a lesson on fear from his master. Again, Jedi feeling their feelings is a huge strength of The High Republic stories.



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    Meanwhile, aboard the Vessel, Affie and Qort continue to evade Jabba's armed retinue. Both realize they're running out of time. Master Obratuk Glii remains in a deep sleep, something his physiology requires and the thugs aboard aren't aware of. Notably, the hired guns are especially eager to find Geode.



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    Farzala's flashback continues, taking in a lesson about fear. His master cautions Farzala about avoiding fear or fighting it. This is juxtaposed as Affie and Qort begin to try and take back the Vessel.



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    Exploration of emotions is encouraged by the Jedi at this point in history. They don't suppress them, they experience them, gaining control. The teachings of the Jedi Order at this point give their disciples more agency over what it means to be a sentient being. We've seen how this can go sideways (See The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott) but overall it's a much more constructive way to teach. Whatever happens further down the road to get to the monastic order we meet in the prequels must be pretty bad, but I'll stop the speculation train here. There's a comic to review!



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    The art from Harvey Tolibao and Rebecca Nalty does a great job of conveying Older's writing. Farzala owns his fear, overcoming it, and growing stronger in the process. Despite being surrounded by Drengir and Hutt guards, Farzala breaks out of his cage, knowing other Jedi in the galaxy need this diplomatic mission to be successful. I love how much hope these new stories bring.



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    As the struggle to get control of the Vessel continues, Leox and Farazal make quite an entrance into a meeting between Jabba and the Hutt leader, Skarabada. As Jabba continues to paint the Jedi as attackers, he's unaware the tide is about to turn against his minions.



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    Master Obratuk Glii is back, rejuvenated and ready to take back the Vessel. 



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    Jabba's plan to frame the Jedi is exposed and the diplomatic mission will be a success. The Jedi and Hutts will continue this fragile alliance against the Drengir (See Marvel's The High Republic for more of that story). And Farzala learned no Jedi is alone and no one is ever really gone. His teachers are always there when he needs them and he's learned to overcome fear by believing in himself and making their knowledge his.



    There is so much positivity going into these stories about the different Padawans. I can't help but suspect we'll see many of these characters as full Jedi further down the pipeline of High Republic storytelling. Daniel José Older is doing a fantastic job of planting their seeds. This comic series is aimed at younger readers but I think the hope and optimism conveyed is much needed for all. And if you missed the free comic issue, Ram Jomaram from Race to Crashpoint Tower is now a regular part of the series. There is so much to look forward to in this series! It looks like the next issue picks up not long after the events of Crashpoint and The Rising Storm. Excited to see all of these Padawans back together!


    <p style='text-align: center;']RATING: 7.5/10</p>


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    #1 SWNN Probe, Aug 20, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2021
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  2. Grand Master Galen Marek

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    Another great cover, been enjoying reading these comics.
     
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