Review: Porter and Barash Arrive on the Planet of Knives in Marvels The High Republic: The Blade #2

Charles Soule launches back into the legendary Porter Engle's backstory with The Blade #2. The first did a perfect job setting the stage with the perfect mix of displaying Engle’s mastery of the lightsaber with investing the reader in his relationships. Porter’s sister Barash was a new character introduced to us, and it’s safe to say I instantly fell in love. Her and Porter’s relationship are the backbone of this series, and that’s how it should be.



This issue isn’t just a nonstop, action-packed comic from start to finish. Instead, the lightsaber's “awesomeness” is seldom seen. Instead, we are looking at the person that is Porter Engle and the most important relationship in his life. The more we learn about this relationship will almost certainly give us the reason why the famed warrior retires as a chef in the outer rim.



The Blade #2 cover art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Frank Martin.



Spoilers ahead...



Previously, we left Engle and Barash as they made their way toward the planet Gansevor. It is known as the “Planet of Knives” for its sharply pointed mountain landscape. It makes for a fascinating world. Engle and Barash arrive and meet with Envoy Seleen, who gives the Jedi a rundown of why they called for help.



The skyline of the city Horatio on the planet of Gansevor.



On Gansevor, there is no central military authority. Each city-state is required to settle disputes itself. The capital city of Horatio is nothing more than an administrative bureaucracy. A rival land called the Bethune has laid siege to the walled city of Firevale. A simple mining town at first has boomed into an economic powerhouse as the Firevale discovered a rare mineral called baudraxite, which is now essential to the planet’s energy infrastructure.



The rival Bethune has laid siege to the Firevale, but it’s unknown why. At first, I thought it would be as simple as one group wanting a resource the other group had, but as Qui-Gon would say “the situation has become much more complicated.”



Engle and Barash gather a convoy of supplies for the sieged city and make their way to Firevale.



The supply convoy for the people of Firevale.



Once arriving on Firevale, the Bethune immediately open fire on the convoy. No matter how often I see it, there is always a special feeling when I see Jedi do the magic hand thing. Porter and Barash join together using the Force to ward off enemy missiles and protect the convoy. The two of them share such a special bond.



After telling those they are traveling with to let them down to speak with the Bethune, they are bewildered. Why on earth would these two Jedi want to talk with the people who just tried to kill them? When asked this question, Porter simply states that most people never try and kill them twice. I’m beginning to see Porter is quite attuned at delivering some one-liners, and Barash met this one with some affirmation.



Barash and Porter save the convoy.



It didn’t take long for more blaster fire to find its way toward the Jedi. The Bethune opened fire on the approaching figures, and the lightsaber “awesomeness” part of the issue kicked in. In a move of such insane quickness and unbelievable precision, Porter deflects the first bolt inches from Barash’s face. It was an incredible mix of him testing his skills and displaying his prowess. The best part was Barash being unfazed by the blaster bolt inches from her face. The level of trust these two have for each other is nigh impossible to find in a galaxy full of deceit.



After this, he begins to just go into blaster-deflecting berserker mode. Deflecting three, four, and even five bolts at a time, he is relentless. Before long, he dispatches the blasters from the Bethune’s hands, and aggressive negotiations comes to an end.



Porter Engle and his lightsaber mastery.



Before the current-day story continues, we are treated to another short flashback similar to what we got in the first. It was brief, but also my favorite part of the comic. Taking place at the Jedi Temple 17 years prior, Porter and Barash are Padawans. They are about to be separated by the Jedi Masters because of their growing “attachment” to each other. I fully expected Porter to be upset at this and want to scheme a way around the issue, but it was Barash who came up with a genius plot. She devises a plan where they both intentionally make mistakes to the point the Jedi will realize they are much better Jedi Knights when together. When realizing this, they will almost certainly bring the two back together rather than compromise two of their brightest students.



The plan certainly seems to have worked, considering they are now conducting missions together. I hope more of these flashbacks continue in the upcoming issues. I want to soak up as much of this relationship as I can!



Porter and Barash come up with their plan.



Back in the present day, our two heroes are meeting with Field Marshal Tozen of the Bethune. It’s what some might describe as a “heated exchange.”. The Marshal and his people explain to the Jedi the Firevale have kidnapped their princess. While this adds a thicker layer of complications to the situation, the Jedi are still keen on resolving this peacefully.



While the timeline of this series is roughly known, it became clearer in this moment. Barash name-dropped the planets Eiram and E’ronoh, and mentioned the Jedi’s involvement there. Given the events of the recent novel Convergence, it would appear this is taking place right in the thick of things. This only peaks my interest in Phase II even more.



Ultimately, Tozen yields and allows the Jedi to bring the supply convo to the Firevale. However, as soon as the Jedi leave, he calls someone to bring reinforcements, and effectively finish this once and for all. So much for a peaceful solution.



Once inside the walls, they meet with Chief Magistrate Renata and Prince Colden. To nobody’s surprise, the problem is not as simple as a kidnapped princess. According to the Prince, the princess is his now wife who fled Bethune to claim asylum amongst the Firevale. While this alone would have taken a while to sort out, they weren’t allowed to discuss this latest development.



The Firevale’s defensive sirens sound off before any discussion of this revelation can be had. The reinforcements Tozen called in had arrived. The fleet that came with them was massive.



The comic ends with a frightening image of someone who looks to be a crucial antagonist. We don’t know the name of the leader of these mercenaries, but they certainly look the part. Wrapped in a purple cloak with a long double-sided blade, the villain possesses a menacing look.



The leader of the mercenaries.



Overall, the pacing in this comic was well-crafted, and it moved along nicely. I would have liked a bit more time with the people of Firevale before the impending attack started, but I am sure we will get to know them more soon. I can’t wait for the upcoming showdown between this mercenary leader and Porter Engle. Charles Soule is onto something here!


<p style='text-align: center;']Rating: 8/10</p>






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