Well, here it is. The moment I’ve been waiting for so long. Star Wars: The High Republic #1 goes on sale today, with part one of our first arc: There Is No Fear.
I cannot tell you how wonderful it’s been to work with this team. Let’s have a roll call. We have the super-talented Ario Anindito on pencils with Mark Morales providing stunning inks. Then Annalisa Leoni takes it to another level with her amazing colours. Last but no means least we have VC’s Ariana Maher providing very special letters and Phil Noto producing that now iconic cover of Jedi Sskeer, Keeve Trennis and Avar Kriss.
And of course, the team wouldn’t be complete with our editors Mark Paniccia and Tom Groneman. Every member of the team has poured their heart and soul into this book and I hope it shines through in every single page.
Let’s have a look at the variants. Click on the thumbnails to see them in all their glory.
BEFORE THE SKYWALKER SAGA! THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE JEDI! A new era of STAR WARS storytelling begins.
It is centuries before the SKYWALKER SAGA. The JEDI are at their height, protecting the galaxy as REPUBLIC pioneers push out into new territories. As the Frontier prepares for the dedication of majestic STARLIGHT BEACON, PADAWAN KEEVE TRENNIS faces the ultimate choice — will she complete her Jedi Trials or rescue the innocent from disaster?
New Jedi! New ships! New evils to fight!
I’ve talked about it before, but writing Star Wars comics means so much to me, especially writing Star Wars comics for Marvel. That’s not meant as a slight against my comics work with IDW, but Marvel Star Wars is when it all started for me. Way back in 1978, I picked up issue 16 of Marvel UK’s Star Wars Weekly. I hadn’t seen Star Wars and so this was my first introduction to a galaxy far, far away and everything that George Lucas created.
And here I am 43-years later, launching an entire new era of Star Wars comics. It is literally a dream come true!
I hope you enjoy the issue and stick with the series. Reach out to me on twitter and instagram to let me know what you think. I also did a little thank you video over on YouTube! Forgive my croaky voice!
For Light and Life!
Hi Cavan,
I read the comic as soon as it was published on amazon kindle (it was like midnight) together with a friend. We are really excited for this new era and even plan on starting a Star Wars pen and paper rpg campaign set in the High Republic era.
So, you can imagine that we were on pins and needles to see more of this new setting. I’m half through Light of the Jedi, but as a visual person, I was especially excited for the comic series.
And now? “This is where the fun begins.”
I love the humour, the relationship between Sskeer and Keeve, all the mocking between them.
I love the way you introduced Keeve to us. Yes, she’s young. She’s cocky. She’s brave. But she also has respect, is amazed when meeting Avar.
And finally, I fricking love the way you showed us the Jedi in this comic. This is the High Republic and I love it. For Light and Life!
Greetings from Germany and may the force be with you,
Julian
Hey Julian,
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. May the Force be with you!
Cavan
Hi Cavan,
I’ve not read or purchased a comic in almost two decades. I picked up volume 2 and your work has sparked joy and enthusiasm I’ve not had since I was a kid waiting for the next issue to land on the shelf and a wonderful thing to share with my daughter. She loves Keeve and cannot get enough! Now I am on the hunt for a copy of volume 1 and with any help from the force, a variant or two and had to start a comic subscription for each of us so my daughter can collect her own!
You’ve done an awesome thing!
Joe
Joe,
Thank you SO much for sharing this with me. That makes me so happy. Love to hear about families sharing Star Wars together. Good luck with that collection. Your daughter is awesome.
Cheers,
Cavan