Comic Talk: The High Republic Adventures #2

Science Fiction is in the middle of a renaissance of sorts in which female characters are dominating the genre. Strong female leads have been part of Sci-Fi since at least the 80s when Sarah Connor and Ellen Ripley dominated the Box Office. In the 2020s however Science Fiction is practically defined by women.

Disney introduced Rey as the lead character of their tent-pole trilogy and put Jyn Erso in the center of the first spin-off film. Doctor Who now has Jodie Whittaker's "Thirteenth Doctor" behind the controls of the Tardis. Marvel's "Wandavision" is the first true Marvel Universe TV show with Elizabeth Olson proving her acting chops.

What's more is that Black Females are beginning to break through as well. Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham leads Star Trek Discovery to new worlds. Jo Martin was introduced as the first black Doctor Who. And Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau is the coolest new MCU super hero.

And now in the High Republic sub-franchise everything is female led. From Avar Kriss to Vernestra Rhow to Keeve Trennis, females are at the center of this series. In "The High Republic Adventures" Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala solidify the fact that females will be at the center of the Star Wars franchise moving forward. And the franchise is all the better for it.

Prerequisites: 

This story exists within the larger framework of "The High Republic" sub-franchise. To really get a handle on the plot, the villains, and the stakes- adult fans might want to check out the novel "The Light of the Jedi" or "The High Republic" comic series from Marvel. Kids, however, are probably not going to care about how this series fits into the larger mythos of Star Wars- they will just want to enjoy the ride.

Who Wrote This?

Daniel Jose Older is has been working on Star Wars stories since 2017 including his novel "Last Shot" which tied in with the film "Solo".  Outside of Star Wars, Older is known for his "Shadowshaper Cypher" young adult series.

Characters:

Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala are the leads here. Lula is an established Jedi where Zeen is a force user who must hide her powers because of the religious sect she grew up in. Beyond the leads we have a variety of interesting characters including Krix Kamerat, who feels betrayed by Zeen's sudden revelation that she can use the Force. Yoda is also a strong character in the pages of this series because we get to see the Jedi Master at the height of his life. He is Grand Master of the Jedi Order at a time when the Order truly represents a beacon of hope for the Galaxy.

Why Should I Read It?

I think the relationship between Zeen and Krix is the most interesting part of the series. Two best friends suddenly find themselves on the opposite sides of the same war. This theme is featured in "Lost Stars" by Claudia Grey and in "Resistance" Season 2. But it is also found at the very heart of every Star Wars Trilogy. Luke & Vader. Obi-Wan & Anakin. Rey & Ben Solo.

In a world where your favorite aunt might also believe in the QAnon Conspiracy Theory, this theme is very timely. 

What's Next?

Next week I take a look at Star Wars #12 by Charles Soule