Written by Cavan Scott
Illustrated by Ario Anindito
Published by Marvel Comics
Leading up to the release of this new Stat Wars publishing initiative, galactic nomads called the Nihil were advertised as the main antagonists.
Cavan Scott executes a bait and switch in the form of monstrous plantlike dark side wielders known as the Drengir. These creatures have a connection to the Sith, which is a story I hope we get more of in the future.
The Drengir also has a slight connection to Supreme Leader Snoke, seen in the Kylo Ren mini-series.
The goal of the Drengir is to spread across the galaxy and feed on “meat,” i.e., people and their mind control powers are next-level terrifying.
Here, they’ve taken control of Sskeer’s mind, which explains why he appeared to become an agent of evil.
On the other side of the Outer Rim, the Jedi stationed at Starlight Beacon deal with a trojan horse situation that brings some welcomed connectivity to the Hutt carcass discovered aboard the derelict ship in the first issue.
Ario Anindito delivers his strongest artistic outing of the series. The tension of Sskeer holding his fellow Jedi captive, Star Light Beacon’s distress, and the various displays of the Drengir’s power exude a danger that the Jedi Order has never faced.
At first, Cavan Scott’s biggest flaw was the portrayal of newly minted Jedi Knight Keeve Trennis.
Besides being new to her station, there was nothing about the character to get excited about. Scott provides some depth to the relationship between Keeve and Sskeer that we only heard about previously. Seeing a nice teachable moment between the two made it easier to quantify their bond while sympathizing with Keeve’s sense of betrayal as her former master is about to let the Drengir consume her.
Sskeer’s character is also fleshed out a little more. He’s a much wiser Jedi than anticipated; however, his penchant for understanding all aspects of the Force could lead him down the dark path.
Marvel’s The High Republic series is a flip-flop of disappointment and triumph. The first and third issues were dull, while the second issue and this newest installment are delightful reads.
While some might not take creatures like the Drengir seriously due to their plantlike appearance, the threat they pose to the galaxy is highly intriguing and should make for some interesting stories ahead.
Rating: B+
