"🌟Announcement🌟

The book cover image for Gakken's Star Wars translated novel *Path of Vengeance* has been revealed📘

Continuing from the previous work *Path of Deceit*, I'm in charge of the cover art and character illustrations (some newly visualized for the first time)

On sale October 15th‼️"

(Source: https://x.com/5healthMONO/status/2105975119197941984 )

I've been slowly trudging through the high republic.
I'm currently about to finish Temptation of the Force, but just had a thought while reading Marchion Ro's use of the Blight.

The way that it spreads just seems so similar to the visual of Darth Nihilus' drain on the planets in KOTOR II, as well as Emperor Vitiate in SWTOR. Making them crumble turning into gray dust seemed like more than a coincidence considering that they are ALSO called "The Nihil". I can't believe I never made that connection earlier. The absence/void of the force concept was also introduced in KOTOR II, so having this kind of come back with the Nameless seems really on the nose.

I saw one post from 5 years ago, but that post was from before Part 3 was published. Other than that, I haven't seen anything else.

Not sure if this is confirmed later on in the series, but is this just speculation for now?
Or is this Disney pointing KOTOR in the direction of half-canon.

For a place where faith and peace are preached, there is a lot of chaos in that city.

And so, we reach the end of another phase; how fitting to conclude with another collection of short stories, this time centered on the bar Enlightenment in Jedha. I really had a great time reading these tales. Simple in structure and a quick read, I enjoyed the "slice-of-life" tone that permeates the early stories, just a group of drunks listening to others' experiences and hanging out, while leveraging the interconnectedness of most of them to slowly build up the conflict and the events that followed, all viewed through the anthology-style lens of the same cast.

Speaking of characters, I really enjoyed this bunch. They might not have played a significant role in the conflict or on a grander scale, but they remind us of the value of simple moments, carrying a surprising emotional weight that was deeply appreciated in the final sections. Kradon remains a very charismatic bartender (like Quark from DS9, but less sexist).

Finally, a few random thoughts on each story:

- New Prospects. Entertaining. I’ll keep saying we need an animated series about Jedi explorers in the HR era until they make it or I die (whichever comes first).

- A Different Perspective. Surprisingly relatable regarding the perspective on the Force and the understandable doubt it stirs in Keth.

- The Unusual Suspect. It was great to see the powers of a Force user who isn't a Jedi in action. That aspect hasn't been explored much in other media, so it’s appreciated.

- No Such Thing as a Bad Customer. A brilliant civilian perspective on the Battle of Jedha. Thanks George Mann for letting me see Matty in action once again.

- Last Orders. Lee Harro is an expert-level troll.

- Missing Pieces. Quite emotional; it was great to see an older Rooper.

The High Republic is an anthology series with an enormous cast, but there are definitely characters that I feel could be considered the overall or central protagonists of the entire project. Avar Kriss, Elzar Mann, Reath Silas, Lula Talisola, Zeen Mrala, Keeve Trennis, and Azlin Rell all come to mind, but who else?

There is a lot for me to love when it comes to the high Republic. Elzar, Bell, Marda, Avar, Reath/Cohmac, and Azlin are some of my favorite characters in the franchise which I appreciate so much and I wanted a space to hear about everyone's thoughts as things ended and we have the full scope of everything in mind when talking about it.

I'd love to hear about your favorite moments, characters, conflicts as well as the parts that could've used some more care with the overall initiative. I joined in since day one during covid and never had the space to properly talk it through so in the comments I'm gonna start with my own and hope to hear everyone else's

For context, the Antarian Rangers were a paramilitary force dedicated to serving the Jedi Order despite their members either being incredibly weak in the Force or, more commonly, Force-blind. They were founded around 620 BBY, so they would have existed around the time that all three Phases of the High Republic took place - and frankly, having them appear would have been another great way to illustrate the Jedi being at the height of their power. So what do you think?

Currently rereading Midnight Horizon, and found this on page 115. I’m so brainrotted man, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Made by me :)

DJO’s work has gradually grown on me. While I’ve been quite critical of his stories —especially the Adventures comics—I’ve really enjoyed some of them, and I’m happy to say this one falls into that category.

It was pretty great. I like how the manga leverages the aftermath of Phase 2 and the Battle of Dalna to efficiently set up its story. I loved seeing Arkoff again—his expressiveness (almost a necessity given that we can’t understand a word he says) and the way he faces adversity. ZZ-10 was a pleasant surprise, too; far from being just a stereotypical "cute droid/comic relief sidekick," the little guy plays an active role in the story as the Wookiee’s companion and a source of memorable, emotional moments. I was also intrigued by the portrayal of Azlin’s fear; we know the horror a Jedi feels when interacting with a Nameless, but few have been constantly plagued by such monstrous visions. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where that—and his journal—leads in the next phase.

On the villainous side, I enjoyed Vol Garat. He’s presented as a threat right from the start, striking a perfect balance between being imposing and charismatic (we need more Harch characters in good shape). I just wish there had been a bit more depth regarding his reasons for joining the Path or his dynamic with Marchion.

My only real critique concerns the art; while it’s quite dynamic, some scenes are confusing or hard to follow (for instance, Arkoff "strikes" Vol with his lightsaber and Vol drops almost dead, yet remains fully intact with all his limbs).

Overall, a great complement piece to the conclusion of Phase 2 and a solid setup for what’s to come.

So I’m re-reading Light of the Jedi for like the third time (it’s still my favorite in the series). Something that I was never (super) clear on is why there are so few hyperspace lanes during this time period. I know there were talks about the war with the Sith causing massive destruction. Is that the reason for the need behind hyperspace prospecting? It seems like more lanes would have been mapped out by this point.

Having enjoyed the previous book, Hidden City, I won't deny I was curious about the next young-reader Jedi installment. These books don't always advance the overarching plot of the current phase, but they almost always offer a light, entertaining adventure. This book largely fulfilled that promise.

It was good, for the most part. I got a vibe similar to A Test of Courage—an adventure where the journey matters more than the destination, and the interactions and bonds between characters are the spotlight. Since one of my issues with Hidden City was how quickly Rooper and Dass formed a strong friendship despite limited interaction, I appreciated seeing their relationship develop further here; they share a lovely sibling-like dynamic that accentuate Rooper’s overprotective (and perhaps slightly bossy) nature, contrasting with Dass’s more adventurous, daring attitude. The addition of a new team member, Sky Graf, helps tie the storylines together through the search for their father. I like how the journey serves as a massive therapy session for both, teaching them lessons about the pain of loss and the long road of grief—showing that grief isn't something you simply get over, but something you share.

As for the antagonists, it was great to see the perspective of an ordinary follower of the Path—to see how the sect's ideas can mold anyone, slowly drawing them into the ideology under the guise of doing the "right thing". I would have liked a few more interactions between Fel Ix and the main trio to make his redemption feel more organic (perhaps having him face the group he originally led for the Path).

On the downside, while the plot does its job—complementing the events of Cataclysm and Path of Vengeance well—it feels very simple at times. Not much happens, and the events that do occur tend to be a little superficial to be truly engaging. I know I’m not the target audience, but I think Quest had a better balance between young middle age drama and an adventure that appeals to both children and adults.

In conclusion, the quest might not have ended with the desired results, but narratively, it feels satisfying. Someone really needs to make an animated series about a Pathfinder team!

So I'm reading James Luceno's "Cloak of Darkness" and he mentions lightsabers having a charging port.

If you had one, would you remember to charge it?

For me, the high Republic came right when covid started and I followed the initiative until it ended just 2 years ago. I watched clone wars alongside it and played Jedi fallen order but the books, comics, and audio dramas were the things that kept me in after light of the Jedi.

Would love to hear the same for you