The High Republic Panel Reveals New Details For Phase II
Star Wars Celebration 2022 just keeps delivering.
Aside from the Andor trailer, the announcement of Skeleton Crew, and much more, fans at Celebration were treated to new information about Phase II of what was initially called Project Luminous, now The High Republic.
In a panel of the artists and writers of Phase I, host Krystina Arielle, the host of The High Republic Show on YouTube, prompted the artists and authors to talk about their experiences and any information they had about Phase I and Phase II. The first new reveal was the cover of the upcoming Art of The High Republic by Kristin Baver, featuring design progression for many of the characters introduced in Phase I. Characters like Marchion Ro, the new antagonist and leader of the Nihil, fan-favorite Yoda, and many more. Next, Arielle moved on to Phase II and had the Lucasfilm Publishing creative director Michael Siglain show off much of Phase II's character art and details before fans were shown the titles of the new books and comics for Phase II.
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The first novel to kick off Phase II is Path of Deceit by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland. Lucasfilm Publishing creative director Michael Siglain explained that Phase II is set 150 years before Phase I and is mainly about exploring the galaxy by the Republic and the Jedi. It's a period of discovery, and with discovery comes danger.
Other details viewers learned about the galaxy in Phase II included that there are two, yes two, chancellors of the Republic. Chancellors Greylark and Mollo. As the panel tells it, Chancellor Greylark, a human woman, seems eager to expand outward, much like westward expansion in the United States. Chancellor Mollo, a Quarren male, oversees the Outer Rim and is focused on the Core World society. They pointed out the focus they put on these two characters' location and focus and how that affects their relationship and governance of the Republic.
Fans were also introduced to the Pathfinders, Jedi, and Republic explorers of the unknown areas of the galaxy. Panelist Claudia Gray talked about how they set out on dangerous missions, risking life to establish hyperspace lanes and explore new worlds. Unfortunately, these Pathfinders also don't have the tech we're used to in Star Wars and rely on communications teams using droids that jump back through the path they make to send word of new information and discovery.
Additionally, the panel introduced other new characters. Jedi Matthea Cathley and Olivia Zeveron will be central to the story about Jedha, which is going to be an important location during this Phase. They also talked about a more prominent role for the character Arkoff from Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance mangas, introducing us to his droid ZZ-10. Another reveal, hilariously done through the art of Daniel Jose Older, centered on the Dank Graks, who will be introduced in some of the new comics. Interestingly, Older stated that one of these Dank Graks does not like Maz Kanata, revealing the sequel character's return to the crowd. The last of the character reveals told viewers about a new character called The Mother and The Herald. The Mother is the spiritual leader of a group of Adherents. Force Adherents believe in the Force's existence and influence but may not necessarily be users. The Herald is a little more humble in appearance and seems to be of the same race as Kit Fisto and works with the Mother and may or may not be on good terms with her.
Panelists further revealed more covers for upcoming works. First, there was Convergence, a novel by Zoraida Cordova. Then, at the middle-grade level, there was Quest for the Hidden City by George Mann and The High Republic Adventures #1: The Nameless Terror from Dark Horse Comics written by George Mann. George Mann is a busy person, as it was also shown that there will be an audiobook original called The Battle of Jedha coming out on January 3rd, 2023.
Two other cover reveals brought back fan-favorite Porter Engle, also known as the Blade of Bardotta, who will get the spotlight for a limited series comic that focuses on his story and how he earned the legendary name "The Blade of Bardotta" in Star Wars: The High Republic: The Blade #1. Written by Charles Soule, with the art of Marco Castiello, Blade will take us into the backstory of Engle through four issues, and according to the panel, it's a dark story. Look for Blade #1 on shelves this November.
In addition, The High Republic continues its expansive story in another new comic series. Writer Cavan Scott joins artist Ario Anindito in Star Wars: The High Republic #1. In keeping with the Phase II time frame, this series will center on the planet of Jedha and its connection to the Force and other major faiths in the galaxy. Readers will be introduced to Jedi Vildar Mac, sent to Jedha as peace is crumbling and danger arrives. Look for The High Republic #1 on shelves this October.
As if there weren't enough reveals, the panel ended with the release windows and titles and authors of more Phase II books with Cataclysm by Lydia Kang, Quest for Planet X by Tessa Gratton, and Path of Vengeance by Cavan Scott. So, if you're a fan of The High Republic, there's a lot in store in the coming months and year.
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