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Review: Starlight Stories recaptures the magic of The High Republic Phase I

BBG News

As a seasoned gamer and Star Wars enthusiast with a heart full of nostalgia for the golden days of Phase I in The High Republic, I can’t help but feel like I’ve stumbled upon a long-lost treasure chest with the release of “Star Wars Insider: The High Republic: Starlight Stories.

Star Wars Insider: Tales from the High Republic” compiles five short narratives set during the initial phase of the High Republic publishing project. These tales were previously published in various issues of Star Wars Insider magazine. A compilation edition, which includes an interview with the authors who launched the initiative – Charles Soule, Cavan Scott, Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, and Daniel José Older – will be released on November 12th.

As a gamer catching up on the galaxy’s lore, diving into the latest edition of Starlight Stories is like stepping into a forgotten chapter I’ve been longing to explore. Penned by Soule, Scott, and Ireland, each tale grips you from the get-go, offering standalone enjoyment for newcomers like myself. Yet, for those already immersed in the High Republic universe, there are delightful connections and even a sprinkle of familiar faces—like Sskeer, the Trandoshan Jedi, and Senator Ghirra Starros. This collection promises an enriching experience, no matter where you’re starting your journey!

In each episode of “Starlight Stories“, we delve into the personal journeys of characters like Joss and Pikka Adren, Velko Jahen, and Ghal Tarpfen. Yet, these stories also offer a glimpse into life on the Starlight Beacon space station, while showing us how the galaxy’s state evolved during Phase I. It feels reassuring to return to the Starlight Beacon, but the tales become even more poignant when you consider the tragic end that awaited Starlight and many of its frequent visitors.

Instead of focusing mainly on the Jedi perspective in The High Republic series, it’s refreshing to encounter stories like Starlight Stories that are narrated from the viewpoint of ordinary people. These individuals might not be Jedi, but they play crucial roles at Starlight Beacon, contribute significantly to the Republic, and actively participate in fighting against the Nihil. This everyday perspective continued in Phase II with George Mann’s Tales of Enlightenment and in the ongoing Phase III series, Tales from the Occlusion Zone.

Among all the Starlight Stories, I particularly enjoy Scott’s “Past Mistakes” and Ireland’s “Shadows Remain.” In “Past Mistakes,” an intriguing character from Velko’s past, Vane Sarpo, visits Starlight, leaving readers in suspense about his true allegiances and motives. On the other hand, “Shadows Remain” offers a heart-wrenching twist that intensifies the impact of a major betrayal and the eventual demise of the Starlight Beacon.

The interview at the end with The High Republic’s five original authors is the cherry on top of this delicious sundae. Scott’s question of “What scares the Jedi?” is discussed as one of the starting points that led to the creation of The High Republic. This question and some of the other teases in the interview have new meaning, given everything we now know about the Nameless and other elements that have been prominent throughout The High Republic.

As the Phase III storyline progresses towards its conclusion with Charles Soule’s “Trials of the Jedi” set for release in 2025, the “Starlight Stories” offers an engaging look back at Phase I. While Phases II and III have been captivating, they can’t match the unique charm of the early days of Phase I, a feeling that is beautifully rekindled in “Starlight Stories”.

Star Wars Insider: The High Republic: Starlight Stories is available on November 12.

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2024-10-26 23:21

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