The danger of The High Republic is the potential of trying to explore too many characters at once. Cavan Scott astutely gives us massive stakes and ominous threats, but focuses the narrative around Keeve and Sskeer. The fact that the creators can succeed this quickly in making us care deeply for characters and conflicts is a testament not only to the storytelling here, but also the care of the Star Wars story group across this line. All that being said, if Sskeer doesn't survive the next issue, we riot. Read Full Review

OverallThis story continues to be a very hit-and-miss affair with me. To a point where I am quite glad that this is the penultimate issue because it means I only have one left to read. The plot twist with Sskar being able to fend off the influence of the Drenger was pretty obvious. I sort of saw it coming right away. Overall on its own merit. This is not a bad issue. It just that the overall story just has not been doing it for me. Read Full Review

An issue that introduces us to some more fresh ideas within the Star Wars universe, while still working wonders in fleshing out its cast of characters. Read Full Review

Every chapter of The High Republic reveals more and more about the Jedi of this time. There are a lot of little things to pick apart from some of the small interactions between the Avar and Sskeer, as well as the Jedi and the locals. Star Wars always works best when it dives into messy politics and how the Jedi Order operates as an organization. I hope we get more of that. For now, the action, main story, and characters are intriguing enough to keep going in another stellar issue. Read Full Review

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. Read Full Review

A really well planned issue that really brings out old and new Star Wars themes in exciting ways. Read Full Review

Anindito does some great work with the art in the issue. The characters are visually dynamic and there are great details in every panel. Read Full Review

I'm continuing to enjoy the High Republic series but this installment just felt a bit lighter this time around than in other ones. I like its focus on Sskeer since he's slowly being taken over and struggling for control but also because it gives us a little more of his time in the past with Keeve. The events on the Starlight Beacon are intriguing as well but as things play out it just makes me wish that we had more time to develop things here than we've had so that it would feel more well-rounded at this point. It's a solid issue but not a game changer. Read Full Review

The series has predictably cooled down a little for me after the excitement and newness of the first couple issues, but I'm happy to say I'm still enjoying it as it becomes more familiar. I can't say the same about every Star Wars series, and I'm happy that this big experiment for Star Wars publishing has been going well. I can't wait to see how this arc concludes, and the solicits are making the next arc look very interesting. Read Full Review

There are times things move a little too fast for the art to keep up, but there's not a dull moment, which is more than I can say for quite a few Star Wars comics of the past. Read Full Review

Star Wars: The High Republic #4 is trying to ramp things up with the Drengir. It works on some parts but fails at others. The story feels very rushed concerning certain characters, especially Master Sskeer and his choices. This comic has some difficulty in balancing its world-building and telling a solid story. Read Full Review

Would probably only recommend this if you are already on board with the story as I didnt really know what was going on or care what was going to happen with the characters at all. Read Full Review

I'm still very much enjoying this book, but there's nothing here that would give me that excitement that some other Star Wars stuff does. It's still a very much a fun read.

Star Wars: The High Republic
Issue: 4
There Is No Fear Chapter IV: “Song of the Drengir”

Publisher: @marvel
Writer: @cavanscottwriter
Artist: @arioanin
Inker: @mark_morales11
Colorist: @leoni.a_art
Cover: @philnoto
Letterer: Ariana Maher

The Drengir are a plant-like species once allied with the Sith before being trapped for eons. They have now resurfaced and have taken root on Sedri Minor. The Drengir have captured Jedi and Sskeer is now connected with the age-old danger. All hope seems lost for the Jedi.

This issue continues to present and explore new threats and concepts within the Star Wars universe. The Drengir have the ability to infect and push people as well as Jedi towards the dark side. Corrupting a Jedi Master like Sskeer truly demonstrates the power they possess. I loved that we learn about their connection to the Sith. It’s not the normal villain we are all used to for Star Wars but it’s definitely an interesting one. The artwork continues to be great which accompanies the great story telling. Star Wars fans need to be reading this series!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Reviewed by: @mcruz2189 of The Comic Book Club of Instagram
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