‘Star Wars: The High Republic’ Phase 2 Preview: Launch Trailer, Release Dates, and More
Phase 2 of the High Republic publishing initiative is here. Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton’s Path of Deceit hits shelves this week, with Marvel’s relaunch of its The High Republic comic book series coming next on October 12th. To celebrate the launch, a new trailer has dropped previewing what’s in store for fans.
Check it out here:
Phase 2, also known as “Quest of the Jedi”, takes place 150 years before the events of phase 1. The stories will build upon certain story elements already introduced, but will also detail how a lot of the galaxy took shape. A main central point will be Jedha, first seen in Rogue One. The planet will be the setting for the first few issues of Marvel’s The High Republic comic series.
In addition to that, we also know something major will happen in Zoraida Córdova’s Convergence that directly ties into The Battle of Jedha audio drama, set for release January 3, 2023. That information is in thanks to its recently released synopsis. It reads:
After the events of The High Republic: Convergence, the Jedi travel to Jedha in this all-new Star Wars audiobook original.
Jedha. The worn streets of this ancient world serve as a confluence for the galaxy. Visited by all, yet owned by none. Here, the Jedi are but one creed among many worshipping and studying the Force. From the Guardians of the Whills to the Path of the Open Hand, countless beings come to learn, and to share, in peace.
As all of Jedha prepares for its Festival of Balance, the galaxy still reels from the violence on Eiram and E’ronoh. But after foiling a plot to escalate the war between the two planets, the Jedi believe that a lasting peace may be within reach. Master Creighton Sun and Jedi Knight Aida Forte arrive on Jedha with delegations from both planets to formally end the “Forever War.” The Jedi hope that the harmony of Jedha’s many factions, along with the signing of a peace treaty, will create a symbol to the rest of the galaxy of what can be accomplished through unity.
But not all are happy with the Jedi’s involvement or ready to concern themselves with peace. Rumors begin to swirl that the Jedi bring war in their wake. The distrust and anger that for so long fueled the Forever War now threaten to corrupt the communities of Jedha. When violence breaks out on the sacred moon, the war that was meant to end on Jedha may soon engulf the entire world.
Pushed back from this month, February 2023 will see the release of Claudia Gray’s Quest of the Jedi, a one-shot comic from Dark Horse. In case you missed it, the synopsis for that issue reads as follows:
On the ancient world of Angcord, the Force works in mysterious ways…
When a pair of Jedi arrive on the mysterious world, seeking ancient artifacts of the Force, the quickly find more than they were bargaining for.
But just what is the mysterious Echo Stone, and what does its existence mean for the continued survival of all those who call Angcord home?
At the moment, it appears this phase of the High Republic will only be two waves of stories. May 2023’s Path of Vengeance is being billed as the “thrilling conclusion” to phase 2, although that doesn’t mean Marvel or Dark Horse couldn’t release an issue or two after that book hits.
Here is a complete rundown of everything announced so far coming in the High Republic phase 2, plus their current release dates.
First up in wave 1:
- Path of Deceit (October 4th)
- Marvel’s The High Republic #1 (October 12th)
- Quest for the Hidden City (November 1st)
- Marvel’s The Blade #1 (November 9th)
- Convergence (November 22nd)
- Dark Horse’s The High Republic Adventures #1 (November 30th)
- Dark Horse’s The Nameless Terror #1 (December 28th)
- The Battle of Jedha (January 3, 2023)
- Dark Horse’s Quest of the Jedi (February 8, 2023)
Wave 2:
- Cataclysm (April 4, 2023)
- Quest for Planet X (April 4, 2023)
- Path of Vengeance (May 2, 2023)
Marvel’s The High Republic and Dark Horse’s The High Republic Adventures are expected to continue through wave 2. There is an untitled manga also on its way from Daniel José Older (Edge of Balance), but there hasn’t been any information beyond its initial announcement. And if all this wasn’t enough already, don’t forget that the official Star Wars Insider magazine will have the occasional tertiary short story. Their latest, New Prospects, came with September’s issue.
Phase 2 of the High Republic publishing initiative kicks off this week. Read the prologue and an excerpt from Path of Deceit now. Otherwise, you can order the novel here.
Nate uses his love for Star Wars and movies in general as a way to cope with the pain of being a Minnesota sports fan. When he's not at the theater, you can usually find Nate reading a comic, listening to an audiobook, or playing a Mario video game for the 1,000th time.
