Review: ‘High Republic Adventures’ Issue #6 Retreads Familiar Ground In a Filler Issue (No Spoilers)
In my review for The High Republic Adventures issue #5, I commented on how I felt the story may be going in circles. The ending indicated that the series would put a larger focus on Lula and Zeen’s relationship now that Lula decided to put the Jedi Order behind her.
This month’s issue sees that prediction come true. While I still enjoyed The High Republic Adventures issue #6 thanks to Harvey Tolibao’s return as penciler, most of the comic regurgitates information we already know. The plot barely moves forward as this issue essentially serves as a “filler episode.”
Much like the title on the cover suggests, this issue is a “calm before the storm.” Lula, Zeen, and the company are spending time on Eriadu participating in friendly competition. But their games are interrupted by a visiting threat.
While The High Republic Adventures isn’t a stranger to filler issues where the group departs on a fun getaway, this is by far the weakest. A good portion of the issue is spent recapping the important events in the series. And rather than providing a fun, innocent respite for the gang — and readers — the plot introduces unnecessary action and conflict in the latter half. I actually enjoy good filler issues and have enjoyed many of the series’ past diversions. Especially when the stories are humorous and light-hearted, they can be great stories to help break up the tension. But this issue fails to do that.
The one positive aspect of this issue is that Harvey Tolibao continues to provide beautiful artwork. From the very beginning, Tolibao’s artwork has always been “busy,” with a lot of characters and dark line shading that takes up a lot of space. But, it’s “busy” in a good way, where the reader can take time to examine and appreciate everything that’s going on. And it’s the same way here with issue #6 as there are some ornate and complex shots and compositions.
The first half of Phase III of The High Republic Adventures was very eventful. It felt like there was some big reveal one after the other. And while I’m all for the story taking a more lighthearted turn, issue #6 doesn’t go “all-in” in that direction. It’s a filler issue that doesn’t feel, well … fulfilling.
Score: 5/10
UP NEXT:
Thank you to Dark Horse for providing the advanced review copy used for this writing. The High Republic Adventures issue 6 is available at local comic book stores and digital store shelves on May 29
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jay Goodearl runs the YouTube Gaming channel “Good Games, Dude” His channel aims to open up video games to beginners and immediate players and help them understand what makes games the art form that it is.
