Lit Books Comics The High Republic (aka "Project Luminous")

When was this announced?

Star Wars The High Republic Character Encyclopedia https://a.co/d/130BSA5

 

So, I've just cracked it open so far. Lots of text and reading so that is a plus. I was expecting more of a Visual Guide presentation but its more a retelling of what has happend in the High Republic story so far - Phase 1 and 2. There are indeed lots of illustrations and you get pictures of events in the story as well as character shots. I have to say the art is not bad (and is all original) but personally the illustrations are a softer style than I prefer (My idea would be someone like Trevas or Joe Corroney like the Essential Chronology). All the art is by a single artist and I like I said, not bad per se just not as detailed as I like.

Will have more to add as I read over it. Note there are also little addons throughout, kind of like the Handbook books that came out (like the Sith or Smuggler's handbook). I came across a bookmark type faux aged insert in Aurebesh and a lightsaber hilt shaped magnet (I think it is a magnet). I really have to read the text to render a judgement on how much insight it brings but at first glance I would say it is a nice summary/refresher on High Rebuplic storylines but not essential (ie. strikes me if you already have the whole book and comic collection so far it's actually LESS necessary). I think there are focus sections in the text but not, say, like a deep dive on the Republic navy or political structure or anything like that.

 

So it's kind of an in-universe history like Essential Chronology or Essential Guide to the Force?

 

Yeah, that's probably the best way to describe it. The Essential Chronology is what I was reminded of as I skimmed through it (and probably the comparison is why I am a bit down on the art in comparison as New Essential Chronology had some absolutely phenomenal art pieces) As the story is being told, there are diversions to explain some of the background and Jedi Order structural features but mainly it is a re-telling of events from a Jedi author (he describes himself as an artist but the opening pretty much sets out the intent of the book: to tell of great events of the time).

Oh and correction on the magnet - it's actually an affixed thin sheet of carboard-ish material shaped like a lightsaber hilt. There's also a map included (oddly it folds out but the map on the inside of the fold out is one-half of the very same map on the reverse page and then the other quarter of the galaxy). The map is pretty bare and mainly outlines the area of the galaxy around Nihil space (ie. there are planets around that quadrant detailed however much of the rest of the map shows the regions of the galaxy but not the rest of the worlds further away from that southern slice; just blank space).

 

Thanks for the descriptions. Sounds like I will be better off buying a hard copy. The flare seems like it would be lost in ebook format. Like Secrets of the Jedi.

 

You're welcome. Note, as a clarification, there is a bit more structure to things then I first saw in that the first 30 pages or so are more of a background on the Jedi section; then we're on to the story part (with diversions in the text when focussing on a character or an aspect of the Jedi mission throughout the whole book). There is a nice write up on the Jed High Council (with a paragraph or two about each member) with accompanying group pictures broken down into 3-4 members at a time. Looking closer, I would say Phase 2 is definitely a briefer rundown of story beats than Phase 1 with a more general approach to what is going on.

Also, just in case I gave a more negative impression about the art, I think those who enjoy a more painterly style will be more enthusiastic. The character depictions are probably the big strength here and nicely done (vs the scenes which whiel nicely framed are just less detailed than how I prefer - think original Legends X-wing novel covers vs the new Essential Legends style, though not quite that minimal)

 

Could be worthwhile for those who don't want to read the YA and Junior novels.

 

Good point. I'd agree. The YA and junior stuff seems to get equal billing, certainly (a few pictures of Venestra in there, anyway). Or a refresher on EVERYTHING heading into the next phase if someone forgot some plot points.

 

In some cases people won't even know the plot points. Running stories across different age range material is one of High Republic's unusual aspects.

 

Hey Lit folks question for y'all: which High Republic projects include the Jedi Council members? I've been wanting to see Yoda, Yarael Poof, and Oppo Rancisis in this setting but unsure what stories they are in.

 

Oppo Rancisis has a small but important role in Tempest Runner, Yoda appears in a few stories that I can't list off the top of my head, but I think most prominently in the Phase I High Republic Adventures comics.

 

Thanks guys! Decided to take the whole plunge and start at the beginning - started listening to Light of the Jedi last night.

 

Ya I remember them telling me at Celebration last year that they have "phases" kind of like Marvel, and that LOTJ was the start of Phase 1. Is that still the case?

 

As someone who’s waiting for the whole thing to finish before diving in, I’ll be interested to see which order is preferred by the majority of fans, chronological or publication.

 

Tends to be more complicated than that due to comics being in the mix and if you like reading those in trades. Plus plots running in parallel.

Someone will assemble an order for it.

 

What is first, chronologically?

 

That's where it gets complicated!

 

Path of Deceit. A young adult novel set ~150 years before Light of the Jedi.

 

I'm sure @Sinrebirth has it all figured out via the One Canon

 

Yep but I'm not sure how well that works for someone coming into this cold.

 

I don’t really read comics. Are those necessary to follow the story of the novels? I’ve read and enjoyed comics, certainly, but the novel rabbit hole is deep enough. Not sure I wanna go down another one.