Star Warshas confirmed that, whileStar Wars: The High Republicmay officially be over, the franchise has only just scratched the surface of the era in which it’s set. TheStar Wars: The High Republicpublishing initiative was the franchise’s biggest and most successful foray into transmedia storytelling yet, chronicling the “Golden Age” of the Jedi.
Set during the titularHigh Republic era, roughly 350–100 years before the events ofStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, the novels, comics, audiobooks, short stories, and manga that were published as part of this initiative told an interconnected story, as the Jedi Order and the Republic faced the galaxy’s greatest threats: ruthless marauders, carnivorous plants, and terrifying, Force-eating monsters.
Though the third and finalphase of the High Republic’s storytelling came to an end with Charles Soule’sTrials of the Jedi, published in June,Lucasfilm has confirmed that there’s more to explore in the High Republic era. As reported byLaughingPlace.com, Lucasfilm Publishing Director Michael Sligain told the Lucasfilm Publishing panel audience at San Diego Comic-Con:
“We are at the end of this initiative, not the end of this era.”
Given the unfortunate cancellation ofStar Wars: The Acolyte, the live-action Disney+ show set during the tail end of the High Republic era, it’s certainly encouraging to know that Lucasfilm Publishing continues to be excited about exploring everything this era has to offer.
Star Wars: The High Republic Is The Biggest Star Wars Story Ever Told
Star Wars: The High Republicis undoubtedly the biggest, most epic storyStar Warshas ever told. Split into three narrative phases,The High Republichas published dozens of books, comics, and more. Each installment contributes a small piece of the larger High Republic puzzle.There are well over 60 separate titles in total.
Star Wars: The Acolyte
100 Years
Though the era’s main storyline plays out in the adult and Young AdultHigh Republicnovels, the middle-grade and children’s books, the comics, the manga, the audiobooks, and even the animated children’s TV series,Young Jedi Adventures, provide more context for the era’s politics, threats, and the overall legacy of the Jedi and the Republic.
The High Republicis intricate yet accessible, a perfect entry point for lifelongStar Warsfans and readers new to the franchise.
It was an undeniably ambitious project, but one thatStar Warspulled off beautifully.The High Republicis intricate yet accessible, a perfect entry point for lifelongStar Warsfans and readers new to the franchise. It has not only opened up a bold new era in theStar Warstimeline, butit has also fundamentally changed howStar Warsapproaches its storytelling.
The High Republic’s Legacy Will Continue
The High Republic’s storytelling hasn’t solely been confined to the publishing side of Lucasfilm, either.The Acolyteis set during and connected toThe High Republic, and though the show may have been canceled, its characters will return in otherStar Warsnovels.
The critically acclaimed video gameStar Wars Jedi: Survivor’s story is inextricably intertwined with the High Republic’s lore, too, as Imperial-era protagonist Cal Kestis revives a rogue Jedi from that very era.
The High Republic’s influence even spread toStar Wars: Skeleton Crew, with the hidden, famed planet At Attin’s history linked to that period. The creation ofStar Wars: The High Republicwasn’t a fluke;its legacy will endure and influence futureStar Warsstories for years to come, and I, for one, can’t wait to find out more.
Source:LaughingPlace.com on X
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
