Why You Should Read Star Wars: The High Republic

On January 5th, 2021, Lucasfilm released Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule and A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland, kicking off a new publishing initiative known as The High Republic, a collaborative project between multiple authors and creatives that tells stories two hundred years before the events of the Skywalker Saga. To some, it might seem intimidating to explore an entirely new and unknown era of Star Wars, with most of the beloved and fan favorite characters being absent. However, there are many reasons why this era is perfect for both long time Star Wars fans and fans that haven’t interacted with Star Wars media outside the movies. In case you’re one of the fans on the fence about jumping into The High Republic, here are 7 reasons why you should take the dive into this fascinating, creative, and beautiful new era of Star Wars.

1. It’s enjoyable with minimal knowledge of the Star Wars universe

Star Wars is a universe with over 40 years of lore and worldbuilding that can make it hard to find an entry point for media outside the movies. The High Republic solves this problem, as the books, comics, and stories published under this banner take place in their own corner of the universe, allowing anyone to appreciate them. These stories take place long before The Phantom Menace, meaning even a knowledge of the Skywalker Saga isn’t required. However, there is still plenty to attract long-time fans of the franchise, through small easter eggs that could go unnoticed by all but the eagle-eyed fan. From the early development of bacta treatments to appearances of familiar last names, every story has its own connections to the Skywalker Saga while still keeping it individual enough for anyone to enjoy.

2. It’s a great way to get into Star Wars publishing

The world of Star Wars publishing can be a complicated one, and navigating the timelines, trilogies, and tie-ins might not be what a new Star Wars reader wants to do. With The High Republic, all of this is taken care of, as the books follow a brand-new story that will continue growing for many years. Additionally, many of the stories can be read in any order, so you don’t have to worry about reading them “wrong.” Each book stands as its own story that connects back into the overarching story and themes of the era, so reading them in or out of order still delivers an amazing experience with these books.

3. It’s accessible through multiple mediums

Not everyone has the time for a full-length novel like Light of the Jedi or Into the Dark. With the individuality of The High Republic stories, that isn’t an issue. This era is covered in several different formats, including middle grade novels, young adult novels, comics, and short stories (including a short story in our very own SWEU). All of them tell unique stories while still delivering an understanding of the era’s narrative and giving what you need to know to enjoy each piece on its own. Whether you enjoy the visualization of comics or the easier read of middle grade novels, there’s a High Republic story for you.

4. It sets the stage for many future Star Wars projects

The main narrative of The High Republic is being led by five authors: Claudia Gray, Charles Soule, Justina Ireland, Daniel José Older, and Cavan Scott. However, the era of The High Republic is open to be explored by other means and creatives, which has already begun. From the VR game Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge to the Chinese web comic Vow of Silver Dawn, Star Wars has forever been changed by the addition of this new era, and many future projects will be set around this era. Most notably, the upcoming Disney+ original The Acolyte is set to take place during The High Republic. By getting into this era during the early days, lots of upcoming Star Wars projects will be much more accessible.

5. It creates a unique perspective on existing Star Wars media, such as the prequels

The High Republic shows readers something previously unseen in the new Star Wars canon, and that’s the Jedi operating at their prime. Jedi are seen accomplishing incredible feats and experience a deeper connection and understanding of the force in ways that the Jedi have lost by the time of the prequel trilogy. This era allows readers to fully view how far the Jedi had fallen by the time they allowed a Sith lord to rule the Republic, and how flawed their actions had become during the turmoil of war.

6. It features incredible new characters

While it might seem hard to enter an era of Star Wars without Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, or Darth Vader, The High Republic makes it easy with many amazing new characters. Each Jedi, pilot, and pirate has an interesting story and personality that makes them lovable and relatable for someone. With Marchion Ro’s villainous schemes, Keeve Trennis’s sense of humor and commitment to duty, Reath Silas’s love for knowledge, and Geode’s incredible navigation skills, each character has something to bring to the story, the Star Wars universe, and the reader that makes them live up to the legacy of Star Wars.

7. Every story is amazing

There are many merits to this era, but the most important, of course, is the quality of the stories. With The High Republic, there is no shortage of quality. Gray, Soule, Ireland, Older, and Scott have come up with the best of the best in many fields, writing incredible characters, battles, ships, heroes, and villains. Each of these extraordinary writers brings their own magic to this era, collaborating to make one of the most creative and unique spaces within the Star Wars universe.

Everyone can find something to love in Star Wars. With a plethora of movies, television shows, literature, and video games, there’s always a piece of Star Wars that can entertain and inspire. For those that love adventure and exploration, relatable characters, and unique stories, The High Republic could be just the piece of Star Wars for you.