Star Wars fans across the galaxy are getting another look into the highly anticipated publishing campaign Star Wars: The High Republic with new concept art of some of the Padawans in the stories.
Star Wars: The High Republic will consist of adult and young adult novels, children’s books, and comics, set in an era when the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order are the most powerful, about 200 years before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. According to Lucasfilm publishing creative director Michael Siglain, Star Wars: The High Republic will feature “the Jedi as we’ve always wanted to see them — as true guardians of peace and justice.” This period in the timeline will not overlap with any of the films or series.
The new concept art features four Padawans Burryaga, a Wookie, Bell Zettifar, Lula Talisola, and Reath Silas. Let’s take a look at these new characters.
According to StarWars.com, Burryaga is naturally gifted. He is one of the few Wookiees to travel from his homeworld Kashyyyk to study in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. He is skilled with his two-handed lightsaber, but Burryaga’s “natural, effortless ability to sense the emotions of others” sets him apart. You will hear more about Burryaga’s story in the adult novel Star Wars: Light of the Jedi.
Another Padawan we meet in the Light of the Jedi is Bell Zettifar. Author Charles Soule says Bell is apprenticed to the legendary Loden Greatstorm, who is considered one of the Order’s best teachers. Bell and Loden are stationed at a Jedi Outpost on the planet Elphrona, deep in the Outer Rim. They’re there to spread peace and light across the planet.
The High Republic Adventures all-ages comic introduces the Padawan Lula Talisola, who has high aspirations and “wants to be the best Jedi that ever was.” According to the comic’s writer Daniel José Older, Lula is top of her class with a lightsaber. She is loyal and compassionate, especially to her best friends when they cause mischief.
Finally, the last Padawan to be revealed is Reath Silas. Reath is featured in Claudia Gray’s young adult novel Into the Dark. Due to his “privileged apprenticeship,” he spends a lot more time on Coruscant in elevated diplomatic meetings, and he will get to see what the galaxy is really like when he transitions to the frontier.
Star Wars: The High Republic will launch in January 2021. For more insight on the characters and different stories that are coming out, visit the Star Wars website.
