"The High Republic #11: Jedi's End, Chapter 1: Only Fear" by Cavan Scott

 "The High Republic #11: Jedi's End, Chapter 1: Only Fear" written by Cavan Scott, illustrated by Georges Jeanty, Carlos Lopez, Jesus Aburtov, Karl Story, Victor Olazaba, and Mark Morales

Although this issue gives us more information on the Leveler, it still remains quite a mystery. What exactly is the thing?!? Also, I WANNA KNOW why Sskeer has lost his connection to the Force (especially since he can still use the Force which just leaves me plain confused...)!! Give me answers!! But for real, this was quite an engaging read and I'm looking forward to seeing how things shape up in issue #12...

First off, we have Keeve and Terec still on Xais in the Outer Rim with Lourna Dee just having unleashed the leveler upon the two Jedi. See the utter fear in Keeve's eyes below!! She can't even describe what the thing is as she refers to, "the thing in the box that shouldn't exist." Also see the physical effects the Leveler is having on Terec and Ceret (as bond-twins they are connected on a very deep level even when far apart)...nasty stuff!! Ceret even runs to the Ataraxia's controls (the Jedi cruiser) and sets a course for where they know their bond-twin is! According to Ceret, the Drengir were "darkness, evil" but the Leveler is as follows: "This is nothing. This is emptiness. This is void." And then adds, "The Force is gone." Yikes!! This is one nasty "thing" and I am super invested in learning how the Jedi are going to conquer this threat!

Even Avar is flummoxed as to what is happening to Ceret. She surmises that it could be a hibernation trance they've put themselves into to slow their bodily functions, but she then adds, "I can barely sense them. It's as if their essence--their very being--has been eradicated. They're not dead. But neither are they alive. They're just missing." *shiver*

Once the Jedi on the Ataraxia arrive at Xais, Sskeer goes rogue and starts throwing down on the Nihil (see below)...much to Avar's chagrin. She thinks he's gone dark and that, because of that, there's no way back for him, but I think it's something else entirely--especially since his sole focus is rescuing his former Padawan, Keeve, from the clutches of the Nihil--his love and caring still remain. Maybe we'll find out next issue??

Lourna Dee is in the process of escaping when in the last few panels Avar focuses all her power on trying to stop the supposed-Eye of the Nihil from doing so. The Jedi still don't realize that Lourna is just a Tempest Runner. Silly Jedi!! See her below--the artists really did a doozy in making the Twi'lek look absolutely terrifying!!

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Trivia:

-Xais is a planet in the Rocun Cluster with only one settlement--a former gas refinery.

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So we get more information but my curiosity is still not sated...now to check out #12!!

-Marie E. Wilson a.k.a. @AliaMorgaine