The High Republic 1 is the first issue of the canon comic book series Star Wars: The High Republic Phase II. The issue was written by Cavan Scott, illustrated by Ario Anindito, Andrea Broccardo, Mark Morales, and Frank William, and published by Marvel Comics on October 12, 2022. The issue also contains a bonus story titled "Peace and Unity."
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS FOR STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC! One hundred and fifty years before the fall of Starlight, another beacon burns bright in the galaxy, a beacon of faith and spirituality. Jedha. The Pilgrim Moon. The Kyber Heart. But tensions are rising in the holy city and dark days are to come. Jedi Vildar Mac, a Jedi safe and secure in who he is and what he could be, arrives as Jedha's fragile peace begins to crumble.. But a nightmare awaits…a nameless terror that will become the stuff of legend…
The comic opens with a brief flashback to Vildar Mac's life before the Jedi Order. The flashback describes how memories of the fear he felt when a certain evil came to his village still haunt him in dreams. In the present, he wakes up on the ship to Jedha, on a new assignment. Despite how desirable his situation is to most people, he does not enjoy it as much given that he knows who he is. Arriving at Jedha, Mac is greeted by the talkative Twi'lek Padawan Matthea Cathley (known to everyone as Matty). She tells Mac that despite the original plan to go straight to the convocation chambers, they will instead be investigating the theft of a relic from the Shrine of Sarrav. En route, Mac and Cathley discuss how the Jedi are not exactly welcome in Jedha, despite their prior history with the moon. The two Jedi then watch a confrontation between two alleged Truthsayers of Bpfassh, who both claim that the other is illegitimate. Cathley tries to intervene but is turned on angrily by the pilgrims, who find the Jedi presence just as annoying as the Convocation's and feel offended at the Convocation dictating how the Force works. Mac, however, notices someone running from the crowd and goes after him, though he loses sight of the person and returns to help settle the dispute. Mac is then startled by the appearance of a Sorcerer of Tund, igniting his lightsaber until Cathley explains that they too have representation in the Convocation and guides Mac away from the crowd.
Arriving at the Shrine of Sarrav, Cathley explains to Mac what was stolen and describes how the theft of artifacts has been happening more frequently. Suddenly, they become aware of blood and spot the droid in the marketplace, leading Mac to once again find the thief from earlier. After a brief exchange about his Force abilities, the thief uses Morichro to stop Mac's heart and leave him for dead.
Now, on a different part of Jedha, Oliviah Zeveron is found meditating under the Jedi statues before she is called to be a representative at the Convocation of the Force, in the place of Master Leebon. Zeveron goes to the Convocation only to discover a large fight breaking out between various representatives. The Fallanassi representative is arguing against the inclusion of the Yacombe, despite several other factions supporting them. The Matukai representative attacks Susalee, the Lonto representative, and as the fighting threatens to escalate Zeveron tries to step in. She is immediately rebuffed for having no authority on Jedha, but points out that in the arguing over the Yacombe being divisive, they are the only ones not arguing. The Convocation leader apologizes but the Yacombe retract their petition anyway and leave. Frustrated, Zeveron wants to discuss what happened, but before the Convocation can disband they are interrupted by the arrival of Radicaz Dobbs, known to everyone as Sunshine, who wishes to speak on behalf of the Path of the Open Hand.
- Star Wars: The High Republic Phase II Vol. 1 – Balance of the Force
- Star Wars: The High Republic Phase II – Quest of the Jedi Omnibus