The High Republic Era: Is it worth reading and getting into?

[@AlexM-xb8bn]

I honestly forgot about The High Republic until I saw this

[@donaldhassell6430]

Same. I was like oh shit this exists 😯

[@darthoblivion2615]

It all just sounds really lame and boring. Zero interest in any of it. Plus anything headed by KK needs to fail because she eventually needs to go. She is poison for Star Wars.

[@totallyanonymousbish9599]

Same. Once started with Light of the Jedi and just couldn't finish it.

[@RaikenXion]

same lol

[@slayking2378]

Even in the EU I didn’t care much about the Jedi stuff. All the politics and meetings get boring compared to the sith novels which always have way more action and underworld type of atmospheres.

[@MedalionDS9]

The whole no attachments thing about the old Jedi never felt properly fleshed out and explained... people just assumed the Jedi were super strict monks who denied their feelings and had no attachments... but clearly they have range of emotions and duties and personal lives... the thing that was however seen as forbidden was the attachment of the One Being in your life who is your entire world... in most cases that is the love of a significant other... in a child's case... their parents, their Mom or Dad or both... in a grown-up sense if they had a (romantic) partner. These type of attachments are what the Jedi fear can be used against them to make them break bad to turn to the Dark Side... and that is what Anakin fell for hook line and sinker. Jedi still can have every bit of a life but if you start to have a major attachment that you cannot live without that would make you go to any lengths for them... that's when it's bad.

[@Jedishill680]

Not only that but Jedi aren’t normal people, they aren’t supposed to lead normal lives like you and I.

[@MedalionDS9]

@@Jedishill680 Jedi go grocery shopping like the rest of us... line up if there is a line to the bathroom like the rest of us... Jedi have a lot of influence and respect but they shouldn't be so high up to think they are better than everyone... balance.... humbleness is still important

[@Jedishill680]

@@MedalionDS9 when I mean normal people I mean people who want a stable job, a long term partner and a nice place to stay. Jedi due to their commitment to the good of the galaxy can’t be normal people. That was the problem with Anakin he wanted to be both a family man and Jedi at the same time when he should have chosen between one or the other

[@MedalionDS9]

@@Jedishill680 Yes, that is why I said Anakin fell for the attachment problem in my original post. When I mean normal lives... I mean they are not the super strict reclusive closed people who are not allowed to feel that some people think they are. But yes they have a duty, they are not living like everyday pedestrians. In AOTC, the Jedi acted like the Law Enforcement of the Republic.

[@Jedishill680]

@@MedalionDS9 I understand your point

[@nateh254]

You should do some “spoiler” videos where you talk about each comic book, key events of what happened and you thoughts about it all. Myself and i’d think many more people are the type of people who just don’t read comic books and other media like that much but are interested to see what the High Republic is all about, and get your take on it more in depth.

[@longjumpingad3721]

Just read. It’s not that hard

[@vetarlittorf1807]

There's a reason why the EU mostly stayed away from the 1000 years between the Darth Bane Trilogy and The Phantom Menace; because it was an era of peace and therefore didn't have much exciting going on.

[@blkdrgn8687]

Obi-wan even says as much in Episode IV 😆 Star Wars really sucks now

[@taterpun6211]

Star Wars sit-com then

[@panos617]

I agree.

[@AAhmou]

you could have the small things, Jedi hunting pirates away, some organized revolution rising up to overthrow a local government, among other things. Sure there would be no galaxy shaking event but that doesn't mean there absolutely nothing to do.

[@achaudhari101]

@Black Dragon Do mini conflicts not exist for some reason to you?

[@jonasodhner6507]

Hey Thor, I've always been very interested in your opinions on all the Star Wars canon publishings, but unfortnately mostly find that you're not really tackling those in your videos. So since you read every single novel, comic, etc., why don't you capitalize a bit on that and, if not separate reviews, do something like a monthly review roundup? I and I'm sure many others would highly appreciate that, because you would give some more orientation on which stories are worthwile, and it could bring many more fans into Star Wars reading!

[@thorskywalker]

I have done some videos on the new canon stuff here and there, but it is something I've been meaning to get more into.

[@GamerToast1]

I’m with this comment all the way

[@FoxCastleChild]

It has been extremely hit and miss for me. Some stuff is better than others. To break it down, the mainstay Star Wars writers do a pretty good job on their material (the people who have done things in the past). While the newcomer material struggles more. Anything where Vernestrah is the main character is absolute trash. Possibly one of the worst characters ever created and complete Mary Sue to the point she makes Ray feel like she hardily fits the definition. Comics are a mix. High Republic has highs and lows but High Republic Adventure is surprisingly really good and fun. It's kind of the opposite of the sequel trilogy that went in with no plan. High Republic's plan is so intricate and complex that it is hard to follow without reading all the stories and the stories are scattered across 50 different mediums. It may be a case of almost too ambitious for its own good. It has the benefit of being set in a time period where we don't know the characters or what happens, but the time period, unfortunately, is the height of the republic with minimal real threat. NOTE: I wrote this comment before watching the video. LOL! Really funny our thoughts were so similar.

[@barrybend7189]

And by comparison the Tales of the Jedi/Knights of the Old Republic comics, books and games were absolutely simple in premise: tell of the events that shaped the Republic and the Jedi.

[@onliwankannoli]

Well, I had next to no interest in the High Republic before, but I have come to value your opinions. If I have opportunity I might just give it a look.

[@type_s_tyler7547]

I just finished The Fallen Star today. As someone who has gone through about 80% of Audible's star wars catalogue, I was running out of stuff to listen to so I decided to give these a try. I think there are better star wars books, and if you ever want to read them, please look at all the concept art because it's very hard to keep track of who is who. But overall I liked them, would recommend

[@AP-Design]

I’ve actually been waiting for you to do a larger review of this. Much appreciated.

[@JaminBro]

As one who has been re-reading the EU, I wasn't going to check out the High Republic. I thoroughly enjoy the EU and all of its stories. However, I will give the adult books a shot. Maybe it will grow on me. I was nervous about the High Republic books because I wasn't a fan of the Aftermath stories. And even though Thrawn is great, and I love Zahn's writing, the 2nd book in the Ascendancy series took a bit to get through, and I haven't touched the third book yet. But, let's give Light of the Jedi a shot and see what happens.

[@vezner]

The third book of Ascendancy was awesome. I highly recommend you read it.

[@minicle426]

Not really a fan of Thrawn or Zahn's writing myself. Even back in the nineties, I struggled to understand what exactly I was meant to be gushing about.

[@vezner]

@@minicle426 to each their own. I love his novels.

[@RevanMartinez]

The EU is great. I'm glad to see others still enjoying it

[@JaminBro]

@@RevanMartinez I own most of the EU 😁

[@RogueFox2185]

The problem with setting your era in a time of peace in a franchise like Star Wars is that it doesn’t really work well, since the antagonists of this time period compared to the brutal and resilient Mandalorians or the sadistic and calculating Sith are just basic Pirates and Plant Monsters. As for me I’ll just stick with the EU, it had way more interesting conflicts.

[@panos617]

I agree. Those Galactic Wars like The Old Sith Wars, The Mandalorian Wars, The Jedi Civil War, The Great Galactic War, The New Sith Wars make the Clone Wars to look like a meme.

[@AAhmou]

Even pirates could work if given enough development.

[@achaudhari101]

@Rogue Fox It doesn’t have to be those two groups to make the story interesting. EU had some weird shit that made no sense either dude.

[@vetarlittorf1807]

@Lionard Kirsch Some EU stories felt repetitive, but overall, the Old Sith Wars, Jedi-Sith War, Second Galactic Civil War and Sith-Imperial War felt very distinctive. The thing is, it's not much of a Star Wars story without a dark side entity to oppose the good guys. Star Wars is literally about the eternal struggle between good and evil.

[@shadowofhawk55]

@A. Ahmou Yep. Tell you what, here’s a one description of good pirates. “We pushed into the Outer Rim, but we didn’t expect it to push back. The V’ress were a brutal and sadistic people. Hailing from the world of Larpress, they have terrorized nearly a hundred systems. The Jedi order has tasked us with hunting them down after a devastating raid that killed many of the Republic colonists. The only problem is, they know this region better than we know the backs of our hands. And the locals are tight lipped about everything related to the V’ress. It’s going to be a tough job, but I think I’m up for the task,” - Random Jedi

[@stevenignatieff3220]

Ive been waiting for this video! I’ve only read the main trilogy of books (reading the fallen star rn) I think it’s pretty good with a few qualms like you mentioned, they are throwing a lot at you at once like I don’t always remember or care about some characters because there’s a lot of them and the books jump from different perspectives a lot. But I’d say I’m a fan of the main group of jedi we do follow throughout the 3 books. And It does overall tell to manage to tell a pretty cohesive and compelling story that feels very large scale and true to what we know the Jedi Order is supposed of this time to be about. I am really looking forward to Eclipse and The Acolyte because of reading these books. Bell Zettifar is probably my favorite character

[@joshuamueller3206]

I like Bell as well. Even though I have only read the first book I got this feeling that he was this character that was destined to grow as the story went on.

[@stevenignatieff3220]

@@joshuamueller3206 Yeah he’s probably the most well developed character imo.

[@jtszabo1691]

I have no attachment to the old republic stuff but enjoy it, but I’m indifferent to the high republic. I tend to like stuff when I see it on screen, then expand to the books and comics from there if that makes sense. Been that way ever since they’ve changed continuity like Pete Davidson changes girlfriends if that makes sense

[@barrybend7189]

As someone who loved the old republic era since reading Tales of the Jedi and playing Kotor the only segment of lore I have a problem with is centered around the MMO's Eternal Sith empire story and some of the other expansions. Basically all Disney had to do was make good post Endor stories and we know how that went.

[@CaspianNomad]

This is why I love your channel, its very balanced. You have sold me on checking it out. Personally I think the Sith of this era would have been a more interesting thing for Lucasfilm to have focused on but hey its happened, maybe there's some good stuff here.

[@ericcadwell5193]

The absolute best personification of a rock I've ever seen was in "The Children of the Stones". I saw this masterpiece on the Wisconsin Public Broadcast, right before or after "Dr. Who" (You know... back when it was good).

[@AndyPrimeOne]

I am glad it is not terrible. I use to read all things star wars, I love the EU. But after it was Purged I just cant bring myself to get back into the books. I miss my younger selfs love of star wars. But I just cant enjoy it knowing where lukes story ends. Even stuff that doesnt involve him. I hope someday I can reread the EU novels I own and enjoy them again.

[@qty1315]

I didn't touch the High Republic stuff because the first thing I heard about the story was that they had a rock that didn't say or do anything as a character. I felt like that was trolling, and I didn't want to take a look after that.

[@antonn.mp4]

@@qty1315 judging a character that you know nothing about is pretty stupid its clear that he’s a comic relief in almost every situation he’s in

[@strongislandzfinest23]

I've read all the adult high Republic comics including trail of shadows and own ALL 3 adult novels which I've read 2 out of 3 so far due to a huge backlog right now that I need to catch up on and I've enjoyed all of it. This is coming from a 43 year old man who saw rotj In the movie theater and has loved sw since that age and never turned back. Hope this comment can help someone give these books & comics a chance because they are very well written and enjoyable. In the last star wars comic Luke meets a Jedi from the high Republic era and would've never known who he was if I hadn't read the high Republic books. Very interesting to me ...

[@ryansanico6539]

Will don't worry Star Wars Legends stories are coming back to Star Wars canon,don't have to read the books but going to in a audio book version is easy.

[@OnyxAnomoly]

I purchased an audiobook of a high republic months ago and I still haven't finished it. The story just hadn't grasp me as like the thrawn series or the new jedi order books.

[@KickapooNinja]

It sounded really promising when I first heard of it but I haven't checked it out yet. I kinda feel like I belong in that category you described in the beginning: I feel like ima hate it cuz KK had her goons make it lmao That's how I feel for the most part. I'd rather watch a show or movie as well, never been much of a reader. I realize how much I've missed out on because of that. I do rather enjoy watching youtubers make videos about Star Wars characters n stories that I've never heard about, or when they cover the comic books.

[@zelithfang2365]

Let's be honest, if they did more things with the old republic and stayed faithful to it fans would have been more happy and it would have actually preformed well. I really think the high republic was made because many fans wanted old republic stuff

[@goganii]

To be honest, I prefer the old Republic to remain in legends... I don't want Disney to ruin it

[@shawnwarswick8898]

@@goganii Exactly! Those fans who keep wanting them to delve into the Old Republic era should be careful of what they wish for.

[@mawile3037]

@@shawnwarswick8898 I just want a Revan/Surik series or movie(s) that sticks to the books and games and that's it personally, I don't want them to add to it, just make high quality production stuff out of it, like, it's all there for the taking KOTOR and Bane should honestly be made pillars within the canon in a similar way the CGI animated series is As of now, I don't believe the disney SWU acknowledges the prophecy of " Sith'ari " and it's an easy thing to get wrong or disregard completely and it's like they really should just acknowledge it, like, I guess I lack imagination but how can you explain the Rule of Two without Bane, and how can you rewrite Bane without messing up the characterization established already and his motives for doing what he did

[@RaikenXion]

I think you're onto something here

[@darthumbradius14]

It doesn't really have much in common with that era at all. There are no Sith for one thing (at least, none that we know of) and the story is just very different in how it is set and told. The prequels have more in common with Kotor and TOR then this does.

[@Livinivs]

Would be great and would give you a lot of opportunities for content if you could do 'spoiler' videos on each book and comic from the High Republic. Really interested to hear your thoughts on each one more specifically!

[@niedless6826]

I don´t really care about it enough to buy any products, but it is a respectable addition to the lore and I watch some videos about the High Republic from time to time.

[@AncestorEmpire1]

Considering the expanded universe books are still available at my local library, nah.

[@Livelongwforce]

I really want to get into them. Tried 6 times and just can't get through the first book. 😴. In contrast, even though I already own 100+ Legends books, I keep buying more and just finished The Rule of Two. When writers all understood SW and saught to tell a story in collaboration with other writers

[@vetarlittorf1807]

So far the only New Canon books I've enjoyed are the Thrawn ones.

[@lordcarnorjax8599]

@@vetarlittorf1807 Same even then Thrawn is not the same as Thrawn from the original THTE trilogy. I've given up on Disney era books and comics. I finished Lesser Evil recently and I doubt I'll even go back for Zahn books now. I reread the X-Wing books last year and the difference is night and day as those books were just so much better.

[@vetarlittorf1807]

@@lordcarnorjax8599 There is no "Disney era." There's just Legends and New Canon.

[@lordcarnorjax8599]

@@vetarlittorf1807 I don't consider what LFL does under Disney ownership canon cause so much of it is terrible. Just like THR.

[@gerardlacroix6015]

Same, dropped at the middle of the first book. But I got the main comic line, and the Adventure line ( the one for kids ) and it got me pretty invested, so I got the Trail of Shadows one... And now I got back into the books and it's far better. I think I had to see more of the universe before really getting interested by the first book. But from there, it goes along nicely.

[@pawarl.o.s.881]

I forget it even exists most of the time. I just don't see many talking about it either, especially a lot of the KZbinrs like Theory, Geetsly, Generation Tech, Lore Master, or EckhartsLadder. The only channel I know that consistently talks about it is Explained and his videos on it don't get many views.

[@thejediofchicago6580]

EckhartsLadder and CoreyLoses due a podcast pretty much every week, and they've covered the adult books at least from the High Republic, at least the first two.

[@thorthewolf8801]

Explained is a disney shill, makes sense why he would be talking about them

[@thejediofchicago6580]

@@thorthewolf8801 So does that mean Thor Skywalker is also a Disney shill since he's talking about them?

[@thorthewolf8801]

@@thejediofchicago6580 Thats a bad take my dude. Thor is perfectly capable of being critical of disney, while explained will shill for them.

[@tpeppard]

I've been a big fan of the EU and read most of those books over the years and I was optimistic about the High Republic era and so I dived in with the first book Light of the Jedi but I gave up about half way through, I found there were just too many characters in it and no characters enough time to be really introduced and this made it very confusing plus the whole anomaly thing I found was a really bad way to kick this off. There was no villain introduced and it just left me waiting for something to really explain what was going on it never really did and with so many different story threads going on with the many, many jedi I thought it was a confusing mess and so gave up. I guess I've just been spoiled forever by the Grand Admiral Thrawn trilogy and hold every new Star Wars story up against it and none ever quite manage to measure up.

[@darthumbradius14]

Having gotten into Star Wars via Kotor as a kid, for my part the High Republic has been the best thing I have run into under the Star Wars brand since Kotor 2. It deals in all the things I am most invested in; the nature of the Jedi, how has the galaxy changed, what did the Republic look like at its best? Having missed both due to age and interest, no single piece of Star Wars content set in the OT or the prequels has ever really caught my eye. I am just not as invested in those characters or iconography as most fans are. As I grow up, I also find myself reading more and playing/watching less, making this project a paticular treat and one I wish we could get for Kotor one day. It is, in some respects, what I always wanted to get for Kotor (instead of TOR) and what the sequels could have been. As the lore is what I find most appealing about it, I am less worried about the time jump to the past in phase 2. At worse it will give us more detail of the history ahead of the continuation of phase 1, at best, it may very well tie into the more distant past. I am looking forward to it either way. We are all the Republic!

[@zelithfang2365]

I'd say no, they obviously don't understand anything about the Jedi and I don't did the whole "Jedi spreading manifest destiny" it just seems too weird. I they Disney really got too attached to the old west theme and just held on for dear life even if it didn't make sense. Definitely not for me. Remember they sat in a meeting room and asked the question "what would the Jedi be afraid of?" And made sentient leaf monsters and actually made a giant slab of rock into a character and called it Geod. Edit: oh God, they actually added Geod? Wow.

[@theMindwalker]

Claudia Gray...I think she wrote Warcraft books back in my early 20s. She's a decent author from what I remember. I may check it out when Kathleen Kennedy is no longer part of Lucasfilm.

[@Staffaffan]

As someone who consumes a great deal of videos from Doomcock, Midnight’s Edge and Valiant Renegade (among others), this was very refreshing. This, good people, is why we listen to multiple takes and angles of analysis. That’s true both in Star Wars and in the real world. Thanks Thor!

[@maisuchan6209]

True, and I don't mind listening to different points of view, especially Thor Skywalker's. But by supporting this we tell Disney it's OK that they're vandalizing Star Wars and giving it to hacks like the story group to replace and change the time line as they wish. Let's not forget how hostile they are to fans, they just can't show it now under the new CEOs watch. We're not consumers, we're fans, and we won't swallow whatever mediocre content Lucasfilm sees fit to throw us every now and then. There's a reason why the High Republic is failing and it isn't because we are 50 year old basement dwelling man babies.

[@greenliongirl07]

@@maisuchan6209 Agreed. I still remember that white board and how KK's team felt about Luke. Putting a reminder to write an ending? A ship named Vessel? The EU was de-canoned for that? And don't get me started on the new bake off or another "if you take like my politics, don't buy my book" writer. I doubt a High Republic Easy bake oven will be a hit. Professor Geek pointed out that Lucasfilm has been robbing ideas from the EU/Legends, but executing them at a lower quality. It's funny to me that sequel merch is near nonexistent, save for discount stores and clearance aisles, but Grogu is everywhere. As for the High Republic, it doesn't seem to be selling well. The books don't move fast. I know Thor is trying to be objective, but I think the bridge has already been burned. I know some bring up the Acolyte and the Eclipse game coming up, but the way Cameron Pasha talks the show is probably not going to happen or at least not in the way it was originally planned (he pointed out that changes have already been made, such as Brie Larson no longer being attached to it). Then with Eclipse, the game is years away and the devs have already admitted they bit off more than they can chew. Their usual engine can't handle an open world. Not to mention that despite "pretty graphics, " Quantic Dream doesn't really deliver good stories and their games don't have much combat.

[@Staffaffan]

@@maisuchan6209 I have a background as a professional musician, and I’m thinking and reading a lot about music, especially the artistic and expressionistic side of it. I’m also a giant hockey fan of my local team here in the north of Sweden where I live. These two worlds collided with each other when the team stopped using the goal music they’ve been using for many years. The reason was that it was written and performed by Gary Glitter, a convicted pedophile. I was strongly opposed to change this, for us fans of this particular team, iconic goal music due to this. My reasoning here is that most of the time, you really need to be able to separate the art from the artist (or in this case, the publisher and producer I suppose). I believe we should be able to enjoy a good story while at the same time stand up to the one’s publishing it for other faulty decisions they’ve made. There are countless of examples within this, and almost all of them comes down to convenience for the decision makers/people in power to expose it, if it merits a “canceling” or not. I.e. the Weinstein Co.’s earlier movies (not canceled), R. Kelly (very much canceled) etc. Not a perfect comparison but it was the first I came up with. In my own field of jazz music, there’s countless of examples of musicians who were practicing domestic violence, various versions of abuse, and a myriad of other things. Heck, if you read the biography of the base player Charles Mingus, he gives detailed instructions on how to manipulate one’s wife to prostitution. That man is still celebrated for the art he produced. So in my opinion, saying that the books are pretty good is not the same thing as agreeing with their other behavior. One is criticism of the art it self, the other is a critique of a complete disdain for an IP they are working within. I fully agree with both @maisuchan and @ThorSkywalker. And to me, that isn’t necessarily a contradiction.

[@maisuchan6209]

@@Staffaffan I understand your take on this matter, and don't disagree with you. I personally have nothing against these writers. But if they were producing something wholly original I wouldn't mind so much. But this is Star Wars, a well known and once beloved IP. When we enjoy its books, comics and movies we have a certain lore we are expecting to stay consistent. But what these people are doing violates that lore and the stories we have loved for decades just suit their views and agendas. It's a complete vandalizing of property that's not theirs no matter what's legalities say. It's Star wars fans that have kept this property alive for decades, and them disrespecting and trying to push away those loyal fans just to draw in a new audience with such disdain puts people off their work. Poor sales of the high republic just proves that people never asked for this and just don't care to support it, yet they double down on it and keep pushing it. You can't force something on people when they don't want it and expect them to accept your work, but they do it out of spite anyway

[@Hsk762]

Why would you even watch their videos at all??

[@riedstep]

I am 3/4ths the way through light of the jedi, and it has been pretty enjoyable. I like the world building, even though I have problems with the world this takes place in. I think it is well written, the characters seem pretty well made, and yeah the bad guys kinda seem lame, but I am not sure how else they could make interesting bad guys that are not the sith and not going to result in an epic war.

[@macwelch8599]

I’m enjoying the High Republic era, but ooh boy, it doesn’t shy from killing its main characters

[@FoxCastleChild]

Probably one of its real strengths. The fact we don't know the character's fates.

[@macwelch8599]

@@FoxCastleChild yes, but I’m sometimes thinking, “Woah, slow down there, Disney” lol

[@gavinsmith9871]

Ya it's kinda funny that it was billed as an era of peace and prosperity when people are constantly getting blown the fuck up lol.

[@AAhmou]

@@gavinsmith9871 It's a testament to how screwed up things must have been before. lol

[@gavinsmith9871]

@@AAhmou I can't wait to see the tail end of that in phase two.

[@joshleake2520]

Though I appreciate the honest review, the numbers don't lie though. The Higb Republic isn't selling like it needs to be. I've even seen people in this comments saying they forget this was even a thing. That should tell you what the state of High Republic is.

[@sAdam_II]

I'm glad it's not as bad, as I feared. Maybe I'll check it out one day. Unfortunetly unimpressive villains really killed my interest in this timeperiod.

[@sealionstudios8597]

3:18 Correction: George Lucas himself said that the Jedi of the prequel era was the Golden Age of the Jedi.

[@vetarlittorf1807]

Yeah but Lucas has always been a huge revisionist who is always changing his mind. It's very much canon that the Jedi had been declining since before the prequel era.

[@slimwicket3568]

How can the Golden Age of the Jedi be the era in which the Jedi are obliterated?

[@popculturewatchtower8945]

I’ve been loving it, yeah was kinda slow in the beginning because it had so much to setup but now that so much is established it’s really good and I think could hit great.

[@morganadamo4706]

I think I will give it a retry because I liked some aspects that this was going for like the Jedi golden age going to their inevitable fall but the stuff with hipper space and not being able to go through the outer rim through it just 200 years before episode 1 didn’t make sense and drove me crazy

[@chaotic-doxxer]

I read the first chapters of the light of the Jedi and I was so bored I haven’t been able to pick it up since

[@barrybend7189]

A big red flag is that its set in the short 1000 years between the Russan Reformation and the Fantom Menace. There are some stories there in the EU but its mostly about individuals not whole organizations. Another can of worms for the High Republic is the fact yoda was born shortly after the Reformation signing as Yoda was born in 900 ish BBY. Yoda would have known about the last war with the Sith to some degree. The other problem is the High Republic retcon makes everything feel not as old and grand as it was. Also what defeated the Jedi in the Clone Wars to the Galactic Civil war eras was not a change against to be non emotional ( it does play a role but not as big as you think) the main thing that defeated the Jedi order was complacency and apathy. The plan Sideous had was not his alone but a plan of generations of Sith starting with Bane in 1000 years in the making.

[@JettQuasar]

It really depends on your point of view. There are plenty of sequel and prequel fans that may like The High Republic.

[@marianxendor3974]

Thanks for making this video, I actually needed to hear you talk about this. I picked up The High Republic fairly recently, with very low expectations, started with Into the Dark, aka the Geode book. I haven't finished yet (only one hundred pages left), but I'm finding it to be fun so far, except for some Geode bits, but I try to not pay too much attention to that character. Yesterday I bought Light of the Jedi because I heard/saw it was one of the better ones, but started to wonder if it was really worth it: The prizes have gone up recently and Star Wars books in my country are each day more expensive and scarce. But thanks to you now I know that it probably is worth it, since I share your opinons in almost everything Star Was, and you have convinced me that there's a fun and good enough story at the end worth spending money for. Sorry if my comment is so long, but I really had to show you my gratitude, thank you for getting me excited to read Star Wars again Thor, and May the Force be with you, keep doing what you do man!

[@Regifloat222]

Easily some of the best Star Wars content made in years. It's fantastic.

[@cjpeterson2530]

Overall I liked the books. Bell and Burry really grew on me. There are some plot strings I’d like to see them wrap up or use better. Maybe that has something to do with the 150 year backwards jump. Now that I know you’ve done some reviews of them I’ll go back and watch those.

[@MandalorSkyrd]

I have only read Light of the Jedi and a few of the comics, so I'm probably missing a lot of context, and I'm willing to admit that it gets better with time. But from what I read it's bad. The Nihil (unless they really get better afterward) are bad. They're portrayed as a real menace but they seemed only dangerous because the "good guys" are incompetent -- and when they aren't, then strangely they manage fine. If the Drengir are only here for the comics and not the 'big threat' then it's not only wasteful, it's dumb. They wouldn't have made much sense being the 'big threat' either given we've never heard about them or seen remnant of their destruction when the story barely happened 200 years before the films. Which brings me to one of the biggest bad decision for the High Republic, setting it only 200 years before the film. 500-600 years - if not more - would have been much better and allowed to show a widely different state of the galaxy, of the Republic, and the Jedi. I mean c'mon, 200 years before the films the Outer Rim was a barely explore and colonized part of the galaxy? It makes no sense. If phase 2 goes back in time, on one hand it's nice but what's the point? My biggest criticism for the whole High Republic project (from what I've glimpse here and there) is that because it's all canon - which I like - the fact they tailor stories according to their target audience makes it weird sometimes. The adult stuff is okay, but the young you go, the more you've go jedi at barely 14 training their own padawan, and "sentient" slabs of rock only there for the joke, and great galactic bake-off ... it just doesn't work.

[@lordcarnorjax8599]

100% agree on the time period being wrong. The Republic is 25,000 years old. THR should be set thousands of years earlier IMO. I'd be more inclined to go 12,000 to 8,000 BBY for it feel more right. That's overlooking the other flaws in the premise I have.

[@barrybend7189]

The problem is that Tales of the Jedi and the Kotor comics and games do what the High Republic does but much better( slight hickup with SWTOR but thats EA). Naga Sadow, Uleck Keldroma, Naiomi Sunrider, Revan, Malak, Exar Kun, Kriea, Nihilus and even non Jedi or Sith like the multiple Mandalorian leaders, Republic generals and other people. The old republic era shows how grand and old the republic is with well paced and separated each character was. High Republic frontloads you with too many characters at the start( around 30 to 35). Alot of the villains of the High Republic also don't even seem like viable threats. Also during Rebels season 2 they ruined what Malachore was. Instead of exemplifying Darth Vader's " the power to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to the power of the force", its simply a world with a run of the mill sith force draining weapon.

[@MLGWuba]

So as a Stars Wars film fan, the High Republic has been a fun and enjoyable read. I have read every book except for Fallen Star and the comics. It's one of the first books I read in recent and wasn't a big reader till now.

[@cliffalexander2890]

I have always trusted your opinion for we share a lot of opinions on our loved galaxy far far away. In time I might go back to these books, but I started the first book and got hit way so many characters that were not really cared about. Half way through it, it felt like it was waist of my time and returned it. If someone else enjoy these books, good for them, but this was not Star Wars that I knew, guess I love Kotor and classic Star Wars too much. If the world building (galaxy building) was more of Rogue One or the Mandalorian episodes of Book of Boba Fett, I am happy with that, I will even go as far as liking the Vegas planet in Last Jedi, but High Republic has not felt like the Star Wars that I like. But will continue to hear your thoughts on it for I don't have to...

[@italoayala9601]

I've been reading the Marvel comics, and after I finish the last Thrawn Ascendancy book, I'll get to the High Republic. Not hyped, but not that negative about it.

[@strongislandzfinest23]

I have to read the thrawn trilogy. I ve read all the adult comics and 2 out of the 3 adult novels due to a huge backlog , I've enjoyed all of it so far. Go into with an open mind and you'll enjoy it. They're very well written and fun.

[@italoayala9601]

@@strongislandzfinest23 well, I'm currently finishing The Rising Storm and can say that it is really good. Very well written, enjoyable characters and the setting is great. You really should read the Thrawn books, both trilogies are great as well.

[@StarWarsJibaro]

Even if the whole concept of Geode is ridiculous, he is a much better character than most, if not all, the characters of the Sequel Trilogy. And that isn't a high bar btw.

[@goufr3540]

The only saving grace of Geode to most every other Disney Star Wars characters, is the fact he is a great meme character. You could literally do a side story of Geode with various other rocks on adventures in space.

[@caleb_dume]

I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed the main books in phase 1. The characters are all really fleshed out, and the Nihil actually feel threatening. My only issue so far is how it can be difficult to keep track of all of the characters. Some of them blend together. But Elzar, Bell, Reath, Buryaga Loden Avar Stellen and MarcheonnRoh at least are really intriguing characters that I was hooked on from their first chapters. The audiobooks voiced by Mark Thompson also really help to differentiate between the characters with how well he gives each character a voice of their own. The lore that the era creates is also really cool I find.

[@MaikeruX989]

Thank you very much for this video. I’ve kept clear of it until now, but I’ll give it a shot.

[@baronfang]

This video is distilled essence of faint praise.

[@joelblom1388]

Could you give us a reading guide for it? Just the books, not the comics,,,, (if it is possible to read it in that way only).... which are the books and whichj order should they be read? Nothing are on shelves here in Sweden for it...and if I am gonna hunt down things, it is nice to know which are worth going for

[@KnightRonin0103]

The High Republic is Star Wars for the Santa Inc crowd. I did try the Light of the Jedi on Audible and I returned it for Revan and never looked back. I do have lots of Geode action figures in my front yard.

[@michaelknox3715]

Why?

[@TheShoguneagle]

Hasbro’s envious they didn’t think of it first. The new pet rock.

[@achaudhari101]

@Phillip Hawkins Nah. Santa Inc is way worse than this.

[@Kilthan2050]

I predict there will be a point where Geode is going have a "Big Damn Hero" moment. It may be as simple as he shows up from off "screen" and crushes a bad guy that was going to kill the heroes or whatever. A character like that is a Chekov's Gun/character. I haven't read any of the high republic stuff, but i'm glad its not as terrible as it sounded like it was going to be.

[@michaelknox3715]

I got these books for Christmas because I had hype from the Star Wars Eclipse trailer. Mayhaps we I'll encounter Avar Kriss and her knights in the game. I'm still reading Light of the Jedi

[@nekophht]

Sorry, sorry. I'm staring at The Fallen Star cover. Did they put in that abomination of a lightsaber design that sith!rey had in a vision from ep9? :D

[@lordcarnorjax8599]

I read about 2/3rds of Light of the Jedi before I put it down just after it came out and haven't bothered to pick it up. I'll admit I was pessimistic going in for a few reasons. First that whiteboard that leaked looked pretty bad, secondly I'm not a fan of a couple of the writers working on it (Daniel Jose Older & Justina Ireland) and lastly is just the Story Group is involved and I've zero faith in them any more. Older's Last Shot is probably the single worst book I've ever read, worse then Wendig's Aftermath & the EU's Crystal Star. Why I put down TLOJ. Mostly I didn't like the premise of THR era that it sets up. It starts with The Great Disaster that doesn't work lore wise, it's like the Holdo manoeuvre cranked up to 11 and massively weaponised. I was internally screaming "that's not how hyperdrives and hyperspace works FFS". The Jedi catching up to and trapping space debris caused by the Great Disaster when it randomly drops out of hyperspace travelling at "near light speed" was so stupid because that's so incredibly fast. Secondly the time period just feels way off. This is set just 200 years before TPM but they are only just really starting to expand into the Outer Rim when The Republic is 25,000 years old and had hyperdrives longer than that - 32,000 years from memory. 200 maybe a long time for humans but other races in the Star Wars universe live for hundreds of years to nearly a thousand years. To navigate the Outer Rim they need this massive beacon, yet 200 years later a common navicomp is all that is needed. The Jedi are supposed to be at the height of their powers yet haven't openly faced the Sith for 800 years? Sorry but the Jedi at the height of their powers would be a mix of Sith battle hardened veterans and the younger Jedi that they've trained and passed on what they have learned directly. After 800 years the order is more likely to be unprepared for a massive conflict, just like the order was at the start of The Clone Wars. Apart from the hyperspace issues a lot of these problems would be non issues if THR was set much much earlier in the time line, like 12,000 to 8,000 years earlier at least. I didn't like how all the Jedi see the Force differently, like a song or leaves on a tree etc. Doesn't line up with everything else about the Force flowing through you etc.

[@TheShoguneagle]

Three words: Lucasfilm Story Group. One word answer: nope.

[@danieldenis8514]

I can admit that the High Republic series has been upgraded from "avoid" to "maybe".

[@floweralligator]

imma wait it out. I ain’t complaining if we get a geode black series tho :D

[@renevinet7490]

I own all of Phase One novelization. The comics may be a little outside my budget to stay up with. I almost quit at the slow pace of book one. Just as I was going to give it up WHAM! Just like that, it pulled me in. Now on to book two. It had so many characters and very slow pace. Around chapter 25, BAM! "Just when I thought I was out, they bring me back in." These Jedi in this Era are absolutely far more superior to the Jedi of the Clone Wars. they are masters of the four and utilize it responsibly. They love, they feel anger, and they do not create zombies with no emotion. I love these Jedis my friends give the book a try and keep mushing through you will not be disappointed

[@mtlmltnt]

I have not read anything from this series. Honestly, I might give the first book a shot after watching this video but what really pulls me away from the series is the desperate marketing that Disney does around it. Never, in the history of Star Wars novelisations, has there been a need for a talk show about a book series. Good books have sold themselves on their own merit, because they have great stories and characters. Word-of-mouth has been the most powerful, and probably, the only way to sell books. But these High Republic Shows with the same authors appearing over and over again in every episode to convince viewers that their characters are going through such awesome development, that the world they've build is so true to Star Wars and also, so easily discussing spoilers...all of it reeks of desperation TBH. Disney hasn't done this for any other literary property of theirs. Not even for the re-written Thrawn series.

[@natth6462]

My friend, every one of the adult and young adult books have been New York #1 Bestsellers

[@panos617]

I don't carre about it. I prefeared old books and comics.

[@rannenw6207]

Be honest they put a boulder in this that basically teleports doesn't speak, and makes it a navigator and I noped out. I'm all for characters like chewie or groot that at least have some facial and verbal communication then a literally rock with none of that.

[@neewb2723]

Geo is my favorite character. It speaks to me

[@WizArtChelo]

It's a fun character to me.

[@fazbrogaming7776]

I love the High Republic, it gives the Jedi more personality, and individuality, just like how the clone wars did for the clones. I think it’s a perfect addition to Star Wars. However I still wish that Disney explored the Old republic era, a canon Kotor would be really cool to see.

[@Monkey9518]

From the moment I saw their list of priorities I was out, and no where they are going backwards in time for the story even more. My interest isn't there. Though if I hear more positive things from yourself and my friends who do go into all the books,. I might check it out when the whole story is out so I could read it in chronological order.

[@spergicide97]

I am glad to finally hear a generally positive review of the High republic books. I haven't read them yet. Not because I'm boycotting them or anything like that, but because I only just got into reading Star Wars books during the Covid lockdowns, and started with the legends books first (there's a bit of a backlog there). I have started wondering about some of the canon novels, but pretty much all the reviews for High Republic that weren't from blatant schills ranged from "Fuck Disney High Republic sucks!" To "meh, it was ok. Not great" which didn't inspire too much excitement for me too pick them up. But hearing a genuinely honest person say they would recommend giving them a try is promising for me. It will probably be a while before I even think about actually buying them, but I will pick up at least the main books eventually.

[@dblevins343]

I'm glad to hear you like them but they definitely aren't for me. The idea of pirates vs. Jedi just doesn't make excited to read them. Plus, I'm still pessimistic that I would enjoy them. It could just be my ignorance but I would rather read an EU book like rogue squadron first.

[@Anthony-cj2ju]

I love the high republic so far. I have read the main three novels plus Into the Dark. There are some really interesting character development in them and to see the jedi mindset start to shift it really cool to read about. BTW I do love legends books as well and these are better than a lot of them.

[@TSO01]

4:30 "Master Yoda, you and I have been close since I was a boy. An infant. Yet if ending this war one week sooner-one day sooner-were to require that I sacrifice your life, you know I would.” “As you should,” Yoda said. “As I would yours, young Obi-Wan. As any Jedi would any other, in the cause of peace.” “Any Jedi,” Obi-Wan said, “except Anakin.” THIS is Jedi. This is how the greatest of them were in EU for a long time, and how Jedi are considered to be in the perfect picture. So tell me, if The High Republic era shows us Jedi Order in the pick of their morale and power, does it depict Jedi this way?

[@Alec11_43]

I hope your spoiler section goes over some of the lore damaging things I’ve been hearing about. I myself don’t know enough about them to truly confirm their severity, so it would be appreciated.

[@iszey12]

I was never interested in an era of Star Wars that was only books and comics. I generally don't read for entertainment, though I sometimes make exceptions for things that are connected to stories or characters that I already like. Once the shows, games, and movies (if they ever do those again) start to pop up in the High Republic era, I might care enough to check it out.

[@jacobfischer3016]

Been reading the first book, thanks for telling me how to pronounce Nihil.

[@urlicqeldromamakolligjazva1752]

These high republic jedi, look like high fantasy knights in ceremonial gard without armour.

[@rodimusprime5714]

I really like the high republic so far and am excited to see where it goes. Nice video👍

[@Blacksmith__]

Geode kind of sounds amazing tbh

[@comiclove5]

Claudia Grey has been a revelation easily one of the best new editions to the star wars book writer alum

[@datastorm17]

Thanks for doing this video. The timing is impeccable because I just saw the books at the store and was wondering if they were any good. Been craving some new star wars material

[@TheUnnbreakable]

Hated every comic I've bought. Liked the Manga some but was weak over all. And the children's book I got for my child is unreadable because apparently Disney thinks people blowing up in ships is okay for 3 year Olds. 🙄 so yeah not appropriate. If people can recommend when it gets good I'll try but I'm a comic reader not a big book guy because of my dyslexia. I'm happy to try any good books. I like wookies and alien heavy stories and a wookie jedi being the main character badass is what I'd love. Please recommend something thanks.

[@siborn9190]

I have read as much as you (All but the younger audience books). I have not been as impressed as you Thor. After reading all this I revisited the old EU and quite honestly I am wishing I didn't waste my time and money. I feel a lot of it is trying to set up lore taken from the sequel trilogy. The characters are OBSESSED with individuality to a point where Jedi teachings start to sound like a muddy mess of a suggestion, rather than a code that these people live by. After comparing it to pre-Disney books. I can safely say this goes in the trash pile in my opinion. I'd never revisit these stories, where I'd happily read Old republic and hire to the empire era books again and again. Even if it does get better in its 2nd phase, I am still left with the bad taste that this series has left in my mouth. I will never recommend the High Republic to anyone because the way it's written feels like it's for no one...

[@arby796]

I personally I have not read any of the High Republic stuff and do not intend to. Not that I don't think there can be good stuff in there but I just do not feel "Star Wars" from a lot of stuff that they put out anymore and prefer my old EU stories.

[@Dani-kq6qq]

i'll check it out then, i hope you're not overselling it. 😂

[@marajade9879]

Thank you for your honest review! As someone who has read everything "The High Republic" and enjoyed most of it, it's really good to hear someone like you (critical of Disney) praise it. It shows even more that, as you say, most of those who hate on it haven't even read it. If they had, they would give it some credit, at least for the meticulous planning. I disagree with you in one aspect though. For me, THR wasn't a slow start. I followed the marketing from the beginning and I knew which Jedi there would be and had seen concept art, so it wasn't hard for me to get into "The Light of the Jedi". On the contrary, it felt like finally coming home to this world of the old Jedi Order with these numerous Jedi characters I had craved for since the start of the new canon, but who had been so shamefully neglected. "Light of the Jedi" is still my favourite book of the series! However, I was pretty disappointed with "The Fallen Star", although Claudia Gray is normally my favourite Star Wars author. The whole story felt too small-scale compared to the other adult novels, which captured events taking place all over the galaxy, showed us politics, etc. Also Starlight Beacon seemed so lifeless in "The Fallen Star", like there were only 5 Jedi and a bunch of mindless civilians without any agency of their own on it. Plus characters constantly made stupid decisions and repeated their mistakes over and over. So "The Fallen Star" is definitely not the highlight for me, but the weakest novel (even including the YA novels). I hope you keep reading and enjoying THR, as I do. And I hope your videos on THR can convince some of your more skeptical viewers to give the project a chance. You won't regret it. For me, it's by far the best Star Wars since the start of the canon in 2014!

[@thorskywalker]

I didn't have too much of a problem with character decisions in Fallen Star, but I will agree Starlight felt... kinda small in it? It was one of the few times we're really on the station for anything significant and it didn't really feel like she (Claudia Gray) took advantage of that to really explore/explain the station. It's supposed to be the center piece of the whole High Republic Era and, to me, it never quite felt that way. Nevertheless, highly enjoyed where Fallen Star took some of our characters.

[@marajade9879]

@@thorskywalker, yes, that's what I meant: Starlight was supposed to be all glory and golden and spectacular, a place to mingle for traders, settlers, adventurers, Jedi, etc. and then in "The Fallen Star" it was just a boring old hangar and a control center. There was potential to explore so much more! But I do agree: The character's journey was enjoyable and I'm still excited how it will continue in phase 3!

[@greenliongirl07]

I think I would be better off reading fan- fiction. I'm not supporting the High Republic, even when Kennedy leaves (this was her project and her writers group has proven time and again they don't care about Star Wars or old fans). It's not selling well at the store I work at either.

[@saved_by_grace289]

Hearing Thor actually recommend The High Republic made my day. I have been following the High Republic for most of this past year and it was one of my favorite things about 2021. I know that many people don't like or care about it, but hearing Thor who is very critical of everything (in the best way) say that The High Republic is worth trying -- that is awesome. I hope that more people give the High Republic a try, and reading these books has made me want to try reading some of the legends books.

[@stevenignatieff3220]

I’m right with ya my man

[@KetsubanSolo]

Yeah I honestly have been enjoying reading The High Republic. It has its ups and downs, but I'm really happy that most of the negative press so far has been way overblown (ie: People getting mad at Geode who is barely even in the book he appears in lmao), and I'm really enjoying how the characters develop!

[@BEAST_M04]

@@KetsubanSolo I know right, Geode barely pops up. Its interesting how most people who don't know anything about him, don't know that he's a Vintian (an interesting new species for Star Wars). I actually like his character because he provides some decent comic relief.

[@minicle426]

Having recently marathoned through all the available Audiobooks. My stance overall. It's okay. First off I'm not part of the knee-jerk Star Woke Crowd, but I did find myself rolling my eyes at times whenever the plot basically stopped to explain certain characters 'orientation' to me. Additionally, whenever 'sex' is brought up in conversation in general. The Nihil feel like less interesting bootleg versions of the Legends Mandalorians at times. And the Biollante meets Audrey evil plant race are more comical then 'scary' as seemingly intended. Then there's Geode. Speaking as someone who actually likes the concept of Silicon based lifeforms, and is an adamant defendant of the Shard/Iron Knights, this just felt lazy. Like it was created as a bet. I get I'm not supposed to take this seriously, I just don't find the joke particually funny, or creative for that matter. Since it's basically an Ogri from Doctor Who (minus the blood sucking) moving around like a Weeping Angel. He displays no actual character so we get other characters and the narrative describing it to us, which also gets grating at times. Worse is when they treat him like a plot device/DEM (Fallen Star). Other then that I don't really have any real major issues, nor will I loose sleep over it.

[@fulcrum6760]

After Jedi Survivor, I think this is gonna get a lot of attention.

[@joshuamueller3206]

Awesome review. I have only read Light of the Jedi. It was good, but there are more interesting books out there that have stopped me from reading the rest. Also I was a bit confused as to what order I should read the adult and young adult books if I want to read both. Any advice on the order would be nice.

[@necromage843]

1 Light of the Jedi 2 test of courage(middle grade) 3 into the dark(young adult) 4 rising storm(adult) 5 race to crashpoint tower(middle grade) 6 out of the shadows(young adult) 7 tempest runner(audiobook) 8 mission to disaster(middle grade) 9 The fallen star(adult)

[@enzoamore8971]

Use Star Wars Timeline. That helps you whether you want to read from release order or to chronological order on all Star Wars media

[@IronDuke78]

You don't reward mismanagement with investment of time or money. Hard pass.

[@achaudhari101]

So Mandalorian needs to be punished?

[@JanHejda]

Ok, I'm sold. I'm gonna check out the adult books.

[@sophiejohnson9181]

It’s great that Disney/Lucas Film has addressed some of the criticisms and the content seems decent so far. However, I still have no interest in reading or purchasing any material from the High Republic. I’d rather go read up some of the Legends books. Kathleen Kennedy being in charge and some of the people involved makes me more uninterested. At least, it seems like they’re handling diversity better than the Sequels currently. I am concerned that the High Republic will end up like LoK: Turf Wars where the story warps around diversity (LGBT) when AtLA made no mention of it. But it doesn’t seem like that it has and hopefully, it will continue to have decent stories that happen to have LGBT characters. I’m both surprised and understand why Disney decided to not do the Old Republic. They want to create their own time period and not be in the shadow of the product of someone else. However, they made things harder for themselves without an active sith presence. Additionally, many fans (including myself) prefer that they don’t touch the Old Republic.

[@shadeblackwolf1508]

Does it fit well into the larger whole?

[@wcleere]

Thank you for making a video about this. There’s so little objective material on the High Republic from actual SW fans

[@louisblackforester]

The High Repooplic 😂

[@LarsLeonhard]

April first already?

[@justjoking5841]

It would honestly be better as another ongoing MMO type game for players to explore the Star Wars galaxy soon after (or even just before) the Ruusan Reformations. Never mind a half baked fanfiction with super-corporation level backing and resources.

[@mysteryneophyte]

if I ever see it while I'm out I might pick one up but I probably would have anyway.

[@Zaubernudel]

I listend to all books of Phase 1 and read the comics and i totally agree with you. Fallen Star is just awesome, i needed to get a day of cause i didnt managed to go to bed, i needed to listen. I do like how different the Jedi are (RAM Jomaram :D) I like how they struggle with different hings (Reath, Imri, Bell, Komach ....) I Love the idea of wayseekers and so on. I am really curious about the great leveler. I cant understand all the hate. I got the impression the haven't read a single line and just focus on that "Diversity Stuff" that didn't matter to me. PS: I like Geod, i like for example when he had the stand off in fallen star and the enemy thought how good he manages to stay cool. He is a Rock :D sw mustn't be to serious all the time