Review of 'The Edge of Balance Vol. 3' and what's next for The High Republic
Plus: A call for feedback on the Space Wizards Book Club.
The Edge of Balance Vol. 3 review
A visually stunning, interconnected High Republic side story continues in the third volume of The Edge of Balance manga series. While this is Volume 3, this issue is the fourth Edge of Balance title since Precedent is a prequel story. Stay with me here.
The Edge of Balance series follows Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi, her Padawan Keerin, and her Wookiee Master Arkoff as they deal with the threats of the Nihil and the Drengir on the remote planet of Banchii. Through stunning illustrations, we get these characters’ perspectives of key events in the galaxy of the High Republic era. That means epic battles with monstrous Drengir, fierce fights against the Nihil to protect the people of Banchii and the Jedi Temple, and even a trip to Starlight Beacon to connect with other familiar Jedi.
In Volume 3, both the galaxy and Lily are reeling from tragic loss. These hardships have made Lily a strong, capable, and flexible Jedi dedicated to protecting her planet at all costs. While the Jedi Order struggles against the Nameless threat and the dangers of the Stormwall, Lily’s journey gives us a more intimate tale about facing but not backing down from fear.
Themes of fear and hopelessness are core to Phase 3 of The High Republic. As is the idea of the Jedi going through personal and Order-wide trials to test their dedication to light and life. The Edge of Balance stories may be spinoffs of the core plot, but through Lily and Arkoff we get more examples of Jedi diversity of mind and core Force principles. Throughout the three main volumes, we’ve watched Lily grow out of her stiff seriousness and into a steadfast but flexible Jedi Knight. She still takes after her Master Arkoff, who remains haunted and stoic after what he experienced centuries before on Dalna.
Review: The Edge of Balance: Precedent
Amidst the darkness and intriguing horror of Volume 3, the adorable Banchiians return to help Jedi Sav Malagan investigate growing threats posed by the Nihil and their Stormwall. Through Sav and the Banchiians, we get some comic relief and more loveable space creatures with sensitivity to the Force.
Volume 3 is also the most interconnected Edge of Balance story yet. Those following the core High Republic story and the Dark Horse comics will be rewarded with a feast of character cameos and connected stories.
With that interconnectivity — and the infrequent nature of publishing manga — comes drawbacks to The Edge of Balance series. These issues are very much spinoff stories to the core High Republic tale. They are best enjoyed and appreciated as complements to completionist readers — those who have mostly kept up with The High Republic novels and comics. They are also best read as a bingeable set.
I’ll admit, I did not remember anything that happened in the first two volumes. So, I reread all of them before diving into Volume 3. Rereading Precedent was also essential, as it solidified the connections between all three High Republic phases and The Edge of Balance storyline. It remains my favorite of the series.
Overall, Volume 3 is an excellent addition to the series. It weaves core High Republic plotlines and characters into a gripping black and white tapestry. Key questions are answered and more are posed thanks to an action-packed cliffhanger. Don’t worry, there’s at least one more volume coming.
The High Republic: The Edge of Balance Vol. 3 is available now. Thank you to Viz Media for providing a review copy.
What’s next for The High Republic
Can you believe we’re less than a year until the end of The High Republic? Yeah, I don’t want to think about it either.
Don’t worry, there are still a bunch of books and comics to look forward to. This month alone there are two books (The Edge of Balance Vol. 3 and Beware the Nameless) and a new comic series (Echoes of Fear).
Then next month there’s a new young adult novel from George Mann, which promises to be a horrific delight. Then in December, the audio drama Tempest Breaker sets up an unlikely alliance between Nihil Lourna Dee and Jedi Masters Avar Kriss and Keeve Trennis. The physical script book will arrive in May 2025.
I’m currently stalking my mailbox for the arrival of Beware the Nameless and Tears of the Nameless. Full reviews of both books will drop on their respective release dates (Aug. 27 and Sept. 24).
The High Republic Adventures: Echoes of Fear (Aug. 21, 2024) — Dark Horse Comics
Beware the Nameless (Aug. 27, 2024) — middle-grade
The Acolyte: Kelnacca #1 (Sept. 4, 2024) — Marvel Comics. This one-shot comic is likely part of a mini-series that will spotlight Acolyte characters and connect them to The High Republic literature.
Tears of the Nameless (Sept. 24, 2024) — young adult
Tempest Breaker (Dec. 3, 2024) — audio drama
Trials of the Jedi (spring 2025)
A Valiant Vow (spring 2025)
Into the Light (spring 2025)
What do you want to see next from the Space Wizards Book Club?
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Star Wars canon book timeline
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This week’s Star Wars releases
August 13
The High Republic: The Edge of Balance Vol. 3
August 14
Darth Vader (2020) #49
My copy is arriving today! Super excited!