The Nameless, also known as the levelers or Shri-Ka-Rai, have been the Star Wars: The High Republic’s most dangerous monsters due to their ability to devour the fear of Force-sensitive people and turn their victims into calcified husks. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Nameless Terror #1 begins a miniseries dedicated to exploring the Nameless’ past and expanding upon their mythology. In this issue, writer George Mann, artist Eduardo Mello, Colorist Ornella Savarese, and letterer Studio Ram work together to provide an explosive beginning to the Jedi’s first encounter with the Nameless.
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Nameless Terror #1 begins with former Jedi turned monster hunter Ty Yorrick and her faithful droid KL-03, also known as KL0, characters from Phase I of Star Wars: The High Republic. In the aftermath of the release of the Nameless by the Nihil, Ty tells KL0 the story of when her former Jedi Master’s Master, Coron Solstus, faced the Nameless as a Padawan almost 150 years earlier. Ty Yorrick and KLO’s narration serves two important purposes. First, their presence provides an important throughline to show how the events of Phase II led to the first phase. Second, this framework firmly places the story within the realm of legend, as Ty Yorrick admits that the story has gone through many tellers before it reached her.
The portions of Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Nameless Terror #1 dedicated to the past briefly introduce the Jedi and the Pathfinder team of the Winterbloom before getting into the action and starship crashes. Some characters, like Jedi Master Rok Buran and Jedi Master Xinith Tarl, have appeared in the series before. However, many of these characters are making their first appearance in this comic, and a little more time spent explaining who everyone is would have helped the audience become more grounded in the story. Still, the issue’s fast pace and constant peril add to the tension of the Jedi’s encounter with the Path of the Open Hand and leave them even more vulnerable when the Nameless begins seeking its prey.
Eduardo Mello’s artwork is well suited to Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Nameless Terror #1’s action-packed opening. Mello’s clever use of panel design helps provide space to show multiple characters’ reactions and perspectives during the issue’s intense moments. The fast-paced action also allows Studio Ram’s lettering to shine as they use multiple fonts to creatively convey the sound effects. However, Mello’s artwork is also defined by what he chooses to not show. While the Nameless are the titular antagonist of the miniseries, Mello chooses to leave them off the page, only showing the characters’ reactions to them. This choice lets the Nameless continue to be shrouded in mystery while allowing Mello’s character expressions a chance to convey the true terror that the Nameless inspire.
Ornella Saverese uses bright colors throughout Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Nameless Terror #1 to attract a younger audience. The colors also serve to distinguish between the eras. For example, scenes with Ty and KL0 use more blue tones, while scenes from the past use a warmer color palette. Saverese also plays with opacity during Mello’s action sequences, such as Jedi Master Sula’s lightsaber battle with members of the Path of the Open Hand, to further convey movement and speed.
Overall, Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Nameless Terror #1 establishes a framework of folklore to add to the Nameless’ mythology while still creating a fast-paced adventure. The writing, artwork, coloring, and letting all contribute to an exciting adventure for Star Wars readers of all ages and promise more action and terror to come as the Nameless fully unleash their hunger.
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