Vergence Scatter

I'm currently reading (and rereading in places) through the entire canon of Star Wars comics and novels. I'm working in chronological order (I post under the tag #My chronological reading of SW canon). Current status: High Republic (Phase 2). One of the purposes of this blog is to document the journey. You’ll also find discussion of Star Wars films, TV series, and videogames. You can also expect occasional shitposting, otherwise this blog is meant to convey semi-serious to serious nerdgasm. Some model making included. Due to the nature of this blog, it is riddled with spoilers. You have been warned.

[gffa]

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith | Coruscant, Mustafar, Naboo, Utapau, Cato Neimoidia

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I'm not sure there is a better example of poise and grace - true dignity of manner - than that displayed by Master Yaddle during the Night of Sorrow. Whilst watching over the precocious, unrelentingly mischievous, and extremely naïve youngling Cippa Tarko, she arguably single-handedly ensured the balance of the battle on Dalna didn't tilt too much toward the Path. Creighton, Aida, Char-Ryl-Roy, Enya, and others fought so heroically and indeed did much of the heavy lifting on the battlefield; however, in the face of insurmountable odds, at its most bleak, it was Yaddle's presence that was major influence in the outcome. Her experience and incredible skill in battle was legendary; but beyond her combat skills, most importantly she was a wellspring of calm for the others in the storm. Even as the greatly experienced and resolute Jedi Master Creighton Sun (who was absolutely brilliant in Cataclysm) began to succumb to fear and doubt, Yaddle was the buoy that continuously reassured and signalled hope. She seemed to keep everyone anchored in the Force.

We of course know Yaddle from the prequels. She sat on the Jedi council prior to the events of the Clone Wars. Chronologically, however, this is the first time she appears (I believe as things stand in terms of released novels and comics). In Cataclysm I feel like we got a glimpse of what a great Jedi Master she truly was.

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The Night of Sorrow

It was as a break in the darkness, a sudden force against the quickening tides of diminishing hope; in the face of nigh certain death for the remaining Jedi and Dalnan forces, as the Levellers encroached and all light on Dalna appeared to have been extinguished:

In the southern sky, no less than thirty ships, some of them enormous cruisers, descended from the dense cloud cover above. Gella was also looking up [...]. A faint voice crackled from the comlink that Gella had taken from Master Sun. [...]"This is Captain Xiri A'lbaran, leading Thylefire Squadron from E'ronoh." "And this is Phan-tu Zenn, leading ground forces from Eiram." Master Yoda's voice spoke. "Fight together, we will." A familar sleek E'roni starship roared overhead, spinning as it shot down a junker over a fallow field. Axel knew it must be Xiri. The other ships began to land throughout the Path compound, with E'roni troops in copper-hued uniforms and Eirami troops in blue uniforms taking the fields in droves. [...] Starships lit up the sky, engaging the Path-aligned ships and brightening the ski with their cannon fire. [Cataclysm, p. 355]

This was such an emotional moment.

With Aida dying, as Creighton lay alongside her seriously injured and unable to fight any more. Youngling Cippa curled under Priv's arm. The enforcer droids pressing relentlessly forward in their hunt, too much for the remaining Dalnan forces scattered throughout the fields of death. Master Yaddle doing everything she can to resist what would be an overwhelming defeat. Meanwhile, bodies littered everywhere on the muddy ground, slippery with rain water and blood. The ashen remains of fallen Jedi, the essence of which previously consumed by Levelers, are starting to dissolve in the wet. And then, at its bleakest, in the cataclysm of violence, the cries of Char-Ryle-Roy echo as he is killed by one of the Levelers, leaving Gella to search deeply inside herself to find reserves of belief and resolve. In the instant she burst forward as a shield with two lightsabers in hand, taking on rows of encroaching Path fighters, I honestly thought she would be next to fall. It was such a grim moment; just so bloody dark. Truly a Night of Sorrow.

And then the ships arrived.

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Creighton Sun

I've come to really like Aida Forte and Creighton Sun. They make a terrific duo.

Creighton in particular has grown on me the most. In Convergence he appeared plainly virtuous - almost cliché - and characterless. At least this was my impression. There was a traditionalism about him, but rarely was it insightful. It felt textbook and monotone. There is nothing wrong with this; it's just that as Convergence was told, he seemed unremarkable compared with the Gella Nattai. In Battle of Jedha, however, I felt that he started to open up and come into his own. In the final moments of the battle, we got a bit more of a raw (and less guarded) glimpse into his personality; his speech was absolutely epic.

In Cataclysm, we see Creighton as old and wise and reasonably grumpy; indeed, we begin to see a Master Jedi with great skill and experience, who, while dryly unsociable and deeply serious in his code of conduct, is also refreshingly sceptical and realist in his views of the galaxy. He's a proper leader. He'll fight wholeheartedly for peace, but he's also cynical enough to understand that peace and justice are not innate features of a system with many vested interests and power struggles. At the same time, he is astute and critically minded enough to be aware of his own cynicism, should it prejudice his view on a matter.

Going into Cataclysm, I was super interested to follow Creighton and Aida on their mission to Dalna. I'm now at the suspenseful point, and, to be honest, I dread what might happen. I really hope they don't get calcified.

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Axel Greylark

I have so many thoughts about Convergence. I'm still piecing them together.

One that stands out is how I'm at a bit of a loss with Axel Greylark. I can't say I'm not surprised with how the book concludes. Particularly interesting is the final few moments of Axel in his prison cell at Prison Barge CA73Z. It's revealed, on the one hand, that he often considered the idea of sending a holo to Phan-tu and Xiri, and to his mother. I read this as him being sincere; whether out of insecurity or self-loathing, or something related, it is suggested that he always stops himself from doing so. This is insightful, because I think such instance where he wants to send a holo (assuming a nice one), or those where he reflects on remnants of his affection for Gella, show the good side of Axel.

On the other hand, although I've read some people complain that Axel's development is inconsistent, I actually think his story so far is fairly consistent in the sense that there is something bipolar about the way in which he interacts with himself and others. For example, in the final paragraphs, he thinks of Gella as though with deep fondness and care. But then, in a flash, these thoughts trigger him to spiral into a state of destructive self-loathing, yearning to feed his "chaos". Like how he picks fights when he is bored in prison, and that he enjoyed the pain when someone named Zygerrian broke his nose. It's these two sides that are consistent throughout: his self-destructive spirals that leaves him to fear that he will hurt others around him, perhaps even those he cares deeply about (his relationship with his droid QN-1 comes to mind). In prison, he thinks to himself that with him locked in a cell maybe he will then only be able to hurt himself.

What is probably a decent approximation of the truth is that Axel's mental state completely eroded after his father's death, and after so much time in a self-destructive he has a craving for nihilism (to destroy everything because everything for him was destroyed). I imagine the machinations of the Mother didn't help in reinforcing his inner "chaos". It's clear, at least on my reading, that Axel is not a member of the Path, nor is he committed to its future; but the Mother has a way of enchanting people whilst knowing what bruises to push in order to manipulate them. At the same time my impression is that Axel knows that the Mother is manipulating him, but his nihilism is pragmatic. Something about their arrangement also served a need in him.

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What's also revealing about Axel is how, at the end of Convergence, he laments that no one has come to visit him (which, on first read, is a bit ironic (?) since he is in prison for some heinous crimes and he's also not treated people very well). This is quite consistent with how I see him: from what we know of him throughout the book, he seems like a person who actively pushes people away and then laments being alone. It's his inconsistency that is most consistent!

Without knowing what will come of Axel (I am very much looking forward to Cataclysm), I would not be surprised if his manic depression were to play a role in the remainder of his story. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but from the first two books of Phase 2 (chronologically) he is yet another individual whose life could have been completely different. Indeed, he is similar to Marda Ro in a few ways. The origin story of Axel reinforces there is (or was) good in him. Axel's tragedy is rooted in the fact that he had a bright future, all of which came crashing down after his father's death. So they are both tragic figures, but in very different ways.

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Axel's decision to deceive Gella and leave with Binnot Ullo was not surprising. I was waiting for it the entire time. I think Axel's deception and manipulation is entirely consistent with what we know about him (as discussed above). He is so deeply conflicted, with his need to feed his so-called inner "chaos" and his nihilism despite the tension with what remains of his better self. He is prideful at being a beautiful liar, which we see is rooted in his desperate need to hide himself and his true feelings from others. Right now, his ability to play a role and wear a mask is guarding him against Binnot and the Path. It feels on a knife edge. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of Cataclysm to see what comes of Axel.

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The Broken Blade miniseries

I just read that Charles Soule confirmed The Broken Blade miniseries is still in development. Latest discussions about it were apparently in August. Hopefully we get a release date sooner rather than later.

I'm super excited to follow Porter in his mission to Bardotta (where we'll witness the events that gave him the eventual title "the blade of Bardotta"). It's such a significant moment in his development and his story. I also really hope that we'll get more of Barash's story in one way or another. A standalone miniseries covering her time in search for reconnection of the Force would be amazing, to be honest.

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Jedi Master Vildar Mac is so far my least favourite (at least up to issues 1-5, as I still need to read 6-10 in the Balance/Battle of the Force series) in Phase 2 of the High Republic. To me, he comes off as way too brash and egotistical. Also, it seems like his behaviour and his reactions carry a lot of anxiety; too much to be on a mission to Jedha at such an important time. Having said that, I am aware from issues 1-5 in Balance of the Force that he has a traumatic history. He was a child when an evil Sorcerer of Tund slaughtered his entire village. Clearly this still haunts him - perhaps it is actually PTSD that is the root of his ongoing struggles, which is expressed in his inability to control his fear.

Understanding this history (however little it is actually developed and fleshed out) of course provides a source of compassion for Vildar. But it is still difficult to ignore his brashness and overall lack of self-awareness in how he carries himself.

Some select moments that stand out to me evidencing his struggles (there are quite a few more):

Currently there is an interesting relationship developing between Vildar, Tey Sirrek, and Padawan Matthea Cathley, as the battle of Jedha kicks off. Maybe more will emerge in issues 6-10 that change my views of him.

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Thinking about it more, it stands out to me now how significant of a moment this truly was for Vildar Mac. Affected by The Great Leveler, he sees the peaceful Sorcerer of Tund as the one who attacked his village; but he fights against the visions.

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I definitely warmed up to Vildar Mac as the series progressed. By the end, my opinion of him completely shifted: I think I actually like him, and I would be intrigued to read more of his story.

I still don't fully understand his relation with the Jedi council, with Cataclysm leaving me even more confused (so far I have not seen him mentioned anywhere else, but surely he knows Creighton Sun and surely he would have reported events on Jedha - indeed, the Leveler - to Master Sun and others). Maybe he will appear later in Cataclysm (I'm currently on Chapter 3) or elsewhere, and his role and place will make more sense. I will be disappointed if we don't get any follow up on Vildar's story.

But yeah, I think he's actually a deeply interesting character. Battle for the Force (issues 6-10) certainly reveals more about Vildar that provides more understanding about his personality and behaviour. I very much sympathised with him by the end.

Also, I have to say, Vildar's ability to use psychometry when touching a wall as a way to find Tey Sirrek is mightily impressive.

This is by no means a trivial skill. He's obviously a highly skilled and powerful Jedi Master, which is also evidenced on several other occasions.

His strength in the Force to withstand the strain to hold giant pieces of stone and other debris, and then to concentrate enough under this immense strain to focus on amplifying this strength to eventually push the rubble free is incredible.

Most of all, the way in which he faced The Leveler; fought against and survived (with the help of Tey) its ability to nullify connection to the Force; and also stared directly into the dark side, temporarily embrace its power, and then ultimately rejected it; I think this truly shows his admirable character.

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One of those pivotal moments in history. Certainly it is one of the most iconic events in the High Republic era.

In the moment, as the Final Protector fell, reading how it happened (both in the novel and comics) felt to me as though the currents produced from the crash had enough force to shift the future path of the entire galaxy. The symbolism alone was astonishing.

[The Battle of Jedha and the Balance of the Force / Battle for the Force series, issues 5-6]

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And there it lies, the Final Protector.

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I'll be honest, I felt a bit queasy reading this. Maybe it was because I was already a bit sad about Oliviah Zeveron; or maybe it was because I was reminded Kevmo before he was similarly killed - when he was alone in that cave on Dalna after witnessing his Master's (Zallah Macri) death by the Leveler. It's not just the horror of facing that monster, or the way it seems to suck out all of the life of person leaving only a mere husk as remains (that by the softest touch breaks into dust). For Jedi (or any for sensitive) it is the fact that you lose all connection with the Force (whether in actuality or if it just feels as such) prior to being devoured. It must be so completely terrifying and disorienting.

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One of those pivotal moments in history. Certainly it is one of the most iconic events in the High Republic era.

In the moment, as the Final Protector fell, reading how it happened (both in the novel and comics) felt to me as though the currents produced from the crash had enough force to shift the future path of the entire galaxy. The symbolism alone was astonishing.

[The Battle of Jedha and the Balance of the Force / Battle for the Force series, issues 5-6]

[katestewartt]

Obi-Wan + signature move

[grippedbydestielfever]

Order 66 wasn’t simply a massacre, but a genocide. A near total annihilation of an entire way of life–a religion, a culture, a people. Adults and children alike were condemned for the very fact they existed, for something in their literal blood and DNA. For their beliefs, their way of life. Wiped out in a matter of hours. It is a war crime of unimaginable proportions, that effectively erased the Jedi from existence, from history, almost even from memory.

Why is this disputed in both canon and fandom, then? Why is this act of genocide ignored, underplayed, excused, written off as “they deserved it for their hubris”, the Jedi Order was corrupt and therefore needed to end, their murder was somehow justified, their lives, their existence, their murder, is somehow less significant, less worthy of our outrage, less worthy of remembrance, they deserve to be forgotten and erased and rewritten, and on and on…

“From my point of view the Jedi were evil” indeed.

[darthvaders]

He takes the ounce of good still left in him and destroys the Emperor out of compassion for his son.

[darthvaders]

Which is to get rid of the Siths and bring balance to the Force.

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Jedi Master Vildar Mac is so far my least favourite (at least up to issues 1-5, as I still need to read 6-10 in the Balance/Battle of the Force series) in Phase 2 of the High Republic. To me, he comes off as way too brash and egotistical. Also, it seems like his behaviour and his reactions carry a lot of anxiety; too much to be on a mission to Jedha at such an important time. Having said that, I am aware from issues 1-5 in Balance of the Force that he has a traumatic history. He was a child when an evil Sorcerer of Tund slaughtered his entire village. Clearly this still haunts him - perhaps it is actually PTSD that is the root of his ongoing struggles, which is expressed in his inability to control his fear.

Understanding this history (however little it is actually developed and fleshed out) of course provides a source of compassion for Vildar. But it is still difficult to ignore his brashness and overall lack of self-awareness in how he carries himself.

Some select moments that stand out to me evidencing his struggles (there are quite a few more):

Currently there is an interesting relationship developing between Vildar, Tey Sirrek, and Padawan Matthea Cathley, as the battle of Jedha kicks off. Maybe more will emerge in issues 6-10 that change my views of him.

[vergencescatter]

Thinking about it more, it stands out to me now how significant of a moment this truly was for Vildar Mac. Affected by The Great Leveler, he sees the peaceful Sorcerer of Tund as the one who attacked his village; but he fights against the visions.

[vergencescatter]

Jedi Master Vildar Mac is so far my least favourite (at least up to issues 1-5, as I still need to read 6-10 in the Balance/Battle of the Force series) in Phase 2 of the High Republic. To me, he comes off as way too brash and egotistical. Also, it seems like his behaviour and his reactions carry a lot of anxiety; too much to be on a mission to Jedha at such an important time. Having said that, I am aware from issues 1-5 in Balance of the Force that he has a traumatic history. He was a child when an evil Sorcerer of Tund slaughtered his entire village. Clearly this still haunts him - perhaps it is actually PTSD that is the root of his ongoing struggles, which is expressed in his inability to control his fear.

Understanding this history (however little it is actually developed and fleshed out) of course provides a source of compassion for Vildar. But it is still difficult to ignore his brashness and overall lack of self-awareness in how he carries himself.

Some select moments that stand out to me evidencing his struggles (there are quite a few more):

Currently there is an interesting relationship developing between Vildar, Tey Sirrek, and Padawan Matthea Cathley, as the battle of Jedha kicks off. Maybe more will emerge in issues 6-10 that change my views of him.