To celebrate Halloween, the creators behind Star Wars: The High Republic have revealed the various villains that the Jedi Knights will face.
"One of the north stars for this initiative is to answer the question, 'What scares the Jedi?' Which is a really fun but extraordinarily challenging question to answer," Lucasfilm Publishing creative director Michael Siglain said in an interview. "All five authors, as well as the Story Group and Publishing teams, had thoughts on what would scare them -- and why -- but everyone agreed that had to be something new."
The Drengir
The Drengir brings a touch of Lovecraftian horror to the Star Wars universe, comprised of plant matter and razor-sharp teeth. "The Drengir are sentient plant-life who are looking to reap a terrible harvest across the galactic frontier," The High Republic comic writer Cavan Scott said, noting that legendary Star Wars concept artist Iain McCaig drew a sketch in the early days of The High Republic’s development that led to their creation. Scott also hinted that the Drengir have a connection to one of the Jedi Knights.
The Nihil
The Nihil serve as another threat to the High Republic, as the brutal marauders terrorize the Outer Rim and come up with inventive ways to kill their victims. "The Nihil are organized into three main divisions called Tempests, each with its own captain who wields total control," Light of the Jedi writer Charles Soule explained. "They are frightening in a way that feels great for Star Wars, in part because their 'code,' if you can call it that, is so simple: the Nihil take what they want. If you stand in their way, they will kill you and everyone you love." Soule also said that the Nihil's plans involve the Republic and the Jedi Order.
Marchion Ro
In the same vein as Darth Vader and Moff Gideon, Marchion Ro is described as a bad guy "in every sense" by Soule. "Marchion Ro holds an important post within the greater Nihil organization -- he is the Eye of the Nihil, as was his father before him. He doesn't give the orders -- that's up to the Tempest Runners -- but in a very real way, everything revolves around him," said Soule.
Star Wars: The High Republic begins Jan. 5 with Star Wars: The High Republic -- Light of the Jedi, by Charles Soule.
Source: StarWars.com