Path of the Lightsaber
by Kenny Ruiz
Star Wars and Manga remains a relatively new concept, but one that has been fully embraced whether it be in the High Republic publishing initiative or adaptations of recent Disney+ series. All of them have been extremely well received especially with Daniel Jose Older’s Phase 2 offerings introducing us all to Azlin Rell.
Anyway, when this new title was announced it immediately caught the eye as a new original title set in the Sequel Trilogy era (specifically after The Last Jedi) but encompassing many elements from that fabled High Republic era. Tickle me intrigued.
Firstly, this manga is written by and art by Kenny Ruiz. This was a new name to me, and indeed manga generally, but I wanted to give a shout out to Ruiz for the cover artwork. It is bold, vibrant and the choice of a yellow lightsaber was inspired I think.
The story starts with a sort of recap of the events in the galaxy with the Jedi and the recent victory of the First Order at the Battle of Crait. I particularly liked how it directly fed into the same situation we saw with “broom boy” and the galaxy telling the legend of Luke Skywalker and the embellished truth of what happened that day. It captures the hope of the franchise and our main character, Nioka is enthralled.
She’s our lead and what a lovely character she is. An eternal optimistic she acts a “tinkerer” onboard the Random Luck with a somewhat ill tempered captain and lovely friend of the Resistance Barun. He actively feeds these stories to Nioka and it’s his absolute love of the heroes that drives the narrative and pushes Nioka in the story.
Their chemistry is simply wonderful. He reminded me a little of Sunshine Dobbs from the High Republic, at least in his appearance, but other than that, he is a lovely father like figure to Nioka that always looks for the good in people and their inner confidence.
I won’t spoil the story, but the crew end up a frozen world where Nioka, who is desperate to follow in Luke’s footsteps discovers a lightsaber of a fallen High Republic Jedi and his ship. As it happens, the First Order are also on the hunt for this ship and Supreme Leader Kylo Ren has sent someone special to discover it.
I really won’t spoil who this is, or who they want to be, but Ruiz paces their introduction brilliantly, building them up with some beautifully crafted action scenes. Like most manga, the black and white palate is used to maximum effect to amplify the imagery and narrative. They are a threat at least to Nioka and despite having knowledge as a reader that they probably aren’t in the grand scheme of things, Nioka is a young girl and you a treated to the idea as to whether the possession of a lightsaber makes you special or a Jedi as she hopes.
It’s a well used concept, the symbolism of a lightsaber and what it represents, but tying it down to Luke’s heroics at Crait and his now legendary status was a great idea. Not only does this expand the sequel trilogy era, but adds to the messages of hope and people power that we would go onto see at the Battle of Exogul.
And on that topic – the synergy of the eras is something quite incredible. I have already spoken about the sequel era is thrust into the High Republic era. Well add in some original trilogy too for good measure. And let’s be clear, this is not done, just so Ruiz could claim that he had, no, all three ears and harmoniously intertwined that keeps the story feeling organic and compelling and never forced. All the while not only telling a gripping story (that ends on a notable cliffhanger) but simultaneously adding vast amount of new lore to the sequel and original trilogy eras. It is quite remarkable!
This book takes huge swings with its scope, its lore and knocks it out of the park. All the while ensuring the focus is on Nioka and Barun and their lovely relationship. There’s tension, there’s humour, there’s action and by the of this book (marked as book 1), you are with the pair in their story.
If you haven’t guessed, I whole heartedly recommend this book. I went in hoping for something good but came out happily declaring this to be my favourite Star Wars manga to date and one of the real surprise treats of 2025.
Highly Recommended.
