The inaugural issue, titled The High Republic 1, kicks off Phase II of the official canon Star Wars: The High Republic comic book series. Cavan Scott penned the story, while the artwork was a collaborative effort by Ario Anindito, Andrea Broccardo, Mark Morales, and Frank William. Marvel Comics released it to the public on October 12, 2022. In addition to the main story, the comic also features a supplementary tale called "Peace and Unity."
STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC BEGINS A BRAND-NEW CHAPTER! A century and a half before Starlight's demise, there exists another radiant beacon in the galaxy, one that embodies faith and spirituality. This place is Jedha, the Pilgrim Moon, also known as the Kyber Heart. However, tensions are escalating within the holy city, foreshadowing impending dark days. Jedi Vildar Mac, a Jedi confident in his identity and potential, arrives just as Jedha's delicate peace begins to shatter. Yet, an unimaginable horror awaits – a nameless terror destined to become a legend…
The comic begins by showing a brief flashback of Vildar Mac's life before becoming a Jedi. This flashback details how memories of the terror he felt when a certain evil came to his village continue to haunt him in his dreams. In the story's present, he awakens on a ship headed to Jedha for a new assignment. Despite the enviable nature of his position, he doesn't fully enjoy it because of his self-awareness. Upon arriving at Jedha, Mac is greeted by the very talkative Twi'lek Padawan Matthea Cathley (who is known as Matty). She informs Mac that instead of heading straight to the convocation chambers as planned, they will be investigating the theft of a relic from the Shrine of Sarrav. On their way, Mac and Cathley discuss the Jedi's unpopularity on Jedha, despite their historical connection to the moon. The two Jedi then witness a confrontation between two individuals claiming to be Truthsayers of Bpfassh, each accusing the other of being a fraud. Cathley attempts to intervene, but the pilgrims turn on her angrily, finding the Jedi presence as irritating as the Convocation's and resenting the Convocation's attempts to dictate the Force. However, Mac spots someone fleeing the crowd and pursues them, only to lose sight of the person and return to help resolve the dispute. Mac is then surprised by the appearance of a Sorcerer of Tund, drawing his lightsaber until Cathley explains that they also have representation in the Convocation and leads Mac away from the crowd.
Upon reaching the Shrine of Sarrav, Cathley tells Mac about the stolen item and mentions the increasing frequency of artifact thefts. Suddenly, they notice blood and spot the droid in the marketplace, leading Mac to once again pursue the thief from earlier. After a short discussion about his Force abilities, the thief uses Morichro to stop Mac's heart and leave him to die.
Elsewhere on Jedha, Oliviah Zeveron is found meditating beneath the Jedi statues before being summoned to represent Master Leebon at the Convocation of the Force. Zeveron arrives at the Convocation to find a major argument erupting between various representatives. The Fallanassi representative is arguing against the inclusion of the Yacombe, despite support from several other factions. The Matukai representative attacks Susalee, the Lonto representative, and as the fight threatens to escalate, Zeveron attempts to intervene. She is immediately dismissed for lacking authority on Jedha, but points out that in arguing over the Yacombe being divisive, they are the only ones not arguing. The Convocation leader apologizes, but the Yacombe withdraw their petition and leave. Frustrated, Zeveron wants to discuss what happened, but before the Convocation can adjourn, they are interrupted by the arrival of Radicaz Dobbs, known as Sunshine, who wishes to speak on behalf of the Path of the Open Hand.