In huge news for Star Wars fans, Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics (11th-12th May) is delighted to announce that it will host authors and artists for a special panel honouring the High Republic era of the epic Star Wars franchise.
Appearing in the panel and in the Con’s Artist Alley will be Cavan Scott, one of the five original story architects behind the creation of the multi-media High Republic initiative. Cavan is currently writing the ongoing Marvel comic of the same name and numerous titles in the series. His work on the Star Wars franchise spans beyond the High Republic series, having also written for the Tales from Vader’s Castle series to the Audie-nominated Star Wars Dooku Jedi Lost, and was part of the writing team for Star Wars kid’s game show, Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge.
Also appearing as part of the High Republic focus will be Sunday Times bestselling novelist, comics writer and screenwriter, George Mann, who has written novels and audio dramas for the High Republic, most notably all of Phase II’s short stories under the title ‘Tales of Enlightenment’. George is also the creator of the Wychwood supernatural mystery series as well as the popular Newbury & Hobbes and Tales of The Ghost.
Another comics guest who’ll be familiar to High Republic fans is Nick Brokenshire, an artist hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, who brings his Celtic/Latino heritage to the Star Wars galaxy. Nick has drawn Shadow of Vader’s Castle (written by fellow Portsmouth guest Cavan Scott) as well as writing and drawing for The High Republic Adventures comic book series, several High Republic stories as well as Tales From Wild Space for Star Wars Adventures. His intergalactic party band Blues Harvest played Star Wars Celebration last year.
And last but by no means least, is the award-winning comic book and cover artist Rachael Stott, who is known for her unique and exciting style, and who re-teamed with writer Cavan Scott as the artist for The High Republic Adventures: Saber for Hire. She is also known for her work on Doctor Who, and for Marvel and DC.
Star Wars: The High Republic consists of various stories set during the High Republic era which spans 500 to 100 years before the Skywalker saga. Divided into three phases, Light of the Jedi was published in Jan. 2021, Quest of the Jedi started in Oct. 2022 and the third phase, Trials of the Jedi, began in Nov. 2023 with the release of George Mann’s novel, The Eye of Darkness.
The panel will be moderated by Michael Siglain, Creative Director, Lucasfilm at Disney Publishing, who with his team, oversees creative development across Star Wars books, comics and magazines worldwide.
The High Republic announcement comes as an exciting addition to a Comic Con that is already packed with entertainment for Star Wars fans!
Also appearing in Artists Alley are Lucasfilm’s Troy Alders, who provides art direction for Star Wars consumer products and who was a key contributor for the look and design of The High Republic initiative, alongside illustrator and designer, Russell Walks, who has created multiple art pieces for Star Wars and will be making his latest print, ‘Size Matters Not’ which has never been available in Europe before, exclusively available to Portsmouth attendees!
Also attending will be Paul Fry, who has contributed to the Star Wars with titles such as Star Wars: Life Day, Han Solo and Chewbacca, Star Wars Revelations and The Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary one-shot Max Rebo with a recent project including the Darth Vader series.
Joker Squad will also be creating their biggest Star Wars Experience to date as part of the Con. In a fully-immersive experience, attendees will be able to wander through the market and sellers of Tatooine, avoid being arrested by Stormtroopers looking for Rebels, spot The Mandalorian looking for his next bounty, see a Pod Racer from Episode 1, visit the Death Star whilst dodging the Mouse Droid and much more!
Portsmouth Comic Con is the largest family-friendly comic con of its kind which presents the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment in a full and fun day out for all the family. There really is something for everyone aged 3-100+. If you’re serious about comics, love Marvel/DC and cult series, or are simply looking for a fun day out – this is the event for you!
