Comic Review: Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone #4 – Ty Yorrick to the Rescue!

Saber-for-hire Ty Yorrick returns to once again aid the Jedi’s fight the Nihil. Can she escape the Occlusion Zone and help them prepare for the final battle?

Dark Horse Comics

Publisher summary:

As calls for help make their way across the Stormwall, the Marshal of the Republic Fleet turns to an unlikely ally: former Jedi Ty Yorrick! But can the maverick saber-for-hire be trusted when she encounters an old enemy on the ravaged plains of Dalna?

Why it matters: The final issue of dispatches sees Ty Yorrick team up with other fan favorite characters to set up the final arcs of the High Republic initiative!

Key moments:

• Saber-for-Hire: Ty Yorrick, typically seen only in her own stories, returns and crosses paths with the cast of the Marvel High Republic series. Few High Republic characters have become as notable as Ty, and this story adds another to her string of hits.

• Incredible artwork: Vincenzo Riccardi is a madman. He has quickly made a name as one of the most stunning artists in Star Wars, and that is on full display here. Every page is worthy of a poster, and his unique style shifts seamlessly from big set piece action to tender emotion.

• Preparing for a finale: Labeled “The Beginning of the End,” this issue sets up the final Marvel arc - Fear of the Jedi - as well as the Battle of Eriadu in Dark Horse’s High Republic Adventures, giving the adventures a sense of gravity, as well as a reward for dedicated readers who keep up with both titles.

Dark Horse Comics

The big picture: Come for the High Republic, stay for the art. This issue is a brilliant conclusion to this anthology series and deftly sets up the two final battles playing out in the main comics from Marvel and Dark Horse. George Mann’s character work is a perfect continuation of multiple storylines, and the action is thrilling. But where the book really shines is the peerless artwork from Vincenzo Riccardi. Vibrant colors, dynamic layouts, and exciting character designs make this an early contender for the most beautiful comic of 2025. 

I wonder how a more casual reader might react to the appearances of Lourna Dee and Tey Sirrek, coming from the Marvel run and the Tempest Breaker audio drama. This kind of cross-media storytelling has been a sticking point for all of the High Republic. However, for fans who read all of it, the payoff is fantastic.

Our rating: Incredible

What’s next: The High Republic comics are winding down. See where the story continues in Fear of the Jedi on February 19, 2025 and the High Republic Adventures #14, out now!

For a deeper discussion of this issue and more, be sure to check out weekly episodes of The Cosmic Force podcast!