By George Bate
More Thrawn, more Vader, more Aphra, and more Star Wars in general will be arriving soon this September. Timothy Zahn’s Chaos Rising, the first installment in a new Thrawn trilogy, may be the most popular title arriving this month, but September is full of interesting, different projects exploring unique aspects of canon. Below includes a list of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of September:
September 1 – Chaos Rising
It’s uncommon that a creator is able to introduce an iconic character and continue to develop this character and expand his story over 30 years, but the great Timothy Zahn has done just that with Thrawn. First introduced in the Legends novel Heir to the Empire, Thrawn has featured in Star Wars Rebels, Zahn’s canon trilogy, and Jody Houser’s comic series and the character’s journey will continue to grow in this first of three new Thrawn novels in the Ascendency trilogy chronicling Thrawn’s origins in the Chiss Ascendency.
September 1 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Rebellion Vol. 4
Also on September 1 is the newest installment in the Star Wars Legends Epic Collection series, a series of re-printings of classic Legends comics released by Dark Horse Comics, Marvel Comics, and others. Each collection in the series, including the newest fourth volume, features iconic Legends comics told in chronological order, a contrast to previous anthologies or onimbisues that group works by themes, stories, or characters. The fourth volume includes Star Wars: Rebellion (2006) 1-16, Star Wars: Boba Fett – Overkill (2006) 1; Material from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic/Rebellion (2006) 0, and Star Wars Tales (1999) 3, 15, 17, 21.
September 8 – This is Luke
This is Luke is an upcoming children’s book published by Disney-Lucasfilm press chronicling the journey of Luke Skywalker as told in the animation style of the Galaxy of Adventures shorts. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “This Level 1 early reader with stickers introduces young fans and reluctant readers to Luke Skywalker, one of the most iconic characters from the Star Wars Saga and features a fun new illustration style from the celebrated Galaxy of Adventures animation shorts (with over 3 million views on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel). Padawans learning to read will love this fresh take on a format parents know and trust.”
September 8 – The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu
Star Wars meets The Sims in the latest downloadable pack for the greatly popular video game. This content pack focuses on the world of Batuu and includes characters and locations from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
September 9 – Star Wars 6
Charles Soule’s terrific Star Wars line continues in the sixth issue of the series. The terrific cover of Luke wielding a yellow lightsaber is enough to entice even the most casual of Star Wars to give the series a read. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE PATH TO JEDI WISDOM…OR A DEADLY TRAP OF THE DARK SIDE? THE FORCE led LUKE SKYWALKER to someone who can provide him with great insight into the path to JEDI wisdom…But their meeting will change Skywalker FOREVER. Luke thought his duel against his father, Darth Vader, was the ultimate test. But Luke’s trials have only just begun. The galaxy needs Luke Skywalker. And a Jedi needs a weapon! Meanwhile, Vader continues his search for his long-lost son, and the REBEL ALLIANCE finds itself on the verge of losing all hope.”
September 9 – Star Wars Insider 198
The latest issue of Star Wars Insider features an interview with Snap Wexley himself Greg Grunberg, Elizabeth Grullon speaking about her role as Second Sister in Jedi: Fallen Order, and includes a list of Palpatine’s top 5 apprentices.
September 15 – Star Wars: Fascinating Facts
Pablo Hidalgo delivers another reference book with Star Wars: Fascinating Facts, detailing tons of fun facts about the nine films in the Skywalker saga. The publisher’s summary is as follows:
“Star Wars: Fascinating Facts is a compendium of hundreds of little-known facts about all nine episodes in the Skywalker Saga—from behind-the-scenes on-set tidbits to stories about how the tale of Star Wars was created. Profiles of important characters and early drafts of scripts show what might have been, details of how famous scenes were filmed, and other firsthand accounts from cast and crew members.”
September 16 – Darth Vader 5
Greg Pak’s Darth Vader series has been breathtaking so far and we expect the fifth issue to continue this trend. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A QUEST FOR TRUTH…A JOURNEY OF DESTRUCTION! DARTH VADER’S search for revenge against those who hid his son Luke reaches a terrible climax – at the tomb of PADMÉ AMIDALA. What secrets does he learn? And who will pay as a result? All the answers are coming – in the ruins of POLIS MASSA – the birthplace of Luke Skywalker!”
September 16 – Star Wars Adventures 1
One of the most interesting projects on this list, Star Wars Adventures 1 is the first issue of a new, monthly series featuring stories about two fan favorite Star Wars characters. In this first issue, set in between the events of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, Rey, Finn, and Poe travel to a remote planet to continue Rey’s Jedi training, but soon meet trouble when they encounter First Order forces. The other story in this issue will center around Darth Vader.
September 22 – Star Wars Adventures Vol 10: Driving Force
Volume 10 of Star Wars Adventures collects issues 24-36 from the series of comics directed toward middle-school aged children. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “With hotshot Resistance pilot Poe Dameron captured by pirates, it’s up to BB-8–and Rapier Squadron–to save the day! Then, in this story set before A New Hope, Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her young life: teaching Amilyn Holdo how to drive a speeder! But both learn an important lesson after finding themselves in the dangerous lower levels of Coruscant. And finally, witness one of the many lessons Rey learned from Luke Skywalker during her time on Ahch-To.”
September 22 – Star Wars: Age of Resistance
The great Star Wars: Age of Resistance series of comics comes together in this hardcover compilation of all of the series’ issues. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Concluding the Age of Star Wars – epic adventures featuring your favorite characters from all three film trilogies! This final volume spotlights the heroes of the Resistance and the villains of the First Order! Witness the moments that define them, the incredible battles that shaped them – and their eternal conflict between light and darkness! Solo stories spotlight major figures from Star Wars Episodes VII-IX – including Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Rose Tico, Maz Kanata, Vice Admiral Holdo…and the loveable BB-8! But in the growing darkness, Kylo Ren, Supreme Leader Snoke, Captain Phasma and General Hux are waiting…”
September 23 – Bounty Hunters 5
Ethan Sacks and Paolo Villanelli’s Bounty Hunters series has taken many by surprise as one of the most interesting Star Wars comics currently running. The publisher’s summary of the latest issue is as follows: “BATTLE OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS! Only one man can stop BOBA FETT from executing his long sought vengeance. But can VALANCE survive the battle of the two greatest bounty hunters of their age? Why did NAKANO LASH betray her team during their doomed mission to CORELLIA? The answer could ignite an all-out crime war across the underworld and change Valance’s life forever.”
September 29 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 6
September features yet another Epic Collection, compiling different issues of Legends comics – this time focusing on the Galactic Empire era. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The Force unleashed! The Empire’s power is at its peak – but not every problem requires military might. Sometimes all you need is the right agent, in the right place, with the willingness to get the job done. An agent like Jahan Cross! But when Boba Fett is framed for murder, Cross finds himself in a situation that even he may not be able to handle! Plus, learn the origin of Vader’s secret apprentice, the deadly Starkiller – a story of treachery, deception and the overwhelming power of the Force. And witness the early years of Leia Organa!”
September 29 – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Screen Comix
The Empire Strikes Back Screen Comix is a graphic-novel adaptation of Episode IV, retold in the Screen Comix format to commemorate the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back.
September 29 – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Special
Originally intended to release earlier this year, this anniversary special is a Star Wars Insider deluxe collector’s edition magazine featuring interviews and previously unseen images from the iconic film.
September 30 – Doctor Aphra 4
Aphra’s journey continues in the fourth issue of Alyssa Wong’s series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “RING OF FIRE! Trapped and betrayed, DOCTOR APHRA fights to escape the cursed city of VAALE before madness overcomes her! Meanwhile, RONEN TAGGE’s sinister plan for the RINGS OF VAALE approaches fruition. Will Aphra be able to thwart him in time?”
September 30 – Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales 5
The Battle Tales comic series continues with a new adventure featuring Obi-Wan, Anakin, Rex,, Cody, Grievous, Padme, and more!
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in September without descriptions is included below:
September 1 – Chaos Rising
September 1 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Rebellion Vol 4
September 8 – This is Luke
September 8 – The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu to be released
September 9 – Star Wars 6
September 9 – Star Wars Adventures Annual 2020
September 9 – Star Wars Insider 198
September 15 – Star Wars: Fascinating Facts
September 16 – Darth Vader 5
September 16 – Star Wars Adventures 1
September 22 – Star Wars Adventures Vol. 10: Driving Force
September 22 – Star Wars: Age of Resistance
September 23 – Bounty Hunters 5
September 29 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 6
September 29 – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Screen Comix
September 29 – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Special
September 30 – Doctor Aphra 4
September 30 – Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales 5
Images courtesy of Disney-Lucasfilm Press, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, Star Wars Insider, and Electronic Arts