By George Bate and Julie Catherine
2021 kicks off with the highly anticipated debut of The High Republic era across a range of new, exciting projects. The sprawling publishing initiative was revealed last year and we’ve been eagerly awaiting some of the new books and comics in this new era – a perfect antidote to the post-Mandalorian blues. January also sees the continuation of various other ongoing projects we’re looking forward to. It is important to note all of these release dates are subject to change. Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of January:
January 5 – The High Republic: Light of the Jedi
The first installment of The High Republic publishing campaign drops in early January, written by the always brilliant Charles Soule and published by Del Rey. The novel follows Jedi Avar Kriss two centuries before the events of The Phantom Menace. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Long before the First Order, before the Empire, before even The Phantom Menace. . . Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in The High Republic. It is a golden age. Intrepid hyperspace scouts expand the reach of the Republic to the furthest stars, worlds flourish under the benevolent leadership of the Senate, and peace reigns, enforced by the wisdom and strength of the renowned order of Force users known as the Jedi. With the Jedi at the height of their power, the free citizens of the galaxy are confident in their ability to weather any storm. But even the brightest light can cast a shadow, and some storms defy any preparation. When a shocking catastrophe in hyperspace tears a ship to pieces, the flurry of shrapnel emerging from the disaster threatens an entire system. No sooner does the call for help go out than the Jedi race to the scene. The scope of the emergence, however, is enough to push even Jedi to their limit. As the sky breaks open and destruction rains down upon the peaceful alliance they helped to build, the Jedi must trust in the Force to see them through a day in which a single mistake could cost billions of lives. Even as the Jedi battle valiantly against calamity, something truly deadly grows beyond the boundary of the Republic. The hyperspace disaster is far more sinister than the Jedi could ever suspect. A threat hides in the darkness, far from the light of the age, and harbors a secret that could strike fear into even a Jedi’s heart.”
January 5 – The High Republic: A Test of Courage
Justina Ireland’s junior novel A Test of Courage also debuts in early January. We recently received the Disney-Lucasfilm Press book and have to say that we were blown away by the story and characters depicted by Ireland. An amazing installment in canon with lessons and adventures that would appeal to people across the lifespan. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Long before the Clone Wars, the Empire, or the First Order, the Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in a golden age known as the High Republic! Vernestra Rwoh has just become a Jedi Knight at age fifteen, but her first real assignment feels an awful lot like babysitting. She’s been charged with supervising eleven-year old aspiring inventor Avon Starros on a cruiser headed to the dedication of a wondrous new space station called Starlight Beacon. But soon into their journey, bombs go off aboard the cruiser. While the adult Jedi try to save the ship, Vernestra, Avon, Avon’s droid J-6, a Jedi Padawan, and an ambassador’s son make it to an escape shuttle, but communications are out and supplies are low. They decide to land on a nearby moon, which offers shelter but not much more. And unbeknownst to them, danger lurks in the forest?”
January 5 – The High Republic: The Great Jedi Rescue
Disney-Lucasfilm Press also delivers The High Republic content for younger readers with Cavan Scott’s The Great Jedi Rescue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Meet the noble and wise Jedi of the High Republic! When a disaster strikes in hyperspace, putting the people of Hetzal Prime in grave danger, only the Jedi of the High Republic can save the day!”
January 5 – A Galaxy for Everyone
One of the best things about Star Wars is its ability to convey relevant life lessons across a range of different projects, a tradition the new Little Golden Book debuting in January looks to continue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Celebrate the diversity of the Star Wars universe with this Little Golden Book! Some are big, and some are small. Some are young, and some are old. Some are queens, and some are scavengers. All off the aliens and beings from the Star Wars saga are very different, but each and every one of them plays an important role in the galaxy. This Little Golden Book celebrates the wonderful diversity in the Star Wars saga. Featuring stunning retro stylized illustrations, this book includes characters from all of the Star Wars films. It is perfect for Star Wars–and Little Golden Book–fans of all ages. Star Wars has captivated millions worldwide for almost forty years. The phenomenon began with the 1977 theatrical debut of Star Wars, later retitled A New Hope, and has expanded to include six additional major motion pictures (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and The Rise of Skywalker), television programming, publishing, video games, and much more, with new films coming every year.”
January 5 – Star Wars Galactic Storybook
More young reader content arrives with a new storybook of 6 tales illustrated by Katie Cook and published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press.
January 5 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian Junior Novel
Author Joe Schreiber brings the events of The Mandalorian’s first season to life in this junior novel published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press. We recently reviewed the junior novel, which you can check out on our website.
January 6 – Star Wars 10
Charles Soule’s contributions to Star Wars continue in the month of January with the 10th issue of the main line. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “”OPERATION STARLIGHT, PART 2 (OF 3)” – REELING FROM THE LOSS OF ONE OF THEIR OWN, THE REBELS FINALLY SEE A PATH FORWARD! THE REBELS attempt to create a new communications code that THE EMPIRE will never be able to crack, in hopes that they might be able to safely reunite their scattered fleet and rejoin the fight. However, the code has a cost, one that LANDO CALRISSIAN is not willing to pay Meanwhile, STARLIGHT SQUADRON, the group of elite pilots tasked with finding the scattered divisions of the fleet, heads out on its first deadly mission.”
January 6 – The High Republic 1
The High Republic content continues with the first issue of Marvel Comics’ series written by Cavan Scott. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “BEFORE THE SKYWALKER SAGA! THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE JEDI! A new era of STAR WARS storytelling begins. It is centuries before the SKYWALKER SAGA. The JEDI are at their height, protecting the galaxy as REPUBLIC pioneers push out into new territories. As the Frontier prepares for the dedication of majestic STARLIGHT BEACON, PADAWAN KEEVE TRENNIS faces the ultimate choice — will she complete her Jedi Trials or rescue the innocent from disaster? New Jedi! New ships! New evils to fight!”
January 12 – Star Wars: I Love You. I Know.
A perfect early Valentine’s Day present, Amy Richau’s new DK Publishing book will detail lessons of love and friendship in a galaxy far, far away. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Relationships can be complex—your dad could have turned to the dark side, your partner could be a princess, or your best friend might speak in more than 7 million forms of communication and never stop talking! This book shares some wise advice for romances, friendships, and family relationships from fan-favorite Star Wars characters such as Han and Leia, Rey and Kylo Ren, and Finn and Poe. The perfect Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift for your scruffy-looking nerf herder, best friend or long-lost sibling, Star Wars: I Love You. I Know is a lighthearted guide to relationships, featuring quotes, classic moments, and characters from the Star Wars galaxy.”
January 13 – Darth Vader 9
Greg Pak’s incredible Darth Vader series continues with this ninth issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE ASSASSIN RETURNS! In his search for vengeance in the depths of MUSTAFAR, DARTH VADER has seized the mysterious key to the EMPEROR’S greatest secret. But the key itself needs a key — which only the deadly assassin OCHI OF BESTOON seems to have. Vader and Ochi are in for the fight of their lives with the fate of the Emperor in the balance — but how much of this is all PALPATINE’S plan? And what happens when the SITH LORD and the SITH ASSASSIN start to figure that plan out?”
January 19 – Star Wars Adventures Vol. 11: Rise of the Wookiees
This volume collects issues 27-32 of the series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Journey deeper into the world of Star Wars with these stories set just before the events of The Rise of Skywalker! With Kashyyyk under siege from the evil First Order, can Chewbacca and the Wookiees successfully defend their home world? Next, the droids must carry out a special undercover mission, but will C-3PO be able to adapt when the mission parameters change? Then, discover secrets of your favorite characters in a trio of stories spotlighting the newest heroes and villains of the Star Wars universe, Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren! All this, plus new “Tales from Wild Space”!”
January 20 – Doctor Aphra 7
The 7th issue of Alyssa Wong’s Marvel Comic series featuring one of our favorite additions to canon debuts this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE OFFER! Hired by DOMINA TAGGE, APHRA sets her sights on a mysterious piece of tech that could shift the balance of the galactic civil war. Her hunt takes her to CORELLIA… and to SANA STARROS’ doorstep! But Aphra’s not the only one on Corellia with an eye on the tech…!”
January 20 – Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run 2
We’re always interested in new Han and Chewie adventures and the second issue of the Smuggler’s Run series will do just that. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “After the Battle of Yavin, Han Solo and Chewbacca intend to use their reward to settle their debts. But Princess Leia asks them to accept a secret mission for the Resistance. Mortal dangers, traitorous enemies, and thorny situations mark the path of these two heroes of the Star Wars saga.”
January 26 – Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 1 — Fortune and Fate
For anyone wishing to catch up on the adventures of Doctor Aphra, this new paperback collection has you covered. Marvel Comics are bringing together the first five issues of the Doctor Aphra comic series from author Alyssa Wong. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The rogue archaeologist returns – with a new crew and a new mission! With the Rebel Alliance on the run after their defeat at the Battle of Hoth, it’s never been a more dangerous time for outlaws and scoundrels. But after a string of bad luck and near escapes, Doctor Aphra is back on the job – hunting the score of a lifetime that’s too good to pass up. To find the cursed Rings of Vaale, Aphra will need a crew of treasure hunters the likes of which the galaxy has never seen before! But Ronen Tagge, heir to the powerful Tagge family, also has his eyes on the prize. Do Aphra and her team stand a chance at fortune and glory? Or could there be a traitor in their midst?”
January 26 – Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales
Michael Moreci’s five-part comic-book series Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales is compiled together in this paperback collection published by IDW Publishing, which was originally scheduled to drop last month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Return to a time of great upheaval in the galaxy, the final years of the Republic, in this anthology based on the beloved animated series! While Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and other Jedi Knights fight against incredible odds, two Republic squadrons must hold their position against an encroaching droid army of the Separatists. Pinned down for the duration, Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and other clones swap war stories that feature your favorite characters from The Clone Wars animated series, such as Padmé Amidala, General Grievous, and many more!”
January 26 – Star Wars Adventures: Beware Vader’s Castle
Cavan Scott’s brilliant Tales from Vader’s Castle and Return to Vader’s Castle series are brought together in this hardcover graphic novel collection. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Why would anyone break IN to the dreaded stronghold of Darth Vader? Find out in this spooky graphic novel perfect for middle-grade readers! How does a band of rebels distract themselves when sneaking into the creepiest place in the galaxy? Tell scary stories of course! Your favorite characters, like Obi-Wan, Han and Chewie, Hera Syndulla, and the Ewoks, face classic creeps like ghosts, monsters, witches, and more. But the hidden corners of the Star Wars universe hold even more terrifying tales: stories featuring a wretched hive of scum and villainy including the likes of Darth Maul, Jabba the Hutt, Grand Moff Tarkin, and Asajj Ventress–all under the shadow of Vader himself!”
January 26 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian – The Art & Imagery Collector’s Edition, Volume Two
Volume two of Titan Comics’ Art and Imagery series debuts in January, after being delayed from its previously scheduled release of May 2020. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “This collector’s edition includes stunning artwork from chapters 5- 8, featuring the droids, rogues, and soldiers of the Empire as seen in the hit series. A unique mix of photography, art and concept illustration showcases the Mandalorian, his allies, his foes and his incredible adventures.”
January 27 – Bounty Hunters 9
The adventures of Valance continue in the ninth issue of Ethan Sacks’ Marvel Comics series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE “TERMINUS GAUNTLET” CONTINUES! Trapped on a REBEL transport under attack by pirates, VALANCE must make a desperate gambit to survive. But little does the cyborg bounty hunter know he’s on a collision course with his old rival, DENGAR! Plus, a familiar face makes a shocking return with a plan that will change the underworld forever.”
January 27 – Star Wars Adventures 3
The third issue of the Star Wars Adventures comic series is written by Michael Moreci and Sam Maggs. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Join the Wookiees of Kashyyyk for part one of a special Life Day celebration! Then, follow Kylo Ren as he learns what it means to be the Supreme Leader of the First Order.”
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in January without descriptions is included below:
January 5 – The High Republic: Light of the Jedi
January 5 – The High Republic: A Test of Courage
January 5 – The High Republic: The Great Jedi Rescue
January 5 – A Galaxy for Everyone
January 5 – Star Wars Galactic Storybook
January 5 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian Junior Novel
January 6 – Star Wars 10
January 6 – The High Republic 1
January 12 – Star Wars: I Love You. I Know.
January 13 – Darth Vader 9
January 19 – Star Wars Adventures Vol. 11: Rise of the Wookiees
January 20 – Doctor Aphra 7
January 20 – Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run 2
January 26 – Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 1 — Fortune and Fate
January 26 – Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales
January 26 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian – The Art & Imagery Collector’s Edition, Volume Two
January 26 – Star Wars Adventures: Beware Vader’s Castle
January 27 – Bounty Hunters 9
Images courtesy of Disney-Lucasfilm Press, Marvel Comics, Random House, IDW Publishing, Titan Magazines, Disney+, and Lucasfilm