By Julie Catherine
Quality over quantity is the theme of the month as February is looking to deliver relatively fewer new Star Wars projects, but projects that we’re eagerly anticipating nonetheless. As The High Republic era continues to unfold, graphic novel adaptations of great films, the continuation of Operation Starlight, and Vader’s journey in between Episodes V and VI are sure to make February a great month for Star Wars fans. 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 February:
February 2 – The High Republic: Into the Dark
February kicks off with Claudia Gray’s YA novel published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press. We had a chance to review the book several weeks ago and, overall, found it to contain lots of great content for Star Wars fans to feast on. The third novel in the High Republic era introduces some unique characters in a contained thriller that sets the stage nicely for inevitable sequels to come. The somewhat lightweight world-building in Gray’s novel is offset by an engaging adventure with unpredictable twists and threatening villains. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Padawan Reath Silas is being sent from the cosmopolitan galactic capital of Coruscant to the undeveloped frontier—and he couldn’t be less happy about it. He’d rather stay at the Jedi Temple, studying the archives. But when the ship he’s traveling on is knocked out of hyperspace in a galactic-wide disaster, Reath finds himself at the center of the action. The Jedi and their traveling companions find refuge on what appears to be an abandoned space station. But then strange things start happening, leading the Jedi to investigate the truth behind the mysterious station, a truth that could end in tragedy…”
February 2 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian – The Art & Imagery Collector’s Edition, Volume Two
Volume two of Titan Comics’ Art and Imagery series debuts this month after several delays. We recently published an early look at the collection and loved the brilliant art of The Mandalorian it contains. 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.”
February 3 – The High Republic 2
If the brilliant cover art by Phil Noto is any indication of what’s in store with the second issue of The High Republic, we’re in for a treat. Cavan Scott’s first issue of the Marvel Comics series provided a great set-up for what’s to come that complements the other High Republic works we’ve seen so far. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “ALL-NEW SERIES CONTINUES! WHO DESTROYED ONE OF THE JEDI’S DEADLIEST ENEMIES? The NIHIL strike! A ship found adrift in space, the crew brutally slaughtered and cargo stolen. What terror awaits the THE JEDI OF STARLIGHT BEACON as they explore the wreck? Newly knighted KEEVE TRENNIS must overcome her insecurity in the face of new teammates, but can she trust her closest ally?”
February 3 – Star Wars 11
Charles Soule’s main line Star Wars series continues with this eleventh issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “OPERATION STARLIGHT GOES SUPERNOVA! The mission to reunite the REBEL FLEET is countered by a deadly trap sprung by the cunning COMMANDER ZAHRA!
How will WEDGE ANTILLES, SHARA BEY and the other elite pilots of STARLIGHT SQUADRON survive? And then there’s LANDO CALRISSIAN… forced to choose between THE REBELLION and one of his oldest friends!”
February 3 – Star Wars Adventures 3
Delayed from last month, 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.”
February 3 – The High Republic Adventures 1
The first issue of another High Republic comic series debuts this month, written by Daniel José Older and published by IDW. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Flaming destruction is coming to Trymant IV! A remnant of the Hyperspace Disaster appears in the sky, and Zeen and her best friend Krix have only minutes to get to the Elders of the Path and find safety! Meanwhile, Master Yoda, Master Baro, and a group of Padawans are racing towards the disaster for a daring rescue mission.”
February 10 – Darth Vader 10
It’s amazing to look back at the last few years and see how much depth to Vader’s character the various comic series have added. This is exemplified in Greg Pak’s stunning Darth Vader series, with the tenth issue debuting this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE RED HORROR! After passing the test of THE EYE OF WEBBISH BOGG, DARTH VADER has learned the route to the hidden location of THE EMPEROR’S greatest secrets! But in THE RED NEBULA along the way, can Vader survive the onslaught of the greatest predator in the galaxy? Especially if the monster’s most brutal attack transcends the physical? And what horrors await the Emperor if a transformed Vader makes it to his dark door?”
February 10 – Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Graphic Novel Adaptation
IDW Publishing are also bringing us one of our most anticipated projects of February – a graphic novel adaptation of The Phantom Menace. Written by Alessandro Ferrari, the publisher’s summary is as follows: “Experience the excitement and thrill of the epic Star Wars movies in this young-reader friendly adaptation of Episode I! Peace reigns in the Galaxy, guarded by the thousand-years old Jedi Order. But dark forces plot in the shadows to restore the power of the Sith, long believed gone. Unaware of this evil plan, two Jedi knights rescue Queen Amidala of Naboo and discover a young boy who could forever change the fate of the universe. Capturing the galaxy-spanning action of The Phantom Menace, experience Episode I as a beautiful graphic novel combining the epic wonder of Star Wars with streamlined, young-reader friendly designs.”
February 10 – Star Wars Insider 200
The 200th issue of Star Wars Insider drops this month. The issue contains part two of a short story by Charles Soule and a great list of the 200 Reasons We All Love Star Wars. An interview with the Emperor himself Ian McDiarmid is also featured in the issue, in addition to a Wonder Column written by Anthony Daniels and a tribute to Carrie Fisher from the actors who have voiced Leia in Star Wars animated adventures.
February 16 – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation
Another graphic novel adaptation by IDW Publishing is still currently set to debut in February, although we’re not certain this will be the case. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Faithfully bringing events from the film to the comics page, read along in The Rise of Skywalker as Poe faces the challenges of leadership, Finn and Rose make impossible decisions for the greater good, and Rey finally confronts her destiny. The true threat to the galaxy is revealed as the third Star Wars trilogy reaches its epic conclusion! Will Rey join Kylo Ren to lead the First Order? Can Poe, Rose, and Finn inspire a new generation of rebels to combat this grave threat? With Snoke destroyed, can anything keep Kylo’s rage in check? Capturing the galaxy-spanning action of The Rise of Skywalker, experience Episode IX as a beautiful graphic novel combining the epic wonder of Star Wars with streamlined, young-reader friendly designs. This all-ages graphic novel is a must-read for longtime fans and a great introduction for young newcomers!”
February 24 – Star Wars Adventures 4
Star Wars Adventures 4 is on schedule to release this month after several delays. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Join the Wookiees of Kashyyyk for part one of a special Life Day celebration! Plus, an exciting adventure featuring a beloved bounty hunter!”
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in February without descriptions is included below:
February 2 – The High Republic: Into the Dark
February 2 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian – The Art & Imagery Collector’s Edition, Volume Two
February 3 – The High Republic 2
February 3 – Star Wars 11
February 3 – Star Wars Adventures 3
February 3 – The High Republic Adventures 1
February 10 – Darth Vader 10
February 10 – Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Graphic Novel Adaptation
February 10 – Star Wars Insider 200
February 16 – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation
February 24 – Star Wars Adventures 4
Images courtesy of Disney-Lucasfilm Press, Marvel Comics, Random House, IDW Publishing, Titan Magazines, Disney+, and Lucasfilm