By George Bate
Victory comes at a price. Mysteries of The High Republic continue to unravel. The Rise of Skywalker and The Mandalorian are brought to life in new ways. All of this and more are in store for Star Wars fans this March. 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 March:
March 2 – Victory’s Price
The highlight of March’s Star Wars content comes with the concluding chapter of Alexander Freed’s Alphabet Squadron trilogy. We recently reviewed the novel and found it to be the most exciting and emotionally impactful installment in the trilogy. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The aces of the New Republic have one final chance to defeat the darkness of Shadow Wing in this thrilling conclusion to the Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron trilogy! In the wake of Yrica Quell’s shocking decision—and one of the fiercest battles of their lives—the remnants of Alphabet Squadron seek answers and closure across a galaxy whose old war scars are threatening to reopen. Soran Keize has returned to the tip of Shadow Wing’s spear. Operation Cinder, the terrifying protocol of planetary extermination which began in the twilight of the Imperial era, burns throughout the galaxy. Shadow Wing is no longer wounded prey fleeing the hunters of the New Republic. With its leader, its strength has returned, and its Star Destroyers and TIE squadrons lurk in the darkness between stars, carrying out the fallen Emperor’s final edict of destruction—as well as another, stranger mission, one Keize has championed not for the dying Empire, but for its loyal soldiers. Alphabet Squadron’s ships are as ramshackle and damaged as their spirits, but they’ve always had each other. Now, as they face the might of Keize’s reborn juggernaut, they aren’t even sure they have that. How do you catch a shadow? How do you kill it? And when you’re finally victorious, who pays the price?”
March 2 – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation
After last month’s delay, The Rise of Skywalker’s graphic novel adaptation is set to debut this month. 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!”
March 3 – The High Republic 3
We are all the Republic. The adventures in this new, exciting era of the Star Wars universe continues with Cavan Scott’s third issue in this Marvel Comics series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “ALL-NEW SERIES CONTINUES! A DARK MYSTERY ONLY THE JEDI CAN UNRAVEL…BUT AT WHAT COST? A planet stricken by a mysterious blight. One JEDI missing and another driven insane. What horror lurks in the darkness beneath the rotting crops?
Death is averted, but a terrible union is formed. Can KEEVE TRENNIS protect an innocent life while facing betrayal from within her own order?”
March 3 – The High Republic Adventures 2
Daniel Jose Older and IDW Publishing are also delivering The High Republic content this month with the second issue in this new series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Flaming destruction has come to Trymant IV! Childhood best friends Zeen and Krix try to find safety, while Yoda’s Padawans, Lula, Farzal, and Qort are trying to evacuate the citizens, but the Nihil ship won’t let anyone onboard. And when a massive battle breaks out, Krix and Zeen get torn apart! Writer Daniel José Older, bestselling author of Star Wars: Last Shot, and artist Harvey Tolibao bring IDW into The High Republic, a massive publishing crossover spanning comics and prose!”
March 9 – Star Wars: Age of Resistance: The Official Collector’s Edition
Soon to be spotlighted on our website and Twitter account, Titan Magazines are dropping a hardback magazine featuring various interviews and behind-the-scenes information regarding the making of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “An all-new hardback deluxe magazine, detailing the making of The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. With exclusive interviews with the cast and crew that brought you the story of Rey, Finn and Poe, and their struggle against Kylo Ren and the dark forces of the First Order, this is the first book to chronicle the making of a beloved trilogy of smash-hits that brought the epic Skywalker saga to its conclusion. Featuring stunning photography and production art, this indispensable souvenir edition is essential for all fans.”
March 10 – Star Wars 12
Charles Soule’s mainline Star Wars series for Marvel Comics continues this March with its twelfth issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “REFLECTIONS ON THE LOST! LEIA ORGANA and KES DAMERON share stories of their lost loves! Learn how POE DAMERON’S parents met! Learn the real reason HAN SOLO is so important to THE REBELLION!”
March 17 – Bounty Hunters 10
The adventures of Valance continues in issue 10 of Ethan Sacks’ Bounty Hunters series for Marvel Comics. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE “TERMINUS GAUNTLET” CONCLUDES! VALANCE finds himself alone and outgunned against the dreaded NEW OHNAKA PIRATE GANG! The lives of the crew of a REBEL transport hang in the balance as he battles against grave odds. And what secret is DENGAR carrying that will upend Valance’s life?”
March 17 – 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!”
March 23 – Star Wars Insider: The Fiction Collection Volume 1
This special edition of Star Wars Insider is a compilation of various short stories from Legends. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Star Wars Insider, the official magazine of the Star Wars saga, presents an amazing collection of tales from the galaxy far, far away. Featuring short stories starring familiar characters such as Han Solo, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian and Darth Vader, this collection also includes tales featuring supporting characters such as Darth Plagueis, Hondo Ohnaka, Captain Rex, and Darth Revan. Featuring renowned best-selling Star Wars authors including Jason Fry, Matthew Stover, John Ostrander, and Paul S. Kemp, this volume also includes stunning art from some of the saga’s best-loved interpreters, including Joe Corroney, Brian Rood, Jan Duursema, and Magali Villeneuve.”
March 23 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The New Republic Vol. 5
The Legends love continues this March with this Epic Collection trade paperback collecting issues related to New Republic story arcs in Legends. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The Dark Empire trilogy! Six years after the Battle of Endor, the heroes of the Rebellion work to unite the galaxy. But a new Empire has risen from the chaos to strike back at the former Rebel Alliance, reclaiming its capital of Coruscant and building massive new World Devastators to ravage entire planets. And Jabba the Hutt’s ruthless heirs have placed a monumental price on the heads of Princess Leia and Han Solo! Together with Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO, Han and Leia must fight to protect the future for their children – but the greatest threat may come from the last of the Jedi: Luke Skywalker! COLLECTING: STAR WARS: DARK EMPIRE (1991) 1-6; STAR WARS: DARK EMPIRE II (1994) 1-6; STAR WARS: EMPIRE’S END (1995) 1-2; STAR WARS HANDBOOK (1998) 1, 3; MATERIAL FROM STAR WARS TALES (1999) 8, 11, 16-17.”
March 23 – Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Omnibus Vol. 1
For those who have missed the incredible adventures of Doctor Aphra over the last several years, this omnibus collection is a must-own as it collects the entirety of Doctor Aphra’s Marvel Comics run from 2016 to 2020. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Meet the galaxy’s most daring rogue archaeologist as she dances between the dark side and the light! Doctor Chelli Aphra’s unique skills made her of interest to none other than Darth Vader – but things went sour, and now she’s trying to keep a low profile. Which is easier said than done, since she’s traveling with two sociopathic murder-droids and a Wookiee bounty hunter! But as Aphra’s archaeological escapades get more dangerous, she soon finds herself over her head. Will a growing romance with a strict Imperial officer redeem her – or destroy them both? Adventure, excitement and terror await! Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) 1-40; Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Annual (2017) 1-3; Darth Vader (2015) 3-4, 8, 21, 25; Star Wars (2015) 13, 19, 31-32; Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) 1; material from Star Wars: Empire Ascendant (2020).”
March 24 – Doctor Aphra 8
We also get brand new Aphra content this month with the continuation of Alyssa Wong’s stunning series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “OLD WOUNDS! After a narrow escape, APHRA and SANA’s investigation takes them to the site of an ancient battlefield! But VUKORAH and the UNBROKEN CLAN are hot on their heels! What answers await them amid the devastation?”
March 30 – The Mandalorian: Season 1: Volume 1
The first season of The Mandalorian is adapted in Random House’s Screen Comix style. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Star Wars: The Mandalorian Screen Comix is a graphic novel-style retelling with full-color images and dialogue from the show! The adventures of the Mandalorian, a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, are now retold in the new Screen Comix format! The mysterious Mandalorian walks a thin line between right and wrong far from the authority of the New Republic in the epic addition to the Star Wars universe, available now on Disney+. Star Wars: The Mandalorian Screen Comix is a 320-paged graphic novel-style retelling of the first four episodes of the first season, featuring final frames and dialogue from the series in vibrant full color, will delight fans of all ages.”
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in March without descriptions is included below:
March 2 – Victory’s Price
March 2 – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation
March 3 – The High Republic 3
March 3 – The High Republic Adventures 2
March 9 – Star Wars: Age of Resistance: The Official Collector’s Edition
March 10 – Star Wars 12
March 17 – Bounty Hunters 10
March 17 – Star Wars Adventures 4
March 23 – Star Wars Insider: The Fiction Collection Volume 1
March 23 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The New Republic Vol. 5
March 23 – Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Omnibus Vol. 1
March 24 – Doctor Aphra 8
March 30 – The Mandalorian: Season 1: Volume 1
Images courtesy of Del Rey, Disney-Lucasfilm Press, Marvel Comics, Random House, IDW Publishing, Titan Magazines, Disney+, and Lucasfilm