By Cale William
From new TV shows, books, comics, and more, there’s a wealth of exciting new Star Wars material coming our way this month. The highly anticipated Star Wars: The Bad Batch finally drops this month, as does the kick-off to the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event. 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 May:
May 4 – Episode 1 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
After making their canon debut in last year’s final season of The Clone Wars, Clone Force 99, a.k.a. The Bad Batch, take centerstage in their own Star Wars series. Fittingly debuting on Star Wars Day (May the 4th), the series will kick off with a 70-minute premiere episode spotlighting Hunter, Echo, Tech, Crosshair, Wrecker, and more.
May 4 – The Mandalorian: Magnetic Fun
The Mandalorian: Magnetic Fun looks to bring some enjoyment to younger Star Wars fans on this year’s Star Wars Day. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming activity book written by Grace Baranowski and published by Studio Fun International is as follows: “Young Star Wars fans will love following along as the Mandalorian, the Child, Cara Dune, and others journey throughout the galaxy in this fun, interactive magnetic book with 12 included magnets. Following the fall of the Galactic Empire, a lone gunfighter travels to the outer rim of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. There, he retrieves a mysterious bounty. Join the Mandalorian and his allies Cara Dune, Kuiil, Greef Karga, and IG-11 as they attempt to save the mysterious Child from the former Imperial Commander Moff Gideon. With magnetic pages and 10 included magnets, this interactive book is perfect for young Star Wars fans!”
May 4 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Volume 1
Studio Fun International are also debuting a new children’s book covering the events of The Mandalorian’s first season for younger readers. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Relive the first season of The Mandalorian as Mando, Cara Dune, Kuill [sic], and Greef Karga attempt to save the Child from Moff Gideon and what remains of the Galactic Empire in this beautiful storybook. After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. We follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. Star Wars fans of all ages will enjoy reliving the first season of The Mandalorian in this beautiful storybook.”
May 4 – Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga: The Official Collector’s Edition
Titan Comics have an incredible collector’s edition debuting this month that features various interviews, pictures, stories, and more from the entire Skywalker Saga. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” For more than five decades, the Skywalker saga has thrilled generations of fans who have grown up with one of the greatest stories in cinematic history. This sprawling epic of nine episodic films covers 67 years of unforgettable action, featuring thousands of iconic characters, from Star Wars: A New Hope to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. And the Star Wars Insider magazine has been there every step of the way, gaining exclusive access to cast, crew, and creators. Now, collected together for the first time, this movie companion chronicles the story behind the making of the Skywalker saga, as told by the writers, directors, designers, and crafts people who built and shaped a legend. From George Lucas’ thoughts on embarking on the making of A New Hope to Ewan McGregor on stepping into the shoes of the late Sir Alec Guinness to play Obi-Wan Kenobi to Daisy Ridley taking on the role of Rey in the final trilogy, this is a must-have for anyone touched by this incredible story.”
May 4 – Star Wars: Galactic Baking
Insight Editions will soon release a cookbook of Star Wars-inspired baking recipes. We’ve had a chance to try out some of the delicious treats so far and we can’t wait to get our hands on what else the cookbook has in store. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Embark on a baking journey through the Star Wars galaxy, and craft scrumptious treats inspired by fan-favorite planets. Get ready to tour the galaxy with this baking cookbook inspired by the snowdrifts of Hoth, the wastelands of Tatooine, and beyond. Star Wars: The Official Baking Cookbook is the most delicious way to experience the planets, flora, and fauna of the Star Wars galaxy. Whether you’re throwing a watch party or hosting members of the Galactic Senate, this cookbook is a must-have for fans of all ages. Over thirty mouthwatering recipes: Star Wars: The Official Baking Cookbook features recipes such as Mustafarian Molten Lava Cakes, Cloud City Marshmallows, Life Day Cake, Loth-Cat Kibble, Keshian Spice Bread, Dagobah Bog Pie, and more. Bake your way through the galaxy: Packed with stunning food photography that’s sure to inspire your inner chef, this cookbook will transport you to planets such as Kashyyyk, Jakku, Endor, Bespin, Coruscant, and everywhere in between. For all skill levels: All types of bakers—from Padawans to Jedi Masters—will be able to enjoy recipes based on the Star Wars galaxy, from the Skywalker Saga to Star Wars Rebels. Own the official Star Wars baking cookbook: This officially licensed guide to the galaxy’s best sweets and treats will be a delectable addition to your Star Wars collection.”
May 4 – Star Wars Insider: The Fiction Collection Volume 1
Titan Comics are also releasing a collection of Star Wars Legends short stories this month. 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 sagas [sic] best-loved interpreters, including Joe Corroney, Brian Rood, Jan Duursema, and Magali Villeneuve.”
May 5 – The High Republic Adventures 4
Daniel José Older and IDW Publishing’s fourth issue of The High Republic Adventures debuts this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Zeen has followed the Jedi to the Starlight Beacon, where she learns what it means to be a Padawan and begins her own training. Meanwhile, her best friend Krix tries to survive on a Nihil ship, fighting their way through a Republic blockade, as he wonders who the mysterious person who rescued him truly is.”
May 5 – War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha 1
One of our most highly anticipated projects of the month sees the start of Marvel Comics’ War of the Bounty Hunters series. This new crossover will begin with a prelude to the series written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Steve McNiven. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE STAR WARS COMIC EVENT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! The notorious bounty hunter BOBA FETT has finally landed his greatest prize – HAN SOLO, frozen in carbonite for easy transport. Fett will bring the smuggler to TATOOINE to collect the massive bounty placed on Solo’s head by the fearsome crime lord JABBA THE HUTT. Sounds easy. What could go wrong?”
May 7 – Episode 2 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Akin to the release schedule of The Mandalorian’s first season, we are due to get two episodes of The Bad Batch series released in the first week!
May 12 – Star Wars 13
War of the Bounty Hunters continues in the 13th issue of Marvel Comics’ Star Wars series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “PRELUDE TO WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS: “THE HUNT FOR HAN” CHEWBACCA has heard from an old friend with intelligence on the location of notorious bounty hunter BOBA FETT, known to be in possession of HAN SOLO.
Along with LUKE SKYWALKER, the loyal Wookiee sets off in search of his lost friend, on an adventure to Nar Shadaa… [sic] the SMUGGLER’S MOON! But will this mission prevent plucky astromech droid ARTOO DETOO from passing along a crucial message to Luke, one that will affect the fate of the entire Jedi Order…?”
May 12 – The High Republic 5
Cavan Scott’s The High Republic series for Marvel Comics continues in this month’s fifth issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “ATTACK OF THE HUTTS! The HIGH REPUBLIC JEDI clash with HUTT forces. GAMORREANS! NIKTO! BATTLE RANCORS! STARLIGHT BEACON over-run by a creeping alien horror! Can VERNESTRA RWOH and her Padawan IMRI CANTAROS find a way to save Starlight’s infected masses? Plus, KEEVE TRENNIS learns the terrible secret MASTER SSKEER has been carrying for so long. Can she ever trust him again?”
May 14 – Episode 3 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
The adventures of Clone Force 99 continue in episode 3.
May 18 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Guide to Season One
We recently debuted an exclusive first look at Titan Comics’ Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Guide to Season One, an incredible and insightful look into the hit Disney+ series with amazing character files, behind the scenes images, concept art, and more. Check out our exclusive preview here before the collector’s edition releases later this month.
May 19 – Bounty Hunters 12
Ethan Sacks gets his hands on the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event with the 12th issue of his Bounty Hunters series for Marvel Comics. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “PRELUDE TO WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS: “THE THREAT IN THE SHADOWS” As VALANCE and his reluctant partner DENGAR race to intercept BOBA FETT and his precious cargo, who are the deadly pursuers that are after them? A dark secret from Valance’s past connection to HAN SOLO may get him killed all these years later. But who is the mysterious leader of an assassination squad that is driving Valance into a life-and-death confrontation with his old friend?”
May 19 – Star Wars Adventures 5
Katie Cook and IDW Publishing team up for the fifth issue of the Star Wars Adventures comic series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Padme [sic] and Anakin have grand plans to have a romantic night celebrating a recent victory. But before they get a chance to get together, Anakin is Jedi-napped by a group of outlaws with their sights on a holocron in the Jedi temple! Now it’s up to Padme [sic] to use all of her cunning to infiltrate the outlaw base and rescue him.”
May 21 – Episode 4 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
The adventures of Clone Force 99 continue in episode 4.
May 25 – Star Wars: I Am a Clone Trooper
Golden Books are releasing another exciting Star Wars book for young readers this month. The publisher’s summary for I Am a Clone Trooper is as follows: “Meet the Clones from the Star Wars saga in this Little Golden Book! From Captain Rex to Commander Cody to the Bad Batch, this Little Golden Book will introduce young readers to all the Clones from the exciting Star Wars saga. Featuring stunning retro stylized illustrations, this book includes epic scenes from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series on Disney+. It is perfect for Star Wars—and Little Golden Book—fans of all ages.”
May 26 – Doctor Aphra 10
Alyssa Wong’s incredible Doctor Aphra series continues with its 10th issue, which will be a part of the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “PRELUDE TO WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS: “THE INVITATION” DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS find themselves cornered by VUKORAH and the UNBROKEN CLAN! Can they pull off a daring escape–even if that means surrendering the NIHIL HYPERDRIVE? And what sets them on a collision course with one of the most deadly BOUNTY HUNTERS in the galaxy?”
May 26 – Darth Vader 12
Greg Pak and Darth Vader get in on the action in War of the Bounty Hunters with this 12th issue of the Marvel Comics series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “PRELUDE TO WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS: “RESTORATION” Returned to the fold after his rebellion against the EMPEROR, DARTH VADER faces the horrors of reconstruction in the secret laboratories of CORUSCANT. As he blacks out under the knife, does he still dream of revenge against his master? Or do his thoughts drift towards his son – and the friends who make LUKE SKYWALKER so vulnerable? Don’t miss this next critical new chapter in Vader’s ongoing evolution – featuring the revelation of the first time the Dark Lord learned the name HAN SOLO!”
May 28 – Episode 5 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
The last of the Star Wars content dropping in the month of May sees the fifth episode of The Bad Batch series debut on Disney+.
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in May without descriptions is included below:
May 4 – Episode 1 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
May 4 – The Mandalorian: Magnetic Fun
May 4 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Volume 1
May 4 – Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga: The Official Collector’s Edition
May 4 – Star Wars: Galactic Baking
May 4 – Star Wars Insider: The Fiction Collection Volume 1
May 5 – The High Republic Adventures 4
May 5 – War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha 1
May 7 – Episode 2 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
May 12 – Star Wars 13
May 12 – The High Republic 5
May 14 – Episode 3 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
May 18 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Guide to Season One
May 19 – Bounty Hunters 12
May 19 – Star Wars Adventures 5
May 21 – Episode 4
May 25 – Star Wars: I Am a Clone Trooper
May 26 – Doctor Aphra 10
May 26 – Darth Vader 12
May 28 – Episode 5 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Images courtesy of Disney+, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, Titan Comics, Insight Editions, Golden Books, and Studio Fun International