By George Bate
From new adventures in the High Republic, to more of the Bad Batch, to the start of the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event, June looks to be a thrilling 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 June:
June 1 – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: Special 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
After several delays, celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back with this upcoming collector’s edition from Titan Comics. You can check out an exclusive preview of the book here, featuring some cool behind the scenes stories and production stills of one of the film’s most iconic moments. The publisher’s summary for the book is as follows: “Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back, the fan-favorite Star Wars movie, with this deluxe special edition dedicated to the making of the iconic film. Inside its pages is an in-depth look at how George Lucas expanded the saga with new environments such as Hoth and Cloud City, and new characters like Lando Calrissian, Boba Fett, and Yoda. It also includes comments from the cast and crew involved in the making of the film, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. See how scenes such as the Rebels battle against the AT-ATs were created and learn more about how Luke Skywalker’s battle against Darth Vader was filmed in a must-have item for every Star Wars fans collection!”
June 2 – War of the Bounty Hunters 1
The highly anticipated War of the Bounty Hunters finally kicks off this month after a few interesting appetizers in May. The crossover event looks to be one of the most ambitious projects in Star Wars comics to date and will fill in a cool gap in canon regarding how Han ended up at Jabba’s Palace in Return of the Jedi. The publisher’s summary for the first issue, written by Charles Soule, is as follows: “AT WAR FOR THE GREATEST PRIZE OF ALL: HAN SOLO! THE HUNT BEGINS! Nobody. Steals. From BOBA FETT! The notorious bounty hunter will not stop until he gets what’s rightfully his. For the thief, no corner of the galaxy is safe. Good thing for them that the REBEL ALLIANCE, THE EMPIRE and every bounty hunter in the galaxy is standing in Boba’s way. With a last-page reveal that will blow this Death Star–sized story wide open, Issue #1 is just the beginning. The biggest crossover in STAR WARS history will continue raging through the pages of the WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS event miniseries and tie-in to STAR WARS, DOCTOR APHRA, DARTH VADER and BOUNTY HUNTERS through October. Only one hunter will be left standing, and the STAR WARS galaxy will never be the same!”
June 4 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 6
The adventures of Clone Force 99 continue in the sixth episode of the series, hitting Disney+ on June 4.
June 8 – Star Wars: Bounty Hunters Vol 2 — Target Valance
Marvel Comics’ 2020 series Star Wars; Bounty Hunters is compiled in this upcoming trade paperback collection. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “With precious cargo and a price on his head, Valance must turn to the one person he can trust. But the Unbroken Clan has sent a unique and deadly pair of bounty hunters after him! No one in the galaxy can escape the combined cunning of 4-LOM and Zuckuss! Wounded and on the run, Valance reunites with a long-lost love in a secret rebel base — but the deadliest bounty hunting duo in the galaxy are closing in! The pair are ready to capture their quarry, dead or alive — and they brought an army of Clone War-era Battle Droids with them! As Valance makes a desperate gambit to survive, he’ll risk the wrath of pirates in the Outer Rim…and set himself on a collision course with his old rival, Dengar!”
June 9 – Bounty Hunters 13
Ethan Sacks’ Bounty Hunters series for Marvel Comics continues with its 13th issue this month as part of the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE WOOKIEE ALWAYS WINS! Hot on the trail of BOBA FETT, VALANCE and DENGAR run into a rather large obstacle—the mighty CHEWBACCA! Will T’ONGA escape the trap set by a mysterious organization out to upend the underworld? And who is the figure in the shadows hunting them all?!”
June 11 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 7
The adventures of Clone Force 99 continue in the seventh episode of the series, hitting Disney+ on June 11.
June 15 – Star Wars: Join the Rebellion!
A fun reference book for young readers about what it takes to join the Rebellion releases this month from DK Children. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Jump aboard with the Rebel Alliance and the Resistance. Find out what it takes to topple the evil Empire and the First Order…Being a rebel in the Star Wars galaxy is dangerous work! There are stormtroopers to avoid, TIE fighters to dodge, and lightsaber-wielding Sith Lords to outsmart before they learn the location of the latest secret base. Just how did these brave heroes defeat not one, but two, Death Stars? Star Wars Join the Rebellion! will answer this question and many more in an engaging and funny book for young readers. Featuring doodle-style illustrations, stills from the Star Wars movies and animated shows, and lively, humorous text, Star Wars Join the Rebellion! will enthrall even the most reluctant young reader. Learn all about the most famous rebel leaders, from Admiral Ackbar to Princess Leia. Follow them into big battles. Discover interesting facts about their ships, droids, and the missions that changed the galaxy.”
June 15 – Darth Bane: Path of Destruction
Del Rey’s The Essential Legends Collection kicks off with the first of the Darth Bane trilogy titled Darth Bane: Path of Destruction. The novel written by Drew Karpyshyn was released in 2006 initially, but will be featured in this new re-release with stunning cover art. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Now for the first time in trade paperback: A Star Wars Legends classic featuring the fearsome Sith lord Dark Bane, repackaged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm. Once the Sith order teemed with followers. But their rivalries divided them in endless battles for supremacy. Until one dark lord at last united the Sith in the quest to enslave the galaxy-and exterminate the Jedi. Yet it would fall to another, far more powerful than the entire Brotherhood of Darkness, to ultimately realize the full potential of the Sith, and wield the awesome power of the dark side as never before. Since childhood, Dessel has known only the abuse of his hateful father and the dangerous, soul-crushing labor of a cortosis miner. Deep in the tunnels of the desolate planet Apatros, endlessly excavating the rare mineral valued throughout the galaxy, Dessel dreams of the day he can escape-a day he fears may never come. But when a high-stakes card game ends in deadly violence, Dessel suddenly finds himself a wanted man. On the run from vengeful Republic forces, Dessel vanishes into the ranks of the Sith army, and ships out to join the bloody war against the Republic and its Jedi champions. There, Dessel’s brutality, cunning, and exceptional command of the Force swiftly win him renown as a warrior. But in the eyes of his watchful masters, he is destined for a far greater role in the ultimate Sith plan for the galaxy-if he can prove himself truly worthy.”
June 15 – Heir to the Empire
The Essential Legends Collection also sees the release of Timothy Zahn’s iconic Heir to the Empire. You can check out a video where we talk about how Heir to the Empire may be the basis for the upcoming crossover event in The Mandalorian here. The publisher’s summary for the exciting new re-release is as follows: “Now for the first time in trade paperback: A Star Wars Legends classic featuring the ever-popular Thrawn, repackaged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm. Here is the #1 New York Times bestselling novel that reignited the entire Star Wars publishing phenomenon. The biggest event in the history of Star Wars books, Heir to the Empire follows the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia after they led the Rebel Alliance to victory in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. Five years after the Death Star was destroyed and Darth Vader and the Emperor were defeated, the galaxy is struggling to heal the wounds of war, Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting twins, and Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of new Jedi Knights. But thousands of light-years away, the last of the Emperor’s warlords—the brilliant and deadly Grand Admiral Thrawn—has taken command of the shattered Imperial fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the New Republic. For this dark warrior has made two vital discoveries that could destroy everything the courageous men and women of the Rebel Alliance fought so hard to create.”
June 15 – Shatterpoint
Matthew Stover’s classic Clone Wars novel sees new light with this re-release as part of Del Rey’s The Essential Legends Collection. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Now for the first time in trade paperback: A Star Wars Legends classic featuring Jedi Master Mace Windu, repackaged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm. Mace Windu is a living legend: Jedi Master, senior member of the Jedi Council, skilled diplomat, devastating fighter. Some say he is the deadliest man alive. But he is a man of peace—and for the first time in a thousand years, the galaxy is at war. Now, following the momentous events climaxing in the Battle of Geonosis, Master Mace Windu must undertake a perilous homecoming to his native world—to defuse a potentially catastrophic crisis for the Republic…and to confront a terrifying mystery with dire personal consequences.”
June 15 – The Skywalker Collection: Episodes I–IX
Golden Books and Star Wars are always a great combination, and this upcoming collection looks to continue this tradition by focusing on the entire Skywalker saga from beginning to end. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “All nine films in the epic Star Wars Skywalker space saga—The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker—are retold in this Little Golden Book hardcover treasury! Featuring stunning retro illustrations, this collection of nine Little Golden Books is perfect for Star Wars fans and Little Golden Book collectors of all ages. Star Wars has captivated millions worldwide for over forty years. The phenomenon began with the 1977 theatrical debut of Star Wars, later retitled A New Hope, and has expanded to include ten 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.”
June 16 – Star Wars 14
The Star Wars mainline series from Charles Soule continues with this War of the Bounty Hunters tie-in. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The REBELS finally have a lead on the location of HAN SOLO! It’s time to save the captain of the MILLENNIUM FALCON from his frozen carbonite tomb! A general, a Jedi, and a Wookiee will mount a desperate rescue mission… But they have no idea what actually awaits them.”
June 16 – The High Republic Adventures 5
IDW Publishing’s impressive The High Republic Adventures run continues with this fifth issue in the series. The publisher’s summary for Daniel José Older’s comic is as follows: “The Nihil have launched an attack on Burundang. The Republic sends Yoda and his Padawan learners, along with other Republic and Jedi ships, to try to stop them from escaping. Zeen and Lula pursue Krix, hoping for a final confrontation between the two friends. 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!”
June 18 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 8
The adventures of Clone Force 99 continue in the eighth episode of the series, hitting Disney+ on June 18.
June 22 – Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol 2 — Into the Fire
Greg Pak’s Marvel Comics Darth Vader series is compiled here in this upcoming paperback compilation. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Darth Vader failed to turn his son, Luke Skywalker, to the dark side. Vader sought revenge against those who hid Luke from him for all these years… and in doing so nearly betrayed his master. It did not go unnoticed by Palpatine… and now it is time for Vader’s next lesson. Now, left battered and broken by his punishment, the Dark Lord drags himself across the scorched surface of Mustafar with vengeance on his mind! But as Vader closes in on the key to Palpatine’s greatest secret, the deadly assassin Ochi of Bestoon stands in his way. 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 deadly scenario is Palpatine’s grand plan?”
June 23 – Darth Vader 13
Whenever Vader is involved, we’re always interested. And this is most certainly the case with the upcoming 13th issue of Greg Pak’s incredible Darth Vader run with Marvel Comics. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “DARTH VADER and OCHI OF BESTOON embark upon a search for the carbonite-frozen body of HAN SOLO. Get ready for intrigue, betrayal and action in the heart of HUTT SPACE with the explosive reappearance of EVERYONE’S FAVORITE ASSASSIN DROID, IG-88! …And a shocking cliffhanger brings the shadows to life!””
June 23 – Star Wars Adventures 5
IDW Publishing and Katie Cook team up once again for the fifth issue of Star Wars Adventures. 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.”
June 25 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 9
The adventures of Clone Force 99 continue in the ninth episode of the series, hitting Disney+ on June 25.
June 29 – The High Republic: The Rising Storm
The adventures in the High Republic era continue with the highly anticipated second adult novel titled The Rising Storm by author Cavan Scott. You can check out our advanced review for the book here (thankfully it lives up to the brilliant Light of the Jedi). The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Following the dramatic events of Light of the Jedi, the heroes of the High Republic era return to face a shattered peace and a fearsome foe. In the wake of the Great Hyperspace Disaster and the heroism of the Jedi, the Republic continues to grow, bringing more worlds together under a single unified banner. Led by Chancellor Lina Soh, the spirit of unity extends throughout the galaxy, with the Jedi and newly established Starlight Beacon station at the vanguard. In celebration, the chancellor plans “The Republic Fair,” a showcase of the possibility and peace of the expanding Republic—a precept the Jedi hope to foster. Stellan Gios, Bell Zettifar, Elzar Mann, and others join the event as ambassadors of harmony. But as the eyes of the galaxy turn toward the Fair, so too does the fury of the Nihil. Their leader, Marchion Ro, is intent on destroying this spirit of unity. His storm descends on the pageantry and celebration, sowing chaos and exacting revenge. As the Jedi struggle to curb the carnage of the rampaging Nihil, they come face to face with the true fear their enemy plans to unleash across the galaxy. The kind of fear that even the Force cannot shield them from.”
June 29 – The High Republic: Race to Crashpoint Tower
Daniel Jose Older continues to deliver some excellent stores in the High Republic, now with an exhilarating junior novel. We found the book to be a thrilling adventure that complements the events of The Rising Storm really well, as you can see in our advanced review here. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The Republic Fair is coming! Visitors from all over the galaxy are traveling to the planet Valo for a massive, awe-inspiring festival celebrating the Republic. While his fellow Valons prepare for the fair, Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram is hiding out in his favorite place: a dingy garage filled with mechanical parts and tools. But when a security alarm goes off on the nearby hilltop nicknamed Crashpoint Peak, he ventures out with his trusty droid V-18 to investigate. There he discovers that someone has knocked out Valo’s communications tower—a frightening sign that Valo, and the Republic Fair, are in danger. Sure enough, as Ram races to warn the Jedi, the dreaded Nihil unleash a surprise attack! It’s up to Ram to face down the enemy at Crashpoint Tower and send a call for help to the Republic. Luckily, he’s about to get some assistance from unexpected new friends…”
June 30 – Star Wars Adventures: The Weapon of a Jedi 2
The second issue of the Star Wars Adventures: The Weapon of a Jedi comic series drops this month. The publisher’s summary for this reprint is as follows: “The Rebel Alliance has destroyed the Empire’s dreaded Death Star, but the Imperial starfleet continues hunting the rebels throughout the galaxy. Luke Skywalker now seeks to support the Rebellion as an X-wing fighter. But as he flies with the pilots of the Red Squadron, Luke feels stirrings of the Force. And this farm boy turned fighter pilot begins to suspect that his destiny lies along a different path.”
June 30 – Doctor Aphra 11
Alyssa Wong’s Doctor Aphra series for Marvel comics continues in this 11th issue. And fan favorite Durge will make his long-awaited debut in canon with this issue! The publisher’s summary is as follows: “MYSTERIES ABOUND ABOARD A DURGE-ANGED SHIP! DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS discover an eerie abandoned ship while on a new mission from DOMINA TAGGE. But on board they will come face-to-face with a nightmarish horror not seen in the galaxy for untold eons. And then there’s….THE FEARSOME BOUNTY HUNTER DURGE!”
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in June without descriptions is included below:
June 1 – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: Special 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
June 2 – War of the Bounty Hunters 1
June 4 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 6
June 8 – Star Wars: Bounty Hunters Vol 2 — Target Valance
June 9 – Bounty Hunters 13
June 11 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 7
June 15 – Star Wars: Join the Rebellion!
June 15 – Darth Bane: Path of Destruction
June 15 – Heir to the Empire
June 15 – Shatterpoint
June 15 – The Skywalker Collection: Episodes I–IX
June 16 – Star Wars 14
June 16 – The High Republic Adventures 5
June 18 –Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 8
June 22 – Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol 2 — Into the Fire
June 23 – Darth Vader 13
June 23 – Star Wars Adventures 5
June 25 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 9
June 29 – The High Republic: The Rising Storm
June 29 – The High Republic: Race to Crashpoint Tower
June 30 – Star Wars Adventures: The Weapon of a Jedi 2
June 30 – Doctor Aphra 11
Images courtesy of Lucasfilm, Disney, Del Rey, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, and Golden Books