By George Bate
The dramatic conclusion to The Bad Batch’s first season capped off a great August for Star Wars fans, and the content doesn’t slow down as we head into September. From a brand new show on Disney+ to the continuation of the terrific War of the Bounty Hunters series and more, there’s a host of interesting stories and characters to feast on over the next few weeks. Take a look ahead at some of the exciting new releases coming from a galaxy far, far away this month. It is important to note that release dates are subject to change.
September 1 – The High Republic 9
Cavan Scott takes his The High Republic series for Marvel Comics in a different direction with its upcoming ninth issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A NEW STORY BEGINS THIS ISSUE – THE SHADOW OF THE NIHIL! Following the terrible events of The Rising Storm, the villainous NIHIL are in retreat, hunted by THE JEDI. WAYSEEKER KNIGHT ORLA JARENI is attacked by a lone Nihil Stormship in deep space, a Stormship commanded by one of the Jedi’s own. Which of STARLIGHT BEACON’S number have joined the Nihil Horde? And how far will they turn from the Light?”
September 1 – The High Republic Adventures 8
Also in the High Republic era this month is Daniel Jose Older’s fantastic The High Republic Adventures series for IDW Publishing. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming eighth issue is as follows: “Back together and safe on the Starlight, Lula, Zeen, Farzala, and Qort recover from their adventures on the Junk Moon and Nal Hutta, but a new challenge awaits them in the form of an old friend. Meanwhile, Marchion Ro encourages Krix’s violent obsessions, leading to an attack on Takodana!”
September 7 – Life Day Treasury
George Mann has delivered great short story collections in the Star Wars universe with Myths & Fables and Dark Legends and looks to do the same with his upcoming collaboration with Cavan Scott and Grant Griffin celebrating the holiday of Life Day. The publisher’s summary for the Disney-Lucasfilm Press release is as follows: “Cozy up with this collection of holiday-themed midwinter stories from throughout the galaxy far, far away! From George Mann and Grant Griffin, the same team that brought us the stunning Star Wars: Myths & Fables and Star Wars: Dark Legends–with the addition of best-selling author Cavan Scott–this collection of eight myths and fables told around winter fires and high-tech heating pods across the galaxy will bring holiday joy to young and old Star Wars fans alike. From Jedi in the city to Ewoks in the forest, from Wookiees to droids, in this charming collection you will find holiday feasts, ghostly apparitions, snowy adventures, and much more. Ultimately these are stories of hope in the darkest of days. Of family, found and otherwise. Of kindness. And of love.”
September 7 – Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1
The High Republic era is explored in a new format with an upcoming manga series written by Mizuki Sakakibara and Justina Ireland from Viz Media. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “In the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster, young Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi is assigned to help displaced civilians relocate to Banchii, a planet in the Inugg system far in the Outer Rim. While balancing the arrival of incoming settlers and teaching the Padawans on their Temple outpost, Lily must also confront an attack by the insidious Drengir and, after the events of the Republic Fair, deal with the growing threat of the Nihil. But the dangers to Lily and her Padawans are much closer than she thinks….”
September 7 – Dark Force Rising – The Essential Legends Collection
Del Rey’s Essential Legends Collection continues with the second installment of Timothy Zahn’s iconic Thrawn trilogy. The publisher’s summary for the re-release is as follows: “Five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the fragile Republic that was born with the defeat of Darth Vader, the Emperor, and the infamous Death Star stands threatened from within and without. The dying Empire’s most cunning and ruthless warlord—Grand Admiral Thrawn—has taken command of the remnants of the Imperial fleet and launched a massive campaign aimed at the Republic’s destruction. With the aid of unimaginable weapons long hidden away by the Emperor on a backwater planet, Thrawn plans to turn the tide of the battle, overwhelm the New Republic, and impose his iron rule throughout the galaxy. Meanwhile, dissension and personal ambition threaten to tear the Republic apart. As Princess Leia—pregnant with Jedi twins—risks her life to bring a proud and lethal alien race into alliance with the Republic, Han and Lando Calrissian race against time to find proof of treason inside the highest Republic Council—only to discover instead a ghostly fleet of warships that could bring doom to their friends and victory to their enemies. But most dangerous of all is a new Dark Jedi, risen from the ashes of a shrouded past, consumed by bitterness…and thoroughly, utterly insane. Now he schemes to use his awesome mastery of the Force to summon young Skywalker, allay his misgivings, cunningly enthrall him, and ultimately corrupt him to the Dark Side. A tale of brilliant spectacle, startling revelations, and tumultuous action, Dark Force Rising moves with the speed of light across a dazzling epic landscape of galactic proportions, from world to world, from adventure to adventure, as Good and Evil clash across the vastness of space “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away….”
September 7 – Darth Bane: Rule of Two – The Essential Legends Collection
Also debuting as part of Del Rey’s Essential Legends Collection this month is Darth Bane: Rule of Two, the follow-up novel to Darth Bane: Path of Destruction. The publisher’s summary for Drew Karpyshyn’s novel is as follows: “Now Darth Bane is ready to put his policy into action, and he thinks he has found the key element that will make his triumph complete: a student to train in the ways of the dark side. Though she is young, Zannah possesses an instinctive link to the dark side that rivals his own. With his guidance, she will become essential in his quest to destroy the Jedi and dominate the galaxy. There is one who is determined to stop Darth Bane: Johun Othone, Padawan to Jedi Master Lord Hoth, who died at Bane’s hands in the last great Sith War. Though the rest of the Jedi scoff at him, Johun’s belief that there are surviving Sith on the loose is unshakeable. As Johun continues his dogged pursuit of the man who killed his master, Zannah, faced unexpectedly with a figure from her past, begins to question her embrace of the dark side. And Darth Bane is led by Force–induced visions of a moon where he will acquire astonishing new knowledge and power—power that will alter him in ways he could never have imagined…”
September 7 – X-Wing: Rogue Squadron – The Essential Legends Collection
The first installment in the X-Wing series of novels by Michael A. Stackpole sees a re-release in Del Rey’s Essential Legends Collection. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “They are sleek, swift, and deadly. They are the X-wing fighters. And as the struggle rages across the vastness of space, the fearless men and women who pilot them risk both their lives and their machines. Their mission: to defend the Rebel Alliance against a still-powerful and battle-hardened Imperial foe in a last-ditch effort to control the stars! Its very name strikes fear into enemy hearts. So when Rebel hero Wedge Antilles rebuilds the legendary Rogue Squadron, he seeks out only the best-the most skilled, the most daring X-wing pilots. Through arduous training and dangerous missions, he weeds out the weak from the strong, assembling a group of hard-bitten warriors to fight, ready to die. Antilles knows the grim truth: that even with the best X-wing jockeys in the galaxy, many will not survive their near-suicidal missions. But when Rogue Squadron is ordered to assist in the assault on the heavily fortified Imperial stronghold of Black Moon, even the bravest must wonder if any at all will survive…”
September 7 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian Sticker Art Puzzles
The Mandalorian Seasons 1 and 2 are featured in an upcoming children’s activity and reference book. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A new type of puzzle from a galaxy far, far away puts characters from The Mandalorian into your hands. Stick the puzzle pieces into their proper place to create 15 full-color scenes worthy of being displayed! If you can’t get enough of Mando and Grogu(TM), these 15 sticker puzzles featuring scenes from seasons1 [sic] and 2 of the hit television series The Mandalorian will take you on an adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Each puzzle contains more than 100 sticker shapes to be fitted into a tessellated grid—as the stickers are put in place, full-color artworks of your favorite Mandalorian characters, locales, and memorable moments will emerge. When you’re done, you’ll have a spectacular glossy art poster to display. This is the way.”
September 7 – Star Wars: The High Republic Vol. 1 – There is No Fear
Issues 1-5 of Cavan Scott’s The High Republic series is collected in a forthcoming trade paperback titled There is No Fear. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A new era of Star Wars storytelling begins! Journey back to the High Republic — the golden age of the Jedi! Centuries before the Empire and the Skywalker saga, the Jedi are at their height, protecting the galaxy as Republic pioneers push out into new territories. But as the frontier prepares for the dedication of the majestic Starlight Beacon, Padawan Keeve Trennis faces the ultimate choice — will she complete her Jedi trials, or rescue the innocent from disaster? And can she trust her closest ally? Enter a rich and vast world of new Jedi! New worlds! New ships! And new evils to fight — including the terrifying Nihil!”
September 8 – War of the Bounty Hunters 4
War of the Bounty Hunters continues in the penultimate issue by Charles Soule. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE WAR CONTINUES! The true machinations of the theft of HAN SOLO from BOBA FETT become clear, as one-time love of Solo QI’RA has returned her terrifying criminal organization, CRIMSON DAWN, to the galaxy. Qi’ra used Han to bring the most powerful players in the galaxy together, and now the pieces are moving toward their endgame. DARTH VADER, LUKE SKYWALKER, LEIA ORGANA, VALANCE, APHRA, THE HUTTS – all are vying for the ultimate prize, while Boba Fett’s stuck in the middle, a simple man just trying to get what’s his!”
September 8 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 14
The adventures of Sana Starros and Doctor Aphra continue in the 14th issue of Alyssa Wong’s series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “REPEAT OFFENDERS. DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS are imprisoned by a POWERFUL ENEMY! If they want to escape, they’ll have to work together with former foes JUST LUCKY and ARIOLE… And venture deeper into the heart of a CRIMSON DAWN FLAGSHIP!”
September 8 – Star Wars Adventures 9
Michael Moreci and Vita Ayala collaborate for the latest issue of Star Wars Adventures, spotlighting Mace Windu and Boba Fett. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Mace Windu and his Lightning Squadron land on the planet Ridlay, which has gone mysteriously dark, expecting a Separatist attack. But what they find instead is a surprise to them all. Then, Boba Fett makes his Star Wars Adventures debut as he clashes with Han Solo in the time before Episode IV!”
September 14 – Rebel Hero Journal
Studio Fun International and author Calliope Glass are bringing out a new in-universe journal focusing on Leia, Ahsoka, and Rey. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “In a galaxy far, far away, young female rebels like Princess Leia, Ahsoka, and Rey have always done everything they could to stand up for what was right. Discover exactly what makes these brave heroes so special in this beautifully illustrated prompted journal. Young Star Warsfans [sic] will be encouraged to embrace their own heroic traits and learn that they, too, can be a rebel.”
September 14 – Star Wars: The Galactic Advent Calendar
Celebrate the holidays with Insight Editions’ advent calendar this season! The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Filled with more than thirty surprises spread out over twenty-five days, Star Wars: The Galactic Advent Calendar is the perfect gift for any Star Wars fan. Celebrate the holidays and your favorite Star Wars moments with this advent calendar packed with a galaxy’s worth of exclusive trinkets.”
September 15 – War of the Bounty Hunters – Boushh 1
At last, the origins of the bounty hunter Boushh are revealed in this newest War of the Bounty Hunters one-shot by Alyssa Wong. THe publisher’s summary is as follows: “Before PRINCESS LEIA acquired his armor to infiltrate Jabba the Hutt’s palace, BOUSHH roamed the galaxy as a bounty hunter. He and his team of lethal warriors were exiled from their homeworld; but what horrible event from Boushh’s past doomed them all to wander with no hope of ever returning? Desperate to survive, Boushh takes a suspicious job from a shadowy organization to assassinate DOMINA TAGGE, the leader of the powerful Tagge Family – a galactic dynasty stretching back countless generations. But Domina is the most dangerous enemy Boushh has ever faced, and the desperate exile has the most difficult choice of his life to make! ALYSSA WONG and David Baldeón’s one-shot is the third of four action-packed War of the Bounty Hunters tie-ins about the criminal underworld’s most notorious hunters and scoundrels, all told by the best STAR WARS writers and illustrators in the galaxy.”
September 15 – Darth Vader (2020) 16
Follow Vader’s relentless pursuit of his son Luke in the newest issue of the Darth Vader series by Greg Pak. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 16th issue is as follows: “TARGET SKYWALKER. All of DARTH VADER’S careful scheming and brutal power moves to claim HAN SOLO’S frozen body have one ultimate end goal: LUKE SKYWALKER, the only person who could challenge Vader’s primacy at the Emperor’s side. Now everything comes to a head as father closes in on son and Luke finally grasps a shocking truth……one that will shape his destiny FOREVER!”
September 15 – The High Republic Adventures — The Monster of Temple Peak 2
The Cavan Scott Star Wars content keeps coming this month with the second issue of The Monster of Temple Peak miniseries set during the High Republic era. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Follow former Jedi turned saber-for-hire monster hunter Ty Yorrick in this adventure-packed High Republic miniseries by Cavan Scott and Rachael Stott! Ty begins the trek up Temple Peak, but the mountain’s hungry creatures and slippery edges put her rusty Force skills to the test. Dangerous monsters, cliffs, and battles are second nature for Ty, though. But dealing with people? Well, that may be the hardest part of her mission…”
September 22 – Star Wars: Visions
As Kathleen Kennedy stated during Disney Investor Day 2020, “Star Wars: Visions will be a series of animated short films celebrating the Star Wars galaxy through the lens of the world’s best anime creators. This anthology collection will bring ten fantastic visions from several of the leading Japanese anime studios, offering a fresh and diverse cultural perspective to Star Wars.” The upcoming animated series will comprise nine anime-inspired short films from various famous Japanese animation studios.
September 22 – Bounty Hunters 16
Ethan Sacks’ consistently gripping Bounty Hunters series intersects with the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event yet again in this upcoming 16th issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “SHADOW SOLDIERS. VALANCE and DENGAR make a last stand against DEATHSTICK! T’ONGA seeks help from a LEGENDARY BOUNTY HUNTER! The bounty hunters converge on a high-stakes auction as CRIMSON DAWN’S plans come into focus!”
September 22 – Star Wars Adventures: Ghosts of Vader’s Castle 1
Zombie droids in Star Wars? That’s what’s in store for the debut issue of Ghosts of Vader’s Castle. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Join Creepy Cavan Scott, Frightening Francesco Francavilla, and a host of eerie Star Wars artists in the epic conclusion to the Vader’s Castle saga! Star Wars Adventures: Ghosts of Vader’s Castle is a horror-packed, star-studded, five-week event guaranteed to haunt your dreams. In issue #1, life is looking up for Lina and Milo Graf and Crater, but Milo has been having nightmares… about zombie droids! Find out what’s causing these dreams and if Milo can handle being haunted by the GHOSTS OF VADER’S CASTLE.”
September 28 – Star Wars Insider: The Fiction Collection Volume 2
A new collection of Star Wars Legends and canon short stories are debuting in a special issue of Star Wars Insider this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Star Wars Insider, the official magazine of the Star Wars saga, presents a stunning collection of exclusive tales, both Legends and current continuity, from the galaxy far, far away. A collection of exciting short stories featuring tales that take will take you from the Battle of Endor to the desolate world of Jakku. The stories, which cover both Legends and tales that fit in with the current Star Wars continuity, feature popular characters such as Hondo Ohnaka, Lando Calrissian, Asajj Ventress, and Princess Leia. Written by renowned best-selling Star Wars authors including Alan Dean Foster, Mur Lafferty, Alexander Freed, David J. Williams and Mark S. Williams, this volume also includes stunning art from several of the saga’s best-loved interpreters, including Brian Rood, Joe Corroney, Brian Miller, Chris Trevas, and Chris Scalf.”
September 28 – Star Wars: I Wish I Had a Wookiee
A cute new children’s book featuring 75 poems will hit bookshelves this September. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Inspired by the beloved world of Star Wars, this collection of over 75 whimsical and original poems, written by Ian Doescher and illustrated by Tim Budgen, is a celebration of childhood, creativity, imagination, and the early years of Star Wars fandom. In “My Pet AT-AT,” a ten-year-old dreams of playing hide and seek and fetch with an AT-AT. In “Dad’s Luke Skywalker Figurine,” a child opens their dad’s untouched action figure but, instead of getting into trouble, helps their dad re-discover his own sense of play. In “T-16 Dreams,” a little girl imagines herself flying through the galaxy, the Empire hot on her trail, to help with her real-world fear of flying. Set in the hearts and minds of young children who love Star Wars, and filled with the characters you know and love, I Wish I Had a Wookiee is the perfect gift for the young Star Wars fan—and the young at heart.”
September 28 – The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem
One of our most anticipated releases this month is from Jack Mitchell and Abramss Books, reimagining the events of Rogue One and the original trilogy in the style of The Odyssey and Beowulf. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A thrilling retelling of the Star Wars saga in the style of classic epic poetry. “I look not to myself but to the Force, In which all things arise and fall away.” ourney to a galaxy far, far away like never before—through lyrical verse and meter. Like the tales of Odysseus and Beowulf, the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Jyn Erso, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, and the Emperor are fraught with legendary battles, iconic heroes, fearsome warriors, sleek ships, and dangerous monsters. Beginning with Rogue One’s rebel heist on Scarif to secure the plans to the Death Star and continuing through the climax of Return of the Jedi, author Jack Mitchell uses the ancient literary form of epic poetry to put a new spin on the Star Wars saga. Punctuated with stunning illustrations inspired by the terracotta art of Greek antiquity, The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem presents the greatest myth of the 20th century as it would have been told nearly 3,000 years ago.”
September 29 – Star Wars (2020) 17
Charles Soule’s Star Wars mainline series caps off the month of September with its 17th issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE CHASE! SITH LORD DARTH VADER has discovered that his son, Jedi Knight LUKE SKYWALKER, is finally within striking distance. He will pursue him to the very ends of space…Who is hunting whom? Meanwhile, LEIA ORGANA battles the forces of CRIMSON DAWN to regain her lost love, HAN SOLO.”
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in September without descriptions is included below:
September 1 – The High Republic 9
September 1 – The High Republic Adventures 8
September 7 – Life Day Treasury
September 7 – Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1
September 7 – Dark Force Rising – The Essential Legends Collection
September 7 – Darth Bane: Rule of Two – The Essential Legends Collection
September 7 – X-Wing: Rogue Squadron – The Essential Legends Collection
September 7 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian Sticker Art Puzzles
September 7 – Star Wars: The High Republic Vol. 1 – There is No Fear
September 8 – War of the Bounty Hunters 4
September 8 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 14
September 8 – Star Wars Adventures (2020) 9
September 14 – Rebel Hero Journal
September 14 – Star Wars: The Galactic Advent Calendar
September 15 – War of the Bounty Hunters – Boushh 1
September 15 – Darth Vader (2020) 16
September 15 – The High Republic Adventures — The Monster of Temple Peak 2
September 22 – Star Wars: Visions
September 22 – Bounty Hunters 16
September 22 – Star Wars Adventures: Ghosts of Vader’s Castle 1
September 28 – Star Wars Insider: The Fiction Collection Volume 2
September 28 – Star Wars: I Wish I Had a Wookiee
September 28 – The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem
September 29 – Star Wars (2020) 17
Images courtesy of Lucasfilm, Disney+, Del Rey, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, Viz Media, Abrams Books, Quirk Books, Studio Fun International, Insight Editions, Thunder Bay Press, and Disney-Lucasfilm Press