by George Bate for @sw_holocron
2021 ends with a bang as Star Wars fans can finally rejoice at the premiere of The Book of Boba Fett. In addition to the new Disney+ series though, the year closes out with the continuation of various thrilling Star Wars fans. Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of December 2021. It is important to note all of these release dates are subject to change.
December 1 – Bounty Hunters 18
Following the dramatic events of War of the Bounty Hunters, Ethan Sacks’ Marvel Comics series continues this month with its 18th issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE GALAXY’S GREATEST! In the wake of the shocking events of WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS, the underworld has become more dangerous than ever. T’ONGA has assembled the greatest team of bounty hunters in the galaxy – including BOSSK, ZUCKUSS and TASU LEECH for a special mission! Can she keep them from killing each other long enough to become a real team while she grieves the loss of an old friend?”
December 1 – Darth Vader 18
Greg Pak’s Darth Vader series also continues this month with its upcoming 18th issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “RED REVENGE! Fearful whispers echo in every corner of the Empire – Darth Vader is on the hunt, searching for anyone with any connection to the criminal organization known as Crimson Dawn.”
December 1 – The High Republic Adventures 11
Follow the Jedi of the High Republic in the newest issue of Daniel Jose Older’s IDW Publishing comic run. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The Masters and Padawans take a much needed break to participate in the Great Jedi Rumble Race! It’s the most important event in the galaxy (probably) and there’s only one rule… THERE ARE NO RULES! But Lula is too stuck in her own head to enjoy the raucous, no holds barred tussle to the finish line. Meanwhile, on Corellia, trouble brews…”
December 7 – Star Wars: The High Republic Vol. 2 – The Heart of Drengir
Those who have missed Cavan Scott’s excellent The High Republic series for Marvel can catch up with this new paperback collection.
December 7 – Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Companion
There’s a lot to keep track of in the sprawling War of the Bounty Hunters series. Thankfully, some of the paperback compilations make it a little easier for fans who are catching up on the crossover event. This paperback compilation compiles all of the one shots in the series.
December 7 – Star Wars: Darth Vader by Charles Soule Omnibus
Charles Soule is one of the best storytellers in the Star Wars universe. So, what better way to celebrate his stories with a new hardcover Omnibus compiling the entirety of his Marvel Comics’ Darth Vader run. Yep, that’s right – this includes all 25 issues of the series AND Darth Vader Annual 2. Needless to say, Vader fans will be satisfied with this collection.
December 8 – Crimson Reign 1
Speaking of Charles Soule, the author follows up his War of the Bounty Hunters series with the second in his Q’ira trilogy – Crimson Reign. The publisher’s summary for the first issue is as follows: “AFTER THE DAWN… COMES THE REIGN! The story that began with WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS continues here, in the second installment of a trilogy that will reshape the history of the Star Wars Galaxy during the Age of Rebellion. Featuring the return of beloved characters, shocking twists, epic feats of the Force and a story that will reach from Star Wars’ darkest underworld all the way to the Imperial Palace on Coruscant, Crimson Reign is a Star Wars saga like no other!”
December 8 – Star Wars 19
More Charles Soule can never be a bad thing. The author continues his Star Wars mainline series on this day with its 19th issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “LUKE’S QUEST FOR ANSWERS TAKES A DANGEROUS TURN! As the REBELLION tries to pull itself together for a last-ditch effort to defeat the evil GALACTIC EMPIRE, LUKE SKYWALKER realizes it is time for his journey to become a JEDI to continue. After near-death at the hands of DARTH VADER, he knows he has much to learn if he will ever defeat the DARK LORD OF THE SITH. But the JEDI ORDER is gone, and his teachers have vanished… where can Luke turn to find the Jedi legacy he so desperately needs?”
December 14 – Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 3 — War of the Bounty Hunters
Alyssa Wong’s issues of Doctor Aphra that occur during the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event are compiled in this trade paperback.
December 14 – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones Graphic Novel Adaptation
Relive the events of Episode II with IDW Publishing’s graphic novel adaptation this month.
December 15 – The High Republic 12
Sporting incredible cover art by Phil Noto, Cavan Scott’s thrilling The High Republic series moves forward this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE HUNT FOR LOURNA DEE CONTINUES! The NIHIL have unleashed a unknown terror against the Jedi. MARSHAL AVAR KRISS is more determined than ever to bring LOURNA DEE to justice, but does STELLAN GIOS and the JEDI COUNCIL agree? As KEEVE TRENNIS struggles with what she experienced on the Nihil base, the Jedi prepare for war. PLUS, the truth about SSKEER is finally revealed – but what does it mean for his future?”
December 15 – The High Republic Adventures Annual 2021
The first annual edition of the Star Wars: The High Republic adventures series debuts this month.
December 21 – Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 3 — War of the Bounty Hunters
Greg Pak’s issues of the Darth Vader series that occur during the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event releases this month as a trade paperback compilation.
December 21 – Star Wars: Jedi Artifacts
Insight Editions delivers another worthy addition to any fans’ collection with this new reference book and merchandise box set.
December 21 – Star Wars Adventures: The Light and the Dark
Star Wars: Adventures Issues 1-6 are collected in this upcoming trade paperback compilation.
December 21 – Star Wars: Be More Boba Fett
Prep for The Book of Boba Fett with this new book by Joseph Jay Franco and DK. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A fun, pocket-sized book packed with inspiration from the galaxy’s most (in)famous bounty hunter. Throw aside the 9-to-5 and discover the joys of going freelance! In a big wide galaxy you’ll find every personality type. There are those who want to work for a large, stable employer like the Imperial Navy, pushing buttons on a space cruiser. There are also those who are content living the simple (but dull) life of a merchant or moisture farmer. And then there are those special few who long for the freelance life. If you aren’t afraid of grueling (and sometimes frowned upon) work, traveling to exotic locations, and being your own boss, you may find guidance in the wise words of those who have been there. Be More Boba Fett will help guide you on your path to the independent life of a successful entrepreneur.”
December 22 – Darth Vader 19
Another issue of Greg Pak’s Darth Vader series hits comic stores this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “DARK ORDER! In the bowels of Bespin, DARTH VADER told his son he wanted to bring order to the galaxy. Now Vaders’ promise is put to the test as he leads an unlikely crew of heroes and assassins against the criminal organization known as CRIMSON DAWN. What does “order” mean to a DARK LORD OF THE SITH? How far will he go to fight for it as the depth of Crimson Dawns’ infiltration becomes clearer? And what fate awaits the heroes who follow him into battle?”
December 22 – The High Republic: Trail of Shadows 3
Daniel Jose Older’s mystery thriller series set during the High Republic era is easily one of the best comic runs this year. The publisher’s summary for the third issue is as follows: “COLD COMFORT! A mysterious attack brings EMERICK and SIAN together at the Starlight to investigate connections to their case. Meanwhile, ARATHAB tries to ambush a Nihil ship with deadly results. Can Jedi Master Emerick and private eye Sian Holt uncover the clues to solve this case, or are they about to face their deadly demise at the hands of Nihil?”
December 22 – Star Wars Adventures 13
George Mann and Danny Lore bring the 13th issue of IDW’s Star Wars Adventures series to life this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “First, from author George Mann (Doctor Who), the Millennium Falcon needs some serious repairs after sitting in disrepair on Jakku. So Rey, Chewie, Finn, and BB-8 have to make a pit stop. But it doesn’t quite go as planned (it never does), and the group quickly finds themselves at the wrong end of a bounty hunter’s blaster. Then, in a bone-chilling tale from author Danny Lore (Transformers: Shattered Glass, King in Black: Captain America), Darth Vader searches a temple for a hidden tome and nothing—nobody—will stop his wrath.”
December 28 – Star Wars Vol. 3: War of the Bounty Hunters
Also compiled this month are issues 13-18 of Charles Soule’s Star Wars series for Marvel Comics.
December 29 – Bounty Hunters 19
The 19th issue of Ethan Sacks’ Bounty Hunters series also debuts this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “CHAOS SPREADS THROUGH THE UNDERWORLD! As Crimson Reign has ignited the underworld in all-out war, T’ONGA’s team of bounty hunters – including BOSSK, ZUCKUSS and TASU LEECH – are running out of time to save the one young girl who can stop the conflict between syndicates! A mysterious bounty hunter is out to assassinate a high ranking Imperial officer in a daring hit on a heavily armed cruiser. But was the hunter given the right target?”
December 29 – The Book of Boba Fett – Episode 1
And last, but certainly not least – The Book of Boba Fett. After appearing in The Mandalorian Season 2, Temuera Morrison will reprise his role as the infamous bounty hunter front and center of a new Disney+ series. Stay tuned to Star Wars Holocron for plenty of Boba Fett coverage over the coming months!
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in December without descriptions is included below:
December 1 – Bounty Hunters 18
December 1 – Darth Vader 18
December 1 – The High Republic Adventures 11
December 7 – Star Wars: The High Republic Vol. 2 – The Heart of Drengir
December 7 – Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Companion
December 7 – Star Wars: Darth Vader by Charles Soule Omnibus
December 8 – Crimson Reign 1
December 8 – Star Wars 19
December 14 – Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 3 — War of the Bounty Hunters
December 14 – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones Graphic Novel Adaptation
December 15 – The High Republic 12
December 15 – The High Republic Adventures Annual 2021
December 21 – Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 3 — War of the Bounty Hunters
December 21 – Star Wars: Jedi Artifacts
December 21 – Star Wars Adventures: The Light and the Dark
December 21 – Star Wars: Be More Boba Fett
December 22 – Darth Vader 19
December 22 – The High Republic: Trail of Shadows 3
December 22 – Star Wars Adventures 13
December 28 – Star Wars Vol. 3: War of the Bounty Hunters
December 29 – Bounty Hunters 19
December 29 – The Book of Boba Fett – Episode 1
Images courtesy of Disney+, Lucasfilm, IDW Publishing, Insight Editions, & Marvel Comics