By George Bate and Julie Catherine
2021 was an impressive year in the Star Wars universe to say the least. A new animated series, a new live-action series, a sprawling crossover comic event, a massive multimedia publishing initiative of stories in the High Republic era – 2021 truly had something for all types of Star Wars fans. In glimpsing at what 2022 has in store from a galaxy far, far away, it becomes clear that Star Wars is not losing momentum with an array of shows, books, comics, games, and more to look forward to.
Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of January 2022. It is important to note all of these release dates are subject to change.
January 4 – The Story of the Faithful Wookiee Little Golden Book adaptation
You can’t go wrong with a combination of Star Wars and Little Golden Books. And what could make that combination even better? Adapting The Story of the Faithful Wookiee, the short film from 1978’s infamous Star Wars Holiday Special that featured the debut of none other than Boba Fett himself. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “An all-new Little Golden Book based on the cartoon from the Star Wars Holiday Special from 1978—featuring Chewbacca and the first appearance of Boba Fett! While on a mission to save Han Solo, the Rebel hero Luke Skywalker, droids C-3PO and R2-D2, and faithful Wookiee Chewbacca encounter an armored stranger who offers to help them. But is the mysterious Boba Fett a friend—or a foe? The Story of the Faithful Wookiee, the animated segment from the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, is retold in the iconic Little Golden Book format. It is perfect for Star Wars–and Little Golden Book–fans of all ages.”
January 4 – The High Republic: The Fallen Star
There needs to be some emotional preparation before diving into The Fallen Star. The third in the trilogy of Del Rey’s Star Wars The High Republic novels in Phase 1 is written by Claudia Gray, following Charles Soule and Cavan Scott’s efforts on previous installments. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “In this gripping sequel to Star Wars: The Rising Storm, the light of the Jedi faces its darkest hour. Time and again, the vicious raiders known as the Nihil have sought to bring the golden age of the High Republic to a fiery end. Time and again, the High Republic has emerged battered and weary, but victorious thank to its Jedi protectors—and there is no monument to their cause grander than the Starlight Beacon.Hanging like a jewel in the Outer Rim, the Beacon embodies the High Republic at the apex of its aspirations: a hub of culture and knowledge, a bright torch against the darkness of the unknown, and an extended hand of welcome to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. As survivors and refugees flee the Nihil’s attacks, the Beacon and its crew stand ready to shelter and heal. The grateful Knights and Padawans of the Jedi Order stationed there finally have a chance to recover—from the pain of their injuries and the grief of their losses. But the storm they thought had passed still rages; they are simply caught in its eye. Marchion Ro, the true mastermind of the Nihil, is preparing his most daring attack yet—one designed to snuff out the light of the Jedi.”
January 4 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 2 Junior Novel
Relive the events of The Mandalorian Season 2 with this terrific junior novel adaptation by Joe Schreiber from Disney-Lucasfilm Press.
January 4 – Galaxy of Creatures World of Reading book
Kristin Baver beautifully welcomes young readers into a Galaxy of Creatures in this upcoming book based on the Star Wars: Galaxy of Creatures animated shorts. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Join adventurous droid 5F-RE (you can call him Aree) as a member of the Galactic Society of Creature Enthusiasts as he journeys across the galaxy to learn everything there is about wildlife big and small. From how to teach porgs to do tricks to how to brush a rancor’s teeth, Aree will get answers to the biggest – and silliest – creature questions. Adorable creature animations and beautifully drawn environments along with fun facts and slapstick comedy are sure to delight Star Wars fans of all ages.”
January 5 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 17
Alyssa Wong’s Doctor Aphra series was one of the best Star Wars comic runs of 2021, which makes us eagerly anticipate what’s to come for Aphra and Sana Starros in this new issue. The publisher’s summary for the 17th issue is as follows: “EVOCATIONS! DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS stumble upon a STRANGE RITUAL…And STRANGER ENEMY! Will they fall victim to a practitioner of an ANCIENT CULT?”
January 5 – The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 2
The Book of Boba Fett continues with Chapter 2 this month.
January 11 – The Mandalorian: The Mandalorian’s Quest
Brooke Vitale adapts the events of The Mandalorian’s second season in this new storybook for young readers.
January 11 – The Mandalorian: The Path of the Force
Another Brooke Vitale adaptation of The Mandalorian comes our way from Disney-Lucasfilm Press this month.
January 11 – Star Wars: Tribute to Star Wars
One of the most exciting projects releasing this January, Star Wars: Tribute to Star Wars is a manga paperback that collects 45 Japanese artists’ tributes to a galaxy far, far away.
January 11 – Yoda One for Me
Valentine’s Day comes a little early this year with a new picture-book dedicated to romance and friendship, with a brilliant Star Wars-y title to top it all off.
January 11 – Star Wars: Bounty Hunters Vol. 3 — War of the Bounty Hunters
The installments of Ethan Sacks’ incredible Bounty Hunters series that occurs within the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event are compiled in this new collection. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The War of the Bounty Hunters rages across the galaxy! As Valance and his reluctant partner Dengar race to intercept Boba Fett and his precious cargo, deadly pursuers are after them. A dark secret from Valance’s past with Han Solo is about to emerge — and it 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 an old friend? Meanwhile, T’onga is outgunned and outnumbered… but she does have one last surprise up her sleeve! And as the shadowy mastermind behind everything makes its move, Valance and Dengar try their luck at the Canto Bight casino, and T’onga puts a crew together — with faces both fearsome and familiar! COLLECTING: Star Wars: Bounty Hunters (2020) 12-17.”
January 11 – Star Wars Adventures: The Weapon of a Jedi trade paperback
Alec Worley adapts Jason Fry’s The Weapon of a Jedi in this two-part comic book miniseries from IDW Publishing. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “An untold chapter in Luke Skywalker’s journey from orphan to Jedi knight in this middle-grade graphic novel set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back! 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. This middle-grade Star Wars adventure also foreshadows events to come in Episode VII: The Force Awakens!”
January 11 – Star Wars: Jedi Artifacts
Insight Editions is here with another excellent reference book with Jedi Artifacts. The book features gorgeous illustrations and replica objects.
January 12 – Bounty Hunters 20
Ethan Sacks’ Bounty Hunters series continues this month with its 20th issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “FORLORN FOR 4-LOM! T’ONGA and her bounty hunters are desperate to recover 4-LOM for their mission…but the upgraded killer droid is the one hunting them aboard a ghost ship. Can ZUCKUSS survive a reunion with his onetime partner? Meanwhile, VUKORAH makes her move…and the criminal underworld will never be the same!”
January 12 – Star Wars (2020) 20
Charles Soule’s mainline Star Wars series also continues with its 20th issue this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “DANGEROUS LESSONS! LUKE SKYWALKER has found a key piece of instruction in his journey along the JEDI path – the voice of his teacher, JEDI MASTER YODA. But the lesson Luke must learn will not be taught by Yoda, and it will take – and give – more than the young Skywalker could ever have imagined.”
January 12 – The High Republic: Eye of the Storm 1
One of the most anticipated new comics of 2022 explores the inner-workings of The High Republic’s big bad Marchion Ro. The publisher’s summary for the first issue of this new series is as follows: “ACT ONE: Ro. The Truth. The Lie. The Kill. In which we reveal the true origins of MARCHION RO, the Eye of the Nihil and sworn enemy of the Jedi Order. In which the lie at the heart of his family is exposed. In which the doom of the High Republic begins…with a single kill.”
January 12 – The High Republic Adventures 12
Daniel Jose Older’s The High Republic Adventures series moves forward with a new issue this January. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 12th issue is as follows: “The Padawans and their masters rush to Corellia where Nihil inductee Krix Kamarat has been planning his next attack. Lula struggles with her new responsibility while Zeen struggles with Krix’s quick descent into evil; both girls worry for the other but are distracted when they’re split up and hear a mysterious distress signal…”
January 12 – The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 3
The Book of Boba Fett continues with Chapter 3 this month.
January 18 – The Book of Boba Fett Poster Book
Enjoy beautiful new artwork celebrating The Book of Boba Fett with this poster book from Disney-Lucasfilm Press!
January 19 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 18
More Aphra antics incoming with the series’ 18th issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “‘CONJURATIONS!’ With STRANGE RITUAL MURDERS on the rise, DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS’ hunt for ASCENDANT ARTIFACTS is growing dire! Their leads keep turning up dead, and they’re running out of time! They’ll have to delve deep into the secrets of an ANCIENT TECH CULT if they plan to catch the killer!”
January 19 – The High Republic 13
Sporting stunning cover art by Phil Noto, Cavan Scott’s epic The High Republic series continues with its 13th issue this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE BATTLE FOR NO-SPACE! Since MARCHION RO attacked the Republic Fair on VALO, everything has been leading to this moment. Now it’s THE JEDI’s turn to strike the heart of THE NIHIL. AVAR KRISS VS. LOURNA DEE. JEDI VS. NIHIL. JEDI VS. JEDI. A line is about to be crossed!”
January 19 – The High Republic Adventures: Galactic Bake-Off Spectacular
A new heartwarming one-shot in the High Republic era debuts this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Lightsabers and Jedi robes are put aside in favor of whisks and aprons as the two competitors bake Master Yoda’s special pastry recipe. But the recipe requires one extra special ingredient: a story! “Buckets of Blood” and Kantam recount the tale of an epic battle as they whisk away, both hoping to win the prize of Padawan approval.”
January 19 – The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 4
The Book of Boba Fett continues with Chapter 4 this month.
January 25 – Star Wars Adventures: Ghosts of Vader’s Castle trade paperback
Cavan Scott’s five-part comic series for IDW Publishing is collected in this new trade paperback. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Join Lina, Milo Graf, and Crater for one last adventure to Vader’s Castle! Perfect for middle-grade readers, these fun, but eerie and horror-packed tales, take you through the creepy side of the Star Wars galaxy. The ghosts of Vader’s Castle are haunting everybody’s dreams! First, Milo has been having nightmares about zombie droids, with a special appearance by Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, and Jar Jar Binks. Then, Lina runs into Jaxxon, who reveals that he, too, has been having troubling dreams of vicious Wookies [sic] bigger than mountains! Plus, catch up with Hudd and Skritt as Hudd deals with dreams concerning the Spirit of the Swamp, a gilled monster that terrorizes Dagobah! But Lina isn’t immune to the nightmares either, as her dreams are visited by the galaxy’s most threatening villain! In the finale, Lina, Hudd, Skritt, and Jaxxon race to Mustafar to save Milo and Crater. Will the group be able to fight the ghosts that still haunt the castle, or will the galaxy forever be bound to suffer from the wrath of the Ghosts of Vader’s Castle?! Ghosts of Vader’s Castle finishes the saga started in Tales of Vader’s Castle and Return to Vader’s Castle.”
January 26 – The High Republic: Trail of Shadows 4
Daniel Jose Older’s mystery/thriller series set in The High Republic has impressed so far, and we can’t wait until the 4th issue hits comic stands later this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SOLVE THE GREATEST MYSTERY OF THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE JEDI! As pressure mounts, EMERICK and SIAN follow a desperate lead to close in on their suspect! A sentimental mistake may tip the balance, but a creeping horror lurks in the shadows… Can the investigators uncover the NIHIL’S secret weapon before it’s used to bring down THE REPUBLIC?”
January 26 – The Book of Boba Fett Chapter 5
The Book of Boba Fett continues with Chapter 5 this month.
Images courtesy of Disney-Lucasfilm Press, Insight Editions, Lucasfilm, Disney+, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, Viz Media, Golden Books, and Del Rey