By Josh Bate, Julie Catherine, and George Bate
Fresh off of the brilliant finale of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Star Wars universe moves forward with new comic books, novels, and more this summer. Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of July. It is important to note all of these release dates are subject to change.
July 6 – Halcyon Legacy 4
Ethan Sacks’ newest adventure aboard the Halcyon features Lando and Hondo.
July 12 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 7
This collection of Galactic Era Star Wars comics compiles Star Wars: Blood Ties (2010) #1-4; Star Wars: Blood Ties – Boba Fett Is Dead (2012) #1-4; Star Wars: Empire (2002) #1-4; Star Wars: Underworld – The Yavin Vassilika (2000) #1-5; Free Comic Book Day: Star Wars 2013; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #1-2, 6, 16.
July 12 – Star Wars: Be More Obi-Wan
What better way to follow up the terrific Disney+ series than to dive into this new book by Kelly Knox in the Star Wars: Be More… series. The publisher’s summary for the new book is as follows: “A fun, pocket-size book packed with inspiration from the galaxy’s most cool and composed Jedi Master. When times get tough, stay true to yourself – and be ready for anything life throws at you. The galaxy can be a stressful place. Complex modern technology has you lamenting for a long-ago civilized age. Your new house is less sandy beach villa, and more hive of villainy. And your friends weren’t the chosen ones you thought they were. It might be tempting to throw a tantrum – but luckily Obi-Wan Kenobi knows how to keep a cool head, even when he’s fighting in a roasting-hot lava field. Whether he’s dispensing pearls of wisdom, making noble sacrifices to keep others safe, or performing Jedi mind tricks on unsuspecting stormtroopers, Obi-Wan always maintains his integrity and keeps it classy. Featuring favorite moments from the Star Wars movies and animated TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, alongside hilarious advice and fitting quotes, Be More Obi-Wan is the perfect gift for family, friends, and colleagues. Obi-Wan’s wise words will have you pondering your life and finding a new approach – all with a splash of sarcasm, humour, and charm.”
July 13 – Bounty Hunters 25
The bounty hunters of Ethan Sacks’ Marvel comic series come face-to-face with the Knights of Ren in this new issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE KNIGHTS OF REN! Dengar is leading T’onga’s bounty hunter crew on a desperate attempt to break into the Crimson Dawn’s stronghold – and he’s also leading them into a trap! Meanwhile, Valance has found new purpose as Darth Vader’s secret weapon. But how far will he be willing to go to protect an Imperial officer from assassins?”
July 13 – The Mandalorian 1
The Mandalorian makes his comic debut in the first issue of the new series from Rodney Barnes. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “For the first time, THE MANDALORIAN arrives in comics! The Mandalorian bounty hunter tracks a target for a well-paying, mysterious client. Witness the introduction of Din Djarin and the first meeting between the Mandalorian and the Child!”
July 20 – Darth Vader 25
Greg Pak’s Darth Vader series continues this month. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 25th issue is as follows: “The Dark Lord of the Sith relentlessly tracks a corrupt Imperial governor. But is Vader still driven by his quest for order – or has his encounters with shades from the past awoken new motivations? Meanwhile, few figures in the galaxy are more different than Sabé, handmaiden of Padmé Amidala, and Ochi of Bestoon, assassin of the Sith. So when they’re forced to work together in Vader’s ambit and the knives inevitably come out, who’s still standing at the end? And what will that lonely soul have to say when Vader returns?”
July 20 – Han Solo & Chewbacca 4
The latest issue of Marc Guggenheim’s comic is told from the point of view of Chewbacca and features the character Krrsantan!
July 20 – Star Wars 25
Sporting some excellent cover art by Carlo Pagulayan, Charles Soule’s Star Wars 25 debuts this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A Celebration across the Galaxy for STAR WARS’ 25th issue! With stories set from the Prequel to the Sequel eras, experience new tales of OBI-WAN & ANAKIN, DARTH VADER, POE DAMERON and KYLO REN. Join Charles Soule, along with his previous artistic collaborators, for this era-spanning celebration!”
July 26 – Padawan
The new young-adult novel by Kiersten White and from Disney-Lucasfilm Press focuses on a padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “BEING A TEENAGER IS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT ALSO TRAINING TO BE A JEDI….Obi-Wan Kenobi has not been apprenticed long to Qui-Gon Jinn, and he is chafing at Qui-Gon’s training style: all meditation, no action. Obi-Wan yearns to prove himself on a mission, but when he and Qui-Gon are finally set to leave on an assignment, Qui-Gon is nowhere to be found. Angered by his master’s abandonment, Obi-Wan sets out on the mission alone, determined to prove himself. On a mysterious planet he encounters a pack of feral, Force-wielding teens who seem to be the planet’s only inhabitants. As he experiences wild freedom with them and wonders if this isn’t the life he was meant for, Obi-Wan can’t escape the nagging sense that something is wrong with the Force there. Growing attachments, startling revelations, and a looming threat to both the planet and his new friends will bring Obi-Wan face-to-face with his worst fear: that maybe he was never supposed to be a Jedi at all. Can he connect with the living Force in time to save himself and everyone around him? It’s the star of the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ limited series as you’ve never seen him before….”
July 27 – Doctor Aphra 22
Alyssa Wong’s excellent Aphra series continues this month. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 22nd issue is as follows: “Tainted by the SPARK ETERNAL, DOCTOR CHELLI APHRA is not herself! Trapped in her own mind, Aphra’s only hope for escape lies in her own memories… …but will she find a way out before the Spark consumes her completely?”
July 27 – Obi-Wan 3
Phil Noto provides some excellent cover art for the third issue of Christopher Cantwell’s Marvel comic series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE BATTLE OF ABRION BRIDGE! While continuing to wait out a nasty sandstorm on Tatooine, Obi-Wan reflects on one of his most grueling experiences in the Clone Wars…It’s a memory full of pain and bloodshed, and one that has lasting consequences. The battle also reminds Obi-Wan of an age-old question he has long wrestled with throughout his life: what is a Jedi’s true purpose in war?”
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in July without descriptions is included below:
July 6 – Halcyon Legacy 4
July 12 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 7
July 12 – Star Wars: Be More Obi-Wan
July 13 – Bounty Hunters 25
July 13 – The Mandalorian 1
July 20 – Darth Vader 25
July 20 – Han Solo & Chewbacca 4
July 20 – Star Wars 25
July 26 – Padawan
July 27 – Doctor Aphra 22
July 27 – Obi-Wan 3