By George Bate, Julie Catherine, & Josh Bate
London’s calling this month as Star Wars Celebration Europe kicks into gear! Accompanying the epic Star Wars convention this April are multiple episodes of The Mandalorian, a video game sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order, a High Republic novel, and more. Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of April. It is important to note all of these release dates are subject to change.
April 4 – The High Republic: Cataclysm
Our most anticipated Star Wars novel of 2023 comes from Lydia Kang and releases this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “After the thrilling events of The High Republic: Convergence, the Jedi race to confront the Path of the Open Hand and end the Forever War. After five years of conflict, the planets Eiram and E’ronoh are on the cusp of real peace. But when news breaks of a disaster at the treaty signing on Jedha, violence reignites on the beleaguered worlds. Together, the royal heirs of both planets—Phan-tu Zenn and Xiri A’lbaran—working alongside the Jedi, have uncovered evidence that the conflict is being orchestrated by outside forces, and all signs point to the mysterious Path of the Open Hand, whom the Jedi also suspect of causing the disaster on Jedha. With time—and answers—in short supply, the Jedi must divide their focus between helping quell the renewed violence on Eiram and E’ronoh and investigating the Path. Among them is Gella Nattai, who turns to the one person she believes can unravel the mystery but the last person she wants to trust: Axel Greylark. The chancellor’s son, imprisoned for his crimes, has always sought to unburden himself of the weight of his family name. Will he reconcile with the Jedi and aid in their quest for justice and peace, or embrace the Path’s promise of true freedom? As all roads lead to Dalna, Gella and her allies prepare to take on a foe unlike any they’ve ever faced. And it will take all of their trust in the Force, and in one another, to survive.”
April 4 – The High Republic: Quest for Planet X
Tessa Gratton pens this new High Republic adventure for younger readers. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A trio of adventure-seekers set off to find the legendary Planet X and save the galaxy as they know it! Despite rumors of conflict between the Jedi and the Path of the Open Hand, two of the Republic’s most powerful prospecting families announce a contest to chart new hyperlanes. Under the guise of joining the competition, Dass Leffbruk and Sky Graf recruit Jedi padawan Rooper Nitani, only to reveal their real plan: find the mysterious and legendary Planet X. The trio’s quest takes an unexpected turn when they meet members of the Path of the Open Hand, forcing the heroes to put their goals aside to help the Jedi—and the galaxy—before it’s too late.”
April 4 – The High Republic Phase I YA Paperback Box Set
This new box set features three High Republic young adult novels from Phase I – Into the Dark by Claudia Gray, Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland, and Midnight Horizon by Daniel Jose Older.
April 4 – Star Wars in 100 Objects
Kristin Baver has written this illuminating guide to 100 objects that capture the real-life technical achievements and creativity within the Star Wars saga. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “From Darth Vader’s mask, the Skywalker lightsaber, and Padmé’s magnificent robes, to a Tusken gaffi stick and a clone trooper’s helmet, each artifact is a key, unlocking troves of insight into the making of Star Wars. Go behind the scenes of the epic movie franchise and discover the real-life objects that inspired modelers to devise these – and many more – wonderful prop artifacts, and also how they impacted key characters and events. Full-color images illustrate each entry, while the accompanying essay by Star Wars authority Kristin Baver explores the creation and resonance of each piece. With exclusive access to Lucasfilm’s archives, Star Wars in 100 Objects is a unique way to experience the richness of the timeless Star Wars saga.”
April 5 – Hidden Empire 5
The fifth and final issue of Charles Soule’s fantastic Qi’ra comic hits comic stores this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “CHAOS REIGNS! The epic conclusion to the trilogy begun with WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS and CRIMSON REIGN! At last, Qi’ra will reveal herself to the Sith. At last, she will have her revenge.”
April 5 – Star Wars (2020) 33
Luke Skywalker takes the spotlight in the next issue of Charles Soule’s main line series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “UNTETHERED! Luke Skywalker’s connection to the Force has been disrupted; one of his most powerful tools in his journey to become a Jedi is gone. He must undertake an epic quest to find what he has lost…or he, and the galaxy, will fall to darkness.”
April 5 – The Mandalorian – Season 3 Chapter 22
The adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu continue to unfold this month.
April 7 – April 10 – Star Wars Celebration Europe
This is what all Star Wars fans have been waiting for! Star Wars Celebration Europe, a sprawling four-day event tailor made for fans of a galaxy far, far away, takes place in London this month. Stay tuned to Star Wars Holocron and The HoloFiles for live updates of all the major panels.
April 12 – Bounty Hunters 33
Characters from Star Wars: Battlefront II appear in the newest issue of Ethan Sacks’ comic.
April 12 – The Mandalorian – Season 3 Chapter 23
The penultimate episode of The Mandalorian’s third season hits Disney+ this month.
April 12 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 30
Alyssa Wong’s fantastic Aphra series continues this month. The publisher’s summary for the latest issue is as follows: “SHATTER! THE CONCLUSION OF THE BATTLE FOR THE SPARK ETERNAL! As DOCTOR APHRA fights for her life, she faces a dire question: Even IF she triumphs over the Spark, will there be enough left of Aphra to piece herself back together?”
April 12 – Return of the Jedi – Ewoks 1
Alyssa Wong is also behind a new one-shot comic debuting this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “TALES OF THE EWOKS! On the moon of Endor occupied by the species called Ewoks, a group of these stout creatures has gathered around the fire to recount tales of triumph, defeat…and horror! In the art-forward manner of storytelling, watch an eclectic group of artists interpret the stories from the unique minds of Ewoks in a manner only they can envision! This can’t-miss issue for STAR WARS fans of mirth, merriment and artistry is the book you’ve been craving!”
April 12 – The High Republic (2022) 8
Explore the golden age of the Jedi in the latest issue of Cavan Scott’s Marvel comic series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “TERROR ON THE DUNES OF BLOOD! One Jedi lies dying in Jedha’s frozen desert, and another is missing. Can Vildar, Matty and Tey escape the siege of Enlightenment in time to save them both? And all the time, the Leveler waits in the shadows, desperate to feed. Plus, the identities of the mysterious raiders are revealed.”
April 12 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 4
Daniel Jose Older and Dark Horse Comics team up for another High Republic adventure. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Undercover Padawan Sav Malágan and pirate queen Maz Kanata have been working feverishly to uncover the plot of the Dank Graks, but when they finally discover the full extent of the conspiracy, it may already be too late, and the fate of the Republic itself may hang in the balance! Can they save their friends and stop the evil plot in time?”
April 19 – Sana Starros 3
Justina Ireland is writing a solo Sana Starros series, with the third issue releasing this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “PARTY CRASHERS! Sana has just run into one of the roughest bounty hunters in the galaxy: DEVA LOMPOP! But what does she want with Sana? And why is Sana on a RANCOR?!”
April 19 – The Mandalorian – Season 3 Chapter 24
The final episode of The Mandalorian’s third season debuts mid-April on Disney+.
April 19 – The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror 2
George Mann continues to explore the Path of the Open Hand and their conflict with the Jedi in his new comic. The publisher’s summary for the latest issue is as follows: “After the attack by the Path of the Open Hand, the Jedi mission to Dalna recuperate aboard the crashed spaceship. But they are far from alone. Stalked by both Path disciples and a Nameless evil, the trapped Jedi knights enact a desperate plan to escape. But how will the defenders of the Republic fare against a monster that feeds off of the Force itself?”
April 19 – Yoda 6
Featuring amazing cover art by Phil Noto, Jody Houser’s Yoda series for Marvel has a new issue out this April. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “DARK VISIONS! A fearful vision has infected the students at the Jedi Temple, leading to a violent confrontation that could spell doom for the would-be Jedi. Will Yoda sense the danger in time, or will he lose one of his students forever?”
April 25 – The Essential Legends Collection – Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void, Republic Commando: Hard Contact, & Yoda: Dark Rendezvous
Three Legends books are re-released as part of Del Rey’s Essential Legends collection this month.
April 25 – Return of the Jedi: A Collector’s Classic Board Book
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi with this new picture book by Al Williamson that adapts the events of the film.
April 25 – Star Wars: Timelines
At last…a definitive timeline of the Star Wars galaxy debuts this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Chart the history of Star Wars in this stunning guide, from the time before the High Republic to the First Order. An indispensable companion for all Star Wars fans, this premium quality book displays visual timelines that chronologically map key events, characters, and developments, and mark their significance. Track crucial conflicts across the years that affect the galaxy in profound ways. Follow the Skywalker lightsaber as it passes through the generations and witness the evolution of the iconic TIE fighter across different eras. Trace the movement of the Death Star plans over the years and uncover multiple branching timelines that break down important battles. See essential events at a glance arranged by era and drill down into details to discover major and minor events, key dates, and fascinating insights all chronologically arranged. Pore over intricate timelines on nearly every page.”
April 26 – Darth Vader (2020) 33
Greg Pak’s stunning Darth Vader series continues to explore the character Sabe from The Phantom Menace. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “UNBOUND FORCE – Part One! When the Dark Lord of the Sith loses control of the Force, nothing is safe – not even his own Executor-class Star Dreadnought. But in the face of total destruction, Commander Sabé finds an opportunity. Does Vader’s untrammeled onslaught expose a vulnerability? Or is it just another doorway to the terrifying tyranny of the Sith?”
April 26 – Darth Vader – Black, White & Red 1
Sporting a fantastic piece of cover art by Alex Maleev, this new Darth Vader series comes from writers Jason Aaron, Peach Momoko, and Torunn Grønbekk. The publisher’s summary for the debut issue is as follows: “THE DARK LORD OF THE SITH LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE! Following the successful Black, White & Red series produced by Marvel Comics, DARTH VADER now takes the spotlight for tales of terror by some of the industry’s most talented creators! PEACH MOMOKO will spin a story only she can bring to life! PLUS, the return of JASON AARON to the world of STAR WARS with Part One of his Vader tale spanning all four issues!”
April 26 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 31
Another issue of Alyssa Wong’s Aphra series hits stores this month.
April 26 – Hyperspace Stories 5
Delayed from last month, this new comic from Amanda Deibert tells a story set during the Clone Wars. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “From the darkest days of the Clone Wars, comes a tale of evil and intrigue. Dispatched by the nefarious Count Dooku, the Sith assassin Asajj Ventress stalks her prey from the Outer Rim all the way to the tranquil world of Naboo. But just what is her target? And can even the Jedi stand in her way?”
April 26 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 5
More High Republic adventures from Daniel Jose Older are in store this month!
April 26 – The High Republic Adventures: Quest of the Jedi
This new one-shot from Claudia Grey and Fico Ossio tells a story from the High Republic’s second phase.
April 28 – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Cal Kestis and the crew of the Mantis return in the highly anticipated sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in April 2023 without descriptions is included below:
April 4 – The High Republic: Cataclysm
April 4 – The High Republic: Quest for Planet X
April 4 – The High Republic Phase I YA Paperback Box Set
April 4 – Star Wars in 100 Objects
April 5 – Hidden Empire 5
April 5 – Star Wars (2020) 33
April 5 – The Mandalorian – Season 3 Chapter 22
April 7 – April 10 – Star Wars Celebration Europe
April 12 – Bounty Hunters 33
April 12 – The Mandalorian – Season 3 Chapter 23
April 12 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 30
April 12 – Return of the Jedi – Ewoks 1
April 12 – The High Republic (2022) 8
April 12 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 4
April 19 – Sana Starros 3
April 19 – The Mandalorian – Season 3 Chapter 24
April 19 – The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror 2
April 19 – Yoda 6
April 25 – Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void (The Essential Legends Collection)
April 25 – Republic Commando: Hard Contact (The Essential Legends Collection)
April 25 – Yoda: Dark Rendezvous (The Essential Legends Collection)
April 25 – Return of the Jedi: A Collector’s Classic Board Book
April 25 – Star Wars: Timelines to be published in the United States.
April 26 – Darth Vader (2020) 33
April 26 – Darth Vader – Black, White & Red 1
April 26 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 31 April v26 – Hyperspace Stories 5
April 26 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 5
April 26 – The High Republic Adventures: Quest of the Jedi
April 28 – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor