By George Bate & Josh Reilly B.
May the 4th be with you! This May features an array of exciting new Star Wars comics, two new television series, and so much more. Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of May. It is important to note all of these release dates are subject to change.
May 2 – The High Republic: Path of Vengeance
Marda Ro stars in this new High Republic young adult novel by Cavan Scott. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “This enthralling follow up to Path of Deceit finds cousins Marda and Yana Ro bound by blood but driven apart by faith. Marda and Yana belong to the Path of the Open Hand, a group led by a charismatic woman called the Mother, which believes the Force must not be used by anyone. While Marda joins a perilous expedition to Planet X in search of more mysterious creatures to use against the Jedi, Yana finds herself forming an unexpected alliance with the father of her dead lover in attempt to wrest the Path from the Mother’s control. These two young women will face a crossroads, forced to choose not only their own fates, but that of the galaxy itself.”
May 2 – Star Wars: The High Republic Phase II Vol. 1 – Balance of the Force
Issues 1-5 of Cavan Scott’s The High Republic comic series for Marvel are collected in this new trade paperback.
May 2 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian Vol. 2 — Season One Part Two
The second half of Rodney Barnes’ comic book adaptation of The Mandalorian is compiled in this paperback collection.
May 2 – Young Jedi Adventures: Jedi Training
Caitlin Kennedy pens a picture book to tie-in with the new Star Wars animated series for preschoolers. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Tied to the very first full-length animated Star Wars series created for preschoolers and their families, set in the exciting new era of the High Republic! Join youngling Kai Brightstar and his best friends, Lys and Nubs, on Tenoo as they learn the way of the Force and train to become Jedi Knights! Featuring concept art that inspired the style for the series and filled with empowering messages about teamwork and the importance of helping others, young readers will find the adventure and heart they can only get in a galaxy far, far away.”
May 2 – Star Wars Insider 218
Make sure to check out the latest issue of Star Wars Insider this month!
May 3 – Darth Vader (2020) 33
With excellent cover art from Leinil Francis Yu, Greg Pak’s Darth Vader comic series continues this month. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 33rd issue 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?”
May 3 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 31
Alyssa Wong excels writing Doctor Aphra in this enthralling Marvel comic series. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 31st issue is as follows: “THE PARTING GLANCE! Is this the end of the line for former allies APHRA and TOLVAN? DARTH VADER’S least favorite archaeologist must face a cold hard truth that will shake her to her core!!! Can she forgive herself for the chaos she’s about to unleash upon the galaxy?”
May 3 – Return of the Jedi – Lando 1
Lando stars in this one-shot to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi. The publisher’s summary from the new comic written by Stephanie Phillips is as follows: “LANDO AND CHEWIE ANTE UP TO SAVE THE GALAXY! When Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca find themselves on a perilous mission to steal from Jabba himself, a dangerous figure from Lando’s past threatens their plans and their lives. Chewie finds that putting his trust in Calrissian is a gamble that just might pay off, as Lando calls on his skills as a smuggler to make it out alive. Part of a series of one-shots celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi, this story by Stephanie Phillips (COSMIC GHOST RIDER, ROGUE & GAMBIT) and Álvaro López (CAPTAIN MARVEL) bring you a new, high-stakes adventure with some of Star Wars’ most beloved characters.”
May 3 – Star Wars (2020) 34
Charles Soule’s series ties into Hidden Empire in this new issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE BROKEN SABER OF SKYWALKER! LUKE SKYWALKER searches for one of the rarest substances in the galaxy…KYBER – the living crystal that powers LIGHTSABERS! Does it hold the answer to the unpredictable thing the Force has become (see HIDDEN EMPIRE #5!)? What long-lost secret is he about to uncover?”
May 3 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 4
Maz Kanata guest stars in this High Republic era comic from Dark Horse Comics. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Undercover Padawan Sav Malágan [sic] 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?”
May 3 – The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror 3
George Mann’s High Republic era series continues this month with its third issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “In a desperate bid to escape the Nameless, the Jedi pathfinders form an unlikely alliance with the disciples of the Path, and the two groups venture down into the depths of the ruined spaceship. As they descend down toward the engines, old tensions begin to flare, and the Jedi discover they have more than a single monster to fear in the darkness.”
May 3 – Yoda 7
General Grievous and Yoda go head-to-head in Marc Guggenheim’s latest comic. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “YODA VS. GENERAL GRIEVOUS…TO THE DEATH! The start of a new arc set during the tumultuous CLONE WARS! The Separatists have a powerful new weapon that can change the course of the war! Can Yoda and Anakin Skywalker discover the secret of the weapon in time?”
May 4 – Star Wars: Visions Volume 2
Volume 2 of the acclaimed Star Wars: Visions series debuts this May the 4th. Check out our reaction below!
May 4 – Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
May the 4th also sees another series debut on DIsney+ and Disney Junior. Set during the High Republic, this series is aimed at a younger audience and features some adorable new Jedi.
May 6 – The High Republic Adventures Free Comic Book Day 2023
Writer Daniel Jose Older and artist Harvey Tolibao deliver this new Lula Talisola-focused comic for Free Comic Book Day 2023.
May 10 – Darth Vader (2020) 34
Vader fans are feasting this month with two issues of Greg Pak’s series. The publisher’s summary for the 34th issue is as follows: “UNBOUND FORCE – Part TWO! According to the JEDI, fear leads to anger, and anger leads to hate. But does hate lead to suffering…or power? As DARTH VADER’S Force abilities spiral out of control, his lieutenant Sabé is caught in the maelstrom – and finally must confront the horrifying consequences of her choice to serve him. Will she choose darkness over light?”
May 10 – The High Republic (2022) 9
The Leveler has haunted the pages of various High Republic stories so far, and makes it presence known again in the latest issue of Cavan Scott and Ario Anindito’s comic.
May 10 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 5
Catch up with Jedi Padawan Sav Malagan and the infamous Maz Kanata in another Dark Horse comic.
May 17 – Bounty Hunters 34
Inferno Squad from Battlefront II co-star in the latest issue of Ethan Sacks’ comic. The publisher’s summary for the 34th issue is as follows: “INFERNO SQUAD TAKES THE SHOT! The BOUNTY HUNTERS must take on the INFERNO SQUAD head-on! This is the final fight of the Bounty Hunters as you know them! The fallout will shake the lineup to its core… Who STAYS? Who GOES? Who JOINS?”
May 17 – The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror 4
The fourth and final issue of George Mann’s comic series is also set to debut this month.
May 23 – The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Precedent
A young Wookiee Jedi and the Path of the Open Hand feature in this manga from Tomio Ogata from a story by Daniel Jose Older.
May 23 – Star Wars Vol. 5: The Path to Victory
Catch up with Charles Soule’s comic series with issues 26-30.
May 24 – Darth Vader – Black, White & Red 2
More Darth Vader stories for the month of May, this time from writer Jason Aaron and artist Leonard Kirk.
May 24 – Hyperspace Stories 6
Han Solo and Greedo feature in this Dark Horse comic. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Long before his infamous run-in with Han Solo, Greedo was a rookie crook trying to rise through the ranks of Jabba the Hutt’s gangster organization. But his young ambitions are quickly derailed when a big deal goes south, and Greedo is set up to take the fall by Jabba’s latest romantic companion. Can Greedo make it out alive, or will he find himself the latest offering to Jabba’s pet Rancor!”
May 24 – The High Republic (2022) 10
The High Republic Phase 2 nears an end with Cavan Scott’s series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The LEVELER has been unleashed in a secret Jedi vault on JEDHA. Jedi Knight VILDAR MAC has risked everything to defeat the PATH OF THE OPEN HAND, but in the face of tragedy, can he resist the lure of the dark side? Jedha’s Battle for the Force reaches its epic conclusion!”
May 24 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 6
Daniel Jose Older writes this story following the Battle of Jedha.
May 30 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years Vol. 6
Issues 89-107 of the Star Wars (1977) series are compiled in this collection.
May 31 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 32
Luke and Aphra team up in the aftermath of Hidden Empire.
May 31 – Sana Starros 4
The publisher’s summary for the latest Justina Ireland comic is as follows: “DANGEROUS SIBLING RIVALRY! SANA must take on her brother PHEL or all is lost! But will it be DEVA LOMPOP who destroys the Starros family?”
May 31 – Hyperspace Stories 7
Last but not least, another Hyperspace Story arrives this month.
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in May 2023 without descriptions is included below:
May 2 – The High Republic: Path of Vengeance
May 2 – Star Wars: The High Republic Phase II Vol. 1 – Balance of the Force
May 2 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian Vol. 2 — Season One Part Two
May 2 – Young Jedi Adventures: Jedi Training
May 2 – Star Wars Insider 218
May 3 – Darth Vader (2020) 33
May 3 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 31
May 3 – Return of the Jedi – Lando 1
May 3 – Star Wars (2020) 34
May 3 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 4
May 3 – The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror 3
May 3 – Yoda 7
May 4 – Star Wars: Visions Volume 2
May 4 – Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
May 6 – The High Republic Adventures Free Comic Book Day 2023
May 10 – Darth Vader (2020) 34
May 10 – The High Republic (2022) 9
May 10 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 5
May 17 – Bounty Hunters 34
May 17 – The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror 4
May 23 – The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Precedent
May 23 – Star Wars Vol. 5: The Path to Victory
May 24 – Darth Vader – Black, White & Red 2
May 24 – Hyperspace Stories 6
May 24 – The High Republic (2022) 10
May 24 – The High Republic Adventures (2022) 6
May 30 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years Vol. 6
May 31 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 32
May 31 – Sana Starros 4
May 31 – Hyperspace Stories 7