By George Bate & Josh Bate
Star Wars came to San Diego Comic-Con today with the Lucasfilm Publishing: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away…Panel. Lucasfilm Publishing Creative Director Michael Siglain was joined onstage by authors Delilah S. Dawson, Justina Ireland, E.K. Johnston, George Mann, Cavan Scott, Charles Soule and man of a thousand voices Marc Thompson to discuss a range of upcoming Star Wars projects. Here’s a breakdown of all the reveals from the panel.
The High Republic
The High Republic: Escape from Valo, a new middle grand novel by Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong, was discussed at the panel. The book will release on January 30, 2024 as part of The High Republic’s Phase III. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Journey to the embattled Occlusion Zone in this action-packed adventure set hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga. It’s a dark and dangerous time for the galaxy in which communication has been rendered nearly impossible in the Outer Rim as the Nihil continue to threaten the Republic’s very existence. Join Jedi Padawans—including Ram Jomaram—as they plot their escape from enemy territory. Discover how the devotion of hopeful young Padawans will prove essential to the Republic’s—and the galaxy’s—survival.”
Take a look at the beautiful cover art by Petur Atli Antonsson below.
Cover art was also revealed for an upcoming young-adult novel by Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton titled The High Republic: Defy the Storm. The book will release on March 12, 2024 as part of The High Republic’s Phase III. The publisher’s summary for the book is as follows: “One year after the fall of Starlight Beacon, the galaxy is in chaos. An anarchistic group known as the Nihil has taken over a section of space now known as the Occlusion Zone. Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh and scientist Avon Starros team up in an attempt to find a way through the Nihil Stormwall to save those on the other side. But what are the Nihil’s real plans? And what of the nameless creatures that can destroy the Jedi Order? The battle has just begun….”
Also revealed was the cover art for the first issue of the latest Marvel Comics’ High Republic comic series. Cavan Scott writes the series again after previously covering The High Republic comic for Marvel Comics in Phases I and II.
The four issue comic series The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight launches on October 4, 2023. Written by Charles Soule, the publisher’s summary for the first issue is as follows: “WHO LIVED? WHO DIED? ANSWERS TO THE GREATEST CATASTROPHE OF THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE JEDI! Little has been revealed about the year following the fall of STARLIGHT BEACON and the ultimate triumph of THE NIHIL…until now! THE JEDI COUNCIL, reeling from its losses, has recalled its JEDI KNIGHTS from across the galaxy and instituted the emergency measures. MASTER YODA has a plan to save the Order and the galaxy, but he must touch the dark side to achieve it…and the consequences will be grave indeed.”
The cover art of the first two issues of Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures from Dark Horse Comics can be seen below.
Fans of the High Republic can rejoice as The High Republic Character Encyclopedia arrives November 9, 2023 in the UK and December 5, 2023 in the US. The new reference book is written by Megan Crouse and Amy Richau. Cover art by Phil Noto and interior spreads can be viewed below.
Dark Droids
Dark Droids is an upcoming crossover event that is written by Charles Soule. The first issue debuts August 2, 2023 as the series also intersects with Bounty Hunters, Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra, and Star Wars. Interior spreads of Dark Droids 1 were revealed at the panel and can be seen below.
Marc Guggenheim pens a miniseries titled Dark Droids: D-Squad that kicks off on September 20, 2023. Interior spreads of the first issue can be seen below.
Dawn of Rebellion
Finally, the return of the beloved DK visual guides to the world of Star Wars. Pablo Hidalgo and Emily Shkoukani are the authors behind the latest reference guide, which covers Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, and seemingly The Bad Batch. Cover art and interior spreads can be seen below.
Tales from the Death Star
Cavan Scott is writing a horror-influenced graphic novel published by Dark Horse Comics. Released on September 26, 2023, the publisher’ summary is as follows: “Even scattered and destroyed, the ruins of the Death Star are a sinister place. From the destruction of Alderaan to the shadow of the Forest Moon, alien creatures, phantom star ships, [sic] deadly artifacts, and vengeful spirits all stalk the halls of the infamous space station, as writer Cavan Scott (Tales from the Rancor Pit, Star Wars: The High Republic) and an all-star team of artists (Eric Powell, Soo Lee, Vincenzo Riccardi, Ingo Roemling, [sic] & Juan Samu) reveal the hidden evils that lurked within charred remains of the ultimate firepower in the universe.” Check out some interior spreads below.
