By George Bate, Josh Bate, & Julie Catherine
Spooky season is upon us, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some fun to be had in a galaxy far, far away. Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of October. It is important to note that all of these release dates are subject to change.
October 3 – Ahsoka – Part 8
The final episode of Ahsoka’s (hopefully) first season premieres on Disney+ in early October.
October 3 – Star Wars Insider 221
Check out the latest issue of Star Wars Insider this month! The publisher’s summary is as follows: “This issue of Insider, we celebrate the space moms and mother figures of Star Wars by exploring the trials, tribulations, and sacrifices they made for their (sometimes ungrateful – we’re looking at you, Ben Solo!) younglings.
Insider went behind the scenes of Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023’s LIVE! Stream to discover how the Lucasfilm Online team put on such an entertaining show. We also talk to designers of Kenner’s original toy line and its revival in the form of Hasbro’s Retro Collection. But that’s not all: Industrial Light & Magic legends Dennis Muren and Ken Ralston tell us about their work on Return of the Jedi, while Skywalker Sound’s David Collins talks about galactic soundscapes of the modern era, and The High Republic author Tessa Gratton reveals her Star Wars story.
Plus, “Lost in the Woods,” an all-new and exclusive original trilogy story from S.T. Bende!”
October 4 – Bounty Hunters 39
Durge and Valance square off in the newest issue of Ethan Sacks’ exciting series. The publisher’s summary for issue 39 is as follows: “SCOURGE OF THE CYBORG! – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN! Turned into a mindless killing machine, VALANCE is out to eliminate his former crew! Do BOSSK and ZUCKUSS stand a chance? Can even the mighty DURGE stop him? And TARR KLIGSON’S SECRET PLAN is finally revealed!”
October 4 – Darth Vader 39
Greg Pak’s stunning Darth Vader series unfolds with another issue this October. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE CRUCIBLE OF HATE – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN! The DROID SCOURGE takes over one of DARTH VADER’S closest allies — and seizes one of MUSTAFAR’S greatest weapons! To survive, Vader must finally reclaim his control over THE FORCE by exploring his deepest hatred. Featuring the answer to the terrifying question: Who does Vader hate more than anyone else in the galaxy?”
October 4 – The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 1
At last, we finally find out what happened after the destruction of Starlight Beacon in The High Republic’s Phase I. The publisher’s summary for the first issue of a new comic series (which ominous happens to have the initials SOS) 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.”
October 10 – Crimson Climb
E.K. Johnston pens a new story about Qi’ra during her time with Crimson Dawn. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “New York Times bestselling author E. K. Johnston, author of the Queens series starring Padmé Amidala, brings fans an untold story about Qi’ra, portrayed by Emilia Clarke in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Not everyone gets to be the hero.
Qi’ra listened to the dreams and promises of a boy with a reckless smile, only to be torn away from him and returned to the White Worms gang while Han made his way to freedom. Now freedom seems like a luxury she can’t afford while she concentrates on survival and despairs of ever leaving Corellia. But her fortunes seem to turn when a representative of the crime syndicate Crimson Dawn plucks Qi’ra from captivity and brings her to the syndicate’s leader, the mysterious and mercurial Dryden Vos. Vos offers Qi’ra an opportunity she’s never had before: the chance to build something resembling a comfortable life if she can prove her worth to his organization. With failure meaning certain death, Qi’ra knows she must immerse herself in the merciless, murderous world of Crimson Dawn. What she doesn’t know is just who she will be if she survives….”
October 10 – Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 7 – Unbound Force
This paperback compiles issues 33-36 of Greg Pak’s Darth Vader series (an issue #3 of the 2015 Darth Vader series!). The publisher’s summary is as follows: “When the Dark Lord of the Sith loses control of the Force, nothing is safe – not even his own 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? According to the Jedi, fear leads to anger and anger leads to hate. But does hate lead to suffering…or power? Caught in a maelstrom, Sabé must finally confront the horrifying consequences of her choice to serve Darth Vader. Will she choose darkness over light?
Are things so bad for Vader that he would reach out to his one-time ally Doctor Aphra for help? And where Aphra goes, will the killer droids Triple-Zero and Beetee follow?”
October 10 – Star Wars: The Ultimate Cookbook
Insight Editions always nails it with their cookbooks, and the latest is no exception. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “he most exciting Star Wars cookbook yet has arrived! Discover more than 80 recipes inspired by all corners of the Star Wars galaxy including the Skywalker Saga, novels, comics, and beyond.
Following his culinary journeys in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook and Star Wars: The Life Day Cookbook, the galaxy’s most adventurous chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs returns with his latest and greatest collection of delicious recipes to date, drawn from across the galaxy!
Featuring over 80 recipes from nearly every corner of the Star Wars galaxy, this cookbook includes dishes inspired by films, television shows, theme park attractions, novels, comics, video games, and beyond. Great for chefs of any skill level, these recipes offer an immersive experience for Star Wars fans who want to bring galactic adventures into their kitchen, making this book a true must-have.
OWN THE NEWEST STAR WARS COOKBOOK EVER: Inspired by Star Wars storytelling from the films to the comics to everything in between, this cookbook includes dishes inspired by the films, television shows, theme park attractions, novels, comics, video games, and beyond.
80+ RECIPES: Cookie’s latest transmission is also his most mouthwatering, with more than 80 recipes, including appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks.
PERFECT FOR SKILLED CHEFS AND BEGINNERS ALIKE: Great for chefs of any skill level, these recipes offer an immersive experience for Star Wars fans who want to bring galactic adventures into their kitchen, making this book a true must-have.
EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION: This cookbook joins Insight Editions’ line of fan-favorite Star Wars cookbooks, including Star Wars: The Padawan Cookbook, Star Wars: The Life Day Cookbook, Star Wars: Galactic Baking, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook.”
October 10 – The High Republic: Jedi Brave in Every Way
Rosemary and Charles Soule write this new High Republic book illustrated by Valerie Valdivia. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Learn how to be Jedi brave with Yoda and Burryaga! Beloved Jedi Master Yoda teaches Jedi Younglings and Padawans of every species, including fan-favorite Wookiee Burryaga, to overcome their fears in this timeless tale for children. Set in the era of the High Republic, this beautifully-illustrated book teaches empowering lessons through the lens of familiar, lovable characters.”
October 11 – Dark Droids 3
Celebrate the Halloween season with the latest issue of this horror comic series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE SCOURGE DESCENDS ON MUSTAFAR! A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN! For the evil intelligence taking over droids across the galaxy, there is no greater prize than THE FORCE. And who better to steal it from than a being who is more machine than man……DARTH VADER!”
October 11 – The Mandalorian Season 2 #5
Relive Chapter 13: The Jedi of The Mandalorian with this new comic from writer Rodney Barnes and illustrator Steven Cummings. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE JEDI! THE MANDALORIAN journeys to a world ruled by a cruel magistrate who has made a powerful enemy. Featuring JEDI MASTER AHSOKA!”
October 17 – Star Wars: The High Republic Phase I Omnibus
This omnibus collection compiles issues 1-15 of Cavan Scott’s The High Republic comic, issues 1-2 of The High Republic: Eye of the Storm by Charles Soule, and all five issues of Daniel Jose Older’s The High Republic: Trail of Shadows. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The start of a bold new era in Star Wars, collected in an omnibus for the first time! The High Republic begins here!
A new era of Star Wars storytelling! Centuries before the Empire and the Skywalker Saga, the Jedi of Starlight Beacon — including Masters Avar Kriss and Sskeer, and young Padawan Keeve Trennis — protect the galaxy as republic pioneers push out into new territories. But soon they must join forces with their deadliest enemy to face the onslaught of the unstoppable Drengir horde! But who—or what—is the Great Progenitor? And what nameless terror will be unleashed by the dreaded Nihil?
Plus: Marchion Ro — the Eye of the Nihil — reveals the source of the Jedi’s greatest fear! And Jedi Investigator Emerick Caphtor uncovers a mystery that will change the golden era of the High Republic forever!”
October 17 – Tales from the Death Star
Cavan Scott writes this spooky Star Wars graphic novel releasing this October. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “”That’s no moon…”
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, & Juan Samu) reveal the hidden evils that lurked within charred remains of the ultimate firepower in the universe.”
October 17 – Meet the Galactic Heroes
Young readers can enjoy a galaxy far, far away with this new book from Disney-Lucasfilm Press. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The ‘This is’ line of World of Reading early readers is designed to offer reluctant readers books they will want to read by featuring the origin stories of characters they love.
Young fans and reluctant readers can get to know the most iconic Jedi from the Star Wars Saga in this five-story bind-up of level 1 readers. Featuring a vibrant illustration style from the celebrated Galaxy of Adventures animation short [sic] (with over 3 million views on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel), this bind-up includes five stories about Luke, Rey, Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Anakin.
Padawans learning to read will love this introductory approach to the Force.”
October 18 – Obi-Wan Kenobi 2
Writer Jody Houser and illustrator Salvador Larroca breathe new life into the Obi-Wan Kenobi series with their comic adaptation. The publisher’s summary of the upcoming second issue is as follows: “MISSION: SAVE YOUNG LEIA ORGANA! THE INQUISITORS are on the hunt for JEDI… On a dangerous crime-ridden world, OBI-WAN becomes a target. Can Obi-Wan save PRINCESS LEIA without THE EMPIRE realizing he’s alive?”
October 18 – Star Wars 39
Charles Soule’ mainline series continues this month. The publisher’s summary for the latest issue is as follows: “DROID DEATH TRAP! – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN! LANDO CALRISSIAN has finally gotten his hands on the ancient droid with the ability to save his old friend LOBOT from certain death. But before that can happen, they must escape JABBA THE HUTT’S PALACE on TATOOINE, which is swarming with evil droids hungry……for droid blood!”
October 24 – 4 new additions in The Essential Legends Collection
Four new additions to Del Rey’s Essential Legends Collection arrive this month: The Courtship of Princess Leia; I, Jedi; The Old Republic: Annihilation; and Republic Commando: True Colors.
October 25 – Dark Droids: D-Squad 2
This Dark Droids mini-series continues this month from writer Marc Guggenheim and illustrator Salva Espin. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE BATTLE OF THE CIRCUITRY! R2 VS. BT! 000 VS. IG-88! A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN! ARTOO’S adventure across the galaxy to rescue his friend SEE-THREEPIO continues! But does Artoo need rescuing himself? Guest-starring 000, IG-88 and 4-LOM!”
October 25 – Doctor Aphra 37
Can’t wrong with Alyssa Wong and Star Wars. Here’s the publisher’s summary for the latest issue of their Aphra series: “THE SHIP IS ALIVE!! – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN! DOCTOR APHRA and DOMINA TAGGE fight for their lives aboard a battleship that anticipates their every move! Meanwhile, MAGNA TOLVAN faces horrors that will change her forever!”
October 31 – Star Wars Legends: The Empire Omnibus Vol. 2
This new omnibus collects a range of Legends series originally published in The Empire Vol. 3, Vol. 4., and Vol. 5. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The galaxy’s darkest days are here! In the months after Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader continues his relentless pursuit of the surviving Jedi. But between Dass Jennir’s smuggling crew, a veritable army of assassins and the Emperor’s own sinister plans, will Vader’s ruthlessness be enough to keep him intact? Then join C-3PO and R2-D2’s search for a new master as they face pirates, monsters and evil droids! Plus: the earliest adventures of young Han Solo and Lando Calrissian (including the acquisition of a certain starship), and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s time on Tatooine!”
October 31 – Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures — The Monster of Temple Peak and Other Stories
Cavan Scott’s comic book series is collected in this new trade paperback. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Ty Yorrick is a brave yet superstitious monster hunter, traversing the galaxy with droid companion KL-03 and her trusty rune-stones fighting the deadliest monsters on any world.
After dealing with an escaped Drewen being transported to the Republic Fair, Ty heads to Loreth, where local pioneers have tasked her with taking on the fearsome Gretalax that terrorizes them. She takes the mission but can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss with The Force.
Follow former Jedi turned saber-for-hire monster hunter Ty Yorrick in her first comics appearance from Phase I of Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures by Cavan Scott and Rachel Stott. This volume collects issue 1 through 4 of Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures: The Monster of Temple Peak! This volume also features Phase I short stories by Daniel José Older, Charles Soule, Claudia Grey, and Justin Ireland, with art by Sam Beck, Jason Loo, Yael Nathan, Jesse Lonergan, and Stefano Simeone!”
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in October 2023 without descriptions is included below:
October 3 – Ahsoka – Part 8
October 3 – Star Wars: Galaxy of Stickers: The Dark Side
October 3 – Star Wars Insider 221
October 4 – Bounty Hunters 39
October 4 – Darth Vader 39
October 4 – The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 1
October 10 – Crimson Climb
October 10 – Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 7 – Unbound Force
October 10 – Star Wars: The Ultimate Cookbook
October 10 – The High Republic: Jedi Brave in Every Way
October 11 – Dark Droids 3
October 11 – The Mandalorian Season 2 #5
October 17 – Star Wars: The High Republic Phase I Omnibus
October 17 – Tales from the Death Star
October 17 – Meet the Galactic Heroes
October 18 – Obi-Wan Kenobi 2
October 18 – Star Wars 39
October 24 – The Essential Legends Collection: Courtship of Princess Leia; I, Jedi; The Old Republic: Annihilation ; Republic Commando: True Colors
October 25 – Dark Droids: D-Squad 2
October 25 – Doctor Aphra 37
October 31 – Star Wars Legends: The Empire Omnibus Vol. 2
October 31 – Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures — The Monster of Temple Peak and Other Stories