By George Bate, Josh Bate, & Julie Catherine
Welcome in the holiday season with a number of new Star Wars releases that will surely make many fans’ Christmas wish lists this year. Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of December 2023. It is important to note that all of these release dates are subject to change.
December 5 – Star Wars: Dawn of Rebellion: The Visual Guide
Published last month in the U.K., this new visual guide from DK Publishing dives deeper into the era between Episodes III and IV. The publisher’s summary from the book written by Pablo Hidalgo and Emily Shkoukani is as follows: “The latest in DK’s Star Wars Visual Dictionary/Visual Guide series, featuring all the new Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor content, going behind the lines of the first rebels in their fight against the Empire.
Take a deep dive into a turbulent era of the Star Wars galaxy, connecting the Prequel and Original trilogies and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
For many years, the state of the galaxy between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope was a mystery to Star Wars fans. With the release of Star Wars Rebels and Rogue One, and more recently, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor, an exciting new era has begun to emerge—the Dawn of Rebellion.
Before Luke Skywalker ever picked up a lightsaber, the rebels were scattered and desperate bands of idealists, fighting their own battles against the might of the Empire. Victories were few, losses high, and danger ever-present. This Visual Guide charts this darkest of times, revealing all key characters, locations, vehicles, and weapons from the hit Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor. With exclusive new cross-section artwork.”
December 5 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The New Republic Vol. 7
This new trade paperback collects comic issues from the New Republic and New Jedi Order story arcs in Legends. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Tales from the New Republic in the Legends continuity of Star Wars!
Boba Fett is alive! And the deadly assignments he takes on next will prove that he’s still the galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter! Then, Luke Skywalker has established a new academy to train the next generation of Jedi Knights, and his students are given their first mission — ready or not — to stop an ancient evil on a distant mining colony! Plus: Luke is about to marry Mara Jade, once the Emperor’s greatest assassin — but threats from both sides arise to prevent their happy union! And after Chewbacca’s untimely death, his greatest friends, family and enemies share remembrances of an unlikely rebel’s heroic life!
COLLECTING: Star Wars: Boba Fett – Bounty on Bar-Kooda (1995) 1, Star Wars: Boba Fett – When the Fat Lady Swings (1996) 2, Star Wars: Boba Fett – Murder Most Foul (1997) 3, Star Wars: Boba Fett – Agent of Doom (2000) 1, Star Wars: Jedi Academy – Leviathan (1998) 1-4, Star Wars: The Mixed-Up Droid (1995) 1, Star Wars: Union (1999) 1-4, Star Wars: Chewbacca (2000) 1-4, material from Star Wars Tales (1999) 19.”
December 5 – Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Volume 2 (Phase II)
The Dark Horse Comics series from writer Daniel José Older and illustrator Toni Bruno wraps up a number of threads from The High Republic’s Phase II. Collecting issues 5-8 of The High Republic: Adventures, the publisher’s summary for this new collection is as follows: “The Battle of Jedha, the biggest event in the High Republic cross-platform initiative, reaches its climax in this stunning conclusion to Star Wars The High Republic Adventures, Phase II!
As the Jedi Order desperately tries to end the conflict that rages through the streets of the Holy City, Padawan Sav Malagan struggles to maintain her secret identity as she tries to free captain Maz Kanata from the clutches of the Dank Graks. As Arkik Von’s dark plan plays out, Sav will have to make the most difficult decision of her young life: duty to the Force, or loyalty to her friends?”
December 5 – Star Wars: The High Republic Character Encyclopedia
Also making its stateside debut this month is a new DK Character Encyclopedia highlighting characters of the High Republic era. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “ant to dive into The High Republic era of the Star Wars galaxy, but don’t know where to start? Look no further!
Centuries before the fall of Anakin Skywalker and rise of the Galactic Empire, the noble and wise Jedi Knights must face frightening new threats to themselves, the galaxy, and the Force itself! Meet the brave Jedi, ruthless Nihil marauders, cutthroat mercenaries, and evil monsters who call this era of the galaxy home.
Featuring more than 250 characters from The High Republic publishing initiative, this character encyclopedia is a perfect introduction to an exciting new era of Star Wars storytelling.”
December 6 – Dark Droids: D-Squad 4
It’s not too late to catch up with this exciting comic miniseries from writer Marc Guggenheim and illustrator Salva Espín. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming fourth issue is as follows: “INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT D-SQUAD! – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN!
The D-SQUAD’s mission takes them into the palace of JABBA THE HUTT!
R2-D2 and QT-KT take on the malevolent torture droid EV-9D9!
This issue ties directly into DARK DROIDS! Not to be missed!”
December 6 – The High Republic Adventures (2023) 1
Daniel José Older helps usher in the High Republic’s Phase III with a continuation of his Dark Horse Comics series. The publisher’s summary of the upcoming debut issue, with illustrations by Harvey Tolibao and Michael Atiyeh, is as follows: “”Out here at the edge of the war… death surrounds us.” It has been one year since the fall of Starlight. Padawan Lula Talisola and many others are missing and presumed dead. At the Almohaj Cantina, a Republican Outpost on the planet of Eriadu, Zeen mourns… and waits. When an intriguing transmission is received from Tartak Vil, a warlord on the remote moon of Bracront, Zeen, Qort, and a void-contemplating droid named 5AG3 must venture once more into hyperspace to repair their fractured team and, perhaps, the galaxy.”
December 6 – Star Wars 41
Writer Charles Soule and illustrator Madibek Musabekov continue their comic series this month. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 41st issue is as follows: “LANDO LOST! – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN! With the final mission to rescue LOBOT from the terrors of THE SCOURGE underway, galactic ne’er-do-well LANDO CALRISSIAN must finally reckon with the sins of his past. Will he be the SCOUNDREL he’s always been or the HERO he could be?”
December 12 – Star Wars Insider 223
Check out the latest edition of the hit Star Wars magazine this month! This new issue includes a High Republic short story, a piece about fashion in the Star Wars galaxy, a look into Palpatine’s grand plan, and more.
December 13 – Bounty Hunters 41
Ethan Sacks’ brilliant comic series continues this month. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 41st issue is as follows: “A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH! – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN! T’ONGA and ZUCKUSS have been BETRAYED…and CAPTURED! A mindwiped VALANCE has terrifying plans for his former crewmates. But one LAST HOPE for salvation may come from the unlikeliest of allies.”
December 13 – Hyperspace Stories 12
The latest issue of this Dark Horse Comics series tells a story to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi. The publisher’s summary for the new comic is as follows: “The Battle of Endor as you’ve never seen it before! It could be the Rebel Alliance’s moment of triumph, or the hour of their final destruction! The heroes of the Rebellion race to destroy the Emperor’s second Death Star, but for engineer Evans Basch, it’s a race just to survive! Assigned a key role in the rebel fleet, it’ll take all of Basch’s skill, and a dash or two of luck, to keep his ships in one piece. May the Force be with him! The action comes to an epic conclusion at the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi!”
December 13 – The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 3
Following the fall of Starlight Beacon, Charles Soule and Jethro Morales continue the heartbreaking tale of the High Republic era. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “BELL ZETTIFAR: JEDI KNIGHT!
Many JEDI KNIGHTS were lost in the fall of STARLIGHT BEACON, and many lost their way after the disaster.
BELL ZETTIFAR did not.
With his trusty charhound EMBER at his side, Bell will battle to rid the galaxy of the villainous NIHIL…and they won’t be alone.
Learn who survived the FALL OF STARLIGHT!”
December 19 – Star Wars: Yoda trade paperback
If you missed out on the new Yoda comic series, check out this paperback collection, which compiles all 10 issues of the Marvel Comics series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “A new series focusing on Master Yoda, and his many trials and tribulations from his long life with the Jedi Order
To some, he was a legend. To others, he was a teacher. Now Yoda is all but forgotten, living in exile and haunted by the past. As a strangely familiar voice echoes through the swamps of Dagobah, Yoda must revisit the many lessons he has given over the years — from the days of the High Republic to the chaos of the Clone Wars! First, a desperate cry for help reaches the Jedi Council on Coruscant. How far will Yoda go to protect a community from attack? And who will come to his aid when disaster strikes? Plus, years before the Clone Wars, he asks an old friend to come teach the next generation of Jedi — Master Dooku! But with dark visions haunting one of his students, Yoda will need all the help he can get…”
December 19 – Outbound Flight unabridged audiobook (The Essential Legends Collection)
Timothy Zahn’s Legends novel is narrated by Marc Thompson in this audiobook addition to the Essential Legends Collection.
December 19 – Survivor’s Quest unabridged audiobook (The Essential Legends Collection)
Also now in updated audiobook form is another Timothy Zahn novel from Legends / Expanded Universe continuity.
December 20 – Darth Vader 41
The comic series we called the best Star Wars comic of 2022 continues this month. The publisher’s summary for Greg Pak’s 41st issue of Darth Vader is as follows: “MORE MACHINE THAN MAN! – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN!
DARTH VADER has been taken over by THE SCOURGE!
Or has THE SCOURGE been taken over by DARTH VADER?
The Dark Lord’s journey in the DARK DROIDS saga reaches its climax with a shocking twist that digs deep into Vader’s very identity and future!”
December 20 – Doctor Aphra 39
Author Alyssa Wong and illustrator Minkyu Jung team up to bring another Doctor Aphra story to life. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 39th issue is as follows: “ABOVE ALL – A DARK DROIDS TIE-IN!
The SCOURGE sets its sights on TAGGE CORPORATION…and DOMINA TAGGE!
As the ACQUISITOR falls from the sky, DOCTOR APHRA fights for survival…
…against an entity that threatens to consume everything she loves! (Including herself!)”
December 20 – Revelations 1
Our most anticipated comic of the month comes in the form of this new one-shot written by by Marc Guggenheim, Charles Soule, Greg Pak, Marc Bernardin, Alyssa Wong, Ethan Sacks, and Cavan Scott and featuring illustrations by Salvador Larroca, Will Sliney, Marika Cresta, and Ibraim Roberson. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “FROM THE HIGH REPUBLIC TO THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY AND BEYOND!
JABBA THE HUTT! DARTH VADER! MACE WINDU! KEEVE TRENNIS, THRAWN AND MORE!
Introducing new characters, new twists and new turns across all of Marvel’s STAR WARS line!
This star-studded issue puts the pieces on the board for what’s to come in a galaxy far, far away!”
December 20 – The High Republic (2023) 2
The publisher’s summary for this new Cavan Scott comic is as follows: “AT THE MERCY OF THE HUTTS!
KEEVE TRENNIS captured! THE NIHIL allying themselves with THE HUTTS! An old foe returned!
Lines are drawn as past missions come back to haunt the JEDI of STARLIGHT BEACON!
And all the while, a deadly hunter stalks the battlefield. But who…or what…is THE CHILD OF THE STORM?”
December 27 – Dark Droids 5
The sprawling Star Wars crossover event of 2023 comes to an end with this new issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE TERRIFYING CONCLUSION OF THE BIGGEST STAR WARS COMIC EVENT OF THE YEAR!
The final triumph of THE SCOURGE!
How can THE REBELLION & THE EMPIRE combat such a threat?
UNLIKELY ALLIES join forces to fight the greater evil invading the galaxy!
And what is the final fate of warrior droid Ajax Sigma?”
December 27 – The Mandalorian Season 2 7
Rodney Barnes adapts the acclaimed Season 2 episode of The Mandalorian “The Believer” in this new Marvel comic.
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in December 2023 without descriptions is included below:
December 5 – Star Wars: Dawn of Rebellion: The Visual Guide
December 5 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The New Republic Vol. 7
December 5 – Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Volume 2 (Phase II)
December 5 – Star Wars: The High Republic Character Encyclopedia
December 6 – Dark Droids: D-Squad 4
December 6 – The High Republic Adventures (2023) 1
December 6 – Star Wars 41
December 12 – Star Wars Insider 223
December 13 – Bounty Hunters 41
December 13 – Hyperspace Stories 12
December 13 – The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 3
December 19 – Star Wars: Yoda trade paperback
December 19 – Outbound Flight unabridged audiobook (The Essential Legends Collection)
December 19 – Survivor’s Quest unabridged audiobook (The Essential Legends Collection)
December 20 – Darth Vader 41
December 20 – Doctor Aphra 39
December 20 – Revelations 1
December 20 – The High Republic (2023) 2
December 27 – Dark Droids 5
December 27 – The Mandalorian Season 2 7