By George Bate, Josh Bate, & Julie Catherine
A new year means a host of new Star Wars stories to welcome in 2024! Below includes a list and description of upcoming Star Wars projects in the month of January 2024. It is important to note that all of these release dates are subject to change.
January 2 – Star Wars: Darth Vader – Black, White & Red Treasury Edition
Kick off the new year with a collection of the Darth Vader – Black, White & Red series comic series from Marvel Comics. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Exciting tales from a galaxy of talents featuring the Dark Lord of the Sith!
Jason Aaron returns to the world of Star Wars, teaming with artist Leonard Kirk to present a new tale of terror! Peach Momoko spins a story in her signature style! Daniel Warren Johnson brings Vader to life like never before! David Pepose makes his Star Wars debut! Marc Bernardin takes Vader on a mission you won’t soon forget! Frank Tieri sends the Sith lord to the planet Hoth! And Steve Orlando goes cerebral with the corruption of Darth Vader’s mind!
And more chilling tales of evil told in stark black and white – and the crimson glow of a lightsaber!”
January 2 – Young Jedi Adventures: The Jellyfruit Pursuit
This new Golden Book adapts the episode of the same name from the lovely Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “This Little Golden Book is based on an exciting episode of Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures airing on Disney Jr. and Disney+!
Taborr and his pirate crew have stolen all of the jellyfruit! With the help of their pilot friend Nash Durango, young Jedi-in-training Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs set off to retrieve the tasty treats in time for the Jellyfruit Festival—and maybe teach Taborr an important lesson about sharing.
The first full-length animated Star Wars series created for preschoolers and their families, Young Jedi Adventures follows younglings as they are swept off into adventures and start their journeys on the path to becoming Jedi Knights, learning valuable skills for our galaxy and the galaxy far, far away. The Jedi-in-training will tackle topics of compassion, self-discipline, teamwork, patience, and friendship.”
January 3 – Darth Vader 42
Greg Pak’s acclaimed Darth Vader comic was the fans’ pick for Best Star Wars Comic of 2023 in our annual Best of Star Wars awards. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 42nd issue is as follows: “THE RISE OF THE SCHISM IMPERIAL! In the wake of DARK DROIDS, DARTH VADER explores his powers and takes on the most dangerous team of rebel heroes he’s ever faced! Meanwhile, the greatest threat to the EMPEROR’S rule is rising … from within THE EMPIRE itself! Will the DARK LORD OF THE SITH destroy it … or join it? Featuring the comic-book debut of ENRIC PRYDE from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker!”
January 3 – The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 4
Charles Soule’s High Republic comic mini-series comes to a conclusion this month. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming fourth and final issue is as follows: “MARCHION RO WINS! The final glimpse of the lost year of THE HIGH REPUBLIC is revealed, as we follow the EYE OF THE STORM himself, MARCHION RO, from his greatest triumph – the destruction of the JEDI fortress known as STARLIGHT BEACON – to the many trials that came after!”
January 10 – Star Wars 42
More Charles Soule Star Wars stories are never a bad thing. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 42nd issue of the mainline comic series is as follows: “SITH RISING! LUKE SKYWALKER knows his destiny is leading him toward a confrontation with DARTH VADER. But Vader is a Dark Lord of THE SITH, and Luke is barely even a JEDI. To have any chance at survival, he must find a way to train himself in the battle techniques he will soon face. He must find…ANOTHER SITH!’”
January 10 – The Mandalorian Season 2 8
Rodney Barnes adapts the jaw-dropping finale of The Mandalorian Season 2 in this new comic. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE RESCUE! The MANDALORIAN and his allies attempt a daring rescue MOFF GIDEON unleashes the DARK TROOPERS while the fate of GROGU hangs in the balance! Guest-starring an UNEXPECTED JEDI!”
January 16 – Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories Volume 2 – Scum and Villainy
Issues 5-8 of the Dark Horse Comics series are collected in this new trade paperback. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Beware the power of the Dark Side!
From one end of the galaxy to the other, the forces of evil grow stronger. Criminal syndicates scheme in the shadows, while vicious bounty hunters track down the guilty and innocent alike. And from the height of the Clone Wars to the darkest days of the Resistance, the agents and acolytes of the Sith work tirelessly to enact the dark will of their shadowy masters.
Dark Horse comics presents four tales of scum and villainy, in Hyperspace Stories Volume 2!”
January 17 – Bounty Hunters 42
The 42nd and (heartbreakingly) final issue of Ethan Sacks’ fantastic Bounty Hunters comic series hits shelves this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE EXPLOSIVE END OF THE SAGA!
VALANCE THE BOUNTY HUNTER has one final mission to complete…and it may indeed be his LAST!
Can he and the crew fight their way past BOBA FETT…and JABBA’s SECRET WEAPON?
The GRAND FINALE of the series that’s four years in the making!”
January 17 – Obi-Wan Kenobi 4
Jody Houser and illustrator Salvador Larroca adapt the fourth episode of the television series Obi-Wan Kenobi in comic format. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “OBI-WAN PLOTS A DARING MISSION INTO ENEMY TERRITORY!
OBI-WAN and TALA must evade the INQUISITORS to rescue LEIA!
Meanwhile, THIRD SISTER and the other INQUISITORS try to impress DARTH VADER by being the one to finally capture OBI-WAN!”
January 17 – The High Republic 3
Writer Cavan Scott and illustrator Jim Towe team up for a story set during the High Republic era. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “THE TAKING OF THE ATARAXIA!
LOURNA DEE’s treachery has been revealed!
But can she escape as the REPUBLIC DEFENSE COALITION combines forces with an unlikely ally?
JEDI MASTER KEEVE TRENNIS must board a ship she thought was lost, but is anyone prepared for the extent of Lourna’s ruthlessness?
INNOCENT LIVES hang in the balance as Keeve makes a monumental decision!”
January 23 – The Courtship of Princess Leia audiobook
An audiobook version of the classic Star Wars Legends novel by Dave Wolverton debuts this month. Narrated by January LaVoy, the audiobook is part of The Essential Legends Collection by Random House Audio.
January 23 – Yoda: Dark Rendezvous audiobook
Jonathan Davis narrates this audiobook version of the Star Wars Legends novel by Sean Stewart.
January 24 – The High Republic Adventures 2
Daniel José Older, one of the staples of recent Star Wars storytelling, continues his Dark Horse Comics series this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “An angry mob of impoverished and destitute refugees have incited a fierce riot outside the mighty fortress on Bracront as Zeen, Qort, and 5A-G3 infiltrate the stronghold to face the mysterious warlord Tartak, who may hold the key to finding more survivors of the Fall of Starlight Beacon. But the trio of heroes are sure to find more than they bargained for, as they try to piece together the events of the past year. Could any of their friends have survived the tragedy?”
January 24 – Thrawn: Alliances 1
Jody Houser adapts Timothy Zahn’s novel Thrawn: Alliances into a comic in this new Marvel Comics series. The publisher’s summary for the debut issue is as follows: “RETURN TO THE SAGA OF THRAWN WITH THE COMIC-BOOK ADAPTATION OF THRAWN: ALLIANCES!
TIMOTHY ZAHN teams with STAR WARS veteran JODY HOUSER to bring THRAWN: ALLIANCES to the pages of comic books!
Watch as ANDREA DI VITO & PAT OLLIFFE bring the action to life showcasing the tactical prowess of the galaxy’s most dangerous mind!”
January 30 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Menace Revealed Vol. 4
With amazing cover art by Tsuneo Sanda, this new trade paperback collects a number of Legends comics leading up to the events of the Clone Wars. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Attack of the Clones!
As the Separatist Crisis flares, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are assigned as bodyguards to a senator under threat. Can they protect him from assassination? Bounty hunter Aurra Sing targets a fallen Jedi, but does she still have what it takes to come out on top? Pirate captain Nym, on the run from the Trade Federation, is sent to track down fellow pirate Sol Sixxa — but first he must determine who the real enemy is!
Plus: The comics adaptation of Attack of the Clones, young Boba Fett’s first mission, Obi-Wan teaches Anakin a lesson in humility — and more!
COLLECTING: Star Wars: The Bounty Hunters – Aurra Sing (1999) 1; Star Wars: Starfighter – Crossbones (2002) 1-3; Free Comic Book Day 2002: Star Wars 1; Star Wars: Republic (2002) 46-48; Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) 1-4; Star Wars: Hasbro/Toys ‘R’ Us Exclusive (2002) 1-4; material from Dark Horse Extra (1998) 44-47; Star Wars Tales (1999) 2, 7, 14, 18, 20, 24”
January 30 – The High Republic: Escape from Valo
Two of our favorite Star Wars authors – Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong – team up for this new middle grade novel set during Phase III of The High Republic. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “The New York Times best-selling series continues with Trials of the Jedi… For light and life!
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.”
January 31 – Doctor Aphra 40
January concludes with the conclusion of the Alyssa Wong hit comic series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “NIGHT AS DAY!
The TAGGE FLEET burns. The GALAXY reels.
DOCTOR APHRA is alone.
But as she explores an ancient ruin on a desolate planet, Aphra may find the answers she’s been hunting for her entire life.
Is this the end for DOCTOR APHRA?!”
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in January 2024 without descriptions is included below:
January 2 – Star Wars: Darth Vader – Black, White & Red Treasury Edition
January 2 – Young Jedi Adventures: The Jellyfruit Pursuit
January 3 – Darth Vader (2020) 42
January 3 – The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 4
January 10 – Star Wars (2020) 42
January 10 – The Mandalorian Season 2 8
January 16 – Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories Volume 2 – Scum and Villainy
January 17 – Bounty Hunters 42
January 17 – Obi-Wan Kenobi 4
January 17 – The High Republic (2023) 3
January 23 – The Courtship of Princess Leia unabridged audiobook
January 23 – Yoda: Dark Rendezvous unabridged audiobook
January 24 – The High Republic Adventures (2023) 2
January 24 – Thrawn: Alliances 1
January 30 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Menace Revealed Vol. 4
January 30 – The High Republic: Escape from Valo
January 31 – Doctor Aphra (2020) 40