The Force giveth and The Force taketh away. In the same week we learn that The Acolyte will not return for a second season on Disney+, Marvel reminds fans that the stories can always continue in other media.
Since regaining the rights to publish Star Wars comics, they’ve jumped around in the timeline, though the main Star Wars book has stayed within the confines of the original trilogy. But now they’re bridging the gap with their main cast, the Galactic Civil War that took the galaxy from the triumph of Return of the Jedi to the scattered state of The Force Awakens. Though they don’t call this out, the synergy continues into Galaxy’s Edge in the Disneyland resorts. (The “Star Wars Land” is in a location called “The Black Spire” on Jakku and the timeline there has gotten fuzzier depending on guest expectations.)
Still, why do I call this out? Because the limited series announced today is written by rising star/20 year overnight sensation Alex Segura. He’s an Edgar-award winning mystery novelist on top of writing fun comic after fun comic. His presence here may have me buying a Star Wars comic in real time instead of waiting for the trade. Plus, Doctor Aphra is involved, and why Lucasfilm has chosen not to bring her to live-action is utterly beyond me. She’s a character with a distinctly different point of view in the Star Wars universe.
Special note: this book is coming out weekly, and I think that’s a smart move.
From Marvel:
Last month, it was revealed that Marvel’s Star Wars comic line would conclude its post-The Empire Strikes Back storytelling and enter a new post-Return of the Jedi era beginning in October. Three limited series will tell the story of the BATTLE OF JAKKU, the epic final battle of the Galactic Civil War and the saga that is one of the key events set between the Original Trilogy and the Sequel Trilogy. Following the debut series, STAR WARS: THE BATTLE OF JAKKU — INSURGENCY RISING in October, the events continue this November in the second installment, STAR WARS: THE BATTLE OF JAKKU — REPUBLIC UNDER SIEGE, which fans can see the covers and story details for today!
Written by acclaimed, award-winning author Alex Segura (Star Wars: Poe Dameron – Free Fall, Edge of Spider-Verse) and drawn by a trio of superstar artistic talent–Leonard Kirk, Stefano Raffaele, and Jethro Morales—the STAR WARS: THE BATTLE OF JAKKU event will center around the never-before-told final moments of the Galactic Civil War. First introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as Rey scavenged amongst its wreckage, the Battle of Jakku was a pivotal turning point for the galaxy. On the sandy dunes of Jakku, the remnants of the Empire made their desperate last stand after their secret base was discovered by the Rebellion, who were determined to destroy them once and for all so that the New Republic can thrive! Now, fans will witness this pivotal moment in Star Wars canon for the first time ever!
Read on to learn what awaits in the first two issues of STAR WARS: THE BATTLE OF JAKKU – REPUBLIC UNDER SIEGE, including the birth of Luke Skywalker’s new Jedi Order, Doctor Aphra’s role, and more!
STAR WARS: THE BATTLE OF JAKKU – REPUBLIC UNDER SIEGE #1
Written by ALEX SEGURA
Art by STEFANO RAFFAELE & JETHRO MORALESSTILL REELING FROM THE EVENTS OF INSURGENCY RISES, LUKE MUST SEEK OUT A RELIC THAT COULD HOLD CLUES TO THE FUTURE OF THE JEDI ORDER!
Luke Skywalker and a new friend find themselves cornered! Can two Imperial powerhouses find common ground against the nascent New Republic? Where are Han and Chewbacca? The heroes find themselves saved in the nick of time – by a fan-favorite guest star and ally!
STAR WARS: THE BATTLE OF JAKKU – REPUBLIC UNDER SIEGE #2
Written by ALEX SEGURA
Art by STEFANO RAFFAELELUKE AND DOCTOR APHRA JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT OFF A SURPRISE ATTACK AS THE REMAINING IMPERIALS PLOT THEIR NEXT ATTACK!
Luke Skywalker must battle his way through a gang of Force-focused zealots! A faction of Imperial survivors plot to return the Empire to its past glory – and hint at a huge struggle to come! Can Luke survive against a giant…swamp rat?! As the defiant Imperial consolidates his power and allegiances – he discovers a traitor!
“It’s an unbelievable honor to be able to tell this lost story of Star Wars history, alongside so many amazing artists, in the pages of the three BATTLE OF JAKKU limited series,” Segura said. “Our story will be epic in scope – involving all the major characters you love, plus some new, exciting additions to the mythos. We’ll not only give readers a front-row seat to the final battle of the Galactic Civil War – we’ll reframe the aftermath of the Battle of Endor and introduce a new, menacing threat that will keep our heroes guessing. The goal for all of us is to turn up the volume and make sure this adventure stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the other stories of the era. As the Empire collapses, a new darkness arises!”
“This series is definitely something fans don’t want to miss,” Editor Mark Paniccia promises. “Within the chaos and destruction of all three series, there are elements that hint to what comes next.”
Check out the new covers and preorder STAR WARS: THE BATTLE OF JAKKU — INSURGENCY RISING and STAR WARS: THE BATTLE OF JAKKU — REPUBLIC UNDER SIEGE at your local comic shop today!
To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com
