SWBC: Books recommendations for 'Jedi: Survivor'
Plus: Return to Phase 1 with the Free Comic Book Day issue of The High Republic Adventures: Starlight Coda.
Book recommendations for Jedi: Survivor
Can’t get enough of the world of Jedi: Survivor? I’ve got some book and comic recommendations for you.
For context, Jedi: Survivor is set in 9 BBY — 9 years before the Battle of Yavin and the events of A New Hope. This is the Empire in its prime and not a great time to be a Jedi. It’s also the same year that Obi-Wan Kenobi takes place. The game’s predecessor, Jedi: Fallen Order, takes place in 14 BBY.
Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars: This is an obvious one, but the tie-in novel for the Star Wars Jedi franchise is an excellent, emotional adventure for the crew of the Mantis. This book explains why the crew broke up and what they were up to in the years after Fallen Order. It also explains how Greez got that shiny prosthetic arm and takes a deep look into the psyches of Cere and Cal. Battle Scars is very much a Merrin story and one of the most romantic books in all of Star Wars. (Review)
Light of the Jedi: With Cal’s visions of The High Republic, it’s a great time to start reading the historic era of Star Wars. Light of the Jedi is the best place to start — it introduces the Golden Age of the Jedi and the Republic as well as the ruthless Nihil villains (the ones who likely attacked Tanalorr).
Jedi: Fallen Order: Dark Temple: As a prequel to Jedi: Fallen Order, the comic mini-series gives Jedi Master Cere Junda more of a backstory during her time as a Padawan under Master Eno Cordova.
Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir: This collection of comics from the Dark Horse run and Star Wars Tales compiles unproduced episodes of The Clone Wars animated TV series. It’s all about Maul’s fall and rise again and his epic war against his former master Darth Sidious and General Grievous. There’s also a good bit of context with Mother Talzin and the planet Dathomir, where Maul and Merrin are from. It’s not a direct tie to Jedi: Survivor, but it’s a great story for more on the magick-infused planet and the Nightsisters and Nightbrothers.
Upcoming: Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade: The Inquisitors were key villains in Jedi: Fallen Order, Rebels, and Obi-Wan Kenobi — but what would make a Jedi want to become one? Delilah S. Dawson’s next Star Wars book aims to answer that question. Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade follows Padawan Iskat Akaris through her training with her master, during the Clone Wars, and the fall of the Jedi Order. With Order 66, Iskat doesn’t see the destruction of peace and righteousness, but a chance at freedom and to embrace all the dark feelings she’s always felt. Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade arrives on July 18.
More:
Free Comic Book Day: The High Republic Adventures: Starlight Coda
Picking up right where the previous series left off, the Free Comic Book Day issue of The High Republic Adventures is a heartwrenching teaser for what’s to come when Phase 2 arrives in the fall.
Daniel José Older is back to pen his young Jedi characters with Lula Talisola in the main character’s seat. Dropping us right into the action, Lula, her friends, and Master Torban Buck are fighting for their and the younglings’ lives aboard the rapidly deteriorating Starlight Beacon. The first priority is getting the little ones to safety, but the Nihil (specifically Krix) and the Nameless creatures have other plans.
The issue does end on a serious cliffhanger, but it was such a treat to be back with some of the most beloved characters in The High Republic. Starlight Coda fills in a small gap in these characters’ storytelling, but Older and penciler Harvey Tolibao do it in a big, emotional way. The issue reminded me just how much Lula, Farzala, and Qort have grown during their adventures. They take charge, never lose their cool, and prioritize others over themselves. It was also a delight to see Krix (Zeen Mrala’s former best friend) so unhinged and fanatical in his dedication to the Nihil.
The High Republic Adventures and Midnight Horizon fans will also remember the blooming and a bit star-crossed relationship between Lula and Zeen. One is a Jedi about the become a Knight and the other is Force-sensitive but too old to be trained when she joined the group. Reading this comic issue made me want to go back and reread all of the Adventures comics and Older’s Midnight Horizon.
Phase 3 of The High Republic can’t come soon enough.
Free Comic Book Day’s The High Republic Adventures: Starlight Coda is available for free digitally through Comixology and Dark Horse Comics.
Updated: Star Wars books of 2023, so far
It’s already been a blockbuster year for Star Wars books, and there are still many more new stories to come.
Back in November, I wrote a handy guide to all the Star Wars books expected to be published in 2023. Well, five months later, I decided to finally update it.
In the last five months, there have been nine Star Wars books published — from The High Republic Phase 2 novels to some of the best reference books we’ve seen in decades.
As for the rest of the year, there are nearly a dozen more Star Wars books to come. And those are just the ones that have been announced. I wouldn’t be surprised if we got a couple more book reveals this summer.
Bookmark this list: Star Wars books arriving in 2023, so far
The list includes cover photos, publisher summaries, and reviews for all the books already released.
And speaking of summer books…
What’s next in Star Wars books — summer 2023
May 23
The Essential Legends Collection
July 18
Aug. 15
Essential Legends Collection
Aug. 29
From A Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi
More: Meet the authors from From A Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi
Star Wars books and comics out this week
May 10
The High Republic Adventures #5 (moved to the end of May per writer Daniel José Older)
Darth Vader #34
The High Republic #9
Giveaway reminder
Don’t forget — my Star Wars Day giveaway runs through May 24!
What’s included:
The High Republic t-shirt (logo is on the back)
Hardcover copy of Quest for Planet X by Tessa Gratton
A booklet of postcard-sized artwork from Star Wars Little Golden Books
How to enter:
Head over to my Star Wars Day Giveaway page, make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter, and follow the prompt to comment.