'The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' has arrived
Plus: Viz Media announced a new High Republic manga starring Yoda.
The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire is here
One of my most anticipated Star Wars books of this year — possibly of all time — is finally in my hands. The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire is the in-universe historical text I’ve been dreaming of. And I haven’t even finished reading it yet.
Written by Dr. Chris Kempshall, the narrative reference book explores exactly what its title says — the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire. Chris recently shared the book’s table of contents, which includes chapters on the Clone Wars, the Inquisitorius, Operation Cinder (hello, Alphabet Squadron!), the Battle of Jakku, and the First and Final Orders. All of it is written as a historical nonfiction text set in the Star Wars universe.
I plan to crack open the book this weekend, and my full review will come closer to the release date. I’m also working on a special feature for Star Wars Insider later this year, so stay tuned for more details on that soon.
In the meantime, put July 9 on your calendar for the release of The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire. And share what you’re most excited for learning more about in this book in the comments.
*Thanks to DK Books for sending a review copy*
Star Wars comic news
Over the last few weeks, there have been some exciting comic and manga reveals from across the Star Wars timeline. That includes a new High Republic manga and miniseries and the announcement of the end of the current run of mainline Star Wars and Darth Vader comics.
The Edge of Balance: Premonition: Viz Media announced another volume of The High Republic manga series — this one starring Yoda. The story and script are by Daniel Jose Older with art by Haining. Coming in spring 2025, this volume is separate from the fourth volume in the main series (due out in April 2025).
Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone: The new High Republic Adventures series from Dark Horse stars Elzar Mann and Keeve Trennis as they send and receive messages from Jedi trapped on the Nihil side of the Stormwall. Daniel Jose Older pens these issues, too. The first issue arrives on October 9.
Marvel’s Star Wars and Darth Vader comic runs will end with issue 50: It’s the end of an epic era for two Marvel comics — Star Wars and Darth Vader. Both series will have 50-page grand finales and cover art that connects. In the announcement, Marvel said a different era is coming after these post-The Empire Strikes Back comics conclude in September.
Currently reading and playing
Summer may have just begun, but as a college professor, I’ve been on break since last month. As such, I’ve been reading SO MUCH. And I finally dusted off my Nintendo Switch and dove headfirst into cozy gaming. Oh, and my husband and I are still very much into Star Wars Unlimited — counting down the days until the second set arrives next month.
Current reads
Star Wars: Aftermath: I know, I KNOW. It’s taken me way too long to finally read this trilogy. But holy crap it’s so fun so far! I’m about a quarter of the way into the first book and Sinjir and Mr. Bones have my whole heart. Also Norra Wexley?? A queen.
One Dark Window: This book is just as darkly enchanting as everyone said. I find myself not grasping everything going on so far, but loving every second of it. Also why am I picturing the Sith from The Acolyte as the Nightmare but with the voice of Death from Belladonna?
The Hero of Ages: I really want to finish Mistborn era 1, but I also don’t want Mistborn era 1 to end. It’s a real pickle. Anyway, I’m taking my time with this one, savoring every page with Vin and Elend and Sazed. My reward/consolation prize when I finish this book: Starting The Way of Kings.
A growing stack of library check-outs, including Dune graphic novels, a women’s fiction pick for book club, and a few Star Wars comics.
Current games
Lemon Cake: Restore an abandoned bakery and bring in new customers with fresh pastries and frozen treats. You also get to turn your bakery into a cat cafe, tidy up the greenhouse with fresh fruit plants and livestock (and bees!), and redecorate your cute little apartment above the bakery. It’s quintessential comforting, cozy gaming.
Star Wars Unlimited: My husband and I have been playing about once a week. But he recently showed me Force Table — a website that lets you play against others or AI. You can upload your own custom deck or play from the set of starter decks (including the new Mandalorian and Moff Gideon ones). It’s run by Felt Table, which has a Patreon for supporting their online TCG gaming efforts. It’s a great way to check out Star Wars Unlimited if you’ve never played or want to practice and test your decks.
From the library: Friends, do not sleep on your local libraries for renting games. It’s the perfect way to try a game to see if you like it before you shell out upwards of $60 for a copy. Besides Lemon Cake, I just picked up Hogwarts Legacy to try out.
What are you currently reading, playing, and/or watching? Share them in the comments!
Defining the Star Wars fandom by what it’s survived, not what it’s lost
It’s been a…not great few weeks for the Star Wars fandom. Even though we’re living in a veritable Star Wars renaissance with new books, comics, and other projects dropping every month. There’s even a new Star Wars TV show airing every week — something unfathomable 10 years ago.
Still, it’s exhausting being a fan online. And that exhaustion goes beyond supposed “fans” yucking on other people’s yum. It’s disheartening and infuriating that we continue to see people infiltrating online communities to spread harmful rhetoric and bigotry under the guise of sharing their opinions as “fans.”
Anyway, I wrote more about that this week after seeing so many mutuals and even Wookieepedia get harassed and death threats. It’s not okay and it will never be okay. As real, passionate fans, we have to speak out about racism, misogyny, and bigotry in fandom spaces. And we have to lift each other up, elevating voices who just want to share their love of community and Star Wars.
This week’s Star Wars releases
June 18
Hyperspace Stories Vol. 3: Light and Shadows trade paperback
Dark Disciple by Christie Golden — new trade paperback
Rogue One by Alexander Freed — new trade paperback
A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller — new trade paperback
Catalyst by James Luceno — new trade paperback
June 19
Jango Fett #4
I've been very pleased that by in large the Substack Star Wars community is filled with positive and rational people. And even those who disagree on something can do so in a respectful way. Contrast that to what's happening on YouTube. I don't even click on them but the algorithm keeps suggesting videos with titles like "THE WOKEALYTE RUINS STAR WARS! KATHLEEN KENNEDY LAUGHS MANIACALLY!" It's exhausting.
Exciting to hear you've got another Insider articles coming! Me too! I'm really looking forward to so many aspects of Rise and Fall, mainly what Chris does with all of Palpatine’s between-trilogy machinations