Marvel Comics has revealed (via SFFGazette.com) that a new era of Star Wars: The High Republic is very nearly upon us. Lucasfilm is about to embark on "Phase III" of telling stories set during this period, and it all kicks off next month with a new wave of Star Wars novels and comics set during the Golden Age of the Jedi.
We've learned that on November 8, writer Cavan Scott and artist Ario Aninditio will return for Marvel's flagship High Republic ongoing comic series in Star Wars: The High Republic #1.
You can take a look at the covers for the highly-anticipated debut issue, including a connecting piece by Mico Suayan that will run across the first four issues, below. In an effort to avoid spoilers, the final part of Suayan's piece isn't going to be revealed until a later date (so we'll be sure to keep you updated).
The new series picks up after the shocking events of Phase II as Keeve Trennis, now a Jedi Master, fights to reunite the Jedi and restore hope to the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Complete with new heroes, mysteries, and threats, the High Republic stories take place centuries prior to the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, taking fans into a previously unseen period where the Jedi were at the height of their glory.
"A year after the destruction of Starlight Beacon, Marchion Ro and the Nihil stand victorious," reads an official story synopsis. "The galaxy is in turmoil: The once mighty Jedi are outclassed, the Republic is on its knees. On the edges of the galactic frontier, Jedi Master Keeve Trennis leads a desperate assault against an invading force!"
"The odds are stacked against her, but a Jedi always clings to hope. The Force is always with her..right? Not so fast!"
Addressing plans for the series, Scott says, "I'm over the moon to be returning to our original High Republic characters as we reach the climatic final phase of the publishing initiative. I'm particularly excited to be working with Ario Anindito again as well as to welcome Jim Towe to the art team. Their work is truly stunning! I can't wait for readers to see it for themselves!"
The first live-action Star Wars project set during this period will be The Acolyte and that's currently expected to premiere on Disney+ in 2024. It remains to be seen how much of what we've seen on the page will inform that series but it should provide good background information if nothing else!
STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC #1
Written by CAVAN SCOTT
Art by ARIO ANINDITO & JIM TOWE
Cover by PHIL NOTO
Cover by ANNIE WU
Connecting Variant Cover by MICO SUAYAN
Variant Cover by DAVID BALDEÓN
On Sale 11/8