Hi there everywookiee! Consider this reading order and checklist post your home base for the upcoming Star Wars: Hidden Empire series.
Star Wars: Hidden Empire, a five-issue miniseries starting in November 2022, will be the third and final installment in writer Charles Soule’s unofficial Qi’ra trilogy. The series, illustrated by Steven Cummings, will find Qi’ra and the Emperor on a collision course. “This is my hidden empire,” she defiantly declares in Crimson Reign #5, in a tease of what’s to come.
Much like Part 1: The War of the Bounty Hunters and Part 2: Crimson Reign, Star Wars Hidden Empire will be crossover story that will have the main story tied into issues from Darth Vader, Bounty Hunters, Doctor Aphra, and the main Star Wars run (also written by Charles Soule).
Time will tell how essential it is to read every single crossover issue from every single run to get the full Star Wars Hidden Empire story but for now I am going to list out everything in order as they are released here on this page. So, if you don’t want to miss a thing, be sure to bookmark this page.
Star Wars Hidden Empire Reading Order: Collected Editions
The best way to read Star Wars: Hidden Empire without having to buy every individual issue is by buying the Hidden Empire Trade Paperbacks. At the moment we do not have release dates for these but I wanted to reserve this space to add them to once we get more details.
For those wanting to buy the individual issues of Star Wars: Hidden Empire then just scroll a few inches down.
Star Wars: Hidden Empire Trade Paperback
Qi’ra’s final plot to take down the Empire! The mysterious criminal syndicate Crimson Dawn and its leader, Lady Qi’ra, have become the galaxy’s most wanted now that Emperor Palpatine has realized the scope of their plans against him and moves to destroy her. But Qi’ra still has tricks up her sleeve – and with the help of the Knights of Ren and her many other allies, she will not go down without a fight!
But as her bid to use an ancient Dark Side weapon known as the Fermata Cage to destroy the Sith falls apart and Darth Vader draws ever nearer, can Qi’ra still salvage victory from certain defeat? The epic trilogy begun in STAR WARS: WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS and STAR WARS: CRIMSON REIGN concludes here!
Collecting STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #1-5.
- In Stores: July 4 2023
- Pre-Order Here
- Check eBay Listings
Star Wars Hidden Empire Reading Order: Individual Issues
A few notes to start…
I am starting off the reading order with Darth Vader #28 that hits stores in October 2022 because it is not included in the Star Wars Darth Vader by Greg Pak Vol. 5 Trade Paperback that collects the Darth Vader issues in between Crimson Reign and Hidden Empire. Leading me to the conclusion that issue #28 will be a Star Wars: Hidden Empire crossover issue.
I’ve also included Star Wars: Revelations #1 one-shot since it’s been promoted as a teaser for the future of Star Wars comics. Since it is released the same month as Star Wars Hidden Empire #1 it’s safe to assume that it will tie into the series in some way.
Star Wars Darth Vader #28 – Oct, 19, 2022
GREG PAK (W) • LUKE ROSS (A)
Cover by RAHZZAH
THE SHADOW IN THE FIRE! For decades, Sabé, Handmaiden of Padmé, schemed to assassinate Darth Vader, whom she believed murdered her queen. But Sabé has learned Vader’s greatest secret, and now she fights at his side, believing that someday, she may prove there is still good in him. What happens when the Handmaiden finally comes face-to-face with the Emperor, who knows all of her secrets? The Queen’s Shadow enters the crucible! Will Vader let her burn?
In Shops: Oct 19, 2022
$3.99
Variants
Star Wars Bounty Hunters #28 – Nov 2, 2022
ETHAN SACKS (W) • PAOLO VILLANELLI (A)
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
PANIC AT THE ACCRETION DISCO!
• The bounty hunters are locked in a desperate attempt to escape the pull of a black hole!
• To make matters worse, the Pykes are out to kill them first!
• Meanwhile, what will Valance have to sacrifice to serve the Empire?
In Shops: Nov 02, 2022
$3.99
Variants
- Camuncoli Cover A
- Lashley Connecting Variant
- Clarke Revelations Variant (First Cover App Iden Versio)
Star Wars #29 – Nov 02, 2022
CHARLES SOULE (W) • RAMON ROSANAS (A) • Cover by E.M. GIST
The REBEL ALLIANCE is in crisis!
• With their supply lines in jeopardy due to unfulfilled promises from CRIMSON DAWN, GENERAL LEIA ORGANA knows it is just a matter of time before the Rebels run out of crucial supplies.
• Fortunately, AMILYN HOLDO has a solution…a hunt for a vast hoard of fuel thought lost for centuries.
• It’s time…for a treasure hunt!
In Stores: Nov. 02, 2022
Variants:
Doctor Aphra #26 – Nov, 16, 2022
ALYSSA WONG (W) • MINKYU JUNG (A)
Cover by W. SCOTT FORBES
“FRIENDS AND ENEMIES”
• SANA STARROS and her allies have cornered the SPARK ETERNAL!
• She’s determined to bring DOCTOR APHRA back, no matter what it takes!
• But will it be enough? Or will it destroy Sana, Aphra…and everyone they love?
In Stores: Nov 16, 2022
TFAW Pre-orders:
***Read this before Hidden Empire #1
Star Wars: Hidden Empire #1 (of 5), – Nov. 16, 2022
(W) Charles Soule (A) Steven Cummings (CA) Paolo Siqueira
• The mysterious syndicate CRIMSON DAWN and its leader LADY QI’RA have become the galaxy’s most wanted criminals, as EMPEROR PALPATINE realizes the scope of Qi’ra’s plans against him and moves to destroy her.
• But Qi’ra still has tricks up her sleeve, and with the help of the KNIGHTS OF REN and her many other allies, she will not go down without a fight!
In Shops: Nov 16, 2022
SRP: $4.99
Variants:
- Siqueria Cover A
- Siqueria Cover A (Signed by Charles Soule)
- Siqueria Cover A CGC 9.8 Pre-Order
- Shalvey Battle Variant
- Cummings Connecting Variant
- Lopez 1:25 Travel Variant
- Adams 1:50 Variant
- Gist Exclusive Variant (Pre-Sale Starts 10/17)
- Zircher Exclusive (Pre-Sale Starts Nov 2, 2022)
- Mike Mayhew Exclusive
- 2nd Print Cummings Variant
- In Stores: Jan 11, 2023
- FOC: Nov. 28, 2022
- Order at TFAW
- 2nd Print 1:25 Adams Variant
- In Stores: Jan 11, 2023
- FOC: Nov. 28, 2022
- eBay
Star Wars: Revelations #1 – Nov 23, 2022
First Appearance of Ajax Sigma!
(W) Marc Guggenheim (A) Salvador Larroca, Various (CA) Phil Noto
THE CAN’T-MISS STAR WARS ISSUE OF THE YEAR!
• After WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS came CRIMSON REIGN… now in the midst of HIDDEN EMPIRE, Qi’ra has shaken the galactic landscape to its core!
• …But what lies beyond for the Rebellion? For the Empire? What role do the bounty hunters play? And what is happening to Doctor Aphra?
• Witness the next step in the legacy of heroes and scoundrels in the galaxy far, far away as MARC GUGGENHEIM (HAN SOLO & CHEWBACCA) is joined by a ragtag team of artists to bring you an explosive tale you won’t soon forget!
• The path to the future of STAR WARS starts here!
In Shops: Nov 23, 2022
SRP: $5.99
Variants:
- Noto Cover A
- Noto Cover A CGC 9.8 Pre-Order
- Momoko Variant
- Momoko Variant CGC 9.8 Pre-Order
- Hitch Variant
- Cheung 1:50 Ratio Variant
- Casper Wijngaard Variant: (Pre-sale starts Nov 2, 2022)
- 2nd Print
Star Wars Darth Vader #29 – November 30th 2022
EP221097
(W) Greg Pak (A) Luke Ross (CA) Rahzzah
TECHNO (RE)UNION!
• Three decades ago, Anakin Skywalker slaughtered Wat Tambor, leader of the Techno Union, along with the rest of the Separatist leaders by the command of the Emperor.
• So who is the pirate JUL TAMBOR, what is he planning on Skako Minor, and what will the Handmaiden, who now stands at Vader’s side, do when it’s her job to choose if Jul lives or dies?
• Also, which Handmaiden is this? And will this new adventure fulfill Sabé’s dream of derailing Vader’s journey to the dark side – or simply complete it?
RATED T
In Shops: Nov 30, 2022
SRP: $3.99
Variants: Pre-Orders Coming Soon
- Rahzzah Cover A
- Larroca Variant
- Clarke Revelations Variant
- Rahzzah Retailer Exclusive Virgin Variant
Star Wars Hidden Empire #2 – Dec 7, 2022
CHARLES SOULE (W) • STEVEN CUMMINGS (A) • Cover by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Battle Variant Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY • Travel Variant Cover by DAVID LOPEZ
Connecting Variant Cover by STEVEN CUMMINGS
• The plans of LADY QI’RA to use an ancient Dark Side weapon known as the FERMATA CAGE to destroy the Sith are falling apart, and she has lost many of her primary resources and allies, with DARTH VADER drawing ever nearer.
• Can she salvage victory from certain defeat?
In Stores: December 7 2022
Variants:
- Siqueira Cover A
- Shalvey Battle Variant
- Cummings Connecting Variant
- Lopez 1:25 Travel Variant
- Patch Zircher Exclusive Variant
Star Wars Bounty Hunters #29 – Dec 14 2022
ETHAN SACKS (W) • PAOLO VILLANELLI (A)
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
MISSION TO BESTINE IV!
• BOSSK VS. TANKA!
• Forced to take on a job for Crimson Dawn, the bounty hunters take on the Empire!
• Valance has a mission of his own, one that will put everyone he cares about in danger!
• What is the dark secret that threatens them all?
In Shops: Dec 7 2022
$3.99
Variants:
Doctor Aphra #27 – Dec 28, 2022
ALYSSA WONG (W) • MINKYU JUNG (A)
Cover by W. SCOTT FORBES
AN UNEASY ALLIANCE!
• DOCTOR CHELLI APHRA has struck a bargain for power!
• Will she be able to pay the terrible cost?
• Or does the crafty doctor have one last trick up her sleeve?
In Stores: Dec 28 2022
Variants:
Star Wars #30 – Jan 04, 2022
ALYSSA WONG (W) • MINKYU JUNG (A)
Cover by W. SCOTT FORBES
AN UNEASY ALLIANCE!
Some of the Rebel Alliance’s best and brightest have gotten lost in an unknown region of space while hunting for a lost treasure. How will LUKE SKYWALKER, LEIA ORGANA, CHEWBACCA, LANDO CALRISSIAN and AMILYN HOLDO ever survive the horrors…of NO-SPACE?
In Stores: January 04, 2022
Variants:
Star Wars Darth Vader #30 – January, 11 2022
GREG PAK (W) • LUKE ROSS (A) • Cover by RAHZZAH
VARIANT COVER BY PHIL NOTO
Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Variant Cover by CHRIS SPROUSE
ALL HER SHADOWS!
During their terrible battle at Padmé’s tomb on Naboo, the Queen’s most devoted handmaidens were no match for the fury of Darth Vader. So as they are about to face the Dark Lord again, the handmaidens have prepared. But so has Vader. Who will triumph in the rematch? And what dark price will that victory exact?
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Variants
Star Wars Bounty Hunters #30 – January 18 2022
ETHAN SACKS (W) • PAOLO VILLANELLI (A)
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
CHAOS ON BESTINE VI!
• T’onga and her team of bounty hunters find themselves in the crosshairs of an old ally!
• But how will Valance react to learning the dark secret that has been kept from him?
• Can any of them survive the full might of a vindictive Empire?
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
In Shops: Jan 18 2022
Variants
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #28 – January 25 2022
NOV220839
(W) Alyssa Wong (A) Minkyu Jung (CA) W. Scott Forbes
CODE OF HONOR! The enemy of my enemy is my friend…or so they say! As RONEN TAGGE and DOMINA TAGGE clash over the TAGGE CORPORATION, SANA STARROS is caught in the middle! But if there’s one thing she’s learned from DOCTOR APHRA, it’s how to use every situation to her advantage – and no matter which Tagge wins, Sana’s determined to come out on top!
In Shops: Jan 25, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants
Star Wars Hidden Empire 3 | Feb. 08 2023
CHARLES SOULE (W) • STEVEN CUMMINGS (A)
Cover by PAULO SIQUEIRA
All of Lady Qi’ra’s plans to destroy the Sith hang in the balance, but she is not alone in her desire to destroy the Dark Lords. Witness a battle decades in the making, as Darth Vader faces off against an adversary who has spent her entire life training for this one, final shot at revenge.
In Shops: February 08 2023
Variants
- Siqueira Cover A
- Shalvey Battle Variant
- Cummings Connecting Variant
- Manhanini Black History Month Variant
- Estephane Video Game Character Variant
- Lopez 1:25 Travel Variant
- Zircher Exclusive Variant Set (Pre-sale starts 1/11/2023)
Star Wars Darth Vader 31 | Feb. 08 2023
NOV221026
(W) Greg Pak (A) Ibraim Roberson (CA) Leinil Yu
THE TAMBOR GAMBIT!
The Dark Lord finally comes face-to-face with Skakoan revolutionary Jul Tambor – and Sabé finally must pick sides! Is Jul just another selfish, revenge-driven monster? Or is he a freedom fighter who desperately cares about his people? Or both? And is Vader more interested in crushing Jul-or completing the co-option of the Handmaidens of Padmé Amidala?
Rated T
In Shops: Feb 08, 2023
Variants
Star Wars 31 | Feb. 15 2023
CHARLES SOULE (W) • ANDRÉS GENOLET (A)
Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa and an elite crew of Rebel heroes are lost in the farthest reaches of No-Space after a mission gone wrong. A desperate maneuver is their only chance to find a way home – but what will it cost them?.
In Shops: February 15, 2023
Variants
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #31 – February 15 2023
NOV221023
(W) Sacks, Ethan (A) Paolo Villanelli (CA) Giuseppe Camuncoli
THE SHOCKING CONCLUSION TO THE BATTLE ON BESTINE!
Valance is out for revenge against Darth Vader! Can T’onga and her team save their fellow bounty hunter from a fatal confrontation?
And will Vukorah survive the assassins throwing the underworld into chaos?
Rated T
In Shops: Feb 15, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #29 – February 22 2023
NOV221028
(W) Alyssa Wong (A) Natacha Bustos (CA) Emanuela Lupacchino
TO THE BONE.
The SPARK ETERNAL sets its sights on CRIMSON DAWN! As SANA STARROS and MAGNA TOLVAN race to intercept it, will DOCTOR APHRA’S most desperate gambit pay off? Or will she be lost to the SPARK ETERNAL forever?
Rated T
In Shops: Feb 22, 2023
Variants
Star Wars Hidden Empire 4 | March 01 2023
CHARLES SOULE (W) • STEVEN CUMMINGS (A)
Cover by PAULO SIQUEIRA
THE ENDGAME GAMBIT APPROACHES! The final moves of Lady Qi’ra’s great game have begun. The Sith have been summoned, and the Fermata Cage will open… For Qi’ra, it’s all or nothing.
In Shops: March 01 2023
Variants
- Siqueira Cover A
- Shalvey Battle Variant
- Cummings Connecting Variant
- Peach Momoko Women’s History Month Variant
- Lopez 1:25 Travel Variant
- Patch Zircher Exclusive
- Lee Exclusive (Pre-sale starts 2/22 at 2pm EST)
Star Wars #32 – Mar 01, 2023
DEC220898
(W) Charles Soule (A) Madibek Musabekov (CA) Stephen Segovia
THE FORCE IS BROKEN? The efforts of Lady Qi’ra and Crimson Dawn to destroy the Sith have sent deep ripples running through the Force, disrupting Luke Skywalker’s connection to the deep powers of the galaxy.
How far will he go to find what he has lost?
In Shops: Mar 01, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants:
- Segovia Cover A
- JTC Action Figure Variant
- Womens History Month Variant
- ROTJ Anniversary Variant
- Ross 1:25 Variant
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #32 – Mar 08, 2023
JAN230982
(W) Sacks, Ethan (A) Alessandro Miracolo (CA) Giuseppe Camuncoli
Zuckuss is teetering between life and death… A mysterious event has put the Gand bounty hunter in a deep coma reliving his past. Can T’onga and 4-LOM save Zuckuss before his mind is lost? And before the Empire’s most lethal unit hunting Valance catches up to them…
Rated T
In Shops: Mar 08, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants:
Star Wars: Darth Vader #32 – Mar 22, 2023
JAN230988
(W) Greg Pak (A) Ibraim Roberson (CA) Rahzzah
HANDMAIDEN NO MORE?
Few bonds in the galaxy are as strong as the sisterhood of the former handmaidens of Padm? Amidala. But all that was threatened when Sab? entered the service of Darth Vader, the man the handmaidens always believed was responsible for Padmé’s death.
Now Dormé, Saché, Rabé and Eirtaé are determined to save Sabé – or stop her, no matter what. But the influence of the Dark Lord is strong and dangerous – and not just to Sabé. What path will the handmaidens choose? And how does all this play into Darth Vader’s true plans?
Rated T
In Shops: Mar 22, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants:
- Rahzzah Cover A
- Larraz Variant
- Momoko Women’s History Month Variant
- ROTJ Anniversary Variant
Star Wars: Hidden Empire #5 – April 05, 2023
FEB230880
(W) Charles Soule (A) Steven Cummings (CA) Paolo Siqueira
CHAOS REIGNS!
The epic conclusion to the trilogy begun with WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS and CRIMSON REIGN!
At last, Qi’ra will reveal herself to the Sith.
At last, she will have her revenge.
Rated T
In Shops: Apr 05, 2023
SRP: $5.99 (40 Pages)
Variants:
Star Wars #33 – April 05, 2023
FEB230899
(W) Charles Soule (A) Madibek Musabekov (CA) Stephen Segovia
UNTETHERED!
Luke Skywalker’s connection to the Force has been disrupted; one of his most powerful tools in his journey to become a Jedi is gone.
He must undertake an epic quest to find what he has lost… or he, and the galaxy, will fall to darkness.
Rated T
In Shops: Apr 05, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants:
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #30 – April 12, 2023
JAN230985
(W) Alyssa Wong (A) Minkyu Jung (CA) Emanuela Lupacchino
SHATTER! THE CONCLUSION OF THE BATTLE FOR THE SPARK ETERNAL!
As DOCTOR APHRA fights for her life, she faces a dire question: Even IF she triumphs over the Spark, will there be enough left of Aphra to piece herself back together?
Rated T
In Shops: Apr 12, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants:
I will be updating this page daily as long as there are updates to be made. Don’t miss a single cover or make sure you get the right cover for you by checking back often.
Hey hey and may the force be with you!
-Grand Admiral Frik
