Next week’s new comic book day is May 24th, 2023 and it’s shaping up to be a fun week for Star Wars comics with stories that I’m very interested in reading plus some interesting “spec” potential.
Here’s what Star Wars fans can expect next week:
Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories #5 by Amanda Deibert will be a story about Anakin, Obi-Wan, Asajj Ventress, and Count Dooku. I have no idea if this will be a key but I love Clone Wars era stories and both covers are fantastic. I’m personally going for the Cary Nord Cover B because I think he absolutely nailed the dynamic between Dooku and Ventress.
Star Wars: Darth Vader – Black, White, & Red #2 by Jason Aaron and a star-studded cast of comic creatives comes out next week as well and, while I didn’t LOVE the first issue, I do like that the artists are swinging big and trying out unique art styles. It’s a bit jarring compared to what we’re used to though. I’m a big fan of the Cover A by Adam Kubert.
Star Wars: High Republic #10 by Cavan Scott is the final issue of the 10-part Marvel run for Phase II of The High Republic.
This is easily my most anticipated issue of the week.
Why? Because we got a Marda Ro mention in Star Wars: High Republic #9, making me think that Marda may FINALLY get her first appearance in a comic. Marda Ro is a fascinating character. She’s the ancestor of the big bad from Phase I, Marchion Ro, and is the most influential character in creating what eventually becomes the Nihil.
Also, you’d think that The Mother may also get her first “full” appearance in Star Wars: The High Republic #10. Without getting much into book spoilers, The Mother’s story is directly tied to Oliviah Zeveron’s story. Oliviah was first introduced in The High Republic #1 (2022) so you’d think her story will get some closure in this issue as well.
I personally LOVE the Star Wars: High Republic #10 Mico Suayan / Comic Corner store exclusive for this issue. The art is amazing and the virgin variant is limited to only 600 copies.
I’m floored that it’s still in stock (as of writing this) as it may be my favorite cover from all of Phase II of The High Republic. The 1:25 is nice too. You can get both exclusive variants and the 1:25 bundled up at the Comic Corner as well.
Other than comics there are three new Star Wars Essential Legends Collection reprints of three legends novels coming out next week, including Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void, which includes the namesake of James Mangold’s recently announced Star Wars film. There are also a few fun Funko items coming out that I’ll add details on below.
Check out everything new coming up (including all variants) below and get your pre-orders in over at TFAW.
Quick Shortcuts: (not just Star Wars)
Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories 5
NOV220429
(W) Amanda Deibert (A/CA) Riccardo FacinniFrom the darkest days of the Clone Wars, comes a tale of evil and intrigue.
Dispatched by the nefarious Count Dooku, the Sith assassin Asajj Ventress stalks her prey from the Outer Rim all the way to the tranquil world of Naboo. But just what is her target? And can even the Jedi stand in her way?
Take a walk on the Dark Side, in Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories #5!
In Shops: May 24, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants:
Star Wars: High Republic #10
MAR230907
(W) Cavan Scott (A) Ario Anindito (CA) Rafael De Latorre
STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC PHASE TWO FINALE!
• The LEVELER has been unleashed in a secret Jedi vault on JEDHA.
• Jedi Knight VILDAR MAC has risked everything to defeat the PATH OF THE OPEN HAND, but in the face of tragedy, can he resist the lure of the dark side?
• Jedha’s Battle for the Force reaches its epic conclusion!
Rated T
In Shops: May 24, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants
- De Latorre Cover A
- Lopez Variant
- Yu 1:25 Variant
- TFAW (Coming Soon)
- Yu 1:25 CGC 9.8
- Mico Suayan Exclusive Variant
- Trade Dress LTD 800
- Virgin LTD 600
- The Comic Corner
- eBay
Star Wars: Darth Vader – Black, White & Red #2
MAR230895
(W) Jason Aaron, David Pepose (A) Leonard Kirk, Various (CA) Adam Kubert
JASON AARON CONTINUES HIS RETURN TO THE GREATEST VILLAIN IN THE GALAXY!
Along with artist LEONARD KIRK, these two titans of comics tell a tale of horror and intrigue! PLUS, David Pepose makes his STAR WARS debut!
Rated T
In Shops: May 24, 2023
SRP: $4.99
Variants:
Star Wars: Yoda – Dark Rendezvous
MAR231807
(W) Sean Stewart
The savage Clone Wars have forced the Republic to the edge of collapse. During the height of the battle, one Jedi Knight escapes the carnage to deliver a message to Yoda on Coruscant. It appears that Dooku wants peace and demands a rendezvous. Chances are slim that the treacherous Count is sincere but, with a million lives at stake, Yoda has no choice. The meeting will take place on Vjun, a planet steeped in evil. The challenge could not be more difficult. Can Yoda win back his once promising pupil from the dark side or will Count Dooku unleash his sinister forces against his former mentor? Either way, Yoda is sure of one thing: this battle will be one of the fiercest he’ll ever face.
In Shops: May 23, 2023
SRP: $17.00
Pre-Order Here
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Into The Void
MAR231805
(W) Tim Lebbon
On the planet Tython, the ancient Je’daii order was founded. And at the feet of its wise Masters, Lanoree Brock learned the mysteries and methods of the Force-and found her calling as one of its most powerful disciples. But as strongly as the Force flowed within Lanoree and her parents, it remained absent in her brother, who grew to despise and shun the Je’daii, and whose training in its ancient ways ended in tragedy.
Now, from her solitary life as a Ranger keeping order across the galaxy, Lanoree has been summoned by the Je’daii Council on a matter of utmost urgency. The leader of a fanatical cult, obsessed with traveling beyond the reaches of known space, is bent on opening a cosmic gateway using dreaded dark matter as the key-risking a cataclysmic reaction that will consume the entire star system. A staggering revelation makes clear why she was chosen: The brilliant, dangerous madman she must track down and stop at any cost is the brother whose death she has long grieved-and whose life she must now fear.
In Shops: May 23, 2023
SRP: $17.00
Pre-order here
Star Wars: Republic Commando – Hard Contact
MAR231806
(W) Karen Traviss
On a mission to sabotage a chemical weapon research facility on a Separatist-held planet, four clone troopers operate under the very noses of their enemies.
The commandos are outnumbered and outgunned, deep behind enemy lines with no backup-and working with strangers instead of trusted teammates. Matters don’t improve when Darman, the squad’s demolitions expert, gets separated from the others during planetfall. Even Darman’s apparent good luck in meeting an inexperienced Padawan vanishes once Etain admits to her woeful naivety. For the separated clone commandos and stranded Jedi, a long, dangerous journey lies ahead, through hostile territory, and a single misstep could mean discovery… and death.
In Shops: May 23, 2023
SRP: $17.00
Pre-Order Here
Funko Bitty Pop Star Wars Han Solo 4 Pack
JUN232553
From Funko. Your favorite Pops! have been shrunk into Bitty Pops! Expand your Star Wars collection with this assortment of Bitty Pop! figures featuring the most stellar characters in the galaxy! This 4-pack includes Bitty Pop! Han Solo, Bitty Pop! Chewbacca, Bitty Pop! Greedo, and a mystery Bitty Pop! figure.
The possible mystery Bitty Pops! are Hyper Rare (1/6) Stormtrooper (chrome), Hyper Rare (1/6) Grand Moff Tarkin, Rare (1/3) Tuskan Raider, and Rare (1/3) Hammerhead.
Bitty Pops! are packaged in hard acrylic cases with detachable bottom lids. Detachable bottom lids double as acrylic bases, to which the Bitty Pop! figures are adhered.
In Shops: N/A
SRP: $14.99
Pre-Order Here
Star Wars Comic Book FOC Deadlines
For those who aren’t familiar, FOC, or Final Order Cut Off, is when publishers and distributors require retailers to get their orders in. Printers then print according to that number (sometimes with overages). So, if you want to absolutely guarantee you get a book, the best bet is to order it before FOC. Final Order Cut Off is Monday 5/22/23 this week.
Star Wars: Thrawn
MAR238349
(W) Jody Houser (A) Luke Ross (CA) Paul Renaud
He’s one of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of Star Wars! Now, discover how Grand Admiral Thrawn became one of the most feared military tacticians in a galaxy far, far away. Jody Houser and Luke Ross adapt Timothy Zahn’s New York Times best-selling novel about Thrawn’s rise through the Imperial ranks! Meet young Lieutenant Thrawn, who graduated the Imperial Academy with the highest marks possible. He’s been assigned his own personal assistant, Ensign Eli Vanto, and is ascending quickly – but that doesn’t mean everyone in the Imperial Navy wants him to succeed. And Thrawn isn’t the Empire’s only rising star – so is Arihnda Pryce. The two rivals’ paths will cross, and tensions will run high, when they discover a dark secret within the Empire. Collecting STAR WARS: THRAWN #1-6.
Rated T
In Shops: Aug 02, 2023
Final Orders Due: May 22, 2023
SRP: $17.99
Pre-Order Here
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #35
APR230889
(W) Sacks, Ethan (A) Lan Medina (CA) Marco Checchetto
A NEW ERA FOR THE BOUNTY HUNTERS! In the aftermath of the battle with INFERNO SQUAD, VALANCE and T’ONGA are joined by the most dangerous bounty hunters in the galaxy… KHEL TANNA! DEATHSTICK! DURGE!
…and BOBA FETT?!
Rated T
In Shops: Jun 21, 2023
SRP: $3.99
Variants
Star Wars Legends: The Empire Omnibus Vol. 2
OCT221018, OCT221019
(W) Randy Stradley, Various (A) Gabriel Guzman, Various (CA) Felipe Massafera, Kilian Plunkett
The galaxy’s darkest days are here! In the months after Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader continues his relentless pursuit of the surviving Jedi. But between Dass Jennir’s smuggling crew, a veritable army of assassins and the Emperor’s own sinister plans, will Vader’s ruthlessness be enough to keep him intact?
Then join C-3PO and R2-D2’s search for a new master as they face pirates, monsters and evil droids! Plus: the earliest adventures of young Han Solo and Lando Calrissian (including the acquisition of a certain starship), and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s time on Tatooine!
Collecting STAR WARS: DARK TIMES – FIRE CARRIER #1-5, STAR WARS: DARK TIMES – A SPARK REMAINS #1-5, STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE NINTH ASSASSIN #1-5, STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE CRY OF SHADOWS #1-5, STAR WARS: DROIDS SPECIAL #1, STAR WARS: DROIDS (1994) #1-6, STAR WARS: DROIDS (1995) #1-8 and STAR WARS: THE PROTOCOL OFFENSIVE – plus material from STAR WARS VISIONARIES; STAR WARS TALES #11-12, #15 and #20; DARK HORSE PRESENTS ANNUAL ’99; and STAR WARS GALAXY MAGAZINE #1.
Rated T
In Shops: Nov 01, 2023
SRP: $125.00
Pre-Order Here
