Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances #3 by Timothy Zahn, Jody Houser, Andrea Di Vito, and Pat Olliffe comes out this Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, and this weekend we get a sneak peek into the issue with a 6-page preview from Marvel Comics!
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Finally! The Grysk were first mentioned over 2,500 days ago in Timothy Zahn’s first canon Thrawn novel, Star Wars: Thrawn. That kicked off SIX canon novels about Thrawn and the Chiss Ascendancy’s conflict with the Grysk. Thousands and thousands of pages detailing the threat the Grysk pose for both the unknown regions and Imperial space.
And this issue is the very first time we get to see what they look like. Up to this point, all we’ve had is a vague description of their appearance and some details on their weapons and armor. So this is a big issue for me.
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Thrawn and the Grysk storyline. For those unfamiliar… here’s a brief overview.
The Grysk are a conquering species that use manipulation and political divide to infiltrate planets and star systems. They strategically control supplies and prized cultural items to gain leverage and to put themselves into positions of power.
They slowly manipulate each species to make decisions that weaken their collective power and then they strike. Making each species subservient to them under the threat of violence. i.e. do what they want or everyone you love dies and everything you know will be destroyed.
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They are the entire reason Thrawn is in the Empire. He saw that, despite his best efforts, the Chiss were likely going to fall victim to Grysk control. So he used his previous relationship with General Skywalker to try and solicit the help from Emporer Palpatine. He and Palpatine made a deal. If Thrawn helped the Emperor achieve his goals, then the Emperor would consider helping the Chiss in return. But for that to happen, the Rebellion would need to end. But before Thrawn could end the Rebellion, he and Ezra take a ride with some Purrgil to Peridea.
I genuinely hope we get some Grysk mentions in the upcoming Mando/Ahsoka era shows. It’s a great story and ignoring it completely would be a waste.
Either way, this issue is the first appearance of the Grysk. I don’t know if that means it will be an expensive book in 5 years… but I do know I’m excited to read it.
UPDATED: Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances Marvel Comics Variant Checklist
Check out the full preview below and be sure to get your pre-orders in.
Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances #3 (of 4)
(W) Jody Houser, Timothy Zahn (A) Andrea Di Vito, Pat Olliffe (CA) Rod Reis
A SPACE BATTLE FOR THE AGES! PAST and PRESENT collide as THRAWN partners with ANAKIN SKYWALKER and DARTH VADER! What are the separatists hiding? And how does PADMÉ play a role?
On sale Mar 20, 2024 | 32 Pages | 75960609358800311
$4.99
Variants:
- Rod Reis Cover A
- Annie Wu Women’s History Month Fennec Shand Variant
- Declan Shalvey 1:25 Variant