If you weren’t at NYCC 2024, don’t worry—I’ve got you beautiful wooks covered! Lucasfilm Publishing dropped a bunch of Star Wars news that’s got fans hyped for the upcoming wave of books, comics, and more, especially as The High Republic saga reaches its grand finale.
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There was enough Jedi armor, scav-droid chaos, and unexpected surprises to fill a cantina, so let’s dive into the highlights from the panel, and why your bookshelf is about to get a serious workout.
Jedi Knights Get a Prequel Era Comic Series
Let’s kick things off with one of the big announcements that had everyone buzzing—Star Wars: Jedi Knights! Marc Guggenheim is back, teaming up with artist Madibek Musabekov to bring us an all-new comic series set before The Phantom Menace.
The series will feature some of our favorite Jedi heroes like Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Dooku (the good version) and Mace Windu, as well as some brand-new Jedi characters (what???) that are ready to jump into the fray.
Each issue will follow a different Jedi duo on missions across the galaxy, but there’s a mysterious new villain targeting none other than Qui-Gon Jinn.
This arc promises to show the Jedi Order evolving in the face of a dangerous new threat, and editor Mark Paniccia teased that we’re in for more lightsaber action than ever before. Which, as you know, isn’t a bad thing.
Star Wars: The High Republic (2025) Brings Back Kelnacca (and other things)
One of the more exciting comic reveals from the NYCC 2024 panel was Marvel’s cover art for Star Wars: The High Republic (2025) #2, which features fan-favorite Wookiee Jedi Kelnacca. If you’ve been following the High Republic comics, you know Kelnacca is a force (pun intended) to be reckoned with.
But this time, things get even more intense with Lourna Dee returning—looking like she might be up to her old Tempest Runner tricks. It’s safe to say that when Lourna Dee shows up, things are about to get messy for our Jedi heroes.
With the galaxy in chaos and characters like Kelnacca and Lourna Dee in the mix, expect nothing less than action-packed panels and a lot of lightsaber duels. This issue is sure to be a must-read for High Republic comic fans.
The Final Showdown: Jedi vs. Nihil and Nameless
Next up, let’s talk High Republic—because the Jedi of this era are done with their peaceful robes and ready for war. They’ve got the armor to prove it. The final chapters of The High Republic Phase III are gearing up for an epic battle against the Nihil and the Nameless, and we got a first look at some incredible cover art featuring Avar Kriss, Elzar Mann, Bell Zettifar, and guy Burryaga.
Bruh, are they temple guards???
It’s clear that things are heating up, and with characters like Avar Kriss leading the charge, we’re heading for an explosive, emotional conclusion.
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If you’ve been following this storyline, you already know that heartbreak is basically inevitable. But hey, no one said being a Jedi was easy, right?
Claudia Gray’s Into the Light: Reath Silas on Kashyyyk
One of the most exciting book reveals came from fan-favorite author Claudia Gray, who’s back with Into the Light. This YA novel mirrors her earlier work, Into the Dark, and sees Reath Silas dealing with an all-new threat—on Kashyyyk no less! The cover shows Reath up against some mysterious blight, and I can already hear the Wookiee growls of concern.
If you know Gray’s work, then you know this is going to be a mix of deep character exploration and intense action. Reath Silas has always been one of the more reflective Jedi, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how he handles this new challenge—especially when it’s on the Wookiees’ home turf.
A Valiant Vow Pits Jedi vs. Scav-Droids
Speaking of Jedi versus seemingly impossible odds, Justina Ireland is back with A Valiant Vow, a middle-grade adventure that sounds like a mix of action, humor, and a lot of scav-droids. We’re talking way too many scav-droids for comfort. Fan-favorite Jedi Imri Cantaros and Tep Tep are set to return, and if you loved Ireland’s past entries, you know this one’s going to be a blast.
Ireland has a way of balancing lighthearted moments with some real stakes, and A Valiant Vow promises to deliver more of that same energy. Plus, there’s something about Jedi kids battling scav-droids that just feels like classic Star Wars fun.
The Crystal Crown: The Acolyte Era Expands
Now let’s jump to something a little darker—The Acolyte! Tessa Gratton’s YA novel The Crystal Crown is diving deep into the final years of the High Republic, and we’re reuniting with Padawan Jecki Lon and Jedi Knight Yord Fandar, two characters connected to The Acolyte series. If you’ve been itching for more connections to that show’s shadowy side of the Force, this book is going to be your next obsession.
The High Republic isn’t just about heroic Jedi—there’s a darker side brewing here, and Gratton’s novel promises to explore it in all its twisted glory. Keep your eye on this one, because it’s sure to offer some fascinating insight into the Force’s more dangerous aspects.
Tempest Breaker – Marchion Ro and Lourna Dee’s Deadly Dance
If you’ve been craving more villainy, Cavan Scott’s audio original novel Tempest Breaker is going to be your jam. We got a look at some concept art featuring Marchion Ro and Lourna Dee in what can only be described as a “dance to the death.” It’s no secret that Scott is a master at writing villainous characters, and I’m pretty sure this showdown is going to leave us all a little scarred (in the best way).
The Nihil have been terrorizing the galaxy for a while now, but Tempest Breaker promises to kick things up a notch. If you’ve been following the villains of The High Republic, this is a can’t-miss story that dives into the minds of two of its most dangerous players.
In summary: New Jedi, new villains, and a lot of lightsabers. Whether you’re a fan of the novels, comics, or audio dramas, there’s no shortage of Star Wars content coming our way, and NYCC 2024 has left us with more than enough to look forward to in 2025.
For light and life wooks!
-Frik
