The Star Wars universe options greater than 40 years of storytelling that goes far past the movie. Since George Lucas first introduced his imaginative and prescient to the silver display screen in 1977, creators have produced a galaxy’s value of tales for us to get pleasure from.
To date, there are 11 live-action movies alone, plus a rising variety of TV collection, video video games, and an ever-expanding library of books and comics.
All of it makes for an unlimited quantity of content material. Even individuals who have watched the movies for years can discover the variety of books overwhelming. Seasoned readers can discover themselves baffled by the comedian collection. The sheer quantity of fabric might be daunting for anybody. What to look at? In what order? Do I must learn all of the books and comics?
Happily, we can assist with making sense of all of it.
The very first thing to know is that there are two totally different narrative timelines. The primary Star Wars books and comics got here out within the late Nineteen Seventies. When Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012 with the intent to develop new movies, there have been already 35 years of tales. The timeline prolonged from hundreds of years earlier than Luke Skywalker’s time to greater than a century after.
To present creatives room to work and to have an built-in general storyline, Lucasfilm reset the franchise’s timeline in 2014. On the time, solely the occasions of the primary six movies and Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated collection had been thought of to have formally “occurred.” Apart from that, it was a clear slate prepared for storytellers to create new adventures.
The sooner tales — now branded as “Legends” — are nonetheless round, many being reprinted at this time. Lots of them are definitely nonetheless value having fun with. However we’ll discuss them one other time.
Virtually every little thing created since April 2014 is taken into account “Canon,” and that is what we deal with right here. For the reason that reboot, Canon has grown to incorporate the Sequel Trilogy, two anthology movies, standard tv exhibits, and an ever-expanding variety of books, comics, and video video games.
To arrange Canon Star Wars storytelling, Lucasfilm has divided the timeline into six distinct eras: The Excessive Republic, Fall of the Jedi, Reign of the Empire, Age of Rise up, New Republic, and Rise of the First Order. We have used those self same eras right here for simplicity and comfort. In every interval, we’ll have a look at the movies and tv exhibits in addition to crucial books, comics, and video video games.
There’s quite a bit to cowl, so that you may wish to buckle up.
The Excessive Republic
The earliest period on the timeline options a number of the latest Star Wars storytelling. The Excessive Republic is an ongoing, interconnected multimedia initiative that features grownup and younger grownup novels, comics, manga, kids’s books, audio dramas, and brief tales. Deliberate for 3 distinct phases, it is going to ultimately embrace the forthcoming Disney+ collection The Acolyte and the online game Star Wars: Eclipse.
These tales happen greater than two centuries earlier than the movies when the Jedi Knights had been on the top of their energy as “guardians of peace and justice.” The Galactic Republic can be at its peak and in a golden period of enlargement and prosperity. We meet all new characters, encounter contemporary views on the Power, and behold epic braveness.
We additionally confront new villains and witness devastating tragedies. As Lucasfilm Publishing’s inventive director Michael Siglain mentioned on the launch occasion, we see first-hand “what scares a Jedi.”
Fall of the Jedi
After the movies started in the midst of the saga with the Authentic Trilogy, George Lucas went “again in time” to inform the backstory of the Empire and Darth Vader. We see the Jedi Order and the Republic meet their fates and uncover the origins of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. Since they happen earlier than the primary three movies, followers name this the Prequel Trilogy.
However there’s far more to the period than the three movies. At present, the earliest title on this period takes place greater than 60 years earlier than The Phantom Menace. Plus, with a decade passing between the primary two movies and a monumental conflict altering the face of the galaxy earlier than the third, there’s quite a bit left to inform.
Movies
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
The Phantom Menace takes place over three many years earlier than we meet Luke Skywalker. It exhibits us a galaxy and republic at peace however with darkish shadows on the horizon. Tensions over commerce routes and taxes threaten to boil over into open battle. Admittedly, politics, economics, and parliamentary process may not sound thrilling. However relaxation assured, there’s nonetheless loads of motion with pod racing, starfighter dogfights, and lightsaber duels. And with iconic characters like Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Grand Grasp Yoda all making their entrance, The Phantom Menace units the stage for the remainder of the saga.
Star Wars Episode II: Assault of the Clones
Selecting up the story a decade later, we discover Anakin as an adolescent coaching to grow to be a Jedi Knight beneath Obi-Wan Kenobi. After her reign as queen, Padmé now serves within the Republic Senate. When there’s an try on her life, Chancellor Palpatine asks the Jedi to assist. Obi-Wan’s investigation uncovers a military of clones mysteriously ordered by a long-dead Jedi. In the meantime, Anakin finds himself because the senator’s one-Jedi safety element — doubtlessly a difficult task for a teenage boy in a quasi-monastic order. Anakin, Padmé, and Obi-Wan meet once more as prisoners. When different Jedi come to the rescue, the following battle ignites the Clone Wars.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
After three years of fight, the Clone Wars careens to a climactic end because the mastermind behind the epic battle brings his sinister and long-simmering plan to fruition. With a brand new apprentice at his aspect, he declares an Empire instead of the Republic. As Anakin, Padmé, and the Jedi Order meet their destinies, the galaxy’s final hope lies with toddler twins. The trilogy concludes as they go to new houses, break up up for their very own safety.
Tv
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The Clone Wars premiered three years after Revenge of the Sith. Whereas the movies solely confirmed the conflict’s starting and finish, this present covers the intervening years. The collection takes us to new worlds and introduces us to memorable new characters, together with fan favorites like bounty hunter Cad Bane, murderer Asajj Ventress, clone Captain Rex, and Jedi apprentice Ahsoka Tano.
The collection initially aired on the Cartoon Community, however do not let that trick you into pondering it is only for children. It explores the connection between Anakin and Obi-Wan and vastly enriches Anakin’s arc within the third movie. The Clone Wars developed a passionate fan base with its grand scale, wealthy character improvement, fascinating Power lore, large house battles, and lightsaber fight. In truth, director Dave Filoni credited the followers’ enduring loyalty and keenness for serving to to convey the present again for its seventh and ultimate season in 2020.
Important Books
Dooku: Jedi Misplaced
This period’s earliest story sheds mild on the origins of each Rely Dooku and his apprentice Asajj Ventress via a collection of flashbacks. We witness Dooku’s earliest days within the Jedi Order, his eventual departure to rule over his residence world, and his recruitment of Ventress. First launched as an audio drama, Dooku: Jedi Misplaced options a whole forged of voice actors along with sound results and music.
Grasp & Apprentice
Grasp & Apprentice exhibits us Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi seven years earlier than The Phantom Menace. Not like the duo we see within the first prequel, the e book exhibits us a 17-year-old apprentice’s strained and unsure relationship along with his unconventional grasp. The strain between them foreshadows the occasional uneasiness between Obi-Wan and Anakin in Assault of the Clones. A high-stakes mission offers them an opportunity to mirror on their partnership, which evolves in a manner that can change the way in which you see them collectively on display screen.
Queen’s Arms Trilogy
Queen’s Peril, Queen’s Shadow, and Queen’s Hope comprise a trilogy that follows Padmé Amidala via the Prequel Trilogy. Collectively, they showcase her progress via the challenges posed by the Commerce Federation’s blockade, service within the Senate, and the brand new realities of conflict and sophisticated private relationships. The tales add depth to the Prequel Trilogy’s solely main feminine character and reintroduce Padmé’s handmaidens. They grow to be compelling characters in their very own proper, with arcs that develop to different works.
Brotherhood
Instantly after Assault of the Clones, Brotherhood focuses on Obi-Wan and Anakin. After a disaster on an formally impartial planet, the Jedi Order sends Obi-Wan to research within the hopes of stopping the conflict from spiraling uncontrolled. On the identical time, the Jedi — historically peacekeepers — should adapt to their new position as generals within the Republic’s new clone military. Amid this upheaval, Obi-Wan should reframe his relationship with the newly knighted Anakin. The e book intently follows Queen’s Hope, and the 2 properly complement one another.
Darkish Disciple
This novel adapts a storyline supposed initially for Star Wars: The Clone Wars earlier than its 2013 cancellation. As Dooku’s techniques grow to be extra ruthless, the Jedi Order finds itself more and more determined to cease him. To find him, maverick Jedi Quinlan Vos first poses as a bounty hunter to trace down the Rely’s former apprentice, Asajj Ventress. Nonetheless nursing a way of betrayal, Ventress joins the mission. As their partnership turns into greater than anticipated, the novel places a novel spin on the normal Star Wars theme of redemption. It additionally invitations us to contemplate simply how far the cataclysmic conflict has pushed the Jedi from their beliefs.
Important Comics
Darth Maul (2017) / Darth Maul — Son of Dathomir
Darth Maul’s iconic double-bladed lightsaber and menacing look almost stole the present in The Phantom Menace. Two comedian collection deal with this fan-favorite villain. Darth Maul takes place earlier than the primary prequel and explores Maul’s origins and early days beneath the tutelage of a ruthless Sith Grasp. Darth Maul — Son of Dathomir is, just like the novel Darkish Disciple, an adaptation of unused scripts developed for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. A number of years after his expertise on Naboo (no, he did not truly die), Maul rises to the highest of a felony group. His former grasp plans to make use of him towards potential opponents, however Maul has different plans. And now, he additionally has a military of his personal followers.
Obi-Wan & Anakin
Filling a part of the hole between the Prequel Trilogy’s first two movies, Obi-Wan & Anakin exhibits the brand new Jedi Knight and his younger Padawan three years into their partnership. Nonetheless new to his rank and tasks, Obi-Wan questions his instructing means. On the identical time, Anakin struggles with lacking his mom and discovering his place within the universe. Very similar to The Clone Wars, the comedian collection deepens our understanding of their complicated relationship and makes the ultimate scenes of Revenge of the Sith — and important moments within the Obi-Wan Kenobi tv collection — that rather more poignant.
Reign of the Empire
After the occasions of Revenge of the Sith comes what an older Obi-Wan famously describes because the “darkish occasions.” Out of the ashes of the war-torn Republic, an Empire rises and guidelines with an iron fist. However even from the start of its reign, opposition slowly and quietly builds. Because the Emperor seeks to consolidate management over the galaxy, survivors of the Clone Wars should discover ways to make their manner in a modified galaxy.
Movies
Solo: A Star Wars Story
This 2018 anthology film presents the well-known smuggler’s origin story. We meet him on the planet Corellia, the place he lives underground and scrapes by working scams for a merciless crime lord. After his try to flee with Qi’Ra goes sideways, he serves a quick stint within the Imperial army earlier than putting out on a brand new path. He ultimately winds up with a crew attempting to drag off a high-stakes heist. Alongside the way in which, we see the beginnings of a legendary partnership as Han discovers considered one of his two true loves.
Tv
Star Wars: The Dangerous Batch
This spin-off of The Clone Wars includes a group of elite clone troopers designed with genetic mutations giving them distinctive expertise. With the conflict now over and the Empire after them for disobeying orders, they take odd jobs as mercenaries. Beneath the entertaining veneer of their adventures, the present examines the plight of these created particularly for conflict after that conflict ends. It is not the primary time Star Wars animation has invited reflection on the ethical issues of making human beings particularly for fight.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
This present picks up the story 10 years after Revenge of the Sith. The Empire tirelessly hunts Jedi with a staff of fearsome Inquisitors beneath the command of Darth Vader. Stricken by loss and guilt, Obi-Wan lives beneath an assumed identify and maintains a lonely vigil on Tatooine, watching over younger Luke Skywalker. It takes an previous good friend’s determined name for assist to get the previous Jedi Grasp to dig out his lightsaber and enterprise again right into a harmful galaxy. The present options the much-celebrated return of Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to the Star Wars universe.
Andor
In a two-season collection exploring the lifetime of Insurgent intelligence agent Cassian Andor earlier than the occasions of Rogue One, Andor exhibits the recruitment and improvement of one of many Alliance’s simplest spies. Whereas a lot of the saga targeted on dashing pilots and legendary Jedi, Andor explores the harsher and grittier lives of spies, saboteurs, and foot troopers. With Tony Gilroy, who labored extensively on Rogue One, returning because the present’s author, director, and showrunner, Andor has all of the hazard and suspense of the favored movie.
Important Books
Ahsoka
Launched in The Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano turned a fan favourite. This e book finds her retaining a low profile after the conflict and hiding from the Empire. She takes odd jobs as a farmer and mechanic whereas attempting to maintain her id and Power skills secret. All of the whereas, she wonders what turned of her former grasp. However she will’t deny her nature when Imperials arrive and start to take advantage of the locals. As she turns into a goal for the Inquisitors, she finds a brand new alternative to serve the sunshine.
Catalyst
This prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story tells how Orson Krennic leveraged the chaos on the finish of the Clone Wars to recruit Galen Erso into Imperial service. Indebted to Krennic, Erso works on what he initially believes to be peaceable vitality sources. Ultimately, nonetheless, he and his spouse Lyra develop suspicious in regards to the true objective of his analysis and plan an escape. Krennic earns a demotion for dropping his most essential asset, and the scene is about for that movie’s starting.
Lords of the Sith
5 years after the rise of Darth Vader, he and the Emperor got down to personally reassert management over a rebellious world. The resistance motion’s chief sees a possibility to wipe out the core of the Empire’s management and sends a daring mission to sabotage their Star Destroyer. The Emperor and Vader escape, crash-landing on the hostile world the place the insurgents start to hunt them down. The ordeal exhibits us the distinctive dynamic between the Darkish Lords and the true energy and brutality of the darkish aspect of the Power.
Most Needed
Most Needed is a enjoyable and fast-paced journey printed with the discharge of Solo: A Star Wars Story. Set earlier than the movie, it offers us a better have a look at life beneath the streets of Corellia, and it is easy to see why Han yearns to depart. His crime boss retains management by taking part in her underlings towards one another, and Han and Qi’ra had been fierce rivals for a while. However when a heist goes improper, they have to staff as much as survive. This modifications the character of their relationship and results in the dynamic we see between them on display screen in a manner that provides weight to a number of the film’s key scenes.
Important Comics
Darth Vader: Darkish Lord of the Sith
Darth Vader: Darkish Lord of the Sith is without doubt one of the best-regarded comedian collection in Canon. Selecting up instantly after Revenge of the Sith, the collection spotlights Vader’s efforts to depart the final of his former self behind. He struggles to adapt to his new actuality, full with omnipresent armor, prosthetics, and the intrusive equipment retaining him alive. On the identical time, he has his first mission from the Emperor: main the Inquisitors within the hunt for surviving Jedi.
Lando: Double or Nothing
This miniseries follows Lando Calrissian and L3-37 shortly earlier than Solo: A Star Wars Story. Lando has no scarcity of swagger, daring, and capes as he undertakes missions from crime lords, helps worlds enslaved by the Empire, and works to clear some money owed. Documenting his exploits for his rising memoir, Lando stays one step forward of the Empire and different assorted enemies. Ultimately, caught on the planet Vandor along with his beloved ship impounded, he bides his time taking part in sabacc along with his earnings from the mission. That’s till destiny and Han Solo discover him.
Han Solo: Imperial Cadet
Han Solo: Imperial Cadet fills within the time hole in Solo: A Star Wars Story between Han becoming a member of the Imperial Navy and the muddy finish of his brief army profession. How did the previous Corellian hoodlum adapt to life within the army? How did somebody along with his coronary heart set on flying wind up within the infantry? This entertaining collection exhibits Han’s coaching as a TIE pilot and his demotion. He demonstrates a novel means to maintain making issues worse for himself till he and Chewbacca be part of Tobias Beckett’s crew.
Video games
Jedi: Fallen Order
This single-player online game takes place 5 years after Revenge of the Sith. Cal Kestis, a former Jedi apprentice, works in a scrapyard and tries to keep away from drawing consideration to himself. Nonetheless, an Imperial probe droid data his use of the Power to avoid wasting a good friend from a doubtlessly deadly accident. With the Inquisitors sizzling on his path, Cal finds refuge with a former Jedi Knight. Collectively, they search the galaxy for artifacts that might assist rebuild the Jedi Order.
Age of Rise up
This Age of Rise up encompasses the Authentic Trilogy and Rogue One, the period when the tide lastly turns, and the Emperor’s reign involves a tumultuous finish. It’s the period of Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewie, the place one man’s inventive imaginative and prescient launched many years of imaginative storytelling. In lots of respects, the interval is the core of the saga, establishing lots of its most central themes.
Movies
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
An anthology movie that premiered almost 40 years after the franchise’s groundbreaking first installment, Rogue One rapidly turned many followers’ favourite Star Wars film. In its depiction of an unlikely staff banding collectively in a difficult mission towards lengthy odds, the movie follows plot parts acquainted to followers. With a grittiness that evokes traditional conflict movies, it tells how the Rebels stole the Loss of life Star plans instantly earlier than the primary film. In doing so, it paints a extra “grey” or morally ambiguous image than the unique motion pictures’ traditional good vs. evil paradigm.
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Launched in 1977 and recognized then as simply “Star Wars,” this was the one which began all of it and have become an icon. You do not have to take our phrase for it; the Library of Congress thinks so, too. The movie is without doubt one of the most commercially profitable and culturally influential ever. In creating his trendy mythology, George Lucas blended influences from samurai motion pictures, Nineteen Thirties sci-fi fiction serials, and World Conflict II movies, then added trailblazing particular results. The subtitle, “Episode IV: A New Hope” was added to the movie after 50 profitable weeks in theaters (earlier than working for six extra months) and a sequel was greenlit. The now-classic movie constructed a basis for all of the Star Wars tales that adopted.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Again
The Authentic Trilogy’s second movie is without doubt one of the most profitable sequels ever. A mythos that started as a rollicking house journey takes a extra philosophical tone as our heroes face increased private dangers and sacrifices. The Rebels are on the run from a vengeful Empire, whereas Luke, after his introduction to the Power, seeks extra coaching. One of many greatest plot twists in film historical past upends Luke’s worldview, and the swaggering Han Solo’s luck appears to lastly run out. Within the movie’s closing moments, nonetheless, our heroes’ resolve, resilience, and loyalty to one another remind us that hope lives on.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
In 1983, many people anticipated this to be the final we would see of Star Wars. Within the climactic conclusion to the Authentic Trilogy, our heroes save considered one of their very own because the Empire and the Rise up race towards a ultimate, final conflict. Fight rages on the bottom between Imperial troops and the Rebels (together with unlikely allies). On the identical time, starships and fighters tangle in an epic battle the likes of which moviegoers would not see once more for greater than 20 years. In opposition to this epic backdrop, a extra private wrestle highlights one of many franchise’s most elementary themes: redemption.
Tv
Rebels
5 years earlier than the occasions of Rogue One and A New Hope, we see the roots of the riot take maintain because the Empire’s oppression impacts increasingly more folks throughout the galaxy. An eclectic however crafty and resourceful staff undertakes missions to undermine the Empire’s rule as a part of a fledgling riot. Though in some ways a successor to The Clone Wars, Rebels includes a extra intimate have a look at one core group of characters as a substitute of its predecessor’s grand, galaxy-wide scale. Nonetheless, it is as wealthy in lore, lightsabers, and starships as every other a part of the franchise.
Important Books
Leia: Princess of Alderaan
On this coming-of-age story, Princess Leia prepares to state her declare to the throne of Alderaan in a time-honored custom. The ceremony of passage includes three challenges she should undertake to show her value. As she completes them, her adoptive mother and father wrestle with deciding whether or not to incorporate her of their covert actions. Wealthy in Alderaanian tradition and customized, the e book completely enhances the youthful Leia we see within the Obi-Wan Kenobi tv collection. It additionally offers us some fascinating glimpses of the early riot.
Misplaced Stars
This fast-paced story introduces a pair of authentic characters who grew up collectively earlier than one becoming a member of the Empire. Their paths diverge (sending one to the Insurgent Alliance) as smoldering resistance explodes into open warfare, and the e book follows them each via the pivotal occasions that comply with. From the daring raid on the Loss of life Star to the Empire’s ultimate defeat, the e book presents a contemporary have a look at the Authentic Trilogy and units the stage for the sequels. With loads of touchpoints to acquainted occasions within the first three movies, the novel is a wonderful manner for followers of the films to leap into Star Wars books.
Thrawn Trilogies
Within the early Nineteen Nineties, Timothy Zahn printed a trilogy of novels that launched a brand new period of Star Wars books and helped keep curiosity within the franchise between Authentic and Prequel Trilogies. It additionally launched a personality who turned a fan favourite, Grand Admiral Thrawn. An all-new Canon trilogy, starting with 2017’s Thrawn, tells how the legendary tactician got here into the Empire’s service and rose via its ranks. A second Canon trilogy, set sooner than the primary, examines Thrawn’s origins earlier than coming to the Empire, rising via the ranks of his personal civilization’s Fleet.
Insurgent Rising
The movie Rogue One begins with a prologue that exhibits a younger lady’s escape after the Empire comes for her father. After a time soar, Jyn Erso is a hardened younger lady residing beneath an assumed identify and serving a jail sentence. Insurgent Rising fills that lacking interval, exhibiting us Jyn’s time with Noticed Gerrera and his fierce band of partisans. The e book provides a welcome have a look at her progress into the sturdy fighter portrayed so memorably by Felicity Jones.
From a Sure Level of View Collection
With the primary quantity printed to have fun the fortieth anniversary of A New Hope and a second timed to commemorate The Empire Strikes Again, we absolutely count on one for Return of the Jedi. These books are collections of brief tales adjoining to the movies’ on-screen occasions. Typically informed from the attitude of background characters, the narratives provide contemporary takes on occasions seen on display screen. The format lends itself to totally different storytelling types and has given a number of writers new to the franchise the chance to showcase their work.
Important Comics
Star Wars Collection (Mainline; 2015 & 2020)
This comedian collection started in 2015 with the persevering with adventures of Han, Luke, and Leia between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Again. As Luke learns extra in regards to the Power, Leia works to construct help for the Rise up, and Han navigates the trail from smuggler to freedom fighter. We witness their transformation into the characters we encounter on Hoth’s frozen wastes. In the meantime, Darth Vader strives to study the id of the younger pilot who destroyed the Loss of life Star. The collection relaunched in 2020, following the characters via the 12 months main as much as Return of the Jedi.
Darth Vader Collection (2015 & 2020)
In parallel to the mainline Star Wars collection, Darth Vader follows the enduring villain between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Again. Whereas looking the Insurgent pilot liable for the Empire’s gorgeous setback, he makes an surprising discovery. All of the whereas, Vader should negotiate the interior politics of the Imperial army, routinely annoyed with officers and bureaucrats missing religion within the Power. Just like the mainline collection, it reset in 2020 to comply with Vader’s journey after The Empire Strikes Again. His private campaign takes him to surprising locations and leads him to come across ghosts from his earlier life.
Physician Aphra Collection (2016 & 2020)
An authentic character created for the 2015 Darth Vader collection earlier than starring in her personal, Dr. Chelli Lona Aphra is a maverick archeologist — one thing of an amoral Star Wars model of Indiana Jones. She has grow to be a wildly standard character in her personal proper, a crafty and resilient anti-hero. Aphra is the primary character not from the movies to steer a comic book collection. A lesbian depicted with Asian options, she can be a beacon of illustration. The collection has gained a number of GLAAD awards, and StarWars.com author Bria LaVorgna has described her as “an absolute reward to each the Star Wars world and so many LGBTQ+ followers.” There may be additionally an audio drama and script e book combining contemporary seems to be at some comedian arcs with new materials.
Conflict of the Bounty Hunters/Crimson Reign
These are the primary two of three five-issue miniseries set within the 12 months between The Empire Strikes Again and Return of the Jedi. When bounty hunter Boba Fett stops on the way in which to Jabba’s palace, he finds his treasured cargo stolen. Fett’s hunt for the thief and lacking prize results in a surprising revelation that units the Empire, Rise up, and each different heavy hitter within the galactic underworld on a collision course. That includes the shock return of beloved characters, this trilogy of comedian miniseries forges entertaining ties between Solo: A Star Wars Story, the Authentic Trilogy, and the sequels.
The New Republic
That is the interval between the autumn of the Empire and the Sequel Trilogy. Even after defeating Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader on the Battle of Endor, the Rebels’ work isn’t executed. Remnants of the Empire refuse to go quietly because the victors set up a brand new authorities and work to convey peace and freedom to a war-ravaged galaxy. Among the first books printed after Lucasfilm’s reset are set on this interval. It continues to be a fruitful period for storytelling that builds bridges between the Authentic Trilogy and Sequel Trilogy.
Tv
The Mandalorian
Set 5 years after Return of the Jedi, this was the primary live-action tv collection within the franchise. Its depiction of a lone gunslinger on the sting of the galaxy leans into Star Wars’ spaghetti western influences whereas additionally evoking the traditional samurai story Lone Wolf and Cub. The protagonist makes his residing as a bounty hunter in a stressed a part of the galaxy till one job modifications every little thing. He finds himself pursued by his guild and within the crosshairs of a robust Imperial veteran. Wealthy in callbacks to the Authentic and Prequel Trilogies, The Clone Wars, and Rebels, the collection touches almost each a part of the franchise.
The E book of Boba Fett
Because the legendary bounty hunter who captured Han Solo, Boba Fett has been a fan-favorite since his debut in The Empire Strikes Again. Regardless of what appeared to be an abrupt finish in Return of the Jedi, Boba Fett proves arduous to kill. This restricted collection exhibits Fett’s escape from his would-be resting place, how the ordeal modified him, and his subsequent mission to fill the management void on Tatooine. With a number of shock cameos, The E book of Boba Fett is an entertaining interlude between seasons two and three of The Mandalorian.
Important Books
The Princess and the Scoundrel
This novel picks up after Return of the Jedi amid a well-deserved victory celebration tinged with mourning many losses. After an impromptu proposal, we witness the fantastically depicted wedding ceremony between Han Solo and Princess Leia. However with a galaxy in chaos, their honeymoon turns into a diplomatic mission. In well-executed character moments, Han displays on his previous 12 months whereas Leia struggles with the newly revealed fact of her origins and begins to ponder the Power.
Aftermath Trilogy
Simply as the duvet of this trilogy’s first e book guarantees, the battle is way from over after the Battle of Endor. As surviving Imperial officers try to rally their scattered forces for a counteroffensive. The New Republic makes an attempt to barter a complete peace amid this chaos, even because it pursues Imperial loyalists throughout the galaxy. One faction, led by a mysterious Fleet Admiral with a hidden agenda, works to drive a ultimate showdown over the planet Jakku as a part of the Emperor’s secret ultimate contingency plan.
Alphabet Squadron Trilogy
This collection additionally picks up instantly after Return of the Jedi, specializing in a staff of pilots monitoring down an elite wing of TIE fighters wreaking havoc because the Empire crumbles. Themes of betrayal and justice, guilt and redemption, and seemingly shifting loyalties weave via the narrative as Alphabet Squadron and their foes careen towards a ultimate decisive conflict. With thrilling fighter fight and poignant reflection by compelling characters, it invitations us to contemplate the price of conflict, even for many who survive it.
Shadow of the Sith
Shadow of the Sith explores a number of the plot factors launched in The Rise of Skywalker. With a category of scholars coaching in his new Jedi temple, Luke Skywalker is haunted by darkish visions and resolves to search out out what’s behind them. In the meantime, Lando Calrissian has been going through his personal challenges. When he overhears discuss suggesting that Sith should not extinct, he is aware of he should inform his good friend. The 2 are quickly on the path of murderer and Sith devotee Ochi of Bestoon, who hunts a fugitive household on behalf of a mysterious darkish aspect cult.
Bloodline
Half biography, half political thriller, Bloodline depicts Leia Organa’s transition from senator to Resistance common. Greater than 20 years after Return of the Jedi, the final vestiges of the Empire seem to have lengthy since vanished. With the conflict an more and more distant reminiscence, the Senate quarrels over find out how to arrange and defend the New Republic. Whilst Leia sees new threats emerge, some argue for full demilitarization. A terrorist assault complicates Leia’s efforts to steer the New Republic between these opposing viewpoints and put together for an unsure future. On the identical time, a surprising disclosure compromises her place within the Senate.
Important Comics
Shattered Empire
A four-issue comedian collection main as much as The Power Awakens, Shattered Empire examines the ramifications of the Emperor’s defeat over Endor. The abrupt finish of his reign triggers one ultimate command for his followers, relayed by haunting messengers. Whilst Insurgent leaders attempt to start forging a brand new future, they discover themselves in a race to stop the remaining Imperial Starfleet from exacting a horrible vengeance throughout the galaxy.
The Rise of Kylo Ren
This four-part comedian e book miniseries exhibits how one of the promising college students in Luke Skywalker’s new Jedi temple turned the Sequel Trilogy’s mercurial villain. Beneath the burden of the potential and expectations of his household legacy, the younger man struggles with competing visions of who he ought to be. The movies inform us who he as soon as was and present us who he’s now. The Rise of Kylo Ren exhibits us his journey between the 2. We comply with him via leaving Luke’s temple, discovering a brand new grasp, confronting his former pals, and plotting a brand new path regardless of its steep admission value.
Video games
Squadrons
Squadrons is an area fight online game with a single-player marketing campaign mode set shortly after the Battle of Endor. The plot revolves round a secret New Republic undertaking because the participant alternates between two pilots for the New Republic and the Empire. It provides a novel alternative to discover a dynamic and unsettled galaxy from a first-person perspective.
Battlefront II
The plot for Battlefront II‘s marketing campaign mode spans almost the complete three-decade interval between Return of the Jedi and The Power Awakens. After Iden Versio witnesses the Insurgent triumph at Endor, she pledges to avenge the loss. However when the Emperor’s secret contingency plan endangers her residence world, she defects. Ultimately turning into a valued chief within the fledgling New Republic, Versio helps save different planets from the Empire’s wrath.
Rise of the First Order
At present the final period in Lucasfilm’s Canon Star Wars timeline, this contains the Sequel Trilogy — the latest and, for now a minimum of, ultimate installments of the Skywalker Saga. These movies launched new characters, introduced again previous pals, and relaunched the franchise. Alongside the way in which, they impressed nostalgia, attracted a brand new era of followers, and sparked a little bit of debate.
Movies
The Power Awakens
With the road “Chewie, we’re residence,” The Power Awakens introduced Star Wars again to theaters. The film included loads of nostalgia for older followers whereas opening the door for a brand new era of fans. Like one other hero earlier than her, a younger lady solutions the decision to journey. Venturing off her backwater planet, Rey turns into swept up within the galaxy’s wrestle between good and evil. A brand new era of heroes joins with legends, and collectively they confront the brand new face of evil within the galaxy.
The Final Jedi
The Final Jedi is a visually putting movie with daring selections that followers nonetheless debate years later. After Leia sends Rey to search out the galaxy’s final greatest hope, our heroine’s encounter with Luke Skywalker doesn’t go as anticipated. We study in regards to the destiny of his temple and the lack of his most promising pupil from totally different views. In the meantime, with their secret base uncovered, the Resistance rapidly evacuates and is on the run from the First Order. After a tense pursuit, they put together to make what could also be their final stand on the planet Crait.
The Rise of Skywalker
Within the Skywalker Saga’s ultimate movie, the Resistance tries to rally as Rey trains to be a Jedi. After a mysterious and haunting broadcast heard by the complete galaxy, Kylo Ren hunts tirelessly for its supply. A better evil lurks behind the First Order, and solely the embattled Resistance can cease it. Haunted by disturbing visions of her attainable future, Rey should confront the reality of her origins and select her future. Her alternative will decide whether or not the Resistance, just like the Insurgent Alliance earlier than it, will defy the chances and whether or not the Jedi will rise once more to defeat the darkness.
Tv
Resistance
An anime-inspired tv collection, Resistance overlaps with The Power Awakens. There aren’t any generals, Jedi, or princesses right here. We see on a regular basis folks attempting to dwell their lives within the days earlier than the First Order made itself recognized and open battle as soon as once more engulfed the galaxy. Whereas indulging in humor and journey, Resistance explores philosophical questions as characters should determine how to answer the rising hazard.
Important Books
Phasma
This novel tells the origin story of one of many Sequel Trilogy’s most fascinating villains, the chrome-armored and cold-as-ice Captain Phasma. The e book options an progressive narrative fashion, as Resistance spy Vi Moradi finds herself in First Order custody. She quickly discovers that the officer interrogating her seems to have his personal agenda. He appears extra curious about Phasma than the Resistance. As Moradi shares what she is aware of of Phasma’s life earlier than the First Order, we study the extent of her cruelty and can to outlive.
Resistance Reborn
Resistance Reborn bridges the hole between The Final Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. After the Battle of Crait, the Resistance is wanting forces and pals. Leia wants Poe Dameron to tackle extra of a management position, however he — and a number of the Resistance fighters round him — wrestle with the fallout from his selections in The Final Jedi. The e book incorporates characters and plot factors from a number of different Canon books, setting the stage for an epic finale.
Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire
Vi Moradi returns with an unlikely ally on a mission to the planet Batuu to research and disrupt First Order exercise. Constructing on a number of the fascinating authentic characters launched in Phasma, this e book additionally provides new allies and antagonists in a compelling story, all in a setting you’ll be able to go to. The e book is without doubt one of the initiatives tied to the opening of Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge parks in Anaheim and Orlando, however do not be fooled into dismissing it as an overgrown commercial.
Important Comics
Poe Dameron Collection
How good was this comedian e book collection? Initially deliberate for a 25-issue run, fan curiosity extended it for one more six. Set earlier than The Power Awakens and his fateful mission to Jakku, the collection follows Poe Dameron as he investigates the rising menace the First Order poses. The narrative and the artwork provide a better have a look at the Resistance’s origins, its difficult relationship with the New Republic, and the hunt to search out out simply what it’s that lurks within the shadows.
Your First Steps Right into a Bigger World
There you will have it: crucial tales within the Canon Star Wars timeline. Consider it or not, there are much more books, comics, video games, and tv exhibits than we have showcased right here!
With that in thoughts, the place do you go from right here?
First, it is essential to do not forget that there isn’t any improper technique to get pleasure from these tales. And also you definitely do not should devour every little thing.
The Star Wars universe has a number of entry factors for brand new followers: Successive generations found the franchise via the trilogies. Some folks turned Star Wars readers first. Different followers fell in love with one of many TV collection.
If you happen to’re fully new to Star Wars, starting with the movies is the quickest technique to get a typical body of reference with different Star Wars followers. Plus, most different tales assume that the reader/viewer is accustomed to the films.
The movies can even introduce you to all of the totally different facets of the saga — Jedi and Sith, fighter pilots and smugglers, bounty hunters and crime syndicates — and its most essential themes. Everybody has their favourite facet of the mythos, and as soon as you’ve got seen the movies, you will possible have your personal favorites.
As soon as you already know which characters, subjects, and eras curiosity you essentially the most, you’ll be able to select the place to go subsequent. For instance, if ships and pilots are your issues, you’ll be able to learn the Alphabet Squadron trilogy and play Squadrons. If Jedi and Power lore fascinate you, then you definitely’ll in all probability get pleasure from Grasp & Apprentice and Fallen Order.
In fact, like many people, you may be fascinated by all of it and are available to view Star Wars as an virtually limitless buffet of content material.
Both manner, one factor is for certain: you will have loads of storytelling to get pleasure from for years to return, and you’ll depend on us to maintain you updated on all of it. You should definitely test our Star Wars hub frequently for up-to-date evaluations, character analyses, options, and extra!
This text was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
