The Star Wars Canon Dispatch
January 2018
Welcome to The Star Wars Canon Dispatch, an unofficial monthly contextual look at the monthly releases in Star Wars storytelling. Forces of Destiny got some love this month in the comic realm…
Forces of Destiny: Leia
IDW Comics
Released: January 3, 2018
Timeline: Between Episode IV: A New Hope and V: The Empire Strikes Back
Taking place just prior to the probe droids crashing on the planet, Leia shows Luke and Han exactly what she is made of in this fun little adventure. The trio are seeking replacement parts to help repair the Hoth shield generator and Leia comes across quite the trouble to accomplish the goal.
Star Wars #041
The Ashes of Jedha, Part IV
Marvel
Released: January 3, 2018
Timeline: Between Episode IV: A New Hope and V: The Empire Strikes Back
Our Rebel heroes in a mission on Jedah with the remaining group of partisans, formally led by Saw Garrera. The rebels have to deal with their methodology outside of their comfort zone, a series of events that showcases the ultimate values of the rebellion.
Forces of Destiny: Rey
IDW Comics
Released: January 10, 2018
Timeline: During the time of Episode VII: The Force Awakens
This is IDW’s expansion of the Rey and BB-8 shorts, with some added scenes to give a picture of Rey’s time with the droid prior to their arrival at Niima Outpost.
Forces of Destiny: Hera
IDW Comics
Released: January 17, 2018
Timeline: During the time of Star Wars Rebels
This tells a story of Hera and Chopper as they go on a solo mission. This likely happens earlier in the Rebels season, but shows Hera alone as the primary character, a position she doesn’t always hold in the animated series, and it is nice to see her take center stage in the action.
Star Wars Adventures #6
IDW Comics
Released: January 17, 2018
“Rose Knows”
Timeline: Pre-Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Rose comes to the rescue to save Poe Dameron. Due to a mechanical malfunction, Poe’s squad in unable to back him up from a First Order attack and it falls to Rose to solve the problem.
“Podracer’s Rescue”
Timeline: Prior to Episode I: The Phantom Menace
We get a new story about young Anakin Skywalker. It recounts a story referenced in The Phantom Menace, when Anakin crashed his podracer and was unable to finish the race.
Star Wars #042
The Ashes of Jedha, Part V
Marvel
Released: January 17, 2018
Timeline: Between Episode IV: A New Hope and V: The Empire Strikes Back
Forces of Destiny: Ahsoka and Padme
IDW Comics
Released: January 24, 2018
Timeline: Between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
This issue expands on the existing story of the dinner party that Padme is hosting, but goes beyond that to tell how Ahsoka came to be in Padme’s service that evening. This shows us an earlier side of Ahoska’s personality where she was not feeling very confident in her abilities as a Jedi.
Star Wars: Poe Dameron #023
Legend Found, Part IV
Marvel
Released: January 24, 2018
Timeline: Prior to Episode VII: The Force Awakens
This story continues Poe’s mission to rescue Lor San Tekka from Caito Namoidia, but the First Order has tracked him down and may be one step ahead of him.
Forces of Destiny: Rose and Paige
IDW Comics
Released: January 31, 2018
Timeline: Prior to Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Sisters Rose and Paige have volunteered to locate supplies locally to sustain the inhabitants of the resistance base on D’Qar.
Doctor Aphra #016
Remastered, Part III
Marvel
Released: January 31, 2018
Timeline: Between Episode IV: A New Hope and V: The Empire Strikes Back
We find our Doctor on another mission for her new master, Triple Zero, and she also finds herself falling for the enemy, or is she a friend… to Aphra, I’m not sure it matters.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi – DJ: Most Wanted
Marvel
Released: January 31, 2018
Timeline: Prior to Episode VII: The Force Awakens
This one-shot rounds out this mysterious character and his activities on Canto Bight prior to the events of The Last Jedi.
On The Horizon
In case you missed any news, here are the Star Wars canon titles we are expecting (dates subject to change):
June 26, 2018 – 
Forces of Destiny, ongoing (YouTube and Junior Readers)
Star Wars, ongoing (Comic – Marvel)
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, ongoing (Comic – Marvel)
Star Wars: Poe Dameron, ongoing (Comic – Marvel)
Star Wars: Darth Vader, ongoing (Comic – Marvel)
Star Wars Adventures, ongoing (Comic – IDW)
Let me know your thoughts by posting in the comments below. You can find my coverage of #starwarscanon stories at my YouTube channel Star Wars: The Canon Explained. I can be found on Twitter (@starwarstce) and Instagram (@starwarstce), and you can also reach me at jbrame@coffeewithkenobi.com.
There are stories about what happened… It’s true… all of it…
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