The Star Wars Canon Dispatch
November 2016
Welcome to The Star Wars Canon Dispatch, an unofficial monthly contextual look at the recent and upcoming releases in Star Wars storytelling.
Recent Releases (October 16 – November 15)
“Ocean Rescue” – Rebels Magazine, No. 7
Martin Fisher, writer / Bob Molesworth, artist
Time Frame: Between Episodes III: Revenge of the Sith and IV: A New Hope, during the era of Star Wars Rebels, likely between Seasons 1 and 2.
Canon Influence: We got to see a bit of Sabine’s history come through in this story, a brief glimpse at what happened to her when she was in the Imperial Academy. The stories in this comic strip are becoming more relevant as the issues go on, which is very exciting to see.
Companion Stories: There are some callbacks to the ocean episodes of The Clone Wars (i.e. “Water War”) with regards to Ahsoka’s experience with underwater missions.
“Secrets of Sienar” – Rebels Magazine, No. 7
Martin Fisher, writer / Eva Widermann, artist
Comic Story by Titan Magazine October 17, 2016
Time Frame: Between Episodes III: Revenge of the Sith and IV: A New Hope, during the era of Star Wars Rebels, likely between Seasons 1 and 2.
Canon Influence: There is some interesting development for Zeb and Kanan in this story. While not enough to consider this a must read, it certainly does show us a side of these two that surfaced later on in Season 2 of Star Wars Rebels.
Companion Stories: None.
“Turning Point”- Star Wars Insider #169
Jason Hough
Short Story by Titan Magazine October 26, 2016
Time Frame: Between Episodes VI: Return of the Jedi and VII: The Force Awakens, shortly after the destruction of the second Death Star.
Canon Influence: A wonderful short story showing us life on a planet occupied by the Empire, the involvement of a citizen who, while trying to stay out of the conflict between the rebels and the Empire get dragged into a local conflict. This is an “on the ground” view that is a refreshing perspective.
Companion Stories: This story claims to be a tie to Star Wars: Aftermath: Life Debt, but it is difficult to make the connection.
Star Wars, Issue #024: The Last Flight of the Harbinger, Part IV
Jason Aaron, writer / Jorge Molina, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics
October 26, 2016
Time Frame: Between Episodes IV: A New Hope and V: The Empire Strikes Back, after the events of Star Wars Issue #023.
Canon Influence: The SCAR squad has returned and finally crossed paths with our heroes. This is a large and dangerous mission that Luke, Han, Leia, and Sana are on together, having command of the star destroyer Harbinger. How will it end up.
Companion Stories: Star Wars #021-#023 should be considered essential reads, and if you want the full backstory on the SCAR squadron commander, check out Star Wars #008-012
Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Issue #007
Charles Soule, writer / Phil Noto, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics
October 26, 2016
Time Frame: Between Episodes VI: Return of the Jedi and VII: The Force Awakens, shortly after Poe Dameron, Issue #006.
Canon Influence: We get to see some of the relationship and influence the First Order has across the galaxy at this time, and start to see how the Resistance fits in with the puzzle.
Companion Stories: This is a one shot story for Poe. Poe Dameron #001-006 provide the backstory on Poe’s current situation but is not essential reading.
Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Issue #008
Charles Soule, writer / Phil Noto, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics
November 2, 2016
Time Frame: Between Episodes VI: Return of the Jedi and VII: The Force Awakens, shortly after Poe Dameron, Issue #007.
Canon Influence: This begins a new story that explores the dynamics of Black Squadron, Poe’s select group of pilots, many of which who were in The Force Awakens.
Companion Stories: This begins a new story for Poe, and while this is a great entry point into the series, Poe Dameron #001-006 provide the backstory on Poe’s current nemesis, Agent Terex.
The Force Awakens, Issue #006
Chuck Wendig, writer / Luke Ross, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics November 9, 2016
Time Frame: Retelling the events of Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Canon Influence: As I’m assembling this article, I have not yet had a chance to dive into this particular issue. It covers the ending of the film and I look forward to see if there is any canon additions we can uncover from this issue.
Companion Stories: Aside from its previous issue, as long as you are familiar with the film, this comic will read well.
Catalyst: A Rogue One Story (Pre-order here)
James Luceno
Novel by Del Rey
November 15, 2016
At this point, it is believed this novel covers the time period between Episodes II: Attack of the Clones and III: Revenge of the Sith, though it could go in either direction, given what we know about the timeline of the Death Star plans.
I will cover Catalyst in my next issue of the Star Wars Canon Dispatch, given the close release date of the novel to this publication.
Upcoming Releases (November 16 – December 15)
Star Wars, Issue #025
Jason Aaron, writer / Jorge Molina, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics
November 23, 2016
Know Before You Read: This is the final issue in the current story arc that begin in issue #020. Be sure to catch up on all the story before diving in to this one! For a deeper dive into the history of some of the characters, read (reread) Star Wars Issues #008-012.
Star Wars: Han Solo, Issue #005
Marjorie Liu, writer / Mark Brooks, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics
November 23, 2016
Know Before You Read: This is the final issue in this mini-series. While it may connect to something else that we have yet to discover, the entire series has been pretty self-sufficient.
Princess Leia: Royal Rebel (Pre-order here)
Biography/Reference Book by Scholastic
November 29, 2016
Know Before You Read: This is an interesting piece book to pop up. Published by Scholastic, this book seems to be more of a biography or reference book, but promises to give some insight to Princess Leia after the defeat of the Empire. It will be interesting to see exactly what is covered, given the book’s audience but we will find out soon enough.
Star Wars Annual, Issue #002
Kelly Thompson, writer / Emilio Laiso, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics
November 30, 2016
Know Before You Read: As with most annuals, this story is a stand alone story, focused this time on Princess Leia. No telling at this time if it ties in with anything specifically, so go into with an open mind… as anything is possible with an annual.
Princess Leia and the Great Island Escape (Pre-order here)
Jason Fry
Childrens 8X8 by Lucasfilm Press
December 6, 2016
Know Before You Read: This is a retelling of some of the events of the book Moving Target: A Princess Leia Adventure, geared towards a much younger audience, fully illustrated. If you want to introduce the Star Wars canon beyond the films and TV shows to a younger child, this is a great way to do it.
Star Wars: Dr. Aphra, Issue #001
Kieron Gillen, writer / Kev Walker, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics
December 7, 2016
Know Before You Read: On the heels of the conclusion of the Darth Vader comic series comes a new ongoing series following a fan favorite character in the Star Wars canon, Dr. Aphra. There will be much about her that will probably have some roots in the Darth Vader series, but this one should stand on its own.
“Voices of the Empire”
Merle Lafferty
Short Story in Star Wars Insider #170
December 13, 2016
Know Before You Read: This short story is supposedly a tie-in to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, so no prior knowledge is needed before reading. It’ll be up to you whether you read before or after you see the film.
Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Issue #009
Charles Soule, writer / Phil Noto, artist
Comic Book by Marvel Comics
December 7, 2016
Know Before You Read: Continuing the story arc set forth in Poe Dameron Issue #008, which was the first of the current arc. Catch up on all of the series for the full backstory on all the characters involved.
On The Horizon
In case you missed any news, here are the Star Wars canon titles we are expecting beyond December 16, 2016 (dates subject to change):
12/16/16 – ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (Lucasfilm) (Pre-order here)
12/16/16 – Rogue One: Rebel Dossier (Children’s Book – Disney-Lucasfilm Press) (Pre-order here)
1/17/17 – Poe and the Missing Ship (Children’s 8×8 – Lucasfilm Press) (Pre-order here)
2/21/17 – Aftermath: Empire’s End (Novel – Del Rey) (Pre-order here)
2/28/17 – Darth Vader: Sith Lord (Children’s Book – Scholastic) (Pre-order here)
4/11/17 – Thrawn (Novel – Del Rey) (Pre-order here)
5/2/17 – Han and the Rebel Rescue (Children’s 8×8 – Lucasfilm Press) (Pre-order here)
Star Wars, ongoing (Comic – Marvel)
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, ongoing (Comic – Marvel)
Star Wars: Poe Dameron, ongoing (Comic – Marvel)
“Blade Squadron: Jakku” [Insider TBD] (Short Story –Titan Magazine)
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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