– Minor Spoilers –
The finale 6 years in the making, From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi closes out one daring, fun, and always exciting initiative to celebrate the 40th anniversary for each original trilogy film. Considering it would be at least 16 years before we’d ever see one again (yes, The Phantom Menace’s 40th is closer than I imagined), if they do one then, this is the end for the foreseeable future, and at least it went out on a high note. Despite 40 different authors across 40 different stories, an overarching theme, consistent quality of tales, mini-trilogy finales amongst the stories, and surprising choices lead to a finale which takes readers back to 1983 in the best way possible.
When I mentioned an “overarching theme” in From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi, I don’t believe it was actually intentional, but I found it amongst a feeling I couldn’t escape across many of the stories, and once I embraced it, I couldn’t unsee it and it led me to an overall feeling the previous two entries didn’t. The From a Certain Point of View series has been such an awesome, giant piece of work, and I can’t believe we’re here 108 authors and 120 stories later, proceeds of which going to Firs Book. I’ve enjoyed the previous two immensely, where even some of those stories beat some of the best here in my mind, but this theme I picked up on for FaCPOVRotJ curiously levitated the entirety above what came before. Across most of the stories in FaCPOVRotJ, there’s a sense of finality to characters’ point-of-view, often very directly, and other times subtle, as the impending Battle of Endor looks to signify an ending for either side of the war. Stories range in this mindset, as characters are either coming to terms with what it might mean to stop fighting, to lose, to win, or even learning to let go, while many seem to be left pondering the future, which can remain a scary, unknown thing despite their hope for what comes next. This general feeling is one I embraced, and in doing so, when I finished FaCPOVRotJ it felt like what I imagined leaving the theater did to fans in 1983. I wasn’t around just yet, and if you weren’t like me, it might be hard to imagine, but in 1983 there was no real expanded universe yet or tons of other materials to embrace, so going into the film was likely how it felt for the Rebellion heading to face off against the second Death Star: would they be triumphant, and if so, what could be next? While in 2023 we obviously have tons of material about what else can be happening in the galaxy far, far away (which Tom Angleberger’s Whills ending once again skewers in the best way possible), and have much, much more to look forward to, even despite this plethora of content, all the stories in FaCPOVRotJ allowed me to partially feel what those fans felt then about Return of the Jedi, of how they weren’t sure what could come next, but it was a wild, fun ride and hopefully more would follow. I felt something similar when Revenge of the Sith came out, as it was reportedly the last Star Wars film and the future was unknown, though there were many books out there to enjoy and an animated show on its way, so never quite like how it must’ve been in 1983. To then be transported back to a feeling I never could’ve felt, only imagined, after all this time, and with so much more content on the horizon, across 40 stories from 40 authors here, is a big reason everyone involved should take the largest bow.
Of the three FaCPOVs, this one felt the most pointed and focused, as the opening one didn’t feel like it had much of a pace and the second meandered on Hoth a little too long (especially in tone), while FaCPOVRotJ moves deftly from Tatooine, Dagobah, and the Death Star II/Endor, never feeling like it’s overstaying its time in the final part of the film by jumping from Imperial, Rebel, and Ewok with glee, plus many of the stories compromise more than one location or provide a glimpse just out of the film’s frame, managing to be both engaging and rewarding when doing so. This approach meant there weren’t as many surprises nor as many new characters, or as many deviations from the main story, as most options felt like the safe or expected choice, but at least it was to give specific background/minor characters on screen time to finally shine when it’s been long overdue. And while I didn’t cry as often as I did on the previous two, when I did, it took the wind out from my lungs it hit so hard, but thankfully there’s a good selection of humor, romance, and a little bit of both throughout as well, while some the romantic ones turn out to hold more of the book’s promise than others. LGBTQIA+ representation remains steady from its increase in The Empire Strikes Back’s entry, as organic and as lovely as any heteronormative options, and at this point in reading Star Wars books it’s nice to know we can rely on it to be included so wonderfully and often.
Before I wrap this up and get to my final thoughts, it’s time for my Top 10, 7 of which remained from my Top 10 Most Anticipated and 3 are new (just like with TESB’s FaCPOV), but I can’t say I disliked a single one!
Top 10 (in story order)
“Dune Sea Songs of Salt and Moonlight” by Thea Guanzon {#5/40}: Starring a “brand-new” character, Guanzon develops a compelling story full of love, heartbreak, finding the power of hope inside, while also touching on the less than savory aspects of being a dancer/musician in Jabba’s Palace that ends up feeling long overdue. Often what has endured me to a story in this series is showing the unintended consequences of our heroes’ actions, for better or for worse, all while showing said actions through the lens of an impartial observer, and Jess’ journey is full of both of these, as we see the tough life she’s found herself in and how our heroes’ desire to free Han Solo helps bring light into the darkness of the Hutt’s halls and into the character’s heart, as well as what it means for those around her. While it’s one of the longer stories here, Guanzon takes full advantage of it, finding ways to introduce sympathy and empathy for Jess’ plight, even if part of it is self-made, while corralling some compelling new scenes, from Jess helping with Leia’s new outfit to a fellow dancer and their sequels-related visions, that made me want more about Jess as well as more from Guanzon in the future. UPDATE: I will say, after writing this, I learned Jess can actually be seen briefly in the film but far more in mockumentaries and other sources of footage!
“The Light That Falls” by Akemi Dawn Bowman {#13/40}: There is a line early in Bowman’s tale from the dragonsnake of Dagobah’s POV which left me speechless for a moment, its simplicity brimming with an impactful message, and I already knew this would stay in the Top 10. Believe it or not, it only gets better and ends in such a way we should all feel special we get to read it, as Bowman packs the tale with imagery which boils down the Saga’s biggest, most important theme into a heartfelt eulogy for one of its enduring characters. On top of all that, Bowman makes the dragonsnake an interesting character by itself, making its sentience animalistic but one we can digest as well. I’d love to say more but this one speaks for itself, in volumes, and was the first to make me cry, forcing me to put the book down and return to it later. If you asked me to pick only one tale from FaCPOVRotJ, no questions asked it’s this one I’d keep.
“No Contingency” by Fran Wilde {#15/40}: There’s been a Mothmaissance in the last few years, and for good reason, as there’s so much left of her complicated, twisty story to tell from the early days of the Rebellion in Andor to the years of the New Republic’s reign (be it Ahsoka, the upcoming New Republic movie, or new and old books), and we can’t get enough. Case in point, Wilde’s Mon Mothma story here, as we see the depths she’s willing to go, despite her position, to secure the Rebellion’s future and give them the hope they need on the eve of their greatest struggle (for at least another year). It’s a side we don’t see terribly often from Mon, though did somewhat recently in a comic also celebrating the film’s 40th, but it feels right, especially as Wilde builds in references to Andor that seem inevitable now and can fit easily into her appearance in the film and beyond.
“The Last Flight” by Ali Hazelwood {#25/40}: As always, this series is full of stories which end in a character’s death, hoping to add a tragic or eye-opening backstory to make even the smallest of losses felt the next time you watch the film. Hazelwood’s entry in this tradition for Rebel pilot Sila Kott (played by actress Poppy Hands and dubbed over by an American male in post-production) produces plenty of tragedy, but it’s one with such a bittersweet ending I’m dredging up the poignantly tinged tears just typing about it. As Sila looks back at her life, we learn of a love she didn’t understand at first, comes to terms with, and experiences in such a way it’s hard not to get sucked into producing similar feelings of moments lost and fleeting from our own lives. Was definitely glad I was sitting down when I finished this one.
“The Ballad of Nanta” by Sarah Kuhn {#27/40}: Telling stories takes a special kind of mindset, especially ones which will stand the test of time, and it can be easy to get caught up in dreaming about them to forget to live in the moment along the way. Sarah Kuhn takes us through such a journey for the Ewok Nanta, whose dreams of more, of why they are here, will resonate with any reader as he searches for the greatest story to tell for his people, even as war (and life) gets in his way. Where Kuhn’s going with the tale sneaks up on you and with it an emotional, fitting ending with larger themes about stories and our place in them, especially the ones we make.
“Then Fall, Sidious” by Olivie Blake {#28/40}: On the character card excerpt alone, I was hooked on Blake’s writing for her take on Emperor Palpatine and the full story didn’t disappoint. The conventions for how she wrote it, honoring the first Palpatine tale in A New Hope’s FACPOV, meant there was some repetition built in, which made the story’s length stand out a bit too much for me, but these same issues actually helped make the point Blake was trying to convey. By the story’s end, there’s no doubt over Ol’ Palpy’s belief in his superiority, but it’s the way Blake delivers it, not only in its almost Shakespearian, lyrical prose, rather the assorted imagery and definitive, haughty tone which give this story such impact. Several times I would reread a paragraph or even sentence, just because I couldn’t quite believe Blake managed to make a certain point with an intriguing collection of words; it’s as masterful of a display of the English language as Palpatine’s belief in his Mastery.
“The Emperor’s Red Guards” by Gloria Chao {#32/40}: The fiercest, most loyal troopers you can think of, the Emperor’s Royal Guard, banished from the room by their master, only for his overconfidence to get the best of him! What would they think when they learned what happened and would they survive long enough to grapple with those questions before the station blew? Chao ensures the answers to those questions, as well as other surprises, revolve around one of the more compelling stories in the group. As these aren’t characters you’d expect to follow, the short journey they go on here, as the two learn their master is dead and struggle to uncover what really happened, while one deals with doubts they can’t quite put down after Palpatine’s death, kept me on the edge of my seat and left me more than glad we got this unique perspective.
“Wolf Trap” by Alyssa Wong {#33/40}: If you’ve visited the Manor before, it shouldn’t come as a surprise I’ve really enjoyed Alyssa Wong’s work, going so far as to award them a spot amongst my favorite comics writers for 2022, and their story appearing on my Top 10 list likewise shouldn’t offer any shock. But there’s clearly a reason for this praise and “Wolf Trap” is an extension of that, as it builds off Wong’s stellar Ewoks comic (seriously, go read it, it’s such a great way to use the medium of comics) in a fascinating and mesmerizing way that’ll never let you look at Ewoks and their celebrations the same way again. More importantly, the journey Hoyel, the trooper at the center of the story, goes through is a psychological experience, for the lack of a better term, not to be missed and is something I couldn’t get out of my head even days later.
“The Veteran” by Adam Lance Garcia {#37/40}: On the surface, the way Garcia is able to weave together Dexter Jettster’s immense history and pull him directly to this moment in time, is nothing short of an eighth wonder of the world to read. Whether you’ve enjoyed his appearance in Attack of the Clones, checked out his various escapades in recent canon work (be it Padawan or The High Republic Adventures – Phase II), or have enjoyed much of his Legends stories as well (or are his biggest fan of all time), Garcia provides just enough context to satiate everyone, while offering something new and more than worthwhile in the process. By looking to the future, with a great connection to the opening of the Aftermath Trilogy, we get to see Dex process his role in events years ago and his feelings about his kind, young, bearded friend he hasn’t seen in a long time, so prepare for some emotions along the way.
“Brotherhood” by Mike Chen {#38/40}: After his excellent job capturing the essence of Obi-Wan and Anakin in his wonderful Brotherhood novel, Mike Chen is back with “Brotherhood,” which takes things full circle as one friend welcomes the other into the netherworld of the Force. The fascinating journey Anakin takes as he passes into the Force carries with it so many different emotions, from humor, the connection of friendship, to a bittersweet sadness carrying acceptance and hope alongside it. What makes this so memorable, and brought me to tears, is the final lesson Anakin has to learn to join his friend, as it’s something we all could benefit from learning and is a vital one this franchise makes a point to bring up about time and time again, though this time will stick with you long after it’s over.
And now here’s for the rest!
“Any Work Worth Doing” by Amal El-Mohtar {#1/40}: Of the Imperial ranking officers in the film which get a short story, Jerjerrod’s is my favorite of the bunch, as this glimpse into the Moff’s mindset, how he finds the question behind the question in his interactions with Darth Vader, show some intriguing efficiency. El-Mohtar’s writing was sublime, with great metaphors peppered throughout.
“Fancy Man” by Phil Szostak {#2/40}: If you’ve ever wanted to read a Saturday morning cartoon, look no further than this absolute madcap fun story about Max Rebo’s very bad, no good day of calamity. There’s a lot of intriguing details about Ortolans and their society along the way, a nice little bonus to all the fun.
“The Key to Remembering” by Olivia Chadha {#3/40}: Chadha has no trouble bringing forth a fitting, torturous mindset to EV-9D9’s story, while making the POV distinctively droid-like overall. There’s some good stuff here under the surface, about struggling to make sense of ourselves, our “programming,” and what the Maker meant for us, which stick out in recollection more than anything else.
“Fortuna Favors the Bold” by Kwame Mbalia {#4/40}: It should come as no surprise Bib Fortuna wouldn’t exactly enjoy his time as Jabba the Hutt’s majordomom, but Mbalia digs deep and pulls out a fun story of the list of things Bib hates, while also setting the table for his brief reign on the throne.
“The Plan” by Saladin Ahmed {#6/40}: Many stories in this collection end before we see specific moments in the film, but Ahmed’s story of Malakili might be one of the best at it, as the tale he weaves about the rancor keeper’s life before he arrives at the Palace, and even after he get there, ends in such a way Malakili’s appearance in the film doesn’t need to be retold.
“Reputation” by Tara Sim {#7/40}: Of the three Boba Fett stories across the series, this was my favorite, as it not only brought in some fun references to the recent War of the Bounty Hunters comic event (though accidentally claims its the last time two characters saw one another, but not Sim’s fault), it also lays the ground work for his appearances afterwards in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Wish it had gone a little further, but that speaks to Sim’s ability more than any issues with “Reputation.”
“Kickback” by K Arsenault Rivera {#8/40}: There’s a few stories which put us in the frame of mind to see our heroes as the villains, but what about the gangster’s goons and how they feel about our heroes? Do they see a villain or just someone they must defeat in order to go home and see their family another night to maybe one day retire? Rivera’s “Kickback” offers this unique perspective to great effect, making Luke Skywalker’s never edited missing kick a wistful, yet still humorous moment to notice.
“Everyone’s a Critic” by Sarah Glenn Marsh {#9/40}: It couldn’t have been easy getting into the mind of Salacious B. Crumb, but Marsh’s work makes it seem like it was, while the limited knowledge POV ended up being quite intriguing to read.
“Satisfaction” by Kristin Baver {#10/40}: While some of the pacing threw me off, Baver’s handle on Sy Snootles’ inner voice, her obsession with her fame and looks above all else, made for a memorable tale. I really enjoyed Sy’s “visitation” scene, you’ll know it when you read it, while it has my favorite little wink/nod to the Special Edition’s addition of the new song in the Palace.
“My Mouth Never Closes” by Charlie Jane Anders {#11/40}: From the exogorth to the Cave of Evil itself, we’ve had plenty of creature-centric stories and Anders’ sarlacc one is the funniest of the bunch, as long as you enjoy the joke. The humor shields at first glance deeper roots, about community and wanting to belong, and will certainly never make you look at its few scenes in the Saga the same way again, especially its TBoBF appearance.
“Kernels and Husks” by Jason Fry {#12/40}: Fry lets the ambitious Imperial advisor smother each page with his personality to the point readers aren’t left surprised by their overly devious method of murder. I’ve always wondered and worried about something like that happening, so this one gave me the shivers, and then some, with Sim Aloo’s thoughts.
“From a Certain Point of View” by Alex Jennings {#14/40}: Another of the trilogies within the trilogy, this final Obi-Wan tale wields recent developments in the Obi-Wan Kenobi show and an extension of the familiar scene to better capture his reasonings for specific information choices and feelings about his best friend’s children. This scene in the film is why we’re here, reading these, and Jennings does it great justice.
“The Burden of Leadership” by Danny Lore {#16/40}: There’s been a lot about Lando in the time after the incident at Cloud City in the comics and this feels like a continuation of it, of what it’s been building towards. Lore really knows how present Lando’s ability to control a room, while his thoughts on alternate presents and how he decides there can’t be mix well with the name’s love of sabacc.
“Gone to the Winner’s Circle” by Patricia A. Jackson {#17/40}: One of those stories where we know death is the end already, but we come to empathize with the character, yet not mourn them, thanks to a masterful, intriguing sense of Raab Krao’s voice by Jackson.
“One Normal Day” by Mary Kenney {#18/40}: Wicket isn’t Bilbo Baggins, but this is the closet the Saga has ever felt to honoring the Lord of the Rings franchise, as Kenney’s take on the recognizable Ewok hero frames him in such a way it’s hard not hear both the Hobbit theme and Ewok theme in your head, mixed together in some type of wonderful musical dance. With appearances by Kneesa, digging into how they view their planet and those who come to it, and Kenney’s way of framing Ewoks’ knowledge, the little furry hero has never had a better story worth his bravery.
“Divine Intervention(?)” by Paul Crilley {#19/40}: The Ewoks’ belief in a Golden One might not get explained here, but Crilley’s tale offers the best glimpse yet at how some of their society works, while I pleasantly surprised, in a delightful way, by Logray and his decisions when it comes to the Golden One suddenly amongst their midst.
“The Buy-In” by Suzanne Walker {#20/40}: Norra Wexley’s journey in the Aftermath Trilogy was one of its highlights, but she’s been underutilized since, even with a nice appearance in Resistance Reborn, but this tale shows how exploring more could yield great results. It’s Walker’s take on Norra, how it grounds her in this timeframe, before the trilogy of books, which really help make this a great continuation of the character. But her handle on other, recognizable characters in a very entertaining game of sabacc the night before the Battle of Endor is what will draw more fans in, especially as there’s a sprinkle of Rogue/Alphabet Squadron writing which reopens the itch for more fighter pilot focused stories.
“The Man Who Captured Luke Skywalker” by Max Gladstone {#21/40}: While Luke isn’t the POV character we experience this story through, Gladstone’s handle on the Jedi during this time frame sparks, while Altadan Igar himself was interesting enough on his own. Love the sneaky way this one ends as well as the imagery of the Death Star II as a guiding light in the dark for Igar.
“Ackbar” by Jarrett J. Krosoczka {#22/40}: This is my favorite of the three comics in the series, especially since it manages to provide the necessary context to combat how overly memed-up Ackbar’s one line has become…while still playing into its legacy.
“The Impossible Flight of Ash Angels” by Marieke Nijkamp {#23/40}: If you grew up with an N64 and played Starfox 64 like I did, “Do a barrel roll” might be a phrase you laugh at or are sick of hearing, but Nijkamp overrode that bias here to make barrel rolls part of an emotional story I won’t soon forget about Arvel Crynyd. Of many stories we already know the tragic ending to, I appreciated the romantic angle and the lovely imagery of the Ash Angels.
“Ending Protocol” by Hannah Whitten {#24/40}: Riz, through Whitten’s talented prose, paints an interesting picture of Endor, the Empire’s superiority complex, and what it means to follows one gut despite their training. The ending was nice, unexpected moment and I’d love to have more of Riz.
“Twenty and Out” by Lamar Giles {#26/40}: One trooper’s trillion-dollar idea is a well-known joke/commentary amongst fans and Giles plays it up for all it’s worth (not literally, but almost) in this enjoyable tale.
“Impact” by Sean Williams {#29/40}: It might jump around a little too much in time to make as much of an impact as it could (sorry not sorry), but this is Sean Williams and the twisty path we take to the ending is more than worth it.
“Trooper Trouble” by Laura Pohl {#30/40}: There are plenty of humor-ladened stories throughout, but Pohl’s look into one trooper’s diary entries was my favorite of the bunch, as there’s everything from the unique way they talk about forming a union to a sadistic droid that all comes full circle for funny effect by the story’s end. Also, Pohl reached out to give me a heads up mynocks make an appearance, and since they are involved in one of the many laugh out loud moments, you know I was absolutely pleased!
“To the Last” by Dana Schwartz {#31/40}: Admiral Piett has always been, to me at least, poised to be an interesting character to learn more about, even more than Jerjerrod, and Schwartz proves me right while capturing him in exactly the way I’d imagined his internal dialogue might sound, while the added layer of trauma is just icing on the cake.
“The Extra Five Percent” by M.K. England {#34/40}: Calling this one wonderfully sweet might sound like a derogatory sentiment, but it’s anything but, as England breathes to life Karie Neth in the feel-good tale of the (summer) collection.
“When Fire Marked the Sky” by Emma Mieko Candon {#35/40}: Emma Mieko Candon has proven lightning can strike twice, as their story about Wedge Antilles, as he faces down the prospect of another Death Star without having had time to contemplate what it meant he survived the first one, digs into the character’s soul in a refreshing, honest way that informs much of what Wedge does next that we already know about. Plus, Emma sneaks in a ton of references to other characters in the era and a previous tale in this collection, so lots for fans to enjoy.
“The Chronicler” by Danielle Paige {#36/40}: As Dora Mar interviews their way through the heroes we and the galaxy always hear about are the center of the story, a striking realization hits them about who and what makes a hero besides the name, the real truth of all their tales. Paige’s ability to capture familiar characters in this snapshot of time leads to some compelling, interesting interviews, but this felt like it could’ve been a bit shorter (as it is the longest tale in the book).
“The Steadfast Soldier” by Adam Christopher {#39/40}: Richard E. Grant committed himself to his portrayal of Enric Pryde in The Rise of Skywalker and Christopher gave the character and Grant’s performance room to grow, and drink, in his exciting and thrilling Shadow of the Sith novel. Christopher’s story here handily makes the case for more from Pryde going forward.
“Return of the Whills” by Tom Angleberger {#40/40}: There’s no other way to end these and Angleberger absolutely delivers for the final outing, alongside adding some sly references to where the Saga ends up going next, be it TV movies or recent theatrical releases.
Here are a few other things:
- Random House Worlds nee Del Rey editor Tom Hoeler provided some insightful words on Twitter about each story when they were being announced, but he’s diving even deeper still with a newly started Substack. Make sure to subscribe if behind-the-scenes details on publishing are your thing!
- And then return to the Manor on the novel’s release date, August 29, for a special guest post about one specific tale from the collection! UPDATE: It’s here, James’ analysis of “The Veteran.”
Regardless of your feelings on the film as the finale to the original trilogy, readers couldn’t have asked for a better collection of stories to close out the book finale to the original trilogy, and maybe with its ability to take readers back to 1983, From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi might just change your mind on the film itself. Will these return in 16 years? We can’t know for certain, but if this the extent of such a big undertaking, reframing films fans have been familiar with for 40 years, this does feel like the perfect place to leave it (but we can always dream they’ll happen again).
+ Taking readers back to 1983
+ When they hit, they take the wind right out of you
+ Not a single miss among them
+ Plenty of great messages and representation abound
– Largely lacked surprise
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Bluesky, Twitter @MynockManor, and Instagram @mynockmanor.
DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of this book from the publisher at no charge in order to provide an early review. However, this did not affect the overall review content. All opinions are my own.