September is not a favorite month for many, as it means the return to school and the advent of colder weather here in the Northern Hemisphere. If there’s one thing to look forward to however, never count out another packed month of Star Wars comics! September’s solicitations for Star Wars comics include the penultimate issues in the giant War of the Bounty Hunters crossover, which sees Crimson Dawn’s true purpose for stealing the frozen Han Solo come clear, the secret history of Boushh, and Luke finding out big truths, Ghost of Vader’s Castle brings the fall haunts from IDW, while The High Republic comic find a Jedi…amongst the deadly Nihil?! Get excited for September with the Star Wars comics solicitations below!
{I’ll make sure to update this with release dates/story order for War of the Bounty Hunters crossover issues by 6/24/21 when the full solicitations release!}
UPDATE: The War of the Bounty Hunters crossover issues are now in order!
UPDATE 2: IDW’s busy month has been included now too!
MARVEL
The High Republic #9 (on sale 9/1)
Cavan Scott (Writer), Ario Anindito (Artist)
Cover by Phil Noto | Variant Cover by Leinil Yu | Variant Cover by Carlo Pagulayan
A NEW STORY BEGINS THIS ISSUE – THE SHADOW OF THE NIHIL!
- Following the terrible events of The Rising Storm, the villainous NIHIL are in retreat, hunted by THE JEDI.
- WAYSEEKER KNIGHT ORLA JARENI is attacked by a lone Nihil Stormship in deep space, a Stormship commanded by one of the Jedi’s own.
- Which of STARLIGHT BEACON’S number have joined the Nihil Horde? And how far will they turn from the Light?
It feels like my new profession is going to be cursing Cavan Scott, as often as I had to while reading The Rising Storm (look for our review next week Tuesday when it releases) and now seeing this solicit and its cover (and him talking about it on Twitter). WHAT. IS. KEEVE. TRENNIS. DOING. IN. NIHIL. ARMOR?! Last issue’s solicit teased she was nowhere to be seen in the fight with the Drengir, so this might be the answer though I swear this better be some type of undercover assignment, because Keeve Trennis is still my top Jedi character of the era (though Vernestra Rwoh is close behind thanks to Out of the Shadows, but that review hits next month with the book’s release) and if Scott does anything to her I am going to be pissed…and probably enjoy the heck out of it! Curious how this would add to the story of why she might be the Master Trennis sitting amongst the Order’s Lost 20 statues. I am ecstatic to read this issue, and this series, as it continues to amaze and this storyline only looks to add to its basically classic status already. Plus, it offers more Orla Jareni, a favorite from Into the Dark and whose Wayseeker status has me most intrigued.
Doctor Aphra #14 (on sale 9/1)
Alyssa Wong (Writer), Minkyu Jung (Artist)
Cover by Sara Pichelli | Bounty Hunter Ship Blueprint Variant Cover by Paolo Villanelli | Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary Variant Cover by Chris Sprouse
“REPEAT OFFENDERS”
- DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS are imprisoned by a POWERFUL ENEMY!
- If they want to escape, they’ll have to work together with former foes JUST LUCKY and ARIOLE…
- And venture deeper into the heart of a CRIMSON DAWN FLAGSHIP!
Who’s this powerful enemy and why are you imprisoning Aphra and Sana?! How dare you, first of all! Second of all…they are totally going to find a way out and it’s going to be a blast to read, I can tell you that! But going deeper into the lion’s den isn’t my idea of an escape, so hope these wonderful ladies, and gentlemen, know what they are doing. Good luck with that!
War of the Bounty Hunters #4 (On Sale 9/8)
Charles Soule (Writer), Luke Ross (Artist)
Cover by Steve McNiven | Variant Cover by Brian Hitch | Bounty Hunter Ship Blueprint Variant Cover by Paolo Villanelli | Trading Card Variant Cover by John Cassady | Action Figure Variant Cover by John Tyler Christopher
THE WAR CONTINUES!
- The true machinations of the theft of HAN SOLO from BOBA FETT become clear, as one-time love of Solo QI’RA has returned her terrifying criminal organization, CRIMSON DAWN, to the galaxy.
- Qi’ra used Han to bring the most powerful players in the galaxy together, and now the pieces are moving toward their endgame.
- DARTH VADER, LUKE SKYWALKER, LEIA ORGANA, VALANCE, APHRA, THE HUTTS – all are vying for the ultimate prize, while Boba Fett’s stuck in the middle, a simple man just trying to get what’s his!
Qi’ra’s out of the bag! So maybe we’ll find out what she means by save her again…. Well, the gundark’s out of the bag: Qi’ra is back, everybody! The big surprise at the end of War of the Bounty Hunters’ first issue was the reveal Qi’ra had Han Solo’s frozen slab stolen from Boba Fett, now the leader of Crimson Dawn! It looks like we’ll have to wait a few months to learn exactly why, though her hint so far is that he’ll have the chance to save her again. Reading the solicit, it’s kind of weird to think Boba Fett factors into any of this, and it makes me wish Qi’ra had been the focus from the start, not Fett. We’ll see how it all plays out and how much panel time she gets, and if she gets more after this crossover is over, before I can make any judgments yet (and here’s hoping Emilia Clarke’s wish to return is being granted somewhere behind-the-scenes).
War of the Bounty Hunters — Boushh #1 (on sale 9/15)
Alyssa Wong (Writer), David Baldeón (Artist)
Cover by Mahmud Asrar | Variant Cover by Phil Noto | Artist Variant Cover by Khary Randolph | Bounty Hunter Ship Blueprint Variant Cover by Paolo Villanell
THE SECRET ORIGIN OF BOUSHH! A “WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS” TIE-IN!
Before PRINCESS LEIA acquired his armor to infiltrate Jabba the Hutt’s palace, BOUSHH roamed the galaxy as a bounty hunter. He and his team of lethal warriors were exiled from their homeworld; but what horrible event from Boushh’s past doomed them all to wander with no hope of ever returning? Desperate to survive, Boushh takes a suspicious job from a shadowy organization to assassinate DOMINA TAGGE, the leader of the powerful Tagge Family – a galactic dynasty stretching back countless generations. But Domina is the most dangerous enemy Boushh has ever faced, and the desperate exile has the most difficult choice of his life to make! ALYSSA WONG and David Baldeón’S one-shot is the third of four action-packed “War of the Bounty Hunters” tie-ins about the criminal underworld’s most notorious hunters and scoundrels, all told by the best STAR WARS writers and illustrators in the galaxy.
Most stories around Boushh have centered around the question, “How did Leia get the armor?” and never really on the hunter before Leia takes his suit (besides some tales in Legends), so I really love the idea of this one-shot finally exploring Boushh’s backstory instead of filling in a Wookieepedia tidbit on Leia’s actions. Even better, it’ll be written by current Doctor Aphra scribe, Alyssa Wong! There’s some overlap with her Aphra run, as Domina Tagge currently ‘employs’ Aphra, and I’ll curious to see how his encounter with Domina goes, as she’s got plenty of tricks up her sleeves and probably more than we know about.
Darth Vader #16 (on sale 9/15)
Greg Pak (Writer), Raffaele Ienco (Artist)
Cover by Aaron Kuder | Bounty Hunter Ship Blueprint Variant Cover by Paolo Villanelli | Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary Variant Cover by Chris Sprouse
“TARGET SKYWALKER”
- All of DARTH VADER’S careful scheming and brutal power moves to claim HAN SOLO’S frozen body have one ultimate end goal: LUKE SKYWALKER, the only person who could challenge Vader’s primacy at the Emperor’s side.
- Now everything comes to a head as father closes in on son and Luke finally grasps a shocking truth…
- …one that will shape his destiny FOREVER!
In case this issue releases before Star Wars #17 (Vol. 2) in the month of September, then I’ll reiterate the point I made with its solicit briefly here: there’s a bit of overlap between Vader #16 and SW #17, leading me to wonder if the Luke/Vader stuff will bleed over between both issues, much like these series did way back in 2015 with the unforgettable moment of Vader learning he has a son. Regardless, I feel like the most recent issue (#12 in May) didn’t make totally clear Vader’s motivation to now hunt down his son, while this solicit clarifies he’s going after him because he doesn’t want his son to replace him and take his chance to be part of the power his Master holds. I believe the vision he had, thanks to a giant monster guarding Exegol, of how he’d die probably helped him be fearful of his son’s chances of overthrowing him. Otherwise, what could Luke learn here that will shape his destiny?
Bounty Hunters #16 (on sale 9/22)
Ethan Sacks (Writer), Paolo Villanelli (Artist)
Cover by Giuseppe Camuncoli
“SHADOW SOLDIERS”
- VALANCE and DENGAR make a last stand against DEATHSTICK!
- T’ONGA seeks help from a LEGENDARY BOUNTY HUNTER!
- The bounty hunters converge on a high-stakes auction as CRIMSON DAWN’S plans come into focus!
Who will T’onga recruit for her efforts?! Is Cad Bane somehow still alive (though I highly doubt he’ll make it past The Bad Batch series…)? Or could it be Fennec Shand, which would be an awesome way to further build out the character’s story ahead of The Book of Boba Fett (something I believe more and more this crossover is somewhat building too)? Perhaps Black Krrsantan? Either way, just as long as it’s not Boba, I’ll be happy!
Star Wars #17 (on sale 9/29)
Charles Soule (Writer), Ramon Rosanas (Artist)
Cover by Carlo Pagulayan | Variant Cover by Rahzzah | Bounty Hunter Ship Blueprint Variant Cover by Paolo Villanell | | Action Figure Variant Cover by John Tyler Christopher | Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary Variant Cover by Chris Sprouse
“THE CHASE!”
- SITH LORD DARTH VADER has discovered that his son, Jedi Knight LUKE SKYWALKER, is finally within striking distance.
- He will pursue him to the very ends of space…Who is hunting whom?
- Meanwhile, LEIA ORGANA battles the forces of CRIMSON DAWN to regain her lost love, HAN SOLO.
This issue sounds like a crossover within a crossover, but the Vader series and Star Wars series have a history of overlapping stories, most notable way back in 2015 when Star Wars #6 (Vol. 1) and Darth Vader #6 (Vol. 1) featured the big scene of Vader learning he has a son. Could this Star Wars issue and this month’s Darth Vader (Vol. 3) issue have a similar overlap, as the solicit for it promises Luke learning a truth that will shape his destiny? I could see it happening, especially if Leia’s efforts to regain Han could then be the focus here and Luke’s revelation more of a focus in the other series.
IDW
The High Republic Adventures #8 (on sale 9/1)
Daniel José Older (Writer), Toni Bruno (Artist)
Cover by Harvey Tolibao | Variant Cover by Ilias Kyriazis
Back together and safe on the Starlight, Lula, Zeen, Farzala, and Qort recover from their adventures on the Junk Moon and Nal Hutta, but a new challenge awaits them in the form of an old friend. Meanwhile, Marchion Ro encourages Krix’s violent obsessions, leading to an attack on Takodana!
It sounds like the heroes of The High Republic Adventures have quite the story ahead after their recent epic ending to the series’ opening arc. They have to survive through next week’s launch of second wave of books on June 29, however, and then it looks like we’re on to…Takodana. Does that mean an appearance by Maz Kanata? Well, it would be a good idea to read all of Wave II’s books to find out if she’ll finally be featured in the era…
Star Wars Adventures #10 {Vol. 2} (on sale 9/1)
Michael Moreci, Dave Scheidt (Writers), Stefano Simeone, Mike Oeming (Artists)
Cover A by Francesco Francavilla | Cover B by Stefano Simeone
Mace Windu and his Lightning Squadron land on the planet Ridlay, which has gone mysteriously dark, expecting a Separatist attack. But what they find instead is a surprise to them all. Then, Zak and Tash Arranda sneak off to investigate a creepy cave, where they find a strange artifact—and a mysterious cult waiting for them!
In May’s solicits, I said how I was growing a bit tired of all these Clone Wars-era stories, though this one sounds like it at least wants to do something different than clones defeat Separatists; I am eager to learn what surprise on Ridlay (Daisy Ridley, anyone?) awaits them! As for this Zak and Tash Arranda? Turns out they were in the Legends series Galaxy of Fear, basically designed to be Star Wars‘ take on R.L. Stin’s Goosebump series. I never read those but it sounds like it would’ve been fun as a kid and it’s such a cool, surprising Legends pull.
(Last solicited for an August release, hopefully now September is final!)
The High Republic Adventures – The Monster of Temple Peak #2 (9/8)
Cavan Scott (Writer), Rachael Stott (Artist and Cover Artist)
Follow former Jedi turned saber-for-hire monster hunter Ty Yorrick in her first comic appearance in this all-new High Republic miniseries by Cavan Scott and Rachael Stott!
Ty begins the trek up Temple Peak, but the mountain’s hungry creatures and slippery edges put her rusty Force skills to the test. Dangerous monsters, cliffs, and battles are second nature for Ty, though. But dealing with people? Well, that may be the hardest part of her mission…
Ty Yorrick will make her first appearance to the High Republic stories in next week’s The Rising Storm and Race to Crashpoint Tower, and I am so excited for everyone to finally meet her!! She’s definitely a new favorite of mine and I look forward to learning more about her here in this miniseries; check back on Tuesday, June 29 for my and Chris’ reviews!!
Ghosts of Vader’s Castle #1 (on sale 9/22)
Cavan Scott (Writer), Francesco Francavilla, Megan Levens (Artists)
Cover & B&W Cover by Francesco Francavilla | Cover by Derek Charm
Join Creepy Cavan Scott, Frightening Francesco Francavilla, and a host of eerie Star Wars artists in the epic conclusion to the Vader’s Castle saga! Star Wars Adventures: Ghosts of Vader’s Castle is a horror-packed, star-studded, five-week event guaranteed to haunt your dreams.
In issue #1, life is looking up for Lina and Milo Graf and Crater, but Milo has been having nightmares…about zombie droids! Find out what’s causing these dreams and if Milo can handle being haunted by the GHOSTS OF VADER’S CASTLE.
Guest-starring Anakin Skywalker, Padme Amindala, and Jar Jar Binks!
Just announced this week, IDW returns with their annual fright-fest! It’s unfortunately the final entry, but always worth checking out for the fun spooks and crazy tales.
Ghosts of Vader’s Castle #2 (on sale 9/29)
Cavan Scott (Writer), Francesco Francavilla, Derek Charm (Artists)
Cover & B&W Cover by Francesco Francavilla | Cover by Derek Charm
In issue #2, Lina searches for the now missing Milo and Crater and runs into…Jaxxon! He reveals that he, too, has been having nightmares, but of vicious Wookiees bigger than mountains! It seems the GHOSTS OF VADER’S CASTLE are haunting everyone’s dreams…
If Cavan Scott writes it, will it have Jaxxon? About 95% of the time, you bet it will and it’ll be damn blast. Can’t wait for him to make the hop into the spookfest! But also, giant Wookiees?! Like bigger than normal?! Count me interested!
2021 Comic Solicitations: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.