Once listings revealed there was an upcoming Star Wars novel titled Master of Evil, fans had been wondering whether its title was an obvious hint of its subject matter or not, with expectations set on a reveal at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025’s publishing panel. While there will be a deeper dive into what it’s all about, the mask was partially removed early for Master of Evil, a Darth Vader-centric novel by Adam Christopher out November 11, as well as a bevy of other reference book titles and updates via the official site. Is there going to be that much more new content at the panel besides what they all showed below?!? We won’t know until April 18, but for now, check out all the news below.
Adam Christopher kicked off his Star Wars career with some memorable entries in the From a Certain Point of View anthologies and a Star Wars Adventures story, but his first novel Shadow of the Sith resonated on an even higher level, filling in some vitals details about the sequel trilogy while having its very own fascinating story that felt like something ripped straight from Legends. Fans, including myself, have been eager for what he’ll do next and now we know: Master of Evil, out November 11. It’s got a very chilling cover by artist Simon Goinard which fits the mood of the novel, initially described to “…chronicle{s} Vader’s haunting pursuit for the power to conquer death.” Since its reveal, Penguin Random House’s website revealed the full blurb, which clarifies a bit what this is all about and invites some questions:
After Revenge of the Sith, a newly forged Darth Vader hunts for the secrets of life and death under the watchful eye of Emperor Palpatine.
In the wake of Emperor Palpatine’s rise to power, the true nature of his most sinister enforcer remains a mystery. Darth Vader is a dominant yet illusive figure: the shadow cast by a malignant Imperial regime, unknowable to even its top officials. But even as his humanity gives way to myth, Vader remains haunted by the promises of the dark side, seeking the ultimate power that his master has hinted at but withheld—the power to conquer death itself.
On the volcanic world of Mustafar, Vader undertakes a dark ritual, bleeding a kyber crystal to forge his lightsaber. This act unleashes a power far greater than he anticipated, giving him a glimpse into the limitless potential of the Force.
Vader is determined to follow this vision, even if it means defying his master’s orders. Yet he finds the Emperor suspiciously supportive of his mission, even sending Vader to the Diso system to investigate rumors of a Force-wielding shaman able to raise the dead. At his side are a cadre of the Emperor’s scarlet-robed Royal Guard, led by Colonel Halland Goth—a decorated soldier with a very personal interest in Vader’s mission.
Even as the Emperor’s true motivations reveal themselves, Vader falls deeper into obsession. His journey takes him far across the galaxy, chasing rumors and phantoms. But no matter how far he travels, he cannot escape the shadows within his own soul. Haunted by the echoes of his past, Vader circles the true resolution to his quest: only once all weakness is purged can he become a master of evil.
Vader bleeding the kyber crystal was a fascinating moment (it made my Top 5 list for 2018) in the fifth issue of Charles Soule’s Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith comic series, which also covered Vader’s journey to try and defeat death and bring back Padmé with the help of Darth Momin. I’ll be curious to learn how Master of Evil will slot into the story of the comic, like does this story fill up a blank space in the comic after the crystal bleeding scene and before the “Fortress Vader” arc? Or will it also cover what happened in it, like an adaptation at parts? Will it go beyond? I’m betting the Celebration Japan 2025 Publishing Panel will elucidate fans on such questions, as there’s no way they won’t be discussing the next big novel release. Check back to the Manor next week for any updates (I’ll link to it here once I post it) and then in November for our review!
Women of the Galaxy is such a wonderfully written and beautiful collection of the many women in the Star Wars galaxy, it’s awesome to see it expand with over 15 new characters for an updated edition out April 29! Some characters already featured will gain expanded profiles and more artwork alongside it, while each new addition will have artwork as well, covering characters from The High Republic, The Acolyte, Star Wars Outlaws, and more! They previewed three new character profiles: Deedra Meero and Bix Caleen, both set to have a big role in Andor’s second and final season (starting April 22), and Ahsoka’s Shin Hati! If you haven’t picked this up, or already own it, don’t miss out on Women of the Galaxy: Updated and Expanded!
There’s some The Acolyte goodies on the way as well, beyond The Acolyte: Wayseeker out May 6 (we’ll have a review on April 21, by the way!), like The Art of Star Wars: The Acolyte, which the cover was just revealed for! Written by Kristin Baver with a foreword by Leslye Headland, it’s out October 7.
Next we got some previews of interior pages of The Acolyte Visual Guide, by Pablo Hidalgo of course, our in the US on June 17 (June 5 in the UK). Love PIP’s design!
Hidalgo is staying busy by providing a new edition of Star Wars: The Blueprints, out October 7 (UK is October 2), which celebrates, “…the artists and designers responsible for some of the most recognizable vehicles and technology ever put to screen.”
Doug Chiang: The Cinematic Legacy and The Star Wars Legacy out December 2 will celebrate the genius that is Doug Chiang. He’s always fascinating to listen to and his artwork is behind some of the most memorable aspects of the Saga for decades now, but this will also include his work prior to joining Lucasfilm, so I bet not even 800 pages will feel like enough to show off his visual abilities.
And lastly, Jeffrey Brown brings his usual silly and fun artwork for the Halloween season with I Find Your Lack of Candy Disturbing, out August 5.
Like I said earlier, I’ll be curious to see how much more the panel might reveal if they are putting out all these already. Tune back into the Manor for the updates next week!
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him and the website on Bluesky.