Not even a week after the curtain was finally pulled back on the upcoming Star Wars Visions, premiering on Disney+ September 22, we finally learned more details about, alongside a gorgeous cover reveal, its tie-in novel, Ronin – A Visions Novel, written by Emma Mieko Candon. It will expand on the world created for legendary anime studio Kamikaze Douga’s short, “The Duel.” Head below for the full cover and blurb for its unique premise!
Here’s the official synopsis, which I want you to read and let sink in, because it’s quite the striking and unique premise:
“A mysterious former Sith wanders the galaxy in this stunning Star Wars tale. An original novel inspired by the world of The Duel from the Star Wars Visions animated anthology.
The Jedi are the most loyal servants of the Empire.
Two decades ago, Jedi clans clashed in service to feuding lords. Sickened by this endless cycle, a sect of Jedi rebelled, seeking to control their own destiny and claim power in service of no master. They called themselves Sith.
The Sith rebellion failed, succumbing to infighting and betrayal, and the once rival lords unified to create an Empire…but even an Empire at peace is not free from violence.
Far on the edge of the Outer Rim, one former Sith wanders, accompanied only by a faithful droid and the ghost of a less civilized age. He carries a lightsaber, but claims lineage to no Jedi clan, and pledges allegiance to no lord. Little is known about him, including his name, for he never speaks of his past, nor his regrets. His history is as guarded as the red blade of destruction he carries sheathed at his side.
As the galaxy’s perpetual cycle of violence continues to interrupt his self-imposed exile, and he is forced to duel an enigmatic bandit claiming the title of Sith, it becomes clear that no amount of wandering will ever let him outpace the specters of his former life.”
I had to reread it a few times to truly appreciate the depth of this premise. Jedi loyal servants of the Empire. Sith leading a rebellion against an endless cycle of fueding. Our Ronin Sith, wandering the edges of the Outer Rim, forced to fight potentially one of his own, despite trying to put behind his past. It sounds like a classic samurai/ronin storyline but a very unique situation within Star Wars itself, the Jedi serving an Empire and the Sith the ones who tried to end a cycle of violence. Visions and this novel aren’t canon, but one could see how this could fit in some how, as there are plenty of unknown pockets of the galaxy we’ve yet to explore, so it’s possible this remote area had its own version of Jedi, Sith, and an Empire ruling it, as this doesn’t truly suggest this is a galaxy-wide thing. It doesn’t matter if it or isn’t canon in the end, as this sounds like an exceptional and excitingly unique premise. As for how it’ll fit into “The Duel” short film, this sounds like a prequel of sorts, based on what we learned from the recent video/panel. As for this faithful droid who accompanies the Ronin? I really, really hope it’s the astromech with the straw hat. Ronin – A Visions Novel released October 12, a few weeks after the series itself premieres on Disney+. Check back here for a review for both when they are out!
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.