It’s time to dive into the wonderful world of Star Wars, where the Sequel era has been getting a bad rap from fans and critics alike. But fear not, young Padawans, because the books and comics are here to save the day! With the 50th anniversary of the series looming, it’s the perfect time to explore the stories surrounding the latest generation of heroes. And let me tell you, there’s some great stuff out there. From Delilah S. Dawson’s Phasma to Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath trilogy, the extended universe is rich with compelling tales that will make you forget all about the flaws of the movies.
As we journey through the Sequel era, we find ourselves wondering what happened off-screen between movies. It’s a tradition that started with Obi-Wan’s mention of the Clone Wars in A New Hope and has continued to this day. With the release of new stories and the pending release of Star Wars: Starfighter, now is the perfect time to delve into the world of books and comics. And trust me, you won’t be disappointed. From Adam Christopher’s Shadow of the Sith to Madeline Roux’s Legacy, these stories will transport you to a galaxy far, far away and make you feel like you’re part of the Resistance.
Honourable Mentions
The world of Star Wars publishing is vast and wondrous, with many great stories to explore. Delilah S. Dawson’s Phasma and Black Spire are two such examples, offering a glimpse into the history of the enigmatic character and the theme park. Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath trilogy is another great series, building off the ending of Return of the Jedi and providing a perspective on the Battle of Jakku. These stories may not have made the top 5, but they’re definitely worth checking out.
5) Shadow of the Sith (21 ABY)
Adam Christopher’s novel Shadow of the Sith is a must-read for any Star Wars fan. The story follows Luke Skywalker as he reunites with Lando Calrissian to investigate a dark side threat emerging at the edge of space. Along the way, we learn more about Rey’s family and their flight across the galaxy, pursued by the assassin Ochi of Bestoon. This book is a great example of how the extended universe can enrich the franchise, filling in gaps and providing context for the movies.
4) Bloodline (28 ABY)
Claudia Gray’s novel Bloodline is a thrilling tale that delves into the New Republic’s politics from Leia’s perspective. We get to see the circumstances that led Leia to go rogue and establish the official Resistance, as well as a glimpse of what Ben was like pre-Kylo Ren. This book is a great example of Star Wars political intrigue at its finest, with Leia navigating a nearly Cold War-esque stalemate in her tireless quest to do what’s right for the galaxy.
3) Star Wars: Poe Dameron (32-34 ABY)
The comic series Star Wars: Poe Dameron is a fun and action-packed ride that follows the adventures of Oscar Isaac’s scene-stealing flyboy. The series picks up in the months before The Force Awakens, helping Leia locate Lor San Tekka and, by extension, Luke. Along the way, we meet a cast of characters, including Temmin Wexley and Jessika Pava, who become heroes of the battle at Starkiller Base. This series is a great example of how the extended universe can expand on the movies, providing depth and context to the characters and their stories.
2) Marvel & Charles Soule’s Kylo Ren Saga (28 ABY; 34-35 ABY)
Charles Soule’s portrayal of Kylo Ren is one of the best parts of the Sequel era, and his comic series is a must-read for any fan. The story follows Ben Solo’s fall and his transformation into Kylo Ren, as well as his later struggles as Supreme Leader of the First Order. Soule’s writing is superb, and his exploration of Kylo Ren’s complexities is both compelling and thought-provoking.
1) Legacy (34 ABY)
Madeline Roux’s novel Legacy is a beautiful and poignant tale that sheds light on the mentorship between Leia and Rey. The story picks up after The Last Jedi, with Rey struggling to come to terms with her newfound powers and Leia trying to help her find her way. Along the way, we learn more about Leia’s own journey as a Force user and her decision to put aside her powers in favor of her role as a politician and leader. This book is a great example of how the extended universe can provide closure and context to the movies, and it’s a must-read for any Star Wars fan.
And there you have it, folks, the top 5 books and comics of the Sequel era. Whether you’re a fan of the movies or just looking for some great stories, these tales are sure to transport you to a galaxy far, far away. So grab your lightsaber, hop in your X-wing, and get ready to join the Resistance. May the Force be with you, always.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
