As Star Wars Eyes a New Era, the Series Is Open to Some High Republic Expansion
Fans of Charles Soule’s Star Wars: The High Republic era novels teased connections between the era and other points in the Star Wars timeline, which could appear in his future comics. In an interview promoting his upcoming Legacy of Vader comic miniseries, the author admitted he's open to referencing his High Republic era stories in other Marvel's Star Wars comics.
In an interview with the Star Wars Explained YouTube channel, Soule spoke about setting the foundation for the High Republic era of the Star Wars timeline, in both books and comics, and how his time filling in the distant past of the franchise could apply to its future.
Star Wars fans have a lot to be excited about, as the comics explore previously closed off sections of the franchise's canon, from the post-Return of the Jedi era to the blank spots in the Sequel Trilogy – and for Charles Soule, this means drawing connections between the different eras.
Ahead Of His Latest Star Wars Comic Project, Charles Soule Says He Hasn't Forgotten About His "High Republic" Stories
The Author Has Already Written Three High Republic Comics
Speaking with Star Wars Explained, Charles Soule discussed the possibility of incorporating his High Republic lore into more of his comics. He stated:
I can draw connections between all the eras, so there may be something from the High Republic that drops. I actually don't know, I can't remember if I've done it yet, but it's possible. I have no personal issue with dropping in High Republic elements to a book [...] It can not just be an Easter egg. It must feel like it is part of the history.
With regard to High Republic era comic books, Soule wrote the 2022 miniseries, Star Wars: The High Republic: The Eye of the Storm; 2022 comic, The Blade; and 2023 the four issue mini-series, Star Wars: The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight. Based on his comments, expanded lore in Soule’s comics is entirely possible, especially considering his upcoming High Republic novel, The Trials of the Jedi, which is set for a June 17, 2025 release.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader seems an unlikely place for readers to expect any High Republic elements to pop up – yet that could be one of the surprises that the author has in store for his latest Kylo Ren story.
Currently in the world of comics, Soule is writing Star Wars: Legacy of Vader. Set for publication on February 5, the series follows Kylo Ren in the time between The Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker. Considering that Soule is currently writing in the Sequel Trilogy era, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader seems an unlikely place for readers to expect any High Republic elements to pop up – yet that could be one of the surprises that the author has in store for his latest Kylo Ren story.
Charles Soule's Foundational Work In The High Republic Era Set A High Bar For Disney's Star Wars Canon
The Author Continues To Be At The Heart Of Star Wars
The High Republic refers to an era in the Star Wars timeline approximately one to five centuries prior to the original trilogy. During the High Republic, the Jedi Knights were considered to be at their peak, operating with little to no opposition. Also during this era, the Galactic Republic was at its strongest and setting out to explore the wilds of uncharted space that would later become the outer rim. Jedi Knights and brave travelers alike ventured to the outer rim, which oftentimes led to disaster due to the unknown nature of the area.
Soule’s Light of the Jedi was one of the most popular Star Wars books of 2021, remaining on the New York Times Bestseller List for four weeks after its release, in addition to being well-received by the fandom. Fans of the Expanded Universe know how integral Charles Soule has been to shaping the current generation of Star Wars stories, and helping to define the Disney era of the franchise's continuity – and the knowledge that his work will continue to feature callbacks and ties to his Star Wars: The High Republic stories is an exciting confirmation for readers.
Source: "The Future of Star Wars Comics"
- Created by
- George Lucas
- First Film
- Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
- Cast
- Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Ian McDiarmid, Ewan McGregor, Rosario Dawson, Lars Mikkelsen, Rupert Friend, Moses Ingram, Frank Oz, Pedro Pascal
- TV Show(s)
- The Mandalorian, Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, The Acolyte, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Lando, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Star Wars: Resistance, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Star Wars: Visions
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- Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, Star Wars: New Jedi Order
- Character(s)
- Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Rey Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Grand Inquisitor, Reva (The Third Sister), The Fifth Brother, The Seventh Sister, The Eighth Brother, Yoda, Din Djarin, Grogu, Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Ben Solo/Kylo Ren
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
- Created By
- J.J. Abrams, Michael Arndt, Lawrence Kasdan
- Franchise
- Star Wars
- Died
- Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise Of Skywalker
- Race
- Human
- Movies
- Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker
- TV Shows
- Star Wars: Resistance
The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, Ben was manipulated by Palpatine through the Force for most of his life, influenced toward the dark side of the Force. A misstep by Luke Skywalker ultimately left Ben feeling he had no choice but to embrace the dark side, and he became Kylo Ren, a key figure in the First Order. Kylo Ren's heart remained deeply divided, however, even after he ascended to become Supreme Leader of the First Order. He was ultimately redeemed by Rey, with whom he shared a remarkable Force bond, and by the love of his parents.
