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The Last Jedi is now just days away from its world premiere release. Don’t see the film without consuming these fantastic Star Wars stories first.
Star Wars. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together. The Last Jedi will be no different, where there is no doubt that this film will connect a galaxy far, far away like never before.
What exactly inspired Ben Solo — now Kylo Ren — to destroy Luke Skywalker’s Jedi academy? Darth Vader was no doubt his inspiration, but why?
Who are Rey’s parents? Is she related to Kylo Ren and Skywalker, or is she someone entirely different?
Lingering questions such as these will no doubt be addressed in the film, but what other stories will enhance your viewing of The Last Jedi? The Star Wars saga as a whole.
In 2012, Disney merged with Lucasfilm, purchasing all of its assets, including Star Wars. A new era was sparked, with the Lucasfilm story group establishing what is now known as Star Wars canon.
Many were outraged by this move, since what was known as the Expanded Universe was sent into the Legends vault, no longer apart of the story.
To be fair, George Lucas never considered anything other than his films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars to be part of the actual story, but, we understand the frustration.
The extended content before 2012 was a mess, even though many of its stories were top notch quality. Legends stories are still favorites of Star Wars fans, including that of the Lucasfilm story group.
Many of the Legends characters are being implemented into Lucas’ original story, this time with a cohesive harmony, keeping the Force in balance.
Also, those who read the new content are rewarded, with it enhancing the movies like never before. From comics to novels, to extensive encyclopedias, the new canon is the best thing to happen to Star Wars in years.
With The Last Jedi around the corner, what additional stories will richen your viewing experience? Fear not, we have you covered, with the top Star Wars canon content to consume before its December 15 release.
For you Legends fans, we haven’t forgotten you either, with many of those stories being vital to the storyline as well.
Let’s dive deep into the Force, and learn the mystery of it, enhancing your experience of Star Wars: The Last Jedi and the entire saga as a whole.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Leia, Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray (novel)
Era: Three years before the events of A New Hope. 37 years before The Force Awakens.
To me, she’s royalty. The words of the late Lor San Tekka — may he Rest in Peace within the Force. Princess of Alderaan, and also royalty running within her veins from Padme Amidala of Naboo, Leia is the epitome of nobility.
By the time we meet up with her again in The Force Awakens, she refuses to go by the title of “Princess” anymore, but she will always be royalty, no matter what designation she uses.
It’s vital to know of her lineage for The Last Jedi because it’s important to remember what Leia sacrificed over the years. General Leia Organa sacrificed it all for the Rebellion, in the era of the Empire’s reign, and now with the sinister First Order, rising to take its place.
Photo Credit: The Last Jedi
The novel Leia, Princess Alderaan, dives deep into her “mercy missions” as Darth Vader calls them, displaying those very risks.
The coolest Easter egg was when Leia meets Panaka, the former Royal security guard in charge of protecting her mother, Padme, in The Phantom Menace. Leia asks the acting Queen of Naboo for assistance, where they then journey to meet the Moff Panaka, who is the only one who can help Leia.
When the (now) Moff lays on Leia, who happens to be wearing her mother’s old attire coincidentally, he puts together the pieces of Leia’s resemblance to Padme, discovering her true identity.
"Panaka’s gaze finally turned to Leia. He stopped short, eyes wide with shock. Although he managed to hold on to his cup, some of his tea splashed onto the floor. ‘Moff Panaka, are you well?’"
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
"Of course. Forgive me. Your guest—reminded me of someone else. Recovering his dignity, Panaka straightened and walked toward Leia, seemingly at ease again. Yet she could see the intense curiosity in his eyes."
Moff Panaka, a still kind and fair man, but loyal to Emperor Palpatine, was planning on sharing this discovery to his “boss,” however, Saw Gerrera’s Partisans assassinate Panaka, with the Force mysteriously protecting Leia.
This epic moment was my favorite, totally shocked when Panaka realized who Leia truly was. Who knew that The Phantom Menace, Rogue One, and this novel share such a symbiotic bond.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Admiral Holdo. New to films, making her on-screen debut in The Last Jedi, the character is not unique to the storyline.
Leia and Holdo worked together while members of the Apprentice Legislature when they were both in their awkward teenage years. Leia described Holdo as “odd’, but the two formed a peculiar, but valuable friendship, which would stand the test of time.
Holdo even learned of Organa’s family being hidden Rebels, yet did not rat them out or the location of their hidden Rebel outpost, Crait.
Holdo and Leia do not see eye to eye, but they balance each out very well. Their relationship over 30 years later in The Last Jedi will be intriguing, seeing if they still have some differences. Those “disagreements” could result in a friendly alliance, spelling certain doom for the First Order.
Speaking of Crait.
"Crait is a mineral world dusted by a layer of white salt, reflecting the planet’s sunlight. It was once the site of a Rebel Alliance outpost, and has become a haven for the fleeing Resistance forces."
Bail Organa, during the era of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, used this world as a secret Rebel base.
Like her “father” before her, Leia used this resource for the Resistance, 35 years after the events of the novel. Crait is likely where the Resistance flees to once DaQar’s invaded by the First Order military, possibly at the beginning of The Last Jedi.
Holdo and the secret world of Crait, will both be major players in The Last Jedi, so this novel is vital to the film itself. Of course, the connections to Rogue One (Saw Gerrera) and with Panaka, are extra icing on the cake.
Photo Credit: The Last Jedi
Bloodline (novel) Claudia Gray
Era: Approximately six years before The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Darth Vader. Need I say more? If you were to read just one book before The Last Jedi, this would be the one. Once again, Claudia Gray delivers, with another fantastic Leia novel. I would also recommend reading both stories back to back, where you see the growth of Leia over that 37-year gap.
Gray pays attention to detail, where you will notice subtle Easter eggs connecting both novels together.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Darth Vader has a strong presence in this story. No, he doesn’t return from the netherworld of the Force, but he might as well have. His impact, even decades later, still affects the state of the galaxy.
Kylo Ren
The reason for Ben Solo’s decent deep into the Dark Side, and taking the name of Kylo Ren, is hinted within the novel.
Leia, who is nominated for the position of First Senator — the same as the former Supreme Chancellor in the prequel era — is a shoe-in to win the political race. However, one of Leia’s rivals, Lady Carlise, gets a hold of a vital hologram, revealing the origins of Leia.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Now, this knowledge is nothing new to Star Wars fans, being revealed in both the prequels and original trilogies. Leia discovered this truth on the sanctuary moon of Endor when Luke revealed to her their true identities.
However, hearing the words come from Bail Organa himself brings all of the feels. Can you handle it?
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
"Leia, the story of your origin is one you must know. You were hidden with us, for your own safety. You have a twin brother, though you must not seek him until the war has ended, and both Palpatine and Lord Vader have been defeated."
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Anakin Skywalker was returning from the depths of the Dark Side within Darth Vader. A moment that brought balance to the Force, and left all of us with tears of joy. The chosen one had returned.
Organa shifts gears to Leia’s mother, her real mother, one who she has more in common with than she could imagine.
"I never told you that she was Padmé Amidala, former queen, and senator of the planet Naboo."
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
"Nor could I share that your father was Anakin Skywalker, one of the last Jedi Knights and a great hero of the Clone Wars. I must tell you what became of Anakin Skywalker. Your father has become Darth Vader."
Imagine the footage of Bail Organa revealing these truths, to the entire galaxy. Yep, Darth Vader’s identity and connection to Luke and Leia were leaked by the media. Up until this point, only Luke, Leia, Han, and (maybe) Chewbacca knew of any of these truths.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Ben Solo, age 23 at this point, learned of his grandfather’s true identity from the Holonews, which must have sent him over the edge of the Dark Side. Like his father, Han Solo said in The Force Awakens, “He has too much Vader in him.” I bet that was even true before he knew of his rightful birthright.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Darth Vader (2017) comic
Era: Immediately after Revenge of the Sith.
Taking place right after the infamous “NOOO” from Darth Vader, the comic bearing the Dark Lord’s name is one of the best to date. What makes it even more intriguing, are it’s connections to The Last Jedi.
The Barash Vow
The Barash Vow story arc might explain why Luke Skywalker walked away from it all, leaving the galaxy in complete Darkness.
According to such vow: The Barash vow was an oath taken by Jedi who completely refrained from all activities related to the Jedi Order as a form of penitence, disengaging from anything but the Force itself. From the founding of the Order to its doom, over fourteen thousand Jedi pursued Barash.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Sound familiar? Luke Skywalker, according to Han Solo in The Force Awakens, said that Luke felt responsible for the fall of his Jedi Order. The Barash vow could explain why he went into exile, like Jedi Master Kirak Infil’a and Grand Master Yoda before him.
Also, Jocasta Nu, the annoying Librarian Jedi Master from Attack of the Clones, is alive and well, surviving Order 66. Nu’s now created and hidden away a plethora of Holocrons, containing secrets of Jedi Order, which she is guided by the Force to construct.
Her fate is clear, one that is due to end brutally at the hands of Darth Vader, but she is going out in style.
Luke Skywalker is sure to find these secrets of the Force at some point, some that we may very well see in The Last Jedi.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Bleeding a lightsaber crystal
The potential for Dark Side awesomeness in The Last Jedi is very possible, with some foreshadowing in this Darth Vader comic run.
Unlike Legends, where Dark Side lightsaber crystals were synthetic, the process in the canon is much different — and cooler.
Darth Vader pours all of his anger, hatred, pain, suffering, and passion into the lightsaber crystal of a Jedi he had slain, bleeding the Light-Sided crystal in the process.
Bleeding (corruption) of the Light Side organism could be in The Last Jedi, with Kylo Ren — or should I dare say it, Rey. The possibilities of how this could go down just make my geek heart sing. What if Kylo Ren already bled the crystal of a Jedi he destroyed?
In The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary, Kylo Ren’s known as the “Jedi killer.” The ashes where he sets down his helmet, during the interrogation of Rey, are the ashes of Jedi he slew. What if his current lightsaber crystal was taken from the weapon of one his former comrades?
Or, what if it’s from the lightsaber of Luke Skywalker himself. You know, the glorious green-bladed one from Return of the Jedi.
What if Kylo Ren ends up taking his grandfather’s blade — the one Rey defeats him during The Force Awakens — and corrupts it?
The Last Jedi has the chance to display intense Dark Side training on-screen like never before. Snoke is something sinister, and we cannot wait to see how deep his Dark Side abilities run.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to some abilities; some consider to be unnatural.
Era: Star Wars Legends content
Star Wars Legends fans, we didn’t forget about you or this age within a galaxy far, far away. Even though the recent canon era is fantastic, Legends material is, well, legendary. Most of it, that is.
We may see the selection of aspects from Legends in The Last Jedi. Mainly moments and lore from the Dark Side of the Force.
Even though the character, Darth Plagueis, is canon, the fantastic novel bearing his name is not. Thanks to the recent Tarkin novel, aspects of Darth Plagueis book are implemented into canon, but much if it is still locked away deep within the Holocron Vault.
Supreme Leader Snoke could be Darth Plagueis, but, the more time goes along, the more that theory becomes less credible. Even Lucasfilm story group members have flat-out said that Plagueis is, well, Plagueis.
However, his influence may carry on into The Last Jedi, with Dark Side teachings of Sith’s past surfacing. Remember, Kylo Ren and Snoke are not Sith, but there is a chance that Kylo wants to bring the Sith Order back to fruition.
Speaking of ancient Sith, Darth Bane and Revan could make an appearance in The Last Jedi. Maybe through a Force back vision, or even better, our first appearance of a Sith Holocron in Star Wars live-action.
The Yuuzhan Vong could also be a Legends aspect which returns in The Last Jedi or even Episode IX. With Thrawn’s inclusion into the canon in Star Wars Rebels, the Vong could be next.
It would be a major twist, but what if the First Order and Resistance had to join forces in order to destroy this significant threat, which one possibly lurking in the shadows.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Poe Dameron (comic)
Era: Just months before The Force Awakens
Poe Dameron’s mission in tracking down Lor San Tekka, the “old man” with the map to Luke Skywalker, has been a fun ride, thus far.
Naturally, it has not been an easy process for the ace pilot, who has faced his fair share of adversity along the way.
An aspect from the comic, which we are likely to see to see in The Last Jedi, is his mother/son-like relationship with General Leia Organa.
Since Leia lost her son Ben Solo to the Dark Side of the Force, Poe seemingly has filled that void in her empty heart.
Throughout the series, Poe has shown his devotion, steadfastness, and leadership abilities, which could be foreshadowing not only for The Last Jedi but into the events of Episode IX.
Poe will no doubt take over as the leader of the Resistance, once Leia’s character is sent off for good.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Currently, the comic story arc has Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren, both, on a crash course with Lor San Tekka, which we see its climax at the beginning of The Force Awakens.
We can thank the Force that J.J. Abrams listened to Oscar Isaac, who plays Poe, who formerly died in the initial version of the film. Now, the character is one that will be here to stay in this trilogy and likely into the next storyline.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Shattered Empire (comic)
Era: Immediately following the events of Return of the Jedi.
Part of The Journey to The Force Awakens, Shattered Empire still has importance to The Last Jedi. Poe Dameron’s courage originated from his parents, who both fought with the Rebel Alliance.
Shara Bay, his mother, was a pilot, while his father, Kes Dameron, fought on the frontlines with the rebel special forces group called the Pathfinders.
The same one led by General Han Solo, and rumor has it, Rex from Clone Wars/Rebels, joined this group as well.
Bay joined Princess Leia on a mission to Naboo, liberating the planet from the remnant of the Empire and Operation Cinder.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Also, Poe’s mother went on a quest with the Jedi Knight, Luke Skywalker, in gathering two Force-sensitive trees from Emperor Palpatine’s Dark clutches.
After a successful mission, Luke kept one for his Jedi purposes, while the second tree remained with the Dameron’s on Yavin IV, where they retired following the Galactic Civil War.
Skywalker and Poe likely interacted at some point in his life, which would make a reacquaintance in The Last Jedi very meaningful, do to Luke’s history with Poe’s parents.
Shattered Empire makes Luke’s purpose crystal clear. Rebuilding the Jedi Order is priority numero uno. It ties into The Last Jedi, but for all the wrong reasons. Seeing more stories like this is a reminder of all that Luke lost when his nephew went all out “Vader” on he and his students.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Aftermath trilogy (novels) by Chuck Wendig
Taking place immediately after the events of Shattered Empire, this trilogy is a must for those wanting a deeper understanding of The Last Jedi.
Within its pages, you will discover the possible origins of the Knights of Ren. The Battle of Jakku, which ended the horrific Galactic civil war, with its lingering effects present 30 thirty years later.
We also learn that Emperor Palpatine had a backup plan, one that ended in the Empire’s full destruction upon his death. Snoke even may have been calling out to Palpatine through the Force, which raises more questions than answers.
Snap Wexley is introduced, the recon-pilot who discovers the whereabouts of Starkiller Base in The Force Awakens. Wedge Antilles also makes an appearance, and we possibly learn why he was not present during the sequel era.
The Church of the Force makes an appearance, the very religious group connected with Lor San Tekka, the man whom Kylo Ren strikes down at the beginning of The Force Awakens.
The Dark Side of the Force is represented well in this story, hinting a bit of what we will see in The Last Jedi.
Lastly, Aftermath also connects all of the dots between all three eras, enriching the cohesiveness of the canon timeline.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Phasma (novel) Delilah S. Dawson
Era: Set approximately 10 years – months before The Force Awakens
Phasma was not always part of the First Order, or the Empire before it. Some Star Wars fans were disappointed at the use of her in The Force Awakens, calling her a waste — with the one exception being her nifty collectible action figure.
The novel does her (more) than justice, revealing how much of a bad ass she is. Her motives are self-serving, explaining why she lowered the shield on Starkiller Base.
General Hux makes an appearance too, where the novel shows how Phasma and he developed a tight-knit relationship. It’s one that The Last Jedi should flush out even more.
Phasma (comic)
Era: Immediately after the events of The Force Awakens.
The Phasma comic shows how she escapes the trash compactor, the one that Finn and Solo most graciously threw her into its depths.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
The comic story arc tie in well to the novel, where we learn more of her agenda, hinting that she may even betray the First Order if it proves the hinder those very efforts.
Phasma is also one of the greatest non-Force wielding warriors in Star Wars history, shown throughout the novel and comic. When she meets with her former student, Finn, in The Last Jedi, it is sure to deliver the goods.
The former Stormtrooper better pray for some divine intervention, or, he will end up in another painful coma.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Battlefront II: Inferno Squad (novel) Christie Golden
Era: Starting immediately following A New Hope – to the beginning of the Battle of Endor, Battlefront II: Inferno Squad delivers a perspective from the Empire’s elite.
Iden Versio, the Commander of Inferno Squad, is one who has skills like non-other. During the Battle of Yavin, she even executes more confirmed kills in the air than Darth Vader. Impressive. Most impressive.
We follow this story mainly in her boots, learning much about this complex character. Even though Iden is trained to carry out her duty at all costs, she does carry a code of honor with her, one that takes her down a much different path later on.
Another character stands out in this story, which is Del, a soldier well versed with the technical aspect of things.
Throughout the novel, you have the suspicion that the two are destined to eventually fall in love, which they ultimately do in the story for Battlefront II.
In fact, the two may very well be connected to a scavenger who hails from the distant world of Jakku.
Yes, the scavenger who is known to us as Rey.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Star Wars Battlefront II (video game)
Era: Begins at the conclusion of the Battle of Endor. Ends, just a few years before The Force Awakens.
Rey’s parents and lineage have been quite the mystery going forward. The odds of a video game revealing the parents of the most popular character in Star Wars today sounds absurd, but hear us out.
If you have not watched the scenes from Star Wars Battlefront II, the canon story mode, we’ve got you covered.
Watch the entire Battlefront II canon story here.
We’ve already gone into great detail on Rey’s connection to the duo.
See how they may be Rey’s parents for yourself, with our full breakdown.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Picking up where Shattered Empire left off, Luke continues on his quest in collecting Jedi lore, with intentions of passing on what he has learned.
He crosses paths with Del in the process, leaving a lasting impression on the Imperial soldier. In fact, Del finds faith in the Force, later defecting from the Empire, convincing Iden in doing the same.
Back to Luke. He finds a Force connected compass that the Emperor had acquired, with its function being a total mystery.
We also see Han Solo and Maz at her castle, which was a nice touch of how deep their relationship indeed was.
Kylo Ren makes an appearance, in search of the map to Skywalker, where he reads Del’s mind in his efforts.
I believe this interaction has a lasting impact on Kylo, one connected to a specific heroine from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Battlefront II delivered on binding the galaxy together in preparation for the new film, more than we hoped.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Legends of Luke Skywalker (novel) by Jason Fry
Era: Ranging from the events of Return of the Jedi – right before The Force Awakens.
Speaking of Luke, this fun little read takes us to a time where the spirit of Luke had not yet been broken.
If you are seeking some spoilers or details on Luke for The Last Jedi, this book is not for you.
However, we’re reminded of the hero that Luke was, hinting that we may see him again, after the events of The Last Jedi.
A mix of truth and tall tales, Luke displays his extraordinary Force abilities. We also see the compassion and goodness of young Skywalker, a nice compliment to his appearance in Battlefront II.
The novel is an inspiration to us all. Everyone has a bit of Luke Skywalker inside of them. We are all capable of being real-life heroes.
Once The Last Jedi is released, the floodgates will open for more stories on Luke.
In the meantime, we will have to make due with Shattered Empire, Battlefront II, and some tall tales on the galaxy’s only hope.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Star Wars Visual Guides
If you like to immerse yourself deeply in the Force, wanting to know every intricate detail of each world, character, and even accessories, this section is definitely for you.
Complete Locations
Maybe the most in-depth Star Wars visual guide to date, this book takes you Episodes I through VII, in an intimate fashion.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
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The guide contains detailed maps, Sith lore, Podracing names and finishes in the Boonta Eve Classic, and much more, making you a Jedi Master in the process.
The Last Jedi will be that much better, knowing every, single detail of the Star Wars universe.
Two other books that are must-reads include the Complete Star Wars Visual Encyclopedia, and, the Super Graphics guide.
In the latter, you do receive some minor details on characters from The Last Jedi.
Lastly, as obvious as this sounds, have a marathon of all the Star Wars movies. If you have even more time, knock out some episodes of The Clone Wars and Rebels.
Next: 25 Star Wars TV shows we really want to see
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is just days away now, so you better get to it. Consume as much of these stories as you can. Stories that will make The Last Jedi viewing experience, something truly special.