April decided to save all of its issues for the end, going out with a whopping nine titles along with Free Comic Book Day! There's a lot to get through, so let's jump into those splash pages!
This Week in Star Wars Comics, we have a new Poe Dameron series, The Battle of Eriadu, Free Comic Book Day, and more!
Hyperspace Stories-- Codebreaker #1
The new all-ages series from Dark Horse Comics stars everyone's favorite Resistance pilot and his little rolling ball droid too. Poe Dameron and BB-8 must track down a piece of First Order technology that's endangering the cause. This tech can decode Resistance messages, and it must be found!
Hyperspace Stores-- Codebreaker #1 is written by Ethan Sacks, the illustrator is Marc Yarza, and the cover artist is Diego Galindo.
The High Republic-- Fear of the Jedi #3
There's a huge focus on the Battle of Eriadu this week as most of The High Republic titles are coming together to show different sides of the conflict. Fear the Jedi is focusing on Jedi Master Keeve Trennis' team as they battle against the Nihil blockade. However, one member, Lourna Dee, the villain turned grey hero, has her past catch up with her.
The High Republic-- Fear the Jedi #3 is written by Cavan Scott, the illustrator is Marika Cresta, and the cover artist is Phil Noto.
The High Republic Adventures #17
From another point of view, Jedi Knight Farzala Tarabal faces a dire choice during the Battle of Eriadu. He has a chance to turn the tide of battle and stop the Nihil invaders once and for all on the planet. However, it would sacrifice the lives of his friends. What does the young Knight do?
The High Republic Adventures #17 is written by Daniel José Older, and the illustrator is Harvey Tolibao, who is the cover artist along with Kevin Tolibao.
The High Republic Adventures Phase III - The Battle of Eriadu
In this one-shot, The Battle of Eriadu sees friends clash on opposite sides of the conflict. After being left behind at the Battle of Valo, Nihil Drigget Parse fights for the villains. Jedi Padawan Gavi Takitaken, drenched in guilt for having to leave Drigget in the past, comes face to face with his friend once again on the war-torn planet of Eriadu.
The Battle of Eriadu is written by Alyssa Wong, the illustrator is Elisa Romboli, and the cover artist is Jake Bartok.
The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation #3
This is a comic book adaptation of Episode IX. While this has been one of the better ones, thanks to bonus content and deleted scenes put into the books, it's pretty straightforward. Have you seen Episode IX? Then you know the comic. The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation is written by Jody Houser, the illustrator is Will Sliney, and the cover artist is Phil Noto.
Free Comic Book Day is here!
While these are May titles, it's still out this week so let's talk about the two Free Comic Book Day books!
Free Comic Book Day is a yearly event that's always the first Saturday in May. It's a big deal for comic book stores, basically being their Black Friday. Publishers send them free issues for readers, usually teasers, reprints, or promotions for future series. This year, we have two Star Wars titles. Star Wars #1 has three stories with Luke Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Kylo Ren. The all-ages Young Jedi Adventures title is a new adventure with all of our favorite younglings going on a mission for Yoda.
You can see the full Free Comic Book Day lineup here. Go support your local comic book store! THEY'RE FREE!
This Week's Star Wars Trade Paperbacks
There are two trade paperbacks out this week. The first is the hardcover omnibus of the comic book event Crimson Reign, which spanned multiple comics from 2021 to 2022. This whopping book is 872 pages long! Not one to miss.
The second trade paperback is The High Republic Adventures — Crash Zone gathering the stories and one shot comics of the rogue security crew of Crash Ongwa and her team as they battle Nihil, protect the Chancellor, and seek out double crossers.
Whew! And that's it for April with a little touch of May tossed in. If you want a preview of next month's comics and books, check that out here.
See you in the splash pages!