Before Galaxy’s Edge and The High Republic, Star Wars stories were told through the Expanded Universe and Del Rey is revising several of those tales. Today, the company has shared a sneak peek at new covers releasing this fall from four fan favorite novels in the Essential Legends Collection.
What’s Happening:
- 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Lucasfilm and in celebration of the milestone, Del Rey is expanding their curated collection of essential Star Wars novels from the Expanded Universe.
- Since its debut in 1977 Star Wars has fueled the imaginations of millions and fans. George Lucas offered that universe as a creative space for others which led to dozens of stories across comics, novels, video games and more.
- Long before the Prequel and Sequel trilogies and The High Republic, the Expanded Universe further explored stories of Luke, Han, Obi-Wan, and introduced characters like Darth Bane, Mara Jade and Grand Admiral Thrawn.
- This year, Del Rey is sharing these stories once again in their Essential Legends Collection. As part of this expansion, a new batch of trade paperback editions will launch on September 7th.
- Among the titles featured are:
- Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn – Artwork by Tracie Ching
- The Last Command by Timothy Zahn – Artwork by Tracie Ching
- Darth Bane: The Rule of Two by Drew Karpyshyn – Artwork by Simon Goinard
- Rogue Squadron by Michael A. Stackpole – Artwork by Doaly
- Each edition will have a new book cover with original artwork
- In addition to the new cover, Rogue Squadron will also receive an all-new unabridged audiobook edition, read by Star Wars narrator Marc Thompson.
- Del Rey will continue to add classic titles to the Essential Legends Collection, with the next editions publishing in Spring 2022.
More Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary:
- Del Rey isn’t the only company celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Lucasfilm. Hasbro has been rolling out new figures in their Star Wars: The Black Series Collection including everyone from Greedo and Han Solo to Kir Kanos, Jaxxon and more!
- Here at Laughing Place, Mike Celestino’s Who’s the Bossk? podcast is featuring a retrospective of the company’s various film, television and video game projects.