Following Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters and Star Wars: Crimson Reign, writer Charles Soule will complete his trilogy of Star Wars comics on the seedy side of the galaxy this November in Star Wars: Hidden Empire! The five-issue limited series will continue to spotlight the breakout character from Solo: A Star Wars Story, Lady Qi’ra.
Since her comics debut, the criminal leader has had a tremendous impact on Marvel’s Star Wars comics storytelling, and Star Wars: Hidden Empire will see Qi’ra set her bold overarching plan in motion: ridding the galaxy of the Sith! The series will be drawn by artist Steven Cummings, who also worked on Star Wars: Crimson Reign. In addition, Cummings has crafted a stunning connecting piece that will adorn all five issues. These variant covers show some of the stars of the saga including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, the Knights of Ren, and more key characters who will take sides in the upcoming conflict.
“This new story is designed to deliver the big finale to Qi’ra’s story — at least this phase of it,” writer Charles Soule told StarWars.com. “She emerged from years of hiding with an elaborate, incredible plan to bring down the Sith, and Hidden Empire is the endgame. It brings in players from all over the Star Wars universe, from Darth Vader to Doctor Aphra to the Knights of Ren, and I think it’ll be really satisfying — but tragic. As I had a character say in the very first issue of Crimson Reign, Qi’ra’s story is a tragedy. But… in a good way.”
The mysterious syndicate Crimson Dawn and its leader Lady Qi’ra have become the galaxy’s most wanted criminals, as Emperor Palpatine realizes the scope of Qi’ra’s plans against him and moves to destroy her. But Qi’ra still has tricks up her sleeve, and with the help of the Knights Of Ren and her many other allies, she will not go down without a fight!
The Solo: A Star Wars Story fan favorite first reemerged in the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover, orchestrating the theft of a still frozen-in-carbonite Han from Boba Fett. This led to the follow-up event Crimson Reign, in which Qi’ra makes a move against the Empire, gaining the ire of Palpatine himself. But this being Star Wars, Qi’ra’s saga is no two-parter.
“Hidden Empire is set between Episodes V and VI. So, there are things this story can do and things it can’t,” Soule explained to StarWars.com. “That said, I think it will deliver a deeply satisfying conclusion to Qi’ra’s arc here, and readers will understand how her choices in this story impacted events all across the Star Wars galaxy at this time. As with many of the comics and novels and ancillary stories beyond the films, the idea is to deepen the experience and understanding of the characters. There are direct connections here to both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi — and beyond — and I think the fans will be very happy.”
Check out all the covers now and be there when Qi’ra’s deadly ambitions send shockwaves throughout the galaxy in Star Wars: Hidden Empire#1 on November 16. For more information, visit Marvel.com.
Travel Variant Cover by David López
On Sale 11/16
STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #1 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
Reveal Cover by Paulo Siqueira
Variant Cover by Arthur Adams
Battle Variant Cover by Declan Shalvey
Travel Variant Cover by David López
Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS
On Sale 12/7
STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #2 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS
Travel Variant Cover by David López
Solicit Cover by Paulo Siqueira
On Sale 2/8
STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #3 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS
On Sale March 2023
STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #4 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS
On Sale April 2023
STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #5 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS
Images via Marvel Comics
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