Prior to the release of Andor, the world of Rogue One had already been enriched with a variety of tie-in literature, including books and comics. These narratives delve into characters who were not extensively explored in Andor and illuminate pivotal moments that transpire before and after the film’s events. Some of these stories resonate strongly with the emotional tone established in Andor, providing a perfect segue for fans hesitant to part with the series. Here’s a compilation of the most compelling Rogue One spinoff stories to explore.
7 The Mask of Fear
Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera in the Early Days of the Empire
Star Wars: Reign of the Empire – The Mask of Fear, authored by Alexander Freed, is the latest addition and closely aligns with Andor’s themes. This novel is set in the aftermath of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, chronicling the political maneuverings of Mon Mothma and Bail Organa in the newly formed Empire. Simultaneously, a former Separatist collaborates with Saw Gerrera in a critical mission aimed at shifting the war’s momentum.
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6 Catalyst
The Origin of the Death Star Project
Star Wars: Catalyst – A Rogue One Novel, penned by James Luceno, serves as the official prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Having read this before the film’s 2016 release, I found it indispensable for comprehending the essential backstory omitted from the movie’s introduction. Catalyst unveils the inception of the Death Star project during the Clone Wars, detailing Galen Erso’s recruitment and his eventual retreat with his family.
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Luceno shines in this narrative by deftly intertwining various storylines and character arcs into a unified tale. The character development is particularly noteworthy as they confront the reality of their involvement and the moral implications that arise. Fans of Rogue One will find this prequel immensely fulfilling.
5 Rebel Rising
Jyn Erso’s Life After Her Father Was Taken by the Empire
Following Catalyst, Star Wars: Rebel Rising by Beth Revis is the next thrilling installment. This young adult novel fills in the backstory gap between Saw Gerrera’s rescue of Jyn Erso at the film’s outset and her subsequent extraction from an Imperial facility by the rebels. The absence of much backstory in Rogue One was a common critique, making Rebel Rising an essential read for those eager for more context.
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This narrative effectively illustrates Jyn’s tumultuous childhood within a rebel faction under Saw’s questionable guardianship, shedding light on his struggle to fulfill a fatherly role amidst war. Moreover, it explores Saw’s reasons for ultimately abandoning Jyn and captures the essence of their final interaction, as merely hinted at in Rogue One. Rebel Rising serves as an excellent bridge connecting various storylines while delving deeper into Jyn Erso’s character development.
4 Guardians of the Whills
A Chirrut and Baze Adventure Set Before Rogue One
Chirrut Îmwe and Baze Malbus, two stand-out characters from Rogue One, star in Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills by Greg Rucka. This narrative unfolds six months prior to Rogue One, depicting Chirrut and Baze’s efforts to defend the citizens of Jedha City following the Empire’s takeover of the Kyber Temple. Their encounter with Saw Gerrera presents a dilemma about whether joining him is the optimal strategy for resistance.
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READ GUARDIANS OF THE WHILLS: THE MANGA
Exploring Chirrut and Baze’s past enriches their complex bond and enhances our understanding of their differences. Saw’s inclusion also offers significant context regarding their capture by the Partisans in Rogue One. This story was later brought to life through a manga adaptation by Jon Tsuei and Subaru, providing an alternative visual experience for fans.
3 Rogue One Novelization
A Great Adaptation and Expansion of the Movie
The novelization of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, crafted by Alexander Freed, stands out as an exceptionally well-executed adaptation. While the film shines in its own right, it struggled to incorporate its diverse cast and intricate backstories within its two-hour runtime. Freed’s novelization allows readers a deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts, enriching their roles through extensive flashbacks that the film omitted.
READ THE ROGUE ONE NOVELIZATION
This adaptation serves as an excellent entry point for those wishing to explore the characters further without committing to additional narratives on this list. An effective novelization enhances the original story and presents new motivations for revisiting it, a feat Freed accomplishes skillfully. It’s particularly appealing to fans who appreciated Andor’s deep exploration of character and plot.
2 Inferno Squad
A Sequel to Rogue One and a Prequel to Battlefront II (2017)
Set immediately after the destruction of the Death Star in A New Hope, Star Wars: Battlefront II – Inferno Squad serves as a prequel to the game’s campaign. Initially touted as a sequel to Rogue One, it effectively narrates the journey of Inferno Squad as they infiltrate the remnants of Saw Gerrera’s Partisans. The storyline captures the emotional complexity as they forge bonds with rebels they are ultimately assigned to betray, paralleling some of the subterfuge fans loved in Andor.
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This novel also serves as a prequel to Battlefront II (2017), establishing pivotal character arcs. Witnessing these characters comprehend the destruction of the second Death Star resonates on another level, enriched by their past experiences with the first. Their connections with rebels foreshadow their eventual alignment with the New Republic. It’s remarkable how this story intertwines with various narratives while maintaining its own unique merits.
1 The Ashes of Jedha
A Star Wars Comic Follow-Up to Rogue One
Transitioning from novels to comics, the seventh volume of the 2015 Star Wars series features an enthralling arc that expands upon Rogue One. Collecting issues #38-43, “The Ashes of Jedha”depicts Luke Skywalker and fellow rebels returning to the devastated Jedha City, where a handful of survivors continue to combat the Empire. The storyline explores lingering tensions among different rebel factions, underscoring the fractured state of the rebellion even amidst the Galactic Civil War.
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A highlight of this arc is the poignant moment when Luke acknowledges the fallen characters of Rogue One. Understanding the sacrifices made for his success in destroying the Death Star deepens the impact of these events. This comic serves as a satisfying resolution to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, making it an essential read for fans who adored Andor.