Although the first season of The Acolyte has ended and all episodes are now streaming on Disney+, Lucasfilm still has more left in the tank to offer fans who want more from the series. The official Star Wars: Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away panel at San Diego Comic Con revealed new books, figures, and art collections from The Acolyte and the High Republic era of Star Wars that fans are so desperate to learn more about. With full young adult novels, comic books that detail the past stories of Jedi Masters who have transformed into the Force, or figures that will allow you to commemorate your favorite characters, the Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away panel unveiled a bit of something special for everyone.
Although The Acolyte received unfair treatment from fans via review bombing, the series was generally enjoyed by critics. The series currently sits at an 80% rating from reviewers and a 17% score from general audiences on Rotten Tomatoes; a disparity this big doesn’t come from anywhere but review bombing. Although many of the characters in The Acolyte sadly met their fate in the first season, Star Wars publishing has found a way to honor them with even more stories. Several new books, comics, figures, and more were announced at the Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away panel at San Diego Comic Con that are sure to catch the eyes of Acolyte fans around the world.
Kelnacca and Vernestra Rwoh Get New Novels and Comics to Further Their Story
First on the list to receive their own set of stories is the Wookie Jedi who many would argue was underutilized in The Acolyte, Kelnacca. Kelnacca is killed earlier in the season by The Stranger, who is later revealed to be Qimir, then appears in a later flashback attacking the Jedi on Brendok while his mind is under the control of witches. Now, Kelnacca will receive his own issue which will be written by Cavan Scott and Marika Cresta, but the details of if the issue will explore the earlier parts of Kelnacca’s life or events closer to his death are unclear. However, the issue does include an exclusive interview with Kelnacca actor Joonas Suotamo about his work on the series, making it well worthwhile.
While Kelnacca is the only Jedi from The Acolyte to perish and receive his own book, he’s not the only Jedi in the series who is getting a story expansion. Also announced at the San Diego Comic Con panel was Star Wars: The Acolyte: Wayseeker, a series which follows Vernestra Rwoh as she learns to navigate her place in the Jedi Order. Vernestra spent more than a decade exploring the Outer Rim as a Wayseeker, and doesn’t feel compelled to rejoin the Jedi order until Master Indara comes calling to her. Together, the two dive into an intense investigation as they blur the lines between right and wrong, trying to decide just how far they’re willing to go to achieve the ultimate goal. The book comes from author Justina Ireland.
Also coming down the pipe for Star Wars publishing is an untitled YA novel from author Tessa Gratton, which follows Jecki Lon, another Jedi who meets a sad fate in The Acolyte, and her (at the time) fellow Padawan Yord as they are drawn into a coming-of-age ritual that takes place across the whole planet. While the first ritual initially goes well, it’s the second one that forces the duo to put their differences aside and work together to keep each other safe, as well as the people on the planet. Both Jecki and Yord were killed by Qimir in The Acolyte, so this will be a delightful way to explore more of their story without bringing their characters back to life for a potential Season 2.
‘Outlaws,’ ‘The Acolyte,’ and the High Republic Get New Star Wars Art Books
Coming in February 2025 is Art of Star Wars: The High Republic Volume 2, from author Kristen Baver and retailing at $50. The brand-new Star Wars art book features exclusive concept art, character and costume sketches, and vehicle and creature designs from Lucasfilm Publishing. The book will reveal never-before-seen work from renowned Star Wars artists Phil Noto, Iain McCraig, and Ryan Church, with many others. Volume 2 of Art of Star Wars: The High Republic is the first Star Wars book to explore all directions and designs of a story that takes place through comic books, novels, and young adult books. The art book is 224 pages long and is a must-have for fans interested in the creation and artistic design behind this era of Star Wars storytelling.
Also getting a brand-new art book is Star Wars Outlaws, the upcoming video game which is set to release on August 30 and is set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The game was developed by Massive Entertainment and sees players explore a Galaxy Far, Far Away through the eyes of the main character, Kay Vess, a former scoundrel on the hunt for freedom and peace with her friend Nix. The art book explores the assembly of this new Star Wars open world, with insight from the game’s creators on how the environments came together through development and also special looks at the game’s many tools and weapons. The book will be released on June 3, 2025, and comes from Dark Horse Publishing.
Last but certainly not least, Star Wars is also releasing a new art book for The Acolyte Season 1, which is expected to release sometime during Summer 2025 and will cost $50. The book comes from author Kristin Baver, is also 224 pages, and will show production art, character and vehicle designs, and even planets, storyboards, and many more behind-the-scenes looks at production on the latest Star Wars Disney+ series. The Acolyte is the first time the High Republic is featured in live-action, with all other projects being set inside the confines of the Skywalker Saga. The Acolyte art book will feature interviews with key creatives involved with creating the series, and give a first-hand account of how the production team brought this new world to life.
More Star Wars Books and Figures Are Coming Soon
Also coming in February 2025 is Fear of the Jedi #1, a comic book from Cavan Scott with art from Marika Cresta and Phil Noto. The book features the tag line “What scares the Jedi?” and aims to kick off the finale for the High Republic Saga. It will feature Jedi Master Keeve Trennis, with a cameo from The Acolyte’s Master Kelnacca with other iconic High Republic characters. The Acolyte Visual Guide will also launch on March 4, 2025, and dive into the era of Star Wars long before the time of Darth Vader with key characters, locations, and technology from The Acolyte. The book comes from author Pablo Hidalgo.
However, there is more coming out of Star Wars: Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away than things to be read. Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh is getting her very own Star Wars: The Black Series figure, which will release in Spring 2025 and will retail for $24.99. More figures from The Acolyte to come include Jecki Lon and Jedi Master Indara, each of whom met their unfortunate fate in the first season of the series. The Vernestra Rwoh figure measures six inches and even comes with a soft goods robe and special Lightsaber accessory.
With the sheer volume of exciting announcements directly related to The Acolyte, it’s safe to say the Star Wars: Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away panel was a major success. Although The Acolyte sadly dealt with a heinous review bombing, the series was still a success for Disney+, registering high viewership while also boasting an 80% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. If Lucasfilm decides to renew the series, this could be just the beginning for Acolyte figures, books, and spin-off projects.
All episodes of The Acolyte are now streaming. Stay tuned to Collider for future pre-order information and watch The Acolyte on Disney+.