If you follow Star Wars, or Marvel Comics for that matter, you have probably heard about the recent Star Wars “canon purge,” where Lucasfilm announced in April that all Star Wars material other than the Star Wars films, and TV shows, would be erased from continuity.

This means all Star Wars books, comics, and games are no longer part of the Star Wars continuity. The only things that is now part of the canon are all six of the released films, the upcoming films, and the TV shows, including “Star Wars Rebels” and “The Clone Wars.”

It is quite obvious that Disney wants to keep as many ideas open for them to use, hence why they wiped the continuity. Things are not all that dark though: since Disney is the parent company of Marvel Comics, they will be getting new Star Wars comics.  Previously, Dark Horse Comics owned the rights to make Star Wars Comics, but Marvel gained the rights after the Lucasfilm buyout.

Speaking of Star Wars comics, Marvel made the announcement at San Diego Comic Con in July, that they would publish three new Star Wars comics, starting in January.  Those titles include, STAR WARS written By Jason Aaron, STAR WARS: DARTH VADER By Kieron Gillen, and STAR WARS: PRINCESS LEIA By Mark Waid.

Both STAR WARS, and STAR WARS: DARTH VADER, are ongoing series, and STAR WARS: PRINCESS LEIA will be a five issue miniseries.  These titles will come out in January, February, and March respectively.

Maybe there is a bright future for the Star Wars expanded universe after all, at least from a comic fan’s point of view. However, there is still no doubt some fans will take a hit with these changes. Until next time, get out there, go read comics, and May the Force be with you.