UPDATE: ‘Reign of the Empire’ First Copies Available at New York Comic Con, Plus More Publishing News

UPDATE!

 

Random House Worlds has announced that you will be able to get your hands on Reign of the Empire early if you are attending New York Comic Con.

 

Visit the Star Wars area of Booth #3021 at @NY_Comic_Con with the secret message to claim an advance reader’s copy of THE MASK OF FEAR by Alexander Freed.

“Mon Mothma requests your aid.”

Copies are limited. First come, first served while supplies last. pic.twitter.com/LOaHdAou7W

— Star Wars Books (@StarWarsByRHW) October 11, 2024

 

Senior editor Tom Hoeler confirmed these exclusive copies will contain the entire book. He went on to clarify that they will try to make copies available every day, but wasn’t able to make a guarantee. Word of advice for those new to conventions, make booth #3021 your first priority if you are interested in getting a copy, and be prepared to get there as early as possible.

 

Now onto the original story.

 

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New York Comic Con is right around the corner, which means Lucasfilm Publishing is coming to drop some Star Wars reveals. Ahead of the convention on October 17-20, Random House Worlds has teased that something is coming from their upcoming Reign of the Empire trilogy next week.

 

The Mask of Fear, the trilogy’s first book, will be released on February 25, 2025. The novel sees the return of Alphabet Squadron writer Alexander Freed. Taking place in the first year of the Empire, it will be told through the eyes of characters like Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera and what they have to do to survive in a new galaxy. It remains to be seen what news may come at New York Comic Con, but as the High Republic loosens its stranglehold on publishing, it makes sense to begin the promotional campaign now.

 

Stay tuned . . . pic.twitter.com/20jW8WYeeO

— Star Wars Books (@StarWarsByRHW) October 4, 2024

 

Speaking of the High Republic, it should have a big presence during Lucasfilm’s two major panels based on the available information. Lucasfilm Publishing proper kicks it off on Friday with heavy hitters, including Charles Soule and The Glass Abyss‘ Steven Barnes.

 

LUCASFILM PUBLISHING: Star Wars: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Fri, Oct 18, 2024 • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

From the days of the glorious High Republic to the Age of Rebellion to Rise of the First Order, join some of Lucasfilm Publishing’s all-star authors as they discuss stories from throughout the entire Star Wars saga, including publishing reveals, announcements, and sneak peeks for readers and fans of all ages.

Guests: Krystina Arielle, Charles Soule, Zoraida Córdova, Marc Guggenheim, Steven Barnes, Lydia Kang

 

Comics take center stage the next day with several High Republic writers and Lucasfilm Publishing creative director Michael Siglain.

 

Star Wars Comics with Dark Horse and Lucasfilm Publishing

Sat, Oct 19, 2024 • 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM

Fans are invited to traverse the galaxy in this panel featuring comic creator guests! Join us for a showcase of new and upcoming comics and graphic novels from Lucasfilm Publishing and Dark Horse Comics.

Guests: Daniel José Older, Michael Siglain, Cavan Scott, Harvey Tolibao, Alyssa Wong, Rachael Stott

 

Beyond publishing, Hasbro promises some Star Wars Black Series and Vintage Collection reveals during their panel on Friday.

 

Among the things you can possibly expect is a cover reveal for Trials of the Jedi, the High Republic’s final book. Marvel’s flagship Star Wars series is also in need of a reboot. Dark Horse may have news of their elusive Hyperspace Stories graphic novel line after its delay into 2025. Finally, that mention of the First Order has me wondering if there’s a sequel-era story in the works. No matter what it is, Star Wars News Net will be there to cover it when New York Comic Con comes around. So stay tuned!

 

Before we go, check out our review for October 15’s Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss novel. And in case you missed it, StarWars.com released the first excerpt.