At WonderCon (currently underway in San Francisco), Dark Horse Comics director of publicity Jeremy Atkins unveiled new cover art by Jo Chen for the forthcoming New Jedi Order-era series, Star Wars: Invasion (see the original New York Comic-Con story here.)
We caught up with Dark Horse editor Randy Stradley to ask him some quick questions about the new series (below the cut).
Why now? How long has this idea been percolating and why is now the best time to explore The New Jedi Order in comics?
I don’t know that the idea has really been “percolating,” but it has been discussed now and again (along with other ideas) since 2002, when I took over Dark Horse’s Star Wars line. Mainly we felt that Luke’s early years had been the focus for too long. Even trying to creep through the open areas of Classic era continuity as slowly as we could with the Empire and, later, Rebellion series, it was only a matter of time before we collided with major film or Expanded Universe events, and we really didn’t want to get bogged down retelling stories the audience already knew.
What the NJO offers us is a dramatic galactic event that, like the Clone Wars, still has a great deal of uncharted story territory available. We had shied away from getting involved during the time Del Rey was releasing their novels because it just seemed like too big a job to keep their unfolding continuity from entangling our own and vice versa. Now that they’ve done their part, it’s easy for us to see clear paths through the larger story of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. And, judging from the fan response so far, there is still a great deal of interest in this time period.
I guess the short answer to your question is, now is the best time to explore the NJO because now is when we’re doing’ it.
The NJO was pretty well known for its brutal, take-no-prisoners approach to depicting warfare. How will the comic compare in tone?
It will be brutal. But the Yuuzhan Vong do take prisoners — in fact, that’s a major component in the story Tom Taylor and Colin Wilson are telling.
The emphasis will be on action, and there will be quite a few scenes of warfare, but the main instructions I gave Tom was that he should focus on the heroism of the characters. If a story can be dire and uplifting at the same time, that’s what we’re building.
The novel series also spent a lot of time depicting the Yuuzhan Vong side of things. How much time does Invasion allot for the “invaders” compared the “invadees”?
I’ve only read up through script #4 so far, and the focus has been primarily on the invadees. However, it’s obvious that some of them are having an effect on the invaders. I don’t want to project too far out, because despite having a detailed outline, when it comes to writing the scripts it’s not uncommon to come to a point where the writer says to themselves, “You know, I planned for this event, but now that I’m here it makes way more sense for the characters to do this other thing.” Tom has already come across one instance like that, so what the future holds for the series is not yet cast in stone.
I will say that in the story thus far, we’re getting to know two individual Vong. How far their stories will expand remains to be seen.
How does the Galfridian family compare to other Star Wars families? Any Force-users? Any black sheep?
Uh, yes, and yes. And that’s about all I’m willing to say at this point. I’m really pleased with the way the scripts are revealing information about the Galfridians. There are surprises even in the first issue!
What can you tell us about Artorias?
It’s a peaceful, almost idyllic world. The city planners on Artorias incorporate a lot of green spaces, promenades, and city squares. Colin has really done a brilliant job of visualizing the place. When you first see it, it looks like someplace you’d love to live. After the Yuuzhan Vong get their hands on it, not so much. I think readers will really feel the loss.
Finally, any spoilery tidbit you can share with us and only us? 
Hah! I knew you’d ask, but I am really loathe to give anything away. Stories always play better when the surprises are true surprises — and Invasion is loaded with surprises.
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Awesome stuff guys. I am thrilled. More stories needed to be told during this time period I have grown so tired of Luke Leia and Han in general and especially during the rebellion.
Also these artists are going to have a great time drawing the Vong.
- izi
So then does this series focus on Known Jedi Characters like Corran Horn and Kyle Katarn etc… or is it focused on a newly created character?
can’t wait to read the NJO comics, and this time i get to go back to NJO after all.
i love the New Jedi Order as well i love the SW books and other comics.
Getting Jo Chen to do these covers was a stroke of genius. I really hope these covers are eventually made into prints or posters. I would buy them!
I’m afraid that the novels didn’t delve very deep into Yuuzhan Vong culture. I mean, at the end of reading the NJO, I still don’t know why there aren’t many female warriors or how they reproduce or what kind of dwellings they normally use. Information like that which fleshes out a species. I’m disheartened that the comic doesn’t seem to be the kind to show any of that. Of course, it’s only the interviewee saying the NJO went in-depth.
Jo Chen has a wonderful art style. Maybe the Yuuzhan Vong depicted are a little too much on the piggish side, but it’s only one cover…
The Buffy comic covers have been amazing.
when will these comics hit stores and where can I buy them! I’m excited about this
Can’t wait for this. It’s great we’re gonna get some visual representation for this era. Chen’s covers are always awesome. All I ask is if it sells well Randy pleaz make it an ongoing title. I know wit that plot and the team u got together it can succeed but i’m afraid some casuals will be turned off by the 6 month on/off publishing.
Glad to see that they are vialy doing a comic book series for the vong war. I am kinda suprised thoguh that it took them this long to get it out though.
Will the comics cover all the story of the vong invation? and the live and death of anakin solo?
I’m SO EXCITED!!!!!! thank you 4 finally hearing the fans to make a comic book series based on the NJO saga!!!! now let’s work on getting George Lucas to make movies & episodes after Return of The Jedi and beyond!!
Finally!!!!!!! Yes the New jedi Order is going to kick some serious ass. It’s going to be just as big as legacy, i just know it. Luke and Ben Skywalker, Solo twins, Yuuzhan Vongs new adventures to explore. Ahh!!!! A breath of fresh air. Go NJO!!!!!!
M so glad the New Jedi Order series is finally coming to the comic book racks. Have read the first paperback in the series, and it really blew me away. THe time period marks major life-changing events for all involved, because of the invasion from outside the galaxy. Unfortunately, we all know that Chewie dies, giving up his own life for Anakin Solo….one of Han’s three children. And those ‘VONG aliens…..just as hostile as modern day GREYS. The Kamino CLoners are innoccent puppies, in comparison to the VONG species. They R the best villains to show up in star wars, ever since the arrival of Darth Maul. Hats off the George Lucas once again. How about a computer animated TV series based upon the NJO? Just a thought. Keep up the superb work, GEORGE. Was not trying to insinuate the Kamino Cloners were ever hostile. THey were meant to be a graceful species. Was just trying to make a comparitive point, that’s all. Let’s all get back to our JEDI training.
Was in the partnership,and still consider myself to be so,that thought up the premise ideas for the star wars prequel series. While on the subject of Star Wars aliens,I have a great idea,GEORGE. You know how the E.T. aliens became a part of the star wars galaxy, as shown in the senate chambers, in PHANTOM MENACE? Well, I think it would be cool if those treasure-hunting aliens from Indiana Jones and the KIngdom of the Crystal Skull, would soon become a part of the official star wars galaxy. Maybe they could be featured in season three of the clone wars computer animated TV program on cartoon network. At least a major cameo appearance would be nice,maybe. What do u think, MR. LUCAS? Keep up the Stellar WOrk, GEORGE. U will always rank as the best movie maker. “No doubt in that, huh?” I quote Watto on that truthful statement.
this message goes out to the head honcho himself, Mr. George Lucas. Greetings, George. I have an idea for season 3 of the clone wars tv series. Jedi Quinlan Vos was only talked about briefly in Revenge of the sith. Could you possibly include him for at least a cameo appearance in clone wars season 3? I’M SURE that I am speaking for a lot of fans, folks that want to see Quinlan in action as a Jedi Knight. I also have a new idea for Indiana JOnes 5. It is about Mutt WIlliams. I think it would be terrific to have Hilary Duff to star as Mutt’s girlfriend in the prospective film. She is an e-mail pal of mine now, and I think it could somehow work out for Indy 5. What do you think? Two DISNEY ALUMS WORKING SIDE BY SIDE. I THINK this idea will attract a lot of Hilary fans to the Indy film, and get even more people involved as die hard INdiana JOnes fans. Plus it would be more money in your wallet. SOund good? I hope so. That LARRY TUDGEMAN…….strange kid. A Lizzie Mcguire joke, by the way.