Star Wars: Hidden Empire stars a secretive war against the Sith this November

Marvel is delving back into the original trilogy era once again, this time for writer Charles Soule’s trilogy capper. Hidden Empire begins next month.

Crimson Dawn resurgent

Writer Charles Soule has considerably built out the criminal society known as Crimson Dawn. Digging the network out of the Solo: A Star Wars Story film, Soule has used it as a major force in his comic book trilogy.

Starting in War of the Bounty Hunters, and continued in Crimson Reign, it’s an epic that’ll come to a close with Hidden Empire. It’s setting up to be an interesting tale too, with Darth Maul replaced by Solo’s Qi’ra as head of the syndicate. She’s got one driving ambition too, with the eradication of the Sith.

Of course, Star Wars fans know where that’s headed, since this is a story set between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Nevertheless though, it sounds like it might be a pretty cool ride. Hidden Empire includes not just Crimson Dawn, but also Palpatine and of course his Imperial forces, and even the oft-forgotten (and never fully explained) Knights of Ren.

Following Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters and Star Wars: Crimson Reign, writer Charles Soule will complete his trilogy of game-changing Star Wars comic book epics this November in STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE! The five-issue limited series will continue to spotlight the breakout character from Solo: A Star Wars Story, Lady Qi’ra. Since her comics debut, the criminal leader has had a tremendous impact on Marvel’s Star Wars comics storytelling, and STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE will see Qi’ra set her bold overarching plan in motion: ridding the galaxy of the Sith! The series will be drawn by artist Steven Cummings, who also worked on Star Wars: Crimson Reign. In addition, Cummings has crafted a stunning connecting piece that will adorn all five issues. These variant covers show some of the stars of the saga including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, the Knights of Ren, and more key characters who will take sides in the upcoming conflict!

Marvel Comics press release

Crimson Reign’s artist Steven Cummings will be providing the illustrations for Hidden Empire, and also a set of interlocking covers. Those are featured in the image above, so you can get a sense of what the final product will look like.

Star Wars: Hidden Empire #1 (of 5) will hit the stands on November 16th. You can check out the full release calendar for the series below.

On Sale 11/16

• STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #1 (OF 5)
  • Written by CHARLES SOULE
  • Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
  • Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS – 75960620457100151

On Sale 12/7

• STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #2 (OF 5)
  • Written by CHARLES SOULE
  • Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
  • Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS – 75960620457100231

On Sale 2/8

• STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #3 (OF 5)
  • Written by CHARLES SOULE
  • Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
  • Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS

On Sale March 2023

• STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #4 (OF 5)
  • Written by CHARLES SOULE
  • Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
  • Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS

On Sale April 2023

• STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #5 (OF 5)
  • Written by CHARLES SOULE
  • Art by STEVE CUMMINGS
  • Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS