Last month we began sharing details of the primary 4 “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” one-shots being dealt out monthly by Marvel Comics to commemorate the milestone fortieth anniversary of the 1983 finale to the unique “Star Wars” trilogy directed by Richard Marquand.
“Star Wars: Jabba’s Palace #1” (March 29) and “Star Wars: Ewoks #1” (April 12) led the charge, followed by the upcoming “Star Wars: Lando #1” (May 3) and “Star Wars: The Empire #1” (June 7).
Moving further down the discharge calendar this summer, Marvel Comics is keeping this gala “Return of the Jedi” celebration alive with two more anniversary one-offs for July and August: “Star Wars: The Rebel #1” and “Star Wars: Max Rebo #1.”
Related: Star Wars movies in chronological order
First up is “Star Wars: The Rebel #1,” showcasing that Mon Calamari military genius named Gial Ackbar who so famously blurted out “It is a trap!” during “Jedi’s” intense climactic battle.
This spirited issue is written by Alex Segura (“Fringe of Spider-Verse”) and paired with interior artwork from Matt Horak (“Force Works”). Anniversary series illustrator Ryan Brown returns to supply one other awesome essential cover starring the nice General Ackbar about to deliver commands to the fleet.
Here’s the official synopsis:
“Star Wars: The Rebel #1” can be released on July 19, 2023.
Marching forward in line is “Star Wars: Max Rebo #1,” one other canonical one-shot within the “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” fortieth anniversary salute showcase. The difficulty can be written by Daniel José Older (“Star Wars: The High Republic”) and illustrated by Paul Fry (“Star Wars: Han Solo & Chewbacca”), with one other classic cover by Ryan Brown and scheduled to be published by Marvel Comics sometime in August.
That blue-tinted, elephant-like Ortolan musician featured with the jazzy house band inside Jabba’s Palace on Tatooine was an fast fan favorite back in 1983, and now he’s got his own starring gig. No plot details have emerged yet, however it could chronicle his rise as a featured musician for crime lords and managers, from his early years on the frigid planet Orto to learning to play the 21-key red ball organ and forming the Max Rebo Band that we listened to in “Return of the Jedi.”
“Star Wars: Max Rebo #1” strikes up the band in August of 2023.