Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn Sequel Gets Official Release Date for 2026

One of the most diabolical characters in the Star Wars pantheon is also a diehard fan-favorite. Best-Selling author Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn is finally getting the manga treatment, hitting stores later this fall.

Adapted by Man Tsang, Star Wars: Thrawn: The Manga (Vol. 1) will chronicle the ascension of the enigmatic Thrawn as captured in the novel series also written by Timothy Zahn. The character was introduced in Heir, which is part of the “Legends” line of publications (and is not considered canon), and was given a new backstory that aligned him with the version that would appear in the animated series Star Wars Rebels.

In 1991, Zahn expanded the myth of a galaxy far, far away with his groundbreaking novel Heir to the Empire. A sequel, it continued the adventures of Luke Skywalker after he defeated the evil Empire and found redemption for his father, Darth Vader. It introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn, a new threat to the aspiring Republic, who has become a phenomenon of his own. In September, Thrawn (The Manga) hits stores.

Adapted by Man Tsang, Star Wars: Thrawn: The Manga (Vol. 1) will chronicle the ascension of the enigmatic Thrawn as captured in the novel series also written by Timothy Zahn. The character was introduced in Heir, which is part of the “Legends” line of publications (and is not considered canon), and was given a new backstory that aligned him with the version that would appear in the animated series Star Wars Rebels.

That series of best-selling novels (there are three in the series) captured the imagination of the Star Wars fanbase, who were further rewarded when the high-ranking Imperial Officer reemerged in live-action in the original series Ahsoka. As portrayed by actor Lars Mikkelsen, the blue-skinned Chiss remains one of the greatest enigmas in the ongoing episodes of George Lucas’ space fantasy.

In Volume One, the story is likely to follow the young Chiss as he pursues his ambitions to gain the attention of a growing, tyrannical Empire and its emperor, who is desperate to shape the galaxy to his own will. Thrawn is a study in how terrible ambition can lead to complete corruption and the costs in the pursuit of such peril. It defines him as a finely honed instrument of the Emperor’s galactic force.

The Greatest Threat to the New Republic Returns in Manga Form

In the world of Star Wars, there have been few original characters that have emerged that resonate with the most loyal and dedicated fans. Thrawn is one of those villains who truly appeal to this audience. The novels were so well received that a full manga adaptation is likely to further develop these characters for a new generation.

With George Lucas’ original themes for Star Wars inspired by so many cultural markers, manga is just one more genre to continue to celebrate this pop phenomenon. Star Wars: Thrawn: The Manga (Vol. 1) will likely become one of the most sought-after adaptations of the fall, especially as a new season of Ahsoka is currently in production.

Star Wars: Thrawn: The Manga (Vol. 1), by Man Tsang, adapted from the novel by Timothy Zahn, hits retail on Sept. 29th.