In a significant development from the New York Comic Con, Lucasfilm’s publishing panel announced that Marc Guggenheim is set to return to Marvel’s Star Wars line with an all-new series titled Jedi Knights. This ongoing series will explore the adventures of Jedi Order heroes before the events of The Phantom Menace. Reflecting the format of Marvel’s renowned Two In One anthology series, Jedi Knights will feature pairings of both new and established characters from the Order in fresh narratives. Notably, one storyline termed “The Deepest Cut” will bring a mysterious figure, Atha Prime, into the current Star Wars canon for the first time.
Guggenheim revealed that Atha Prime, a character originally devised by Star Wars toymaker Kenner in 1986, will make an appearance in this series. Kenner had conceptualized a story known as “The Epic Continues” following the Return of the Jedi. This initiative aimed to introduce new factions and characters into the Star Wars universe, with a key focus on Atha Prime, envisioned as a significant villain clad in red robes and metallic armor. Though the planned narrative was never realized, elements of Atha Prime’s character eventually influenced the design of the Imperial Sentinels in Dark Empire and contributed to the backstory of the Separatist genetic terrorist Zeta Magnus in the Expanded Universe.
How Atha Prime will be integrated into the current Star Wars storyline remains uncertain. However, the unveiling of this character underscores the franchise’s ability to delve deeply into its established lore and reintroduce obscure figures. Additional information about Marvel’s plans for the Star Wars: Jedi Knights series will be reported as it becomes available.
In an update, Marvel has offered further details about Star Wars: Jedi Knights. Written by Marc Guggenheim with artwork by Madibek Musabekov, the series will feature a cover by Rahzzah and lightsaber foil variant covers by Taurin Clarke. The debut issue is set to be released in March 2025, and pre-orders are now available at comic retailers.
