characters from Rogue One while seamlessly transitioning into the film's opening act.
However, Rogue One had already received several tie-in books and comics years before Andor came out. Many of these stories focus on characters who didn't get much screen time in Andor, covering key events before and after the movie. Some of them capture the same feeling as Andor quite well, so if you're not ready to say goodbye to the series just yet, here are the best Rogue One spinoff stories.
7 The Mask Of Fear
Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera in the early days of the Empire
Star Wars: Reign of the Empire - The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed is the most recently published story, so it does the best job of tying into Andor. The novel is set immediately after Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and follows Mon Mothma and Bail Organa navigating a tense political landscape in the Empire's early days. Meanwhile, a Separatist s Saw Gerrera in a crucial mission that could turn the tide of the impending war.
READ STAR WARS: THE MASK OF FEAR
Like Andor, The Mask of Fear expertly juggles multiple characters, exploring their unique motivations and strategies for fighting tyranny. The separate storylines all come together in a very satisfying way that establishes the early origins of the Rebel Alliance. It also makes the Empire more terrifying by revealing the full scope of Palpatine's long-term plans for the galaxy.
6 Catalyst
The origin of the Death Star project
Star Wars: Catalyst - A Rogue One Novel by James Luceno is the official prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. I read this before I saw the movie in 2016, and I'm glad I did, as it fleshes out the backstory we never got in an opening crawl. Catalyst reveals the beginning of the Death Star project during the Clone Wars, how Galen Erso was recruited, and why he ultimately decided to go into hiding with his family.
As an experienced Star Wars author, Luceno is especially good at tying together various stories and plot points into one cohesive narrative, so it makes sense that he was chosen to pen this book. Of course, the characters are the real highlight of Catalyst, gradually realizing the truth of what they're working on and deciding what they're willing to do about it. Any fan of Rogue One will be very satisfied with this outstanding prequel.
5 Rebel Rising
Jyn Erso's life after her father was taken by the Empire
After finishing Catalyst, the next story to read is the young adult novel Star Wars: Rebel Rising by Beth Revis. This book fills in the gap between Saw Gerrera saving Jyn Erso at the beginning of Rogue One and her being rescued by the rebels from an Imperial prison. Skipping over so much backstory was one of the biggest criticisms of Rogue One, so Rebel Rising is perfect for fans who have always wanted to see it.
The story does a good job of showing how Jyn struggled to grow up in a rebel cell, while Saw had no idea how to be a father while fighting a war. It also expands on why he ultimately decided to leave Jyn behind and shows their final encounter that was only hinted at in Rogue One. Rebel Rising is a fantastic transition between stories and a deeper dive into Jyn Erso's character.
4 Guardians Of The Whills
A Chirrut and Baze adventure set before Rogue One
Two of the most interesting and entertaining characters in Rogue One were Chirrut Îmwe and Baze Malbus, who got their own story in Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills by Greg Rucka. The book is set six months before Rogue One and follows Chirrut and Baze protecting the people of Jedha City after the Empire takes over the Kyber Temple. They are approached by Saw Gerrera, but aren't sure if ing him is the best way to fight back.
READ STAR WARS: GUARDIANS OF THE WHILLS
READ GUARDIANS OF THE WHILLS: THE MANGA
It's great to see more of Chirrut and Baze's history before Rogue One and learn what made them so different from each other. Including Saw was also a great way to add new context to them getting captured by the Partisans in Rogue One. Guardians of the Whills later received a manga adaptation by Jon Tsuei and Subaru, giving fans the option to experience the story visually.
3 Rogue One Novelization
A great adaptation and expansion of the movie
One of the best Star Wars novelizations worth checking out is the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story adaptation by Alexander Freed. As good as Rogue One is, there's no doubt that it had trouble working all of its various characters, backstory, and exposition into one two-hour movie. The Rogue One novelization has the freedom to get inside the characters' heads, flesh out their roles, and delve into flashbacks not seen in the film.
READ THE ROGUE ONE NOVELIZATION
If you're curious to learn more about the characters but aren't ready to dive into all the other stories on this list, then the Rogue One novelization is a good place to start. A good adaptation should expand on the original story and give fans new reasons to revisit it, and Freed accomplishes this better than most. It's especially good for those who appreciate how Andor took its time to flesh out characters and plotlines.
2 Inferno Squad
A sequel to Rogue One and a prequel to Battlefront II (2017)
Set immediately after the Death Star's destruction in A New Hope, Star Wars: Battlefront II - Inferno Squad is a prequel to the game's story campaign. It was originally announced as a sequel to Rogue One, which it does well by following Inferno Squad as they go undercover to infiltrate the last of Saw Gerrera's Partisans. It's fascinating to see how they bond with the rebels they plan to betray, the kind of subterfuge Andor fans will love.
Inferno Squad is also a perfect prequel to Battlefront II (2017) by setting up the main characters' development. Seeing them witness the second Death Star's destruction in the game hits harder, knowing that they also watched the first one be destroyed, but working alongside rebels also foreshadows their decision to the New Republic. It's extremely impressive how a book can perfectly tie into so many stories while standing well on its own merits.
1 The Ashes Of Jedha
A Star Wars comic follow-up to Rogue One
Shifting from books to comics, the seventh volume of Star Wars (2015) features an arc that builds off Rogue One. Collecting issues 38–43, "The Ashes of Jedha" sees Luke Skywalker and the other rebels return to the ruins of Jedha City, where only a few survivors remain to continue fighting the Empire. It explores how there's still tension between different rebel factions, even after the beginning of the Galactic Civil War.
READ STAR WARS: THE ASHES OF JEDHA
The biggest highlight of this arc is getting to see Luke and the others finally acknowledge the characters who died at the end of Rogue One. Luke destroying the Death Star is more impactful, knowing how many people sacrificed themselves to give him that chance, so I love actually seeing him talk about and reflect on them. It's the perfect closure to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and a good read for Star Wars fans who loved Andor.
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Andor
8/10- Release Date
- 2022 - 2025-00-00
- Network
- Disney+
- Showrunner
- Tony Gilroy
Cast
Cassian Andor
Luthen Rael
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingAndor is a Star Wars prequel series set before the events of Rogue One, following Cassian Andor as he navigates a world of danger and deception. The series delves into his transformation into a pivotal figure in the struggle against the Galactic Empire.
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
8/10- Release Date
- December 16, 2016
- Runtime
- 133 Minutes
- Director
- Gareth Edwards
Cast
Felicity JonesJyn Erso-
Captain Cassian Andor
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingRENTBUYRogue One: A Star Wars Story is a standalone film set in the Star Wars universe, where a group of resistance fighters, led by Jyn Erso, embarks on a mission to steal the Death Star plans. This pivotal event sets the stage for the iconic saga to follow.
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