Star Wars has always been a franchise that thrives in multiple mediums, especially in recent years. Whether it is watching The Mandalorian on Disney+, taking in the latest theatrical release, or experiencing the Lucasian lore on the page, the galaxy far, far away provides plenty of entry points for fans to take it all in.
Something that the literary vertical of Star Wars has lent itself to is fleshing out and filling in the blanks in the timeline that audiences already know. This endeavor has included seeing the Prequel Trilogy from Padme Amidala's perspective, and as a part of a new book, it will expand on one throw-away line from Revenge of the Sith.
Star Wars: Brotherhood is the first novel in the franchise by author Michael Chen and will follow the story of Obi-Wan and Anakin's siege on Cato Neimoidia between Episode II and III. The two Jedi are getting their time in the spotlight again with this book, as well as the upcoming series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Brotherhood is nearly six months away, but a recent reveal has given fans a first look at the book.
Anakin and Obi-Wan Back Together Again
In a new blog post on StarWars.com the official cover for Star Wars: Brotherhood has been unveiled. The cover comes sporting a hand-painted piece by artist Laura Racero, reminiscent of the style of Star Wars movie posters of yore.
The art features the two with their lightsabers drawn, standing in front of a foggy planetscape.
The book will follow the two Jedi as they are sent to the "jewel of the Trade Federation" Cato Neimoidia to investigate an explosion that has been pinned on the Republic. Initially, just Obi-Wan is directed to take the mission but, newly anointed Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker "again disobeys a command and comes to the aid of his friend:"
"Brotherhood picks up after the events of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, with the Clone Wars raging across the galaxy and Anakin and Padmé Amidala secretly married. Following an explosion that devastates Cato Neimoidia, the jewel of the Trade Federation, blame falls on the Republic. The Jedi Council sends Obi-Wan to the planet, and in his investigation, he comes to sense the presence of dark-side warrior Asajj Ventress. Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker, newly risen to the rank of Jedi Knight, again disobeys a command and comes to the aid of his friend and former master."
Author Micheal Chen told StarWars.com that this adventure will balance the two Jedi's feelings on the war while no longer being "tethered to one another" as Padawan and Master:
“Brotherhood opens with both Anakin and Obi-Wan recently promoted to Jedi Knight and Jedi Council, yet feeling a bit uncertain about how to go about it, all while the war accelerates things so quickly that the Jedi charge into battle without a chance to really go, ‘Why are we doing this? Who are these clones?’...For our two heroes, they’re balancing their feelings on this while trying to live life without being tethered to one another, and the story examines how both of them realize that not only do they need each other, they’re better Jedi (and people!) when they’re connected.”
The Master and the Padawan
What a beautiful cover! Star Wars has been pretty consistent in providing some stunning pieces of cover art for their novels, but this one is something to look at. As this book takes place between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith this book sleeve harkens back to those watercolor posters of the Prequels era.
Something that will interest some fans is the buildings in the back of the Laura Racero painting. These probably represent the architecture of Cato Neimoidia. The towers of the planet look almost like a mix of Naboo and classical Japan; however, look a little more skyscraper-esque than either.
Now taking a look at Mike Chan's brief tease of what this book is going to cover, this is an exciting era of the Star Wars story to cover. Up to this point in the timeline, Anakin and Obi-Wan have been closely tied at the hip in this teacher and student kind of relationship.
Now - while not equal in standing amongst the Jedi Council - the two are for all intents and purposes equals now. What does that mean for this relationship, going from pupil and master to friends? This is a bond emerging from its chrysalis and becoming a whole new thing, something that happens again at the end of Episode III, and into Obi-Wan Kenobi, as the two go from friend to foe.
Yes, the two Jedi are heading to this Trade Federation outpost for an investigation (albeit one a little more legitimately than the other), but surely they will uncover a lot more, both on the battlefield and within themselves.
Fans can expect to read Star Wars: Brotherhood when it hits store shelves on May 10, 2022.
