Ronin: A Visions Novel

This article is non-canon within the canon continuity. This article covers a subject from a Star Wars: Visions story that Lucasfilm declared is set in an alternate history within a reimagined galaxy.

Ronin: A Visions Novel (Japanese:『浪人』) is a novel written by Emma Mieko Candon. Based off of the Star Wars: Visions short film "The Duel," the novel was published by Del Rey on October 12, 2021.^[1] The story centered around the Ronin and is set in a reimagined galaxy that draws inspiration from Japanese culture, storytelling,^[3] and lore to create an alternate history of the Jedi and the Sith.^[4] An unabridged audiobook adaptation, narrated by Joel de la Fuente, was also published by Random House Audio on the same day.^[5]

The first 25 pages of the novel narrates the events seen in the "The Duel" film, while the next 300 narrate an original story, created from scratch by Candon herself.^[6] The world and story were further expanded in two prequel one-shot comic books written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki, Visions 1 and Visions – Takashi Okazaki 1, published by Marvel Comics on October 12, 2022^[7] and March 20, 2024 respectively.^[8]

Publisher's summary

A mysterious former Sith wanders the galaxy in this stunning Star Wars tale. An original novel inspired by the world of "The Duel" from the Star Wars Visions [sic] animated anthology.

The Jedi are the most loyal servants of the Empire.

Two decades ago, Jedi clans clashed in service to feuding lords. Sickened by this endless cycle, a sect of Jedi rebelled, seeking to control their own destiny and claim power in service of no master. They called themselves Sith.

The Sith rebellion failed, succumbing to infighting and betrayal, and the once rival lords unified to create an Empire… but even an Empire at peace is not free from violence.

Far on the edge of the Outer Rim, one former Sith wanders, accompanied only by a faithful droid and the ghost of a less civilized age. He carries a lightsaber, but claims lineage to no Jedi clan, and pledges allegiance to no lord. Little is known about him, including his name, for he never speaks of his past, nor his regrets. His history is as guarded as the red blade of destruction he carries sheathed at his side.

As the galaxy's perpetual cycle of violence continues to interrupt his self-imposed exile, and he is forced to duel an enigmatic bandit claiming the title of Sith, it becomes clear that no amount of wandering will ever let him outpace the specters of his former life.

Plot summary

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Development

Ronin: A Visions Novel was first announced by Del Rey on March 22, 2021.^[9] Its cover and the short it was inspired by were revealed on July 8, 2021.^[4]

Author Emma Mieko Candon is a fourth-generation Japanese-American who grew up in Hawaii, a state that Candon describes as saturated with Japanese culture, but also by the trauma of war and internment. Star Wars was influenced by Japanese narratives to create an American saga, and Candon drew upon Japanese narratives in reiterating that saga.^[10]

Media

Editions

• ISBN 9780593358665; October 12, 2021; Del Rey; US hardcover^[1]
• ISBN 9780593359365; October 12, 2021; Del Rey; US hardcover, Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition^[11]
• ISBN 9780593358672; October 12, 2021; Del Rey; US eBook^[12]
• ISBN 9780593496978; October 12, 2021; Del Rey; US paperback, export edition^[13]
• ISBN 9780593358689; July 12, 2022; Del Rey; US paperback^[14]

Cover gallery

Placeholder cover

Final cover

Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition cover

Textless cover art

Appearances

Sources

• A Mysterious Former Sith Wanders the Galaxy in Ronin, the Upcoming Star Wars: Visions Novel - Exclusive Reveal on StarWars.com (backup link)
• "Launchpad" — Star Wars Insider 205
• A Warrior Wanders in Ronin, a Star Wars: Visions Novel - Excerpt on StarWars.com (backup link)
• Star Wars: Best of 2021 on StarWars.com (backup link)
• "Launchpad" — Star Wars Insider 209
• Star Wars Day 2023 Deals! on StarWars.com (content not present on current version)
• New Star Wars: Visions Comic Explores the Ronin's Sith Origins — Reveal on StarWars.com (backup link)
• "Alexander Freed: From A to Z" — Star Wars Insider 226

Notes and references

External links

• Star Wars Visions: Ronin on Penguin Random House's official website (backup link) (Hardcover)
• Star Wars Visions: Ronin on Penguin Random House's official website (backup link) (eBook)
• Star Wars Visions: Ronin on Penguin Random House's international sales website (backup link) (export edition)
• Star Wars Visions: Ronin (B&N Exclusive Edition) on Barnes & Noble's official website (backup link)

Volume 1: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 Volume 2: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 Volume 3: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 Star Wars: Visions Presents "The Ninth Jedi" Books Ronin (audiobook) · T0-B1 Comics Manga adaptation (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB) Marvel one-shots (1 · 2 · 3 · TPB) Tsukumo · I Am Your Mother/Aau's Song Behind the scenes "Season One Companion" • Filmmaker Focus The Art of Star Wars: Visions (Volume 1 · Volume 2 )
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