TheStar Warsuniverse is full of various planets and systems that play significant roles in the lore. From Coruscant to Dagobah, each planet has its own history, peoples, and ties to major characters. For instance, Luke Skywalker is synonymous with Tatooine, just as Padmé Amidala is with Naboo. Yet, despite the importance of planetary lore inStar Wars, the franchise seems to be forgetting about one of its best planets.
One planet inStar Warslore that doesn’t receive its due justice in the comics is Lothal. Lothal plays a significant role in the animated seriesStar Wars: Rebelsand even has a connection to Lando Calrissian. Additionally, Princess Leia Organa is introduced to Lothal inRebels, further strengthening the planet’s ties to the original trilogy.
However, with anewStar Warscomic series—written by Alex Segura and illustrated by Phil Noto—set to premiere in May and take place just afterReturn of the Jedifeaturing familiar classic characters,now is the perfect time for Lothal to make its long-overdue return.
Lothal Is EXTREMELY Important inStar WarsHistory
Lothal Was Introduced inStar Wars: Rebels
Lothal is almost as much a character as theStar Wars: Rebelscharactersthemselves, as viewers become just as attached to Lothal as Ezra Bridger and the rest of the Ghost crew.This small, Outer Rim planet is not only Ezra’s home but also an Imperial strongholdwhere the Empire established a weapons development factory, exploiting its natural resources and inhabitants. Lothal serves as a hotbed for rebel activity, from the Bridgers' early anti-Empire transmissions to the rebel-sympathizing former governor, Ryder Azadi.
When Grand Admiral Thrawn enters the fray as the rebels’ most formidable foe and the Empire’s brilliant strategist, he seeks to crush the insurgency once and for all.Everything culminates in the Battle of Lothal, where the rebels make their final stand against Thrawn. While they achieve victory,they lose Ezra in the process; he willingly jumps into wild space after luring Thrawn into a trap, ensuring his friends’ safety. Though Ezra doesn’t witness it, Lothal flourishes after the Galactic Civil War.
Lothal Is a Narrative Treasure Trove That Marvel Should Utilize in New Series
A Return to Lothal May Be Imminent
The Disney+ seriesAhsokashowcases a vibrant and thriving Lothal, appearing just as it did in a Force vision Ezra had years earlier, reflecting peace throughout the troubled world. WhileAhsokaconcludes with Ezra’s return from wild space, it does not delve into his reactions to the changes on Lothal. Given thatAhsoka is set afterReturn of the Jediand Segura’s upcomingStar Warscomic also takes place during this period, there is a perfect opportunity for the comics to introduce Lothal and its significance inStar Warslore.
Despite Lothal’s importance sinceStar Wars: Rebelspremiered in 2014, the planet has been sparsely featured inStar Warscomics. Over the past decade, Lothal has only been mentioned in variousStar Wars: Rebelscomics that appeared in international magazines not widely available in the United States. Segura’s upcoming series offers the ideal platform to bring Lothal into the mainstreamStar Warscomic narrative, especially since Leia Organa is set to play a prominent role in the storyline.
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Star Wars Rebels
Cast
Set between Episodes III and IV of the Star Wars film franchise, Star Wars Rebels is a canon animated series that follows a group of ragtag heroes who band together to face the Empire. In an age where the Galactic Empire is hunting down the last of the Jedi, a teenage outcast named Ezra Bridger is discovered to be force sensitive by a surviving Jedi known as Kanan Jarrus. Agreeing to join them and accept Jedi training, Ezra becomes a part of a small but growing crew of rebels determined to destroy the empire covertly.
