Summary
While helping to restore balance to the Force in theStar Warsuniverse did not meanLuke Skywalker’sresponsibilities were over, it’s easy to assume that his focus was on rebuilding the Jedi Order. However, as will be revealed in an upcoming newStar Warslimited series, Skywalker’s administrative duties were the least of his concerns. Indeed, soon after the events ofReturn of the Jedi, a new Force-based challenge arose that threatened to plunge the galaxy back into chaos just as peace was within its grasp.
Alex Segura, Leonard Kirk, Stefano Raffaele, and Jethro Morales’ upcoming miniseriesStar Wars: Battle of Jakku – Insurrection Risingchronicles the story of the “galaxy far, far away” in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Endor during the run-up to the era-defining Battle of Jakku.
While the New Republic has regained control over much of the galaxy, remnants of the Empire’s forces remain a threat. Outside official Imperial troops, the New Republic also faces a menagerie of non-state forces loyal to the Empire in some form or another. One such group is known asthe Acolytes of the Beyond.
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The Acolytes Of The Beyond Are Born In The Shadows Of Emperor Palpatine’s Demise
They Seek To Connect WIth The Sith Lords Even After Their Deaths
TheAcolytes of the Beyondare a Sith cult that forms soon after the death of Emperor Palpatine at the hands of Darth Vader.Founded by the Palpatine loyalist Yupe Tashu,the Acolytes of the Beyond are devoted to preserving the legacy of deceased Sith Lordsby collecting, commemorating, and safeguarding their relics. Under Yupe’s direction, the Acolytes quickly develop into a potent force of disruption. The Acolytes of the Beyond’s effectiveness is made more complex to counter due to their intense religious passion and unorthodox approaches.
While theAcolytes are religious fanatics, they aren’t without a purpose. Their ultimate goal is to return control of the galaxy to the Sith.However, the Acolytes of the Beyond are not just a menace to galactic society, they also pose an existential and personal threat to Luke Skywalker. Indeed, as the last known Jedi in the galaxy, Skywalker - and his fledgling Jedi Order – will certainly become one of their primary targets for extinction. However, unlike the New Republic, Skywalker does not have an army to provide security. He’ll face the Acolytes of the Beyond largely on his own.
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As The Last Jedi, the Acolytes Of The Beyond Want Luke Gone
Skywalker might be able to respond to the Acolytes of the Beyond before they become a problem if he was solely focused on determining what – if any –Force-related threats remain after Palpatine’s and Vader’s exit. However, as we know from Greg Rucka, Marco Checchetto, and Andres Mossa’sStar Wars: Shattered Empireseries, as the Acolytes of the Beyond are arising as a threat, Luke is busy trying to retrieve remnants of the Great Tree that has grown in the formerJedi Temple on Coruscant.
To be sure, despite being one of the most powerful Force users in the galaxy, Luke’s focus on rebuilding the Jedi Order and learning as much as possible about Jedi tradition, history, and custom has certainly provided the Acolytes of the Beyond with the opportunity to establish themselves unhindered by Jedi interference. The upcomingStar Warsseries should provide more insight into the progression of the conflict between the Acolytes of the Beyond andLuke Skywalker, and the repercussions it will have on the Battle of Jakku.
Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Insurrection Rising#1 will be available on October 2 from Marvel Comics.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
