Thrawn novel gets new deluxe treatment and U.S. manga release

STAR WARS: THRAWN (THE MANGA), VOL. 1

The official manga adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel Thrawn by Timothy Zahn is coming September 29 from Random House Worlds and adaptation by Man Tsang.

Grand Admiral Thrawn’s legend begins far from the Empire, deep within the enigmatic Chiss Ascendancy. Exiled from his people and driven by a relentless strategic brilliance, Thrawn navigates a treacherous world of shifting loyalties, hidden threats, and political maneuverings. Across dangerous missions and high-stakes confrontations, he proves himself a master tactician—one whose cold precision and insight draw the attention of powers beyond his own galaxy.

This is the story of Thrawn’s earliest rise, reimagined in striking manga form. From the shadows of the Unknown Regions to the brink of Imperial discovery, Star Wars: Thrawn: The Manga Vol. 1 charts the formative steps of a mind destined to reshape the galaxy.

The reboot novel by Timothy Zahn that kicked off the modern era of Thrawn is also getting a stunning new dexluxe edition. Look for this October 27:

This stunning new edition of Thrawn features:

• Designed slipcase with a cutout in the shape of a Star Destroyer, revealing the book inside
• Hardcover with full-wrap book case illustration of Grand Admiral Thrawn
• Designed sprayed edges
• Illustrated full-color endpapers
• Satin ribbon bookmark

Feared for his brilliance and revered for his ruthlessness, Grand Admiral Thrawn is one of the Empire’s most formidable warriors—and one of Star Wars’ most unforgettable villains. First introduced in Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire, the blue-skinned, red-eyed mastermind now rises to power in Thrawn.

Rescued from exile by Imperial forces, Thrawn’s cunning and strategic genius capture the eye of Emperor Palpatine himself. Battle by battle, he crushes smugglers, spies, and pirates with effortless precision—earning both awe and resentment within the Empire. As his influence grows, he trains his protégé, Ensign Eli Vanto, in the ruthless art of command while matching wits with the ambitious Arihnda Pryce, whose political power could make her ally—or enemy.

But when rebellion ignites across the galaxy, Thrawn must wield every weapon at his disposal to secure victory for the Empire—and seize his own destiny among the stars.