In Star Wars: Thrawn, writer Jody Houser, artist Luke Ross, colorist Nolan Woodard, and letterer Clayton Cowles adapt Timothy Zahn’s 2017 novel of the same name that explored the origins of Grand Admiral Thrawn, a Chiss working with the Empire. The story begins with Imperials finding Thrawn living on a planet in Wild Space. He demonstrates his tactical ability, which persuades them to return him to Coruscant where Thrawn earns the Emperor's endorsement to join the Imperial Navy. Thrawn's story proceeds from the Royal Academy on Coruscant to his advancement to the rank of Grand Admiral. A second story follows Arihnda Pryce from her time working for her family's mining company on Lothal to her appointment as governor of that planet. The two interact as they build toward the events of Star Wars Rebels, enriching the characters and helping to demonstrate why they pose such a threat to the crew of the Ghost.

This graphic novel faithfully adapts Zahn's plot, though it is difficult for a visual medium to fully capture his prose. Despite that, Houser ably translates the text while Ross and Woodard’s art beautifully brings the story to life. They portray Thrawn, Governor Pryce, Grand Moff Tarkin, the Emperor, and Darth Vader as they appeared in Rebels, with Vader’s helmet in particular resembling the Ralph McQuarrie-style helmet from the animated series. Several of Zahn’s previous Star Wars novels from the Expanded Universe received the graphic novel adaptation treatment, including Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, Mara Jade: By the Emperor’s Hand, and more. This is the first of his works in the new canon to receive a comic adaptation and its success has led Marvel to begin adapting the sequel novel, Thrawn: Alliances. ( )

Thrawn was one of the most badass characters in Star Wars universe ever. Ever calculating, cool, under control and clear minded even when everything else is falling apart Thrawn was only figure that could single-handedly defeat the New Republic. No Dark Jedi's, no numerous Palpatine clones, no hidden armies and tyrannical Moffs could achieve anything - single alien in the Empire ranks was a thorn in the NR's backside for so long that its very existence was brought under question.

In this comic book TPB we are given comic book adaptation of Timothy Zahn's Thrawn novel (waiting for me on the ever growing TBR pile :)). And what a story it is. This is not action oriented tale but more of a story of political intrigue, backstabbing and strategy (more in vein of Miles Vorkosigan stories then your usual Star Wars comic). Ending was truly a wonderful one and I cannot wait to dive deep into Timothy Zahn's new series of books to get more details on Thrawn's true goals.

Recommended to all fans of Star Wars and greatest strategist of them all. ( )

Better than the novel. Unlike Zahn's book, the adapted graphic novel doesn't get bogged down in places such as Imperial Hogwarts. ( )

Excellent adaption of Zahn!

Reading this with the comixology app is an amazing cinematic experience. It brings Thrawn's story into what feels like a full movie. Highly recommended! ( )