THE ART OF WAR: CELEBRATING THE THRAWN LEGACY!

The enigmatic power and skills of that truly alien servant of the Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn, is well captured in this excellent art by Chris Trevas.

Being the Star Wars franchise equivalent of the ultimate calculating and resourceful villain (within the fragmented Galactic Empire in the saga era post Return of the Jedi), in a similar and effective way that the alien warrior Thanos was to The Avengers film series for Marvel, Grand Admiral Thrawn's live action debut in the upcoming Ahsoka mini-series, played by Lars Mikkelsen, is hugely awaited by fans. And, as well now know, this is just the beginning for Thrawn's ambitions, what with his eventual cinematic debut in Dave Filoni's all-action, multi-series character assemblage that will be Heir to the Empire. I wonder where he got that great title from...? 

Star Wars: Dave Filoni Says Thrawn Is "Definitely" the Big Threat in The New Republic Era

Thrawn reaction at Star Wars Celebration made Lars Mikkelsen cry | EW.com

Ahsoka Star Reveals If Thrawn Has Changed Since Star Wars Rebels' Finale

AHSOKA Star Lars Mikkelsen Talks "Ruthless" Take On Thrawn, Books Vs. TV, And His Unexpected Return

The live-action Thrawn makes his debut albeit briefly in the recent Ahsoka teaser trailer.

As played in live-action by Lars Mikkelsen.

In honour of Thrawn's well deserved and enduring success, and continued kudos to his creator in the acclaimed writer Timothy Zahn, enjoy this visual celebration of his key multi-media/Expanded Universe appearances as we head towards Ahsoka this August, 2023, airing exclusively on Disney+

The Star Wars saga returns to huge success with the first all-new books from Timothy Zahn in 1991: the Heir to the Empire series, of which Grand Admiral Thrawn is such an important part of the galactic drama. Art by Tom Jung.

Gorgeous first issue cover for the Dark Horse cover adaptations of Heir to the Empire, by Mathieu Lauffay.

More great art by Mathieu Lauffay for the Dark Horse Comics adaptation.

One of the recent all-new covers for Heir to the Empire's 2021 paperback Legends series re-printing. Art by Tracie Ching.

Atmospheric full face version used for promotion of the Thrawn origins book series.

The well-executed Thrawn saga trilogy covers.

Thrawn, seemingly 'discovered' by Imperial forces on a remote jungle world. Soon enough, his tactical skills are of great service to the Empire and becomes a critical asset. Art by Joe Corroney (?).

Promo art for Thrawn: Alliances, which saw the return of Anakin and Padme in an accomplished tale from Timothy Zahn. Cover art: Two Dots.

Potent combinations in different eras, during the Thrawn saga.

The popular books that revealed Thrawn's origins as a warrior of the Chiss Ascendancy and the threats that will lead to his encounters with the Empire.

In loyal service to the Chiss, but soon feared and hated by many of his rivals and superiors. Art by Magali Villeneuve.

Thrawn and his key Chiss naval comrades-in-arms within the Ascendancy series.

A figure of power with destinies linked to both his native Chiss and the Galactic Empire. Art by Two Dots for the Thrawn: Treason San Diego Comic Con variant book cover.

In consultation with Darth Vader and the Emperor. Art by Joe Corroney.

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Thrawn mini-series comics compilation - Spanish edition cover, 2018. Art by Paul Renaud.

Making the welcome transfer to animation and in holographic contact with the cruel Governor Pryce, during the later seasons of Star Wars Rebels.

Searching out the potential base/s of the building Rebel Alliance.

Not seen yet in the live action saga, a clever representation of the Force defying Ysalamiri, created by Timothy Zahn for the Heir to the Empire saga. 

Character image used for a TOPPS card.

A memorable and chilling encounter involving Rebel pilot Hera Syndulla in the Star Wars Rebels episode, Hera's Heroes.

With his loyal alien bodyguard Rukh (voiced by Warwick Davis) during Season Four.

Thrawn and his long serving Fleet Admiral, Gilad Palleon, recently played on screen by actor Xander Berkley during Season Three of The Mandalorian.

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'THRAWN - ASCENDANCY: LESSER EVIL'

Will the chains of duty weigh heavily on Senior Captain Thrawn? Art by Magali Villeneuve.

As the building enemy forces of the powerful and manipulative alien allies the Grysk and Kilji Illumine prepare to attack/invade the prior weakened Chiss Ascendancy from both within and without, battle and tactical genius Senior Captain Thrawn of the Expansionary Defence Fleet, a dutiful and patriotic hero respected and feared by his friends and enemies alike, must play the ultimate gambit of his life and career in defending his species. The Battle of Sunrise awaits, needing all of Thrawn's knowledge and skills like never before in his biggest, boldest battle yet, and whose aftermath will irrevocably change and challenge his destiny in unexpected (?) ways...

Clocking in at a mammoth  500 plus page content, the 'Grand Master' of Star Wars' Expanded Universe fiction, Timothy Zahn, returns with another fan-pleaser. The final book in the Thrawn: Ascendancy saga, Lesser Evil, has lots, a lot of lots, to wrap-up with regards to plot strands and character arcs-wise. And, as usual, with the utmost expert efficiency, he does a splendid and absorbing job of dotting all the I's and crossing all the T's whilst also delivering a separate satisfying story full of building plot, space battle action and dramatic conflict/resolutions. This time out, Thrawn's backstory (and even family revelations) are opened up for exploration, whilst his battle comrades amongst the Chiss Expansionary Defensive Fleet also get a lot more to do in the story/action stakes before all are ultimately sent their separate ways by the books' highly satisfying and bittersweet ending, with an intriguing coda leading into what will be the resourceful alien tactician's new life in the service of the Galactic Empire. Or is he? They say things are not always what they seem...

The complete Ascendancy saga, available in the UK from Century.

A fine and fitting conclusion to this experimental trilogy of Star Wars yet not Star Wars science fiction adventure storytelling that only Zahn could have pulled off with his considerable flair. There is still much potential to be mined beyond Thrawn within the Chiss Ascendancy universe of heroes, villains and unusual species (like the Magys and their mysterious abilities within 'the Beyond') that the respected author will surely return to with positive zeal.

AFICIONADO RATING: 4 out of 5

Get the book here:

Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: (Book 3: Lesser Evil): Lesser Evil (Thrawn Ascendancy, 3): Amazon.co.uk: Zahn, Timothy: 9781529150087: Books

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'THRAWN: ASCENDANCY - GREATER GOOD'

Fresh from his unique victory against the cunning Nakardum race, led by the evil Yin the Benevolent, Senior Captain Thrawn of the Chiss Ascendancy now faces a new set of problems that will test his mettle like never before: two powerful members of the Chiss council once more working together determinedly to usurp the the talented officer's building status of power and ability; further building treachery from several command rank officers in the Expansionary Defense Fleet (motivated by the need to re-establish their family lineage within the Ascendancy), and the urgent need to unravel the mystery objectives being perpetrated against his people by a subtly dangerous new enemy, soon proving themselves as master puppeteers building their forces and plans linked to another mysterious race blessed with powerful abilities similar to those described in 'the Force'. Now more than ever, with darkness and chaos escalating, it looks like the deck of life and war cards have been heavily stacked against our distinctive but resilient tactician...

Building on the previous acclaimed book launching his new trilogy, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn: Ascendancy: Greater Good has deceits, trials and tribulations, power games and heavy duty space conflicts galore. However, unlike book one, its middle section, mostly featuring the unusual alien threat subtly manipulating the Chiss Ascendancy's power-thirsting families from the inside out, sadly felt a bit of a chore to read for this particular reviewer, despite its clear importance in setting up events coming with the series conclusion later in the year. Additionally, Thrawn is more on the sidelines this time out than I would have liked him to be - again, a necessary storytelling move by the author as he guides his dramatic personae into their needed positions on the dramatic chess board). Thankfully, a strong conclusion makes Greater Good ultimately worthwhile as a reading enterprise. From its explosive revelations, I've no doubt that Zahn will go on to deliver another accomplished and unexpectedly surprising finale for the Expanded Universe's most popular character...

AFICIONADO RATING: 'Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts'.... as the old saying goes.7.5 out of 10

Previous AFICIONADO coverage of Greater Good:

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2021/04/out-now-thrawn-ascendancy-greater-good.html

Get the Century published UK hardback here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Thrawn-Ascendancy-Greater/dp/1529101921/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=thrawn+greater+good&qid=1621872367&sr=8-1

DANGEROUS GAMES, DANGEROUS PURSUITS! OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'THRAWN - TREASON'

The company he keeps! Grand Admiral Thrawn's alien birthright comes to the fore in the all-new Thrawn - Treason. Promotional art by Two Dots Design. 

We've experienced his unique past (first as a spy for his mysterious Outer Regions based race, exploring the realms of the Old Republic on a mission that would ultimately see him teamed with the legendary Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker; followed years later by his 'discovery' and adoption as an Imperial officer with the birth of the Galactic Empire), as well as his present (becoming one of the Emperor's most efficient tactical and strategic geniuses, soon loathed and feared by xenophobe rivals, in charge of an important, game-changing new development in TIE fighter adaptation). Now, discover the ultimate Expanded Universe fan favourite Grand Admiral Thrawn's destiny in the lead-up to the event of Star Wars Rebels history-making fourth season finale, of which the former member of the Chiss Ascendancy finds himself caught in a clash of loyalties to both his own secretive kind and the controlling Empire for whom he has sworn himself to defend.Timothy Zahn's impressive, best-selling Thrawn Trilogy comes to a complex and exciting close: Thrawn - Treason, out now in UK large format paperback, courtesy of Century.

The Emperor is back, and more manipulative than ever.

Here's the publicity blurb:

“If I were to serve the Empire, you would command my allegiance.”

Such was the promise Grand Admiral Thrawn made to Emperor Palpatine at their first meeting. Since then, Thrawn has been one of the Empire’s most effective instruments, pursuing its enemies to the very edges of the known galaxy. But as keen a weapon as Thrawn has become, the Emperor dreams of something far more destructive.

Now, as Thrawn’s TIE defender program is halted in favor of Director Krennic’s secret Death Star project, he realizes that the balance of power in the Empire is measured by more than just military acumen or tactical efficiency. Even the greatest intellect can hardly compete with the power to annihilate entire planets.

As Thrawn works to secure his place in the Imperial hierarchy, his former protégé Eli Vanto returns with a dire warning about Thrawn’s homeworld. Thrawn’s mastery of strategy must guide him through an impossible choice: duty to the Chiss Ascendancy, or fealty to the Empire he has sworn to serve. Even if the right choice means committing treason.

Book excerpts:
https://www.starwars.com/news/thrawn-treason-exclusive-excerpt

https://io9.gizmodo.com/a-familiar-star-wars-face-returns-in-this-exclusive-thr-1836377684

Timothy Zahn interview:
https://www.starwars.com/video/we-talk-thrawn-treason-with-timothy-zahn

Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrawn-Treason-Star-Timothy-Zahn/dp/1529124026/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2F4XZS0RH1DWS&keywords=thrawn+treason+paperback&qid=1566205295&s=gateway&sprefix=thrawn+treason%2Caps%2C339&sr=8-1