If you’re unfamiliar with Jeffrey Brown’s Jedi Academy series of young adult books, please go rectify that situation immediately. The three books in his trilogy are Jedi Academy, Return of the Padawan, and The Phantom Bully.
They’re a hybrid mix of straightforward narrative and graphic novel, and they sparkle with Brown’s trademark wit. Brown is, after all, the man to thank for both Darth Vader and Son and Vader’s Little Princess.
Earlier this year, I chatted with Jeffrey about his career and received the sad news that his story was over. The Jedi Academy trilogy would remain a trilogy.
Well, if you’re a fan, I’ve got some good news. Jedi Academy is back in session! The fourth book in the series, A New Class, is coming in July under new headmaster (i.e., author/artist) Jarrett Krosoczka.
Krosoczka is perhaps best known for his Platypus Police Squad books, and if you’re not immediately intrigued by something called PLATYPUS POLICE SQUAD, then I don’t think we can be friends.
A New Class doesn’t have a cover yet, but we do have a synopsis:
Victor Starspeeder is psyched to be starting school at the Jedi Academy. His sister, Christina, does not share an enthusiasm for Victor’s newfound educational path. She’s horrified that her annoying baby brother will be there to cramp her style.
While Victor means well, his excess energy leads him to spend a lot of time in detention with the little, green sage, Yoda. Yoda wants to channel Victor’s talents, so he makes the young Padawan join the drama club. Victor is not pleased. “Learn to control your anger, you must! Successfully manage their emotions, a good Jedi can. Box step and jazz hands … hee hee … young Padawan will!”
Victor will have to make new friends, get on his sister’s good side, learn to use the force, and hope the year’s drama club performance (“Wookie Side Story”? “Annie Get Your Lightsaber”?) goes off without a hitch!
Best of luck to Krosoczka, who certainly has big shoes to fill. We’ll absolutely we watching with great interest.
