The Star Wars films and TV shows have introduced some of the biggest characters in all of popular culture, but there are plenty of franchise favorites that only appeared in other mediums. For almost 50 years, several amazing ones Star Wars characters have been introduced in novels, comics, and video games with their own rich backstories woven into the overall lore. It is a proof of the wealth of Star Wars and the quality of the space opera series' storytelling.
As is the case with any franchise, some characters are deeper and more interesting than others. Although some characters are easily forgotten, others have left a great impression on readers and players, but unfortunately it's only a series or movie Star Wars fans wouldn't even know they exist.
Disney quietly fixed the Star Wars Prequel's biggest problem
The Star Wars prequel trilogy is better than ever, thanks to many of the Disney movies, shows, games, and comics that have been released.
Kay Vess is the protagonist of Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws struggled to find an audience, but the Ubisoft video game still offered an interesting narrative set-up between the events of the The Empire strikes back and Return of the Jedi. Instead of putting players in the role of a Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws approached the franchise from the grounded, more relatable perspective of a villain named Kay Vess. Kay could have easily ended up like Dash Rendar from Shadows of the Empirewho was more of a Han Solo placeholder than a fully developed character.
Instead, Kay's arc sees her confront her mother's abandonment while assembling a crew that ends up more like a foundling family. Her humor, humility and charming personality won over many fans. It doesn't sound like it outlaws game will get a sequel anytime soon, but the writers managed to give her a compelling storyline that feels complete enough to earn her a spot on this list.
Readers loved Beilert Valance's gritty character
The Beilert Valance is one of the earliest originals Star Wars characters created by Marvel, and he quickly proved to be a unique addition to the franchise. A self-loathing cyborg, Valance is a gritty, complex anti-hero whose appearance made him look like the Terminator (several years before the James Cameron film), but he had a rich background and a deep anxiety about losing his humanity.
After playing a recurring role in Marvel's original Star Wars from the 70s and 80s, Valance was forgotten for decades. Following Disney's acquisition of the franchise in 2014, Valance returned to Star Wars series, where he got a much bigger role. Valance's struggle to maintain his human side remains an important part of his character, making him a unique part of Star Wars universe. In a galaxy filled with droids, Valance wants nothing more than to remain human.
Star Wars should take a big step into the future
Star Wars plays things conservatively and somewhat predictably. Taking its story into the future could be a shot in the arm for the franchise.
Darth Revan is a unique Sith Lord
Knights of the Old Republic remains one of the most beloved Star Wars video game ever made, largely due to the game's plot. Set thousands of years before the original trilogy, VERTEBRAE offered a new take on the war between the Sith and Jedi Knights. Darth Revan was at the center of the game's story, and the writers managed to create a Sith lord very different from Vader, Maul or Tyrannus.
The events in VERTEBRAE is no longer part of the canon, but it is possible that Darth Revan may return at some point. The fate of the old republic will reunite several VERTEBRAE veterans, and there has been speculation that the new video game could bring back some familiar characters. If that turns out to be the case, it's certain that Darth Revan won't be far behind.
Mara Jade is a franchise staple
Mara Jade debuted in Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy and quickly became one of the main faces of Star Wars Expanded Universe. At a time when Princess Leia was the only strong female character in the franchise, Mara Jade was embraced by members of the fandom desperate for a heroine who could wield a lightsaber. Mara Jade remained a central part of the Expanded Universe right up until its reboot, and her story even saw her have a child with Luke Skywalker.
As a staple in Star War books and series for more than two decades, Mara Jade even got a chance to appear in video games such as Masters of Teras Kasi. While the character is no longer part of the official Star Wars canon after Disney's acquisition, Mara has not been forgotten and lives on thanks to one-off merchandise.
Rumor: Popular Star Wars Expanded Universe Character May Get a TV Series
A Star Wars Expanded Universe character could become canon again, as rumors claim that Lucasfilm is developing a TV series starring this person.
Doctor Aphra's exclusion from movies and shows is surprising
Darth Vader has a rich history in comics, and his solo series is responsible for introducing the single best Star Wars character outside of movies and TV shows. Introduced in Marvel's Darth Vader series by creators Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca, Chelli Aprha became an instant fan favorite. The concept of an archaeologist i Star Wars universe was incredibly unique, and her debut appearance felt reminiscent of Indiana Jones.
However, Gillen and Larroca quickly parted ways with Aphra, creating an unpredictable wildcard of a character. Aphra basically took over as co-leader for Darth Vader series, acting as both an ally and antagonist to the Empire. Aphra eventually became popular enough that she was given the lead in several long-running series, which is something few others Star Wars characters can say. Shockingly, Dr. Aphra has yet to appear in a movie or TV show, but it seems like only a matter of time before that changes.
