Star Wars' New "Acolytes of Beyond" Are Luke Skywalker's First True Threat After Return of the Jedi

Summary Luke Skywalker faces a new threat from the Acolytes of the Beyond, a Sith cult seeking to return control of the galaxy to the Sith.

Without an army for support, Skywalker must confront the Acolytes on his own, making them a personal and existential threat to him.

As Luke focuses on rebuilding the Jedi Order, the Acolytes of the Beyond are able to establish themselves unchecked, leading to conflict.

While helping to restore balance to the Force in the Star Wars universe did not mean Luke Skywalker’s responsibilities were over, it’s easy to assume that his focus was on rebuilding the Jedi Order. However, as will be revealed in an upcoming new Star Wars limited series, Skywalker's administrative duties were the least of his concerns. Indeed, soon after the events of Return of the Jedi, a new Force-based challenge arose that threatened to plunge the galaxy back into chaos just as peace was within its grasp.

Alex Segura, Leonard Kirk, Stefano Raffaele, and Jethro Morales’ upcoming miniseries Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Insurrection Rising chronicles the story of the “galaxy far, far away” in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Endor during the run-up to the era-defining Battle of Jakku.

While the New Republic has regained control over much of the galaxy, remnants of the Empire’s forces remain a threat. Outside official Imperial troops, the New Republic also faces a menagerie of non-state forces loyal to the Empire in some form or another. One such group is known as the Acolytes of the Beyond.

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The Acolytes Of The Beyond Are Born In The Shadows Of Emperor Palpatine's Demise

They Seek To Connect WIth The Sith Lords Even After Their Deaths

The Acolytes of the Beyond are a Sith cult that forms soon after the death of Emperor Palpatine at the hands of Darth Vader. Founded by the Palpatine loyalist Yupe Tashu, the Acolytes of the Beyond are devoted to preserving the legacy of deceased Sith Lords by collecting, commemorating, and safeguarding their relics. Under Yupe’s direction, the Acolytes quickly develop into a potent force of disruption. The Acolytes of the Beyond's effectiveness is made more complex to counter due to their intense religious passion and unorthodox approaches.

While the Acolytes are religious fanatics, they aren't without a purpose. Their ultimate goal is to return control of the galaxy to the Sith. However, the Acolytes of the Beyond are not just a menace to galactic society, they also pose an existential and personal threat to Luke Skywalker. Indeed, as the last known Jedi in the galaxy, Skywalker - and his fledgling Jedi Order – will certainly become one of their primary targets for extinction. However, unlike the New Republic, Skywalker does not have an army to provide security. He’ll face the Acolytes of the Beyond largely on his own.

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As The Last Jedi, the Acolytes Of The Beyond Want Luke Gone

Skywalker might be able to respond to the Acolytes of the Beyond before they become a problem if he was solely focused on determining what – if any –Force-related threats remain after Palpatine’s and Vader’s exit. However, as we know from Greg Rucka, Marco Checchetto, and Andres Mossa’s Star Wars: Shattered Empire series, as the Acolytes of the Beyond are arising as a threat, Luke is busy trying to retrieve remnants of the Great Tree that has grown in the former Jedi Temple on Coruscant.

To be sure, despite being one of the most powerful Force users in the galaxy, Luke's focus on rebuilding the Jedi Order and learning as much as possible about Jedi tradition, history, and custom has certainly provided the Acolytes of the Beyond with the opportunity to establish themselves unhindered by Jedi interference. The upcoming Star Wars series should provide more insight into the progression of the conflict between the Acolytes of the Beyond and Luke Skywalker, and the repercussions it will have on the Battle of Jakku.

Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Insurrection Rising #1 will be available on October 2 from Marvel Comics.