Ronin: A Visions Novel (in Japanese, it's written as 『浪人』) is a book penned by Emma Mieko Candon. The novel, which is based on the Star Wars: Visions short film titled "The Duel," was released by Del Rey on October 12, 2021. The narrative unfolds in a re-envisioned galaxy, drawing heavily from Japanese culture, storytelling traditions, and mythology, crafting an alternative timeline for the Jedi and Sith. An audiobook adaption in its complete form, with narration by Joel de la Fuente, was also made available by Random House Audio on the same date.
The universe and storyline received further development through a pair of one-shot prequel comics, both written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki. These comics, titled Visions 1 and Visions – Takashi Okazaki 1, were published by Marvel Comics on October 12, 2022 and March 20, 2024, respectively.
In this captivating Star Wars story, a mysterious former Sith roams the galaxy. This is an original novel that takes inspiration from the world of "The Duel" featured in the Star Wars Visions [sic] animated collection.
The Empire relies on the Jedi as its most dedicated servants.
Twenty years prior, Jedi clans were engaged in conflicts, serving various feuding lords. A group of Jedi, disgusted by this never-ending cycle, rebelled, aiming to seize control of their own fate and wield power without serving any master. They adopted the name Sith.
The Sith rebellion ultimately failed due to internal conflicts and betrayals. The previously warring lords then united to establish an Empire. However, even an Empire experiencing peace is not untouched by violence.
On the distant fringes of the Outer Rim, a former Sith wanders, accompanied only by a loyal droid and the memory of a less refined era. He possesses a lightsaber but claims no affiliation with any Jedi clan and owes allegiance to no lord. His past remains largely unknown, including his name, as he never discusses his history or regrets. His background is as concealed as the destructive red blade he keeps sheathed at his side.
As the galaxy's ongoing cycle of violence disrupts his chosen isolation, and he is compelled to fight an enigmatic bandit who claims the title of Sith, it becomes apparent that no amount of wandering can outrun the ghosts of his past.
The initial announcement of Ronin: A Visions Novel was made by Del Rey on March 22, 2021. The cover art and the short film that served as its inspiration were unveiled on July 8, 2021.
Emma Mieko Candon, the author, is a fourth-generation Japanese-American who spent her formative years in Hawaii. Candon describes Hawaii as being deeply influenced by Japanese culture, but also marked by the trauma of war and internment. Candon drew upon Japanese narratives in reiterating the Star Wars saga, which was itself influenced by Japanese stories to create an American epic.
- ISBN 9780593358665 ; October 12 , 2021 ; Del Rey ; US hardcover [1]
- ISBN 9780593359365 ; October 12, 2021; Del Rey; US hardcover, Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition [10]
- ISBN 9780593358672 ; October 12, 2021; Del Rey; US eBook [11]
- ISBN 9780593496978 ; October 12, 2021; Del Rey; US paperback, export edition [12]
- ISBN 9780593358689 ; July 12 , 2022 ; Del Rey; US paperback [13]