A recently released image from Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker features the First Order's newest forces, the Sith Troopers. Courtesy of the fittingly named Empire, their latest Star Wars-themed issue includes a screenshot of the crimson-hued Sith Troopers among other images of the highly anticipated final chapter in the long-running Skywalker Saga.
These new troops are the main fighting force of the sinister First Order under the command of Sequel Trilogy antagonist, Kylo Ren, who took the lead of the army following Supreme Leader Snoke’s demise in The Last Jedi. Not much is known about how they differ from the regular, white-colored Stormtroopers of past installments, but online speculation is that they are a part of the returning Emperor Palpatine’s decade-spanning plot to rule the galaxy far, far, away, and that they may even be Force-sensitive themselves.
Inside the Empire issue, we see the troopers marching in what appears to be either a First Order base or ship, no doubt preparing for the final battle with the brave forces of the Resistance. The magazine also contains new images of the movie’s heroes, as well as interviews with stars like Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver and John Boyega alongside director J.J. Abrams and co-writer Chris Terrio. It also comes packed with a special bonus issue commemorating all nine installments of the long-running Star Wars franchise and an exclusive Dark Rey collector card with artwork by illustrator Rory Kurtz.
This is all part of the lead-up to The Rise Of Skywalker’s release next month, with fan debate and speculation running rampant with each new image or tidbit of information. The motive of the film’s villains remains especially buzzworthy, with news of the Emperor’s apparent resurrection and the full unveiling of the sinister Knights of Ren sending shockwaves throughout the fandom when announced.
Nonetheless, the Sith Troopers remain an interesting part of that speculation. Their red-tinted armor and sleek, angular design make for a striking visual, and the possibility of an evil army of Force users would no doubt pose the greatest threat for the heroes of the series in their final adventure. There is also their noted loyalty to Kylo Ren himself and not the First Order, which may make for an internal struggle among the conflicted members of the Imperial remnants. If nothing else, these new soldiers will certainly be a great source of material for cosplayers, especially the good people at the 501st Legion. In the meantime, you can pick up the Empire Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker issue on November 28 wherever magazines are sold.
Source: Empire
