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The Star Wars franchise has captivated audiences for decades, not just through its iconic films but also through an expansive collection of star wars comics and graphic novels. While the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens and Rogue One continue to expand the cinematic universe, fans have long turned to comic books and novels to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of stories set in a galaxy far, far away.
Since the release of the original trilogy in the 70s, the Star Wars comic book series has been a cornerstone of the expanded universe. However, when Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion, they made a controversial decision to declare that many of these comics and novels were no longer considered ‘canonical’. This effectively relegated a vast array of beloved stories to the status of ‘Legends’, much to the dismay of longtime fans.
Before the arrival of the prequel trilogy, enthusiasts eagerly collected various star wars comic books and novels to paint a broader picture of the Star Wars universe. These works, including those published by Dark Horse Comics and later Marvel Comics, have become an integral part of the Star Wars legacy. Let’s explore some of the best Star Wars comics that have left an indelible mark on the franchise.
Crimson Empire
Writers: Randy Stradley, Mike Richardson
Artist: Paul Gulacy
For years, fans wondered about the backstory of the Emperor’s imperial guards. This 1997-1998 comic run from Dark Horse Comics set out to answer those questions. The story follows Kir Kanos, one of the most loyal imperial guards and one of two survivors following the events of Return of the Jedi. This comic book series delves into everything fans wanted to know about these enigmatic figures, from their training and weapons to their origins.
Dark Empire
Writer: Tom Veitch
Artist: Cam Kennedy
When Dark Horse Comics acquired the rights to Star Wars, they created Dark Empire, a fan-favorite among star wars comic collections. Set six years after Return of the Jedi, it chronicles the struggles of Han Solo and Princess Leia as they attempt to hold the New Republic together in the face of a resurgent Empire. The synergy between the artwork and storytelling paints a vivid picture of a galaxy still grappling with conflict.
Star Wars Dark Times
Writer: Mike Harrison
Artists: Doug Wheatley, Dave Ross, Lui Antonio, Gabriel Guzman
Renowned for the exceptional artwork of penciller Doug Wheatley, this series replaced Dark Horse’s previous Star Wars: Republic. The comic is set between Revenge of the Sith and about 20 years before A New Hope, bridging the gap between the prequel trilogy and the original trilogy. It also intertwines with the novel Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader, making it an essential part of the Darth Vader comic series and the broader Star Wars narrative.
Tag & Bink Are Dead
Writer: Kevin Rubio
Artist: Lucas Marangon
This humorous take on the Star Wars universe follows the misadventures of Tag and Bink, two characters whose bumbling actions inadvertently influence pivotal events in the galaxy. Often compared to “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern” of the Star Wars universe, their antics provide a lighthearted explanation for some of the inconsistencies in the main storyline.
Star Wars: Purge
Writers: Haden Blackman, Alexander Freed, John Ostrander
Artist: Marco Castiello
This gripping series focuses on Darth Vader’s relentless quest to purge the galaxy of all remaining Jedi. As Vader realizes he must also eradicate the last vestiges of Anakin Skywalker within himself, readers are treated to a dark and compelling narrative. The stellar work of John Ostrander shines throughout the Purge series, making it a must-read for fans of Darth Vader comics.
Knights of the Old Republic
Writer: John Jackson Miller
Artists: Dustin Weaver, Brian Ching, Travel Foreman, Harvey Tolibao, Scott Hepburn, Dean Zachary, Alan Robinson, Ron Chan, Bong Dazo
Set 8 years before the events of the popular video game, this comic series follows Zayne Carrick, a young Padawan at the Jedi Academy. After witnessing Jedi Masters standing over dead Padawans, Zayne must navigate life as an outlaw while trying to solve the murders and avoid capture. This series offers a unique perspective on the Jedi Order during The High Republic era.
Boba Fett: Twin Engines of Destruction
Writer: Andy Mangels
Artist: John Nadeau
Originally appearing in Star Wars Magazine, this one-shot comic features the infamous bounty hunter Boba Fett hunting down an inferior doppelganger. Determined to maintain his reputation as the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy, Boba Fett sets out to teach his imitator a lesson. This comic showcases the ruthless efficiency that made Boba Fett a fan-favorite character in the Star Wars franchise.
Star Wars: Infinities
Writers: Chris Warner (A New Hope), Dave Land (The Empire Strikes Back), Adam Gallardo (Return of the Jedi)
Artists: Drew Johnson (A New Hope), Davide Fabbri (The Empire Strikes Back), Ryan Benjamin (Return of the Jedi)
This non-canonical series explores alternate versions of each film in the original trilogy. By changing pivotal moments, such as Luke failing to destroy the Death Star or freezing to death on Hoth, these comics create fascinating “what-if” scenarios. The series also ponders questions like what would happen if C-3PO malfunctioned during Chewbacca’s mission to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt.
Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison
Writer: Haden Blackman
Artist: Agustin Alessio
In this five-issue miniseries, Emperor Palpatine is on the brink of death, and the Empire faces a grave threat from within. Darth Vader must uncover the secrets of the Jedi Council and locate the mysterious Ghost Prison to save the Empire. Blackman’s writing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while Alessio’s artwork brings Darth Vader to life in stunning detail.
Star Wars Legacy Volume 1
Writers: John Ostrander, Jan Duursema
Artist: Jan Duursema
Set a century after Return of the Jedi, this series introduces readers to a familiar yet changed galaxy. The story follows Cade Skywalker, a descendant of Luke Skywalker who has abandoned his Jedi heritage to become a bounty hunter. Despite initial skepticism, Legacy became one of the most well-received comics in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as Legends.
As the Star Wars franchise continues to evolve, with new stories being told through various media, including the Marvel Star Wars comics and the introduction of characters like Doctor Aphra, the legacy of these classic comics remains strong. Whether you’re a fan of the original trilogy, the prequel trilogy, or the newer additions to the saga, these comic book series offer a wealth of adventures in the Star Wars universe.
From the early days when fans wondered, “Did Star Wars start as a comic?” to the present, where readers ask, “How many Star Wars comics are there?” the answer is clear: the Star Wars comic universe is vast and continually expanding. Whether you prefer to read Star Wars comics online or collect physical copies, there’s no shortage of exciting stories to explore.
As we look to the future of Star Wars in comics, with Marvel Comics now at the helm (prompting fans to ask, “Does Marvel own Star Wars?”), one thing is certain: the force is strong with Star Wars comic books, and they will continue to be an integral part of the Star Wars franchise.