Rogue One, the latest Star Wars movie to be released, will be getting its own six-issue comic book series. The first issue is set to be released on April 5, 2017. The writer of the comic series, Jody Houser, has been working with the director of the film, Gareth Edwards, in attempts to incorporate pieces of the story not included the movie. They plan to use some scenes from the novelization, written by Alexander Freed, of the movie, for starters. Some of these scenes that may be included are:
- After Director Orson Krennic’s capture of Galen Erso, the two talk aboard his ship with the dead body of Lyra Erso laying in between them.
- The destruction of Jedha City is seen from the point of view of various characters on the ground.
- Jyn Erso’s promotion to Sergeant when traveling from Yavin 4 to Scarif (which explains why she’s named “Sgt. Jyn Erso” on toys and other promotional materials).
Other scenes included in the comic book series will be those the audience witnessed while watching the movie (besides the material from the book that was mentioned above, or possible new material they came up with to include in the comics); there will be no variation from the story that we’ve seen. But will the creators tell the story in a different style? The comic book style is unique. I believe it’s important that Jody Houser and the artists create this comic book series independent of what was seen in the movie. Of course, it’s important that the comic tell the same story. Just to what degree does one consider a story completely different from its source material? I think that’s a question the creators of the comic book need to ask themselves. But…it may be too late, as the release date of the comic is right around the corner.
Below, find the images of the released artwork for the new Rogue One comic book series coming out soon! It should be noted that this art is not final, so it’s subject to change between now and the comic’s release date.
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I’ll leave readers with this to think about: we see novelizations and comics based on movies every year, but what’s the point of buying them if they’re the exact same thing as the movie? Sure, novelizations (like the one done for Rogue One) and comics can incorporate scenes not included in the final cut of the film. But is that truly enough? They weren’t in the movie for a reason, after all. The creators of the comic hopefully found out a way to surprise readers while maintaining the story people are familiar with.
