Fast Links
May the Fourth is officially here, and that means Star Wars Day is in full swing! With movies, television shows, video games, and more, plenty is out there to occupy even the most hardcore fans. However, one of the best ways to sink your teeth into the lore of Star Wars is to dive into the many comics based on the franchise. With so many different series and storylines available, it can be hard to know where to begin. Luckily, this list will give you some great suggestions on what to pick up.
Tales of the Jedi
This Dark Horse Comics series (before Marvel bought the property) comes from writer Tom Veitch and artist Chris Gossett. It takes place during the “Old Republic Era,” which is about 4,000 years before the films’ events. Most of the series occurs amid the events of the “Great Sith War” and focuses on a Jedi Knight-turn-Sith Lord named Ulic Qel-Droma. This is an excellent series for those interested in the early times of the Jedi.
Star Wars: Dark Empire
Another entry from Tom Veitch with artist Cam Kennedy, this comic series kicks off after the events of the Return of the Jedi film. However, it deviates from canon as it explores what would happen if the Empire were to rise again. However, the resurrection of Palpatine introduced in this series is later used in the sequel trilogy.
Star Wars: Legacy
These comics from John Ostrander and Jan Duursema are set 130 years after the original film trilogy, known as the Legacy Era. It follows Cade Skywalker, a descendant of the Skywalker family, who has given up his Jedi heritage. Instead, he pursues life as a bounty hunter. His adventures are told against a backdrop of a galaxy on the brink of civil war.
The Clone Wars
With these comics, writer Henry Gilroy and artist Scott Hepburn expanded on the animated Clone Wars television series. It takes place between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith and focuses on the legendary Clone Wars. Some newcomers join familiar faces like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Mace Windu as they fight for the Republic. It is great for fans of the animated series and films alike.
Darth Vader
This comic book series dives into the history of the villainous Darth Vader. Written by Kieron Gillen with art from Salvador Larroca, the series takes place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. This is an excellent read for fans of the original trilogy as it gives more insight into one of the most iconic villains in film history.
Doctor Aphra
Another series from Kieron Gillen, this time with artist Kev Walker, introduces a new character into the Star Wars Universe. Also taking place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, it introduces rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra. Aphra and her team’s misadventures serve as a mirror to the adventures of the main heroes in the Star Wars Universe. The series was relaunched in 2020 and is currently ongoing.
Han Solo
From Marjorie Liu and Mark Brooks, this comic series dives into the backstory of Han Solo. Another miniseries between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back follows Solo in the early days of the Rebel Alliance. With only five issues, it is a great read for those looking for a quick trip back into the galaxy far, far away.
The Rise of Kylo Ren
This is perfect for fans of the newest trilogy of films. This series, written by Charles Soule, follows Ben Solo’s path from Skywalker to Vader. It is an excellent look into what happened to Kylo Ren before he was introduced in The Force Awakens.
The High Republic
This comic series from Cavan Scott is a canonical entry in the Star Wars Universe. It takes place some 200 years before the events of The Phantom Menace. The galaxy is at peace under the Republic and the protection of the Jedi Knights. However, that peace is too good to last as something evil begins brewing in the galaxy. This is a wonderful series that fills the gaps left by the films.
Star Wars: Revelations
This giant-sized one-shot is perfect for those looking to catch up with the current going-ons in the Star Wars comics. This book reveals what lies ahead for several current Star Wars series. This includes Star Wars: Darth Vader, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Star Wars: Hidden Empire, and Star Wars: Bounty Hunters.
There you have it! Some great titles to sink your teeth into as you celebrate May The Fourth. And, hey, you don’t need a specific day to get into the great comic offerings from Star Wars. These books are great reads no matter what day of the month it is. Although, there is something pretty special about diving into the stories of the galaxy on the day meant to celebrate it!