Comics from a Galaxy Far Far Away
What happens when a media giant expands their portfolio and buys the rights to some of the most beloved cinematic and comic book characters of all time? A match made in heaven. Under Disney’s supervision, Marvel is preparing to launch three new Star Wars series. Fans will know that up until Disney got their hands on George Lucas’ space opera, Dark Horse was publishing various Star Wars titles, but they flew under the radar as they contributed to the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Marvel is throwing some big names behind their new titles; each of the three series will be helmed by all-star creators and take place after the events of A New Hope.
Star Wars is a new ongoing series that will launch in January with Jason Aaron and John Cassaday at the helm. The previews show young Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa as they battle the galactic empire amongst their friends. Star Wars: Darth Vader will feature everybody’s favourite villain. The Sith Lord will get his own ongoing title courtesy of Kieron Gillan and Salvador Larroca. Finally, Star Wars: Princess Leia will give Leia Organa five issues in the spotlight. Mark Waid and Terry Dodson will bring the Princess’ story to light starting in March.
The preview pages tease comics that capture the spirit of the original Star Wars trilogy. All three titles look to have that same sense of adventure that fans know and love. There is so much anticipation surrounding the January launch of these new books that ComicBook.com is reporting that this book will sell a million copies and “become the first-ever million-selling periodical comic book sold exclusively through direct market channels without the aid of newsstands.” That is no small feat considering that the last comic to hit the million copy mark was Batman #500 back in 1993. It’s a high bar to pass, but if anything can drive fans to their local comic book shop in droves, I have every confidence that Star Wars can.
