Last week at San Diego Comic-Con Marvel Comics announced their plans for the Star Wars universe in comic book form.
From their press release:
Lucasfilm Ltd. and Marvel Entertainment are extremely proud to announce the iconic Star Wars franchise will return to Marvel in 2015 with a line-up of three comic book titles chronicling the adventures of a galaxy far, far away. Beginning in January 2015, prepare for STAR WARS by writer Jason Aaron (Thor, Original Sin), artist John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men) and colorist Laura Martin, DARTH VADER by writer Kieron Gillen and artist Salvador Larroca and PRINCESS LEIA by writer Mark Waid and artist Terry Dodson.
Taking place immediately after the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, the Force returns to Marvel in January with three new series spotlighting beloved characters from the iconic trilogy! Created in close partnership with Lucasfilm, the three new Star Wars series will exist as part of the canon for the Star Wars universe!
It all starts this January when Jason Aaron, John Cassaday and Laura Martin take fans back to the days following the destruction of the first Death Star in STAR WARS! Discussing the flagship series, writer Jason Aaron tells Marvel.com, “Every story is about the characters, and we’ll focus on all the old favorites. There will be big moments for everyone, from Han to R2-D2. But a major part of the narrative will be driven by Luke Skywalker and his journey of discovery, a journey that will decide the fate of the entire galaxy.”
However, the return of the Rebel Alliance to Marvel Comics also invites the return of its opposition, the Imperial Forces of the Galactic Empire and in February 2015, Kieron Gillen plans to delve into the psyche of one of the vilest villains of all time with the new ongoing series DARTH VADER. Witness the struggle for the freedom of an entire galaxy – from the Dark Side!
“Vader’s the sole survivor of the greatest military disaster in history – and a disaster that he definitely had a hand in by letting the rebels escape with the plans for the Death Star. This is not a thing which leaves you in anybody’s good books, let alone the Emperor’s,” says writer Kieron Gillen. “The great thing about this period [between Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back] is what we don’t see on the screen. Vader learns who Luke Skywalker is at some point between the two movies, to choose but one example.”
Then, in March 2015, Mark Waid & Terry Dodson bring you the harrowing tale of loss and hope in the 5-issue limited series PRINCESS LEIA! Fresh from the Rebel Alliance’s victory at the Battle of Yavin, Leia must confront the reality that her homeworld has been destroyed. But in the light of such tragedy, there is always hope. Skilled equally with diplomacy as she is a blaster, witness the rise of one of the greatest heroines in history as she takes her rightful place as one of the Alliance’s peerless leaders!
“Does she choose to be a Princess of nothing – or does she set out to rebuild her heritage and civilization?” says writer Mark Waid.
STAR WARS #1
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Coming January 2015!
DARTH VADER #1
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art by SALVADOR LARROCA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Coming February 2015!
PRINCESS LEIA #1 (of 5)
Written by MARK WAID
Art & Cover by TERRY DODSON
Coming March 2015!
It’s apparent that they’re not treating this franchise lightly. Marvel is putting their A-game on the starting line and I couldn’t be more excited about that idea. Jason Aaron’s work is fantastic and Mark Waid is one of the best writers I’ve ever enjoyed. Kieron Gillen is no slouch either. And it makes sense that they’d be starting with the post-“A New Hope” era, that’s where the knowledge of most passive Star Wars fans lies. I’d be surprised if we didn’t get more comics to tie into the movie announced at next year’s show, though.
Until then, I’ll be adding these to my hold at my local comic book store. Immediately.