Summary
Star Warshas grown far beyond the big screen since its debut decades ago, with virtually endless numbers of books, comics, and TV shows spinning off the IP.Star Warshas seen its fair share of comics and graphic novels ever since Luke Skywalker left his homeworld of Tatooine way back in 1977.Star Warscomics took off almost immediately, and they’ve only expanded since.
Following Disney’s purchase of theStar WarsIP, many of the once-canonized stories found in the Expanded Universe comics were relegated to the proverbial lore dustbin, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great. Dig a little deeper, and fans might discover that the best comics from theStar Warsgalaxy are even more powerful than they could have possibly imagined.
Updated July 30, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With New York Comic Con 2024 teasing the likes of General Grievous and Qui-Gon Jinn graphic novels and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew about to be released in December 2024, fans of Star Wars have a lot to look forward to in terms of stories set in the Galaxy Far Far Away.
However, fans who want to dive deeper into more comics set in the Star Wars universe can check out some interesting comics available for them to enjoy. Examples include a comic interpretation of George Lucas’s original vision for Star Wars, a look into the inner machinations of the Empire from the eyes of a younger Darth Vader, and the adventures of a Padawan survivor of Order 66.
1The Star Wars
Bringing The Original Draft To Light
Fans ofStar Warswho want to explore the original story of the franchise as envisioned by George Lucas no longer have to search for drafts online, asThe Star Warsdoes precisely that. Set in a turbulent time in the galaxy,The Star Warsexplores the young Annikin Starkiller (Luke Skywalker), son of a former Jedi, venturing into the planet Aquilae (Tatooine/Naboo) to protect Princess Leia (Leia Organa/Padme Amidala) from the forces of General Darth Vader - all while training under the watchful eye of Luke Skywalker (Obi-Wan Kenobi). In their version of the galaxy, the Jedi-Bendu had been faithful warrior-bodyguards of the Emperor until the rivaling Knights of Sith had sowed the seeds of discord that led to the rise of the New Galactic Empire. The story ends in a climactic showdown in the New Galactic Empire’s Space Fortress (Death Star).
Despite core elements of the comic book being quite similar toEpisode 4, fans of the franchise will appreciateThe Star Warsfor bringing “to life” what was originally just a draft from the Lucas archives. The draft makes apparent having taken inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’sThe Hidden Fortress, making the series all the more interesting for film fans. WhileThe Star Warsmay not see theaters anytime soon, the stunning art from Mike Mayhew and the alternate takes on overall aesthetic transformsThe Star Warsinto a storyboard-esque wonder worthy of the read.
2Kanan: The Last Padawan
Depicts The Brutal Survival Of Kanan In Order 66
While theStar Wars: Kanancomic books depictthe story of Kanan Jarrusduring Order 66 and the events of the Clone Wars, fans who want to look into this complex character’s backstory may appreciate the setup provided byKanan: The Last Padawan. Considered the first storyline in the comic book series,The Last Padawandepicts the early days of Kanan Jarrus back when he was still Caleb Dume, a young Padawan under Master Depa Billaba, just sometime before Order 66 had ordered the Clone Troopers to execute all Jedi.
Fans ofStar Wars: Rebelswill appreciate the added complexity brought to Kanan’s character, especially whenRebelsalready introduced Kanan as rather sarcastic and cocky - unbecoming of a traditional Jedi. While events ofThe Bad Batchseem to contradict the story, fans who have no qualms about the canonicity of the storyline may be able to piece together some clues as to why life on the run had transformed Kanan into who he is today. Although a run-of-the-mill adventure with a slash of cat-and-mouse chasing,The Last Padawanmakes for quite a decentStar Warsstory.
3Darth Vader (2015)
A Deeper Look Into Vader’s Life Between Episodes 4 And 5
Fans who want to get to know Darth Vader before his eventual betrayal of the Emperor can findDarth Vaderan essential read, primarily because Kieron Gillen was the perfect choice to write the character. Having already possessed a love for the Saga and experience writing more complex villains in Marvel Comics, Gillen’s writing presents a more internalized take on Darth Vader. Whereas the 2015Star Warscomics at the time show Darth Vader as a being whose grand gestures are accompanied by sheer monolithic brutality, Gillen’sDarth Vadershows what happens “behind the scenes.”
The 2015Darth Vaderdoesn’t just explain minor details observed in Darth Vader in Episodes 4 and 5, however, as Gillen ensuredthe Sith Lord’s actionsin the comics are influenced by the films that came before it and would have some impact in the films that came after. Gillen showcasing a more personal side of Darth Vader all the while revealing the Sith Lord having to grapple with the Empire’s internal politics is a sight to behold - especially when it’s shown how Darth Vader navigates a political atmosphere filled with rivals out to get him.
4Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
A Great Addition To The Sequel Era’s Lore
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edgeis an example of a more recent comic that is part of the official modern canon. It’s even connected to the Disney theme park of the same name. The entire series is made up of five volumes and takes place in the period betweenEpisode 8: The Last JediandEpisode 9: The Rise of Skywalker.
The Black Spire Outpost on the Outer Rim planet of Baatu is where the action takes place. It’s a rough and wild place where pirates, smugglers, runaways, and merchants have come to do some networking and sell their wares. Han Solo happens to be among the miscreants in the Black Spire Outpost, and of course, Chewbacca is there with him.
5Star Wars: Princess Leia
Gives Valuable Insight Into A Beloved Character
Leia is far from aminor character in theStar Warsuniverse,but that doesn’t mean she’s always gotten the stage time she deserves. Thankfully, Princess Leia got a chance to shine in 2015’sStar Wars: Princess Leiamini-series by Mark Waid. This is one of the bestStar Warscomics just for that alone.
Picking up after the destruction of her home planet Alderaan, the comic follows Leia, Queen Breha, and Bail Organa as they struggle to cope with the Empire’s actions. The original trilogy never gives Leia the time or space to confront the destruction of Alderaan, butStar Wars: Princess Leiahappily fills this gap, allowing fans a deeper look into how the event impacted Leia and those around her.
6Star Wars: Crimson Empire
Offers A Unique Perspective
Stormtroopers are the very definition of faceless evil, yet they are a far deeper and more varied group than the franchise often reveals. Only the most talented Stormtroopers rose to the ranks of Palpatine’s guard. Learning about the life of one of these guards, both before and after the collapse of the Empire, is a unique experience inStar Warsfiction.
Star Wars: Crimson Empirefeatures the story of Kir Kanos, who was once one of the Emperor’s red-robed bodyguards. Kir is an excellent protagonist in his own right to make this one of the bestStar Warscomics, but the story is also great simply for the way it deepens the universe’s lore.
7Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Slaves Of The Republic
Contains Important Lore That Was Adapted Into Television
Slaves of the Republic, along withIn Service of the RepublicandHero of the Confederacy, formed their complete own series of comics. Originally made up of six separate issues,Slaves of the Republicwas adapted into a three-part arc for theStar Wars: The Clone Warsanimated TV series. There are a few differences between the comic and the episodes. Both are notable for exploring more serious lore, namely the ruthlessness of the Zygerrian slave empire and the profound effect Anakin’s past as a slave still has on him.
After the people of the planet Kiros mysteriously disappear, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Rex disguise themselves and explore the planet Zygerria. Anakin has to use his knowledge and past experiences to pose as a slaver to infiltrate the queen’s palace. Readers will witness Anakin’s inner struggle and the effect this mission has on him. This is especially important in adding more depth tohis character growthbetweenAttack of the ClonesandRevenge of the Sith.The comic has great artwork and intriguing villains, including Asajj Ventress, who was absent from the TV adaptation. The lore in this comic was obviously important enough to be developed for the TV series.
8Star Wars
A Great Movie Tie-In Series
When the originalStar Warstrilogy ended, there were no new movies planned, but the franchise continued in the form of video games and comic books. The firstStar Warscomic books were running concurrently with the movies, and they told the story ofHan, Luke, and Leia’s adventuresafter the destruction of the Death Star but before the Battle of Hoth that beginsThe Empire Strikes Back.
The first edition starts immediately after the end of the first movie, with Han and Chewbacca traveling to pay off their bounty with the reward money, only to have it stolen. Everything snowballs from there into another epic battle against the Empire thatStar Warsfans are certain to love.
9Star Wars: Purge - Last Stand Of The Jedi
Gives Readers A Deeper Look At Order 66
One of the most significant and terrible events in the entireStar Warscanon is the execution of Order 66, the Emperor’s command to hunt down and eliminate the Jedi Order. Though the sequence is depicted only briefly inEpisode 3,it left a lasting impression on viewers, particularly with its depiction of Darth Vader’s slaughter of the Jedi younglings.
Star Wars: Purgeis one of the bestStar Warscomics that continues the tale of Vader’s part in Order 66. Darth Vader’s ongoing descent into the Dark Side takes center stage as he hunts down his former Jedi comrades and murders them. It is, fittingly, a grim story, well-told and complemented by beautiful art. Seeing Darth Vader grow in his darkness as well ashis force powersmakes for an unnerving but wonderful journey.
10The Dark Empire Trilogy
All of theDark Empirecomics are also great on their own, but the complete set of three stories from 2010 has since been compiled into a handy hardcover version for those who prefer to have the whole story under one title as aStar Warsgraphic novel. A production from Dark Horse Comics, this story begins six years after the end ofthe original movie trilogyand features many of the same characters.
While the young Jedi Master Luke Skywalker dodges Imperial assassins, Princess Leia and Han Solo do the work of trying to hold the new and fragile Republic together. The lore in these stories was part of what Disney scrubbed when they took over the franchise, but viewers of the new movies and TV shows will likely recognize a few plot points and story ideas that sound familiar.
