Key Takeaways

• Star Wars has a vast universe beyond the big screen with comics showing the lore and tales of powerful Jedi Masters.
• Explore some of the best Star Wars comics, from original drafts to Order 66 survivors, providing deep insights and unique perspectives.
• Exciting stories await fans in upcoming Star Wars comics, with New York Comic Con teasing General Grievous and Qui-Gon Jinn graphic novels.

Star Wars has 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 Wars has seen its fair share of comics and graphic novels ever since Luke Skywalker left his homeworld of Tatooine way back in 1977. Star Wars comics took off almost immediately, and they’ve only expanded since.

Following Disney’s purchase of the Star Wars IP, 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 the Star Wars galaxy are even more powerful than they could have possibly imagined.

Updated October 29, 2024 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.

1 The Star Wars

Bringing The Original Draft To Light

• Written by: Jonathan Rinzler
• Artist: Mike Mayhew
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: September 2013

Fans of Star Wars who want to explore the original story of the franchise as envisioned by George Lucas no longer have to search for drafts online, as The Star Wars does precisely that. Set in a turbulent time in the galaxy, The Star Wars explores 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 to Episode 4, fans of the franchise will appreciate The Star Wars for bringing “to life” what was originally just a draft from the Lucas archives. The draft makes apparent having taken inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress, making the series all the more interesting for film fans. While The Star Wars may not see theaters anytime soon, the stunning art from Mike Mayhew and the alternate takes on overall aesthetic transforms The Star Wars into a storyboard-esque wonder worthy of the read.

2 Kanan: The Last Padawan

Depicts The Brutal Survival Of Kanan In Order 66

• Written by: Greg Weisman
• Artist: Pepe Larraz, Jacopo Camagni, Andrea Broccaardo, David Curiel, Joe Caramagna, Mark Brooks
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Publication Date: April 1, 2015

While the Star Wars: Kanan comic books depict the story of Kanan Jarrus during 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 by Kanan: The Last Padawan. Considered the first storyline in the comic book series, The Last Padawan depicts 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 of Star Wars: Rebels will appreciate the added complexity brought to Kanan’s character, especially when Rebels already introduced Kanan as rather sarcastic and cocky – unbecoming of a traditional Jedi. While events of The Bad Batch seem 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 Padawan makes for quite a decent Star Wars story.

3 Darth Vader (2015)

A Deeper Look Into Vader’s Life Between Episodes 4 And 5

• Written by: Kieron Gillen
• Artist: Max Fiumara, Salvador Larroca, Leinil Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, Joe Caramagna, Edgar Delgado, Jason Keith, Kaare Andrews, Mark Brooks, Juan Gimenez, Adi Granov
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Publication Date: February 11, 2015

Fans who want to get to know Darth Vader before his eventual betrayal of the Emperor can find Darth Vader an 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 2015 Star Wars comics at the time show Darth Vader as a being whose grand gestures are accompanied by sheer monolithic brutality, Gillen’s Darth Vader shows what happens “behind the scenes.”

The 2015 Darth Vader doesn’t just explain minor details observed in Darth Vader in Episodes 4 and 5, however, as Gillen ensured the Sith Lord’s actions in 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.

4 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

A Great Addition To The Sequel Era’s Lore

• Written by: Ethan Sacks
• Artist: Will Sliney
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Publication Date: April 24, 2019

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is 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 between Episode 8: The Last Jedi and Episode 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.

5 Star Wars: Princess Leia

Gives Valuable Insight Into A Beloved Character

• Written by: Mark Waid
• Artist: Terry Dodson
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Publication Date: March 2015

Leia is far from a minor character in the Star Wars universe, but that doesn’t mean she’s always gotten the stage time she deserves. Thankfully, Princess Leia got a chance to shine in 2015’s Star Wars: Princess Leia mini-series by Mark Waid. This is one of the best Star Wars comics 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, but Star Wars: Princess Leia happily fills this gap, allowing fans a deeper look into how the event impacted Leia and those around her.

6 Star Wars: Crimson Empire

Offers A Unique Perspective

• Written by: Mike Richardson and Randy Stradley
• Artist: Doug Wheatley
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: December 10, 1997

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 in Star Wars fiction.

Star Wars: Crimson Empire features 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 best Star Wars comics, but the story is also great simply for the way it deepens the universe’s lore.

7 Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Slaves Of The Republic

Contains Important Lore That Was Adapted Into Television

• Written by: Henry Gilroy
• Artists: Scott Hepburn, Ramon Perez, Lucas Marangon, Dan Parsons, Michael Heisler, Michael E. Wiggam
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: September 10, 2008

Slaves of the Republic, along with In Service of the Republic and Hero of the Confederacy, formed their complete own series of comics. Originally made up of six separate issues, Slaves of the Republic was adapted into a three-part arc for the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated 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 to his character growth between Attack of the Clones and Revenge 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.

8 Star Wars

A Great Movie Tie-In Series

• Written by: Roy Thomas, Archie Goodwin, Jo Duffy, and others
• Artists: Howard Chaykin, Carmine Infantino, Al Williamson, and others
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Publication Date: April 1977

When the original Star Wars trilogy ended, there were no new movies planned, but the franchise continued in the form of video games and comic books. The first Star Wars comic books were running concurrently with the movies, and they told the story of Han, Luke, and Leia’s adventures after the destruction of the Death Star but before the Battle of Hoth that begins The 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 that Star Wars fans are certain to love.

9 Star Wars: Purge – Last Stand Of The Jedi

Gives Readers A Deeper Look At Order 66

• Written by: John Ostrander
• Artist: Doug Wheatley
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: December 28th, 2005

One of the most significant and terrible events in the entire Star Wars canon 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 in Episode 3, it left a lasting impression on viewers, particularly with its depiction of Darth Vader’s slaughter of the Jedi younglings.

Star Wars: Purge is one of the best Star Wars comics 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 as his force powers makes for an unnerving but wonderful journey.

10 The Dark Empire Trilogy

An Entertaining Read That Features Many Iconic Characters

• Written by: Tom Veitch
• Artists: Cam Kennedy and Jim Baikie
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: December 1991

All of the Dark Empire comics 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 a Star Wars graphic novel. A production from Dark Horse Comics, this story begins six years after the end of the original movie trilogy and 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.

11 Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures

Exciting Short Stories About The Clone Wars

• Written by: Haden Blackman
• Artists: Ethan Beavers, Ben Caldwell, Matthew Fillbach, Shawn Fillbach, Rick Lacy, Stewart McKenny
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: July 7, 2004

Consisting of ten volumes, Clone Wars Adventures is a comic book series inspired by the 2D television series. Each volume contains three or four short stories, meaning that readers get to see many Jedi in action. With a highly unique art style, a large cast of characters, and fast-paced stories, the series makes for an entertaining read, especially for younger readers. Different stories focus on many characters first introduced in the prequel trilogy. Even minor characters like Aurra Sing and Dexter Jettster get their own adventure.

The stories mainly follow different groups of Jedi across the Clone Wars, from Jedi-Padawan duos like Obi-Wan and Anakin, or Luminara and Barriss, and groups like Kit Fisto, Mace Windu, and Quinlan Vos. This series is worth reading for the fantastic art alone. It’s also great to see many other Jedi from the prequels in action who didn’t have much screen time or dialogue in the films.

12 Star Wars Infinities

Offers A Unique ‘What-If’ Angle

• Written by: Chris Warner
• Artist: Drew Johnson
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: February 6th, 2002

As the Star Wars franchise expanded, the original trilogy and the words of its creator were joined by other movies, games, books, graphic novels, and comics. As the wealth of fan fiction demonstrates, however, a story doesn’t have to be canonically true for it to be enjoyable.

Even at the time of their publication, the stories in Star Wars Infinities weren’t canon. Instead, they present hypothetical “what if” situations about the way that things could have gone in the Star Wars universe had a few small things been different. Many of these alternate universes are unsurprisingly dark, such as the one in which Luke fails to blow up the first Death Star.

13 Star Wars: Bounty Hunters

Explores Fan-Favorite Characters And Locations

• Written by: Ethan Sacks
• Artists: Natacha Bustos, Alessandro Miracolo, Lan Medina, and others
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Publication Date: March 11, 2020

With not much said about Boba during the original trilogy, Bounty Hunters expands upon the story of the mysterious character. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Bounty Hunters also features lesser-known characters like Bossk and Beilert Valance.

Another important character is Dengar, who later saves Boba from being digested over a thousand years in Jabba’s Sarlacc Pit. For Star Wars fans who enjoy scum and villainy, Bounty Hunters is the best Star Wars comic to check out.

14 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Complements The Video-Game Series

• Written by: John Jackson Miller
• Artists: Brian Ching and Bong Dazo
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: January 2006

Fans of the KotOR video games may already know a bit about the world behind this legendary Star Wars comic series. Set nearly 4,000 years before the Battle of Yavin, Knights of the Old Republic follows the exploits of Zayne Carrick, a Jedi Padawan who is betrayed by his masters.

After sensing a disturbance in the Force, the Jedi Masters believe Zayne and his fellow Padawans may succumb to the Dark Side. Rather than take any chances, they decide to kill them all, but Zayne manages to escape. With the help of a former enemy, a smuggler called Marn Hierogryph, Zayne travels the galaxy as a Jedi in exile. The young Jedi eventually builds up his crew on a starship of their own. With 50 issues released over 6 years, KotOR contains tons of great story arcs for Star Wars fans to enjoy.

15 Star Wars: Poe Dameron

A Unique Solo Adventure

• Written by: Charles Soule
• Artists: Phil Noto and Angel Unzueta
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Publication Date: April 2016

Plenty of new faces have been added to the Star Wars universe, and not all of the fan favorites are legacy characters. Poe Dameron is part of the new generation of hotshot starfighter pilots and has appeared in several new franchise IPs, including a comic book series.

The stories of Poe Dameron take place after and during the events of The Force Awakens. He’s sent on a mission by General Organa to find an explorer called Lor San Tekka who might have some information as to the location of her long-lost twin brother, Luke Skywalker. It’s one of the best Star Wars comics for fans of the sequel trilogy.

16 Star Wars: Dark Times

A More Serious Read For Fans Of Mature Themes

• Writer: Mick Harrison
• Artists: Douglas Wheatley, Dave Ross, Lui Antonio, and others
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: November 8, 2006

Set just after Emperor Palpatine triggers Order 66, Dark Times sees former Jedi Dass Jennir escape the Jedi Purge and hole up with a ragtag group of outlaws and refugees. Dark Times is a spiritual successor to the long-running Star Wars: Republic comic series, with some of its characters having been introduced in the previous series.

As the name might suggest, Dark Times contains some mature themes, with some grim things happening to its main characters. For fans who are looking for a grittier Star Wars experience, Dark Times is one of the best Star Wars comics to offer exactly that.

17 Tales Of The Jedi: The Golden Age Of The Sith

Explores The Lore Of The Ancient Sith

• Writer: Kevin J. Anderson
• Artists: Dario Carrasco, Jr., Mark G. Heike, Bill Black, and others
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: July 31, 1996

These were some of the earliest comics in the Dark Horse series of Star Wars-themed comic books that dominated the market in the late 1990s. They were released as conventional comics between 1996 and 1997 and then were compiled into a handy single hardcover graphic novel.

The story is set 5,000 years before the original movie trilogy, during a time when the galaxy was dominated by Empress Teta and the Unification Wars. In the present time, there’s also a planet in the Star Wars universe named after this historic figure. The Sith were at the peak of their power during this period, with looming figures like Naga Sadow training warriors in the Dark Side. The story ends with Sadow mustering his forces for a massive assault on the Galactic Republic.

18 Star Wars: Doctor Aphra

Develops A Side-Character And Explores Her Perspective

• Writer: Alyssa Wong
• Artists: Marika Cresta, Ray-Anthony Height, Robert Gill, and others
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Publication Date: May 27, 2020

First introduced as a side character in Marvel’s 2015 Darth Vader comic series, Aphra is a space archaeologist with a penchant for mayhem. More diabolical than Han Solo or Lando Calrissian, Aphra quickly became popular enough to warrant her comic book series.

Doctor Aphra features forty issues, offering the complete story. It’s the best Star Wars comic for those looking to explore a different viewpoint of the galaxy that includes blue-collar criminals and non-force users.

19 Star Wars: Republic

An Excellent Predecessor To The Popular Clone Wars TV Series

• Written by: Jan Strnad, Timothy Truman, John Ostrander, and others
• Artists: Anthony Winn, Tom Raney, Rod Pereira, and others
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: December 1998

Following no specific cast of characters for too long, Republic is set during the days of Lucas’ prequel trilogy. Republic features familiar characters like Mace Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Obi-Wan, Anakin, General Grievous, and Asajj Ventress, in addition to new faces like Jedi Master Quinlan Vos.

In a time before the now-popular Clone Wars TV show, Republic offered fans a glimpse into an expanded Clone Wars, revealing never-before-seen planets, species, and battles. First released in 1998 and only concluding after 83 issues in 2006, Republic was one of Dark Horse’s longest-running Star Wars series, adding countless amounts of lore to an already lively galaxy.

20 Classic Star Wars

A Nostalgic Read That Features Some Great Early Concepts

• Written by: Archie Goodwin
• Artist: Al Williamson
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Publication Date: August 1992

As early as 1979, Star Wars got its comic strips in daily newspapers like the Los Angeles Times. In the mid-90s, Star Wars publisher Dark Horse released an anthology collection of those original comic strips, collected together into multiple lengthy volumes under the name Classic Star Wars.

Classic Star Wars is a fascinating look back at the comic industry’s most early adaptations of the now-legendary film. Empire Strikes Back had just come out in 1980, and there was very little established lore for writers and artists to work from, resulting in some of the best but non-canonical imaginings of the Star Wars universe.