Top 10 Star Wars comics from the last 10 years

As a lifelong Star Wars enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the expansive galaxy far, far away, I must say that these comics have undeniably enriched my fandom experience in ways I never anticipated. The third issue of “Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren” (2019) brings a fascinating depth to one of the sequel trilogy’s most intriguing characters, Ben Solo, as we witness his descent into darkness and his quest to join the enigmatic Knights of Ren. It’s a chilling parallel to the 2017 “Darth Maul” run, where both characters commit themselves to the dark side through a fateful Jedi kill.

Since the resurgence of Star Wars in Marvel Comics back in 2015, there have been numerous compelling comic book stories set in a distant galaxy. These tales often leave an indelible impression, influencing how we perceive some iconic films from The Skywalker Saga.

Over the past decade, I’ve compiled a list of ten standout single issues from our library that have truly made an impact. Here they are, ranked for your reading pleasure!

10. Star Wars: The High Republic – The Blade #1

In the epoch of the High Republic era, the comic book series The Blade #1 introduces an intriguing narrative centered around the legendary Jedi pair, Porter Engle and Barash Sylvain. The story delves into their initial encounters through skillfully woven training flashbacks, serving as a prelude to the High Republic novels. This tale presents the introduction of two Jedi siblings on a peculiar planet named The Boneworld. Both characters exhibit distinct Force abilities: Barash Sylvain, reminiscent of The Acolyte‘s Barashi vow, possesses the power to read minds. In stark contrast, Porter Engle showcases exceptional talent with a lightsaber. During their journey, they accompany Pathfinders to another planet in distress, Gansevor. There, Porter imparts his wisdom to another Jedi, Helion Volte, during a sparring session on the ship. To summarize, this series highlights how Star Wars comics from the past decade have been marked by robust opening arcs as well as impressive conclusion arcs.

9. Star Wars (2015) #4

In the 2015 Star Wars series, many stories are reminiscent of the original trilogy since they take place between the events of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. For instance, in issue #4, it’s revealed that Darth Vader traveled to Tatooine after destroying the Death Star, prompted by information from Jabba the Hutt, who was then ruling the planet. This informant claims to have knowledge of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s hiding period on Tatooine and is willing to work with the Emperor for a fee. Furthermore, it’s disclosed that Jabba played a role in providing bounty hunter services to Darth Vader, which will be crucial in Empire Strikes Back, as hinted by a brief appearance of Boba Fett, the galaxy’s most renowned bounty hunter.

8. Doctor Aphra #25

The initial “Doctor Aphra” series, which debuted in 2017, was an engaging adventure from beginning to end, with some significant events occurring towards the middle and conclusion of its 40-issue span. In particular, issue #25 is filled with intense drama as Darth Vader hunts down Doctor Aphra for their shared knowledge of his self-serving scheme to dethrone the Emperor. Aphra intended to utilize Bor Ifriem (similar to Rogue One’s Bor Gullet) to wipe their memory of Vader’s plan, but their former lover Magna Tolvan selflessly sacrificed herself by erasing her own memory, enabling the ‘honorable’ Doctor Aphra to flee. After managing to elude the Empire, it was disclosed that one of the shape-shifting team members was actually the notorious Doctor Cornelius Evazan, who appeared in the cantina scene of A New Hope and had a brief role in Rogue One.

7. Star Wars: The High Republic #5 (2021)

The High Republic period introduced a variety of fresh Star Wars content, including novels, comics, animated series, and live-action productions, marking a prosperous multimedia debut. In the fifth installment of ‘The High Republic’, titled ‘Attack of the Hutts’, tension between characters Jedi Master Keeve Trennis and former Master Sskeer peaked. A surprising development occurred as Myarga the Benevolent, a Hutt, formed an alliance with the Jedi. This issue penned by Cavan Scott offers a mix of action, drama, and intrigue for all readers.

6. Darth Vader #1 (2015)

In the debut issue of the 2015 series “Darth Vader,” penned by Kieron Gillen, we find ourselves plunged straight into action as Darth Vader lands on Tatooine for a fateful meeting with the loathsome gangster Jabba the Hutt. This visit is a form of punishment and further manipulation from his master, Emperor Palpatine, who sees him as the lone surviving General following the catastrophic failure of the Death Star. To aid him in this mission, Vader recruits several prominent bounty hunters such as Boba Fett and Black Krrsantan. Tormented by his past as Anakin Skywalker, Vader ensures he departs Tatooine only after annihilating a nearby tribe of Sand People, demonstrating that his animosity towards the inhabitants of Tatooine, whom he lost his mother to in the raids during “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” remains unchanged. The series is engagingly written, hinting at Darth Vader having objectives independent of the Emperor’s and skillfully keeping some of his moves under wraps.

5. Star Wars (2020) #50

In many Star Wars comics, including Charles Soule’s 2020 run on Star Wars #50, there are powerful conclusions. This particular issue serves as a bridge between the original and sequel trilogies by featuring Luke Skywalker telling a story to his pupil, Ben Solo, at the Jedi Academy. The story takes place after the events of The Empire Strikes Back, with Luke, Leia, and their crew embarking on a mission to recover a perilous Force artifact called the Grim Rose, when all hope seemed lost. With Han frozen in carbonite, Lando and Chewbacca flying the Millennium Falcon, and Luke wielding a golden lightsaber, the group explores a planet teeming with fungi mushrooms named Gazian, while also visiting a familiar location. When it is revealed that a blood sample is required for the artifact to select its target, Leia cleverly searches Naboo’s archives for records of its native Sheev Palpatine. Luke faces a challenge as he battles the spectral memories of Jedi Alzin Kell while trying to teach Ben Solo that one does not have to embrace the Dark Side in order to defeat evil.

4. Star Wars: Darth Maul (2017) #5

Initially appearing in The Phantom Menace, Darth Maul was a formidable, silent adversary. However, his character developed significantly through appearances on shows like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, thanks to Sam Witwer’s influence. This growth led to an unexpectedly emotional journey for Maul, complete with compelling dialogues. The fifth issue of the 2017 Darth Maul comic series delves into Maul’s mental state during his initial duel against a Jedi Padawan named Eldra Kaitis through the comic’s inner narration. Additionally, characters like Aurra Sing and Cad Bane, popular among fans, make appearances. After making his first Jedi kill, when Darth Maul returns to Darth Sidious, Palpatine discloses that this was merely a test in a lengthy apprenticeship, one that readers know will culminate in the epic Duel of the Fates and beyond.

3. Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren (2019) #3

As a dedicated Star Wars fan, I’ve found that some of the best comics make the films feel fresh and immersive by offering unique perspectives on The Skywalker Saga. For instance, Kylo Ren, a key character in the sequel trilogy, doesn’t get much screen time delving into his connection with the Knights of Ren. However, Issue Three of Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren (2019) fills this gap by showcasing Ben Solo’s transformation as he seeks membership in the Knights of Ren after the Jedi Temple’s destruction and his first Jedi kill. This narrative echoes the 2017 Darth Maul series, where both characters embrace the dark side following a Jedi killing. Interestingly, Ben Solo adopts the name Kylo, much like Han Solo was known by his family name, suggesting a connection between father and son in their journey towards the dark side.

2. Doctor Aphra (2016) #40

In “Doctor Aphra” comic series, penned by Simon Spurrier following Kieron Gillen, concludes with plotlines linking back to “The Empire Strikes Back”. The climax of the “A Rogue’s End” storyline, Issue #40, finds Darth Vader chasing elusive Doctor Aphra. However, he discovers that a techno-archaeologist in an ancient ruin might not be someone to underestimate. Vader is temporarily ensnared and confined within a Force-sensitive tree made of kyberite, giving Doctor Aphra the opportunity to break free permanently. Along with her escape, she secures knowledge about the secret Rebel base on Hoth and saves Magna Tolvan’s life for now.

1. Darth Vader (2017) #25

In terms of climactic conclusions for extensive storylines, Charles Soule’s Darth Vader #25 from his 2017 series stands out as one of the most influential, and it also raises some intriguing possibilities related to The Skywalker Saga by delving into certain themes and narrative strands featured in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

In the artwork, there’s a profound exploration of Anakin Skywalker’s unnatural use of the Force, hinting at Emperor Palpatine possibly having a deeper understanding of the ‘Chosen One’ prophecy than initially suggested. The iconic image of young Anakin and Darth Vader’s shadow, reminiscent of the Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace teaser poster, is also present. The final scenes resemble a Force-induced dream sequence, similar to Luke’s cave experience in The Empire Strikes Back. Here, Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker’s transformed self) grapples with his ultimate desire – saving Padme, which was exposed in Revenge of the Sith. Giuseppe Camuncoli’s portrayal of Anakin’s internal turmoil in each panel underscores that it was his desperate attempt to save Padme that pushed him towards the Dark Side of the Force, leading to her death. This poignant ending to Charles Soule’s run is what makes it one of the most impactful single issues from the last decade.

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2024-10-26 18:52