Best Star Wars Comics (Updated: August 2025)

Top-notch Star Wars comic books hold their own alongside novels and films when it comes to compelling storytelling. These comics transport us across various corners of the expansive Star Wars universe, making them essential reads for fans seeking a comprehensive Star Wars experience. However, please note that due to Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, many of these comics are no longer considered canonical. Nonetheless, both the old ‘Legends’ and new series remain valuable reading material if you’re yearning for more adventures in that distant galaxy.

Best Star Wars comics as of 2025

The comic book history of Star Wars can be traced back to the release of its first movie in 1977. Marvel’s Star Wars series, published that same year, rescued the struggling publisher from financial ruin and boosted the popularity of this science fiction titan. Today, over four decades later, Marvel still produces multiple imprints centered around the franchise. In addition, comic enthusiasts should not miss out on Dark Horse’s diverse range of Star Wars series. These comics played a significant role in creating the Expanded Universe (now Legends) and kept the franchise thriving during the extended gap between Return of the Jedi and subsequent films.

The Star Wars

Initially, the early version of the Star Wars script deviated significantly from the final storyline, except for the key plot points. The original protagonist was Annikin Starkiller, and his mentor was named Luke Skywalker (with no Obi-Wan Kenobi present). Though they still aimed to protect Princess Leia, their journey bore only a slight resemblance to the eventual movie. A captivating read for those intrigued by alternate possibilities is the script interpretation published by Dark Horse Comics, authored by Jonathan Rinzler and Mike Mayhew.

Star Wars (1977)

The first Star Wars comic book debuted in April 1977, predating the movie’s theater release. It introduced characters such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Vader. This initial series of six issues was a direct comic adaptation of A New Hope, penned by Roy Thomas and illustrated by Howard Chaykin. Notably, the first issue emerged as one of the top-selling comics of the 1970s and played a crucial role in preventing Marvel from financial ruin!

Through these Marvel comics, numerous fans encountered additional Star Wars content that extended beyond the movies for the first time. These comics laid the groundwork for how Star Wars stories could be told in comic form. Furthermore, they demonstrated that there was a significant audience interested in Star Wars narratives presented through various media.

Dark Empire & Dark Empire 2

In the early ’90s, Dark Horse Comics released two significant Star Wars comic book series titled “Dark Empire” and “Dark Empire II.” These stories are set outside the traditional Star Wars universe (now known as “Legends”).

In this paraphrase, I’ve tried to maintain the original meaning while making it more accessible for the average reader. The focus is on clarity, simplicity, and natural-sounding language.

In this six-part comic book saga, penned by Tom Veitch and illustrated by Cam Kennedy, we find ourselves approximately six years post the events of Return of the Jedi. The narrative revolves around the chilling resurrection of Emperor Palpatine through advanced cloning techniques. With his reign reestablished, he constructs a formidable armada consisting of colossal Super Star Destroyers and World Devastators. This storyline follows Luke Skywalker’s struggle to eradicate the Dark side from its roots. Meanwhile, Leia Organa and Han Solo strive to prevent Luke from repeating his father’s tragic end, but a final Palpatine clone manages to evade capture.

In Dark Empire II, the saga carries on as Luke strives to reestablish the Jedi Order. Meanwhile, Palpatine returns, aiming this time to take over Anakin Solo, Leia’s newborn child, as his host. The narrative delves into the persistent conflict between the New Republic and the Imperial forces, all while Luke battles against the influence of the dark side.

Some Star Wars comic book enthusiasts found controversy in the storyline that resurrected Palpatine. Nevertheless, these comics are often praised as timeless classics within the Star Wars universe and enjoyed significant popularity during their initial release. They’ve been recognized for revitalizing interest in the series.

Star Wars Infinities

Have you ever pondered about how things might have turned out if Luke didn’t destroy the Death Star? A four-part comic book series named “Star Wars Infinities” published by Dark Horse Comics explores alternate versions of the original trilogy, imagining various outcomes when key events take a different course. This non-canonical series consists of Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope, Star Wars Infinities: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars Infinities: Return of the Jedi, each with its standalone story set within the original film timelines. The series title is a nod to the infinite possibilities in the galaxy. If you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe and enjoy exploring alternative outcomes, then you might want to check out Star Wars Infinities.

Star Wars Legacy

As a die-hard Star Wars fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about diving into the expansive universe of Star Wars Legacy. This captivating series jumps a century ahead in the Star Wars timeline, where we embark on an epic journey following Cade Skywalker – a lineal descendant of the legendary Luke Skywalker. Initially, many fans were hesitant about venturing so far into the future, but Star Wars Legacy has proven to be a triumph for Dark Horse Comics, garnering immense popularity and sales.

Cade Skywalker, however, chooses to renounce his Jedi roots and instead embraces the life of a bounty hunter amidst a galaxy torn apart by civil war and with a Sith lord seated on the Imperial throne. The suspense and intrigue that this series delivers are simply unparalleled!

Star Wars: Darth Vader (2015)

In the Star Wars: Darth Vader (2015) comic series, written by Kieron Gillen with art primarily by Salvador Larroca, we delve into how Darth Vader reacted when he found out he had a son. This 25-issue run was published by Marvel Comics from February 2015 to October 2016 and is set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, shedding light on crucial events not depicted in the original trilogy.

This comic book series delves into Darth Vader’s story post-Death Star destruction, where he faces a delicate predicament with the Emperor. In secret, Vader starts amassing power independently from the Imperial norms. The creator aims to maintain an air of mystery and grandeur around Darth Vader, while inviting us on an emotional rollercoaster ride with the iconic antagonist. Since all events depicted here are canon, you can be assured that this series adheres strictly to the established Star Wars lore.

How we chose the best Star Wars comics

Top-tier Star Wars comic books excel at what makes this medium stand out: in-depth character development that movies may not always achieve. We sought out series that offer a deeper insight into familiar characters, such as the Darth Vader series, and those that present intriguing new personalities, like Cade Skywalker (Star Wars Legacy). Quality Star Wars comics either fit seamlessly within established storylines or forge their own paths. The exceptional ones enrich the universe significantly, whether they fill in gaps in the timeline or delve into entirely fresh scenarios.

Above all, exceptional comic books should cater to long-term enthusiasts as well as novices. Either they offer straightforward entry points or they’re standalone enough for readers to appreciate them without extensive background knowledge. So, what do you consider essential traits in a top-notch Star Wars comic book?

2025-08-07 06:58