It’s not just any old new comic book day for Star Wars fans, because a new era of Star Wars comics starts this week! Not only can we look forward to some tried and true Marvel books this week, but a new line of Dark Horse comics begins today! Of course, there are also some new releases on Marvel Unlimited if you’ve been waiting for the digital side and there’s a trade paperback available for those who like to read in that format.
New Star Wars Comics: Darth Vader #26, Doctor Aphra #23, and Hyperspace Stories #1
It’s no secret how Anakin Skywalker feels about sand, but did that aversion carry over to the man now known as Darth Vader? The Dark Lord’s unlikely new alley, Sabé, has gone missing and Vader must confront his own dark heart in the maelstrom of a sandstorm. Does Vader have a skill from childhood that may help him in an unexpected way?
In the issue’s exclusive StarWars.com preview, Vader is seen riding a podracer once more and plunging into the sand’s protecting waves. He once remarked of podracing, “I’m the only human who can do it.” If Darth Vader #26 is any indication, that remains true.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Star Wars: Darth Vader #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Star Wars: Darth Vader #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Star Wars: Darth Vader #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Star Wars: Darth Vader #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Darth Vader #26 is written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Raffaele Ienco, with cover art by Rahzzah.
The second Marvel book dropping this week is Doctor Aphra #23. Sana Starros and her team are determined to rescue the titular Doctor at any and all costs, however, everyone’s keeping secrets that hinder those plans. If that wasn’t enough, the Spark Eternal has plans of its own!
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #26. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Doctor Aphra #23 is written by Alyssa Wong and illustrated by Minkyu Jung, with cover art by W. Scott Forbes.
Over at Dark Horse, the first in a new line of comics arrives with Hyperspace Stories 1! In this first issue of the all-ages comic, a Republic mission goes wrong when Senator Padmé Amidala and her crew are abducted by General Grievous. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi jump to the rescue, however, their rescue operation goes awry and the Jedi are surrounded by an army of battle droids! It’s the height of the Clone Wars!
Hyperspace Stories #1 is written by Amanda Deibert and illustrated by Lucas Marangon. Marangon also takes care of the cover art on this issue.
You can pick up all three issues today from your local comic book shop!
New on Marvel Unlimited: Han Solo & Chewbacca #2 and Doctor Aphra #20
This week on Marvel Unlimited you can read the second issue of the limited issue series Han Solo & Chewbacca. The heist is on and Han, Chewie, and Greedo have to pull off the impossible for Jabba the Hutt! You won’t ever believe what’s inside the safe Han breaks into either!
Han Solo & Chewbacca #2 is written by Marc Guggenheim and illustrated by David Messina, with cover art by Phil Noto.
In Doctor Aphra #20, the titular Doctor and Sana Starros confront Kho Phon Farrus at the heart of an archaeological ruin. And only one will escape unscathed when they learn the horrifying truth behind the Spark Eternal!
Doctor Aphra #20 is written by Alyssa Wong and illustrated by Minkyu Jung, with cover art by W. Scott Forbes.
New in Trade Paperback: Crimson Reign
Finally, all five issues of Crimson Reign are now available in trade paperback! The storyline that started with War of the Bounty Hunters continues! In the course of the Age of Rebellion, this epic saga’s second installment will transform the Star Wars galaxy. What is the mission of the criminal group known as the Crimson Dawn and how do they intend to accomplish it? How will the Rebel Alliance and the Empire respond to this new galactic power player when Lady Qi’ra sends two killers – the ruthless, Force-blinded Ochi of Bestoon and the enigmatic, unstoppable Deathstick – to do what they do best? With the reappearance of cherished characters, startling turns, incredible Force feats, and a plot that extends from the deepest underground to the Imperial Palace on Coruscant.
Crimson Reign is written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Steven Cummings, with cover art by Leinil Francis Yu.
What are you looking forward to reading this week? Let us know down below! Don’t forget to follow Dork Side of the Force for more Star Wars comics coverage!