Empire Magazine reveals 25 years of Prequel Trilogy anniversary covers

With a single image, Empire Magazine sent all of Star Wars social media into a frenzy. The tweet was only two words, "TOMORROW. 4PM." But it was the image attached that got everyone excited. In a familiar font of a particular crawl from a beloved franchise against a starry background were two more familiar words:

"Hello there..."

Star Wars Twitter didn't take long to throw out all sorts of theories. Was this Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 since these were Obi-Wan's iconic words? Could it be the first look at The Acolyte or Skeleton Crew? The time came for the announcement. While it wasn't a new season of a show or a peek at upcoming works, Empire Magazine revealed something very cool.

Their issue out on February 15 is a celebration of 25 years of the prequel trilogy. As Episode I: The Phantom Menace turns 25, Empire is releasing multiple special covers. More details were given on their website, saying:

"Read Empire’s full interviews with Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson, and Ian McDiarmid – as well as Samuel L. Jackson, Brian Blessed, Matt Doran and more – in the Star Wars prequels 25th anniversary issue. Also inside the issue, we revisit iconic sequences with producer Rick McCallum, stunt co-ordinator Nick Gillard, and concept designer Iain McCaig, breaking down the Podrace, the Geonosis arena battle, and the Mustafar duel; we get a closer look at rarely-seen concept art from across the trilogy; we speak to designer Ellen Lee Moon on the story behind her legendary Phantom Menace poster, and much, much more. It’s the ultimate look back at the trilogy that changed everything."

A special subscriber's cover from artist Bill McConkey features multiple prequel characters in action figure forms. It's a delight of a cover to see so many fan-favorites represented.

What's even better is that Empire Magazine was aware of the social media frenzy they kicked up. Whoever is running their Twitter account deserves a raise, because right after the announcement, they put out the Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala meme summarizing the last 24 hours.

As a prequel kid where The Phantom Menace was my first Star Wars in a movie theater, I'm so excited for all the anniversary content coming out this year. I can't wait to get my hands on these special covers from Empire Magazine.