Empire Magazine reveals 25 years of Prequel Trilogy anniversary covers

After some teasing and light trolling of the fandom, Empire Magazine reveals special covers for The Phantom Menace's 25th anniversary
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Ray Park as Darth Maul. Image credit: StarWars.com
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Ray Park as Darth Maul. Image credit: StarWars.com /
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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.

Next. Three big Star Wars anniversaries are coming in 2024. Three big Star Wars anniversaries are coming in 2024. dark