A Classic Returns in Stunning Form

Fans of both Star Wars and manga have reason to celebrate as Dark Horse Comics brings back Hisao Tamaki’s manga adaptation of Star Wars A New Hope in a special art-focused release. Originally published in Japan in 1997 and later released in English in 1998, the manga was the very first adaptation of the iconic film in manga form. It quickly became a fan favorite, even winning the Eisner Award in 1999 for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material.

Now, nearly three decades later, the original artwork is being presented in an entirely new way. The Art of Star Wars A New Hope The Manga will feature Tamaki’s original art boards in their untouched right-to-left orientation. Every detail is preserved, including blue pencil marks, captions, and editorial notes that were never intended for print, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

Kickstarter Exclusives and Editions

The Kickstarter campaign launched this week and offers fans several exclusive editions. These include the standard two-volume hardcover Collector’s Edition, limited variant covers, deluxe signed copies, and even a rare Masterpiece Edition that comes in a faux-leather clamshell case with high-resolution reproductions at original size. Some editions are signed and limited to as few as 25 sets, making them highly collectible.

Backers of the Kickstarter will receive their editions before the retail release in summer 2026, making this an opportunity for die-hard fans to experience the art ahead of everyone else. The release marks Dark Horse’s first in-house Kickstarter campaign, signaling its commitment to fan-focused publishing.

Preserving Manga History

Beyond its exclusivity, this project celebrates the intersection of Western and Japanese storytelling. Star Wars A New Hope The Manga introduced many fans in the late 1990s to a new way of experiencing George Lucas’s galaxy far, far away. This re-release not only preserves that history but elevates it into an art form that manga and Star Wars enthusiasts alike can cherish.

With multiple versions available, ranging from collector-friendly slipcases to lavish large-format reproductions, The Art of Star Wars A New Hope The Manga is poised to become one of the most exciting Star Wars releases in recent years.

 

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