A Collector’s Treasure for Star Wars Fans
The galaxy of Star Wars is about to expand once again in a very unique way. Dark Horse Comics and Lucasfilm have launched a Kickstarter campaign dedicated to The Art of Star Wars A New Hope Manga Collector’s Edition, a stunning hardcover release that celebrates the original manga adaptation by artist Hisao Tamaki. This project offers fans a closer look at the Eisner Award winning manga that first captured hearts in 1997, giving it the spotlight it deserves in a high quality collector’s format.
Restoring the Original Art
The books bring Tamaki’s work back to life in unprecedented detail. Dark Horse has scanned and assembled the original art boards in their right to left orientation, just as they were originally drawn. For the first time, readers will be able to experience Tamaki’s iconic linework with all of its depth and precision preserved. The series, which won the Eisner Award for Best United States Edition of Foreign Material, is being reintroduced to the world with archival quality printing that ensures long term preservation.
A Two Volume Exclusive Set
The Collector’s Edition arrives as a two volume hardcover set presented in high resolution. It includes a brand new English translation taken directly from Tamaki’s handwritten Japanese notes, offering readers the most authentic version of the story to date. This translation appears in the margins, allowing the original Japanese lettering to remain untouched. Fans will also notice the bold red and blue exclusive covers designed as a nod to the light and dark sides of the Force. These covers, along with other special treatments, are exclusive to the Kickstarter edition and will not be made available in the retail version coming in 2026.
Beyond the Books
The Kickstarter campaign goes beyond the hardcover volumes. Backers have access to unique add ons such as the Tamaki Art Print set, which includes six prints of some of the manga’s most striking moments. There is also a large format three panel Tamaki Art Triptych Folio that features two complete triptych print sets, offering an even more immersive way to appreciate the artistry behind this adaptation. These extras make the campaign not just a book release but a full scale celebration of Tamaki’s contribution to the Star Wars universe.
Preserving a Manga Legacy
First published in the late 1990s, Tamaki’s manga adaptation of A New Hope offered Star Wars fans a fresh perspective on the beloved classic. Its distinctive style, dynamic pacing, and faithful recreation of iconic moments made it an instant favorite among readers. The new Collector’s Edition gives this groundbreaking work the archival treatment it deserves, ensuring that both longtime fans and new readers can enjoy it for generations.
The Art of Star Wars A New Hope Manga Collector’s Edition Kickstarter launches September 16 and promises to be one of the most talked about anime and manga related campaigns of the year.
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