Star Wars was a Comic before it was a Movie

On May 25^th 1977, Star Wars blasted onto the big screen and the world has never been the same. A slightly lesser known fact is that Star Wars was first published as a comic, even before the film.

On April 12^th 1977, Marvel published “Star Wars #1” the “Fabulous First Issue”.  These comics not only served as a way to advertise the film and to get the story out to those who lived far from cinemas- it also helped keep Marvel in business. According to one Marvel Executive, the company was in dire straights before Star Wars came along. "Star Wars single-handedly saved Marvel...” says Jim Shooter, “And that kept us alive."

Jabba the Hutt

The initial six comics published follow the film quite closely, but keen readers will discover some interesting differences. Take Jabba the Hutt for instance. Here, he appears as a thin, tall, yellow alien. He is nothing like the short, fat, hairy man who you see in the deleted scene.

There are other differences too. Bits of dialogue here and there. The inclusion of the famous “Tatooine Scenes” where Luke is hanging out with his friends at the tousche station. Marvel clearly had access to a “near-final” draft of the film and these comics now serve as relics- a roadmap to an earlier version of Star Wars- a pre-theatrical edition!

After the initial run of six, Marvel continued to publish Star Wars comics. These were the first stories to go beyond the movie- the universe from the film, but expanded. New characters were introduced such as Jaxxon, a giant green rabbit who befriends Han Solo. Jaxxon was pretty badass, but let's face it- a rabbit is a rabbit. His storylines are now seen as non-canonical, but there are some relevant characters that Marvel introduced.

Readers of the expanded universe will recognize Lumiya, Darth Vader’s apprentice. Now, between comics, books, cartoons and video games, Vader has had over a dozen apprentices, but Lumiya was the first. She was a dangerous Lady of the Sith and she uses a light whip (like a light saber, but a whip). Light whips have been seen in a variety of Star Wars fiction, but Lumiya’s was the first. Lumiya goes on to play a big role in some of the novels and pretty much ruins the lives of the Skywalker/Solo clan.

The comic “Star Wars” would run for 107 issues. In 1986 it was discontinued and in 1991 the rights for Star Wars comics would be sold to Dark Horse. And now we find ourselves in 2014. Marvel and Star Wars have sold out. The Disney Company owns them both and in 2015 Marvel will once again publish Star Wars comics.

Yes, we live in exciting times, as the old saying goes. With the acquisition of the companies comes a new hope- a fresh start- a clean state. We can erase 30+ years of Star Wars canon and start fresh. Raise that Wookiee from the dead! This will be my last comic blog, but with every new-beginning’s-end comes a new beginning. I look forward to 2015. I look forward to Marvel Star Wars #1 the “Fabulous First Issue”.

 

Dark Horse Comics (Link)

Dawn of the Jedi  Dawn of the Jedi

Tales of the Jedi Tales of the Jedi

Knights of the Old Republic Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: Republic Star Wars: Republic
Dark Times Dark Times
Empire & Rebellion Star Wars: Empire & Star Wars: Rebellion
Brian Wood's Star Wars Brian Wood's Star Wars
Dark Empire Dark Empire
Crimson Empire Crimson Empire
Invasion Invasion
Legacy Vol. 1 Star Wars: Legacy
Vector Star Wars: Vector
Legacy Vol. 2 Legacy Volume 2
Infinities Infinities
The Star Wars The Star Wars

Star Wars Tales Star Wars Tales

Marvel Comics

Original Marvel Comics Original Marvel Comics
Star Wars #108 Star Wars #108
Alan Moore's Star Wars Comics Alan Moore's Star Wars Comics

Han Solos Vs. Space Crocodile Han Solo vs. Crocodile in Space

Marvel's New Star Wars Line Catching Up With Comics

Age of Republic Age of Republic
Age of Rebellion Age of Rebellion
Age of Resistance Age of Resistance

Star Wars #1... Again Star Wars #1... Again
Ewoks in Comics Ewoks in Comis
Who is Doctor Aphra Who Is Doctor Aphra

The Last Jedi Expanded Universe The Last Jedi Expanded Universe
Who is Jaxxon Who Is Jaxxon

IDW Comics
Tales from Vader's Castle Tales from Vader's Castle

Return to Vader's Caslte Return to Vader's Castle