Dark Horse Comics is set to publish The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga, showcasing the original artwork from Hisao Tamaki’s 1997 manga adaptation of the iconic film. This release marks a significant moment for Star Wars fans and manga enthusiasts alike, offering a unique glimpse into the creative process behind a beloved adaptation.
A New Hope in Manga Form
In 1997, Japanese artist Hisao Tamaki reimagined Star Wars: A New Hope in manga form, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Dark Horse Comics initially published the manga in English in 1998, and it even won an Eisner Award in 1999 for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material. Now, almost three decades later, Dark Horse is revisiting this classic with a special edition that celebrates Tamaki’s original artistry.
The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga
This new release, The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga, will be a two-volume hardcover set featuring Tamaki’s original art boards. What makes this edition special is that the artwork will be presented in its original right-to-left orientation, unaltered, complete with blue pencil marks, pasted captions, and editorial notes. This provides a rare and intimate look into the artist’s process and the behind-the-scenes work that went into creating the manga. A new English translation will also be included, ensuring a fresh experience for readers.
Kickstarter Campaign
Before the retail launch in the summer of 2026, Dark Horse is offering special editions of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga through their first-ever Kickstarter campaign. The Kickstarter offers two exclusive editions:
Collector’s Edition: This edition features the same two-volume hardcovers that will be available at retail but with Kickstarter-exclusive covers.
Masterpiece Edition: This edition reproduces Tamaki’s art at its original size across two volumes and includes an auxiliary third volume.
These Kickstarter editions offer fans a unique opportunity to own special versions of the manga, with exclusive content not available anywhere else.
A Celebration of Star Wars and Manga
The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga is more than just a re-release; it’s a celebration of the intersection of Star Wars and manga culture. Hisao Tamaki’s adaptation brought a fresh perspective to the classic story, and this new edition allows fans to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating it.
Other Star Wars Manga Adaptations
Hisao Tamaki’s A New Hope manga was not the only Star Wars story adapted into manga format. The original trilogy – The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi – were also adapted by MediaWorks, while The Phantom Menace was adapted by Shogakukan. Dark Horse Comics published all of these adaptations in English.
Dark Horse Comics and Star Wars
Dark Horse Comics has a long history with Star Wars, having published numerous comic books and graphic novels set in the Star Wars universe. From 1991 to 2014, and then again starting in 2022, Dark Horse has been a key player in expanding the Star Wars mythos through comics. Some of their notable Star Wars titles include:
- Dark Empire
- Tales of the Jedi
- X-wing: Rogue Squadron
- Republic
- Tales
- Empire
- Knights of the Old Republic
- Legacy
The Significance of Manga Adaptations
Manga adaptations of popular Western media, like Star Wars, play a significant role in bridging cultural gaps and introducing new audiences to these stories. By reinterpreting Star Wars through the lens of Japanese manga art and storytelling, Hisao Tamaki created a unique and accessible entry point for fans unfamiliar with the franchise. These adaptations also offer a fresh perspective for long-time Star Wars enthusiasts, allowing them to experience the story in a new and exciting way. The success of Tamaki’s A New Hope manga, as evidenced by its Eisner Award win, demonstrates the appeal and impact of these cross-cultural adaptations.
Where to Find It
The standard edition of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga will be released in comic shops and bookstores in 2026. For those who want to get their hands on the exclusive Collector’s and Masterpiece Editions, the Kickstarter campaign is the place to be. Fans can follow the prelaunch page to be notified when the campaign launches.
The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga promises to be a must-have for Star Wars fans, manga lovers, and anyone interested in the art of adaptation. With its detailed presentation of Hisao Tamaki’s original artwork and a new English translation, this edition offers a fresh and exciting way to experience a galaxy far, far away.
