The "Star Wars" phenomenon continues to capture fans the world over, and now everyone will finally be able to read the original Marvel Comics comic books from the late '70s. The publisher is re-releasing the series in an oversized Omnibus format that will include "Star Wars" #1-44 and the Annual.
Dark Horse Comics reprinted these books a few years back, but this will be the first time that Marvel will be able to reprint its own material in decades. These comics were released during the '70s, in between the first two "Star Wars" movies, so the canon isn't quite right. But they're still must-reads for fans.
"With Star Wars poised to return to its comic book home, what better time to revisit the first adventures of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and, of course, Darth Vader? I am extremely proud to present these original Star Wars stories, told as only Marvel can, in the first in a massive and glorious Omnibus series," said Marvel head honcho Axel Alonso in a press release.
The Omnibus is titled "Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years," and it is set to be released in January of 2015, just eleven months before J.J. Abrams' new chapter hits theaters. Some top comic book writers and artists will have their work reprinted on the project, including Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, Archie Goodwin, Jo Duffy and Chris Claremont, with pencils by Howard Chaykin, Carmine Infantino, Walter Simonson, Herb Trimpe, Michael Golden, Al Williamson and Mike Vosburg. This project is the first time that these classic issues can be seen in one volume.
"It's the return of the Jedi to Marvel in an opening volume that begins with Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and ends with Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. In between, the rebels face a wealth of new perils - from space pirate Crimson Jack to the bounty hunter Beilert Valance, as well as a surprisingly svelte Jabba the Hut (one "t"). Luke goes back to Tatooine, Leia battles alone, Han and Chewie play the deadly Big Game, and Darth Vader hunts for answers! Revisit all your old favorites and discover some new ones!" according to the press release from Marvel.
While the gestating project begins, fans will get a chance to rejoice at the compilation of these classic "Star Wars" tales. It will no doubt be a hit with fans of the original series from the 1970's, as well as the new fans that weren't around back then. "Star Wars" continues to bridge the generation gap with the world that George Lucas created a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
