Dark Horse Comics started over its flagship Star Wars comic line last year with stories that go all the way back to the beginning, picking up where "Star Wars: A New Hope" left off. The new comic, simply titled "Star Wars," is written by Brian Wood with art by Carlos D'Anda and painted covers by the incomparable Alex Ross. Dark Horse described issue #1 this way:
This is Star Wars as you remember it... and as you have never seen it before! We're taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star — when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!
The graphic novel, "In the Shadow of Yavin," collects issues #1-6 of the comic book, and in honor of Comic-Con 2014, Apple is giving the digital version away 100% free. The full-color e-book is 152 pages long, and also includes Dark Horse's "Star Wars" comic that was made for Free Comic Book Day 2013.
The story finds the Rebellion on the run after Luke Skywalker successfully destroyed the Death Star. When Princess Leia finds reason to suspect there may be an Imperial spy among the Rebels, she puts together a secret X-Wing squadron to root out the spy and find a new home base for the Rebels. While Luke joins this clandestine squadron, Han Solo and Chewbacca embark on a covert mission of their own.
"Star Wars" is one of the last major releases for Dark Horse's Star Wars line. The property will revert back to Marvel next year with a new slate of books. Of course the change has to do with Disney now owning all things Star Wars, as well as owning Marvel.
"Star Wars: Vol. 1 - In the Shadow of Yavin" is a free download from July 24 through July 30, 2014.
