With the release of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens just around the corner (aahhh!), we’re feeling the Force big-time. Luckily for us – and for you – we’ve been surrounded by awesome Star Wars books here at Turnaround, from classic graphic re-tellings of the movies to collections of the new canonical comic books. If you’ve been going nuts watching the trailer on repeat, we suggest checking out some of the titles below to sate your appetite:
Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire
Shattered Empire is part of the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens multimedia publishing campaign, which comprises material that is part of the new official canon and relates directly to the events of The Force Awakens. This paperback is the complete collection of the comics that follow Luke, Han, Leia and some of their fellow Rebels through the aftermath of the Battle of Endor. As the title suggests, the Empire is not yet fully dismantled, and the tone of this graphic novel is stark in contrast to the uber-cuddly Ewok party that closes Episode VI. Among all the titles released around the new movie, this is the must-read story to get you psyched for December 17.
Star Wars Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes
Collecting issues #1-6 of the ongoing Star Wars comics, this paperback follows the gang on Alliance adventures happening in between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. This is the flagship series of Marvel’s reclaimed Star Wars comics, and is going to make for great reading while we patiently wait for Episode VIII news (is anyone else so excited they forget we’re getting THREE MOVIES instead of just The Force Awakens!?).
Marvel have given Vader his own ongoing series that roughly coincides with their Star Wars comics, telling the story of the Empire’s war from the other side. This is an intriguing one in its perspective and also in the way it shows Vader’s vulnerability – he’s got a rival for Palpatine’s attention! Volume 1 collects the first six-issue arc.
This complete collection of Leia’s own adventure explores her personality in a really thoughtful way: how can the Princess honour Alderaan and her people now that her home planet is no more? Full of her kick-ass wit, this is a great spin-off arc. Lando and Chewbacca will also each get their own five-issue paperbacks in 2016!
Marvel have remastered their original illustrated adaptations that were released in tandem with the films. These three hardbacks are beautiful additions to a fan’s collection.
Star Wars have been taken into Marvel’s Epic Collection program, which means they’ll be putting out oversized bumper hardback editions of different Star Wars comics from yore. These are Expanded Universe stories, now branded as Legends. Currently available are:
Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Volume 1
Legends Epic Collection: The New Republic Volume 1
Legends Epic Collection: The Old Republic Volume 1
Legends Epic Collection: Rise Of The Sith Volume 1
Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Volume 2
Legends Epic Collection: Infinities
The Original Marvel Years Omnibuses
Alongside the remasters mentioned above, Marvel are re-releasing their original Star Wars series, the very first Star Wars comics ever published. At a cool £95 each, these oversized hardbacks are a true collector’s item that offer unparalleled nostalgia kicks.
Kanan Volume 1: The Last Padawan
The star of the Rebels TV shows has been given his own ongoing series, with this paperback collecting the first six-issue arc. This one bridges the years between Clone Wars and Rebels and gives Kanan’s backstory after he escaped Order 66.
This hardback does what it says on the tin, collecting more variants and special features from the new Marvel Star Wars comics than you can shake your fist at.
For the organised Star Wars connoisseur, we’ve got a range of Moleskine notebooks and diaries that are bloody brilliant to look at.
These two cute little paperbacks from Kontur Publishing showcase the very best graffiti and stencil art (respectively) from around the world, categorised by movie and series. Look out for a competition to win Graff Wars on our Twitter!
Post by Heather Keane
Find our January-May 2016 Star Wars reading list here