Star Wars has very much entered a new era since Disney's acquisition of the brand and is even more determined to utilize every storytelling opportunity to add a new piece to the canon timeline. Marvel and IDW Publishing have been the gatekeepers of these narratives within the comic book world and have created some truly memorable pieces of the lore.
For fans who are trying to get to grips with the new canon and experience some of the most important stories in their comic book form, then there are some vital books to pick up that boast debuting and returning characters alike. Many of these comics have gone on extensive runs while others have been limited series.
10 Darth Maul (2017)
Darth Maul is one of the most influential characters in Star Wars lore yet hasn't had much of a chance to thrive outside of the animated canon set out by the likes of Clone Wars and Rebels. For those who want to explore Maul further in publishing, this mini-series is perfect.
The 5 issue run was written by Cullen Bunn with art from Luke Ross. The story follows Maul on a final test before he can face his destiny as a Sith Lord. He seeks out a Jedi slave who he wishes to slay to quell his rage and hunger for blood. It's a violent look at the psyche of this vengeful son of Dathomir and a familiar starting comic for beginners.
9 Kanan: The Last Padawan (2015)
This Kanan comic has been at the center of controversy in regards to how Disney currently treats its canon and how it may have created a plot hole. It's therefore a must-read for fans to fully understand the debate and also to get a deeper look at Kanan Jarrus, the Jedi warrior Star Wars Rebels fans will be most familiar with.
Expertly written by Greg Weisman with art from Pepe Larraz and the rest of the talented team behind the book, the story takes fans through the origins of Kanan and how Order 66 turned his world upside-down. Of course, The Bad Batch has partially re-written this origin story, but it's possible the two versions will somehow be linked with one another in the future.
8 Star Wars: Showdown On The Smuggler's Moon (2015)
The Star Wars titular run was really the flagship for Marvel Comics at the time of its release and an opportunity for the publishing brand to revisit iconic characters and introduce some of their own. Technically starting in issue 8 but overflowing briefly into issue 6, Showdown On The Smuggler's Moon acts as the debut of the popular Sana Starros.
Written by Jason Aaron with art from Stuart Immonen the arc was really the second of the series and demonstrated that the team could introduce a memorable new character. Starros claimed to be the former wife of Han Solo before it was revealed that the marriage was really an elaborate ruse for a former heist. It's a great read for fans who want to know about an important comic character.
7 War Of The Bounty Hunters (2021)
2021 has been a huge year for Star Wars comics as Lucasfilm has launched a number of new initiatives which seek to take advantage of all of their platforms. In the realm of comics, Marvel has helped to create the War Of The Bounty Hunters crossover, which impacts almost every ongoing Star Wars title.
While there is lots to know about this event fans should check out the main mini-series titled War Of The Bounty Hunters which boasts the work of writer Charles Soule and artist Luke Ross. The narrative is sparked by the criminal underworld fighting over the carbon-frozen body of smuggler Han Solo and takes place before the events of Return Of The Jedi.
6 The High Republic: There Is No Fear (2021)
The High Republic is another initiative started by Lucasfilm which spans across their books, comics, and even video games as well as potentially having a cinematic future as well. It's a brand new era in the galaxy far far away and There Is No Fear is a good comic arc to get introduced to the time period.
Written by Cavan Scott with art from Ario Anindito, the story sees the introduction of a whole host of new characters and the deadly enemy that will continue to resurface in the era. It sets out some of the major conflicts and disasters of the period and follows a Jedi Padawan trying to complete her training amongst the chaos.
5 Star Wars Adventures Omnibus: Vol 1 (2020)
Star Wars should be enjoyed by everyone and with that in mind, IDW Publishing has created a series that can be enjoyed by kids! The series jumps across the timeline and focuses on some of the franchise's most famous characters, from Luke Skywalker to Rey.
There are too many talented people involved in the project to name, but in 2020 IDW released a Volume 1 omnibus, which collected together issues 0-11 of the series, as well as the annual and free comic book day edition. It's the perfect place for younger fans to get to grips with comics alongside familiar faces.
4 Jedi Fallen Order: Dark Temple (2019)
Marvel has been incredibly keen to fill in any gaps of the canon in the wider Star Wars brand and therefore jumped at an opportunity for a tie-in comic based upon the widely successful video game Jedi Fallen Order. The comic is a mini-series and sets the stage as a prequel to the events of the game.
Dark Temple takes the character of Cere Junda, an ally to Cal Kestis in the video game, and shoots back to the days when she was a Padawan. Written by Matthew Rosenberg with art from Paolo Villanelli, the series demonstrates how impulsive this young Jedi was before she ultimately shuts herself off from the Force.
3 Doctor Aphra: A Rogue's End (2019)
Fans of Darth Vader in the comics will know that he has a complex relationship with one of his former allies, Doctor Aphra. The character became incredibly popular in the pages of Vader's own series and resultantly was given her own comic run that audiences adored.
Its finale was the perfect ending for the character, with A Rogue's End running from issue 37 to 40. The project came from writer Simon Spurrier and artist Caspar Wijngaard and saw the character finally face her fate against her father and Vader in a conflict which decides her destiny moving forward. It's a good demonstration of long-term storytelling.
2 Galaxy's Edge
Surprisingly, Marvel was even keen to help promote Galaxy's Edge, the Star Wars-themed land that was opening up at multiple Disney Parks. They created the 5 issue mini-series to take fans on a journey through the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu.
From writer Ethan Sacks and artist Will Sliney the series shows fans the absolute hive of scum and villainy that has been known to operate on this Outer Rim world. The series is perfect for those who want the backstory of the Disney experience before visiting the Parks.
1 Vader: Dark Visions
Many comic book fans will be aware that some of Marvel's best work in the realms of Star Wars has been with the Darth Vader character. Dark Visions is a good way into the Darth Vader arcs and shows the depth that these comics have given the Sith Lord.
Writer Dennis Hallum and a team of artists including Paolo Villanelli, Brian Level, David López, Stephen Mooney, and Geraldo Borges have created a story that somehow paints Vader as the hero of the Empire amongst those systems that benefit from the warrior. It's an alternate take that can only be executed this well in comics.
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