A ‘Star Wars’ Marvel Comics Reading Guide

In 2015, Marvel launched a brand new period of Star Wars comics. Mostly set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, Marvel’s Star Wars #1 by Jason Aaron hit cabinets on January 14, 2015. One month later, Kieron Gillen’s Darth Vader #1 joined the social gathering, and that’s when it started. The two ongoing collection would crossover and ultimately spawn a cacophony of titles for years to come back. As of 2024, this epic has seen nicely over 300 problems with various and sometimes nice Star Wars tales dropped at life (not together with the handfuls of different Star Wars titles on the market). These tales could be canon, filling within the gaps of the unique trilogy.

So that begs the query: how is anybody presupposed to know the place to start out understanding that’s what they’re up in opposition to? If you’ve used any studying information earlier than, most will say there is no such thing as a right reply. With so many titles throughout each time interval and continuity, you must start with what pursuits you most. If you may have a favourite character, choose a title the place they’re headlined. If there may be an period you wish to study extra about, select that. But if you need extra steerage on that central canon saga, you’re in the proper place. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran making an attempt to know the litany of crossover occasions just like the just lately wrapped Dark Droids, there are many methods to make this explicit dive into Star Wars comics the most effective it may be.

While there are lots of sources on the market that cowl each single Star Wars title, this explicit one will likely be a complete studying information for the mainline collection which embrace: Star Wars (2015 & 2020), Darth Vader (2015, 2017, & 2020), Doctor Aphra (2016 & 2020), Bounty Hunters (2020), their varied crossovers like Vader Down (2015) and War of the Bounty Hunters (2021), and different associated ancillary collection which are price your eye. If a collection just isn’t included on this information, that solely means it’s a lot simpler to position in a timeline.

While we’re on the subject of timelines, this information gained’t essentially be chronological. Plenty are already on the market, and sure points learn higher at a sure level (typically as a consequence of crossover occasions or shock character appearances). If I really feel strongly about studying a selected challenge at a selected time, I’ll mark it in blue and clarify. Therefore, some minor spoilers could also be needed.

Unlike most Star Wars News Net articles, this isn’t designed to be a “learn in a single sitting” sort of fare. This is a residing useful resource supposed to be bookmarked for handy return when wanted and for future updates.

Before we get going, listed below are some organizational strategies. Split into phases, every will sign a reset level the place you’ll be able to hypothetically bounce in and never be utterly misplaced. (You nonetheless may be so don’t shoot the messenger in the event you skip forward.) Along the best way, there will likely be notes and sources so that you can make knowledgeable selections on consuming all the things. Those sources will likely be heavy in comics terminology, so in the event you aren’t acquainted, listed below are the fundamentals:

• Single or again challenge = It’s exactly what it feels like. A single challenge is one chapter in a collection. Star Wars #1, Darth Vader #7, and Doctor Aphra #31 are all single points. They may additionally be known as a again challenge, which is solely a earlier challenge launched at any level.
• Arc = Like in different media, a bunch of single points kind a narrative arc. Typically, every arc is 5 to 6 points lengthy to slot in a single assortment, however generally arcs will be shorter or longer.
• Miniseries = A restricted collection of about 4 to 6 single points. For instance, titles like Lando, Princess Leia, or Shattered Empire.
• Maxiseries = Often used interchangeably with a miniseries, however sometimes consists of two or three arcs. For instance, Kanan: The Last Padawan and Yoda.
• Ongoing Series = Similar to a multi-season tv present, an ongoing collection is a long-running comedian that doesn’t essentially have a set endpoint.
• Volume = The formal title for an arc when collected.
• Trade Paperback = The market title for what a quantity is collected in. Some collection get hardcover releases as an alternative of paperback.
• Omnibus = A big assortment of again points, normally within the vary of 20 or extra. They exist to gather an ongoing collection and different related points.
• One-Shot = A self-contained single challenge that will or could not tie into different issues.
• Annual = A one-shot a writer could launch as a technique to have a good time one other 12 months of the collection being on cabinets.
• Year = If a 12 months is referenced, which means the collection’ first challenge was launched in that individual 12 months. For instance, Darth Vader (2020) #1 was launched in 2020. As a consequence, Darth Vader (2020) #25 remains to be notated as such, though that challenge was launched in 2022. This is to assist differentiate it from Darth Vader (2017) #25, which was launched in 2018, and to have the ability to inform which line it’s part of.

If you like consuming digitally versus the entire bodily hullabaloo above, Marvel Unlimited may additionally be an excellent useful resource for you.

Phase 1: Vader Down

Overview

The first leg of the journey picks up after A New Hope. The Rebellion continues to push their luck after destroying the Death Star whereas Luke seeks to study extra in regards to the Force. Meanwhile, Darth Vader is pushed to his limits, being examined on all fronts by an Emperor who now not has confidence in him. Making issues worse is a Force-sensitive, Death Star-destroying child Vader must study extra about. All of this coalesces when the darkish lord finds himself as a one-man military in opposition to an Alliance who thinks they stand an opportunity. And possibly they do?

Because a part of the relaunch gimmick was that the 2 major ongoing collection, Star Wars and Darth Vader, would intersect, anticipate loads of leaping round. The first part encompasses Jason Aaron’s Star Wars (2015) #1-25, Kieron Gillen’s Darth Vader (2015) #1-25, and its crossover occasion, Vader Down. This part additionally sees the introduction of comedian mainstays Doctor Aphra, Sana Starros, and the deliciously evil inverses of C-3PO and R2. Murder droids Triple Zero and BT-1 come alongside for the trip that kicks this comedian saga off.

What Else Should I Read?

• Star Wars: Princess Leia: This miniseries happens virtually instantly after A New Hope. Leia remains to be reeling after dropping her residence planet, which leads her on a private mission to seek out what’s left of the individuals of Alderaan.
• Star Wars: Han Solo: A enjoyable miniseries with loads of shenanigans. It’s additionally good if you’re craving extra of Han Solo’s “legendary” flying abilities.
• Star Wars: Chewbacca: What occurs when a Wookiee simply desires to take a trip however has to assist a stranger who can’t perceive him? This miniseries has the reply.
• Star Wars: Lando: Its place within the timeline is a bit fuzzy, however this miniseries is a must-read because it ties into future storytelling. And it’s simply an extremely creative Lando journey. Expect this title to crop again up later.

What’s the Easiest Way To Find These Books?

Unless you’re a digital client, you’ll have a tough time discovering each again challenge for many of those collection, so your greatest guess goes the gathering route. Between paperbacks, hardcovers, omnibuses, and extra, accumulating can turn into very easy. Below are some fast hyperlinks, however extra choices can be found.

Reading Order

Star Wars Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes & Darth Vader Vol. 1: Vader

• Star Wars #1-3
• Darth Vader #1
• Star Wars #4
• Darth Vader #2-4
• Star Wars #5
• Darth Vader #5-6 (There is a shared second between every collection’ sixth points. The approach it performs out from Vader’s unobstructed POV is miles extra impactful, therefore why you must learn it first)
• Star Wars #6

From the Journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi

• Star Wars #7 (Luke finds Obi-Wan’s journal on Tatooine. The right play is to learn this mini-Obi-Wan trilogy of points without delay. You’ll really feel higher about your day. It even has its particular paperback, which you could find right here)
• Star Wars #15
• Star Wars #20

Star Wars Vol. 2: Showdown on the Smuggler’s Moon & Darth Vader Vol. 2: Shadows and Secrets

• Star Wars #8
• Star Wars Annual #4 (Chronologically, this takes place earlier, however don’t learn till after Sana Starros’ iconic introduction)
• Star Wars #9
• Darth Vader Annual #1 (See beneath)
• Star Wars #10-12
• Darth Vader #7-9
• Star Wars Annual #1 (Both the Darth Vader and Star Wars #1 annuals tie into post-Vader Down storytelling, so you’ll want to learn them earlier than you get to that time. This information splices them between arcs to keep away from spending too lengthy with one particular set of characters)
• Darth Vader #10-12

Vader Down

• Vader Down #1
• Darth Vader #13
• Star Wars #13
• Darth Vader #14
• Star Wars #14
• Darth Vader #15

Star Wars Vol. 3: Rebel Jail & Darth Vader Vol. 3: The Shu-Torun War

• Darth Vader #16-17 (After Aphra’s grand failure in Vader Down, her survival turns into paramount to the remainder of this part. Begin with these after which barrel into answering how Aphra lives to battle one other day)
• Star Wars #16-19
• Darth Vader #18-19

Star Wars Vol. 4: The Last Flight of the Harbinger & Darth Vader Vol. 4: End of Games

• Darth Vader #20-25
• Star Wars #21-25

Phase 2: The Doctor Aphra Takeover

Overview

After the unmitigated success of Doctor Aphra’s introduction in Darth Vader, the rogue archaeologist was rewarded along with her personal spinoff collection. Kieron Gillen was tapped to start the collection with it quickly being introduced that Jason Aaron could be leaving his Star Wars duties behind. With that impending exit, Aaron rendered his ultimate few problems with Star Wars with a melancholic really feel. Gillen would tackle that collection (within the subsequent part), leaving Aphra solely within the arms of Simon Spurrier. His tackle the character solid how we see her in 2024: a broken and layered particular person who could be able to a lot good if she simply wasn’t so good at self-sabotaging. This is a part of endings and new beginnings as Marvel experiments with what they need this saga to be.

The timeline turns into fairly a bit simpler to handle on this part, comprising of Star Wars (2015) #26-37, Doctor Aphra (2016) #1-31, and their crossover occasion, Screaming Citadel (2017). There are additionally a number of annuals to think about.

What Else Should I Read?

• Star Wars: Darth Vader (2017):  This part lacks Vader, so in the event you want a little bit of darkish facet enjoyable, right here’s this. Taking place instantly after Revenge of the Sith, this ongoing collection takes you thru Vader’s journey to completely embracing the darkish facet of the Force. Along the best way are Clone Wars tie-ins, the start of the Inquisitors, a life-affirming arc on Mustafar, and the start of Vader’s Castle. Charles Soule took the Vader baton and crafted what may be the gold customary of Star Wars comics for years to come back. Elements of this story will tie into tales down the road, so studying is extremely beneficial. And simply as a Star Wars fan, you’d be doing your self a disservice to not examine this out.

What’s the Easiest Way To Find These Books?

Unless you’re a digital client, you’re going to have a tough time discovering each again challenge for many of those collection, so your greatest guess goes the gathering route. Between paperbacks, hardcovers, omnibuses, and extra, accumulating can turn into very easy. Below are some fast hyperlinks, however extra choices can be found.

Reading Order

Star Wars Vol. 5: Yoda’s Secret War

• Star Wars Annual #2
• Star Wars #26-30

Doctor Aphra Vol. 1: Aphra

Screaming Citadel

• Screaming Citadel #1
• Star Wars #31
• Doctor Aphra #7
• Star Wars #32
• Doctor Aphra #8

Star Wars #33 (A pleasant Screaming Citadel epilogue for Luka and Leia)

Doctor Aphra Vol. 2: Doctor Aphra and the Enormous Profit

• Doctor Aphra Annual #1
• Doctor Aphra #9-13

Star Wars Vol. 6: Out Among the Stars

• Star Wars #34-37
• Star Wars Annual #3

Doctor Aphra Vol. 3: Remastered

Doctor Aphra Vol. 4: The Catastrophe Con

Doctor Aphra Vol. 5: Worst Among Equals

• Doctor Aphra #26-31
• Doctor Aphra Annual #2

Phase 3: The Road to Episode V

Overview

By 2019, the three-year hole between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back was wanting fairly full. Kieron Gillen is now accountable for the Star Wars line, and his pen breathed new life into the collection. Rogue One followers will wish to take particular notice as he kicks his run off with a harrowing return to Jedha. General Draven additionally has an important position through the Rebellion’s darkest hour (Star Wars Vol. 9), all resulting in the start of Rogue Squadron and a bitter rivalry between Queen Trios of Shu-Torun and Princess Leia.

Elsewhere, Doctor Aphra is caught in the midst of all the things Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire. But all else is pushed apart when she finds herself within the crosshairs of Darth Vader, a Sith Lord who thought her lifeless. Also becoming a member of the fray is Beilert Valance, a human-cyborg with a vendetta in opposition to Darth Vader to hold out.

The street to Episode V is fraught with peril and tough ethical selections that would change the course of the galaxy perpetually. War is soiled, and this part showcases that. Encompassing it are Star Wars (2015) #38-75, Doctor Aphra (2016) #32-40, Target Vader (2019), Lando (in the event you haven’t already learn it), and The Storms of Crait and Empire Ascendant one-shots.

What Else Should I Read?

What’s the Easiest Way To Find These Books?

Unless you’re a digital client, you’re going to have a tough time discovering each again challenge for many of those collection, so your greatest guess goes the gathering route. Between paperbacks, hardcovers, omnibuses, and extra, accumulating can turn into very easy. Below are some fast hyperlinks, however extra choices can be found.

Overview

The Rebellion is scattered. Han Solo is frozen in carbonite. Luke Skywalker simply found a horrible reality about his father. The catastrophic occasions of The Empire Strikes Back want no additional introduction. So when Marvel relaunched their storytelling in 2020 to cowl the interval between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, there was loads of enthusiasm. It was such a fertile floor for wealthy storytelling, and canon had largely left it alone as much as that time. This was a giant deal. And asserting 4 ongoing collection confirmed that Marvel agreed. All 4 received off to a scorching begin (admittedly to various levels of high quality), and it felt like we had one thing particular cooking.

Lando turns into a number one participant in Charles Soule’s Star Wars. While the Empire hunts down what’s left of the Alliance below the ruthless command of Tarkin’s one-time protégé, Commander Zahra, Lando leads our heroes again to Cloud City. Luke is left to seek for his lightsaber, however he in the end finds a brand new route in his journey to changing into a Jedi. Elsewhere, Greg Pak’s Darth Vader exhibits a darkish lord with a soul damaged in two. Opening up the wound of Luke has introduced again reminiscences of his misplaced spouse, which leads him on a journey to… extra reminiscences of Padmé when he’s reunited with somebody near her. The deeper Exegol-related secrets and techniques of the Emperor are additionally revealed as he checks Vader once more. The man simply can’t have good issues.

Aphra, as soon as and for all free from Vader (completely 100% no probability of operating into him once more), has a brand new workforce and new wacky misadventures to go on. Alyssa Wong’s Doctor Aphra has shone a prolific gentle on the character, and it runs her proper into the ready arms of the Tagge Corporation, who wring her dry of all she’s price. Lastly, Ethan Sacks’ Bounty Hunters takes on the duty of giving life to the now notorious line-up from The Empire Strikes Back. The underworld is about to blow up, with warring crime syndicates vying for energy. Beilert Valance returns for a payday, however Boba Fett is rarely far behind.

This part contains the primary two arcs of every collection: Star Wars (2020) #1-12, Darth Vader (2020) #1-11, Doctor Aphra (2020) #1-9, and Bounty Hunters (2020) #1-11. Crossovers are minimal on this chunk of tales, so you’ll be able to learn nonetheless you need. The studying order will mirror that too, so benefit from the peace whilst you can.

What Else Should I Read?

• Star Wars: Darth Vader (2017): One final pitch. In some ways, this collection makes an excellent companion piece to the 2020 version of Darth Vader. When Anakin Skywalker turned to the darkish facet, there was at all times a molecule of sunshine in him. No matter what Darth Sidious did to extinguish it, that gentle remained. And that gentle was Padmé. It tortures him all through the 2020 collection, nevertheless it was first set (actually) ablaze right here.

What’s the Easiest Way To Find These Books?

Unless you’re a digital client, you’re going to have a tough time discovering each again challenge for many of those collection, so your greatest guess goes the gathering route. Between paperbacks, hardcovers, and extra, accumulating can turn into very easy. Below are some fast hyperlinks, however extra choices can be found. As these collection are ongoing, particular collections like omnibuses may not be obtainable at the moment.

Reading Order

Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path

Darth Vader Vol. 1: Dark Heart of the Sith

• Darth Vader #1-5 (Issue #1 and  Star Wars #1 happen roughly concurrently, however good luck stopping with Vader after that first challenge cliffhanger)

Darth Vader Vol. 2: Into the Fire

Star Wars Vol. 2: Operation Starlight

• Star Wars #7-12 (Note: regardless of being part of the arc, challenge #12 just isn’t collected within the Vol. 2 commerce paperback. It will be discovered within the Vol. 3 paperback)

Bounty Hunters Vol. 1: Galaxy’s Deadliest

Doctor Aphra Vol. 1: Fortune and Fate

Bounty Hunters Vol. 2: Target Valance

Doctor Aphra Vol. 2: The Engine Job

• Doctor Aphra #6-9 (If you’re studying this arc off of the commerce paperback, as an FYI, challenge #10 is greatest learn through the subsequent part)

Overview

In Star Wars Legends, a giant multimedia occasion referred to as Shadows of the Empire took over the galaxy throughout this timeframe. In canon, we’ve what I affectionately name the Qi’ra Saga. Yeah, that’s proper. Qi’ra and Crimson Dawn are again to stake their declare, and anybody who will get of their approach pays. War of the Bounty Hunters is the primary of three Marvel crossover occasions centered round Qi’ra, all spearheaded by Charles Soule. What which means for the 4 ongoing collection is that also they are thrown into turmoil as they cope with the reappearance of Qi’ra. Forget all the things you understand in the event you dare enterprise into this part recent as a result of that is your life now.

Crimson Dawn’s first act is stealing the carbonite husk of Han Solo from Boba Fett. Their second act is inviting everybody who’s anybody together with the Rebellion, Empire, gangsters, bounty hunters, and extra, to public sale the scoundrel off. From there, all hell breaks unfastened. War of the Bounty Hunters consists of particular person arcs for the 4 ongoing 2020 collection, 4 character one-shots, the alpha one-shot, and the central five-issue miniseries.

What Else Should I Read?

There isn’t a lot else to look into at this level. While you’re right here, some fast private suggestions embrace Obi-Wan & Anakin, Darth Maul, Kanan: The Last Padawan, and Shattered Empire. If you take pleasure in Beilert Valance, now may be a great time to find extra about his relationship with Han Solo. For that, you’ll be able to learn Han Solo: Imperial Cadet.

What’s the Easiest Way To Find These Books?

Unless you’re a digital client, you’re going to have a tough time discovering each again challenge for many of those collection, so your greatest guess goes the gathering route. Between paperbacks, hardcovers, omnibuses, and extra, accumulating can turn into very easy. Below are some fast hyperlinks, however extra choices can be found. There is a whole War of the Bounty Hunters omnibus if all else fails you, though it’s order may not be the identical because the one beneath.

Reading Order

The greatest technique to learn War of the Bounty Hunters (WotBH) is by single points. Many points cross over and repeat occasions, play with the timeline, introduce characters, and a few — truthfully — aren’t excellent. This order is designed to present you a well-paced studying expertise so that you aren’t worn down. My supply? Trust me bro.

Prelude

• War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha #1
• Star Wars #13
• Bounty Hunters #12
• Darth Vader #12
• Doctor Aphra #10

Main Story

• War of the Bounty Hunters #1
• Bounty Hunters #13-15
• 4-LOM and Zuckuss #1 (After studying Bounty Hunters #15, this one-shot exhibits what occurred to this pairing in the event you’re )
• Darth Vader #13
• Doctor Aphra #11
• Star Wars #14
• Doctor Aphra #12 (Aphra mega-fans, you’ll wish to learn this earlier than WotBH challenge #2)
• War of the Bounty Hunters #2
• Darth Vader #14-15 (Placed right here to protect the twist in WotBH challenge #2)
• Jabba the Hutt #1 (Similar to the earlier entry, this one-shot is positioned to be learn after studying extra in regards to the Hutts’ motivations in the principle story)
• Star Wars #15
• War of the Bounty Hunters #3
• Doctor Aphra #13-15 (Placed right here as a buffer earlier than attending to the third act of the principle story. Can be learn at any time when)
• Star Wars #16
• War of the Bounty Hunters #4
• Bounty Hunters #16
• Darth Vader #16
• Star Wars #17
• War of the Bounty Hunters #5

Aftermath

• Darth Vader #17
• Bounty Hunters #17
• Boushh #1
• IG-88 #1
• Star Wars #18 (The final challenge you must learn in WotBH, because it simply… is smart)

Overview

After the War of the Bounty Hunters, Qi’ra declared this the start of her “crimson reign.” This beefier, advanced part covers the ultimate two elements of Charles Soule’s Qi’ra Saga, the Crimson Reign and Hidden Empire crossover occasions.

Qi’ra challenges the center of the Empire, the Sith, in an all-out conflict. Meanwhile, Darth Vader isn’t about to let Crimson Dawn reside to see their purpose. One of his toys is Beilert Valance, who finds himself entangled within the Empire’s grip and should resolve if it’s price dropping what’s left of his humanity to see the love of his life once more. The remaining bounty hunters should go on their very own, however their purpose stays the identical: save Cadeliah and finish the struggling within the underworld.

Doctor Aphra’s story swirls round harmful toys from a darkish facet cult often known as the Ascendant, and it would simply take everybody she likes to get her out of this new mess she finds herself in. Finally, Leia works to convey the Rebel Alliance again to full energy, however first she should cope with the ultimate plight of Commander Zahra. After failing to confront his father instantly, Luke should as soon as and for all determine himself out. It leads him right into a reckoning with Jedi of previous, particularly these of High Republic origin.

Return of the Jedi breadcrumbs are additionally starting to be planted, however the journey there may be nonetheless lengthy and arduous. Many you’re keen on will lose their approach, and Qi’ra is the puppet grasp to all of it. This part contains the Crimson Reign and Hidden Empire miniseries, the Revelations one-shot, Star Wars (2020) #19-33, Darth Vader (2020) #18-32, Doctor Aphra (2020) #16-30, and Bounty Hunters (2020) #18-34.

What Else Should I Read?

• Star Wars: Han Solo & Chewbacca (2022): If you’ve missed the prized duo, now is an efficient time to get your repair. Taking place someday after the occasions of Solo: A Star Wars Story, Marc Guggenheim’s maxiseries has fairly the deal with in retailer. Crossing over often with the present occasions of this part and establishing future occasions after the Qi’ra Saga is full, Han crosses paths with many, together with… his father?
• Star Wars: Sana Starros (2023): Do you just like the character and wish to study extra? Then that is the miniseries for you. Probably learn after Doctor Aphra (2020) #31 although.

What’s the Easiest Way To Find These Books?

If your native comedian ebook store retains a great stock of again points, you may need luck discovering a few of these. In every other case, until you’re a digital client, your greatest guess goes the gathering route. Between paperbacks, hardcovers, omnibuses, and extra, accumulating can turn into very easy. Below are some fast hyperlinks, however extra choices can be found.

Reading Order

There is sweet information and dangerous information. The excellent news is that, for probably the most half, these collection say, “Oh, Crimson Dawn is right here now,” and transfer on with their lives. You can prioritize what you need and be nice. The dangerous information is that in the event you deal with this part like a full-on cinematic occasion, good luck. There isn’t loads of direct crossover like there was throughout War of the Bounty Hunters, however a couple of essential occasions complicate issues, which the next order hopes to make some logical sense of.

Crimson Reign

• Crimson Reign #1
• Star Wars #19-20
• Doctor Aphra #16-18
• Bounty Hunters #18-20
• Star Wars #21
• Crimson Reign #2 (For Bounty Hunters readers, this challenge needs to be learn first earlier than going into Star Wars #22)
• Star Wars #22-24
• Star Wars #25 (This challenge stands alone from all the things else. Soule revisits prior collection he authored like Poe Dameron, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan & Anakin, and The Rise of Kylo Ren)
• Crimson Reign #3-4
• Darth Vader #18-28 (Yes, 11 straight problems with Darth Vader. You strive making neat sense of what number of occasions he seems all through all of those points)
• Bounty Hunters #21-26
• Crimson Reign #5
• Star Wars #26-28
• Doctor Aphra #19-26
• Bounty Hunters #27-28

Hidden Empire

• Bounty Hunters #29-31 (The least assured placement on this information. Putting right here so you’ll be able to learn the meat of the Hidden Empire story principally unimpeded)
• Hidden Empire #1
• Star Wars: Revelations (2022) #1
• Hidden Empire #2-3
• Doctor Aphra #27-29
• Hidden Empire #4-5
• Doctor Aphra #30-31 (The occasions of challenge #30 work higher as a small epilogue to Hidden Empire #5)
• Bounty Hunters #32-34 (Something in challenge #32 locations it after Hidden Empire #5)
• Star Wars #29-33 (Not the tidiest ordering, however Luke’s arc traces up higher with occasions post-Hidden Empire #5)
• Darth Vader #29-32

Phase 7: Dark Droids and the Road to Episode VI

Overview

The occasions of Hidden Empire have despatched literal ripples within the Force rumbling throughout the galaxy. Luke doesn’t fairly perceive these mysterious waves of power; all he is aware of is that his yellow lightsaber is ineffective, so he’s looking for a brand new cyber crystal. The Emperor revels within the power flowing via him, whereas Vader falls again into previous traumas, which solely pulls previous muses again in. The Rebellion additionally already is aware of in regards to the second Death Star, which could have hilariously damaged canon? Basically, nothing is smart proper now, so what higher time to leap in.

Unbeknownst to the galaxy, a brand new menace arises. From the ashes of Qi’ra’s Fermata Cage is the Scourge, an evil droid entity that unites with the Spark Eternal to convey a horror, in contrast to something within the trendy Star Wars galaxy. Dark Droids is the newest grand-scale crossover, and no person is secure. As the runway to Episode VI’s touchdown pad narrows, a number of tales start approaching their grand conclusion.

Almost two years in the past, I wrote this piece, dissecting how Marvel is bridging the hole between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Since that piece, whereas there’s been an ungodly quantity of wheel spinning, the Marvel workforce remains to be on observe. But now greater than ever, they’ll’t get misplaced. The core query of that piece stays: how does Luke attain some extent the place he can confidently stand in opposition to the Emperor and save his father?

This part encompasses Star Wars (2020) #34-current, Darth Vader (2020) #33-current, Doctor Aphra (2020) #32-40, Bounty Hunters #35-42, the Dark Droids and Dark Droids: D-Squad miniseries, and the Revelations 2023 one-shot.

What Else Should I Read?

• Star Wars: Han Solo & Chewbacca (2022): As talked about earlier on this information, this maxiseries ties closely into future storylines. Han Solo & Chewbacca has extra details about the automaton Ajax Sigma forward of Dark Droids and introduces some characters that reappear in Bounty Hunters.

What’s the Easiest Way To Find These Books?

This is your reminder to help your native comedian store, as many again points on this part needs to be available. Trade paperbacks will start filtering out as 2024 progresses. You can discover the pre-order hyperlinks beneath:

Reading Order

Chronologically, the jury remains to be deliberating on learn how to make sense of this crossover. Therefore, this order is predicated on Marvel’s ultimate adjusted Dark Droids guidelines, with some private changes to account for spoilers and the absolute best studying expertise.

Prelude

• Darth Vader #33-36
• Doctor Aphra #32-34
• Star Wars #34-36
• Bounty Hunters #35-36

Dark Droids

• Dark Droids #1
• Star Wars #37
• Doctor Aphra #35
• Bounty Hunters #37
• Dark Droids #2
• Bounty Hunters #38-39
• Doctor Aphra #36-37
• Star Wars #38-39
• D-Squad #1 (Can be learn anytime after Dark Droids #2)
• Dark Droids #3 (This challenge spoils occasions of Bounty Hunters #39, Doctor Aphra #37, and Star Wars #39. Dark Droids #3 is greatest learn after IMO)
• Darth Vader #37-39 (Issue #37 is listed close to the start of Marvel’s checklist, however it’s right here as a result of the Scourge mentions concentrating on Vader, one thing it solely does after Dark Droids #2 and #3)
• Dark Droids #4
• Doctor Aphra #38
• Darth Vader #40 (Marvel’s information lists this earlier than Dark Droids #4, however selection is the spice of life)
• Star Wars #40 (Marvel’s information lists this earlier than Dark Droids #4, however there’s a panel on this challenge that locations it after)
• Bounty Hunters #40
• D-Squad #2-4 (A pleasant buffer earlier than the finale. Can be learn anytime after Dark Droids #3)
• Dark Droids #5
• Star Wars #41 (Please. Read. After. Dark. Droids. Number. Five.)
• Bounty Hunters #41
• Darth Vader #41
• Doctor Aphra #39

The Present

• Star Wars: Revelations (2023) #1
• Darth Vader #42
• Star Wars #42
• Bounty Hunters #42 (the collection finale)
• Doctor Aphra #40 (the collection finale)

For all intents and functions, 2024 is a brand new part in spirit. Bounty Hunters and Doctor Aphra (2020) are each ending in January 2024, whereas Darth Vader (2020) and Star Wars (2020) appear to be heading proper into their respective endgames. Once 2024 performs out a bit extra, we are able to reassess when declaring a brand new part could also be warranted.

As this newest part unfolds, this information will likely be periodically up to date to mirror what we all know. If you learn points by way of Marvel Unlimited, keep in mind that new single points don’t get added till about three months after launch.

If there may be something that you simply wish to see added or revised on this information, tell us within the feedback beneath, on our contact web page, or our varied social media channels.

Nate makes use of his love for Star Wars and flicks typically as a approach to deal with the ache of being a Minnesota sports activities fan. When he is not on the theater, you’ll be able to normally discover Nate studying a comic book, listening to an audiobook, or enjoying a Mario online game for the 1,000th time.