Still haunted by the death of Anakin Skywalker’s beloved Padmé in Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader is tasked with a mission to locate a lost Imperial expeditionary force–led by the son of Vader’s rising nemesis, Moff Tarkin. But the perils of Vader’s journey into the unexplored Ghost Nebula are compounded by traitors among his crew and the presence of the system’s religious leader, Lady Saro.
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Disney/LucasFilm have released a brand new trailer and poster for SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, starring Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke, and Woody Harrelson! What do you all think?
Disney/LucasFilm have released several character posters and trailer for this summers’s SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, starring Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke, and Woody Harrelson! What do you all think?
(W) Kelly Thompson (A) Marco Checchetto (CA) Paul Renaud
As the excitement ramps up for this December’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, come back with us to the final moments of The Force Awakens and the destruction of Starkiller Base to learn the fate of Captain Phasma! Captured by the Resistance and thrown into a garbage masher, we follow the chrome-adorned warrior from the site of the First Order’s biggest defeat to the doorstep of this holiday season’s biggest blockbuster! Written by Kelly Thompson (HAWKEYE, STAR WARS ANNUAL 2016) and drawn by Marco Checchetto (STAR WARS: SHATTERED EMPIRE, STAR WARS: SCREAMING CITADEL), Captain Phasma will recondition you to love Star Wars again!
2017 marks 40 years of your favorite local comic book store, Austin Books & Comics! In celebration of this, we’ll be having some new features over the next few weeks and months.
Today happens to be May 25th, which in addition to being in the middle of Austin Books & Comics’ 40th year, it’s also the 40th anniversary of one of the most influential, important to popular culture, and greatest sci-fi fantasy epics of all time, STAR WARS!
There’s no question to Star Wars’ influence on cinema, whether it’s the distinct style of storytelling, the mashup of fantasy and sci-fi tropes, use of classic heroic archetypes (the most famous being Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey”), and just the distinct sense of adventure. From noble knights taking on one last mission, to dark lords hunting their prey across the galaxy, to selfish rogues discovering a sense of purpose, to humble farmers being thrust into greatness, Star Wars has inspired generations of fans.
Not only that, but by creating what was essentially an homage to the sci-fi adventure serials of his youth, George Lucas has inspired storytellers to share their tales of thrills and adventure. Filmmakers such as Ridley Scott (Alien), Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira), James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), Joss Whedon (Firefly, Serenity), and countless more cite Star Wars as a direct influence on their filmmaking style. Whether it’s the grungy, worn-in halls of the Nostromo in Alien, the colorful alien hub of Knowhere in Guardians of the Galaxy, or the small band of rebels fighting against an oppressive regime in space in Serenity, Star Wars is easily one of the most influential films of our time, and with every new film, TV show, book, comic, video game, and more, grows and inspires more and more fans.
Here’s to 40 years of adventure in that galaxy far, far away, and to many, many more.
What’s your favorite part of the Star Wars canon? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT!
Following the blockbuster finale of Darth Vader #25, the fan-favorite character begins a new journey in STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #1 – the new ongoing series coming this December! From superstar writer Kieron Gillen (Darth Vader) and fan-favorite artist Kev Walker (Marvel Zombies) comes Marvel’s first ongoing series starring an original character created in the comics!
Following her time in the clutches of Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra has barely escaped with her life. If he ever learns of her survival, he’ll hunt her to the ends of the galaxy. But for now, it’s time for a return to what she does best. With the droids 0-0-0 and BT-1 in tow, she’s off in search of rare artifacts from the galactic center to the Outer Rim and everywhere in between. Aphra’s got debts to pay after all. Just as long as she can stay one step ahead of the Empire, some Bounty Hunters and just about everyone else in the galaxy!
Welcome to the Austin Books & Comics New Reader Guide! We’re here to introduce some of our favorite books that you may not already know about, and maybe even help you find your next favorite comic series!
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
Starting in 2015, Marvel has been releasing all-new, in-canon comics, written and drawn by some of the top names in comics today. Primarily taking place just after A New Hope, these books are accessible, exciting, and most importantly have that classic Star Wars feel.
In this guide you’ll find all of the new Star Wars titles to date that Marvel has published.
All titles are available at the store, and if not we will be happy to special order them for you!
Ongoing Series
Star Wars
The main ongoing series, Star Wars picks up immediately after A New Hope. The series centers around the main cast of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3PO in their continuing fight against the Empire. This series absolutely captures the feel of the original film, both in visual style and characterization. In addition to the main characters, the occasional issue features a story “From The Journals of Old Ben Kenobi,” centering around Obi-Wan Kenobi during his time in exile on Tatooine, as well as tales of Yoda during his time in the Jedi Order.
Written by: Jason Aaron Art by: John Cassaday, Stuart Immonen, Mike Deodato, Jr., Mike Mayhew, Leinil Yu Number of volumes (to date): 6
Darth Vader (2017)
The new Darth Vader series picks up exactly at the end of Revenge of the Sith, and finds the newly-armored Darth Vader seeking to fully embrace the Dark Side of the Force and take his place at the Emperor’s side. Part of his quest includes seeking to complete with distinct red lightsaber, and hunting down the few remaining Jedi Knights that escaped Order 66.
Written by: Charles Soule Art by: Giuseppe Camuncoli Number of volumes (to date): 1
Poe Dameron
Poe Dameron takes place before The Force Awakens, and centers around the fan-favorite pilot and his elite Black Squadron as they struggle against the forces of the First Order. The series also features backup stories about BB-8 and the droid’s adventures with the Resistance.
Written by: Charles Soule Art by: Phil Noto Number of volumes (to date): 3
Doctor Aphra
Spinning out of the concluded Darth Vader series, Doctor Aphra follows the amoral archaeologist adventurer along with her assassin droids BT-1 and 000 and Wookiee bounty hunter Black Krrsantan as she seeks wealth and riches amongst the scum and villainy of the galaxy.
Written by: Kieron Gillen Art by: Kev Walker Number of volumes (to date): 1
Limited Series and One-Shots
C-3PO
A special one-shot issue, C-3PO depicts the droid returning from a mission with several Imperial intelligence droids. Taking place shortly before The Force Awakens, this surprisingly poignant issue explores themes of the nature of war and the people on opposing sides, and explains the droid’s randomly red arm in the film.
Written by: James Robinson Art by: Tony Harris
Captain Phasma
Bridging the gap between The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, this miniseries follows the chrome-clad stormtrooper captain as she escapes the destruction of Starkiller Base with the help of a TIE Fighter pilot, and their subsequent pursuit of an officer she blames for allowing the Resistance to exploit a weakness in the base’s defense.
Written by: Kelly Thompson Art by: Marco Checchetto
Cassian and K-2SO
This one-shot depicts the first encounter of Rebel intelligence operative Cassian Andor and Imperial enforcer droid K-2SO, and the mission that ultimately lead to the droid’s capture and reprogramming to fight for the Rebel Alliance.
Written by: Duane Swierczynski Art by: Fernando Blanco
Chewbacca
Taking place after A New Hope, the Chewbacca miniseries centers around everyone’s favorite Wookiee co-pilot as he goes on a solo mission. Along the way, he crash lands on a mining colony run by a corrupt gang boss. He befriends a young girl named Zarro, and sets out to help her free her people from their overlords and the Imperial seeking to rule the planet.
Written by: Gerry Duggan Art by: Phil Noto
Darth Maul
Depicting the fan-favorite Sith in the time just before The Phantom Menace as he prepares for his first encounter with the hated Jedi.
Written by: Cullen Bunn Art by: Luke Ross
Darth Vader
Concluding at issue #25, Darth Vader was the second major ongoing series, and centers around the titular Dark Lord of the Sith as he seeks to rebuild his standing with the Emperor after the destruction of the Death Star. Taking place concurrently with Star Wars, there are occasionally scenes that will be in both books but from different perspectives. This series depicts Vader as an almost sympathetic protagonist, exploring his relationships with the Emperor, Imperial command, and fan-favorite Doctor Aphra.
Written by: Kieron Gillen Art by: Salvador Larroca, Leinil Yu Number of volumes: 4
Han Solo
The Han Solo miniseries takes place shortly after A New Hope, and features everyone’s favorite scoundrel and Wookiee co-pilot as they take on a secret mission for the Rebel Alliance, under the guise of entering a famous and extremely dangerous starship race.
Written by: Marjorie Liu Art by: Mark Brooks
Kanan: The Last Padawan
Spinning out of the Rebels TV series, the Kanan ongoing series centers primarily around “Cowboy Jedi” Kanan Jarrus, and his formative years evading Imperial forces and surviving the seedy underworld of the galaxy following the fall of the Jedi Order and rise of the Empire.
Written by: Greg Weisman Art by: Pepe Larraz
Lando
Starring the smoothest cat in the galaxy, the Lando miniseries centers around infamous smuggler/gambler Lando Calrissian, his loyal friend Lobot, and a crew of miscreants and scoundrels as they seek to steal an exceedingly expensive ship and the cargo stored within. Things take a turn when they discover the true nature of the ship and its cargo.
Written by: Charles Soule Art by: Alex Maleev
Mace Windu, Jedi of the Republic
Centered around the baddest Jedi Knight in the Order, this miniseries takes place at the beginning of the Clone Wars as the Jedi Knights are forced to the front lines as generals with squads of clone soldiers. The legendary Jedi is forced to make peace with his new role as a military leader without succumbing to the increasingly brutal violence around him.
Written by: Matt Owens Art by: Jesus Saiz
Obi-Wan & Anakin
The Obi-Wan and Anakin miniseries centers around a little-seen era of the Star Wars saga, taking place in between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. This series features a younger, brash Anakin butting heads with his more traditional master as they try to find their way across a treacherous planet wracked by war.
Written by: Charles Soule Art by: Marco Checchetto
Princess Leia
The first miniseries released, this series focuses on Princess Leia immediately after A New Hope as she and a fellow Alderaanian X-Wing pilot travel the galaxy in secret to find the remaining survivors of Alderaan in order to preserve their destroyed world’s culture and history.
Written by: Mark Waid Art by: Terry Dodson
Rogue One
Adapting the thrilling new stand-alone film, this miniseries depicts the daring Rebel mission to steal the Death Star plans and save the galaxy, and expands on the ragtag crew of misfits and unlikely heroes.
Written by: Jody Houser Art by: Phil Noto
The Screaming Citadel
In this crossover Luke Skywalker reluctantly teams up with antihero archaeologist Doctor Aphra as the venture into the titular Screaming Citadel in search of a powerful artifact, but run afoul of the Citadel Queen and her followers. This story kicked off with the Screaming Citadel #1 one-shot, and takes place in Star Wars #31-32 and Doctor Aphra #7-8
Written by: Kieron Gillen, Jason Aaron Art by: Marco Checchetto, Salvador Larocca, Andrea Broccardo
Shattered Empire
Picking up at the end of the Battle of Endor in Return of the Jedi, this miniseries centers around Rebel A-Wing pilot Shara Bey and her husband, commando Sergeant Kes Dameron (that is, Poe Dameron’s parents), and the Rebel Alliance’s ongoing war against the Empire following the death of the Emperor and destruction of the second Death Star.
Written by: Greg Rucka Art by: Marco Checchetto
The Force Awakens
Adapting the latest epic entry into the Star Wars saga, The Force Awakens comic expands on the events of the movie and provides more insight into the characters.
Written by: Chuck Wendig Art by: Luke Ross
Vader Down
Marvel’s first major Star Wars crossover event starts with this special one-shot issue, which opens with Darth Vader crash landing on a planet following a battle against a Rebel fighter squadron. Seeing it as an opportunity to strike a major blow against the Empire, Rebel forces move to capture Vader before the Imperials show up to rescue him.
The Vader Down crossover consists of Vader Down (one-shot), Darth Vader #13, Star Wars #13, Darth Vader #14, Star Wars #14, and concludes with Darth Vader #15. The crossover is collected in the Vader Down TPB, available at the store.
Thank you so much, Gabriel Luna, and everyone that came out today to see him! Looking forward to having you in the store again soon! ... See MoreSee Less
Austin Books & Comics is having a surprise visit! Coming up at 1pm today, come by and see Gabriel Luna, Agents of Shield's Ghost Rider! ... See MoreSee Less
Today’s Sidekick Store special!!! Buy two Graphic Novels get a third Free!!! Perfect time to stock up on some favorites or prepare for Graduation gifts!!! pic.twitter.com/L11YLJlnjL
— AustinBooks & Comics (@AustinBooks) May 12, 2018
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Rafael Sandoval (CA) Ed McGuinness
Who is the face of true evil in the Ultimate Universe? What is the biggest secret the world doesn’t know? Join the gathered heroes as they embark on an adventure unlike anything seen in Marvel Comics – and that’s a promise! Ultimate Universe co-founder Brian Michael Bendis (ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, SECRET INVASION) and rising star Rafa Sandoval (AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE) unveils this important new chapter in the most exciting line in comics! Collecting ULTIMATE COMICS ENEMY #1-4, ULTIMATE COMICS MYSTERY #1-4 and ULTIMATE COMICS DOOM #1-4. 288 PGS./Rated T+
Cover Price $39.99
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Stop in for ANOTHER sale special and tune in to our Sidekick Facebook page for more information.
