With the latest Star Wars movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story, coming to theaters later this month, it seems like a great time to explore Star Wars comics. In the years since the first Star Wars movie was released, there has been a huge range of licensed books and graphic novels set in the Star Wars universe and many of these stories have been created by women. This list features a few of these comics. Star Wars fans will see some familiar characters and a few new ones as well, but throughout there is the same sense of adventure that is found in the movies. Whether you and your patrons are getting ready for the new movie or want more stories after seeing it, this list will have something to fit your need.
Han Solo by Marjorie Liu with art by Mark Brooks – Let’s start the list with a perfect read for Han Solo fans waiting for the new film to come out. In this action packed story, Han is convinced to help the Rebellion one more time and has a chance to compete in a race along the way. Liu’s story captures everything fans love about Han Solo and offers a thrilling addition to his legend. Brooks’ art captures the action perfectly contributing to a sense of tension and suspense throughout the story.
Captain Phasma by Kelly Thompson with art by Marco Checchetto – Captain Phasma was a fan favorite character from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, so it isn’t surprising that she has her own dedicated comic. In this volume, readers find out what happened to Phasma after the end of the movie. This action packed story offers an opportunity to understand Phasma a bit more and is filled with exciting action sequences. This is a great read for those who love Phasma and particularly those who think she has been short-changed by the movies.
Rogue One by Jody Houser with art by Emilio Laiso, Paolo Villanelli, and Oscar Bazaldua – It would be easy to assume that if you’ve already seen Rogue One the movie, you don’t need to read a graphic novel version of the story, but this graphic novel is much more than a simple retelling of the movie. Woven throughout are new scenes and details that weren’t included in the film. Best of all, fans of Cassian and K-2SO will enjoy the extra story about how they met.
Star Wars: Legacy by John Ostrander with art by Jan Duursema – Set 125 years after the events in Return of the Jedi, this story offers readers a chance to check in with what is happening long after the time of the characters they know and love. But, that doesn’t mean that the story is a completely unfamiliar one. In this distant future the Empire is once again on the rise and the Jedi must seek out the final Skywalker heir if they want to keep darkness from permeating the galaxy. Filled with compelling fight scenes and a range of engaging new characters, it is great for those who want to know what happens after the movies end.
Star Wars: Legacy II by Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman with art by Brian Albert Thies and Gabriel Hardman – This sequel to Star Wars: Legacy is a thrilling story that stars a descendent of Han and Leia who is thrust into an adventure she never expected. Bechko and Hardman create a story that will keep you turning the pages to the very end and Hardman and Thies’ striking art style creates gorgeous scenes that will stick with you after you’ve finished the story. The final volume of the series also includes additional artwork and information about the history of the galaxy, the Empire’s war machines, and the characters.
Do you have other favorite Star Wars comics that were created by women? Let us know in the comments!
– Carli Spina, currently reading Archival Quality by Ivy Noelle Weir with art by Steenz.