Brent Moeshlin
Since the first Star Wars movie hit cinemas back in 1977, fans have been captivated by any kind of narrative based in the Star Wars universe, and creative minds are only too happy to deliver.
With a whole library of Star Wars comics released over the years from various publishers, we’ve reviewed them all to find the best issues or series ever produced! If you’re a fan of the movies or you’re looking for a new comic book series to delve into, take a look through our list of the best Star Wars comics to find your next read!
1. Star Wars Vader Down #1
Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Star Wars Vader Down has a cover date of November 2015. It was written and edited by Jason Aaron, with pencil and ink by Mike Deodato, Jr., and colour by Laura Martin. The series is a Marvel comic book crossover event that brings together characters from both series as Darth Vader is forced to face off against the Rebel Alliance on his own.
What’s the story?
Seeking Luke Skywalker, based on information given to him by Doctor Aphra, Darth Vader travels to the planet Vrogas Vas. He is attacked by a squadron of Rebel X-wing fighters, including Luke. Vader and Luke battle one another and both crash-land on different areas of the planet’s surface. Vader's sudden appearance commands the attention of Princess Leia, Han Solo and the rest of Luke's closest Rebel friends.
Vader finds himself surrounded by a Rebel army while Luke explores the temple. Doctor Aphra decides to use the situation to convince Vader of her loyalty and capture Luke. While Han and Chewbacca make a rescue attempt, Princess Leia, on another part of the planet, prepares for a confrontation with Darth Vader.
What’s it worth?
Since the issue wasn’t released that long ago, there are only top tier issues being auctioned. The top price belongs to a 9.8 book, sold for $2,640 in August 2021. The lowest price is for a 9.2 copy, sold in July 2017 for only $8.
2. Star Wars Rebels: Rebel Journal
Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Star Wars Rebels: Rebels Journal has a cover date of October 2014. It was written by Daniel Wallace, with illustrations by Andrew Barthelmes.
This book follows the adventures of Ezra Bridger through a replica of his own journal. In addition, sixteen pages in the end of the journal invite would-be rebels to continue the adventure with their own words and drawings.
What’s the story?
The story follows Ezra Bridger, a 14-year-old con artist and small-time thief. Ezra has little trust in anyone. However, everything changed when he met the Ghost crew, a small band of rebels fighting back against the Empire.
What’s it worth?
There’s only one book of Star Wars Rebels that has ever been sold at auction, and it’s a 9.4 copy, sold for $580 in February 2021.
3. Star Wars Rebel Heist
Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Star Wars Rebel Heist has a cover date of April 2014. It was written by Matt Kindt, with pencils by Marco Castiello and inks by Dan Parsons. The series follows the adventures of Han Solo and his rebel adventures, taking place before the events of the movie Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
What’s the story?
A young Rebel meets one of the Alliance's best for his first mission. But the young man's hero worship is crushed by the reality of Han Solo.
What’s it worth?
The top price for an issue of this series is a 9.8 book, sold for $1,000 in February 2020. Again, since the series was released less than 10 years ago, there are only mint-condition copies selling at auction.
4. Shadows of the Empire: Evolution
Key Comic Facts
The comic Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire - Evolution is a one-issue sequel to the original Shadows of the Empire series, released in 1998 on a limited run of five comics.
The comic was released in February 2000. The story is set in 4 ABY, so one year after Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and shortly after the events of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
What’s the story?
Xizor, the leader of Black Sun, has been killed by Darth Vader, and his personal assassin Guri, a Human replica droid, is wondering what her future will hold now that Xizor is gone.
Guri endeavours to uncover any hint of her Human side. But in her quest to alter her programming and gain Humanity, Guri is pursued by both bounty hunters and Rebels (led by Luke Skywalker) looking to access the secrets buried in her mind.
What’s it worth?
There’s only one recorded auction sale for this book, being sold for $30 as of November 2004. The comic was released less than 20 years ago, so there aren’t many collector-seeked issues around there.
5. Star Wars: Obi-Wan and Anakin
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Obi-Wan and Anakin is a canon comic-book miniseries with five issues. It was written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Marco Checchetto. The issues were released between January and May 2016. At that time, Star Wars was already owned by Disney so the comics were under the Marvel umbrella.
What’s the story?
The story in the series is set three years after Episode I: The Phantom Menace and focuses on Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker as they explore the planet of Carnelion IV to answer a mysterious distress call.
What’s it worth?
There are no recorded sales for this book yet, since it was released less than 10 years ago. But it’s highly loved by the audience since it’s a canon story, so in a few years, it’s definitely gonna be worth a penny or two.
6. Star Wars - The Thrawn Trilogy
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy is a Star Wars Legends adult-fiction novel series from author Timothy Zahn. It consists of three issues: Heir to the Empire (released in May 1991), Dark Force Rising (released in May 1992), and The Last Command (released in April 1993).
The trilogy is set in 9 ABY, five years after the events of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, and it chronicles the campaign of the eponymous Grand Admiral Thrawn. The series introduced many notable Expanded Universe characters such as Garm Bel Iblis, Talon Karrde, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Gilad Pellaeon, and Mara Jade; which would appear again in later events in the Universe.
What’s the story?
The trilogy follows the campaign of Imperial Grand Admiral Thrawn, from the Destruction of the Elomin task force to the Battle of Bilbringi. It also recounts the efforts of the Dark Jedi Joruus C'baoth and his efforts to claim Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa Solo, and her children as his apprentices.
Grand Admiral Thrawn became a popular villain in the Expanded Universe, with appearances in several later works. In addition, the Imperial capital world, Coruscant, was given its name by the trilogy and would later feature in the prequel films.
What’s it worth?
Oddly enough, there are no recorded auction sales for any of the three issues featured in The Thrawn Trilogy.
7. Star Wars - Chewbacca
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Chewbacca is a five-issue comic book miniseries, written by Gerry Duggan, with art by Phil Noto. It was published between October and December 2015. The mini-series is set directly after Episode IV: A New Hope and Episode V: Empire Strikes Back.
What’s the story?
The story revolved around when Chewbacca met his heroic end in the New Jedi Order novel Vector Prime. Chewbacca was temporarily stranded on a planet during a mission for the Rebel Alliance. The Star Wars series features a number of stories narrated by the Star Wars characters who revealed distinctive glimpses of Chewbacca’s heroic history and the mysterious and fascinating culture of his noble species.
What’s it worth?
The highest and lowest price for Star Wars: Chewbacca are both for copies of issue #1, with the highest being $200 for a 9.8 copy, sold in November 2021; and the lowest being for a 9.6 copy, sold in September 2020 for $12.
8. Star Wars - Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison is a five-issue comic book miniseries from Dark Horse Comics. It was written by Haden Blackman, with pencils by Agustin Alessio. The issues were released from May to September 2012. The events are set in the year 19 BBY, and it follows Darth Vader on a mission to help Emperor Palpatine.
What’s the story?
This Darth Vader comic recounts the traitorous uprising against the fledgling Galactic Empire, leaving Emperor Palpatine close to death. It revolves around the efforts to save the Emperor and the Empire as Vader uncovers the secrets of the Starfighter Council and locates the mysterious “Ghost Prison.”
What’s it worth?
There are very few sales of issues of the Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison series, but the highest price belongs to a 9.8 copy of issue #1, sold in February 2022 for $153. The lowest price belongs to a copy of issue #5, rated 9.8 and sold in May 2014 for $21.
9. Star Wars: Lando
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Lando is the first leg of the five sci-fi Dark Horse-produced Marvel comics. This one features Lando Calrissian. It was written by Charles Soule and pencilled by Alex Maleev. The 5 issues were released between July and October 2015.
The events of the series take place prior to Calrissian becoming Baron Administrator of Cloud City. The story also includes Lobot, Lando’s humanoid sidekick.
What’s the story?
To clear an old debt, Lando assembles a crew to pull a heist: to rob a valuable space craft. But once stolen, he learns that it is Emperor Palpatine's luxury yacht, and now he has the Empire behind him.
What’s it worth?
Since the series was released only a few years ago, only top rating copies have been auctioned. The highest price is for a 9.8 rated copy of issue #1, sold for $100 in July 2021. The lowest price is also for issue #1, but for a 9.6 copy, sold in December 2017 for $10.
10. Star Wars Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars Vol I: Skywalker Strikes is the first story arc of Marvel Comics' ongoing series Star Wars. It was written by Jason Aaron with art by John Cassaday. The arc comprises six issues, published between January 2015 and June 2015.
The comic series focuses on Luke Skywalker and the rebel band opposing the Galactic Empire.
What’s the story?
Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, and the rest of the rebels get to fight for their freedom against Darth Vader and the Emperor. Back with a desire for vengeance, Luke returns to Tatooine to learn more about Kenobi, his mentor. There, he will learn about the Jedis and start his training to become one.
What’s it worth?
Only a 9.8 issue of Skywalker Strikes has been sold at auction for a price of $45 in April 2016. It’s the only recorded price for that issue and for any other copies of the comic series.
11. Star Wars Jedi: Jedi Aayla Secura
Key Comic Facts
Jedi: Aayla Secura is the third issue in the Star Wars: Jedi comic series. It was written by John Ostrander, with pencils by Jan Duursema and ink by Dan Parsons. It was published in August 2003.
This comic series consists of five issues, released between February 2003 and July 2004. Each one features a story from Mace Windu, Shaak Ti, Aayla Secura, Count Dooku and Master Yoda.
What’s the story?
The comic tells the story of the beautiful twi’lek Aayla Secura, a Force-sensitive Rutian Twi’lek female, as she goes undercover to ferret out a Separatist enclave. As a Jedi General of the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars, she finds herself going up against the infamous Jedi killer and bounty hunter Aurra Sing.
What’s it worth?
Only a 9.8 issue of Jedi Aayla Secura has been sold at auction, at a price of $45 in April 2016. It’s the only recorded price for that issue and for any other copies of the comic series.
12. Star Wars X-Wing: Rogue Squadron
Key Comic Facts
Rogue Squadron is the first issue of the series Star Wars X-Wing, a Star Wars Legends novel series written by Michael A. Stackpole and Aaron Allston. It was published in January 1996. The series consists of ten novels, published between January 1996 and August 2012.
What’s the story?
Occurring in 6.5 ABY, the story follows the re-creation of Rogue Squadron by Wedge Antilles, and the First and Second Battles of Borleias, after which the planet is used as a launching point for the New Republic's attack on Coruscant in the second book of the series, X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble.
What’s it worth?
There are no recorded sales for Star Wars X-Wing: Rogue Squadron.
13. Star Wars - The Crimson Empire Saga
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: The Crimson Empire Saga was written by Mike Richardson and Randy Stradley; with pencils by Paul Gulacy and inks by P. Craig Russell and Randy Emberlin. It was published in September 2012.
The book is a hardcover collection of the comic book series Star Wars: Crimson Empire, Crimson Empire II: Council of Blood, and Star Wars: Crimson Empire III—Empire Lost. It also features the Crimson Empire Handbook and the one shot stories Hard Currency; The Bounty Hunters: Kenix Kil; and The Third Time Pays for All.
What’s the story?
After Emperor Palpatine's death, his Royal Guards are betrayed by one of their own, Carnor Jax, who wants to take Palpatine's throne. Kir Kanos escapes the ambush and swears to avenge his fellow guardsmen.
Along the way, Kanos finds himself allying with some of his former Rebel enemies, assuming a false identity and becoming a feared bounty hunter. He infiltrates the vast criminal organisation known as Black Sun, brings down two Imperial governments, and finally sets his sights on Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa Solo and Han Solo.
But Kanos's vendetta spawns another, as New Republic commander Mirith Sinn targets him for her own revenge. And a mysterious Imperial cult has its own plans for Palpatine's most loyal defender.
What’s it worth?
There are no recorded sales for the hardcover book The Crimson Empire containing all of the stories mentioned above.
14. Star Wars (1977 Marvel Series)
Key Comic Facts
The Marvel Star Wars series of comic books was the first ever comic series created for the saga. For the starting issues, it was written by Roy Thomas, with pencils and ink by Howard Chaykin. The first issue was published in April 1977, and it ran until June 1986.
It spanned 107 issues, with three special Annual issues. The series was such a smash hit for Marvel in an otherwise low sales year. Many people who worked at Marvel in 1977 consider this series to have single handedly saved them from financial ruin.
What’s the story?
The story in this series took place between the releases of the first two films, while taking breaks to run the official adaptations of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The events after the adaptations from Return of the Jedi previewed many of the most important developments in the "Star Wars" universe, including the establishment of the New Republic and the now-prescient reveal that Boba Fett had survived the Sarlacc Pit; and even teasing an early history of Mandalorians.
What’s it worth?
Prices for issues of Star Wars vary a lot due to the huge lifespan of the series. But the highest price is for a 9.4 copy of issue #1, sold for $40,800 in September 2021. That issue is highly sought by collectors and fans; even a 1.8 book was valued at $1,100 as of December 2018.
15. Star Wars - Purge
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Purge is a one-shot book published by Dark Horse Comics in December 2005. It was written by John Ostrander and illustrated by Douglas Wheatley.
This is the first in a series of three one-shot comics set after the fall of the Galactic Republic. It focuses on Darth Vader hunting down any rogue Starfighter that survived Order 66 in the Star Wars Universe. It displays Vader’s hatred and obsession for tracking down the Jedi, especially Kenobi.
What’s the story?
After Order 66, few Jedi dare to venture out of the shadows due to the rumours of Darth Vader hunting them, but some find living in fear unbearable. A small group of Jedi meet to consider what can be done to oppose the Empire and its Sith Lords. However, the Empire is always watching, and Vader is eager to confront any Jedi that might know the whereabouts of his betrayer, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
What’s it worth?
Only mid to high rating copies of Star Wars: Purge have been sold at auction, with the highest quality being a 9.8 book, sold for $220 in March 2022. It was valued at $250 in 2020. The lowest rated book sold at auction is a 5.5, with a price of $20 as of April 2021.
16. Star Wars: Dark Empire
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Dark Empire is a series of comic books written by Tom Veitch and illustrated by Cam Kennedy. They were originally released between December 1991 and October 1992 as a 6-issue bi-monthly series. They were later compiled and sold as trade paperbacks and hardcovers.
The name generally applies to both the original Dark Empire, as well as its two sequels Star Wars: Dark Empire II and Star Wars: Empire's End, which all detailed the resurrection of Emperor Palpatine in clone bodies.
What’s the story?
Emperor Palpatine was able to survive the destruction of the second Death Star by transferring his soul to a clone body (a plot point that would later inspire the 2019 movie Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker).
Palpatine amasses a new Imperial fleet and aims to wipe out the beginnings of the New Republic, which has only recently been expanding. Palpatine is briefly successful in courting Luke Skywalker to join the dark side and become his new apprentice, although Luke is later brought back to the light side by his sister Leia, who has begun her Jedi training. Together, they join forces to stop Palpatine once and for all.
What’s it worth?
The highest price for a copy of Star Wars: Dark Empire belongs to a 9.8 copy of issue #2, sold for $380 in December 2021. Only high rating copies of the six issues have been sold at auction, with prices going from $20 to $200.
17. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, abbreviated as “TotJ”, is a comic book series covering eight story arcs, all published by Dark Horse Comics between July 1996 (The Golden Age of the Sith) and November 1998 (Redemption).
What’s the story?
Set during the Old Republic era, six of the eight Tales of the Jedi story arcs take place around the events of the Great Sith War, a conflict instigated by Sith forces aimed at galactic domination.
These six story arcs focus on the Jedi Knight-turned-Sith Lord Ulic Qel-Droma; his love interest, Nomi Sunrider; and a cast of supporting characters, including Ulic's brother, Cay Qel-Droma. We also see the fallen Jedi Exar Kun become a Dark Lord of the Sith and do battle with the Republic.
The remaining two story arcs, The Golden Age of the Sith and The Fall of the Sith Empire, take place in the year 5000 BBY and revolve around Sith Lord Naga Sadow and his invasions of Republic space using the Daragon siblings, Gav and Jori.
What’s it worth?
There are very few copies of this series floating around, but the highest price paid at auction is $344 for a 9.9 issue, sold in August 2020. Even though the series was released over 15 years ago, there’s no issues rated under 8.0 with an auction listing.
18. Star Wars Tales
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars Tales is a Legends comic book anthology series published by Dark Horse Comics. It ran for 24 quarterly issues beginning in September 1999 until July 2005. Each issue features several short stories from various creators that are set in multiple eras of Star Wars storytelling.
What’s the story?
Star Wars Tales was an anthology series that explored one-shot stories set throughout the timeline. Some of these one-shots were comedic in nature, such as the parodical "Skippy the Jedi Droid", or the ongoing adventures of Tag and Bink, two rebel spies whose misadventures somehow manage to correspond to key moments in the original trilogy.
Maybe the most acclaimed story is "Thank the Maker", which takes place within the events of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Darth Vader discovers the blasted body of C-3PO in Cloud City. Thinking back to his childhood where he created the droid, Vader has a brief moment of reflection.
What’s it worth?
The highest price for a copy of Star Wars Tales is for issue #6 (the one that features the story “Thank the Maker”). It’s a 9.8 book with a value of $275 as of December 2020. The lowest price is only $1 for an 8.0 copy, sold in April 2009.
19. Star Wars: Republic
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Republic, simply known as Star Wars for its first 45 issues, was a series of comics published by Dark Horse Comics. It was first released in December 1998. Various artists worked on this series, including Jan Strnad, Anthony Winn, Robert Jones, John Ostrander, Jan Duursema, amongst others.
What’s the story?
The series ran for 83 issues, with a timeline that spanned from before Episode I: The Phantom Menace to after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. From issue #49, it became the main Clone Wars comic, and from issue #84 onwards was known as the Star Wars: Dark Times series, which takes place in the early days of the Galactic Empire.
What’s it worth?
Copies of various issues of Star Wars: Republic can be found with prices ranging between $20 and $150, with only high rating copies being sold at auction.
20. Star Wars: Legacy
Key Comic Facts
Star Wars: Legacy is a comic book series first released in June 2006 by Dark Horse Comics, and ended up being one of their best-selling series. It was written by John Ostrander, pencilled and co-scripted by Jan Duursema, and inked by Dan Parsons.
Legacy was set 100 years further into the Star Wars timeline than any other publication had ventured, but became one of the most popular Expanded Universe works of all time.
What’s the story?
The series is set in the Legacy era, around 137 ABY. The main character is Cade Skywalker, a descendant of the Skywalker family who gave up his Jedi heritage to be a bounty hunter. With a Sith Lord currently seated on the Imperial Throne, the galaxy is in a state of civil war.
What’s it worth?
The top price for issue #1 of Star Wars: Legacy is $750, for a 9.8 copy sold in March 2022. It was previously valued at $556 in 2021. The lowest price belongs to a 5.0 copy, sold at $65 in March 2021.
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you won’t go far wrong if you choose your next book from our list of the best Star Wars comics! With comic series that take you through the original six-movie timeline and beyond, you’ll find all you need to transport you to a galaxy far, far away.
