Star Wars Celebration rocked the world last week, but there were only two straight up comics announcements on the Publishing Panel, which is admirably summarized here (spoiler: star Wars publishing continues to be HUUUUUUGE.)
First and most interestingly, IDW got the license to put out all-ages Star Wars titles, joining its comic strip reprints (coming next month) and Art Edition Star Wars titles. This is notable because Marvel has been killing it with the regular Star Wars books, but, truth be told, IDW has a better all-ages program at the moment – including their Star Wars themed Micro Collectors Fun Packs program.
No creative teams were announced but Chris Samnee drew the teaser image, below. The line launches in the Fall with Star Wars Adventures, which will be part of the “Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi” publishing program, which leads up to…well, we’ll let you figure that one out on your own.
“Lucasfilm is thrilled to expand our relationship with the talented and creative folks at IDW to bring StarWars comics to kids,” said Michael Siglain, Creative Director of Lucasfilm Publishing. “IDW has an incredible pedigree of talent, and we look forward to working with them on the creation of these fun, action-packed adventures that span the entire Star Wars saga.”
IDW’s Chief Creative Officer, Chris Ryall, said “IDW has long sought to offer the next generation of comic book fans ample reading choices, and being able to provide Star Warscomics aimed directly at that audience is a massive thrill. Disney has been a great collaborator with us and we’re very excited to delve into this particular corner of the galaxy.”
But Marvel had its own announcement, Star Wars: Captain Phasma a four issue mini featuring the intriguing Force Awakens supporting character. The series will be written by Kelly Thompson and drawn by Marcho Checchetto and take place right after TFA with Phasma’s escape from Starkiller Base. It s also part of the journey to The Last Jedi
“It’s exciting enough when someone lets you contribute to the Star Wars universe in any real way, but when they let you create the first ever Phasma story for comics? Well, that’s about as good as it gets!” said Thompson. “Like most, I’m a huge fan of both Gwendoline Christie and Phasma. Christie is magnetic and Phasma has so much fascinating untapped potential…potential which I can’t wait to help unlock for fans in our comic.”
“With this series, I’ve had the opportunity to work on each era of Star Wars. Obi-Wan and Anakin in the prequel era, Shattered Empire and The Screaming Citadel in the classic trilogy, and now in the new era of Star Wars,” said Checchetto. “I’m thrilled to be working on new characters. I’m a huge fan of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and obviously can’t wait to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi. We have not seen much of Phasma, and I’m very excited to explore more of this character. Kelly is a great writer. I can’t wait to read her script and start work on the series!”
Heidi MacDonald is the founder and editor in chief of The Beat. In the past, she worked for Disney, DC Comics, Fox and Publishers Weekly. She can be heard regularly on the More To Come Podcast. She likes coffee, cats and noble struggle.
What they need to put out are new Legends books. Please write them in support of it.