After the Disney acquisition of Lucasfilm, it came as no surprise to anyone when the Star Wars license moved from Dark Horse comics after more than two decades to its in-house company of Marvel. However, it appears that Dark Horse is once again returning to a galaxy far, far away as it was officially announced today that a new line of all-ages Star Wars comics will be published through Dark Horse.
Dark Horse Comics, in collaboration with Lucasfilm and Disney Worldwide Publishing, is honored to announce a new line of all-ages comics and graphic novels expanding the Star Wars galaxy. Beginning in Spring 2022, fans can expect to experience adventures in every era, from the High Republic through the rise of the First Order, through new and exciting stories that Dark Horse is thrilled to introduce.
Dark Horse Comics has collaborated with Lucasfilm over the course of nearly 30 years on a variety of comics and art books, from Dark Empire in 1991 to The Art of Star Wars Rebels in 2020. Now, Dark Horse is returning to the many worlds of Star Wars with all-new stories for readers of all ages.
The license for all-ages Star Wars comics was previously held by IDW Publishing since 2017 with titles such as Star Wars Adventures and Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures. Whatever disturbance in the Force occurred, it’s safe to presume that these titles will wrap up this spring once the new Dark Horse Star Wars license goes into effect.
Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics founder and CEO, commented in an official statement:
“The idea is to build up a Star Wars program that includes an on-going series as well as an anthology. Mixed in would be one-shots and specials. We’ll see where we go from there. Initially, we will focus on stories featuring the High Republic. Star Wars is near and dear to all of our hearts and I’ve been a fan since I saw the original film 19 times during its original release. I am thrilled that Dark Horse will once again bring new stories to life from this incredible galaxy. The Star Wars universe has grown over the years and there’s so many new opportunities for great stories. I can’t tell you how excited we are to get started!”
Michael Siglain, Creative Director of Lucasfilm Publishing, added:
“All of us at Lucasfilm Publishing are thrilled to be working with Mike Richardson and everyone at Dark Horse on comics and original graphic novels set in a galaxy far, far away. There are unlimited storytelling possibilities for all ages comics, and we look forward to collaborating with Dark Horse — and with the best writers and artists in the industry — to bring those stories to readers and fans all over the world.”
Between the recent High Republic transmedia initiative across novel publishers and comics that take place two centuries before Star Wars – Episode I: The Phantom Menace and the upcoming The Book of Boba Fett Disney+ original series, Star Wars fans have no lack of strong new material to enjoy.
