Dark Horse Comics has announced that it will be publishing Star Wars comics beginning in Spring 2022.
When Disney purchase Lucasfilm, the Star Wars line that was being printed by Dark Horse Comics ended, and moved to Marvel Comics. Since then, IDW Publishing has been printing Star Wars comics as well, but now it looks like some – or possibly all Star Wars titles will be returning to Dark Horse.
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.
“Dark Horse has a rich history publishing Star Wars comics and graphic novels. Star Wars is near and dear to all of our hearts and I’ve been a fan since I saw the original film nineteen times during its original release. I am thrilled that Dark Horse will once again bring new stories to life from this incredible galaxy and I’m not exaggerating when I say we can’t wait to bring these new adventures to fans of every age.” — Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics Founder and CEO
“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 artist in the industry—to bring those stories to readers and fans all over the world.” –Michael Siglain, Creative Director, Lucasfilm Publishing
According to the February 2022 Marvel Comics solicitations, at least three Star Wars titles will end – Star Wars: The High Republic with issue #15, Star Wars: The High Republic – Eye of the Storm, and Star Wars: The High Republic – Trail of Shadows. Other Star Wars titles solicited from Marvel do not indicate an end to the series.
Currently, IDW Publishing publishes the all ages Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, and Star Wars Adventures, so if Dark Horse is planning on releasing Star Wars comics “for readers of all ages” this could be a huge blow to IDW Publishing. I have heard through the Internet that IDW Publishing contract with Lucasfilm has come to an end, but I have not been able to confirm that.
Of course, when Dark Horse lost the Star Wars series back in the day, we thought that was a huge blow to the publisher, but it has been able to survive.
