An XXL-sized collection gathering the first 23 issues of Marvel’s historic comic book adaptation has been announced. Curated for longtime fans and collectors, the volume digitally remasters the original artwork to correct past printing imperfections while preserving the vintage texture of its first release.
The Bottom Line
A Historic Genesis: Commissioned by George Lucas in January 1976 before the film even premiered, Marvel’s comic became an unexpected mega-hit, selling over one million copies.
Restored Artistry: The newly released XXL edition fixes inexpensive printing flaws while maintaining the authentic feel of the original run by creators like Roy Thomas and Howard Chaykin.
Collector Appeal: Available in a Collector’s Edition limited to 1,000 numbered copies, featuring history by comic book historian Peter Sanderson.
How a Free-Rights Deal Spawned a Million-Seller
In January 1976, as George Lucas prepared to shoot his new film—then simply titled The Star Wars—he approached Marvel Comics to publish a companion comic book for the movie’s release. Marvel initially showed reluctance toward the property. That hesitation vanished once Lucas offered the rights for free, stipulating that royalties would only kick in if the comic sold more than 100,000 copies.
That gamble paid off beyond expectations. Upon the movie’s release in May 1977, Marvel quickly realized they were holding a massive commercial phenomenon. The early issues, scripted by Roy Thomas and drawn by Howard Chaykin—an artist Lucas discovered in the indie comic Star*Reach—surpassed one million copies sold. This figure quadrupled the sales of Marvel’s top superhero title, The Amazing Spider-Man, cementing Star Wars as a monthly publication.
Expanding the Galaxy Before the Sequels
With no new film due to drop for at least a few years and fans demanding more stories, Lucasfilm released several novels, but the monthly comic remained the only regular source of new material. The book consistently outsold all Marvel’s other titles, guided by creative talent. Roy Thomas and Howard Chaykin were soon joined by writer Archie Goodwin and penciller Carmine Infantino.
Together, these creators pushed Luke, Han, Leia, and Darth Vader across the galaxy, introducing new worlds and original characters. The new XXL volume captures this foundational era in a format bigger than a Death Star, paired with an in-depth history by comic book historian Peter Sanderson.
| Metric / Detail | Historical Record |
|---|---|
| Initial Agreement Date | January 1976 |
| Royalty Threshold | 100,000 copies sold |
| Peak Issue Sales | Over 1,000,000 copies |
| Key Creative Personnel | Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, Archie Goodwin, Carmine Infantino |
| Included Issues in Vol. 1 | Issues 1 through 23 |
Remastering the Vintage Aesthetic
Producing a collection of comics from the original era presents distinct technical challenges. The original issues were printed with inexpensive, imperfect printing. The new edition utilizes digital remastering to clean up these historical printing flaws. However, the publishers deliberately retained the spirit and texture of the historic first release, ensuring modern readers experience the books as they originally appeared.
Alongside the release, a Collector’s Edition capped at 1,000 numbered copies has been produced. This blend of archival preservation and oversized presentation offers a look at how illustrated media helped sustain a pop culture phenomenon during its earliest years.
