or its entire 36-year history, “Star Wars” has been too big a concept for films alone. George Lucas’ lifelong interest in comic books led to the pop culture juggernaut’s simultaneous introduction to the world as a movie and a comic. Now, unconfirmed reports place Star Wars comics back at their original home, Marvel Comics.

Lucas approached Marvel before the release of his 1977 blockbuster to secure its efforts on a “Star Wars” comic book. After much wrangling, the company produced the first issue of the new series shortly before the film’s release. Marvel thought it was taking quite a chance on the book — and the film — but editor Roy Thomas stayed the course after the initial six-issue adaptation of the movie and the license remained with the famous “House of Ideas” for nine years and 107 issues. In 1986, after “Return of the Jedi,” the company let the license go when fans’ interest had fallen off significantly and sales  had slipped into a shallow slump.

Seven years later, another company took a chance on the property, even without a new film to support it.

In 1993, the fledgling Dark Horse Comics turned its new miniseries, Star Wars: Dark Empire, into a successful run that continues to this day.

Dark Horse has produced dozens of Star Wars comic book titles and just recently released its newest, which takes place during the fertile period of time between Episodes IV and V.

Now, with the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, it appears as if the now-coveted “Star Wars” comic book license may head back to another Disney holding — its first home, Marvel Comics.

The story of “Star Wars” is one of death and rebirth, legacy and legend, and redemption and hope. As fans await the first new film since 2005’s “Revenge of the Sith,” they may also now look toward a potential new hope for “Star Wars” comics and the continuation of a unique legacy at Marvel Comics.

Tags: Comic books, Dark Horse, George Lucas, Jim Beard, Marvel Comics, Star Wars

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 29th, 2013 at 1:27 pm and is filed under Comics, Star.
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