4 Canon Star Wars comics that every fan should read

Recommendations for fans looking for more canon lore in comics. May the Force be with you!

Comics are a great way to get into Star Wars lore, and learn more about the universe beyond the films and TV series. However, there are comics about almost every main character you can think of, telling stories from all corners of the galaxy, and it can be a little confusing figuring out where to begin. So, to help you get started, I — a lifelong Star Wars fan and comic addict — have made a list of 4 of the best canon Star Wars comics that every fan should read.

Star Wars (2015)

Marvel’s Star Wars, launched in 2015, follows the main characters of the Original Trilogy, chronicling their adventures between Episodes IV and V. As the first Star Wars comic released by Marvel since 1987, fans had high expectations — andthose expectations were most definitely met. Packed with action, this series is a brilliant addition to the Original Trilogy era, with the atmosphere and “junk-like” aesthetic of the original movies perfectly recaptured by incredible writers such as Jason Aaron and Kieron Gillen, and artists Stuart Immonen, Jorge Molina, John Cassaday, and many more.

This 75 issue comic is an ideal read for any Star Wars fan, especially those of you craving some nostalgia and wanting to see some more adventures with your childhood heroes (oh, and you get to meet Han Solo’s ex-‘wife’. Who would have thought?)

Star Wars: Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir

“You can’t keep a bad Sith down!” When Dark Horse lost the Star Wars comics licence in 2014, and had their comics and stories made non-Canon, many were sad to see them go — myself included. However, they managed to squeeze one last series into the Disney Canon before their departure: Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir.

One of the few Canon comics set in the Clone Wars era, Son of Dathomir was adapted from unproduced screenplays for Season 6 of The Clone Wars, and written by Jeremy Barlow. It picks up shortly after Maul’s defeat at the hands of Sidious in Season 5 of The Clone Wars, and goes on to explain how he ends up escaping Palpatine’s grasp. Most importantly, it fills in the gap leading up to the Siege of Mandalore arc in Season 7 of The Clone Wars, meaning it’s essential that you read this comic if you’re a Clone Wars fan!

Full of awesome battles between the Separatists, Maul’s Shadow Collective and even the Republic; containing (I think) the only canon duel between Maul and Grievous; and the fates of characters Tiplee and Mother Talzin, this comic is a MUST READ for Clone Wars fans, and Star Wars fans in general.

Star Wars: Kanan

Ah, yes. Kanan. Probably my favourite canon Star Wars comic released thus far. Now, before we continue, let me make one thing clear: you don’t have to like, or have watched, Star Wars: Rebels in order to enjoy this series. It’s probably more enjoyable if you have watched it, but if you haven’t it’s just another awesome story.

Kanan is essentially a comic telling the backstory of Kanan — previously Caleb Dume — set in the Clone Wars. This comic really puts the ‘War’ in ‘Star Wars’. From the Conquest of Kaller to the Fourth Battle of Mygeeto; the Skirmish on Kardoa to the bombing at the Jedi Temple (no, not the one from The Clone Wars show!), this comic is literally non-stop action. I may be slightly biased here because I absolutely adore the Clone Wars era, but I honestly cannot see how any Star Wars fan would not find this at least mildly entertaining. The comic is written by Greg Weisman, executive producer of Season 1 of Star Wars Rebels, and has artwork by Pepe Larraz, Jacopo Camagni and Andrea Broccardo. The artwork is stunning, the characters are amazing, and the content is top notch. Overall, a great read.

Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith

Have you ever met a Star Wars fan that doesn’t love Darth Vader? I certainly haven’t. And this comic is bound to make you love him even more. Dark Lord of the Sith, written by the amazing Charles Soule with artwork by the incredible Giuseppe Camuncoli, is the second major series Vader has to his name. And why not? He is one of the most iconic Star Wars characters OF ALL TIME, after all. Unlike the first series, though, which is set in the Original Trilogy era, this series sheds some light on Vader’s activities directly after Revenge of the Sith (the best Star Wars movie). Ever wondered how Vader got his lightsaber? Read this comic. Ever wondered what happened to Jedi Masters Jocasta Nu and Eeth Koth following Order 66? Read this comic. Ever wondered how Vader’s castle was built? Read this comic. Yep, this comic pretty much contains it all. This comic contains literally everything that makes Star Wars… well, Star Wars. I’d be very surprised if you aren’t able to find something enjoyable throughout the 25 issues of this series. Oh, yes— any Commander Fox haters out there? Well, you’re in for a treat. I shall say no more.

Final Thoughts

I hope this blog has proven useful to any of you wanting to get into Star Wars comics. There are loads more to read once you’ve read the ones mentioned above; some of my other favourites include Age of Republic, Lando, Han Solo: Imperial Cadet, and Doctor Aphra, to name a few… And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of Legends comics. Just because they’re non-Canon, doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyed! If you do get round to reading any of these, I’d love to hear what you have to say about them. Likewise, if you have any questions regarding comics — or Star Wars in General — feel free to message me anytime on Instagram @palpatines_empire. Here's the link to my profile: https://www.instagram.com/palpatines_empire/

May the Force be with you!