Marvel Comics has revealed a new series of Star Wars covers in celebration of Black History Month. The five covers are by acclaimed artists honoring Star Wars characters from different storytelling eras. The covers are by the impeccable Ken Lashley. Fans can find them throughout the month of February 2024.
“l am a huge Star Wars fan so when Mark asked if l would be interested in drawing these covers, it was a fast ‘HECK Yeah,’” Lashley said. “These five covers have all the bases covered, characters we all love and know along with a few surprises for the fans. l love what I do and getting to draw every day on creations that l loved growing up is a dream come true… Purple lightsabers are all over my office–haha.”
“I’ve worked with and known Ken for a long time,” Editor Mark Paniccia shared. “He’s one of the best comic book artists in the industry and one of my favorite cover artists. He brings energy and dynamism to every cover and this variant program is no exception. I’m excited for fans to see these characters illustrated in Ken’s powerful style.”
Here’s a breakdown of each cover.
- Mace Windu, revered Jedi and member of the Jedi High Council known for his epic feats throughout the prequel trilogy. Mace’s cover will be featured on the debut issue of his new solo limited series. Also launching in February, the series will be written by Marc Bernardin and drawn by Georges Jeanty and will reveal a dangerous mission Mace undertook before his introduction in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
- Adi Gallia, another respected Jedi Master who sat beside Mace on the High Council. Adi’s fierce battles on the frontlines of the Clone Wars have been depicted in various video games, comic books, and television series.
- Kawlan Roken, brave leader of an underground network dedicated to helping surviving Jedi during the rule of the Galactic Empire. Roken debuted in last year’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+ where he helped Obi-Wan on his quest to rescue Princess Leia and this marks his first ever cover appearance.
- Bell Zettifar, a young Jedi during the High Republic era. Zettifar’s journey with the Force from apprentice to full Jedi Knight has been told across Star Wars’ High Republic publishing including novels and Marvel’s own High Republic comic series.
- And Captain Panaka, loyal protector of Queen Amidala. Captain Panaka is remembered for his dedication to the Queen during the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo, as seen in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
For comparison’s sake, you can check out Marvel’s 2023 Black History Month celebrations here.
For more on this news, read the official press release below.
New York, NY— November 9, 2023 — Next year, Marvel Comics will once again bring its Black History Month celebration to the galaxy far, far away with a new set of Star Wars Black History Month Variant Covers. Across five stunning covers, acclaimed artist Ken Lashley honors beloved heroes of the Star Wars franchise, including characters from various Star Wars storytelling eras. Jumping into action with lightsabers and blasters, each depiction showcases the strength of these inspiring heroes and will grace Marvel’s Star Wars comic series each week in February!
Here’s who will be spotlighted this year:
- Mace Windu, revered Jedi and member of the Jedi High Council known for his epic feats throughout the prequel trilogy. Mace’s cover will be featured on the debut issue of his new solo limited series. Also launching in February, the series will be written by Marc Bernardin and drawn by Georges Jeanty and will reveal a dangerous mission Mace undertook before his introduction in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
- Adi Gallia, another respected Jedi Master who sat beside Mace on the High Council. Adi’s fierce battles on the frontlines of the Clone Wars have been depicted in various video games, comic books, and television series.
- Kawlan Roken, brave leader of an underground network dedicated to helping surviving Jedi during the rule of the Galactic Empire. Roken debuted in last year’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+ where he helped Obi-Wan on his quest to rescue Princess Leia and this marks his first ever cover appearance.
- Bell Zettifar, a young Jedi during the High Republic era. Zettifar’s journey with the Force from apprentice to full Jedi Knight has been told across Star Wars’ High Republic publishing including novels and Marvel’s own High Republic comic series.
- And Captain Panaka, loyal protector of Queen Amidala. Captain Panaka is remembered for his dedication to the Queen during the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo, as seen in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
“I’ve worked with and known Ken for a long time,” Editor Mark Paniccia shared. “He’s one of the best comic book artists in the industry and one of my favorite cover artists. He brings energy and dynamism to every cover and this variant program is no exception. I’m excited for fans to see these characters illustrated in Ken’s powerful style.”
“l am a huge Star Wars fan so when Mark asked if l would be interested in drawing these covers, it was a fast ‘HECK Yeah,’” Lashley added. “These five covers have all the bases covered, characters we all love and know along with a few surprises for the fans. l love what I do and getting to draw every day on creations that l loved growing up is a dream come true… Purple lightsabers are all over my office–haha.”
Check out all five covers now and pick them up at your local comic shop this February! For more information, visit Marvel.com.
On Sale 2/7
STAR WARS: MACE WINDU #1 BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY KEN LASHLEY
On Sale 2/14
STAR WARS: DARTH VADER #43 BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY KEN LASHLEY
On Sale 2/21
STAR WARS #43 BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY KEN LASHLEY
STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC #4 BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY KEN LASHLEY
On Sale 2/28
STAR WARS: THRAWN ALLIANCES #2 BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY KEN LASHLEY
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