Marvel Comics has revealed details around Star Wars: Jedi Knights, which will feature Atha Prime, an unused character from Return of the Jedi concept art. Out on March 5th, the series is written by Marc Guggenheim with art by Madibek Musabekov.
“While developing the series, Marc discovered this deep cut—the antagonist from Kenner’s unrealized The Epic Continues toy line,” Editor Mark Paniccia explained. “We saw the original design and were immediately sold. What a cool character to bring into canon and what a perfect book to do it in!”
So what’s Star Wars: Jedi Knights about?
STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHTS takes place before The Phantom Menace and stars legendary Prequel Trilogy icons like Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and more, including fan-favorite characters and all-new Jedi. Each thrilling issue follows a different Jedi duo on pivotal missions throughout the galaxy, with an overarching threat binding them together. Who is the mysterious new villain targeting Qui-Gon Jinn for death, and how will it force the Jedi Order to evolve for a new age?
“I love the idea that the Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy,” Guggenheim told Polygon in a recent interview. “But there are surprisingly few examples of that out there — mainly because the Jedi get sucked into the Clone Wars. I’m as much of a fan of the Clone Wars as the next guy, but I really craved seeing the Jedi doing their thing on a non-war footing. That’s the great appeal of this new Jedi Knights series: We really get a chance to see what the Jedi did before the Clone Wars and their eventual fall.”
Check out designs of Atha Prime and covers below.
New York, NY— January 17, 2025 — A dark new threat is coming to the galaxy far, far away, but true Star Wars fans know he’s been around much longer than anyone might expect! Inspired by unused Return of the Jedi concept art, ATHA PRIME was planned to be the main villain for an unreleased Kenner toy line in the ’80s, one that was intended to continue the success of Star Wars action figures following the release of the Original Trilogy films. Now, decades later, ATHA PRIME will officially debut in Marvel’s upcoming STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHTS comic series.
Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and acclaimed Star Wars comics writer Marc Guggenheim and rising star artist Madibek Musabekov will introduce the character as a mysterious planet’s tyrannical ruler who boldly opposes the Republic and the Jedi Order. Befitting his legacy, ATHA PRIME is spotlighted on John Tyler Christopher’s Action Figure Variant Cover for STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHT #1 and will also be featured on Ramon Rosanas’ Foil Variant Cover. ATHA PRIME was also previously teased on Rosanas’ “Sneak Preview” variant cover for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1.
“While developing the series, Marc discovered this deep cut—the antagonist from Kenner’s unrealized The Epic Continues toy line,” Editor Mark Paniccia explained. “We saw the original design and were immediately sold. What a cool character to bring into canon and what a perfect book to do it in!”
Hitting stands on March 5, STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHTS takes place before The Phantom Menace and stars legendary Prequel Trilogy icons like Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and more, including fan-favorite characters and all-new Jedi. Each thrilling issue follows a different Jedi duo on pivotal missions throughout the galaxy, with an overarching threat binding them together. Who is the mysterious new villain targeting Qui-Gon Jinn for death, and how will it force the Jedi Order to evolve for a new age?
“I love the idea that the Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy,” Guggenheim told Polygon in a recent interview. “But there are surprisingly few examples of that out there — mainly because the Jedi get sucked into the Clone Wars. I’m as much of a fan of the Clone Wars as the next guy, but I really craved seeing the Jedi doing their thing on a non-war footing. That’s the great appeal of this new Jedi Knights series: We really get a chance to see what the Jedi did before the Clone Wars and their eventual fall.”
Check out John Tyler Christopher and Ramon Rosanas’ covers along with Madibek Musabekov’s design sheet, and preorder STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHTS #1 at your local comic shop today! For more information, visit Marvel.com.
STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHTS #1 – 75960621106700111
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Art by MADIBEK MUSABEKOV
Cover by RAHZZAH
Action Figure Variant Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER – 75960621106700151
Foil Variant Cover by RAMON ROSANAS – 75960621106700171
On Sale 3/5
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