In 1997, manga artist Hisao Tamaki set out with an ambitious goal: to reimagine Star Wars: A New Hope through the unique lens of manga. The result was an Eisner Award–winning adaptation that captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Now, nearly three decades later, Dark Horse Comics and Lucasfilm are giving fans unprecedented access to Tamaki’s original art with The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga — a deluxe new book available now through Kickstarter.
“This is Star Wars like you’ve never seen it,” said Dark Horse President and CEO Mike Richardson. “We’re sharing Hisao Tamaki’s legendary manga with fans in an edition that not only showcases the art, but also offers an unprecedented glimpse into the creative process behind it.”
Tamaki recalls his excitement when first offered the project in the ’90s: “The editor asked, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ and without hesitation I said, ‘A New Hope? Absolutely! I have to draw Star Wars.’”
The campaign offers multiple deluxe formats, including rare signed editions available exclusively through Kickstarter:
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Deluxe Signed Collector’s Edition: A two-volume hardcover set featuring archival-quality printing, Kickstarter-exclusive designs in blue and red, and a brand-new English translation printed alongside the original Japanese lettering. Limited to just 250 signed sets.
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Signed Masterpiece Edition: A definitive oversized release faithfully presenting Tamaki’s art boards at their original size (10.85” x 15.05”), housed in a faux-leather clamshell case with a 104-page companion translation book. Enhanced and signed, this edition is also limited to 250 sets worldwide.
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Signed Darth Vader Masterpiece Edition: The rarest offering, limited to only 25 sets worldwide, combining the full Masterpiece Edition with exclusive Vader-inspired features.
Additional rewards include the Tamaki Art Print Set (six prints showcasing standout pages) and the Tamaki Art Triptych Folio, a large-format folio containing complete triptych print sets designed to match the scale of the Masterpiece Edition.
The Kickstarter campaign is live now, giving fans the chance to secure these ultra-rare editions ahead of the standard retail release in Summer 2026.
As Richardson puts it, the project “offers fans an opportunity to revisit the classic adventure through new eyes and in a fresh voice.”
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