Description

Star Wars Annual (Marvel, 1977 series) # 1

Date: 1979

Creative Team: Mike Vosburg (Artist), Chris Claremont (Writer), Walter Simonson (Cover Artist)

Condition Notes: Near Mint

Story Notes: Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and company land on the plant Tirahnn. They are pursued by the lightsaber wielding Kharysa. After escaping and traveling to her home planet of Skye, the rebels need the help of locals to help fight Kharysa and the Empire. The Local council decides to help after discovering the Luke Skywalker is a friend of Obi-Wan Kenobi, who aided the people during the Clone Wars.  This issue is one of the few stories that reference the Clone Wars. George Lucas purposely kept out any speculation on what the Clone Wars were from Marvel Comics and the general public for possible development in his films, which eventually took place in Episodes I-III.

The original Marvel Star Wars series began in 1977 with a 6 part adaption of the first movie. The series was so successful that it became a regular monthly series that ran to issue #107 in 1986. The series included early concept appearances by Jabba the Hutt, adaptions of both Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The original Marvel series was also known for filling in adventures between and after the Star Wars movies. These stories include the return of Boba Fett, the origin of Mandalore, and the introduction of Darth Vader’s apprentice, Lumiya. The final issues #100-107 are much rarer due to lower production levels as the series concluded in 1986.