Big week this week for Star Wars comics with a ton of potential key issues on deck.
Starting off there is the 2nd print of The Hidden Empire #1 including the very cool black and white sketch 1:25 sketch variant with art from Arthur Adams. It’s very rare to get a ration variant on a second print so you have to think the print run on them will be small as its tougher for shops to sell 2nd prints in large volume.
Next up is Star Wars: The Mandalorian #7 that will have the first appearance of Moff Gideon in a traditional comic.
Then there is a double dose of The High Republic with Star Wars: The High Republic #4 from Marvel comics and Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #2 from Dark Horse comics.
Both are interesting to me because they will both feature 2-3 first appearances minimum. Star Wars: The High Republic #4 kicks off the Battle of Jedha in the comics series and the cover A by Ario Anindito features the first cover appearances of The Herald and Marda (or Yana) Ro. I also expect them both to show up in the issue.
Check out this post from a few days ago that breaks down who I think could also appear. I think this book has the most potential of any High Republic comics from phase II so far, especially if the Mother appears in it.
And in the preview of Darkhorse’s High Republic Adventures #2 we get confirmation of 3 new character appearances who are a part of the odd villain group The Dank Graks.
Last but not least is Darth Vader #30 where it appears Darth Vader will have a show down with… checks notes… Padme’s handmaidens. No idea how these people keep surviving fights with the Dark Lord but should be fun regardless.
Check out everything new coming up below and get your pre-orders in over at TFAW.
Star Wars: Hidden Empire #1 (of 5) | 2nd Print
(W) Charles Soule (A) Steven Cummings (CA) Paolo Siqueira
• The mysterious syndicate CRIMSON DAWN and its leader LADY QI’RA have become the galaxy’s most wanted criminals, as EMPEROR PALPATINE realizes the scope of Qi’ra’s plans against him and moves to destroy her.
• But Qi’ra still has tricks up her sleeve, and with the help of the KNIGHTS OF REN and her many other allies, she will not go down without a fight!
In Shops: Jan 11, 2022
SRP: $4.99
Variants:
- 2nd Print Cummings Variant
- 2nd Print 1:25 Adams Variant
Star Wars The High Republic #4 | Phase 2
(W) Cavan Scott (A) Ario Anindito (CA) Ario Anindito
VIOLENCE COMES TO JEDHA!
• The Temple of the Whills has been attacked, Vildar Mac critically injured in the blast. Is Tey Sirrek to blame?
• The Herald of the Open Hand has arrived to address the Convocation, but just what is the nameless horror that lurks in the streets of the Holy City?
• The Battle of Jedha begins here!
In Shops: January 11, 2022
Variants:
- Anindito Cover A
- Bengal Variant
- Sauvage 1:25 Variant
- Kirkham Exclusive
Star Wars The High Republic Adventures #2 (2022) | Phase 2
Format: 8 Part Series
(W) Daniel Jose Older (A/CA) Toni Bruno
Her secret safe for now, Jedi Padawan Sav Malagan begins to adjust to her life undercover on a ship full of pirates. But after coming face-to-face with the explosive consequences of her actions, Sav begins to wonder where her loyalties lie: with the Jedi Order, or her new friends?
In Shops: January 11th, 2023
Variants:
Star Wars Mandalorian #7 Comics
First Appearances: Moff Gideon
RODNEY BARNES (W) • GEORGES JEANTY (A) • Cover by Steve Mcniven
THE RECKONING!
An old rival extends an invitation for The Mandalorian to make peace.
In shops: January 11 2022
- Mcniven Cover A
- Concept Art Variant
- Sway 1:25 Variant
- Clarke 1:50 Variant
- Mayhew Exclusive
- Kaare Andrews Exclusive
Star Wars Darth Vader #30
GREG PAK (W) • LUKE ROSS (A) • Cover by RAHZZAH
VARIANT COVER BY PHIL NOTO
Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Variant Cover by CHRIS SPROUSE
ALL HER SHADOWS!
During their terrible battle at Padmé’s tomb on Naboo, the Queen’s most devoted handmaidens were no match for the fury of Darth Vader. So as they are about to face the Dark Lord again, the handmaidens have prepared. But so has Vader. Who will triumph in the rematch? And what dark price will that victory exact?
In Stores: January 11, 2023
Variants
Star Wars Comic Book FOC Deadlines
For those who aren’t familiar, FOC, or Final Order Cut Off, is when publishers and distributors require retailers to get their orders in. Printers then print according to that number (sometimes with overages). So, if you want to absolutely guarantee you get a book, best bet is to order it before FOC. Final Order Cut Off is Monday 1/09/23 this week.
Let’s dive in…
Star Wars The High Republic #4 | Phase 2
NOV221095
(W) Titan
FEATURING:
• The Mandalorian – a look back at the story so far.
• Bendu to Beggars Canyon – How natural spaces, wild places and wilder creatures thread through the lives of Star Wars characters.
• The Chronology of Star Wars – Amy Richau speaks to fellow authors about crafting the ultimate timeline of the Star Wars galaxy.
In Shops: Feb 08, 2023
SRP: $9.99
Variants:
- Newstand
- PX ED Variant
- Grogu Trading Card Variant
