Marvel’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker comic adaptation is finally happening, with the first issue set to release on February 26, 2024. Marvel officially announced it earlier today.
If you’re thinking, “Wait, wasn’t this already announced you filthy slay-mo??” you’re not wrong.
This comic was written by Jody Houser and illustrated by Will Sliney way back in 2020, but it got shelved due to the issues surrounding the pandemic… and some less-than-glowing reception to the film itself.
Updated: Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Ghost Agents Release Dates and Variant Checklist
Now, after years on the shelf, this long-delayed adaptation is ready to hit comic shops. Like the other adaptations it will be a five-issue series that reimagines the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga, complete with scenes that didn’t make the movie’s final cut.
Why Marvel Is Releasing It Now
Marvel seems to be tapping into renewed interest in the sequel trilogy era from the fans who grew up as this being THEIR Star Wars. It’s almost overwhelming how much Star Wars content is swirling around right now without a real release schedule.
There’s the agonizingly slow drip of news about the long-promised Rey movie—will it be a trilogy? A standalone? Does anyone even know??
Meanwhile, The Mandalorian (and Grogu?) and Ahsoka are busy filling in the cracks of the New Republic and the formation of the First Order, Skeleton Crew (probably?) promises to do the same, and Marvel’s Legacy of Vader comic is diving into Kylo Ren’s Supreme Leader era.
It feels like Star Wars is throwing everything at the wall to flesh out this era, and now, the Rise of Skywalker comic adaptation is finally stepping out of its time capsule to join the fray.
This release gives fans another way to explore the Skywalker Saga with extended material that might actually bring some extra depth to The Rise of Skywalker. I think it’s worth a shot to keep adding to the lore here, personally.
And that, to me, is the coolest part. Look, I’m not usually into adaptations. Most of the time, I don’t bother to actually read them unless it’s a book adaptation.
Even then, let’s be honest, Star Wars doesn’t have the best track record there (looking at you, Thrawn: Alliances). Seriously, wtf happened there?
But something about this project—maybe the idea of those deleted scenes—feels like it could be worth a second look.
What to Expect from the Rise of Skywalker Comic Adaptation
This adaptation won’t rewrite the story or fix divisive elements, but it will expand the narrative. Jody Houser and Will Sliney are revisiting pivotal moments while adding depth with deleted and extended scenes.
For fans who felt certain moments in the film were… well.. rushed—like Rey’s journey to Exegol or Kylo Ren’s alliance with Palpatine—this adaptation might fill in some gaps.
Here’s some of the interior art by Mr. Sliney. Nice continuation from his work on Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren with Charles Soule.
Should You Read It?
Depends. If you enjoyed The Rise of Skywalker or are curious about the expanded material, this comic could be worth a look. It’s also a great opportunity to see how Marvel interprets the story visually.
If you’re less invested in the sequel trilogy, this release probably won’t change your mind.
The first issue of Marvel’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker comic adaptation will hit shelves on February 26, 2024.
