In 1997, from deep in the heart of Japan’s manga scene, mangaka Hisao Tamaki set out with an extraordinary goal: to capture the spirit of Star Wars: A New Hope — not just retelling the story, but reimagining the landmark motion picture through the lens of manga. The result was a bold, unforgettable adaptation that ultimately earned Tamaki the prestigious Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material. Now, nearly three decades later, Dark Horse Comics and Lucasfilm are proud to present a Kickstarter campaign for The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga, a stunning, deluxe book that showcases Tamaki’s original never-before-seen art boards. A retail edition arrives in Summer 2026, but fans can secure exclusive Kickstarter-only editions–and receive them before retail release. Fans can support the project on Kickstarter now.
“This is Star Wars like you’ve never seen it,” said Dark Horse President, Founder 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.”
Remembering the project’s beginnings, Tamaki said: “The editor in charge of the project [at the time…] asked, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ and with zero hesitation or second thought, I responded, ‘A New Hope? Absolutely!’I have to draw Star Wars.”
In 1977, the world was changed by the release of George Lucas’s seminal science-fantasy epic. Fascinating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and breathtaking action affected audiences in ways that movies never had before and seldom have since. Twenty years later, Hisao Tamaki adapted the films in his own singular style that allowed legions of Star Wars fans to enjoy their favorite story in an exciting new way. Now, Dark Horse has meticulously scanned and assembled Tamaki-sensei’s original art boards to chronicle and showcase the creation of a unique artifact of popular culture.
As part of the campaign, fans can also purchase the Tamaki Art Print Set, a curated set of six prints featuring standout pages from Hisao Tamaki’s Star Wars: A New Hope manga. While the artwork is black and white, each print is reproduced in full color to capture every nuance of the art boards— from fine pencil marks and paste-ups to editorial notes and the natural aging of the paper. Fans can also select the Tamaki Art Triptych Folio, a large-format, three-panel folio designed to match the height of the Masterpiece Edition, containing two complete triptych print sets.
“The deluxe Kickstarter-exclusives offer fans an opportunity to revisit the classic adventure through new eyes and in a fresh voice,” said Mike Richardson.
Fans can look forward to the standard edition of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga arriving in comic shops and bookstores in Summer 2026–or support the Kickstarter to receive exclusive editions ahead of retail launch. Join Dark Horse and Lucasfilm to explore the creative journey of a novel view of a galaxy far, far away. Follow Dark Horse Comics on social media for more news, announcements, and updates. To support the project, head to Kickstarter.
Author Profile
- I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!
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