More and more of the upcoming Star Wars comic releases become clear as companies reshuffle their schedules in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic related closures. We got updated June and July 2020 solicitations earlier this week, and now plans for August are becoming clear: many of the issues meant originally for May will be released, though there’s one big omission for the moment: The High Republic comics meant to premiere alongside the rest of the initiative in August. There’s no update at this time if they’ll still release then or a little later, but we’ll update you as soon as we hear more (UPDATE 5/26: High Republic was moved to January), though in the meantime head below to see which comics, like Aphra, Vader, and the latest Star Wars, will hit in August!
I’ve included the original solicitations for these issues with updated release dates and a few new thoughts regarding each one.
MARVEL
Star Wars #5 (on sale 8/5)
Charles Soule (Writer) Jesús Saiz (Artist)
Cover by R.B. Silva | Empire Strikes Back Variant Cover by Chris Sprouse | Variant Cover by Patrick Zircher
The next steps on Luke Skywalker’s search for Jedi wisdom begin here!
- Following a mysterious vision he received on CLOUD CITY, Luke travels to a lost planet looking for a woman he believes may hold the key to his Jedi future and that of the entire Rebellion.
- But will he arrive at his destination in time to learn what he needs… or will the evil DARTH VADER get there first?
Charles Soule has breathed intrigue and deeper character moments into the latest volume of the Star Wars series, and I’ve been eager to learn who is reaching out to Luke, leading him along regarding his missing lightsaber. What secrets does she hold? And what are her plans for Luke? It might be a long wait still to find out, but after the first 4 issues, I can be sure it’ll be worth it.
Darth Vader #4 (on sale 8/12)
Greg Pak (Writer), Raffaele Ienco (A)
Cover by Inhyuk Lee | Empire Strikes Back Variant Cover by Chris Sprouse
WHO HUNTS THE HUNTER?
- DARTH VADER continues his terrifying quest for vengeance against everyone who hid the existence of his son from him.
- But on NABOO, the DARK LORD OF THE SITH faces a deadly new challenge as his focus turns from LUKE to PADMÉ, the wife of the man Vader used to be.
- And what secrets lie in the tomb of PADMÉ AMIDALA?
It’s hard to talk much about this series without spoiling its exciting reveal, but Vader’s adventures on Naboo with a surviving handmaiden of Padmé’s should be more than enough to know you’ll likely want to read this or not.
Bounty Hunters #4 (on sale 8/19)
Ethan Sacks (Writer), Paolo Villanelli (Artist)
Cover by Lee Bermejo | Empire Strikes Back Variant Cover By Chris Sprouse
THE SINS THAT CAN’T BE ABSOLVED!
- With a blaster aimed at this back, cyborg bounty hunter VALANCE closes in on NAKANO LASH, the mentor who abandoned him many years ago.
- But what is the secret that Lash has been hiding ever since that fateful, doomed mission — one that led her to betray her entire crew?
- Those answers may die with her if a vengeful BOBA FETT gets to her first.
I’ve found the mystery of what Lash knows compelling enough to keep reading this series and knowing we’ll learn the truth soon enough is a relief!
Doctor Aphra #3 (on sale 8/26)
Alyssa Wong (Writer), Marika Cresta (Artist)
Cover by Valentina Remenar | Variant Cover by Mahmud Asrar
THE TRIALS OF VAALE!
- Separated from her crew, DOCTOR APHRA finds herself in peril at the hands of RONEN TAGGE’S mercenaries!
- Could there be a traitor in their midst?
- And can Aphra outwit them before the curse of the city swallows her and her new team whole?
After the excellent first issue, this Doctor Aphra fan can barely wait for the rest of the relaunch to start in earnest! The first issue will hit store shelves May 28 after dropping digitally on May the 4th, and the next issue won’t drop until July, but at least we’re getting back to a normal monthly pace it seems! Now’s the perfect time to hop onto this series and see what all the hype is about, while the upcoming Aphra audiobook should also help hold over fans in July. And these two covers still amaze!
The Action Figure Variant Covers Collector’s Book #1 (on sale 7/29 Now 8/12)
John Tyler Christopher (Artist)
Cover and Variant Cover by John Tyler Christopher
Get the ultimate Star Wars action figure collection — in one single, giant-sized comic book! As a child, John Tyler Christopher spent his days playing with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and his beloved Boba Fett. As an adult, Christopher has spent the last five years drawing the greatest heroes and villains of the galaxy far, far away in a stellar series of Action Figure Variant Covers to Marvel’s Star Wars titles — which have become as sought-after among fans as the original toys! Now, almost 100 of Christopher’s covers — featuring everyone from Ackbar to Zuckuss — are assembled, in all their full-size glory, in this instant collector’s item issue. And you don’t even have to agonize over taking them out of the box!
I’m loving the updated, final cover for this collection of John Tyler Christopher’s action figure variant covers!
IDW
With the first two issue of The Clone Wars – Battle Tales already on the schedule, it’s weird that at least the third issue wasn’t included here, while The High Republic series from IDW also is missing. Maybe those are still be pushed back a bit, but I imagine High Republic stuff will be prioritized
The Clone Wars – Battle Tales #3 (8/5)
Michael Moreci (Writer), Derek Charm (Covers)
Issue #3 – Derek Charm, Valentina Pinto (Artists)
This exciting weekly series explores a time of great upheaval in the galaxy—the Clone Wars! While Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and other Jedi Knights fight against incredible odds, Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and other clones, pinned down for the duration, swap war stories that feature your favorite characters from The Clone Wars animated series, such as Padmé Amidala, General Grievous, and many more!
From the cover alone, looks like we’re getting the Padmé focused tale in this issue!
The Clone Wars – Battle Tales #4 (8/19)
Michael Moreci (Writer), Derek Charm (Covers)
Issue #4 – Derek Charm, Davide Tinto (Artists)
This exciting weekly series explores a time of great upheaval in the galaxy—the Clone Wars! While Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and other Jedi Knights fight against incredible odds, Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and other clones, pinned down for the duration, swap war stories that feature your favorite characters from The Clone Wars animated series, such as Padmé Amidala, General Grievous, and many more!
This is already at an excellent start so I’m glad to see it’s many issues will be in our hands soon! As for this issue specifically, it looks like it’s going to star the new clone, Heater, which writer Moreci told us about in our interview.
I visited my local comic shop (Lost World of Wonders) when they reopened on May 15, they have social distancing and mask requirements in place, as well as curbside service, but it was great to be back in the store. I plan on visiting to pick up these issues, and if your LCS is open and/or has safe ways to shop like curbside service, consider giving them business if you can!
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.
2020 Comic Solicitations: June/July