A New Comic Book Based on Early Star Wars Notes: What Could Have Been is Coming Soon!

Deak Starkiller (Luke's father) fights Sith Knight Darth Vader with a lazer sword. Art by Ralph McQuarrie for early version of Star Wars (image from starwars.wikia.com).

Dark Horse Comics is coming out with a new Star Wars title that is sure to turn Star Wars fans on their collective ears. This new title is a comic book adaptation of “The Star Wars”, an early draft of the script that would eventually become Star wars Episode IV – A New Hope. While the basic story follows that of the final movie, many of the characters and settings are radically different. Here is a list of some of the major changes to be found:

• Han Solo is a 6-foot green lizard.
• Luke Skywalker is much older and takes the role later filled by Obi-Wan Kenobi.
• The young hero is named Annakin Starkiller and not related to Vader or Leia.
• Darth Vader is a Sith Knight, and plays a much smaller role as an Empire enforcer.
• Light sabers are called “lazer swords”.
• Jedi knights have more in common with Japanese samurai, including top knots in their hair.
• The Millenium Falcon looks completely different (though it does have the iconic cockpit).
• The Wookiees live on the planet Yavin and play a major role in destroying the Empire’s massive space station (NOT called the Death Star yet).

While there are no plans to adapt this script beyond the comic book series, we all know that successful comics eventually find other mediums to inhabit, whether it be TV, movies or video games. Plus, Dark Horse released over two dozen comics that became movies and TV shows. These include Frank Miller’s 300, The Mask and Timecop, to name a few. With such a track record, you may be able to enjoy this alternative version of a beloved franchise in the comfort of your home theater!