“Stop! You’re reading the wrong way!” - Every issue of Shonen Jump
apanese culture has a tremendous influence in the entertainment industry in terms of their artistic style and way of storytelling. If you were to ask anyone who watches animation, many of them will mostly likely be familiar with anime-style “cartoons” with popular titles being Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Pokémon.
Disney Star Wars is starting to dip their toes into the Japanese-made phenomenon by releasing books called “manga” which feature the signature art style.
These manga titles serve as a wonderful outlet for Star Wars fans who love anime, even those who are mainly familiar with American-made shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender. Although we have yet to see a Star Wars program fully dedicated to the anime style (at least at the time of writing this) we can still indulge in these beautiful manga adaptations of our favorite stories whether you’re in the mood for stunning action sequences or saucy romance.
Even if you are unfamiliar with anime and manga, the Star Wars titles featured below are excellent introductions to the medium. Some of these volumes are even printed as they are out in Japan to really give you the complete experience.
If you purchase one of these titles you may notice that the cover is featured on the side of the book that you wouldn’t normally consider the “front.” That’s because traditional manga is read from back to front, right to left. Now don’t feel overwhelmed! Reading the panels backward is not as hard as it sounds. It’s actually kind of fun!
The Star Wars franchise is better known for their films, novels, games, and various shows and less so for their ability to produce manga. Even so, the few titles that they have released are made with such exceptional quality that they could even stand up to popular names in the manga realm. The artists do not hold back on the impeccable drawing techniques and soulful character expressions when crafting each panel.
The fact that these books exist show that the Star Wars franchise is not one to avoid taking risks. Those involved in the publishing side of content creation had decided to step out of their comfort zone to formulate something that more niche fans can enjoy and the result of their efforts is absolutely spectacular. Now enthusiasts of both Star Wars and anime can indulge in an even greater out-of-this-world experience.
When it comes to animation, one of the closest examples of Star Wars material to date that closely resembles the anime art style is the Galaxy of Adventures miniseries featured on YouTube. Although it is a fantastic and beautiful project, we have yet to achieve the full experience set in the Star Wars universe. With the success of these manga adaptations, we will hopefully see a full anime series complete with a flashy opening sequence paired with a catchy musical number sometime in the near future. Until then, lose yourself in the manga volumes featured in the collection below.
Coming Soon
Our team is hard at work building out this collection. Stay tuned!
Books in this Collection
Lost Stars: Vol. 1 (Manga)
Lost Stars: Vol. 2 (Manga)
Lost Stars: Vol. 3 (Manga)
Leia, Princess of Alderaan Vol. 1 (Manga)
Leia, Princess of Alderaan, Vol. 2 (Manga)
Star Wars Leia, Princess of Alderaan, Vol. 2 is a trade paperback compilation of Leia Organa: Ordeal of the Princess, a manga adaptation of Claudia Gray's Leia, Princess of Alderaan junior novel.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.... On planet Crate, [sic] Leia met her father, Bail Organa, who was meeting with a mysterious armed group. After Leia learned the truth of her father's investigation mission, she decides to fight against the Empire herself. What awaits Leia in the next target, Naboo system?
The Legends Of Luke Skywalker (Manga)
Rebels Volume 1 (Manga)
Rebels, Volume 2 (Manga)
Rebels, Volume 3 (Manga)
Star Wars Rebels, Vol. 3
Is the third trade paperback compilation of the Star Wars Rebels (Manga) Series, which adapts events of the Star Wars Rebels television series. The title was released in Japan on September 15, 2021 by Line Corporation.
The popular 3DCG TV anime series' long-awaited 3rd comic volume!
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
Ezra, the boy of the planet Lothal, is with his friends from the spaceship the Ghost. To join the battle against the Imperial Army, they decided to travel together.
Kanan, who is not confident in his maturity as a Jedi, swears to take Ezra on as his Padawan, and to teach him how to use the Force
Guardians of the Whills: The Manga
The High Republic: The Edge Of Balance Vol. 1
Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1
This is the first trade paperback release in the manga series Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance.
In the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster, young Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi is assigned to help displaced civilians relocate to Banchii, a planet in the Inugg system far in the Outer Rim. While balancing the arrival of incoming settlers and teaching the Padawans on their Temple outpost, Lily must also confront an attack by the insidious Drengir and, after the events of the Republic Fair, deal with the growing threat of the Nihil. But the dangers to Lily and her Padawans are much closer than she thinks….
The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2
Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2
This is the second trade paperback release in the manga series Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance.
A massive, interconnected cross-publisher initiative focused on an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling.
It is the era of the High Republic and Republic expansion is at its height. As trusted guardians of peace, the renowned Jedi protect the Republic and shine their light on those exploring the darkest reaches of the galaxy.
Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi learns the Drengir attack on Banchii was not an isolated event but part of a coordinated attack orchestrated by the Nihil. Master Arkoff is on orders from the Jedi Council to help Master Stellan Gios's investigation, leaving Lily in charge of rebuilding Banchii and restoring hope to the community. Lily vows the temple will not be put in danger again, not under her watch! When a disruptive unannounced visitor appears, Lily must maintain her focus as she seeks the best way to protect Banchii, Keerin, and the Younglings from the growing Nihil threat.
