‘Star Wars’ May 2024 Comics Preview: ‘The Phantom Menace’ Anniversary Special, Darth Vader Attacks Exegol, and More
I hope you are enjoying this period of relative quiet in your Star Wars comics, because all of that is about to change. This May packs a slew of normal and abnormal things to be aware of. The main event is The Phantom Menace 25th anniversary special one-shot, which contains never-before-seen content related to the film. Other headlines start with Darth Vader’s mind games with the Emperor, which escalate all the way to Exegol. Meanwhile, the ongoing trial of Lando Calrissian takes a turn. Mon Mothma needs saving, and the fate of the Rebellion may be at risk.
May is also home to Free Comic Book Day, with this year’s edition taking place on Star Wars Day, May 4th. Young Jedi Adventures makes its comic debut when it crosses over with Dark Horse’s The High Republic Adventures, while Marvel offers a Luke and Vader-centric story. VIZ Media also has a pair of new releases hitting shelves, including the long-awaited Visions manga adaptation. All of this and more are coming in May!
I usually like to share some quick hitters before we get going. Unfortunately, it’s been slow-going in comics news. Making the rounds is a chat Ethan Sacks recently had with CBR about his upcoming Jango Fett miniseries. They get into Sacks’ life post-Bounty Hunters, what drew him to Jango, when the series takes place, and more.
Now, looking ahead to May, check with your local comic book shop on what pre-order options they have available (or you can be boring and choose digital). You can visit here for a refresher on what else is coming from Star Wars comics. As a reminder, the very nature of comic solicitations is spoiler-filled, so be aware before going forward.
Star Wars: Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1 (available May 1)
CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHANTOM MENACE WITH AN ALL-NEW STORY!
Explore the earliest days and secret inner life of ANAKIN SKYWALKER with never-before-seen, revelatory stories set before, after and between the scenes of the classic movie! Featuring the dream of a JEDI, the gift of a TUSKEN RAIDER, the heart of a GUNGAN, the ache of a mother and the horror of a hero!
The High Republic #7 (available May 1)
BALM OF THE LUMINOUS!
• DEATH at the heart of NIHIL SPACE. HOPE in the midst of despair.
• JEDI MASTER KEEVE TRENNIS has gathered a band of battle-weary Jedi, pirates and wanderers, but how long will they remain united as the CHILDREN OF THE STORM make their move?
• Plus: The Nihil Minister of Advancement revealed: BARON BOOLAN makes his presence known!
Free Comic Book Day 2024: Young Jedi Adventures (available May 4)
Journey to a galaxy far, far away with the younglings from the hit Disney+ streaming series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, and guest-starring characters from the hit Dark Horse comic series Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures in “Sky Parade Rescue!”
Then, in the Plants vs. Zombies short story “The Origin of Zomboss,” a Brain-Z Entertainment film crew explores the many past jobs of Dr. Zomboss and what led to him forming the zombie army!
• Featuring two of Jedi Master Yoda’s brightest students, Padawan Qort and Youngling Nubs!
• “The Origin of Zomboss!”-finally told!
Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars/Darth Vader #1 (available May 4)
Are there REBEL survivors stranded on HOTH? LUKE SKYWALKER, LEIA ORGANA, LANDO CALRISSIAN and CHEWBACCA mount a dangerous rescue mission to ECHO BASE! Lightsabers! Blasters! Snowtroopers! All-out action amongst the wreckage of AT-AT walkers, Rebel airspeeders and frozen weapons of mass destruction!
DARTH VADER employes a surprise character from the past to help him find LUKE SKYWALKER. But SABE, former handmaiden of PADME AMADALA is also on a quest for the son of Vader. Having worked for him as an IMPERIAL COMANDER, Sabe has enough resources to cause chaos for anyone who stands in her path. How will this affect the DARK LORD’S plans to remove PALPATINE from power?
The Mandalorian: The Manga Vol. 2 (available May 7)
The Mandalorian, a solitary bounty hunter, is sent to secure the Child at the request of a ruthless Imperial Remnant, which is all that remains of the once all-powerful Galactic Empire. The journey to return his passenger to the client proves more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined, but the Child demonstrates a mysterious power that changes everything about the Mandalorian’s mission.
Based on the series created by Jon Favreau and written by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Christopher Yost, and Rick Famuyiwa.
Star Wars: Visions – The Manga Anthology (available May 7)
The first volume of Star Wars: Visions on Disney+ invited visionary Japanese anime studios to explore the Star Wars galaxy through their unique cultural lens. Now, top creators such as Kamome Shirahama and Yusuke Osawa bring those visions to life in manga form! Featuring adaptations of: “The Elder,” “Lop and Ochō,” “The Ninth Jedi,” and “The Twins.”
Darth Vader #46 (available May 8)
THE RAZING OF EXEGOL, PART ONE!
• DARTH VADER and the SCHISM IMPERIAL launch their boldest challenge to the power of PALPATINE with an assault on EXEGOL, the home of the EMPEROR’S greatest secrets and treasures!
• But if sheer brute force can’t overcome the defenses of the SITH CITADEL, what terrifying new resources will the DARK LORD draw upon?
• Also: CAPTAIN ENRIC PRYDE faces his greatest test!
Mace Windu #4 (available May 15)
INTRODUCING THE SHROUD!
• Just as MACE and smuggler AZITA CRUUZ arrive at her freighter, they’re beset by MURO, DIYA and the leader of their cult, THE SHROUD.
• The Shroud is something that Mace Windu was never trained for and isn’t prepared for – and might push a JEDI KNIGHT to his breaking point!
The High Republic Adventures #6 (available May 15)
Variant Cover by Isobel Rees
On the edge of the Occlusion Zone, the Republic outpost on Eriadu is a safe place for a reunion of allies. After a year of hoping, searching, and daring rescues, Zeen, Lula, and more friends have made their way to this new home. Reunited, it’s time to face their destiny and stand together against the fearsome onslaught of the Nihil from beyond the Stormwall.
What new challenges await our heroes on the next leg of their journey?
The High Republic Adventures: Saber for Hire #2 (available May 15)
The Nihil are kidnapping children with Force abilities. Can Ty Yorrick, former Jedi turned monster hunter, find them before it’s too late? And what will Ty’s frustrated apprentice do when he discovers that the villainous space pirates are also targeting the son of the Republic Chancellor? Plus: Ty has an encounter that will change her life forever!
Star Wars #46 (available May 22)
OPERATION: RESCUE MON MOTHMA!
• The fate of the REBEL ALLIANCE has become intertwined with accused traitor LANDO CALRISSIAN – if he falls, so will the Rebellion.
• LEIA ORGANA must mount a desperate rescue mission if there is any hope of defeating the evil GALACTIC EMPIRE!
Darth Maul: Black, White & Red #2 (available May 29)
MAYHEM AT THE MOONBENDER COLONY!
• Who are THE REMAINDERS, and what threat are they to LORD PALPATINE?
• DARTH MAUL is sent to conquer a mining colony single-handed, but the unexpected opposition becomes an intense battle of life and death!
• One of STAR WARS’ most famous villains learns one of his most valuable lessons!
Jango Fett #3 (available May 29)
COVER BY LEINIL FRANCIS YU
JANGO VS. AURRA SING!
• The heavyweight BOUNTY HUNTER battle that will shake the galaxy!
• Who is the mysterious figure behind the heist that is igniting a war?
• Prepare for a new twist when an unexpected alliance is revealed!
Source: Bleeding Cool & DarkHorse.com
Nate uses his love for Star Wars and movies in general as a way to cope with the pain of being a Minnesota sports fan. When he's not at the theater, you can usually find Nate reading a comic, listening to an audiobook, or playing a Mario video game for the 1,000th time.
