Back in 1997, Japanese comic artist Hisao Tamaki set out to capture the essence of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope by reimagining the landmark film through the unique lens of manga. The result was a daring and memorable adaptation that went on to win Tamaki the prestigious Eisner Award for Outstanding International Comic Publication. Now, after almost 30 years, a deluxe Kickstarter campaign has been unveiled for Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Art Edition, a lavish book that highlights Tamaki’s initial, never-before-seen art boards.
Carefully digitized and curated, the initial artwork document the development of what is now considered a special piece of modern entertainment. Recalling the early days of the endeavor, Tamaki shared, “The editor asked, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ and with zero hesitation, I responded, ‘A New Hope? Definitely!’ I have to draw Star Wars.”
A standard version is scheduled to arrive in Summer 2026, but enthusiasts can obtain limited Kickstarter-only editions—and get access ahead of the retail release—by backing the campaign now. The book is offered through Kickstarter in multiple deluxe formats, including:
- A Premium Collector Set comes as a two-volume hardbound collection featuring Tamaki’s artwork in high resolution, with a crowdfunding-only cover and a fresh translated text taken directly from Tamaki’s handwritten script. This edition is ideal for fans looking to discover the expert adaptation for the very first time, with the updated text included in the margins to maintain the original Japanese lettering. The books are printed on archival-quality paper to emphasize Tamaki’s detailed linework and rich tones. Although a standard edition with a alternate design will be released in 2026, the Kickstarter-exclusive Collector Set boasts exclusive designs distinguished by striking accents in red and blue—an homage to the dual nature of the Force, plus extra features not available anywhere else.
- The Collector’s Edition - Tamaki Variant presents a streamlined, art-forward reinterpretation of the Collector’s Edition, limited to just 260 copies.
- The Collector’s Edition + Slipcase. The complete two-volume Collector’s Edition, presented with a custom black protective case.
- Deluxe Signed Collector’s Edition. An extremely limited edition of the Collector’s Edition—only 250 sets will be made exclusively for project supporters.
- The Masterpiece Edition is a oversized, premium release that accurately displays Hisao Tamaki’s initial art, with high-resolution prints of his unaltered art at its original size—approximately 28 x 38 cm. Collected in a imitation leather protective box, the two 176-page volumes of this version are accompanied by a separate 104-page companion book that includes a fresh interpretation of the authentic Japanese lettering, which took inspiration from the Japanese voice-over of the film that has been enjoyed by Japanese-speaking audiences for generations. This deluxe version is exclusively offered through Kickstarter and will not be produced for general sale.
- Autographed Masterpiece Set, a definitive iteration of the premium collection featuring extra refinements, limited to only 250 sets globally.
- The Signed Darth Vader Masterpiece Edition (Limited to 25), the most exclusive edition of the campaign, restricted to merely 25 copies worldwide for supporters, merging the full deluxe set with exclusive Darth Vader-inspired elements.
As part of the crowdfunding campaign, collectors can also acquire the Tamaki Art Print Set, a handpicked assortment of six standout illustrations from The Star Wars Manga: A New Hope. Although initially created in monochrome, each print has been faithfully reproduced in vibrant hues, highlighting each element—including sketch lines and paste-ups to production comments and even the time-worn appearance of the paper. For those looking for something even grander, the project also includes the Three-Panel Art Portfolio, a oversized, three-panel set made to complement the height of the deluxe edition and featuring a pair of full triptych print collections.
The standard edition of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope — The Manga is slated to arrive at comic shops and retailers in the middle of 2026. But, supporters wanting to obtain campaign-only releases—and receive them before the public launch—can act now by backing the project.
