28 Long Years Later, This Prize-Winning Galactic Saga Japanese Comic Is Getting a Gorgeous Fresh Release

Back in 1997, Japanese comic artist Hisao Tamaki attempted to capture the essence of A New Hope: Star Wars Episode IV by reimagining the iconic film through the distinctive lens of manga. The result was a daring and memorable retelling that went on to win Tamaki the prestigious Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material. Today, nearly three decades later, a special Kickstarter campaign has been announced for Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Art Edition, a premium volume that highlights Tamaki’s original, previously unreleased original illustrations.

Meticulously scanned and assembled, the initial artwork document the creation of what is now considered a special piece of modern entertainment. Recalling the early days of the endeavor, Tamaki shared, “My publisher asked, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ without a moment’s pause, I responded, ‘A New Hope? Absolutely!’ I have to draw Star Wars.”

A standard version is scheduled to release in mid-2026, but enthusiasts can obtain exclusive Kickstarter-only editions—and receive them before the retail release—by supporting the campaign today. This edition is offered through Kickstarter in several premium formats, including:

1. The Collector’s Edition comes as a two-volume hardcover collection showcasing Tamaki’s illustrations in exceptional detail, with a crowdfunding-only cover and a fresh English translation sourced straight from Tamaki’s handwritten script. This version is perfect for readers wanting to discover the masterful version for the very first time, with the updated text included in the margins to maintain the authentic Japanese text. The books are produced using archival-quality stock to showcase Tamaki’s detailed drawing style and deep shading. While a retail version with a alternate design will be available in 2026, the limited crowdfunding Collector Set boasts exclusive designs distinguished by bold use of blue and red—a visual nod to the light and dark sides of the Force, plus extra features not available elsewhere.
2. Tamaki Special Edition presents a minimalist, visually focused new take of the Collector’s Edition, limited to 260 sets.
3. Slipcase Collector’s Edition. The complete two-volume premium set, housed inside a custom dark slipcase.
4. Deluxe Signed Collector’s Edition. An extremely limited edition of the premium collection—only 250 sets will be made only for project supporters.
5. The Masterpiece Edition represents a large-format, high-end release that faithfully presents Hisao Tamaki’s initial art, with high-resolution prints of his untouched art at its initial dimensions—10.85” x 15.05”. Collected in a faux-leather protective box, the dual books of this version are accompanied by a standalone 104-page guidebook that contains a fresh interpretation of the original Japanese text, which itself was inspired by the alternate language dub of the film that has been cherished by fans in Japan for generations. The Masterpiece Edition format is exclusively offered through the campaign and will not be produced for retail.
6. Autographed Masterpiece Set, a ultimate iteration of the premium collection with extra refinements, limited to only 250 sets worldwide.
7. The Signed Darth Vader Masterpiece Edition (Limited to 25), the most exclusive version of the initiative, limited to merely 25 copies worldwide for supporters, merging the full Masterpiece Edition with exclusive Darth Vader-inspired features.

Included in the Kickstarter, fans can also purchase the Art Print Collection, a curated selection of six notable pages from The Star Wars Manga: A New Hope. Though originally drawn in black and white, each print has been accurately recreated in vibrant hues, emphasizing every detail—from pencil strokes and paste-ups to editorial notes and even the natural aging of the original material. For those looking for something more expansive, the project also includes the Three-Panel Art Portfolio, a large-format, triptych collection designed to match the height of the Masterpiece Edition and including a pair of full three-part art sets.

The regular version of Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Artbook is slated to arrive at comic shops and bookstores in the middle of 2026. However, fans wanting to secure Kickstarter-exclusive editions—and receive them ahead of the retail release—can do so by supporting the project.