RETRO REVIEW: Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Vol. 1

Marvel; $39.99

In April 1977, a month before A New Hope was released in theaters, Marvel began publishing Star Wars comics. That run, which began with a six-issue adaptation of the movie, went on for 107 issues and 3 annuals, as well as content in other publications. For modern readers or those looking to reread the series without tracking down the full series, the Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years omnibus is a good option.

The first volume of the omnibus contains Star Wars #1-23, plus stories from Pizzazz #1-16, and Star Wars Weekly #60. It opens with the six-issue movie adaptation then kicks off the series’ original stories consisting of one-offs and short arcs by Roy Thomas and Archie Goodwin, with art by Howard Chaykin and Carmine Infantino. The first original adventure, a Han Solo-Chewbacca story arrived in #7 (January 1978), introducing Jaxxon, the rabbit-like smuggler and pilot, and Don-Wan Kihotay, a delusional old librarian who fancied himself a Jedi.

They introduced the House of Tagge, a new antagonist for the series in the guise of a scheming noble family. They own the powerful megacorporation Tagge Company, employ a private military, and support the Galactic Republic. Desiring power, family head Baron Orman Tagge even tried to usurp Vader’s position at Emperor Palpatine’s side. This arc also introduced the Wheel space station, a casino-filled Vegas style setting.

This book is a great addition to any Star Wars collector’s library. Since the series was still in its infancy, it’s interesting seeing how the creative team interprets the characters (look for a very different Jabba), settings, and potential scenarios that might befall them. They capture the voices and personalities of Luke, Leia, and Han quite well, building on their unique heroic styles established in the first movie. The omnibus is also an entertaining throwback to 1970s style art and panel blocking, rendered by industry greats.

There’s also an introduction by Thomas (which falls at the back of the book) and a cover and artwork gallery.

–Amanda Sheriff