In 1997, mangaka Hisao Tamaki attempted to recreate the spirit of A New Hope: Star Wars Episode IV by reinterpreting the landmark film through the distinctive style of Japanese comics. The result was a bold and memorable retelling that went on to win Tamaki the esteemed Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material. Now, nearly three decades later, a special Kickstarter campaign has been unveiled for Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Art Edition, a premium volume that showcases Tamaki’s initial, never-before-seen art boards.
Carefully digitized and curated, the initial artwork chronicle the creation of what is now considered a unique artifact of modern entertainment. Recalling the early days of the endeavor, Tamaki stated, “The editor inquired, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ without a moment’s pause, I answered, ‘A New Hope? Absolutely!’ I must draw Star Wars.”
A standard version is scheduled to arrive in Summer 2026, but enthusiasts can obtain limited crowdfunded special releases—and receive them before the retail release—by supporting the project now. This edition is offered through the crowdfunding platform in several premium formats, such as:
- A Premium Collector Set comes as a dual-book hardbound set featuring Tamaki’s illustrations in high resolution, with a crowdfunding-only design and a new English translation taken directly from Tamaki’s original Japanese text. This version is perfect for readers wanting to discover the masterful adaptation for the first time, with the new translation included in the margins to preserve the original Japanese lettering. These volumes are printed on museum-grade stock to emphasize Tamaki’s detailed linework and deep shading. Although a standard edition featuring a different cover will be released in 2026, the Kickstarter-exclusive Collector’s Edition boasts unique artwork distinguished by bold use of blue and red—an homage to the light and dark sides of the Force, as well as special treatments unavailable anywhere else.
- Tamaki Special Edition is a streamlined, art-forward reinterpretation of the Collector’s Edition, limited to just 260 copies.
- The Collector’s Edition + Slipcase. The complete two-book Collector’s Edition, housed inside a specially made dark protective case.
- Signed Deluxe Collector Set. An extremely limited edition of the Collector’s Edition—only 250 sets will be produced exclusively for project supporters.
- The Masterpiece Edition is a oversized, premium release that faithfully presents Hisao Tamaki’s initial art, with detailed reproductions of his unaltered artwork at its original size—10.85” x 15.05”. Collected in a faux-leather clamshell case, the two 176-page volumes of this version are accompanied by a separate 104-page guidebook that includes a new translation of the authentic Japanese lettering, which itself was inspired by the alternate language dub of the movie that has been cherished by fans in Japan for generations. This deluxe version is only available through Kickstarter and will not see release for retail.
- Autographed Masterpiece Set, a ultimate version of the Masterpiece Edition featuring extra refinements, limited to only 250 sets globally.
- The Signed Darth Vader Masterpiece Edition (Limited to 25), the rarest version of the campaign, limited to only 25 sets worldwide for backers, combining the full deluxe set with exclusive Sith Lord-themed elements.
Included in the crowdfunding campaign, collectors can also acquire the Art Print Collection, a curated selection of six standout illustrations from The Star Wars Manga: A New Hope. Although initially created in monochrome, every piece has been accurately recreated in vibrant hues, emphasizing each element—from pencil strokes and collage elements to editorial notes and even the time-worn appearance of the paper. For those looking for something more expansive, the campaign also offers the Tamaki Art Triptych Folio, a oversized, three-panel set designed to match the size of the Masterpiece Edition and including two complete triptych print collections.
The regular version of Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Artbook is slated to arrive at comic shops and retailers in the middle of 2026. But, fans wanting to secure campaign-only releases—and get them ahead of the public launch—can do so by supporting the initiative.
