Marvel Comics Celebrates Pride Month with Star Wars Pride Variant Covers

Marvel Comics is set to honor Pride Month with an exciting release of Star Wars Pride Variant Covers this June. These special editions aim to celebrate and spotlight the diversity within the Star Wars universe, crafted by talented LGBTQIA+ comic book artists.

Featured Artists and Characters

The 2024 collection of Pride Variant Covers features the artistic talents of Phil Jimenez, Javier Garrón, Paulina Ganucheau, and Rachael Stott. Each artist brings their unique style to depict some of the most intriguing characters from the Star Wars galaxy:

1. Doctor Aphra: Created by Marvel Comics, Doctor Aphra is a rogue archaeologist who has become a fan favorite, headlining two successful solo series. Her adventures have not only captured the imagination of readers but also earned her monthly title the 2024 GLAAD Award for Outstanding Comic Book.
2. Ruu: This brave Jedi from the High Republic era made her debut in “The High Republic: Tales of Light and Life,” a collection of short stories released last year. Ruu’s character adds a rich layer to the expansive Star Wars lore during its golden age.
3. Cair San Tekka & Xylan Graf: Introduced in the novel “The High Republic: Defy the Storm,” this couple overcomes their families’ feuding backgrounds to find love. Their story adds a romantic and dramatic element to the High Republic narrative.
4. Sinjir Rath Velus: First appearing in Chuck Wendig’s “Aftermath” novel trilogy, Sinjir is a former Imperial officer who defects to the Rebel Alliance. Celebrated as one of the first openly gay characters in the Star Wars expanded universe, this cover marks his first appearance in comic book form.

Artist Insights

Javier Garrón expressed his enthusiasm for being part of this initiative, highlighting the importance of diversity in storytelling. He is particularly excited about his contribution to Sinjir Rath Velus’s cover, aiming to capture the character’s defiant spirit and layered personality.

Paulina Ganucheau also shared her joy in participating, noting her delight in illustrating Cair San Tekka and Xylan Graf. Her work focuses on their aesthetic appeal and the deep connection between the characters, which she described as a dream project.

Conclusion

The Star Wars Pride Variant Covers are more than just collectibles; they are a vibrant celebration of diversity and storytelling within the beloved Star Wars universe. As these covers hit comic shops in June 2024, they promise to bring new perspectives to well-loved characters and inspire fans with their artistic interpretations and narratives.