The Art of Star Wars Manga Launches on Kickstarter – Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Book

When Star Wars meets manga, things get delightfully weird—in the best way possible. That strange alchemy of space opera and high-energy line art happened once before, and now it’s coming back with a splashy, hyper-stylized Kickstarter campaign: “The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga.”

Yes, this is real. And yes, it’s bursting with more black-and-white drama than a Sith Lord at a film noir convention.

The Kickstarter launched with the goal of funding a deluxe hardcover art book showcasing the work of Hisao Tamaki, the artist who brought George Lucas’s original space fantasy to life in manga form. So if you’ve ever wanted to see Darth Vader in full manga glory or Luke Skywalker pondering destiny with anime-level angst, this is your moment.

What’s the Deal with This Manga Art Book?

Let’s back up just a parsec.

Back in 1999, Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga was released in Japan and later in English through Dark Horse Comics. Hisao Tamaki’s adaptation reimagined the galaxy far, far away with intense line work, exaggerated expressions, and more dynamic lightsaber poses than should be legally allowed in a single volume.

Fast forward to 2025, and the team at JETPACK7 has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the art behind the manga adaptation into its own spotlight. The book, simply titled The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga, is set to include:

Character designs
Cover illustrations
Action sequences
Commentary from Hisao Tamaki
Never-before-seen concept sketches

And of course, at least one scene of Vader looking dramatically over his shoulder because… well, it’s manga.

A Collector’s Dream with Stretch Goals That Actually Stretch

This isn’t just a book; it’s a collector’s hyperspace jump into Tamaki’s creative process. The base edition is already cool, but the stretch goals? They’re trying to tempt wallets across the Outer Rim.

Think foil-stamped covers, exclusive prints, and yes, even Japanese-language inserts for authenticity purists. One tier includes an art print of Princess Leia that deserves its own gallery showing (or shrine, no judgment).

There are also bundle options for backers who want the full lineup, including Tamaki’s original manga volumes and other rare Star Wars manga materials.
Fans can now follow the prelaunch page for the Kickstarter campaign here.

Explore The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga on Kickstarter. Get rare Tamaki artwork, prints & insights in this deluxe hardcover collector’s release.

Why This Release Hits Harder Than a Wookiee Hug

There’s something genuinely fascinating about seeing Star Wars through a manga lens. It’s not just the art style—it’s the pacing, the framing, the way characters emote like they just discovered they’re actually twins with a Jedi. Oh wait…

Tamaki’s version adds intensity and intimacy to scenes that were already iconic. Vader’s presence becomes even more terrifying with bold, cross-hatched shadows. Luke’s journey from farm boy to reluctant hero gets more emotional close-ups than a K-drama protagonist. Even the Death Star feels like it’s brooding.

This art book gives that adaptation the spotlight it always deserved but never quite got—until now.

Backers Are Already Powering Up Like It’s Super Saiyan Time

As of launch week, the Kickstarter is pulling in support faster than the Falcon escaping a tractor beam. Early backers are buzzing about the museum-level art presentation, and manga enthusiasts are thrilled that this niche corner of Star Wars history is finally being celebrated.

JETPACK7, known for previous premium art books, seems determined to treat this with the care of a Jedi guarding a kyber crystal. Everything from the layout to the cover design screams “we know this is niche, but it’s important niche.”

Will It Only Appeal to Manga Readers?

Not at all. This release isn’t just for manga loyalists. It’s for anyone who’s ever:

Wondered what Star Wars would look like if animated by a Tokyo-based studio
Collected art books as sacred objects
Had opinions about how Vader’s cape should flow in combat

In short, it’s a visual experience for those who appreciate what Star Wars looks like, not just what it says. And yes, it looks really, really cool in black and white.

Final Thoughts: A Galactic Cross-Culture Art Fusion Worth Supporting

The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga is shaping up to be more than a coffee table book. It’s a cultural artifact—a celebration of East meets West, lightsaber meets brushstroke. Whether you’re in it for the behind-the-scenes peek, the bold art style, or the sense of “Wait, why does Tarkin look like a shōnen villain?”—this Kickstarter is well worth exploring.

If Star Wars is the galaxy’s most iconic saga, this book is its most underrated visual remix.

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