George Lucas' Original The Star Wars Screenplay
Gets Dark Horse Comic Adaptation
While fans impatiently await the arrival of Star Wars: Episode VII in two years, Dark Horse Comics has announced a special comic book series that will likely pique any Star Wars fan's interest. The company will publish an eight-issue comic book series entitled The Star Wars, based on George Lucas' 1974 original screenplay draft that was eventually reshaped and turned into Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Take a look at the early artwork for this eight-issue comic book series that debuts in September, then take a look at the official press release for more details.
It's no April Fools' prank! Dark Horse is honored to announce a dream project: working with J.W. Rinzler, executive editor at LucasBooks, and artist Mike Mayhew (Avengers) to adapt the rough-draft original screenplay which spawned the biggest franchise in film history!
Three years before his 1977 film, George Lucas put down on paper his first story set in a galaxy far, far away-a tale of fantastic adventures, daring escapes, "lazer swords," romance, and monsters. A story of Jedi Annikin Starkiller and General Luke Skywalker, an alien named Han Solo, and evil Sith Knights. The screenplay was titled The Star Wars!
Here's what Star Wars editor Randy Stradley had to say.
"I'm not sure where I first read about The Star Wars - it was years and years ago-but the idea of Luke Skywalker being an older Jedi General, and Han Solo being a six-foot-tall lizard, turned my Star Wars fan brain on its side. I always assumed this would be one of those stories that would be 'lost to history,' so getting to work on bringing it to life is kinda like a dream come true."
Here's what J.W. Rinzler had to say about getting George Lucas to give the OK for this project.
"While researching in the Lucasfilm Archives I've found many treasures - but one which truly astounded me was George's rough draft for The Star Wars. His first complete imaginings were hallucinating to read-mind blowing. While working with George on another book project, I once asked if we could adapt his rough draft. He was hesitant. Years later, with Dark Horse's invaluable help, we showed him a few drawn and colored pages of what it might look like. He gave us the okay."
Originally conceived in 1974, The Star Wars has been the subject of rumor and legend in the fan community throughout the history of the galaxy far, far away. Now, Lucas has seen fit to grant Dark Horse the right to adapt this fabled story into an eight-issue comic series launching in September!
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope was released May 25th, 1977 and stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew. The film is directed by George Lucas.
Sources: Dark Horse Comics
