13 Star Wars Comics We'd Love To See Adapted To The Big (Or Small) Screen
Since Disney got its hands on the "Star Wars" license just over a decade ago, it has launched a whole array of new media for fans to consume. There's a wide variety of new movies, including the divisive sequel trilogy, various television spin-offs such as "The Mandalorian," and a collection of new novels and comic books. It is these comic books that are particularly interesting as they are home to arguably some of the franchise's most compelling and original concepts.
Add in the vast amount of previous Expanded Universe material from before 2014 and there are a whole lot of additional "Star Wars" stories available to be adapted. If the executives at Disney want to continue in their pursuit of making more "Star Wars" content for the big and small screen, then borrowing ideas from these comics could be a good way to go. The best "Star Wars" comics offer diverse narratives, and while some focus on characters that are very familiar to fans of the series, others feature new heroes and villains and take place in parts of the galaxy that have rarely been visited before. With a wealth of material to choose from, here are some of the "Star Wars" comics we'd love to see adapted to the screen.
Star Wars: Legacy
When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the fate of the Expanded Universe was thrown up in the air. Eventually, it was decided that everything outside of the films, television shows, and a few select novels and comics, would now come under the banner of Legends. This meant that hundreds of books, comics, games, and other media were essentially no longer considered canon. Included among the vast amount of Legends material were stories set after the original trilogy that had been disregarded when it came to producing the sequel trilogy.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Expanded Universe dealt not only with Luke's continuing influence in the galaxy but also looked forward to the future of the lasting impact of the Skywalker name. "Star Wars: Legacy" was a 2006 Dark Horse Comics series that focused on the adventures of Cade Skywalker. A descendant of Luke, he abandons the Jedi and instead becomes a bounty hunter, before teaming up with a band of misfits to bring down a new Sith Lord in the form of Darth Krayt.
John Ostrander and Jan Duursema's series has a great cast of characters, a terrifying villain, and a new type of hero who doesn't follow in the same footsteps as protagonists such as Luke or Rey. While this comic isn't considered canon, it could still be adapted as a possible alternative future of what might have happened if Luke had married and had children of his own.
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith
While Luke Skywalker was the protagonist of the original film trilogy, it is arguably Darth Vader that is the most enduring figure of the entire franchise. So it makes a lot of sense that this former Jedi and terrifying Sith Lord is the focus of so many different comic book series. Arguably the best of them is Charles Soule's "Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith." It effectively charts Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader, following the character from the end of "Revenge of the Sith" up until "A New Hope."
Despite this being such a big part of history within the "Star Wars" universe, it is a time period that has been explored very little — especially in terms of exactly what the new Dark Lord of the Sith was doing during that time. The comic run explores how Anakin grows into his new role, his relationship with Emperor Palpatine, and the new powers that he develops during this time. Seeing more of Darth Vader in a film or television series would certainly be welcomed by most fans and getting a better understanding of the turmoil and conflict within the villain would provide viewers with more context for what he does in the original trilogy.
Star Wars: The High Republic
"Star Wars: The High Republic" follows a rather interesting time period that has not been explored very much in any "Star Wars" media. Set during the High Republic era, the events take place between the fall of the Old Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire during the Skywalker Saga. A relatively modern comic series — with the first entries in the series coming in 2021 — it is helmed by a series of writers and follows a variety of different characters at a time when the Republic is still a trusted and successful government, and the Jedi are at the very height of their powers.
The reason this story would make such a good series to adapt as a television show or film is that it would introduce viewers to entirely new characters. That means there would be none of the baggage that usually comes with the franchise, as it wouldn't be able to use any of the same characters or deal with the same problems that fans are familiar with. Instead, "Star Wars: The High Republic" offers the opportunity to have some original ideas and shed new light on the Jedi, seeing them in a way they never have before.
Star Wars Infinities
Another Dark Horse Comics series, "Star Wars Infinities" is a graphic novel trilogy where each part explores alternate versions of the original trilogy of films. For example, the first part showcases what might have happened if Luke's torpedoes had not fully destroyed the Death Star, leading to the capture of Princess Leia and her conversion to the dark side of the Force. That is just one of a collection of hypothetical situations that arise in the comics and there are obviously even more of these types of stories that could be told that are not featured in the comics as well.
Disney already has some experience with this type of story. Marvel Comics has an entire series based on this very idea and Disney+ has already aired the anthology show "What If...?" in 2021, giving viewers a look at what could have been if events had played out just a little differently. Even if they aren't strictly canon, these types of stories can give new insight into characters and how they would approach new problems. An anthology series like these with "Star Wars" characters would be compelling to watch and give long-time fans of the franchise a chance to see their favorite characters like never before.
Captain Phasma
Captain Phasma had the potential to be one of the most interesting characters in the sequel trilogy but following her introduction in "Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens" the character did not quite reach the heights that she should have before her demise. While she is clearly a big deal in the First Order, this never really comes across in the movies appropriately. That all changed with the release of the "Captain Phasma" comics. The work of writer Kelly Thompson and artist Marco Checchetto, this miniseries gives readers the chance to see events from "Star Wars" from the perspective of the villain.
The character still has plenty of promise and any film or television series charting her rise through the First Order and her motivations for battling the Resistance would be interesting. This could really help to make Captain Phasma the imposing figure that she deserves to be, something that is all the more important considering that viewers know so little about the villain or where she comes from. Seeing more of a talented actor like Gwendoline Christie is an added bonus as well if she could be persuaded to return to the role.
Darth Maul: Son Of Dathomir
Of all the characters in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, Darth Maul is arguably the one who stands out the most. There were a lot of missteps in these films and "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" certainly has its fair share of problems but this new Sith Lord was not among them. He is a truly terrifying villain and his lightsaber battle against Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn at the conclusion of the movie is one of its only truly great moments.
Yet, Darth Maul's story is cut short when he is killed during this encounter and he has since predominantly appeared in animated form in shows such as "The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels," plus a brief appearance in the anthology movie, "Solo: A Star Wars Story." The character has remained a popular figure with fans and he is ripe for a series or movie that focuses entirely on him.
That's where "Darth Maul: Son Of Dathomir" comes in. Written by Jeremy Barlow, it continues the story of Darth Maul after the events of "The Phantom Menace," giving a broader understanding of the character and his quest for vengeance against Emperor Palpatine. Who wouldn't want to see more of this distinctive Sith Lord and get to know him more deeply than ever before?
Chewbacca
Published in 2015, "Chewbacca" is a five-issue comic book series that focuses on the infamous Wookiee. Following the events of "A New Hope," Chewbacca is sent on a secret mission by the Rebel Alliance but becomes stranded on a planet as he fights against the Galactic Empire. Writer Gerry Duggan throws in a collection of original characters to help out the Wookiee in this fun side quest.
Giving Chewbacca the chance to take center stage in his own television show or film would definitely be worth watching. After all, he has spent the majority of his time as a sidekick but he is an experienced and battle-scarred figure who has seen more action than most of the heroes that are regularly seen.
Adapting any story that features Chewbacca as the main character does pose some problems. Chief among them is the fact that he doesn't actually speak an intelligible language, with his speech coming in the form of grunts and other noises. However, if the creative minds at Lucasfilm can overcome this issue, then an on-screen "Chewbacca" adaptation could be a compelling watch for anyone who wants to know more about this walking carpet.
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron
There have been several comic books and novels that follow the exploits of the X-Wing pilots that are part of Rogue Squadron. Perhaps the most notable of these is the 1995 series "X-Wing: Rogue Squadron," which tells the story of the squadron's attempt to defeat the remaining Imperial forces following the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the establishment of the New Republic. A "Rogue Squadron" movie was previously in the works before Disney effectively canceled it, although a television series might make more sense.
Unlike many other "Star Wars" comics and books, the "X-Wing: Rogue Squadron" is one that doesn't focus on any one particular character. They are ensemble works that feature a diverse cast made up of individuals from every corner of the galaxy. Such a show wouldn't have to feature any established characters and wouldn't have to focus on big concepts like the Force or Sith Lords, instead, it could focus on the intense dogfights and missions that the pilots are involved with. It could even tie into existing shows such as "The Mandalorian" with crossover episodes.
Star Wars Tales
"Star Wars Tales" is a Dark Horse Comics series that first began its run in 1999 and continued until 2005. An anthology series, the comic books each contained several unrelated stories from throughout the galaxy far, far away. These could range from adventures featuring characters such as Han Solo or Luke Skywalker to events set before and after the original trilogy. Over the course of the 24 issues, there were tales about everything from the Jedi Council to shipwrecked sailors during the Yuuzhan Vong war.
In many ways, "Star Wars Tales" would be a perfect animated series that could tell two or three different stories in each episode. These types of short-form stories would allow viewers to get a broader picture of the world of "Star Wars" and experience more planets and characters than would otherwise be possible in a traditional movie or television show. With narratives that don't necessarily connect with each other and don't have to fit in a particular time period, it would be an opportunity to showcase what life is like in the galaxy for the vast array of different species, organizations, and groups that have never had the spotlight on them.
Knights of the Old Republic
The Old Republic era is one that has not really been explored on the big or small screen as of yet. But it is a time period with a rich history thanks in large part to the "Knights of the Old Republic" video game series that has inspired a range of comic book stories and novels. Set thousands of years before the events of the main "Star Wars" movies, this is a time when the Republic and Sith Empire were constantly at war, and each side had huge armadas and millions of troops to call upon. The Dark Horse Comics series primarily focuses on action set around a decade before the game, with John Jackson Miller focusing on the story of a young padawan who is framed for murder and must live as an outlaw.
Along with the comics series, there is a lot of additional material to draw from for potential characters and plots — including an entire MMO game from BioWare. Writers would not have much difficulty in coming up with multiple films or many episodes of a television series. There are some very interesting characters — such as Darth Revan and Darth Malak — that feature in the story, and the possibility of having Jedi face off against hordes of Dark Jedi and Sith warriors in battles that would be unlike anything shown in the movies and TV series so far.
Doctor Aphra
Doctor Aphra is easily one of the best-developed characters in the wider "Star Wars" world who was not part of any of the movies in the franchise. First introduced in the "Darth Vader" comic series in 2015, she became an instant hit with fans and writer Kieron Gillen quickly began working on a new comic book focusing entirely on her adventures. A morally bankrupt character who is willing to work for anyone who pays her, Aphra is an archaeologist who is an expert in the field of droids and Jedi history. This makes her a useful ally for Darth Vader when he seeks to create his own droid army.
As a character, Aphra is not only well-written but also has a compelling personality and a life that is constantly filled with excitement. Following somebody like this — who is unlike the other protagonists in the "Star Wars" movies or shows — would give viewers a chance to see what life was like for more ordinary people who aren't Mandalorian bounty hunters or Force-sensitive warriors. Her exploits are perfect for a TV series and would offer a different tone and experience to any other "Star Wars" projects, while still having some familiar elements.
Darth Vader
"Darth Vader" is a 2015 comic book series that charts the Sith Lord's actions following the Empire's defeat in "A New Hope" and before "The Empire Strikes Back" takes place. In the long-running story, Vader is confronted by the Emperor for his failures at the Battle of Yavin and the destruction of the Death Star and must face a series of tests to determine whether he is still worthy of being the apprentice to the Sith Lord. With a string of possible alternatives waiting for their chance to usurp Vader, the former Jedi is put on the back foot and must reassert himself and ensure the Emperor cannot replace him easily.
Seeing Darth Vader in this light is something that has not been done before, especially in terms of on-screen appearances. Viewers are used to the Sith Lord being a terrifying villain and a show or film showing a different side to Vader and his motivations would give more context to his actions in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." Of course, seeing more of Vader is an easy win and this could even tie in with a possible project featuring Doctor Aphra, as this comic is where she made her debut.
Thrawn
Grand Admiral Thrawn was first introduced in a trilogy of novels by Timothy Zahn and quickly went on to become an important part of the "Star Wars" Expanded Universe. His popularity ensured that he was made part of the official canon following Disney's acquisition in 2012, and he has since appeared or been mentioned briefly in a few television shows. However, it is about time that viewers got a chance to see the Imperial officer in detail, and having the Chiss admiral be the center of attention in a film or television series is something that Disney should definitely do at some point.
The comic book series "Thrawn" would probably be the best place to start. Based on the 2017 novel of the same name, it tells the story of Thrawn as he rises through the Empire to become one of the Emperor's most successful and trusted allies. The Grand Admiral is an interesting figure in a number of ways, with his skill and mastery of strategy allowing him to rise to a position of immense power in the Galactic Empire — despite the inherent xenophobia of Palpatine. Seeing how he managed to do this, and how he would go on to become one of the greatest villains in the wider "Star Wars" continuity could make excellent viewing and give a better understanding of what it was like to be involved in the Imperial forces.