Star Wars (1977 comic book) Star Wars (1977 comic book) Star Wars is a comic book series published by Marvel Comics from April 12, 1977 to May 27, 1986. Featuring classic "Star Wars" characters Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2, the first six issues adapt the May 1977 film "Star Wars". The series chronicled their subsequent adventures for 107 issues and three annuals, including a six-issue adaptation of the 1980 sequel film "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980–1981. The "Star Wars" comic was originally written by Roy Thomas with art by Howard Chaykin. Charles Lippincott, Lucasfilm's publicity supervisor, initially approached publisher
Star Wars directing "American Graffiti" (1973), he wrote a two-page synopsis titled "Journal of the Whills", which 20th Century Fox decided to invest in. By 1974, he had expanded the story into the first draft of a screenplay, and continued writing more polished drafts. Lucas negotiated to retain the sequel rights, and was offered an initial $150,000 to write, produce, and direct the film. "Star Wars" was released on May 25, 1977. Its success led Lucas to make it the basis of an elaborate film serial. With the backstory he created for the sequel, Lucas decided that the series would be a