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In 1997, mangaka Hisao Tamaki set out to recreate the essence of A New Hope: Star Wars Episode IV by reimagining the iconic film through the distinctive lens of Japanese comics. The result was a daring and memorable adaptation that ultimately earned Tamaki the esteemed Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material. Now, after almost 30 years, a special crowdfunding initiative has been unveiled for Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Art Edition, a premium book that highlights Tamaki’s initial, never-before-seen original illustrations.

Meticulously scanned and assembled, the initial artwork chronicle the creation of what is now considered a special piece of pop culture. Reflecting on the early days of the endeavor, Tamaki shared, “My publisher inquired, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ and with zero hesitation, I responded, ‘A New Hope? Absolutely!’ I must draw Star Wars.”

A retail edition is set to arrive in mid-2026, but fans can obtain exclusive Kickstarter-only editions—and receive them ahead of the public sale—by backing the project now. This edition is available through the crowdfunding platform in several deluxe versions, including:

1. The Collector’s Edition is a two-volume hardcover collection showcasing Tamaki’s artwork in high resolution, with a crowdfunding-only design and a fresh English translation sourced straight from Tamaki’s original Japanese text. This version is ideal for readers wanting to experience the expert adaptation for the very first time, with the new translation included in the margins to preserve the authentic Japanese text. The books are produced using archival-quality stock to emphasize Tamaki’s detailed linework and rich tones. While a retail version with a alternate design will be available in 2026, the limited crowdfunding Collector’s Edition includes unique artwork distinguished by bold use of blue and red—a visual nod to the light and dark sides of the Force, plus special treatments unavailable elsewhere.
2. The Collector’s Edition - Tamaki Variant is a streamlined, art-forward reinterpretation of the premium set, limited to just 260 copies.
3. The Collector’s Edition + Slipcase. A full two-volume premium set, presented with a specially made black protective case.
4. Signed Deluxe Collector Set. An extremely limited edition of the premium collection—just 250 copies will be produced exclusively for project supporters.
5. The Masterpiece Edition is a oversized, high-end offering that accurately displays Hisao Tamaki’s original work, with detailed reproductions of his unaltered art at its initial dimensions—10.85” x 15.05”. Housed within a faux-leather clamshell case, the dual books of this version are supplemented with a separate 104-page guidebook that contains a fresh interpretation of the authentic Japanese lettering, which took inspiration from the Japanese voice-over of the movie that has been cherished by fans in Japan for generations. This deluxe version is exclusively offered through Kickstarter and will not see release for retail.
6. Autographed Masterpiece Set, a definitive version of the Masterpiece Edition with special enhancements, capped at only 250 sets worldwide.
7. Darth Vader Signed Masterpiece (Only 25 Available), the most exclusive edition of the initiative, limited to merely 25 copies across the world for supporters, combining the full Masterpiece Edition with unique Darth Vader-inspired features.

As part of the Kickstarter, fans can also purchase the Art Print Collection, a handpicked assortment of half a dozen standout illustrations from The Star Wars Manga: A New Hope. Though originally drawn in black and white, each print has been faithfully reproduced in vibrant hues, emphasizing every detail—including sketch lines and paste-ups to production comments and even the time-worn appearance of the paper. For those looking for something even grander, the project also includes the Tamaki Art Triptych Folio, a large-format, three-panel set made to complement the size of the Masterpiece Edition and including a pair of full three-part art sets.

The standard edition of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope — The Manga is scheduled to hit specialty stores and retailers in summer 2026. However, fans wanting to secure Kickstarter-exclusive editions—and receive them before the public launch—can do so by supporting the project.