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Back in 1997, mangaka Hisao Tamaki set out to recreate the spirit of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope by reinterpreting the iconic motion picture through the distinctive style of Japanese comics. The result was a bold and memorable retelling that ultimately earned Tamaki the prestigious Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material. Today, after almost 30 years, a special crowdfunding initiative has been unveiled for Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Art Edition, a premium book that showcases Tamaki’s original, never-before-seen original illustrations.

Meticulously scanned and assembled, the initial artwork chronicle the creation of what is now considered a special piece of modern entertainment. Reflecting on the early days of the endeavor, Tamaki stated, “My publisher inquired, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ without a moment’s pause, I answered, ‘A New Hope? Definitely!’ I have to draw Star Wars.”

A retail edition is scheduled to arrive in Summer 2026, but fans can secure exclusive crowdfunded special releases—and get access ahead of the public sale—by supporting the campaign now. This edition is offered through Kickstarter in several deluxe formats, including:

1. The Collector’s Edition is a two-volume hardbound set showcasing Tamaki’s artwork in exceptional detail, with a Kickstarter-exclusive cover and a new translated text sourced straight from Tamaki’s handwritten script. This edition is perfect for readers looking to experience the expert adaptation for the first time, with the updated text placed in the margins to preserve the authentic Japanese text. These volumes are produced using archival-quality stock to showcase Tamaki’s detailed drawing style and rich tones. While a retail version featuring a alternate design will be released in 2026, the limited crowdfunding Collector Set includes unique artwork marked by striking accents in blue and red—a visual nod to the light and dark sides of the cosmic energy, as well as special treatments unavailable anywhere else.
2. The Collector’s Edition - Tamaki Variant is a minimalist, visually focused reinterpretation of the premium set, capped at 260 sets.
3. The Collector’s Edition + Slipcase. A full two-volume premium set, presented with a specially made black slipcase.
4. Deluxe Signed Collector’s Edition. An extremely limited version of the premium collection—just 250 copies will be made exclusively for project supporters.
5. The Masterpiece Edition is a oversized, premium offering that accurately displays Hisao Tamaki’s original work, with high-resolution prints of his untouched artwork at its original size—approximately 28 x 38 cm. Collected in a imitation leather clamshell case, the dual books of this version are supplemented with a standalone 104-page guidebook that includes a fresh interpretation of the authentic Japanese lettering, which itself was inspired by the alternate language dub of the movie that has been enjoyed by Japanese-speaking audiences for generations. The Masterpiece Edition format is only available through the campaign and will not see release for general sale.
6. The Signed Masterpiece Edition, a definitive version of the Masterpiece Edition with extra refinements, capped at only 250 sets worldwide.
7. The Signed Darth Vader Masterpiece Edition (Limited to 25), the rarest edition of the campaign, limited to merely 25 copies worldwide for backers, combining the full deluxe set with unique Darth Vader-inspired elements.

Included in the Kickstarter, collectors can also acquire the Art Print Collection, a handpicked assortment of six standout pages from Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga. Although initially created in monochrome, each print has been accurately recreated in vibrant hues, emphasizing each element—from sketch lines and paste-ups to production comments and even the natural aging of the paper. For enthusiasts seeking something more expansive, the project also offers the Three-Panel Art Portfolio, a large-format, three-panel set designed to match the size of the deluxe edition and including two complete triptych print collections.

The standard edition of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope — The Manga is scheduled to hit specialty stores and bookstores in the middle of 2026. But, fans wanting to obtain campaign-only releases—and get them ahead of the public launch—can do so by backing the project.