While Star Wars is closely associated with the film industry, the franchise has had some great stories told in the comic book medium. These comic book series wonderfully expanded the sci-fi fantasy series' mythos, delving into new characters like Doctor Aphra and familiar ones like Luke Skywalker.
While some comics have been confined to the realm of Legends continuity, they're still worth reading on their own merits. Various omnibus collections have compiled these stories, with the likes of Darth Vader spotlighting the iconic villain and The High Republic fleshing out a never-before-seen era in the galaxy far, far away.
10 The Old Republic
The Old Republic omnibus series contains some of the best stories in Legends continuity. While it's not directly connected with the acclaimed Star Wars video games, The Old Republic comprises stories of a compelling cast of original characters in their own right.
It strings together a crew of interesting and unlikely allies, including a Jedi framed for murder, a conman, a fugitive scientist, and a bodyguard. Through these unique perspectives, John Jackson Miller pens a tense story of criminal conspiracies and an onslaught of galactic threats, ranging from Mandalorians to Sith Lords.
9 Darth Vader (Gillen, Larroca)
Undoubtedly the most popular Star Wars villain, Darth Vader has a staggering reputation that the movies alone can't depict. That made comics a solid alternative to highlight his exploits, with Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca's run expanding on Vader's waging war against the Rebel Alliance.
Supplemental Star Wars stories set just before or during the Original Trilogy era might feel played out, but this Darth Vader run adds weight and context to his appearances in the movies. It's an exciting new perspective to see this era from, and this omnibus does a superb job of showing Vader's relentless power.
8 Darth Vader (Soule, Camuncoli)
Marvel Comcis' Darth Vader is unsurprisingly one of the publisher's most prolific series, with Charles Soule and Giuseppe Camuncoli's run being another bright spot. This time, readers get to see the Sith Lord in the aftermath of Revenge of the Sith and the early days of spearheading the Great Jedi Purge.
Much like Gillen and Larroca's run, this Darth Vader omnibus excels in portraying the villain as the galactic harbinger of destruction that he is. It's a winning combination of his ventures eradicating Jedi across the universe and developing his internal conflict.
7 War Of The Bounty Hunters
Comics and crossovers go hand-in-hand, and Marvel Comics' recent bounty-hunter-themed saga more than satisfies. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, this storyline sees lethal Star Wars bounty hunter Boba Fett become targeted while transporting a frozen Han Solo.
The War of the Bounty Hunters omnibus contains the mainline series and the other comics it affected. It's a thrillingly fresh look at the original trilogy, largely viewing it from the perspective of the gritty galactic underworld. Likewise, it ties together other elements of canon, like Solo's Qi'ra-led Crimson Dawn crime syndicate.
6 Doctor Aphra Vol. 1-2
Marvel's comics have spawned some exciting new, canonical characters. Doctor Aphra is one such fan-favorite, with the likes of Gillen, Larroca, and more talents contributing to her omnibus. Like other comic-book original characters, Doctor Aphra provides a refreshing point of view to experience a Star Wars story.
A morally ambiguous and space-faring archeologist, her motives and gritty band of companions show a side of this universe that few other movies and shows portray. Just as well, fans still get to see the likes of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in supporting roles along with her exploits.
5 The Empire Vol. 1-2
Legends had some gripping Galactic Empire-era comics, with The Empire omnibus volumes showing a bold take on the Original Trilogy timeline. Set in a now-alternate continuity after the events of Revenge of the Sith, The Empire begins with Darth Vader scouring the galaxy as the Emperor's wrath.
It's another excellent overarching series for seeing Vader with little-to-no restraints, but it's especially good for those that want a bleaker take on Star Wars storytelling. While it might be too grimdark for some fans, it's an engrossing tonal shift that works in an "Elseworlds" context.
4 Star Wars (Aaron, Cassady, Larocca, Immonen)
Marvel Comics ushered in the Disney acquisition with a new flagship Star Wars book. The spinoffs focusing on Darth Vader, the High Republic, and more are great opportunities for bolder stories, but the Star Wars omnibus is a terrific place for more of the classic heroes.
Jason Aaron and several talented artists delve into the timeframe between IV and V, detailing the off-screen adventures of Luke, Han, and Leia's battling against the Empire. It's tastefully done to keep within the spirit of the Original Trilogy, as well as including select Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra, and Boba Fett tales.
3 The High Republic Phase I
For fans that want to learn more about Star Wars' High Republic era, The High Republic Phase I is essential reading. The upcoming omnibus collects three different era-centric tales, including young padawan Keeve Trennis alongside a wider group of Jedi trailblazing galactic exploration.
The High Republic era has so far expanded successfully in Lucasfilm and Marvel's publishing efforts, introducing a diverse cast of new characters and painting a picture of an unseen period in Star Wars lore. It's a fantastic new starting point for new and old fans, complete with new villains and conflicts.
2 Rise Of The Sith
As much as the post-III and pre-IV timeline gets padded out, Legends also featured some worthwhile stories set just before the Skywalker Saga. The Rise of the Sith omnibus is one of the best collections for this typically less popular timeframe in Star Wars mythos.
It serves to set the stage for The Phantom Menace, bringing back beloved heroes Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they deal with a rampant criminal underworld. Meanwhile, Mace Windu and Darth Maul make appearances as well, with the latter ominously paving the way for Emperor Palpatine's greatest power play.
1 Tales Of The Jedi Vol. 1-2
Star Wars fans looking forward to James Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi-set movie should pick up vols. 1-2 of Tales of the Jedi. Taking place 5,000 years before A New Hope, it covers the newly-formed Republic and its early quarrel with the Sith Empire.
It's essentially a Star Wars origin story in a time when even lightsabers were revolutionary technology. Being this far removed from the most popularized stories in the franchise allow Tales of the Jedi to take an inventive spin on this world. It'll be interesting to see if Mangold's movie will take inspiration from it.