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Back in 1997, mangaka Hisao Tamaki set out to recreate the spirit of A New Hope: Star Wars Episode IV by reinterpreting the iconic film through the unique style of Japanese comics. The result was a daring and unforgettable retelling that ultimately earned Tamaki the esteemed Eisner Award for Outstanding International Comic Publication. Now, nearly three decades later, a deluxe Kickstarter campaign has been announced for Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Art Edition, a lavish volume that showcases Tamaki’s initial, previously unreleased art boards.

Meticulously scanned and assembled, the original art boards document 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 asked, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ without a moment’s pause, I responded, ‘A New Hope? Absolutely!’ I have to draw Star Wars.”

A retail edition is set to arrive in mid-2026, but enthusiasts can secure limited crowdfunded special releases—and get access ahead of the retail release—by supporting the campaign now. This edition is offered through the crowdfunding platform in multiple premium versions, such as:

1. A Premium Collector Set comes as a two-volume hardcover collection showcasing Tamaki’s artwork in high resolution, with a Kickstarter-exclusive cover and a fresh translated text sourced straight from Tamaki’s original script. This version is perfect for fans looking to experience the masterful adaptation for the very first time, with the updated text included in the margins to preserve the authentic Japanese text. These volumes are produced using museum-grade paper to emphasize Tamaki’s detailed drawing style and rich tones. While a retail version featuring a different cover will be released in 2026, the Kickstarter-exclusive Collector’s Edition includes unique artwork distinguished by striking accents in blue and red—a visual nod to the dual nature of the Force, as well as extra features unavailable elsewhere.
2. Tamaki Special Edition is a streamlined, art-forward reinterpretation of the premium set, limited to just 260 copies.
3. Slipcase Collector’s Edition. The complete two-book premium set, presented with a specially made black slipcase.
4. Signed Deluxe Collector Set. A highly exclusive edition of the premium collection—only 250 sets will be produced only for project supporters.
5. The Masterpiece Edition is a large-format, high-end offering that accurately displays Hisao Tamaki’s original work, with high-resolution reproductions of his unaltered artwork at its initial dimensions—10.85” x 15.05”. Collected in a faux-leather clamshell case, the two 176-page volumes of this version are accompanied by a standalone 104-page companion book that includes a fresh interpretation of the authentic Japanese lettering, which took inspiration from the alternate language dub of the movie that has been cherished by Japanese-speaking audiences for generations. This deluxe version is only available through the campaign and will not see release for general sale.
6. The Signed Masterpiece Edition, a definitive version of the premium collection featuring special enhancements, capped at just 250 copies globally.
7. The Signed Darth Vader Masterpiece Edition (Only 25 Available), the rarest edition of the campaign, restricted to merely 25 copies across the world for supporters, combining the full Masterpiece Edition with unique Sith Lord-themed elements.

Included in the crowdfunding campaign, collectors can also acquire the Tamaki Art Print Set, a curated selection of half a dozen notable illustrations from Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga. Although initially created in black and white, each print has been faithfully reproduced in vibrant hues, highlighting every detail—including sketch lines and paste-ups to production comments and even the time-worn appearance of the original material. For enthusiasts seeking something even grander, the project also offers the Tamaki Art Triptych Folio, a oversized, three-panel set made to complement the height of the deluxe edition and featuring a pair of full three-part art sets.

The standard edition of Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Artbook is slated to arrive at comic shops and retailers in summer 2026. But, supporters eager to secure campaign-only releases—and get them ahead of the retail release—can do so by backing the initiative.