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Back in 1997, Japanese comic artist Hisao Tamaki attempted to recreate the spirit of A New Hope: Star Wars Episode IV by reimagining the iconic film through the unique style of Japanese comics. What followed became a bold and memorable retelling that ultimately earned Tamaki the esteemed Eisner Award for Outstanding International Comic Publication. Now, after almost 30 years, a deluxe crowdfunding initiative has been announced for Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Art Edition, a lavish volume that highlights Tamaki’s initial, never-before-seen art boards.

Carefully digitized and curated, the original art boards chronicle the creation of what is now considered a unique artifact of modern entertainment. Recalling the project’s beginnings, Tamaki stated, “My publisher inquired, ‘Are you interested to draw Star Wars?’ and with zero hesitation, I answered, ‘A New Hope? Definitely!’ I must draw Star Wars.”

A standard version is scheduled to release in Summer 2026, but fans can secure exclusive Kickstarter-only editions—and get access ahead of the retail release—by supporting the campaign now. The book is available through the crowdfunding platform in several deluxe formats, such as:

1. The Collector’s Edition is a two-volume hardcover collection featuring Tamaki’s illustrations in exceptional detail, with a crowdfunding-only design and a new English translation taken directly from Tamaki’s original script. This version is ideal for fans wanting to experience the masterful adaptation for the very first time, with the new translation included in the sidebars to maintain the original Japanese lettering. These volumes are produced using museum-grade stock to showcase Tamaki’s detailed linework and deep shading. Although a standard edition with a different cover will be available in 2026, the Kickstarter-exclusive Collector’s Edition boasts exclusive designs distinguished by bold use of red and blue—an homage to the light and dark sides of the Force, plus special treatments unavailable anywhere else.
2. Tamaki Special Edition is a minimalist, visually focused new take of the premium set, limited to just 260 copies.
3. Slipcase Collector’s Edition. The complete two-volume premium set, housed inside a custom black protective case.
4. Deluxe Signed Collector’s Edition. An extremely limited edition of the premium collection—only 250 sets will be made only for project supporters.
5. The Masterpiece Edition is a large-format, high-end release that faithfully presents Hisao Tamaki’s initial art, with detailed prints of his untouched art at its initial dimensions—10.85” x 15.05”. Housed within a faux-leather clamshell case, the two 176-page volumes of this edition are accompanied by a separate 104-page companion book that contains a fresh interpretation of the original Japanese text, which took inspiration from the Japanese voice-over of the film that has been enjoyed by Japanese-speaking audiences for generations. This deluxe version is only available through the campaign and will not see release for retail.
6. The Signed Masterpiece Edition, a ultimate iteration of the Masterpiece Edition featuring extra refinements, capped at only 250 sets worldwide.
7. Darth Vader Signed Masterpiece (Only 25 Available), the rarest version of the initiative, limited to only 25 sets worldwide for backers, merging the full deluxe set with unique Darth Vader-inspired features.

Included in the Kickstarter, collectors can also purchase the Art Print Collection, a handpicked assortment of six standout pages from The Star Wars Manga: A New Hope. Although initially created in monochrome, each print has been faithfully reproduced in full color, highlighting every detail—from pencil strokes and paste-ups to editorial notes and even the time-worn appearance of the paper. For those looking for something more expansive, the campaign also offers the Tamaki Art Triptych Folio, a large-format, three-panel set made to complement the size of the deluxe edition and including two complete three-part art sets.

The standard edition of Star Wars: A New Hope Manga Artbook is slated to arrive at comic shops and bookstores in the middle of 2026. However, supporters wanting to secure campaign-only releases—and receive them ahead of the retail release—can act now by backing the project.