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In 1997, Japanese comic artist Hisao Tamaki set out to capture the essence of A New Hope: Star Wars Episode IV by reinterpreting the landmark motion picture through the unique lens of Japanese comics. The result was a bold and memorable adaptation that ultimately earned Tamaki the esteemed Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material. Today, nearly three decades later, a deluxe Kickstarter campaign has been unveiled for The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga, a lavish volume that showcases Tamaki’s original, previously unreleased original illustrations.

Carefully digitized and curated, the original art boards chronicle the creation of what is now considered a unique artifact of pop culture. Recalling the early days of the endeavor, Tamaki shared, “The editor asked, ‘Would you like to draw Star Wars?’ without a moment’s pause, I responded, ‘A New Hope? Definitely!’ I have to draw Star Wars.”

A standard version is set to arrive in mid-2026, but enthusiasts can obtain limited Kickstarter-only editions—and receive them ahead of the public sale—by supporting the project now. The book is offered through the crowdfunding platform in several deluxe versions, including:

1. The Collector’s Edition is a dual-book hardbound set featuring Tamaki’s illustrations in high resolution, with a Kickstarter-exclusive design and a fresh translated text taken directly from Tamaki’s original Japanese text. This edition is perfect for readers wanting to discover the expert adaptation for the first time, with the new translation included in the margins to preserve the original Japanese lettering. The books are produced using archival-quality paper to emphasize Tamaki’s detailed drawing style and deep shading. Although a standard edition featuring a different cover will be released in 2026, the limited crowdfunding Collector Set includes exclusive designs marked by striking accents in red and blue—an homage to the light and dark sides of the Force, plus special treatments not available elsewhere.
2. Tamaki Special Edition presents a streamlined, art-forward new take of the premium set, capped at 260 sets.
3. Slipcase Collector’s Edition. The complete two-volume Collector’s Edition, presented with a specially made dark protective case.
4. Signed Deluxe Collector Set. An extremely limited version of the Collector’s Edition—just 250 copies will be made only for Kickstarter backers.
5. Masterpiece Collection is a oversized, high-end offering that accurately displays Hisao Tamaki’s initial art, with high-resolution prints of his unaltered artwork at its original size—approximately 28 x 38 cm. Housed within a faux-leather clamshell case, the two 176-page volumes of this edition are accompanied by a standalone 104-page companion book that contains a new translation 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 decades. This deluxe version is only available through Kickstarter and will not see release for retail.
6. Autographed Masterpiece Set, a ultimate version of the premium collection featuring extra refinements, limited to just 250 copies worldwide.
7. The Signed Darth Vader Masterpiece Edition (Limited to 25), the rarest edition of the initiative, limited to merely 25 copies across the world for supporters, merging the full deluxe set with exclusive Sith Lord-themed features.

As part of the crowdfunding campaign, collectors can also acquire the Art Print Collection, a curated selection of half a dozen standout illustrations from Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga. Though originally drawn in monochrome, every piece has been accurately recreated in vibrant hues, emphasizing each element—from pencil strokes and collage elements to editorial notes and even the natural aging of the paper. For those looking for something even grander, the campaign also includes the Tamaki Art Triptych Folio, a large-format, triptych collection made to complement the height of the deluxe edition and featuring a pair of full three-part art sets.

The standard edition of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope — The Manga is slated to arrive at comic shops and bookstores in summer 2026. However, fans eager to obtain Kickstarter-exclusive editions—and get them ahead of the retail release—can act now by supporting the project.