For fans of Star Wars it’s not hard to see why every year on May the 4th (may the force – get it?), we celebrate the franchise and if you’re not a fan it’s not something that can be explained – only felt. I can still remember the first-ever Star Wars movie my dad took me to watch with absolute clarity.  It was the start of a life-long love for all things geeky.

As great as the movies are, there is still only so much story you can tell in a restricted time and when it comes to a universe as massive as Star Wars, that time is not remotely enough. That’s what makes all the tie in media such as books, games and comics so important. They let you go back into these fantastic worlds and learn more than you ever could from just the movies.

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So in the spirit of May the 4th and celebrating the franchise that started it all for me, here are 4 Comics to read this Star Wars day that perfectly captures its spirit

4 Awesome Star Wars Comics to Read This Star Wars Day

Star Wars: Darth Vader

• The series is currently available in the following formats: Digital; Single Issues (11 Issues) or as a single Trade Paperback

 

14 Issue ongoing series by Greg Pak (Incredible Hercules; World War Hulk; Batman/Superman) and Raffaele Ienco (Epic Kill; Symmetry; Postal: Deliverance)

It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it’s so beautiful to look at. The story starts at the exact point of The Empire Strikes Back where Luke discovers his true identity and instead of ruling the galaxy at Vaders side, Luke plunges into the abyss. 

We follow Vader as he grapples with Luke’s refusal and sets off on a revenge mission to find out who hid Luke, his only son, from him all his life.

Want to pick up Star Wars: Darth Vader for yourself? You can grab it here at Critters and Comics.

Star Wars: Darth Maul

• The series is currently available in the following formats: Digital; Single Issues (5 Issues) or as a single Trade Paperback

 

5 Issue miniseries by Cullen Bunn (Harrow County; The Sixth Gun; Venomverse) and Luke Ross (Captain America; Green Lantern; Gen13)

When you combine a great story with even better art you get a Darth Maul comic that’s a must-read. Darth Maul is the story of anger, fear and hatred. It’s the story of Darth Maul’s first Jedi kill.

We follow Darth Maul as he prepares for his first encounter with the Jedi, but when dark forces capture a Jedi Padawan, Darth Maul finds himself determined to find her. It’s a look into the mind of Darth Maul like we’ve never seen before.

Want to pick up Star Wars: Darth Maul for yourself? You can grab it here at Critters and Comics

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra

• The series is currently available in the following formats: Digital; Single Issues (9 Issues) or as a single Trade Paperback

 

12 Issue ongoing series by Alyssa Wong (Writer for Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch) and Marika Cresta (Fearless; X-Men Gold; Forgotten Home)

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra has a despicable villain, an infamous hero and a whole lot of mischief. The rebel Alliance is back on the run after their defeat at the Battle of Hoth. It’s definitely not an ideal time for outlaws but Doctor Aphra can’t seem to resist the score of a lifetime and can’t spend any more time just lying low. So she finds herself back on the job. 

We follow Doctor Aphra and her team of treasure hunters as they embark on a journey to find the cursed Rings of Vaale, and it’s one exciting and bumpy ride.

Want to pick up Star Wars: Doctor Aphra for yourself? You can grab it here at Critters and Comics.

Star Wars: Poe Dameron

• The series is currently available in the following formats: Digital; Single Issues (31 Issues) or as Trade Paperbacks (5 Books)

31 Issue series by Charles Soule (She-Hulk; Daredevil; Death of Wolverine) and Phil Noto (Black Widow; Infinite Horizon; Jonah Hex)

A prison break, Leia and BB-8 all in the same story? Yes, please. Star Wars: Poe Dameron tells the backstory that leads directly into The Force Awakens. 

We follow Poe Dameron, a former Republic flyer turned Resistance fighter, and his X-Wing squad as they embark on top-secret covert missions against the First Order and investigate sites of historical importance to the force. It’s a story that’s action-packed, charming, and at its core, human.

Want to pick up Star Wars: Poe Dameron for yourself? You can grab it here at Critters and Comics.

If this list has put you in the mood for all things Star Wars, then make sure you head over to Critters and Comics.

In celebration of May the 4th, if you use code “FORCE” on any orders above R200, you can get 20% off all in-stock Star Wars related merchandise – valid today only. Go on, young Padawan, you know you want to, and may the FOURTH be with you.