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Star Wars: A New Hope: Special Edition
When George Lucas made the first Star Wars motion picture, a scene was shot wherein Han Solo met Jabba the Hutt. But as any Star Wars fan knows, Jabba didn't appear until the third film, Return of the Jedi. Lucas had hit the technological wall — he couldn't craft Jabba the way he wanted, so he simply removed the scene from his initial, ground-breaking movie. Two decades later he that footage — with a young Harrison Ford portraying a brash Han Solo — and added Jabba to it. The result is incredible. The hair will stand up on the back of your neck, and you'll feel twenty years younger as you experience that remarkable thrill all over again. That's the same feeling you'll have as you read this adaptation of Star Wars: A New Hope. Crafted completely from scratch by Bruce Jones, Eduardo Barreto, and longtime Star Wars artist Al Williamson, with a stunning cover by Greg and Tim Hildebrandt, this adaptation includes the new scenes from the Special Edition. Experience it again, for the very first time.
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117 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 4, 2018
Not the best adaptation of the movie. It relies on you having seen Star Wars already to fill in missing panels in the story. Having All Williamson ink over Eduardo Barreto's pencils was an extremely good idea. It gave the book the look of the old 1970's Marvel series that Al Williamson also drew.
April 11, 2023
There are some weird omissions that make the story a bit choppy.
February 29, 2016
It has so much more than the movie could tell. You felt all the the young Luke felt in the ride to the Death Star - a must for anyone who loves the movie!!
June 7, 2017
In 1997, the original Star Wars trilogy was rereleased in theaters as a remastered special edition with additional scenes added and special effects revised. This is the graphic novel of the special edition of Episode IV: A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie released back in 1977. It's the most famous science-fiction movie ever made and will always be a classic.
The story concerns Luke Skywalker, a young boy living on a space farm who is thrust into the middle of intergalactic civil war between the galactic Empire led by Emperor Palpatine and the Rebellion. Two droids he acquires have a message for an old Jedi hermit on his planet, Obi-Wan Kenobi and once Luke finds him, he agrees to join him on a mission to deliver the plans for the giant planet destroying weapon the Death Star to the Rebellion. They meet up with a mercenary named Han Solo who agrees to take them there, but when they get to the planet, it's been destroyed and instead they find the Death Star. While attempting to escape, they find out the Princess from the message is being held prisoner. They rescue her, escape, and join the Rebellion to help destroy the Death Star.
The graphic novel itself is okay, the artwork is pretty standard for it's time. The writing is good, but there is a lot of information and dramatic moments cut out of the first half of the story. It doesn't really do a good job of establishing Obi-Wan and Luke's relationship as he trains Luke on their way to the Death Star. It's also the special edition of the movie, so there is still the really out of place scene where Jabba the Hutt confronts Han Solo outside the Cantina before they leave the planet (it really diminishes the imposing effect of finally seeing him in Return of the Jedi). The scene with the assault on the Death Star is really drawn out too, some of the details could have been sacrificed to flesh out the earlier parts of the story.
It's no substitute for the original movie, but it's still a fun read and of course this classic story should be appreciated by everyone.
The story concerns Luke Skywalker, a young boy living on a space farm who is thrust into the middle of intergalactic civil war between the galactic Empire led by Emperor Palpatine and the Rebellion. Two droids he acquires have a message for an old Jedi hermit on his planet, Obi-Wan Kenobi and once Luke finds him, he agrees to join him on a mission to deliver the plans for the giant planet destroying weapon the Death Star to the Rebellion. They meet up with a mercenary named Han Solo who agrees to take them there, but when they get to the planet, it's been destroyed and instead they find the Death Star. While attempting to escape, they find out the Princess from the message is being held prisoner. They rescue her, escape, and join the Rebellion to help destroy the Death Star.
The graphic novel itself is okay, the artwork is pretty standard for it's time. The writing is good, but there is a lot of information and dramatic moments cut out of the first half of the story. It doesn't really do a good job of establishing Obi-Wan and Luke's relationship as he trains Luke on their way to the Death Star. It's also the special edition of the movie, so there is still the really out of place scene where Jabba the Hutt confronts Han Solo outside the Cantina before they leave the planet (it really diminishes the imposing effect of finally seeing him in Return of the Jedi). The scene with the assault on the Death Star is really drawn out too, some of the details could have been sacrificed to flesh out the earlier parts of the story.
It's no substitute for the original movie, but it's still a fun read and of course this classic story should be appreciated by everyone.
January 27, 2019
“Star Wars: A New Hope: Special Edition” by Bruce Jones, Eduardo Barreto, Al Williamson
…
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Volume 1
“Mos Eisley spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” – Obi Wan
“Look, Jabba, next time you want to talk to me, come see me yourself. Don’t send one of these twerps.” - Han
…
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Volume 2
Intercom: What's going on down there? Come in!
Han Solo: Uh, everything is under control. Situation normal.
Intercom: What happened?
Han Solo: [flustered] Uh, had a slight weapons malfunction. But, uh, everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here, now, thank you. How are you?
Intercom: We're sending a squad up.
Han Solo: Uh, uh, negative, negative. We had a reactor leak here now. Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large leak... very dangerous.
Intercom: Who is this?? What's your operating number?
Han Solo: Uh... [shoots the intercom] Boring conversation anyway. Luke, we're gonna have company!
…
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Volume 3
“Got him! I got him!” – Luke
“Great, kid … don’t get cocky.” – Han
…
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Volume 4
Commander #1:
We've analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger. Should I have your ship standing by?
Governor Tarkin:
Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances.
“You’re all clear, kid! Now let’s blow this thing and go home!” – Han
….. ….. ….
…
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Volume 1
“Mos Eisley spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” – Obi Wan
“Look, Jabba, next time you want to talk to me, come see me yourself. Don’t send one of these twerps.” - Han
…
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Volume 2
Intercom: What's going on down there? Come in!
Han Solo: Uh, everything is under control. Situation normal.
Intercom: What happened?
Han Solo: [flustered] Uh, had a slight weapons malfunction. But, uh, everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here, now, thank you. How are you?
Intercom: We're sending a squad up.
Han Solo: Uh, uh, negative, negative. We had a reactor leak here now. Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large leak... very dangerous.
Intercom: Who is this?? What's your operating number?
Han Solo: Uh... [shoots the intercom] Boring conversation anyway. Luke, we're gonna have company!
…
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Volume 3
“Got him! I got him!” – Luke
“Great, kid … don’t get cocky.” – Han
…
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Volume 4
Commander #1:
We've analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger. Should I have your ship standing by?
Governor Tarkin:
Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances.
“You’re all clear, kid! Now let’s blow this thing and go home!” – Han
….. ….. ….
March 25, 2018
This 40 year anniversary hardcover edition compiles issues 1-4 of the original 1997 comics. This edition features some uncolored sketches as well as commentary. Bringing to life the original movie, A New Hope is the story of a water farmer named Luke who winds up being a savior to the galaxy. He learns about Jedi and snippets of his father from hermit and once-Jedi, Obi-wan Kenobi. At the loss of Kenobi, Luke feels lost in the world, but Kenobi is still with Luke through the Force. Luke learns to harness the Force truly for the first time when he shoots the aiming blow to the Death Star. This beginning aspect of the hero's journey is a fun and exciting adventure, the first Star Wars story and the epic that began the major franchise we know today.
I like the hardcover aspect of this edition, but, considering it is only four issues, it feels a bit short compared to other graphic novels. The art is also an older style, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it isn't on the same level as the newer Star Wars publications by the current team Marvel has. It would have been really neat to do a whole new adaptation of A New Hope with a new writer and the current Marvel artistic team to see what kinds of changes they would make, such as rephrasing certain things or moving things around for more action among the panels, extending into a 5 issue piece. That would have been cool.
I like the hardcover aspect of this edition, but, considering it is only four issues, it feels a bit short compared to other graphic novels. The art is also an older style, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it isn't on the same level as the newer Star Wars publications by the current team Marvel has. It would have been really neat to do a whole new adaptation of A New Hope with a new writer and the current Marvel artistic team to see what kinds of changes they would make, such as rephrasing certain things or moving things around for more action among the panels, extending into a 5 issue piece. That would have been cool.
September 21, 2017
V souvislosti s uvedením speciální edice Star Wars: Nové naděje nechal Dark Horse před dvaceti lety vytvořit i speciální komiksovou edici - nejspíš hlavně proto, aby se v ní objevila nová, správná podoba Jabby Hutta namísto žlutého humanoida z původní marvelovské verze. Až na tuto drobnost ovšem původní komiksová verze válcuje tou novou na celé čáře. Z nového komiksu (zejména jeho první poloviny) totiž byly zcela vypuštěny některé klíčové momenty, řada dialogů byla zkrácena, došlo k vynechání mnoha vtipných hlášek, takže některé scény prostě nemají ten správný účinek. I kresba je tak nějak méně vynalézavá než v případě marvelovské klasiky. Hodnocení: film 100 %, původní komiksová adaptace 90 %, nová komiksová adaptace s odřenýma ušima 60 %.
January 8, 2021
A graphic novelization of 1997 A New Hope: Special Edition. Yes, Greedo shot first in this one.
There was too much cut from the first half of the story. I didn't feel like any of the main characters were established really well. The ending battle drags endlessly - so many inconsequential details - they managed to make the Battle of Yavin dull.
On a more positive note, I liked the the art - the 70s retro style suits the story just fine.
2 stars for the story, + 1 star for the art.
There was too much cut from the first half of the story. I didn't feel like any of the main characters were established really well. The ending battle drags endlessly - so many inconsequential details - they managed to make the Battle of Yavin dull.
On a more positive note, I liked the the art - the 70s retro style suits the story just fine.
2 stars for the story, + 1 star for the art.
January 25, 2018
I only gave this 3 stars because ANH is an amazing movie, the graphic novel itself was poorly constructed.
They cut some legendary lines, and when you look at the drawings you realize they expect you know what's happening because they're not clear enough to see what's really happening (ie. When Obi-Wan dies, if you don't know what just happened, it's not obvious at all!).
Also, it specifically says this is SE - yet Biggs' scene with Luke is cut entirely. I don't quite understand how they decided what to keep and cut, but overall this was disappointing.
They cut some legendary lines, and when you look at the drawings you realize they expect you know what's happening because they're not clear enough to see what's really happening (ie. When Obi-Wan dies, if you don't know what just happened, it's not obvious at all!).
Also, it specifically says this is SE - yet Biggs' scene with Luke is cut entirely. I don't quite understand how they decided what to keep and cut, but overall this was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2021
Not bad, but I agree with another review I read - not only do the comics not add anything to the story in regards to characters stories, thoughts, motivations,etc. I think you actually get more out of the movies.
One hint I also noticed was that a lot of the better known scenes - like the “these are not the droids you’re looking for” scene - were left out entirely, or only vaguely referenced, which seems odd. Maybe because they though everyone would know the scene already & the could save on the page count? Seemed odd, though, as those are often scenes people are most fond of.
One hint I also noticed was that a lot of the better known scenes - like the “these are not the droids you’re looking for” scene - were left out entirely, or only vaguely referenced, which seems odd. Maybe because they though everyone would know the scene already & the could save on the page count? Seemed odd, though, as those are often scenes people are most fond of.
December 31, 2019
Eh. There is no originality here. Even the stuff from the novel is from the SE version from ‘97, which this is based on...so it’s all straight from the film. The worst thing is that enough is removed from this that not everything makes sense and I felt no connection to any of the characters.
The art is very good and is why this is not 2 stars.
The art is very good and is why this is not 2 stars.
July 7, 2022
I read this book as a recently minted Star Wars fan at the age of 8 and I remember getting called away for dinner in the middle of it and having the exact same lingering memories/feelings/mindset as if I'd finished watching the movie again, and I can't think of higher praise or a better recommendation than that!
October 21, 2018
A little let down
I had high hopes but the pencils left me pining for the first Marvel adaption. And there isn’t must special edition here. Sadly, Al and Carlos only ink. The poster art was great.
I had high hopes but the pencils left me pining for the first Marvel adaption. And there isn’t must special edition here. Sadly, Al and Carlos only ink. The poster art was great.
January 21, 2024
An adaptation of the movie. feels a bit clunky in a few areas, but overall a good read.
February 10, 2025
11/10. Illustrations were so cool.
January 30, 2015
From the Almighty GIP
This the adaptation of the movie with the same name and it follows the narrative of the movie very closely. The characters do have an astonishing similarity with the actors of the movie, this graphic novel it's a way of reliving the sensation of the big screen in paper.
Pros: Quick and fun read. Great art and style that makes all the scenes clear and easy to follow.
Cons: Feels a bit rushed, i would be better with a couple more pages, but since it's truthfull to the source material i can't really blame it on the comic.
Final Grade: 4/5 (Four stars)
May The Almighty GIP be with you,
L.T:Htlls
This the adaptation of the movie with the same name and it follows the narrative of the movie very closely. The characters do have an astonishing similarity with the actors of the movie, this graphic novel it's a way of reliving the sensation of the big screen in paper.
Pros: Quick and fun read. Great art and style that makes all the scenes clear and easy to follow.
Cons: Feels a bit rushed, i would be better with a couple more pages, but since it's truthfull to the source material i can't really blame it on the comic.
Final Grade: 4/5 (Four stars)
May The Almighty GIP be with you,
L.T:Htlls
July 16, 2015
I thought it was really cool with a lot of explosions. Very fun to read. My favorite character was probably Darth Vader. I loved this book. It had 91 pages.
August 16, 2021
4 stars
A fairly standard adaptation that's a fun read for fans of the series.😊
A fairly standard adaptation that's a fun read for fans of the series.😊
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews