Key Takeaways

• A new Star Wars manga is live on Kickstarter for backers.
• Hisao Tamaki’s original art boards appear for the first time.
• Exclusive editions ship before the 2026 retail release.
• Backers can choose special tiers with unique manga covers.

A lost piece of Star Wars history is finally seeing the light. Imagine a Japanese manga version of the original Star Wars movie, drawn decades ago but never published. That dream is now a reality thanks to a new Kickstarter campaign. This exciting project brings fans an exclusive early look at a classic adaptation.

What Makes This Star Wars Manga So Special?

This Star Wars manga is a unique piece of art history. Artist Hisao Tamaki first drew it back in 1997. He was adapting the classic film into a Japanese comic style. But the project was canceled and forgotten. The art boards were stored away, hidden from fans for nearly thirty years.

Now, Dark Horse Comics and Lucasfilm have teamed up. They found Tamaki’s incredible artwork. They decided to finish what he started. This Kickstarter campaign is funding the official release. Backers are the key to making it happen. This is your chance to own a piece of lost Star Wars magic.

Why You Should Support This Manga Kickstarter

Backing this project is a big deal for any fan. First, you are supporting the creators directly. Your pledge helps cover the high costs of quality printing. You ensure this beautiful book gets the production it deserves.

Next, you get exclusive rewards. Retail copies won’t hit stores until 2026. But as a backer, you’ll get your special edition months earlier. You can be among the first in the galaxy to read it.

Finally, the rewards are incredible. The campaign offers limited-run prints, detailed art books, and even signed editions. Your pledge helps bring this forgotten art to life.

Explore the Kickstarter Reward Tiers

This manga Kickstarter has something for every budget. There are multiple tiers to choose from. Each level offers more amazing rewards.

The basic pledge gets you a standard hardcover book. It features a brand-new cover design by Hisao Tamaki himself. This is the perfect way to get the complete story.

Mid-level pledges often include a deluxe art book. This version is packed with Tamaki’s original sketches, notes, and early concepts. It’s a deep dive into the creative process.

The highest pledge tiers offer truly unique items. You could get a copy signed by the artist. Some tiers include a special slipcase to protect your book. Every tier is designed to feel rewarding.

The campaign also features stretch goals. These are bonus unlocks when funding reaches certain targets. Goals can include fold-out poster maps, extra story pages, and behind-the-scenes interviews. The more support the project gets, the better the final book becomes.

Get Your Exclusive Edition Early

One of the best parts of backing this project is early access. Instead of waiting for the general public in 2026, you’ll get your book in late 2025. This means you can experience this fresh take on Star Wars long before anyone else.

You can also share your excitement online. Be the first to post reviews and fan art. Become a trendsetter in the fan community.

Furthermore, backers can choose from special variant covers. These limited editions might use metallic ink or foil stamping. They may feature alternate artwork that won’t be available in stores. This makes your copy a rare collectible.

How to Back the Project on Kickstarter

Joining the campaign is simple. First, you need a Kickstarter account. You can create one quickly if you don’t have one. Next, visit the project page and look at the reward tiers.

Select the pledge level that fits you best. Then, add your shipping information and payment details. Finally, confirm your pledge. You can even share the campaign link with your friends to help it succeed.

The creators will post updates throughout the campaign. You’ll see new art previews and celebrate when new goals are unlocked. Backers can sometimes vote on bonus features. This makes you part of the creative team.

The Lasting Impact of This Manga

This project is more than just a book. It’s a bridge between cultures and eras. When Tamaki started this work, adapting Western movies into manga was rare. Today, manga is a global phenomenon.

Reviving this project connects two huge fan bases. It also honors the hard work of a talented artist. His vision is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

The art boards themselves are a learning tool. They show hand-drawn sketches, inking techniques, and notes. Aspiring artists can see how a professional plans a page. They can learn about pacing, panel layout, and character design.

This adaptation also gives us a new way to see Star Wars. Iconic scenes are reimagined through a Japanese art style. Lightsaber duels and space battles will feel fresh and exciting. It adds a new layer to a story we all love.

Join a Community of Fans

When you back this project, you join a community. You’ll get access to backer-only updates and comment sections. Here, you can chat with other fans from around the world.

The creators plan to host live Q&A sessions and virtual meetups. You might even see live art demonstrations. This brings you closer to the entire process.

The community also helps decide the project’s future. Backers might vote on which stretch goals to unlock next. You could choose between a new one-shot story or a color art print. Your voice helps shape the final product.

Project Timeline and Shipping

The Kickstarter campaign will run for a limited time. Once it ends, the team will start production. They will finalize the artwork, send files to the printer, and oversee quality control.

The current plan is to start shipping books to backers in late 2025. The general retail release is set for early 2026. This gives backers a significant head start.

During production, backers will receive updates. You might see sneak peeks of final pages or a video from the printing factory. This makes the wait exciting and engaging.

Your Role in This Story

Backing this manga Kickstarter is a powerful act. You are not just buying a book. You are helping to revive a lost creative project. You are supporting artists and celebrating global pop culture.

You get amazing rewards and early access. You also get a voice in the bonus content. Most importantly, you help ensure this beautiful art is finally shared with the world.

This campaign shows how fans can directly shape the projects they love. Your pledge has real power. It turns a decades-old dream into a reality you can hold in your hands.

Ready to join the adventure? Head to Kickstarter and choose your reward. Secure your piece of Star Wars history today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get with a basic pledge?

A basic pledge typically includes a hardcover copy of the manga with new cover art. You also get early shipping and access to a digital art gallery.

Can I change my pledge level later on?

Yes, you can increase your pledge or choose a new reward tier at any time before the Kickstarter campaign officially ends.

Are there extra costs for shipping outside the US?

Yes, shipping costs are calculated based on your location. The Kickstarter page will show you the exact fee during the checkout process.

What kind of stretch goals can we expect?

Early stretch goals include a poster map and bonus story pages. Later goals could add more interviews, art prints, or even full-color chapters for certain sections. Check the full story on https://projectcasting.com/blog/news/star-wars-manga-kickstarter