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Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order (2024 Edition)

Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

In a galaxy far, far away, humans, aliens, and droids lives numerous adventures since 1977 in the Star Wars franchise, comprised of movies, television series, video games, books, comic books, and more.

For a long time, those adventures were part of what was called The Star Wars Expanded Universe — since then renamed Star Wars Legends (see our reading order). Things changed when Walt Disney acquired the Star Wars franchise and decided it was time for a clean slate (or a reboot!). Meaning that, outside of the original six Star Wars films produced by George Lucas and certain other materials, everything that has been created before April 25, 2014, was now part of the Star Wars Legends aka the old continuity. And so, everything published after April 25 was now considered part of the new canon (it’s a little more complicated than that, but the details are not necessary here).

Marvel was actually the first company to publish Star Wars Comics in 1977 (and for the next ten years). The Star Wars comics license returned to them in 2015, and they are now the primary Star Wars comics publisher. In 2017, IDW Publishing launched the anthology series Star Wars Adventures. And in 2022, Dark Horse will resume publishing new Star Wars comics and graphic novels.

This article is devoted to the Star Wars canon, to the Star Wars comic books published after April 25, 2014. Since that date, Marvel has been quite a busy bee, helped by IDW, and a lot of Star Wars comics are published every month. It’s now time to take a closer look at all those stories…

Star Wars Comics Reading Order: The Menu

As the Star Wars Universe is still expanding, this reading guide is a work in progress.

For those who want to follow a specific character, we have dedicated reading orders for:

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Last additions

The world of Star Wars is big and is continually expanding. To make things a little bit easier, you’ll find here the last additions to this reading order, before jumping in the big timeline! As of right now, this reading order should cover all the releases of 2024! Don’t hesitate to write or leave a comment if you spot a mistake or a missing trades!

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Star Wars Omnibus Collection

  • Star Wars: The High Republic Phase I Light of The Jedi Omnibus
    Collects Star Wars: The High Republic (2021) #1-15, Star Wars: The High Republic – Eye Of The Storm #1-2 And Star Wars: The High Republic – Trail Of Shadows #1-5.
  • The High Republic Phase II – Quest of the Jedi Omnibus
    Collects Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) #1-10 and Star Wars: The High Republic – The Blade #1-4.
  • Star Wars: Kanan Omnibus
    Collects Kanan – The Last Padawan #1-5, Kanan #6-12
  • Star Wars: Darth Vader by Kieron Gillen & Salvador Larroca Omnibus
    Collects Darth Vader #1-25 and Annual, Star Wars: Vader Down #1, Star Wars #13-14
  • Star Wars by Jason Aaron Omnibus
    Collects Star Wars (2015) #1-37, Star Wars: Vader Down (2015) #1, Darth Vader (2015) #13-15, Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #7-8, Star Wars Annual (2015) #1-3
  • Star Wars by Gillen & Pak Omnibus
    Collects Star Wars (2015) #38-75, Star Wars Annual (2016) #4 And Star Wars: Empire Ascendant.
  • Doctor Aphra Omnibus Vol. 1
    Collects Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #1-40; Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Annual (2017) #1-3; Darth Vader (2015) #3-4, 8, #21, #25; Star Wars (2015) #13, #19, #31-32; Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1; material from Star Wars: Empire Ascendant (2020) #1
  • Star Wars: Darth Vader by Charles Soule Omnibus
    Collects Darth Vader (2017) #1-25 and Annual #2.
  • Star Wars Adventures Omnibus Vol. 1
    Collects Star Wars Adventures issues 0–8, 10, 11, Star Wars Adventures Free Comic Book Day 2018 and Star Wars Adventures Annual 2018 
  • Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Omnibus
    Collects Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha (2021) #1, Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters (2021) #1-5, Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – Jabba The Hutt (2021) #1, Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – 4-Lom & Zuckuss (2021) #1, Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – Boushh (2021) #1, Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – Ig-88 (2021) #1, Star Wars (2020) #13-18, Star Wars: Bounty Hunters (2020) #12-17, Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #12-17, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020) #10-15, material from Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha Director’s Cut (2021) #1

Other Hardcover Edition:

  • Star Wars: Vader’s Castle The Deluxe Library Collection
    Collects Star Wars Adventures: Tales from Vader’s Castle, Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader’s Castle, Star Wars Adventures: Shadow of Vader’s Castle, Star Wars Adventures: Ghosts of Vader’s Castle, and the Star Wars Adventures: Free Comic Book Day 2019 short story “Droid Hunters”.

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Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection

Marvel recently started collecting canon titles in their Epic Collection trades. As this is quite new, to avoid too much confusion, this is treated like the Omnibus Collection for the moment, separated from the classic trade paperbacks.

R2D2 Logo Stars Wars Canon Comics Reading Order

Star Wars Comics Reading Order by era

At this time, the following reading order doesn’t include the Star Wars Adventures series (but only the miniseries), Star Wars Rebels Magazine Comics, Star Wars Rebels Animation Magazine short comics, and Star Wars Resistance Animation Magazine short comics. You’ll find a trade paperback listing for those stories after the reading order. This comic book reading order includes the movies and most animated series to offer some benchmarks. But no video games are present, and the animated Forces of Destiny is also not placed (If I missed something else, don’t hesitate to tell me in the comments).

Credits where credits are due, this reading order wouldn’t have been possible without all the people behind Wookiepedia, as well as all the Star Wars fans from Reddit (special thanks to u/PhillyU19 and his timeline!). I also checked out Youtini and The Omnibus Collector.

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The High Republic (300 BBY-82 BBY)

In the glory days of the Republic, two hundred years before the adventures of Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewbacca, the Jedi stand as guardians of galactic peace—until a powerful new adversary called the Nihil arrives. This is an ongoing tale, a time period explored right now in a multimedia project launched in January 2021. Below is only the comic book listing. For the timeline with all the other books, check out our Star Wars: The High Republic Reading Order (on our sister site, howtoread.me).

The High Republic Icon - Star Wars Canon Comics Reading Order

Though released later, The High Republic Phase II occurs before Phase I. We advised to actually read if after Phase I.

Phase I: Light of the Jedi

Also in a new trade paperback, you can find all the High Republic Adventures (some issues are missing above):

Phase III: Trials of the Jedi

Star Wars Age of the Republic - The Fall of the Jedi era - - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

The Fall of the Jedi (82-19 BBY)

Roughly from 82 BBY to 19 BBY, The Fall of the Jedi era was previously known as the Prequel era, in reference to the prequel trilogy movie. It is a period of confusion and strife with the decline of the Republic, the Clone Wars, and, in the end, the fall of the Jedi Order. The era ended with the creation of the Galactic Empire.

Galactic Republic Emblem - Star Wars Comics Reading Order

With the exception of Forces of Destiny: Ahsoka & Padmé #1, All the following one-shots listed during this era are collected in Star Wars: Age of the Republic – Heroes and Star Wars: Age of the Republic – Villains.

Star Wars Episode 1 Logo SW Canon Comics Reading Order

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi try to protect Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo in hopes of securing a peaceful end to an interplanetary trade dispute. The movie Episode I: The Phantom Menace happens here. You can also choose to read the Graphic Novel Adaptation.

Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones logo - Star Wars Comics Reading OrderAnakin Skywalker has grown into an accomplished Jedi apprentice, and he faces his most difficult challenge yet as he must choose between his Jedi duty and forbidden love. This is where the events of the film Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones takes place. You can also choose to read the Graphic Novel Adaptation.

Star Wars Adventures The Clone Wars Battle Tales - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

The Clone Wars - Star Wars Comics Reading OrderThe conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems is here, so it’s time to watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie and the Clone Wars first season. Beware, the 2003 Clone Wars TV series is no longer considered canonical and is now part of the Legends continuity, this is the 2008 TV series that is part of the canon. You’ll find seasons 2 to 7 in the listing below.

The Clone Wars rage across the galaxy. The sinister Sith Lord seizes control of the Republic and corrupts Anakin Skywalker to be his dark apprentice, Darth Vader. This is time for Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. You can also choose to read the Graphic Novel Adaptation.

Star Wars Darth Vader by Charles Soule Omnibus - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

Reign of the Empire (19-5 BBY)

From 19 BBY to 6-5 BBY, the Reign of the Empire era is set between the Prequel and Original trilogies. The New Order is proclaimed by Galactic Emperor Sheev Palpatine and Vader ascends to power as a Dark Lord of the Sith. But seeds of hope are sown far and wide as a Rebellion is born.

First Galactic Empire Emblem - Star Wars Canon Comics Reading Order

Solo A Star Wars Story - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading OrderThrough a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story. The movie has been adapted twice in comics: Solo: A Star Wars Story Adaptation published by Marvel and Star Wars: Solo Graphic Novel Adaptation, a younger reader-friendly version by IDW.

Age of Rebellion - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

Age of Rebellion

Roughly from 5 BBY to 4 ABY, The Age of Rebellion put us into the original Star Wars trilogy years. For several years, Palpatine’s reign went unchecked. But it was only a matter of time before the oppressed of the galaxy decided to band together and make a stand…

Age of Rebellion Emblem - Star Wars Canon Comics Reading Order

When not indicated, the one-shots listed during this era are collected in Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Heroes and Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Villains

Rogue One A Star Wars Story - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading OrderIn a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This is time for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, a movie that has also been adapted by Marvel and IDW (for younger readers).

Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading OrderThis is really where it all began! In Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the Evil Empire. You can also read A New Hope Graphic Novel Adaptation (IDW) or the Marvel adaptation.

Age of Rebellion Grand Moff Tarkin - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

Lando Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

Episode V The Empire Strikes Back - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading OrderThe Rebels scatter after the Empire attacks their base on the ice planet Hoth. Han Solo and Princess Leia are pursued by Imperials, while Luke trains with Jedi Master Yoda in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. You can also read The Empire Strikes Back Graphic Novel Adaptation (IDW) or the Marvel adaptation.

Alert event (Part 1 of 3)! The notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett has finally landed his greatest prize — Han Solo, frozen in carbonite for easy transport. There’s just one problem standing between Fett and the payday…and it’s a big one. For an issue-by-issue order, see our War of the Bounty Hunters reading order.

Alert event (Part 2 of 3)! The criminal organization known as the Crimson Dawn has risen — but what is their goal, and how do they plan to achieve it? And how will the Rebel Alliance and the Empire both react to this new galactic power player? For an issue-by-issue order, see our Crimson Reign reading order.

Alert event (Part 3 of 3)! The mysterious criminal syndicate Crimson Dawn and its leader have become the galaxy’s most wanted, now that Emperor Palpatine has realized the scope of their plans against him and moves to destroy her. But Qi’ra still has tricks up her sleeve and she will not go down without a fight! For an issue-by-issue order, see our Hidden Empire reading order.

Another Event! Who or what is the Scourge — and why is no droid safe? As corruption spreads from one droid to the next, the Rebel Alliance and the Empire both face chaos! What role does Ajax Sigma play in all of this? And whose side is he on? Find out when horror comes to a galaxy far, far away! For an issue-by-issue order, see our Dark Droids reading order.

Episode VI Return of the Jedi logo - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading OrderThe original trilogy comes to an end with Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The Empire prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star. The Rebel fleet counters with a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel. You can also read Return of the Jedi Graphic Novel Adaptation (IDW) or the Marvel adaptation.

The Mandalorian - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

The New Republic

From 4 ABY to 34 ABY, The New Republic era is, at the moment, the less explored era in Star Wars. This is the time of The Mandalorian, full of anarchy and uncertainty. Following the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the former Rebel Alliance formed a new government. But it also left a power vacuum and a struggle emerged to try to fill it.

The New Republic emblem - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

Poe Dameron Vol. 1 - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

Rise of the First Order

In 34 ABY, the battle between the First Order and the Resistance erupted into full-fledged open warfare with the destruction of the Hosnian System. This period contains the equel trilogy, but also the animated series Resistance.

Emblem of The First Order - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading Order

When not indicated, the one-shots listed during this era are collected in Star Wars: Age of Resistance – Heroes and Star Wars: Age of Resistance – Villains.

Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens logo - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading OrderThe sequel trilogy begins here with Episode VII: The Force Awakens! As Kylo Ren and the sinister First Order rise from the ashes of the Empire, Luke Skywalker is missing when the galaxy needs him most. It’s up to Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, a defecting stormtrooper, to join forces with Han Solo and Chewbacca in a desperate search for the one hope of restoring peace to the galaxy. You can also read The Force Awakens Graphic Novel Adaptation (IDW) or Star Wars: The Force Awakens Adaptation (Marvel).

Episode VIII The Last Jedi - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading OrderIn Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker’s peaceful and solitary existence gets upended when he encounters Rey, a young woman who shows strong signs of the Force. Her desire to learn the ways of the Jedi forces Luke to make a decision that changes their lives forever. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren and General Hux lead the First Order in an all-out assault against Leia and the Resistance for supremacy of the galaxy. You can also read The Last Jedi Graphic Novel Adaptation (IDW) or Star Wars: The Last Jedi Adaptation (Marvel).

Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker - Star Wars Comics Canon Reading OrderThe sequel trilogy arrives at its conclusion with Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. Poe faces the challenges of leadership, Finn and Rose make impossible decisions for the greater good, and Rey finally confronts her destiny. You can also read The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation (IDW).

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Star Wars Adventures Collection and others missing Comics

Star Wars Adventures (2017)

Published between 2017 and 2020 by IDW, Star Wars Adventures is an anthology comic book series intended for all ages. The stories take place all over the Star Wars timeline.

You can also find all those issues in Star Wars Adventures Omnibus, Vol. 1.

Star Wars Adventures (2020)

This follow-up comic anthology series didn’t last as long as the previous series and several issues (#7-14 and two annuals) are not collected yet.

Star Wars Rebels Magazine/Rebels Animation Magazine

Star Wars Rebels Magazine was a magazine series published between 2015 and 2017 (and replaced by Star Wars Rebels Animation after) containing A 12-page comic in every issue. Those comics will soon all be available in a trade paperback:

  • Star Wars Rebels
    Collects Star Wars: Rebels Magazine #1–#35, #37, #39 and Star Wars: Rebels Animation Magazine #1–#4. There was no new comic in #36 and #38, it was instead two reprints.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories (2022)

After IDW lost the Star Wars license, Dark Horse took over the all-ages comic license and released Hyperspace Stories, a new anthology series featuring tales set in every era of the Star Wars timeline.

Tales from the Death Star (2023)

This anthology from Dark Horse was released for Halloween with the Death Star as the setting of the action. All the stories are written by Cavan Scott with various artists.

  • Tales from the Death Star
    Collects the stories “Nightmares Long Remembered”, “The Creature from the Trash Compactor”, “The Wild Squadron”, “We Shall Double Our Efforts”, “The Haunting of Grand Moff Tarkin”

Darth Vader: Black, White and Red (2023)

A canon comic anthology miniseries featuring the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader. The series includes a four-part story by Jason Aaron, as well other stories by Peach Momoko, Torunn Grønbekk, and others set at different places in the timeline (included one set after Empire Strikes Back).

Did we forget an important issue? Did we make a mistake? Let us know in the comments!

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