Marvel’s Star Wars Comics Honor Black History Month with Unique Variant Covers
Marvel has unveiled a striking lineup of variant covers for their Star Wars comics in celebration of Black History Month. These covers highlight prominent Black characters from various beloved projects, including The Acolyte on Disney+ and the Star Wars: Outlaws video game. Notably, several of these characters are making their comic book debuts, introducing them to a wider audience.
Featured Characters and Artistic Collaboration
The first character spotlighted is Vail Tormin from Star Wars: Outlaws, illustrated by Ernanda Souza on the variant cover of Star Wars: Ahsoka #8. Another cover features Mother Aniseya from The Acolyte, created by Karen S. Darboe for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1. Additionally, the characters Osha and Mae, also from The Acolyte, grace the cover of Star Wars: The High Republic – Fear of the Jedi #1, illustrated by Mateus Manhanini.
Last but not least, Lando Calrissian, depicted by Ken Lashley on the cover for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #1, rounds out this special collection. This upcoming adaptation of the film will be released throughout February, in recognition of Black History Month and in tribute to Marvel’s ongoing contribution to the Star Wars universe.
Evaluating the Character Selection
While some of the choices for the Black History Month variant covers resonate well with fans, others may spark a range of reactions. Vail Tormin stands out as a solid choice since she is a new addition to the Star Wars narrative within Star Wars: Outlaws, potentially drawing in fans who may not be familiar with the game. The inclusion of Mae and Osha is also fitting, especially given the questions surrounding their fate following the cancellation of The Acolyte. Their cover, featuring Osha wielding a red lightsaber, serves as an enticing teaser for their storylines.
It is worth noting that, with the 10th anniversary of The Force Awakens approaching in 2025, including Finn might have been a more impactful decision. Lando Calrissian, a classic character, continues to be a relevant figure in the Star Wars saga, and his portrayal in The Rise of Skywalker makes this cover even more fitting. However, many fans may feel that Mother Aniseya could have been substituted by another character to enhance representation.
First Comic Appearances: A Milestone for These Characters
This release not only heralds the celebration of Black History Month but also commemorates a decade since Marvel reintroduced Star Wars storytelling within its comic universe. Each cover features a commemorative plaque stating “Star Wars Marvel 10 Years”, marking this significant anniversary.
As fans celebrate these new variations, they’re also encouraged to support local comic shops during this notable month. The variant covers will begin hitting shelves in February:
- Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 – Available February 5, 2025
- Star Wars: Ahsoka #8 and Star Wars: The High Republic – Fear of the Jedi #1 – Available February 19, 2025
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation #1 – Available February 26, 2025
Don’t miss the chance to grab these unique covers from Marvel Comics, celebrating both Black History Month and the rich legacy of Star Wars storytelling.
Leave a Reply