Manga
A Youtini Collection

Star Wars books you should read if you like
Manga

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Manga
“Stop! You’re reading the wrong way!” - Every issue of Shonen Jump
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apanese culture has a tremendous influence in the entertainment industry in terms of their artistic style and way of storytelling. If you were to ask anyone who watches animation, many of them will mostly likely be familiar with anime-style “cartoons” with popular titles being Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Pokémon

Disney Star Wars is starting to dip their toes into the Japanese-made phenomenon by releasing books called “manga” which feature the signature art style.

These manga titles serve as a wonderful outlet for Star Wars fans who love anime, even those who are mainly familiar with American-made shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender. Although we have yet to see a Star Wars program fully dedicated to the anime style (at least at the time of writing this) we can still indulge in these beautiful manga adaptations of our favorite stories whether you’re in the mood for stunning action sequences or saucy romance.

Even if you are unfamiliar with anime and manga, the Star Wars titles featured below are excellent introductions to the medium. Some of these volumes are even printed as they are out in Japan to really give you the complete experience. 

If you purchase one of these titles you may notice that the cover is featured on the side of the book that you wouldn’t normally consider the “front.” That’s because traditional manga is read from back to front, right to left. Now don’t feel overwhelmed! Reading the panels backward is not as hard as it sounds. It’s actually kind of fun!

The Star Wars franchise is better known for their films, novels, games, and various shows and less so for their ability to produce manga. Even so, the few titles that they have released are made with such exceptional quality that they could even stand up to popular names in the manga realm. The artists do not hold back on the impeccable drawing techniques and soulful character expressions when crafting each panel.

The fact that these books exist show that the Star Wars franchise is not one to avoid taking risks. Those involved in the publishing side of content creation had decided to step out of their comfort zone to formulate something that more niche fans can enjoy and the result of their efforts is absolutely spectacular. Now enthusiasts of both Star Wars and anime can indulge in an even greater out-of-this-world experience.

When it comes to animation, one of the closest examples of Star Wars material to date that closely resembles the anime art style is the Galaxy of Adventures miniseries featured on YouTube. Although it is a fantastic and beautiful project, we have yet to achieve the full experience set in the Star Wars universe. With the success of these manga adaptations, we will hopefully see a full anime series complete with a flashy opening sequence paired with a catchy musical number sometime in the near future. Until then, lose yourself in the manga volumes featured in the collection below.

This reading guide is
Coming Soon
Our team is hard at work building out this collection. Stay tuned!

Books in this Collection

The Youtini Collections team has hand-selected the books in this collection
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Lost Stars: Vol. 1 (Manga)

Written by
Claudia Gray
Artwork by
Yusaku Komiyama
The first volume of the Lost Stars manga adaptation starts off halfway through the events of the original novel putting you straight in the action. Whether you’re new to the story or are already a fan of Claudia Gray’s praised novel, there is something new for all readers to enjoy with incredible imagery and an artfully-summarized retelling of one of the best romantic tales of all time.
The Empire can be seductive, particularly if you're an aspiring young pilot... Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree both know this very well when they enroll Imperial Academy, eager to pursue their dreams. When Thane discovers the darker side of the Empire, though, and defects to the Rebellion, the pair's lifelong friendship will be put to the ultimate test.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Lost Stars: Vol. 2 (Manga)

Written by
Claudia Gray
Artwork by
Yasaku Komiyama
This second installation of the Lost Stars manga series captures a handful of the most emotionally-compelling scenes from the original novel and expresses the weight of Ciena and Thane’s feelings in a way that’ll grip your heart right at its core. Every facial expression within these pages will test the strength and willpower of your tear ducts as this incredible artwork reaches out to your soul and rips you apart from the inside.
The continuation of the thrilling manga adaptation of Claudia Gray's Star Wars Lost Stars novel! What does destiny have in store for Thane and Ciena?
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Lost Stars: Vol. 3 (Manga)

Written by
Claudia Gray (original story), Yusaku Komiyama (adaptation)
Artwork by
Yusaku Komiyama
Not a single heartstring is spared in this epic finale to the Lost Stars manga series. Watch the exciting conclusion to the complicated but spicy relationship between Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell with your very own eyes in an art style that just works so well for this story. Really, whoever came up with this idea is a genius.
Star Wars Lost Stars, Vol. 3 is the final trade paperback compilation of Lost Stars, a manga which adapts Claudia Gray's novel of the same name. The manga was first released in Japan by Line Corporation on April 20, 2019 and later in the United States by Yen Press on October 29, 2019.ISBN 9784909767509; April 20, 2019; Line Corporation; Japanese paperbackISBN 9781975358679; October 29, 2019; Yen Press; US paperback‍
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Leia, Princess of Alderaan Vol. 1 (Manga)

Written by
Claudia Gray
Artwork by
Haruichi
Just when you thought this Alderaanian princess couldn’t get any cuter, this manga adaptation of Claudia Gray’s Leia: Princess of Alderaan story shows the young prodigy looking her very best as she sets off on her most adventurous mission of her teen life. The art in this manga effortlessly grasps the compassion, sincerity, and fierceness in Leia’s eyes as she sets off to follow her heart.
Volume 1 of the Manga Adaptation of Claudia Gray's Young Adult novel Leia, Princess of Alderaan. The never-before-told story of how young Leia Organa comes to join the rebellion against the evil Empire. A young Princess Leia spends her days learning the ways of politics, aiding those in need and preparing for the traditional ceremony in which she declares her intention to one day rule Alderaan. But as Leia prepares herself to be named the heir of the throne, she becomes aware of the growing distance between her and her parents, who behind closed doors are leaders of the newly formed rebellion. Upon learning her parents' secrets, Leia must now make a choice between her responsibility to the people of Alderaan and her responsibility to save a galaxy crushed by the rule of the Empire.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Leia, Princess of Alderaan, Vol. 2 (Manga)

Written by
Claudia Gray (Original Story) & Haruichi (Adaptation)
Artwork by
Haruichi

Star Wars Leia, Princess of Alderaan, Vol. 2 is a trade paperback compilation of Leia Organa: Ordeal of the Princess, a manga adaptation of Claudia Gray's Leia, Princess of Alderaan junior novel.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.... On planet Crate, [sic] Leia met her father, Bail Organa, who was meeting with a mysterious armed group. After Leia learned the truth of her father's investigation mission, she decides to fight against the Empire herself. What awaits Leia in the next target, Naboo system?

Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The Legends Of Luke Skywalker (Manga)

Written by
Ken Liu
Artwork by
Akira Himikawa
Part of the
Luke Skywalker is truly a legend, both in our own world and throughout the Star Wars galaxy. The Legends of Luke Skywalker is a collection of the young Jedi’s heroic and selfless acts to inspire greatness and hope in those who witness his deeds. Some of his feats sound so outlandish that you wouldn’t believe it until you see it, and now you can through amazingly beautiful artwork with each story drawn in a different and unique style.
The Legends of Luke Skywalker is an upcoming manga adaptation of the junior novel of the same name written by Ken Liu and published by Disney–Lucasfilm Press.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Rebels Volume 1 (Manga)

Written by
Akira Aoki
Artwork by
Akira Aoki
The universe never ceases to give us Star Wars Rebels in new and exciting ways. Just when you thought the fun was over, Yen Press gives us the story we know and love in the form of the unique Japanese art style. If you are a big fan of Rebels and anime, you’ll no doubt want to look into this manga series.
A manga adaptation of the hit 3D animated series Star Wars Rebels seen on Disney XD. The animated series launched with the first two episodes titled Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion and was followed by four seasons that aired from 2014 to 2018. The critically-acclaimed show featured fan-favorite Star Wars characters, such as Kanan Jarrus, who was the focus of his own novel and comic book series, and Chopper, a droid who made a brief appearance in the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Set during an era when the Galactic Empire is hunting down the last of the Jedi, a fledgling rebellion against the Empire begins to take form. Star Wars Rebels takes place in the area surrounding the planet Lothal, where the Galactic Empire battles against Ezra, a teenage con artist with latent Force abilities, Kanan, one of the last surviving members of the Jedi Order, and the rest of the ragtag rebels on board the starship Ghost.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Rebels, Volume 2 (Manga)

Written by
Akira Aoki
Artwork by
Akira Aoki
Star Wars Rebels, Vol. 2 is a trade paperback compilation of the Star Wars Rebels webcomic, which adapts events of the first season of the TV series Star Wars Rebels. The manga was released in Japan on September 15, 2020 by Line Corporation. It is scheduled for publication in the United States on September 21, 2021 by Yen Press
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Rebels, Volume 3 (Manga)

Written by
Akira Aoki
Artwork by

Star Wars Rebels, Vol. 3

Is the third trade paperback compilation of the Star Wars Rebels (Manga) Series, which adapts events of the Star Wars Rebels television series. The title was released in Japan on September 15, 2021 by Line Corporation.

The popular 3DCG TV anime series' long-awaited 3rd comic volume!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

Ezra, the boy of the planet Lothal, is with his friends from the spaceship the Ghost. To join the battle against the Imperial Army, they decided to travel together.

Kanan, who is not confident in his maturity as a Jedi, swears to take Ezra on as his Padawan, and to teach him how to use the Force

Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Guardians of the Whills: The Manga

Written by
Jon Tsuei
Artwork by
Subaru
The manga adaptation of the novel Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills, by Greg Rucka, revisits fan-favorite characters Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe before they joined the Rebellion in the blockbuster film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The Force is with me, and I am one with the Force. – Chirrut Îmwe Presiding over the Kyber Temple on Jedha, the Guardians of the Whills, Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe, had hoped to maintain a peaceful balance despite the growing presence of the Empire in their Holy City. Yet they struggle to stay true to the Force as stormtroopers threaten to take over. When a rebel named Saw Gerrera appears offering them a chance to help Jedha, Baze and Chirrut must decide if they’re willing to compromise for peace, or if Saw’s plan is too dangerous to risk? Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills introduces Baze and Chirrut before they meet the Rebellion members who turn the tide in the fight against the Empire in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Writer Jon Tsuei and manga artist Subaru bring the origin story of this fan favorite duo to life in a new manga adaptation based on the novel by Greg Rucka.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The High Republic: The Edge Of Balance Vol. 1

Written by
Shima Shinya & Justina Ireland
Artwork by
Mizuki Sakakibara
For the first time ever, The High Republic delivers an original manga (not an adaptation of an existing novel). The story is a collaboration between Ireland and Japanese writer Shima Shinya and the art is from Mizuki Sakakibara. The Edge of Balance is the first in a new series! The High Republic continues to press the limits of collaboration and a true multimedia experience.

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1

This is the first trade paperback release in the manga series Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance.

In the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster, young Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi is assigned to help displaced civilians relocate to Banchii, a planet in the Inugg system far in the Outer Rim. While balancing the arrival of incoming settlers and teaching the Padawans on their Temple outpost, Lily must also confront an attack by the insidious Drengir and, after the events of the Republic Fair, deal with the growing threat of the Nihil. But the dangers to Lily and her Padawans are much closer than she thinks….

Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2

Written by
Shima Shinya & Daniel José Older
Artwork by
Mizuki Sakakibara

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2

This is the second trade paperback release in the manga series Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance.

A massive, interconnected cross-publisher initiative focused on an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling.

It is the era of the High Republic and Republic expansion is at its height. As trusted guardians of peace, the renowned Jedi protect the Republic and shine their light on those exploring the darkest reaches of the galaxy.

Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi learns the Drengir attack on Banchii was not an isolated event but part of a coordinated attack orchestrated by the Nihil. Master Arkoff is on orders from the Jedi Council to help Master Stellan Gios's investigation, leaving Lily in charge of rebuilding Banchii and restoring hope to the community. Lily vows the temple will not be put in danger again, not under her watch! When a disruptive unannounced visitor appears, Lily must maintain her focus as she seeks the best way to protect Banchii, Keerin, and the Younglings from the growing Nihil threat.

Legends
Legends
Graphic Novel

Star Wars: A New Hope (Manga)

Written by
Hisao Tamak
Artwork by
Modern anime styles are gorgeous but sometimes we crave the nostalgia of that classic look. This manga adaptation of A New Hope will take you back to the 90s when Japanese animation was cheesy but lovable. No matter how many times you’ve rewatched the film that started it all, this comic series is a fun new way to revisit the story.
Star Wars: A New Hope Manga is a manga version of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. It is written by Hisao Tamaki. The title was previously published as Star Wars Manga: A New Hope. A graphic novel presentation of the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Chewbacca.' When Luke Skywalker meets the mysterious Jedi Obi-wan Kenobi, he is taken on a journey across the galaxy. Join him in this classic sci-fi adventure filled with droids, a princess and the evil Galactic Empire, uniquely illustrated in fantastic manga style.
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