THE Star Wars The comic book catalog is one of the most notable aspects of Lucasfilm’s franchise, and many of these stories feature exciting villains and antiheroes. Exploring the moral grays of the galaxy far, far away is one of the most narratively interesting things about this sci-fi fantasy world. It brings Star Wars anti-heroes and villains to life.

With the Skywalker Saga being the core of this franchise, these comics often flesh out the events between the films. In the continuities of the legends and the main lines, Star Wars comics have spawned some interesting stories featuring Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Boba Fett. It even spawned original comic book characters like Doctor Aphra and explored the origins and legends of the Sith.

Updated October 8, 2024 by Christopher Raley: THE Star Wars The franchise was born in the cinema, but it did not stay there. Almost immediately, Star Wars comic books began to appear on the heels of A new hope. Over the years, they have explored many corners of the galaxy, including those inhabited by villains and anti-heroes. More comics have been added to this list and the article has been updated to comply with CBR’s current publishing standards.

15 The Dark Lords of the Sith explore Exar Kun

He recounts his fall from the Jedi

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi – Dark Lords of the Sith tells the story of Exar Kun, a Jedi knight whose pride and curiosity about Sith artifacts leads him to fall to the dark side. It begins when he hears a Sith Holocron speaking about the mysteries of the dark side, but his master shuts him down. Later, Kun recovers Sith scrolls that lead him to Korriban and the spirit of former Sith Lord Freedon Nadd, who manipulates Kun into the dark side.

Meanwhile, Lord Keto inspects a carbonite outpost in the Empress Teta system, only to be attacked by a group called Krath. The Krath is a secret society in the system interested in Sith magic. and uses the dark side to create illusions. With these illusions, they dominate the mining guild and start a political uprising. This leads the Jedi to debate how the order should handle the situation and a shocking connection to Kun’s fall to the dark side.

14 The Lost Tribe of the Sith: A Spiral Illuminates the Sith

A group of low-ranking Sith rule a primitive planet

Not all Sith were as powerful as Darth Vader or legendary Sith like Exar Kun. The Sith had their kin, just like any other group in the galaxy. Star Wars: The Lost Tribe of the Sith – Spiral takes up the story of a lost tribe of Sith on the planet Kesh. Focusing on Parlan Spinner and his enemy-turned-friend, Sith Princess Takara, Spiral relates that Parlan was banished from Alanciar to board the Southern Star to explore the planet’s south pole region.

The story avoids the normal Star Wars aesthetic of villains and heroes traveling through the cosmos and reimagines it as a maritime epic to discover a lost people and the story of the lost tribe called The Doomed. Their ancestors were Jedi and Dark Jedi, who found themselves stranded on Kesh and eventually made peace with each other. A story of ambition and conquest, Spiral is a Star Wars a can’t-miss story for fans looking for a unique take on the franchise.

13 Vader: Dark Visions takes on Darth Vader in a unique way

This shows that there is a lot to learn about Vader

This five-part mini-series, Vader: Dark visions, attacks Star Wars’ most famous and infamous villain in a way completely unique to the franchise. Each issue focuses on Vader but is told from different points of view. These viewpoints give the reader isolated perspectives on the Dark Lord and contexts that present him as a terror and a savior, making Dark visions one of the best comics of the second Marvel era.

For example, in one volume, a young inhabitant of a planet sees a battle in space between the Rebels and the Empire and thinks that the gods are fighting. When Vader lands and kills a beast that has endangered the inhabitants’ village, he is considered a god-hero. In the second issue, Vader is seen through the eyes of a commander facing “discipline” if he does not capture a Rebel spy. Another volume tells the improbable but interesting story of an unfortunate nurse who falls in love with the Sith Lord. The series disrupts the reader’s perception of Vader, showing that the context can make him a Star Wars villain or anti-hero.

12 Mara Jade, By the Hand of the Emperor tells the story of Mara

Jade is one of the most fascinating anit heroes

One of the great characters of Timothy Zahn’s first film Star Wars The trilogy is fan favorite Mara Jade. The readers are introduced to Mara as the right-hand man of the smuggler Talon Karrde. As the story progresses, readers learn about her history as The Hand of the Emperor. Zahn also reveals his obsession with killing Luke Skywalker (who caused Palpatine’s death) and sets out an arc of redemption and self-discovery.

Mara Jade, By the Hand of the Emperor deals with Mara’s life as a skilled assassin trained to carry out the Emperor’s orders. Her training is extensive and the missions she was sent on. All this is happening on the eve of the end of the Empire. When Palpatine falls, Mara is suspected of treason and must prepare for her escape and a new life. Written by Zahn, this comic series is a must-read for fans of the Star Wars antihero.

11 The Sith War reveals more about Exar Kun’s story

Kun tries to convince the Jedi on his side

Exar Kun’s story continues in Star Wars: A Tale of the Jedi – War of the Sith. Exar Kun attempts to attract the Jedi to his side while another Sith Lord, Ulic, duels with Mandalore and wins. Ulic gains a substantial Mandalorian force under his control and wants to attack the Republic. Exar Kun joins forces with him and the two form an uneasy alliance.

This story continues Kun’s journey as he works with Ulic and battles his former Jedi Master, Vodo, who kills him in a duel after refusing a place at Kun’s side. Following their new dark master, Jedi Padawans assassinate their Jedi Masters across the galaxy as Kun and Ulic prepare to launch a Sith offensive from Yavin 4. As a tale of the Old Republic that depicts the rise and fall of a Sith Lord, War of the Sith is about as good as it gets.

10 Darth Vader and the Phantom Prison is compelling

The miniseries is another creative look at the legendary villain

Writer Haden Blackman Darth Vader and the Phantom Prison is one of the villain’s most notable comic book stories to date, giving him a spot at number 10 on this list. Part of the Legends canon and published under Dark Horse Comics, this story sees Emperor Palpatine poisoned during an attempted coup, forcing Vader and a tight-knit force to travel to the titular prison and find a cure. But to do so, he must uncover the secrets hidden by the Jedi Council.

Darth Vader and the Phantom Prison is easily one of the most difficult Star Wars comics to this day. This demonstrates the brutality of the eponymous villain and the imperial hierarchy. Seeing Vader from the perspective of a newly graduated Imperial cadet gives the villain another layer of disturbing mysticism. While the plot takes Vader back to the time of the Clone Wars, it shows the grayer areas of the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars.

9 Darth Maul gives ancient Sith a spotlight on the Phantom Menace

The broader context fleshes out the character

Since its introduction in Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace, Darth Maul has been a beloved villain in the Star Wars franchise. Although his role in the film was admittedly superficial (and unfortunately short), the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Marvel Darth Maul the miniseries help flesh it out. This series brings new life to the character by describing his journey.

Dave Filoni’s TV shows helped advance his character arc, but Cullen Bunn and Luke Ross’s Darth Maul highlight his pre-Phantom Menace days under Palpatine’s tutelage. The miniseries is an interesting origin story, developing his motivation to surrender to the dark side of the Force. While reading Darth Maul adds substance and context to his theatrical debut. It also works as an exciting standalone story that shows the villain in a new light.

8 Doctor Aphra is one of the best original comic book characters

This archaeologist is the Indiana Jones of space with a twist

Once Disney acquired the Star Wars IP, Marvel launched its own line of main canon comics, and one of the most entertaining ongoing series was Star Wars: Doctor Aphra. The character debuted in a story arc by Kieron Gillen. Darth Vader run, and she has since established herself as a beloved thug Star Wars anti-hero adventures across the galaxy. She is hired by Darth Vader, teams up with Luke Skywalker and kidnaps Hera Syndulla.

Multiple creative teams have delved into the character, each showing what a refreshing change Doctor Aphra is amid the Original Trilogy era. Star Wars stories. His scheming antics, sly sense of charm, and internal moral conflict balance the right amount of gripping adventure. with character drama to make Aphra one of the most beloved original comics Star Wars characters. If Indiana Jones had a damaged moral compass and a damaged spaceship, he would be Dr. Aphra.

7 Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir revives unused Clone Wars scripts

The comic series continues one of the series’ compelling arcs

Animation by Dave Filoni Star Wars: The Clone Wars added necessary context to the Prequel Trilogy films, but not all of the story pitches made it to the small screen. Jeremy Barlow and Juan Frigeri Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir the miniseries adapts unused scripts, telling how the now former Sith forms the criminal corps Shadow Collective and declares war on Count Dooku and General Grievous. Someone should get a medal for continuing one of the most fascinating arcs in The Clone Wars in comics.

Son of Dathomir offers a fascinating premise, opposing some of the most emblematic Star Wars evil against everyone the other while shedding light on the criminal underbelly of the galaxy. This is one side of Star Wars a myth that isn’t fully shown in live-action, making it a welcome story. This isn’t the first time Lucasfilm has used unadapted films Clone Wars scripts elsewhere, like some excellent Star Wars the novels did the same.

6 Purge is an excellent Vader-themed anthology

It picks up after Revenge of the Sith

Another gem from Dark Horse Comics’ publishing era, Purge is a captivating anthology series focused on Darth Vader from the Legends continuity.. Born from a single comic book about a group of exiled Jedi banding together to assassinate Darth Vader, it continues in an anthology about the exploits of the Sith Lord, crushing the embers of rebellion across the Galaxy. Beginning approximately a month after the end of the events of Revenge of the Sith, Purge shows Vader continuing to hunt down the Jedi.

Purge is led by some of the best writers and artists in the world Star Wars‘ The era of legends, including John Ostrander and Haden Blackman. These unique stories draw on Vader’s cruelty, feature cathartic action sequences, and offer a poignant insight into how an authoritarian regime can force the galaxy under its thumb and rewrite history in its favor. Purge is a A must-read for fans of the ultimate Star Wars wicked who want more of this key transitional period in the history of the Galactic Empire.

5 War of the Bounty Hunters is an exciting crossover

It centers on Boba Fett but includes other bounty hunters

One of Marvel Comics’ flagship products Star Wars crossings, Bounty Hunter Warsheds more light on the underbelly of this universe’s organized crime with Boba Fett caught in the middle. Led by a veteran Star Wars According to writer Charles Soule, the miniseries that kicks off the crossover arc sees the bounty hunter attacked from all sides by crime figures in his attempt to deliver the frozen Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt. This series describes Fett’s efforts to get Solo to Jaba and get paid.

Boba Fett never got to do much in the original trilogy, and Bounty Hunter War proved why it was worth keeping him active in this universe. An action-packed subterranean thriller starring a beloved antihero, the miniseries is a must-read for Boba Fett fans, justifying its place as the catalyst for a larger crossover event in the other film currently being released. Marvel. Star Wars comics. It is also gives Fett his due as Star Wars anti-hero by making him truly ruthless and inventive warrior, which is why he comes in at number five on this list.

4 Crimson Reign brings justice to Lady Qi’ra

It picks up where the ill-fated solo film left off

Director Ron Howard Solo: A Star Wars Story received moderately positive critical reception, but was an infamous box office bomb, putting several of its characters on ice – among them Emilia Clarke’s Qi’ra. However, coming directly from Bounty Hunter WarCharles Soule returns for Crimson Reign, tell the story of a Star Wars anti-heroes versus classic villains by leading the fight against Vader and Palpatine. What exploded at the box office makes a splash on the page.

Now nicknamed Lady Qi’ra after succeeding Maul as leader of Crimson Dawn, Crimson Reign gives her a well-deserved chance in the spotlight with an exciting organized crime-themed setting to complement her. The character should return in the Massive Entertainment video game Star Wars outlaw. However, fans should still look to Crimson Reign for another new perspective on the original trilogy period. His story brings more context to the criminal underworld and the Galactic Empire.

3 Boba Fett – Twin Engines Of Destruction is a gritty one-shot

This comic is yet another love letter to Fett

A brief but memorable story, that of Andy Mangels and John Nadeau Boba Fett: two engines of destruction is a gripping adventure centered around bounty hunters. The plot revolves around the titular antihero and a rival bounty hunter who impersonates him and tarnishes his reputation. It all starts when Dengar, everyone’s favorite Correllian bounty hunter, tells Fett about a new kid on the block wearing Mandalorian armor and says he’s better than Fett. Fett then hires the mercenary to install him on Nal Hutta.

Boba Fett has always been a great gateway for some Star Wars-Flavored Westerns and Dark Horse’s Two engines of destruction is no different. This The one-shot comic is packed with gritty, pulpy Western feels in a simple but effective plot that gives fans what they would expect from a bounty hunter story. It is a short story which emphasizes the “moral grayness” of Star Wars universe while emphasizing what a cunning warrior Fett is.

2 Vader Down Made Marvel’s First Star Wars Crossover Arc Memorable

Once again, the Dark Lord hits hard in the comics

After Marvel took the reins of the main canon era Star Wars comics, writers Jason Aaron and Kieron Gillen collaborated for the Vader down crossed arch. This comic connects the events of Star Wars And Darth Vader books, which see the Sith Lord abandoned and outnumbered — but far from underpowered — on a planet against rebel forces. The story shows how ruthless he is and how even Darth Vader can find himself in a bind.

Vader down was the first crossover story arc for the new era of Star Wars comics. It lived up to the hype with intense action, dramatic parallels and converging plotlines. Between the intimidating presence of Darth Vader and the legacy heroes caught in the middle of the chaos – Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa – fans couldn’t ask for much more from Marvel’s first film. Star Wars event.

1 The Crimson Empire sheds a welcome light on the Emperor’s Guard

A truly underutilized group, this comic is eye-opening

Some of the best supplements Star Wars comics come from the most unlikely places, and Crimson Empire is a great example from the Legends era. Focus on Emperor Palpatine’s Imperial Royal Guard job-Return of the Jedithe series follows Kir Kanos – a former guard who wants to avenge his fallen master after fellow guard Carnor Jax attempts to have the order assassinated. Allegiances are torn as the Empire crumbles and a member of its legendary guard seeks revenge.

Crimson Empire manages to take characters who were cast effectively in the films, expand on their story, and give its main anti-hero a satisfying revenge epic. The Dark Horse series has become a trilogy of comics, collectively telling a great story on its own merits, from an unusual perspective in the galaxy. These stories take the top spot on this list of the best Star Wars comics about anti-heroes.