Marvel's Star Wars Comics: The 1977 Phenomenon
In January 1976, George Lucas approached Marvel Comics to publish a comic book adaptation of his upcoming film, then titled The Star Wars. Marvel initially hesitated but agreed when Lucas offered the rights for free, with royalties only kicking in if sales exceeded 100,000 copies. Upon the film's release in May 1977, the comic became a massive hit. The first issues, scripted by Roy Thomas and illustrated by Howard Chaykin—a young artist Lucas discovered in the indie comic Star*Reach—sold over one million copies each, four times the sales of Marvel's top superhero title, The Amazing Spider-Man. This success turned Star Wars into a monthly series, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Key facts
- George Lucas approached Marvel Comics in January 1976 to publish a comic book for his film, then titled The Star Wars.
- Marvel initially reluctant but agreed when Lucas offered the rights for free.
- Royalties were only to be paid if comic sales exceeded 100,000 copies.
- Film released in May 1977; comic became a mega-hit.
- First issues scripted by Roy Thomas and drawn by Howard Chaykin.
- Howard Chaykin was a young artist Lucas spotted in the indie comic Star*Reach.
- First issues sold over one million copies, four times the sales of The Amazing Spider-Man.
- Star Wars became a monthly comic series.
Entities
Artists
- George Lucas
- Roy Thomas
- Howard Chaykin
Institutions
- Marvel Comics