Is this the first Star Wars project on Kickstarter?
Yes. This is the first officially licensed Star Wars project on Kickstarter. All items in the campaign are being developed by Dark Horse in partnership with Lucasfilm, who are fully supportive of the project.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Why is Dark Horse Comics running a Kickstarter for a Star Wars book?
Kickstarter gives us a way to create special premium editions that could be challenging through standard publishing channels. These books feature oversized art reproductions, deluxe packaging, and signed editions. By using Kickstarter, we can connect directly with fans who want these collector-focused editions, while still publishing standard retail editions of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga for bookstores and comics shops in 2026.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Will a version of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga be released in comics shops or bookstores?
Yes. There will be separate retail editions of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga. Volume 1 will be available in June 2026, and Volume 2 will be available in August 2026.
The retail editions will be the same size as the Collector’s Edition (please see “Choose Your Format”), but will feature different cover art and will not include any of the stunning Kickstarter-exclusive special features.
The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga Masterpiece Edition is exclusive to Kickstarter and will not be available at retail or reprinted. All signed and variant editions offered in this campaign are exclusive to Kickstarter and will also not be available at retail.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Will there be follow-up editions for The Art of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back or The Art of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi?
We don’t know at this time, but we hope so.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 22:29
Will the book be available in languages other than English and Japanese?
The editions offered through this Kickstarter will include the original Japanese text with a newly translated English script. There are no current plans for additional translated editions through Dark Horse Comics.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 22:32
Will there be stretch goals?
It was something we considered, but ultimately we chose to focus on high-value books and prints. Rather than adding stretch goals, we built all the special features into the campaign from the start. This way, everything is already approved, budgeted, and ready for production as soon as the campaign ends. Especially amid global uncertainties, we felt it was most important to keep the project straightforward, control costs, and ensure backers receive their rewards on time.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 22:32
Are the signed editions hand-signed by Hisao Tamaki?
Yes. All tiers labeled “Signed” include an authentic hand signature by Hisao Tamaki on Volume 1 of the specified editions.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Are the original illustrations drawn on paper?
Yes. The original drawing reward tier includes one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn illustrations created exclusively by Hisao Tamaki for this campaign. These are not reproductions or existing artwork from the 1997 manga.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 22:29
Can I add extra copies of these books?
During our Kickstarter campaign, backers will have the opportunity to add extra copies of all books, with the exception of limited editions, as add-ons.
After the campaign ends, all add-ons and any remaining limited editions will be available exclusively through BackerKit’s pledge manager, which is only accessible to Kickstarter backers.
Last updated: October 24, 2025 08:51
Why isn’t the Masterpiece Edition available as a PDF?
The Masterpiece Edition reproduces Hisao Tamaki’s art at full original size without translations. It is designed as a premium, oversized physical art experience and will only be available in print. To preserve its intended format and presentation, it will not be offered digitally.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
When will I receive my rewards?
Our estimated delivery date is May 2026, though timing may shift slightly depending on production and shipping.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Why is shipping so expensive?
We’ll do everything we can to keep shipping costs reasonable while ensuring your books and prints arrive safely. These are large, premium editions that require sturdy protective packaging, and shipping rates have risen significantly in recent years due to fuel costs and global logistics challenges. We’re working closely with our fulfillment partners to secure the best possible rates and to balance cost with careful handling—so your book reaches you in the condition it deserves.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Could global issues like tariffs or supply chain disruptions affect shipping or production?
While our project is carefully planned, global conditions could affect fulfillment. Changes in tariffs, customs policies, shipping rates, or international logistics may impact delivery timing, costs, or methods.
If any such challenges arise, we will communicate promptly through campaign updates and work with our fulfillment partners to minimize delays or additional costs wherever possible.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Will I be able to track my shipment?
Yes. All packages will include tracking once shipped.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Can comics shops, bookstores, or libraries order the Kickstarter-exclusive hardcovers at a discount?
We’re not able to offer retailer or library discounts on these Kickstarter-exclusive editions. All pledges must be made at the listed campaign prices.
That said, standard retail editions of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope— The Manga will be released in 2026 and can be ordered through normal distribution channels at that time.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
What pledge manager are you using?
We’re using BackerKit as our pledge manager. Once the Kickstarter campaign is over and we’re ready to send out surveys, you will have the option of adding additional items and inputting your shipping address.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
What happens if I move before the books ship?
You will be able to update your shipping address in Backerkit up until a final cutoff date, which will be announced in a future update.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Can I request a specific character for the original drawing reward?
The sketches for this campaign have already been pre-approved, so we’re not able to take character requests. But each piece will be a one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn original by Hisao Tamaki, created just for this campaign, and assigned at random. No two are alike—every backer who chooses this reward will receive something unique!
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
What are the “original art boards”?
They are the hand-drawn manga pages on paper that Hisao Tamaki created for the original 1997 adaptation of Star Wars: A New Hope. These art boards include pencil layouts, pasted captions, margin notes, and other editorial markings that reveal Tamaki’s creative process. We are working to reproduce them as faithfully to the originals as possible.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
What is “moiré” and how is it being addressed in this edition?
Moiré is when unwanted patterns appear during the printing of manga. We’re working directly from Tamaki’s original art boards and using high-resolution scanning and testing to minimize these effects and deliver a high quality reproduction that faithfully honors the originals.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
What bonus material is included in the different editions?
All editions of The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope—The Manga include bonus content in addition to the manga itself, such as an in-depth interview with writer and artist Hisao Tamaki.
● Retail and Collector’s Editions: The bonus material is divided between Volumes 1 and 2 and placed at the end of each book.
● Masterpiece Edition: All bonus content in this three-volume set is collected in the third volume, the translation companion. This companion presents complete English translations alongside miniature reference reproductions of the art boards with their original Japanese captions, making it the central resource for both extras and translations in this edition.
Last updated: September 14, 2025 23:31
Which countries do you ship to?
We currently only ship to the following countries:
Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam North America: Canada, United States Oceania: Australia, New Zealand Europe: France, Italy, Ireland, United Kingdom
If your country is not listed, we unfortunately cannot accept pledges for delivery there.
Last updated: October 29, 2025 16:27
Are customs, duties, VAT, tariffs, or local taxes included in the shipping cost?
Customs fees, duties, VAT, tariffs, and local taxes are not included in the listed shipping costs. Whenever possible, we ship through regional hubs to help reduce additional fees. Some regions may qualify for Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, which means import fees are covered. If DDP is not available for your region, you may be responsible for paying local import or tax charges upon delivery.
Last updated: October 29, 2025 16:32
What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.
By completing this BackerKit survey, you agree to the following project-specific policies.
1. Refunds
Printing is nearly underway, and campaign funds have been allocated to production and fulfillment. Refunds for Kickstarter pledges or BackerKit add-ons cannot be offered once payments are processed.
2. Shipping, Payments & Address Changes
• Please double-check that your shipping address is accurate and updated before addresses lock.
• Moving to a different region may increase shipping costs or cause delays.
• Moving to a different country may affect our ability to fulfill your reward. Please see our list of approved countries.
• Shipping costs will be charged separately from add-ons in December 2025, based on the address provided.
• Shipping fees must be paid before your order can ship.
Approved Shipping Regions and Countries:
Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Europe: France, Italy, Ireland, United Kingdom
North America: United States, Canada
3. Fulfillment
• Shipments will begin by or before March 31, 2026.
• Shipping estimates shared during the campaign are our best projections and may change due to carrier rates, final weights, or other logistical factors.
• Regional shipping times may vary.
4. Digital Rewards
• Digital rewards will be distributed through BackerKit.
• Files must be downloaded by December 31, 2026. After that date, links will expire.
• Please contact BackerKit Support for help with download or access issues.
5. Other Notes
• Please keep your shipping information current; returned orders may require additional postage.
• Delivery timelines are estimates and may shift due to manufacturing, freight, or logistics delays.
• All payments for products and shipping must be paid in full by March 1, 2026. If all monies due are not received by this date, you forfeit your rights to the product and any subsequent refunds.
• We’ll communicate updates and changes in good faith.
All rewards and transactions are subject to Kickstarter and BackerKit’s platform terms.