DARTH VADER is to many throughout the GALACTIC EMPIRE a symbol of fear and mysterious, otherworldly power. But there are some who have seen the DARK LORD in a different light. There are some corners of the galaxy so dark and desperate that even Vader can be a knight in shining armor. The first issue of a new STAR WARS limited series, writer Dennis Hopeless (CLOAK AND DAGGER, JEAN GREY) sheds new light on the many sides of the galaxy’s greatest villain.

    Written by Duane Swierczynski with art by Fernando Blanco, the 40-page one-shot will reveal how Cassian, one of the top intelligence officers of the Rebel Alliance, met K-2SO, a reprogrammed Imperial security droid.

    The most dangerous bounty hunter in the galaxy isn’t who you think. The cold, calculating assassin droid IG-88 had a deadly reputation. Wanted criminals should tremble in fear because IG-88 will stop at nothing to get the job done. But where did it come from? What does it want? Perfection might be a good place to start. SI SPURRIER (DOCTOR APHRA) and CASPAR WIJNGAARD (DOCTOR APHRA ANNUAL) bring the terrifying droid to life! The destruction of the Order, the death of his friends, exile — no matter what he has endured, YODA will always be a Jedi. Even in hiding on the isolated planet of Dagobah, far from the evil Empire’s reach, a Jedi’s work is never done. Marc Guggenheim (X-MEN GOLD) and ANDREA BROCCARDO (STAR WARS) will pay the wise, old master a visit! The freedom-fighting REBEL ALLIANCE has more than its fair share of heroes — like ace pilots BIGGS DARKLIGHTER and JEK PORKINS. But they’ve been fighting the evil Galactic Empire for a long time and sometimes, even noble warriors like Biggs and Porkins need a little rest and relaxation. Is anywhere truly free from the trials of the galactic conflict? Writer and illustrator JON ADAMS (the New Yorker, LOVE ROMANCES) has the answer!

    And don't forget the pack of bounty hunters and crazed cops that are on her tail. No big deal, right? But there's one more wrinkle - Aphra can't stray more than a few paces from her companion without activating the bomb's proximity alert and blowing both of them up. And that companion is Triple-Zero, a sadistic murderous droid who's more interested in Aphra's death than in playing nice... Tune in for a brand-new manic misadventure starring the galaxy's foremost amoral archaeologist! COLLECTING: STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA 26-31

    But the Empire's not toppled yet! Join Luke along with Princess Leia, smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca, droids C-3PO and R2-D2, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance, as they strike out for freedom against the evil forces of Darth Vader and his master, the Emperor.

    When her rescue came, Leia grabbed a blaster and joined the fight, escaping back to the Rebel Alliance and helping strike the biggest blow against the Empire - the destruction of the Death Star! But in the aftermath of that victory, the question remains...what is a princess without a world? As Leia comes to grips with her loss, a new mission leads her to the underground world of Sullust. The Empire is rounding up fugitive Alderaanians, and that doesn't sit well with their Princess! But what can one woman do against the Galactic Empire? They're about to find out! Join the galaxy's toughest Princess on a quest to save her people and rebuild her life!COLLECTING: PRINCESS LEIA #1-5

    But what happens when Boba Fett picks up the trail of an actual villain? Find out what kind of heart — if any — beats under that MANDALORIAN armor!

    Will the rebels seize this opportunity to put an end to one of their greatest enemies — or will they be made to feel the full power of the dark side? The Sith Lord may be down, but he isn't out! All your favorites are here, old and new, good and evil: Luke! Vader! Leia! Aphra! Han! Threepio, Artoo, Triple-Zero and BT-1! And in a hair-raising battle of the Wookiees, Chewbacca versus Black Krrsantan! ROOOARRGH UR ROO! Collecting STAR WARS: VADER DOWN, STAR WARS (2015) #13-14 and DARTH VADER #13-15.

    Plus more stories with Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rebels vs. the Empire expand the world of Star Wars into new territory for a new generation of fans.

    Featuring familiar characters as never before seen and introducing new players destined to become Star Wars icons, Episode I is a must-see film experience, and this comics adaptation is a must-read for all Star Wars enthusiasts. Adapted by Henry Gilroy from the original screenplay by master filmmaker George Lucas and illustrated by Rodolfo Damaggio and comics legend Al Williamson.

    The comic adaptation of the darkest chapter in George Lucas’ original trilogy is remastered for the modern age! As the Imperial Forces regroup from the Death Star’s destruction, they target the new Rebel base on the ice planet Hoth. Will Darth Vader’s troops find Luke Skywalker, or will a wampa get Luke first? Meanwhile, feelings run high in the galaxy’s greatest love triangle, bounty hunters target Han Solo, and Jabba the Hutt lies in wait. Luke seeks out the great Jedi Master Yoda on swampy Dagobah, but the Emperor has designs on turning the young Rebel hero. As the battle begins for Skywalker’s soul, will his fear lead to anger, hate and the dark side? It’s all heading to one of the greatest confrontations of all time. Prepare for a grave disturbance in the Force!

    The Rebel Alliance is on the lookout for a new secret base! Rebellion leader Princess Leia goes with Han Solo to scope out a secret hideout only he knows…as well as the group of killers who want him dead!

    “It’s focused on Lando set during an incident right before the film, with backstory about Lando and L3,” Siglain says. The series debuts the Wednesday after the movie opens, since its story is so closely tied in. “Coming out of the film, we think everyone is going to want ot read more about Lando.”

    Ever since Darth Vader made his first on-screen appearance, he became one of the most popular villains to ever haunt an audience's dreams! Now, follow Vader straight from the ending of "Star Wars: A New Hope", (and the pages of the new Star Wars comic book), into his own series, showing the Empire's war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side! Writer Kieron Gillen and artist Salvador Larocca bring us a peek behind the mask of evil!

    But the emergence of the piratical, anarchic Nihil proves that even the most successful peace is fragile, and the Jedi's influence is neither as pervasive nor as benevolent as they would believe.Now Lula, Farzal, and Qort, inexperienced Jedi Padawans, must help the inhabitants of Trymant IV in the wake of a Nihil attack. All the while, they'll face suspicion and outright opposition from a group of subversive citizens who resent and fear the Jedi. Two of those citizens, Zeen and Kriz, will have to decide whether to accept the Padawans' aid or try to save the day on their own.Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures is part of a broader publishing initiative exploring a mysterious, bygone era of the Galactic Republic through comics and prose.Collects Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures issues #1-5.