Star Wars Comics

Star Wars Comics: The Complete Canonical Star Wars Comic Reading Order

Posted on by ljcool110
A Guide to the Best Way to Experience the Galaxy Far, Far Away Through Comics

The Star Wars universe is vast — spanning thousands of years of galactic history and countless characters, factions, and Force philosophies. Over the past decade, Marvel (and occasionally IDW) has built a rich library of canon comic booksthat weave seamlessly into the narrative tapestry of the movies, TV series, novels, and games. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Jedi and Sith or just stepping into hyperspace for the first time, the comics offer a deeper, more intimate view into the galaxy’s most iconic — and often overlooked — heroes and villains.

This guide provides a detailed summary and chronological reading order of all canon Star Wars comics, focusing on how to best enjoy and understand the sprawling timeline. Rather than following publication order, this list follows in-universe chronology to provide the most cohesive and emotionally impactful journey — allowing readers to witness the evolution of the Force, the fall and return of empires, and the personal stories that shape galactic destiny.

We begin at the very dawn of the Jedi’s golden age with The High Republic era, hundreds of years before the Skywalker Saga begins. From there, we traverse the collapse of the Jedi Order, the rise of the Empire, the rebellion that followed, and the renewed struggle between light and dark in the age of the Resistance.

Each section includes:

  • Era Overview — To place events in context

  • Key Titles — Essential comics to read

  • Connections — Where the stories link to major shows, films, and books

  • Suggested Reading Order — To follow the most rewarding narrative path

Whether you’re curious about Porter Engle’s legendary lightsaber, Darth Vader’s darkest deeds, or Doctor Aphra’s morally questionable archaeology, this reading order will help you navigate every corner of the Star Wars canon comic universe — and ensure no kyber crystal or bounty puck is left unturned.

 

THE HIGH REPUBLIC ERA (382–133 BBY)

An era of Jedi prosperity, ancient threats, and the rise of the Nihil.

382 BBY — The High Republic: The Blade

  • Follows Jedi Porter Engle during his prime.

  • Explores moral dilemmas and early threats during peaceful times.

  • Ideal starting point for Phase II of The High Republic.

382 BBY — The High Republic (2022) & The High Republic Adventures (2022)

  • Introduces a new Jedi generation, including characters like Vildar Mac.

  • Phase II expands the galaxy’s frontier feel and builds tension with the Path of the Open Hand.

  • Read these arcs:

    • Balance of the Force (Issues 1–5)

    • Battle for the Force (Issues 6–10)

    • Adventures tie-ins and one-shots deepen young Jedi stories.

234–230 BBY — The High Republic Adventures (2021) & Main Series (2021)

  • Set during Phase I.

  • Features key Jedi like Keeve Trennis and shows the rise of the Nihil.

  • Must-read arcs:

    • There Is No Fear, Heart of the Drengir, The Shadow of the Nihil, and Jedi’s End

    • Companion stories like The Monster of Temple Peak and Trail of Shadows add mystery and horror.

229 BBY — The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight & Phase III Titles

  • Bridge between Phase I’s climactic end and Phase III’s darker tone.

  • Explores the aftermath of the Fall of Starlight Beacon.

  • New threats rise, like the Nameless.

  • Children of the Storm and The Hunted are core arcs.

133 BBY — The Acolyte: Kelnacca (Tie-in)

  • One-shot linked to the Disney+ series The Acolyte.

  • Explores Wookiee Jedi Master Kelnacca’s role in this era.

THE FALL OF THE JEDI (42–19 BBY)

The slow collapse of the Jedi Order and the Republic, leading to the rise of the Empire.

  • Early Prequels: Stories like Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul, Jango Fett, and Mace Windu explore key Jedi and Sith figures before The Phantom Menace.

  • Obi-Wan & Anakin, Age of Republic, and Count Dooku show tensions and choices that lead to war.

  • Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir and Revenge of the Sith comics align with the saga’s tragic climax.

REIGN OF THE EMPIRE (18–5 BBY)

The Empire consolidates power; Jedi are hunted.

  • Darth Vader (2017) series details Vader’s evolution post-Order 66.

  • Jedi: Fallen Order – Dark Temple ties in with the video game.

  • Kanan, Inquisitors, and Han Solo: Imperial Cadet cover early Rebellion seeds.

  • Solo: A Star Wars Story tie-ins expand on Beckett, Lando, and Han’s early years.

AGE OF REBELLION (5 BBY–4 ABY)

Classic Original Trilogy era, from Rebels to Endor.

  • Star Wars (2015) and Darth Vader (2015) explore in-between moments of A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back.

  • Vader Down, Doctor Aphra, and Screaming Citadel crossover events enrich this period.

  • Bounty Hunters, Doctor Aphra (2020), Crimson Reign, and Hidden Empire arc show galaxy-wide unrest.

  • Dark Droids and aftermath arcs lead up to Return of the Jedi and The Battle of Jakku.

THE NEW REPUBLIC & THE RISE OF THE FIRST ORDER (5–34 ABY)

From post-Endor chaos to the rise of Kylo Ren.

  • Shattered Empire and Battle of Jakku arcs show how the Empire fell.

  • The Rise of Kylo Ren, Age of Resistance, and Poe Dameron comics show early Resistance vs. First Order struggles.

  • Captain Phasma and DJ: Most Wanted give depth to Sequel Trilogy side characters.

HOW TO BEST READ FOR ENJOYMENT & UNDERSTANDING

  1. Start with The High Republic – follow Phases II → I → III (in timeline order, not publication order) to fully appreciate the Jedi legacy.

  2. Read Fall of the Jedi next, focusing on how Republic ideals eroded.

  3. Follow Vader and the Empire’s rise through the early Imperial years.

  4. Relive the Rebellion with the 2015–2020 runs — they flesh out classic characters and add rich new ones like Doctor Aphra.

  5. Track Bounty Hunter and Underworld arcs — tie-ins to major crossovers like Crimson Reign and Dark Droids.

  6. Finish with The Rise of the First Order – reveals how legacy characters shaped a new galactic conflict.