Star Wars is a franchise that needs no introduction, being a mega sensation for decades, but it could have turned out quite differently. This week sees the release of the the first issue of The Star Wars, an 8-part adaptation of George Lucas’s original rough-draft screenplay.
As this based on the original rough draft it will be interesting how the franchise was originally intended and how it differs from the Star Wars that we know and love today. In these differences it shows how much evolution a screenplay can undergo between the rough-draft and the final product.
A great example of this is the characters, with many of them being drastically different to what we know. Anniken Skywalker is the hero, Luke Skywalker is an ageing Jedi general and Han Solo is an alien. While this sounds topsy-turvy, there are things are still familiar like the Sith are still the bad guys and from the cover it is suggested that light sabres were part of the Star Wars mythos in the early interpretations.
The designs, rendered by Mike Mayhew, have been inspired by 1970’s science fiction such as Logan’s Run as well as later to come Battle Star Gallactica. While familiar in many ways there are some obvious differences that can be seen in the character’s costumes and ship designs.
As to those wondering how close The Star Wars #1 is to Lucas’s rough draft I compared the freely available rough draft online and the preview below it seems to pretty close. There are a few differences in the dialogue and the pacing is slightly different but that can be expected when adapted to another medium.
The Star Wars will be an 8-part mini-series from Dark Horse Comics and has been adapted by J. W. Rinzler with Mike Mayhew on art duties. Issue 1 is out on September 4th in all good comic book stores and digitally through Dark Horse Digital.
If you are a fan of Star Wars or just plain curious as to how things could have been take a look at the Nick Runge cover as well as a 7 page preview below.
If you read this, let me know what you thought in the comments, on Twitter or Facebook.
For more Star Wars comics take a look at The Star Wars Comics You Should Check Out.
I am reminded strongly of the Flash Gordon serial. Very interesting alternative universe. Thanks!