On May 5, Dark Horse will release the graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, as well as the first issue of the four-part comics series, written by Henry Gilroy, penciled by Rodolfo Damaggio, and inked by Star Wars comics legend Al Williamson. All Episode I art covers are painted by Hugh Fleming, and photo-variant covers will be available for both the direct and newsstand markets. Issues 2, 3, and 4 of The Phantom Menace miniseries will follow in consecutive weeks, and will be on sale May 12, 19, and 26, priced at $2.95 per issue.
Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace graphic novel is a full-color, 112-page brilliant distillation of George Lucas' long-awaited film, featuring a painted art cover by Greg Manchess, priced at $12.95.
In addition to Gilroy's adaptation of the motion picture, Dark Horse is commemorating the release of The Phantom Menace with four single-issue tie-in projects, exploring beyond the screen-life of four major characters -- Anakin Skywalker, young Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and the young Queen, Amidala.
Fan-favorite writer Tim Truman, X-Wing Rogue Squadron artist Steve Crespo, and inker George Freeman combine their skills on Anakin Skywalker's background tale. Obi-Wan Kenobi's one-shot starring role is being written by Henry Gilroy, and features the art of Martin Egeland and Howard Shum. Writer Ryder Windham (Protocol Offensive) and penciler Robert Teranishi are collaborating on Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn's story, and Star Wars: Episode I Queen Amidala highlights the first creative union of writer Mark Schultz with the artistic superduo P. Craig Russell and Galen Showman.
Anakin and Obi-Wan will be on sale May 19 and June 2, respectively. Qui-Gon Jinn debuts June 30, and Queen Amidala will be in stores July 28. Each Episode I tie-in issue features the stellar cover renderings of Tim Bradstreet and Greg Goleash, and retails for $2.95. In addition, a photo variant cover will be offered in both the direct market and on newsstands for each tie-in issue.