Most people know Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars trilogy. Many know him as the voice of The Joker. But how many know him as creator of the comic-book series The Black Pearl? An ever-growing number do, as Hamill's unflagging efforts help spread the word. And now that the series is being reformatted and collected into a trade paperback, Hamill's work will reach an even wider audience.

Hamill describes The Black Pearl as a tale of urban madness; a story about the "tabloidization" of our society, instant celebrity, and responsibility in the media. "Could an out-of-control shock jock compel an unstable man into becoming the mysterious Black Pearl? That's the premise, and I'm thrilled with the results! It's offbeat, unpredictable, and wickedly funny. H. M. Baker's art is both graceful and sexy," said Hamill.

The five-issue series, created and written by Hamill and screenwriter Eric Johnson, illustrated by H. M. Baker, and inked by Bruce Patterson and Dan Schaeffer first appeared on comics racks in September of last year. Since that time, The Black Pearl has enjoyed an enthusiastically positive response from readers, and a lot of publicity. Hamill has done comics-store signings across the country and has promoted The Black Pearl on radio and television, talking the book up to the likes of Tom Snyder, Rosie O'Donnell, Conan O'Brien, and Oprah Winfrey. Perhaps the most unusual plug came when Hamill played himself on a recent episode of Third Rock from the Sun. The scene had Hamill autographing copies of The Black Pearl at a comic-book store.

The 120-page, full-color trade paperback will have some notable changes and additions, including introductions by Bill Mumy and Peter David and a cover gallery. The collection is also being "remastered" by making art changes to panels containing nudity and toning down the occasional profanity in order to make the book suitable for all ages. The Black Pearl will be available August 20 for $16.95.