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8 Essential Han Solo Comics to Enjoy Before SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY

by Rosie Knight
May 15 2018 • 12:00 PM

He’s everyone’s favorite space scoundrel, that scruffy-lookin’ nerf herder who could, the pilot of the Millennium Falcon, and very soon the headliner of his own Star Wars movie! We’re talking about Han Solo, the Corellian smuggler with a heart of gold who’s been lookin’ suave and stealin’ ships since 1977! As he’s about to take the world by storm once again in Solo: A Star Wars Story, we thought we’d collect some of his best adventures in sequential storytelling with eight of our favorite Han Solo comics!

Star Wars: Han Solo – Marjorie Liu, Mark Brooks, Sonia Oback, and Joe Caramagna

If you’re excited about the heist-heavy trailers we’ve gotten for Solo: A Star Wars Story so far, then you’ll enjoy this radical romp from the mind of Monstress’ Marjorie Liu. We join Han Solo on a top secret mission for the Rebellion, which sees him go undercover at the galaxy’s most infamous and deadly starship race! This miniseries is a perfect shot of Solo for fans new or old.

Star Wars #7-10 (1977) – Howard Chaykin, Roy Thomas, Tom Palmer, Alan Kupperberg, John Costanza, Frank Springer, Joe Rosen, Carl Gafford

The classic Marvel comic books have a lot to offer in the way of crazy cosmic capers. Some of the best and weirdest stuff came very early on in the series with these three issues, which saw Han Solo and Chewie team u with some strange-AF alien buds for their own take on Seven Samurai. The most infamous of those extraterrestrials is the green space rabbit Jaxx, who will soon be entering canon once again! What better time to pick up these radical relics?

Han Solo at Stars End – Archie Goodwin, Alfredo Alcala, and Brian Daley

This newspaper strip adapted Brian Daley’s novel of the same name sees Han and Chewie up to some really ridiculous expanded universe stuff as they realize they don’t have the right paperwork to fly the Millennium Falcon. Of course they end up having to save a missing outlaw technician and get into a whole bunch of galactic trouble on the way. Also, if you’re a fan of a YT-1300 light freighter, then this is the comic for you, as it’s heavy on Falcon action.

Star Wars #6 (2015) – Jason Aaron, John Cassaday, Laura Martin and Chris Eliopoulos

Why is this random issue of the contemporary Star Wars comic important, you ask? Well, that would be because it introduces the first unmasked appearance of Han Solo’s wife, Sana. One of the most popular new additions to Star Wars canon, Sana Starros is a total badass and someone that we’re hoping might make an appearance in the upcoming Solo movie. (We know it’s unlikely, so don’t tell us the odds.)

Star Wars Adventures: Han Solo and The Hollow Moon of Khorya by Jeremy Barlow, Rick Lacy, Matthew Loux, Michael Atiyeh

In this prequel set before the fateful meeting on Tatooine, this comic finds Chewie and Han once again attempting to escape some nefarious folks who they owe money to. When Chewie gets taken hostage, Han must team up with an old foe to help save his best bud. A good simple space story for fans of the galaxy’s BFFs.

Shattered Empire – Greg Rucka, Marco Checchetto, Angel Unzueta, Emilio Laiso, Joe Caramagna and Andres Mossa

Part of the Journey to the Force Awakens collection, this mini-series from Wonder Woman writer Greg Rucka and artist Marco Checchetto couldn’t give away much in regards to Episode VII, but it did introduce Shara Bey, the Rebel pilot mother of Poe Dameron. This charming adventure also brought something strange and likely important into canon with the mysterious and powerful Force Trees.

Star Wars #15 (1978) – Archie Goodwin, Carmine Infantino, Terry Austin, John Costanza, and Janice Cohen

Ever wanted to see Han battle space pirates? Of course you have! Luckily for you, issue #15 of the classic Marvel Star Wars run is an epic hard sci-fi masterpiece as Han battles Crimson Jack in the depths of the galaxy far, far away. This is a particularly good example of the free reign that these comics had to explore moments, and (multiple) deaths that we would likely never see in the movie universe.

Star Wars #81 – Mary Jo Duffy, Ron Frenz, Tom Palmer, Tom Mandrake, Joe Rosen and Glynis Wein

Firstly, this arc has one of the best names of any Star Wars story ever: “Jawas of Doom.” Secondly, it’s got two credited women creators (one as writer, one as colorist) which is still a rarity on today’s comics. Thirdly, it’s got that good loose Ron Frenz art. And fourthly, it’s GREAT! This emotional story sees Han feeling inadequate in the face of an offer of a loan from the house of Alderaan and also establishes a very important piece of legends canon: the return of Boba Fett!

Do you have a favorite Han Solo comic? Can’t wait any longer for Solo: A Star Wars Story? Let us know below!

Images: Marvel Comics, Del Ray, Dark Horse Comics

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