Episode #394 -- The Saga Begins

Fittingly time, Marvel's The Phantom Menace Anniversary Special #1 (it's a one-shot) is out this week just ahead of Star Wars Day. It provides a satisfying look at the 1999 film, showing us key parts of the story that were only alluded to in the movie. Greg Pak, Will Sliney, Guru e-FX and VC's Joe Caramagna deliver a solidly entertaining -- and informative -- issue.Comics Discussed This Week:The Phantom Menace Anniversary Special #1 (10:45)Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:Thrawn Alliances #1 (of 4)News: Star Wars: Vader's Castle the Deluxe Library Collection has been pushed back a week to Oct. 1 from Sept. 24. It collects Tales From Vader's Castle, Return to Vader's Castle, Shadow of Vader's Castle, Ghosts of Vader's Castle and 2019's FCBD Issue story "Droid Hunters."In his latest newsletter (if you haven't yet subscribed, you should -- https://mailchi.mp/f0a5b413051c/charlessoule), Charles Soule provides an intriguing update on his work on Star Wars' The High Republic.The June Pride variants are starting to filter out into the world. Check the Facebook page or Twitter feed to see them as they're released.Free Comic Book Day is May 4. Marvel will have Star Wars/Darth Vader #1 and Dark Horse Young Jedi Adventures.Matt joined the This Is Lit podcast to talk about Star Wars comics. You can listen (and subscribe) here.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels and omnibuses:May 4 _ Young Jedi Adventures (FCBD), Star Wars #1 (FCBD)May 8 _ Darth Vader #46,  The High Republic Phase III #7May 15 _ Saber for Hire #2 (of 4), Mace Windu #4 (of 4) May 21 _ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Old Republic, Vol. 1 NEW PRINTING (Collects Knights of the Old Republic 1-18 and material from Kings of the Old Republic/Rebellion 0) May 22 _ Star Wars #46May 29 _ Darth Maul: Black, White & Red #2 (of 4), Jango Fett #3 (of 4), The High Republic Adventures Phase III #6June 5 _ Star Wars #47, The High Republic Phase III #8, Darth Maul: Black, White & Red #1 (2nd Printing)
June 11 _ Star Wars Legends: The New Republic Omnibus, Vol. 2 (Collects Star Wars: The Jabba Tape; Heir to the Empire 1-6, Dark Force Rising 1-6, The Last Command 1-6. Dark Empire 1-6, Dark Empire II 1-6), Empire's End 1-2, Boba Fett -- Twin Engines of Destruction, Bounty on Bar-Kooda, When the Fat Lady Swings, Murder Most Foul and Agent of Doom, Star Wars Handbook 3 and material from Star Wars Tales 1, 3-5, 10, 14, 20 and 22); Obi-Wan Kenobi Adaptation TPB (Collects 1-6); Hyperspace Stories Vol. 3 TPB "Light and Shadow" (Collects 9-12); The High Republic Phase III TPB, Vol. 1 (Collects 1-4, Star Wars: Revelations One-Shot The High Republic Story); Star Wars Legends: The Rebellion, Vol. 2 Omnibus (Collects Star Wars: River of Chaos (1995) 1-4; Star Wars: Empire (2002) 28-40; Star Wars: Rebellion (2006) 1-16; Star Wars: Boba Fett – Overkill (2006) 1; Star Wars: Boba Fett (1997) 1/2; Star Wars: Splinter of the Mind’s Eye (1995) 1-4; material from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic/Rebellion (2006) 0; Star Wars Tales (1999) 3, 15, 17, 21)June 12 _ Darth Vader #47June 19 _ Saber for Hire #3 (of 4), Jango Fett #4 (of 4)June 26 _ Darth Maul: Black, White & Red #3 (of 4), The High Republic Adventures Phase III #7
July 3 _ Inquisitors #1 (of 4)July 10 _ Ahsoka #1 (of 8)July 16 _ Star Wars...