Imagine watching Star Wars in 1977, wanting more, and having no streaming series to argue about online. You had to wait for another movie. In the meantime, Marvel’s monthly comics kept Luke, Han, Leia, and Darth Vader busy. TASCHEN has gathered those early adventures into Star Wars Comics Library. Vol. 1. 1977–1979, and it has been rather enthusiastic about the dimensions.
The 680-page hardcover measures 28 × 39.5 cm (11 × 15.6 inches) and weighs 5.58 kg (12.31 lb). Reading in bed now requires some logistical planning.
Inside are Marvel’s first 23 issues, beginning with the film adaptation by Roy Thomas and Howard Chaykin, followed by adventures involving creators including Archie Goodwin and Carmine Infantino. The comics have been digitally remastered to address the original printing’s imperfections while retaining its period texture. Editor Paul Duncan oversees the volume, which also includes a history by comics historian Peter Sanderson.
There are two ways to accommodate this galaxy on your bookshelf. The unlimited hardcover costs US$200. The US$600 Collector’s Edition, restricted to 1,000 numbered copies, adds an aluminum print cover, leatherette-bound spine, foil embossing, and a slipcase. At 9.04 kg (19.93 lb), that edition is a fair warning for you to check the shelf brackets before ordering.
Both are listed for ordering through TASCHEN, although the limited-edition version still displays preorder buttons alongside October availability dates. Choose your edition—and somewhere sturdy to read it. Seriously, the weight is no joke.
Images: TASCHEN.