The Star Wars universe is constantly expanding thanks to all of the additional material surrounding the films. The franchise has come a long way since the original trilogy. The galaxy far far away is now depicted in animation, TV shows, audiobooks, novels, video games, and of course the comics.
In a way, the comics themselves have actually made the original trilogy better. Perhaps it's because they enrichen the story, or because they allow fans to keep following their favorite characters, but the comics really do help to flesh out this universe further. The original trilogy is a completely different experience to watch after reading the comics.
10 Expanding The Universe
One of the key aspects of the comics and indeed other material is that they all seek to expand the universe further. By doing so, this feels like a more established world and allows the movies themselves to have a heightened importance.
When each of the side characters from the trilogy have their own additional stories, it makes their impact in the trilogy feel a little bit more significant. From the bounty hunters to those sitting in the Cantina the first time Luke meets Han Solo, the comics do a great job of expanding the importance of those scenes.
9 Filling In The Gaps
Every now and then, there's a little bit of a narrative gap in the films that the comics can actually fill in. That way the trilogy itself is heightened in many ways, as fans are getting the answers they need.
Whether it's the main Star Wars comic run that shows all the smaller skirmishes that contribute to the victory for the Rebel Alliance, or further exploration of Lando Calrissian that demonstrates his complex decisions regarding his alliance with the Empire, each comic adds a little bit more detail.
8 Han Solo's Complex Relationships
Han Solo has always been a complicated man, but one aspect of his character that everyone knows all too well is that he is a little bit of a ladies man. The most famous romance of the Star Wars series is that of Leia and Han.
But the comics did reveal someone from his past, who claimed to be his wife. Sana added a little bit more history to Han's life and although he reverently denied it, showcased that Leia wasn't actually the first woman in his life. It was revealed that the marriage was part of a scam, adding an extra wrinkle to the character.
7 Darth Vader's Reputation
Darth Vader is already a terrifying force throughout the films, but this fear factor is only intensified once fans see what he is truly capable of. The original trilogy could only have Vader do so much before it impacted the main narrative. The comics have free reign for Vader to be continuously victorious. Once fans know what the dark lord is really able to do, his presence in the films feels even more vicious. Vader's appearance in Rogue One feels more in-line with the comics than his Prequel Trilogy depiction in this regard.
6 Danger Of The Bounty Hunters
Bounty hunters like IG-88 and Boba Fett had very small roles in the original trilogy. Serving as a way to increase the pressure on Luke and the team, they were hired by Darth Vader to carry out a hunting mission.
Each bounty hunter is fleshed out in an ongoing bounty hunter comic series. They showcase how dangerous they are and demonstrates the real risk that Han, Leia, and Luke were actually under.
5 Answers For The Prequels
The prequels and the original trilogy only have a few connective points in the movie. Mentions of the Clone Wars and the presence of Anakin, Ben Kenobi, C3PO, Yoda, the Emperor, and R2D2 are the few narrative links.
However, the comics go a little further in helping to bridge the gap. Characters like Kanan who have a role in both eras are given a chance to shine in the comics. It's also a great way to see more of the progression from Clone Troopers to Stormtroopers.
4 Upping The Stakes
The Empire is a huge threat in the original trilogy, but their grasp on the galaxy is even worse than what has already been portrayed. Audiences only have to deal with their tyranny for a few short hours.
The comics go a lot further to show how deeply evil they were and how many complex leaders were part of the Empire. Characters like Rae Sloane demonstrate the importance of the Empire's collapse when it does eventually crumble, along with all the political nuances at play.
3 Unknown Threats
There's always a number of unknown threats just on the edges of the movies. Thrawn is a Legends character that was brought back into canon and is the perfect example of someone who could be an even bigger threat down the line. A large part of the Empire, the comics do a great job of essentially retconning him into the events of the movies so that the significance of his actions are heavily linked to the future of the franchise.
2 A Princess Without A Planet
Princess Leia went through a lot in the original trilogy. From her planet getting completely destroyed to learning she was the daughter of Darth Vader, the comics do a great job of picking up on these emotional beats.
There's a lot more to explore with Leia that the films simply can't get to it all. She's perhaps endured more than anyone and it's good to see that this story is going to be broken down even further in a different medium.
1 New Players
The beauty of the comics is that it can create original characters who are brand new players but still contribute to the events that take place in the original trilogy. Doctor Aphra is a perfect example of that.
Originally starring alongside Darth Vader, the character got her own spin-off comic that showcased just how important she was. Anyone watching the films now will know about all the little details that Aphra's own story is connected to.