In 2022, Marvel Comics celebrated the diversity of the STAR WARS Universe with a PRIDE MONTH with a series of variant covers, in 2023 the celebration of diversity continues as Marvel’s Black History Month celebration will extend to a galaxy far, far away!
February will see the debut of ten variant covers by superstar cover artist Mateus Manhanini, highlighting Black heroes from throughout the Star Wars franchise, including characters from Star Wars films as well as original Star Wars characters that debuted in the pages of Marvel Comics.
Manhanini, known for his breathtaking covers for Marvel’s current Wakanda limited series, brings this collection of beloved icons, fan-favorite characters, and upcoming stars to life in his bold, eye-catching style.
Check out the characters that will be spotlighted:
· Lando Calrissian, legendary character who first appeared in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
· Mace Windu, revered Jedi and member of the Jedi High Council known for his epic feats throughout the prequel trilogy
· Finn, former First Order stormtrooper turned hero of the resistance from Star Wars: The Force Awakens
· Jannah, former First Order stormtrooper turned freedom fighter from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
· Greef Karga, the Bounty Hunters Guild leader from Star Wars: The Mandalorian
· Sana Starros, the breakout character from Marvel’s Star Wars comics who will headline her first solo series in February
· Phel Starros, Sana’s brother who will make his first appearance in the Star Wars: Sana Starros comic series
· Keeve Trennis, the young Jedi who starred in Marvel’s first Star Wars: The High Republic comic series
· Oliviah Zeveron, the Jedi Knight who will play a major role in Marvel’s current Phase II Star Wars: The High Republic comic series
· Lt. Haydenn, Imperial officer under the command of Darth Vader who recently debuted in Marvel’s Star Wars: Bounty Hunters comic series and is on track to have a dramatic showdown with Beilert Valance in upcoming issues
In an interview with StarWars.com, Manhanini said about the project:
“Making these covers was an honor, something I could never have imagined I would do! I felt a great responsibility to represent these characters, but I transformed this challenge into a thirst to do my best.”
In a press release from Marvel, Editor Mark Paniccia commented:
“When we asked Mateus if he’d be interested in designing a set of covers to showcase these great characters, we were delighted to find out he’s a big Star Wars fan, and his love for the franchise really showed,. What he came back with is exciting, elegant, and powerful.”
On Sale February 1, 2023:
STAR WARS: SANA STARROS #1 (OF 5)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI
On Sale February 8, 2023:
STAR WARS: DARTH VADER #31
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI – 75960609601503141
STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #3 (OF 5)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI – 75960620457100381
STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC #5
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI – 75960620378900561
On Sale February 15, 2023:
STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #31
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI – 75960609602203131
STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN #8
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI
STAR WARS #31
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI – 75960609600803151
On Sale February 22, 2023:
- STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC — THE BLADE #4
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI – 75960620492200441
- STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #29
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI – 75960609724102931
- STAR WARS: YODA #4
BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVER BY MATEUS MANHANINI – 75960620226300441
The covers will grace all of Marvel’s Star Wars comics releases in February, giving fans a chance to collect them each week, stay tuned and keep an eye out for more STAR WARS BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIANT COVERS to be revealed in the coming weeks!
