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A long-lost relic from Star Wars lore is finally taking his place in the galaxy far, far away! Atha Prime, a character conceived for an unreleased 1980s Kenner action figure line, is making his highly anticipated canon debut in Star Wars: Jedi Knights, a new Marvel comic series launching on March 5, 2025. This exciting project brings together Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and veteran Star Wars comics writer Marc Guggenheim with rising star artist Madibek Musabekov.
The Return of a Forgotten Villain
Originally designed as the primary antagonist for The Epic Continues, an unrealized toy line meant to extend the Original Trilogy’s merchandising success, Atha Prime’s distinctive design and backstory were inspired by unused Return of the Jedi concept art. Decades later, this enigmatic character will emerge as a tyrannical planetary ruler and a new threat to the Jedi Order in Star Wars: Jedi Knights.
Editor Mark Paniccia shared his enthusiasm for the character’s revival, stating, “We saw the original design and were immediately sold. What a cool character to bring into canon and what a perfect book to do it in!” Fans got their first glimpse of Atha Prime on Ramon Rosanas’ variant cover for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1, and he will now feature prominently in John Tyler Christopher’s Action Figure Variant Cover and Rosanas’ Foil Variant Cover for Jedi Knights #1.
A Prequel-Era Adventure Like No Other
Set before The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Jedi Knights promises to explore the Jedi Order in an era untainted by the Clone Wars. The series will spotlight iconic characters like Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Yoda, alongside new Jedi and fan-favorite faces. Each issue will follow a different pair of Jedi on pivotal missions across the galaxy, all tied together by the shadow of a mysterious villain who targets Qui-Gon Jinn for death.
For Guggenheim, this series is a dream come true. “I love the idea that the Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy,” he told Polygon. “But there are surprisingly few examples of that out there. This series lets us see the Jedi at their prime, protecting the galaxy before the Clone Wars consumed their focus and led to their eventual downfall.”
Art and Design to Inspire the Galaxy
Madibek Musabekov’s art brings life to the Prequel-era Jedi, while Atha Prime’s villainous return is celebrated through breathtaking variant covers. Fans can preorder the comic at their local shops and take a closer look at the design sheet and covers by visiting Marvel.com.
Don’t miss the chance to witness Star Wars history in the making. Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1 lands on March 5, 2025—secure your copy and join the Jedi as they face a formidable foe from the past brought vividly into the present.
Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1 Details
- Writer: Marc Guggenheim
- Artist: Madibek Musabekov
- Main Cover: Rahzzah
- Action Figure Variant: John Tyler Christopher
- Foil Variant: Ramon Rosanas
- Release Date: March 5, 2025
Prepare for a bold new chapter in Star Wars lore!
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