Every culture has their own version of the Boogeyman — just look at the recent Stephen King film of the same name. And apparently, that sentiment extends to a galaxy far, far away, as FANGORIA is excited to partner with Dark Horse Comics and Lucasfilm Publishing to announce their brand new comic series Star Wars: Tales From the Nightlands, a three-issue run that brings to life The Nightlander, a terrifying entity that will face off against three generations of beloved Star Wars characters.
The Halloween special is written by Cavan Scott, with Bram Stoker Award-winning artist Soo Lee illustrating issue #1, and Vincenzo Riccardi taking over for issue #2, and Robert Hack for issue #3. With cover art by Francesco Francavilla, Tales From the Nightlands’ full description is as follows:
On the planet Ryloth, Twi’leks speak in hushed tones about the Nightlands, the spectral realm where their spirits retire after death. According to legend, there are certain nights when the veil between that haunted place and the land of the living is so thin that one can communicate with the other side. Enter: The Nightlander, a Star Wars boogeyman who seeks to possess a powerful, living host and bring despair to the galaxy!
Each issue features one of three generations of galactic heroes facing off against the malevolent Nightlander. Issue #1 sees young Padawan Anakin Skywalker visiting Ryloth with Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, attempting to summon the ghost of Qui-Gon Jinn for a final goodbye. But when Anakin makes contact with the Nightlands, it isn’t his old friend who answers! Issue #2 features Luke & Leia facing this horror, and Issue #3 pits Rey & Finn against a dark power unlike any in the galaxy.
“Since 2018, I’ve ventured into Vader’s Castle, braved the Rancor Pit, and even set foot on the Death Star,” Scott said. “But nothing prepared me for the Nightlands! It’s a true honour to introduce a brand-new spooky holiday to the galaxy far, far away. After all, why should Life Day have all the fun? Star Wars deserves a spooky season too! This time, we’re telling three chilling tales that span the entire Skywalker Saga—prequels, original trilogy, and sequels. It’s been an absolute joy to revisit Obi-Wan, Anakin, Luke, Leia, Rey, and Finn… and throw them headfirst into living nightmares. And beware the Nightlander. She’s beautiful, terrifying…. and coming right for you!”
Tales From the Nightlands marks Scott’s third time writing a “Tales From” horror series for the biggest sci-fi franchise there is. He previously wrote Tales From Vader’s Castle — which was followed up by Return to Vader’s Castle, Shadow of Vader’s Castle, and Ghosts of Vader’s Castle — in 2018, as well as the one-off Tales From the Rancor’s Pit in 2022.
“Dark Horse has a long tradition of publishing some of the best scary stories in comics,” said Lucasfilm Publishing Creative Director Michael Siglain. “And, we’re honored to continue our partnership with them to tell more terrifying tales set in a galaxy far, far away. We have a Murderers’ Row of contributors, led once again by “Count” Cavan Scott. His latest spine-tingling tome combines fear, despair, dread, and maybe just a little bit of hope.
“And to have Cav’s new Nightlander character designed by Iain McCaig—the man responsible for the look of Darth Maul, arguably the most frightening figure in the galaxy—was a dream come true. And if that wasn’t enough, we are lucky to be joined by Francesco Francavilla, Soo Lee, Vincenzo Riccardi, and Robert Hack, all of whom are masters of their creepy craft. Their work is lush and haunting and beautiful. Star Wars fans—and horror fans—are in for a real treat.”
Issue #1 of Star Wars: Tales From the Nightlands arrives in comic shops on September 3, retailing for $5.99. Check out the newsstand cover and concept art variant cover below:
