Star Wars (2013) #1 - 4 Retailer Sketch Variants

Star Wars #1 was an instant sellout in January 2013 and Dark Horse went back to print three more times to satisfy the demand.  To celebrate the success of this title, sketch covers for the first four issues were distributed to retailers.

Star Wars #1g - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (April 2013)
Retailer sketch variant

Star Wars #2b - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (May 2013)
Retailer sketch variant

Star Wars #3b - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (June 2013)
Retailer sketch variant

Star Wars #4b - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (July 2013)
Retailer sketch variant

The covers for all four issues are drawn by Alex Ross.  Several of these sketch covers have differences from the final artwork used, giving fans a brief glimpse into the creative process.

Here is the official press release that announced these variants:

The year is off to a HUGE start, as this week saw the release of what is not only one of 2013’s most anticipated Star Wars comics, but also one of the most-talked-about comics launches of the year overall!

To add to the excitement, Dark Horse announces today that it will produce special variant covers for Star Wars #1-#4, which will be consecutively tied to issues #4-#7.  These special variant comics will feature artist Alex Ross’s original cover sketches!

This all-new Star Wars series is set in the time period of the original trilogy, specifically directly following the events of Episode IV: A New Hope, and features the franchise’s best-loved characters, as told by Brian Wood (X-Men, DMZ, Conan the Barbarian, The Massive) with art from Carlos D’Anda (Batman: Arkham City).  This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before!  Dark Horse is taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star-when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

Retailers, look for specifics on how to order these soon to be highly sought-after issues in Diamond’s Previews catalog! Fans, make sure to tell your local retailers that you’re on board for this blockbuster series, and these exciting variant covers!  Look for Star Wars #1 on sale at finer comics shops everywhere now!

I've included the original press release because the details are vague on how these sketch covers were distributed to retailers.  My recollection is these were distributed at one to a retailer, but I've been unable to find any official word on that.  If anyone knows definitively, please let me know!