What happens when the Avengers discover that the events of Star Wars: A New Hope are unfolding right in front of them? That is the question at the heart of Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles, the upcoming five-issue comic book series crossover from Marvel and Lucasfilm.
For the first time ever, several characters from the two Disney-owned franchises will officially share the same universe (albeit briefly), when Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca find themselves face-to-face with some of Marvel's biggest heroes and villains.
A reality-shattering spell causes the events of A New Hope to unfold on Earth-616, putting Marvel's heroes in the extraordinary position of witnessing the original Star Wars story as it happens. The premise alone makes it considerably more than just another Star Wars comic.
The Avengers, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, Wolverine, Deadpool, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, Professor X, the Fantastic Four, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, and other Marvel characters team up with the faraway galaxy's heroes, while Darth Vader and the Empire find themselves allied with Doctor Doom and other Marvel villains.
It's the kind of concept that would have sounded like fan fiction not long ago. Now, it's official.
Kevin Smith is writing the series, with David Marquez providing the artwork. And the timing is particularly significant, as A New Hope, and of course the entire Star Wars franchise, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027, with the first issue arriving in January as part of those festivities.
But there's another reason this crossover might be worth watching.
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Could Hope Assembles become too big to remain a comic?
The concept is practically designed for another medium. A video game could allow players to switch between Marvel and Star Wars characters, while animation would provide Disney with a straightforward way to bring Luke Skywalker, Spider-Man, Darth Vader, and the Avengers together without the enormous production and continuity complications of live action.
For now, no animated series, video game, or live-action adaptation of Hope Assembles has been announced. The project is a comic-book event only, and Marvel and Lucasfilm have made no suggestion whatsoever that this particular story will continue elsewhere in the future.
But if Hope Assembles becomes a major success, it could demonstrate just how much appetite there is for these worlds to collide. Just look at DC Comics' Absolute Batman comic series, which has been such a massive hit that it's now being adapted into an official animated series.
Never say never. After waiting nearly 50 years for Star Wars and Marvel to officially meet, fans may not be satisfied with just five issues.
What do you think of Marvel and Star Wars finally crossing over? Could Hope Assembles become the beginning of something much bigger? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
