Huh. Didn't expect this news today. It seems that Disney-Lucasfilm's new Expanded Universe will include a horror anthology book called DARK LEGENDS, written by George Mann and illustrated by Grant Griffin, who worked on last year’s anthology book STAR WARS: MYTHS AND FABLES.
Honestly, I'm stoked! Personally, I think genre-hopping and actually expanding the SW universe past action/fantasy stories is the way forward for the franchise. Hell, that's what the STAR WARS STORIES series of live-action films should've been! But better late than never, I suppose.
Anyway, here's the official description:
Read on if you dare! This unique in-world collection hallows the spooky tales and ghost stories that would have kept young Luke and Leia up at night. Created by George Mann and Grant Griffin–the same team behind the stunning Star Wars: Myths & Fables–these six frightful fables have been carefully woven from the expansive fabric that is the Star Wars galaxy (including the thrilling landscape from Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney World), and beautifully painted in a lush illustrative style that feels intergalactic yet innately archetypal and timeless.
Now, admittedly, this isn't the first time STAR WARS has dipped its toes into the horror genre (and I don't mean stuff like that freaky-as-f*ck tentacle thing grabbing Luke's leg in the Death Star trash compacter), but rather that there were a series of STAR WARS horror books in the late 90's called GALAXY OF FEAR (which were trying to capitalize on the GOOSEBUMPS popularity of the time). However, back then the Expanded Universe was much more of a wild west free-for-all (remember Han Solo's old friend, the green rabbit Jaxxon?), so it's still cool to see Disney bring that kind of genre experimentation back! I'm certainly curious!
Meanwhile, STAR WARS: DARK LEGENDS will be available to own July 28th.
So what do you guys think? You down for some straightforward horror in the STAR WARS universe? If so, you gonna check out this anthology? Either way, sound off below!