Tomorrow is Star Wars Reads Day (A Family Comic Friday Extra!)

Tomorrow will be the 2^nd annual Star Wars Reads Day. Sponsored by Lucasfilm and now Disney, the event encourages children to read. And what’s a better way to start reading than to enjoy the adventures of the Star Wars Universe in print.

According to WRAL.com, the ABC affiliate for the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina, Wake County libraries will be hosting Star Wars Reads parties. During this time, kids can build their own droids, make Chewbacca inspired crafts, have pictures taken with their favorite Star Wars Characters and read some great Star Wars books. Raleigh area Barnes & Noble stores are supposed to also be hosting similar events tomorrow, though WRAL did not go into further detail on that.

Since the year I was born- there has always been Star Wars. It’s like we’re twins or something and I have read my share of some really good and really bad Star Wars books. Here’s a few all-age friendly suggestions to look out for tomorrow.

Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures- These digests are based on the cartoon show and feature several stories in each volume. I’ve seen them in many libraries and B&N still carry them or can order them. Price is usually less than $9 each

Star Wars Adventures- Also in digest form, these volumes tell some untold tales of your favorite classic Star Wars Characters ranging from Han Solo to Yoda to Darth Vader. These are a little harder to find in retail outlets but many libraries do carry them still.

Star Wars Omnibus- Droids and Ewoks- back in the 80s Lucas presented 2 cartoons based on characters from Star Wars. Droids was the early adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO before they became property of Luke Skywalker. Ewoks took place sometime before the Empire came a calling in Return of the Jedi. Both shows spawned comic book series that though aimed at kids, were a really cool nostalgic read when I found this at a thrift store. Look for the awesome cross-over in which the Droids and Ewoks team-up against some baddies. Original Cover Price is $22.50.

Classic Star Wars: A Long Time Ago- These massive volumes are out of print but can still be found in libraries and online. These books collect Marvel’s epic 120+ issue run of the comics based on the original Star Wars trilogy. The violence is no worse than in the films and there are some really awesome stories contained in this along with adaptations of the films. These stories can also be found in stores in Omnibus form published by Dark Horse for around $25-$30 a volume.

Also- Here’s two series that are those a little bit older (12+)

Star Wars: Tag & Bink Were Here- This collected edition follows the misfit Jedi rejects Tag and Bink. Just like in the film Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead- Tag and Bink’s misadventures in some crazy way impact the events of both the original and new trilogies. Extremely funny stuff that’s available in stores or Amazon for SRP of $20.

Star Wars: Infinities (Various subtitles) - These collected editions are based on ‘what if’ scenarios. For example, in Empire Strikes Back, we see what would’ve transpired in Luke was killed by the wampa on Hoth and instead Han had to train to be a Jedi under master Yoda. Sadly, only the original trilogy has been given this treatment. Can also be found in Omnibus form by Dark Horse.

I’ve included a link to the WRAL site. I’m sure you can find a Star Wars Reads Day event in your area as this is a nationwide initiative. So, best of luck, get reading, and may the force be with you!