Star Wars #21

Star Wars #21, published by Marvel Comics in April 1979, was part of the ongoing monthly series that expanded the galaxy established in the 1977 film. Written by Archie Goodwin with artwork by Carmine Infantino and Terry Austin, this issue is notable as part of the 'Shira Brie' narrative arc. During this period, Marvel held the exclusive rights to Star Wars comics, allowing the creative team to introduce original characters and settings that bridged the gap between the initial film and the upcoming sequel.

The creative direction for this era focused on capturing the adventurous spirit of the space opera genre while integrating new subplots. Carmine Infantino, known for his definitive work on The Flash, brought a distinct dynamic layout to these issues. The inclusion of Shira Brie, a character who would become central to the series' internal conflicts, reflected Marvel's strategy of deepening the lore through serial storytelling. The issue was well-received by fans of the time for its contribution to the expanded universe, establishing a template for how licensed comics could maintain momentum between theatrical releases.