Excellent
8,645 Comic Reviews
Excellent
8,645 Comic Reviews
This is the way — and this is the variant. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #1 arrives with one of the most immediately irresistible variants in the entire issue lineup — the Mandalorian & Grogu Variant by the extraordinarily talented E.M. Gist, one of the most distinctive and celebrated cover artists working in comics and licensed art today. Gist’s painterly, richly atmospheric, and deeply cinematic style — which has made his Star Wars covers among the most sought-after in Marvel’s entire licensed line — is applied here to the galaxy’s most beloved duo: Din Djarin and Grogu, the Mandalorian and the Child whose story captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. On a cover set against the backdrop of Batuu and the Galaxy’s Edge universe, the pairing of Gist’s art with these characters is nothing short of perfect.
Whether you’re a dedicated Echoes of the Empire reader completing your variant run, an E.M. Gist collector who considers his Star Wars covers essential acquisitions, a Mandalorian devotee who wants every piece of Din and Grogu art available, or a Marvel Star Wars fan who gravitates toward the most artistically distinguished covers in the line, this variant is a priority pull.
🐾 Fun Fact: Grogu — affectionately known worldwide as “Baby Yoda” — became one of the most viral pop culture phenomena in recent memory within days of The Mandalorian’s Disney+ debut in November 2019, generating an unprecedented wave of fan art, merchandise demand, and cultural conversation that caught even Lucasfilm by surprise — with the character’s existence having been kept so secret that no Grogu merchandise was available at launch, creating one of the most extraordinary supply-and-demand moments in modern licensed product history.
CVR (Cover)CVR A: The Standard Edition. This is the primary artwork found in most retail shops.
CVR B (and beyond): The Variant Edition. "B" is the first alternative cover, followed by C, D, and so on. These are often produced in smaller quantities than Cover A.
VAR (Variant)Definition: Short for Variant.Purpose: A general label confirming the book is an alternative cover option rather than the standard retail edition. These are often used to showcase guest artists or celebrate special milestones.
CARD STOCK Material: A thicker, stiffer, and more premium paper (similar to a business card).Benefits: Highly durable and resistant to "spine ticks" (small structural cracks) or corner bending.
Standard covers use thin, glossy paper; Card Stock is the "deluxe" physical upgrade.
FOIL (Foil Variant)Effect: A special edition where parts (or all) of the cover are printed with metallic, reflective foil.
Visuals: Provides a shimmering, high-end look that catches the light. These are typically priced higher and sought after for their "shelf appeal."
Artist Name (Variant Credit)Context: Usually follows the "CVR" designation (e.g., CVR B - Jimenez).
Collectability: Many collectors buy books specifically for the cover artist. A "Store Variant" or "Ratio Variant" is often defined by the prestige of the artist involved.
New Releases: Sold direct-from-distributor. While handled with care, we do not guarantee specific numerical grades or "mint" condition.
Back Issues: Sold As-Is.
Imagery: We primarily use stock photography.
Inquiries: Specific condition photos are available upon request—please contact us before purchase.
Professional Grading: We do not guarantee that any raw book will achieve a specific grade (e.g., CGC/CBCS) once submitted to a third-party service.
We know that for collectors, condition is everything. That’s why we don’t cut corners on packaging. To ensure your comics arrive in the same condition they left our shop, every order is secured using industry-leading materials:
Gemini Comic Flash Mailers: Specifically engineered for comic books, these mailers feature integrated structural ribs and a multi-depth design that prevents corner dings and edge wear during transit.
Corrugated Filler Pads: We sandwich your comics between rigid filler pads to provide an extra layer of puncture resistance and to prevent any shifting or bending inside the package.
The Result: Professional-grade protection that stands up to the rigors of the postal service, so you can unbox with confidence.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days. Please note the following regarding comic conditions:
Grading Consistency: We do not guarantee that comics will achieve specific professional grading levels (e.g., CGC/CBCS).
Minor Wear: Industry-standard imperfections—including minor spine ticks, small color breaks, printer defects, or slight corner wear—are not considered grounds for returns, credits, or replacements.