Star Wars: Path of the Lightsaber (The Manga), Vol. 1

The first volume of an original Star Wars manga following the adventures of a tinkerer who discovers a long-lost lightsaber and must protect it from falling into enemy hands.

The First Order rules the galaxy, but some still remember the Jedi Knights who once bravely defended the Republic. Nioka, a resourceful young tinkerer, dreams of becoming a Jedi like the legendary Luke Skywalker. For now, though, she keeps a low profile aboard salvage ship the Random Luck with her crewmate Barun, an enthusiastic supporter of the Resistance.

During an expedition to a mysterious asteroid, Nioka stumbles upon an incredible find—a lightsaber, the weapon of the Jedi. As she tries to figure out how it works, she realizes others are after the artifact as well, seeking to use it for sinister purposes. With danger closing in, Nioka must protect the lightsaber and herself while learning what it truly means to wield such power. But if she’s going to stand a chance, she’ll need someone to teach her the ways of the Jedi.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs