The original Star Wars trilogy has a collection of pop culture's most adored fictional figures who leave fans wanting more after viewing the brilliant movies. Since Star Wars is more than just films, fans often get their wish when those characters are explored in the comics and books of the saga; many characters from the trilogy are even better showcased through these mediums.
Whether it be down to seeing crucial points of character development, witnessing backstory, or diving into the character's psyche, there are many Star Wars comics and books that terrifically explore the original trilogy characters.
Lobot
While he is undoubtedly a recognizable and well-known figure amongst fans, Lobot is not the first character that pops to mind when the original trilogy gets mentioned. Beyond his appearance in The Empire Strikes Back though, Lobot is wildly interesting.
He is especially well-explored in the Lando comic series, one of the best comics in the canon and a Star Wars fans. It is fantastic. The comic not only explores the relationship between Lando and Lobot, but gives detail and backstory to why Lobot is the way he is and what the deal is with his cybernetic implants. Lobot also pops up in other Lando-based comic issues and the main Star Wars run.
Wedge Antilles
Wedge Antilles is one of the most underrated heroes in Star Wars. He was involved in not only the Battle of Yavin, but the Battle of Hoth, Battle of Endor, Battle of Jakku, and Battle of Exegol, surviving them all as a hero pilot.
He plays a prominent role in the extended canon, with books such as Resistance Reborn and the Aftermath trilogy. Wedge also has roles in the main Star Wars runs. While his character is not explored as much as more central characters, these stories improve him hugely when his importance to the rebellion is better understood.
Leia Organa
To say that any of the proper main characters of the trilogy are better in the comics and novels is definitely a stretch, especially for someone as excellent as Leia.
At the very least, though, the comics and novels do a better job looking at the deeper layers to Leia as well as detailing her life, both during and beyond the original trilogy. As well as a ton of comics not limited to her own series, Vader Down and the main Star Wars run, Leia has novels centered around her in the incredible Princess Of Alderaan and Bloodlines. These expand on the original trilogy as a whole while interestingly exploring Leia's character with help from the words of author Claudia Gray.
Lando Calrissian
The embodiment of charisma, Lando Calrissian left a significant impact on audiences during his two appearances in the original trilogy. The complexities and history of Lando's character are not delved into in the movies, though, which is where the extended canon steps in.
Between his own comic runs and the main Star Wars runs that see him involved, fans grow more in love with the character. On top of that, there are novels centered around him, such as Last Shot. Lando, played by Billy Dee Williams, will always be adored, but those hardcore fans who dive into the novels and comics will undoubtedly have a better grasp of Lando's life and character depth.
Owen Lars
Owen Lars is a minor character in of his appearances in Star Wars, but a major one for his role in the story as the guardian of Luke and the man who raised him alongside his wife Beru.
Through mentions and flashbacks in the likes of From A Certain Point Of View and the 2020 Darth Vader comic run, as well as more significantly in the Obi-Wan and main Star Wars run comics, fans get a better look at Owen. Fans see his dislike of Obi-Wan and how he desperately wanted to keep Luke away from the Jedi, and they also get to see more of his life with Beru. He may not be the most groundbreaking and incredible character, but he is crucial to Luke's story, and the comics make him better.
Various Creatures
The original trilogy is chock full of minor creatures and characters who are exceptionally designed and who sell the scenes in which they are involved. The extended canon makes these creatures better, specifically through the From A Certain Point Of View novels.
Readers of the two books get to enjoy stories based on the terrifying Wampa from The Empire Strikes Back and the Dianoga - named Omi - from the trash compactor scene. They also dive into minor characters such as Willrow Hood, Bossk, Cassio Tagge, General Veers, and more. The two novels improve little scenes involving the characters, with their story and character better understood, even if they are 'just' creatures.
Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin
Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin is just as prominent of a villain in A New Hope as Darth Vader is, and he is exceptional. His character has only gotten better by appearances in Star Wars animation, but so too has it improved through the extended canon of books and comics.
Tarkin has prominent roles in many of Darth Vader's comics, and their relationship is hugely improved by them, as is Tarkin as an individual. What really explores Tarkin's character and history though, and builds upon the character established in 1977, is the Tarkin novel. It is an origin story for the character and dives deep into his mind and personal life, and his history before and during the Empire.
Mon Mothma
Mon Mothma only appears in one scene in the original trilogy but immediately fascinates fans in that scene. Since then, her character has gotten explored, and her importance has been made clear not just through animation, but the books and comics too.
Mothma does not have titular roles, nor is she the focal point of any of these stories, but in the likes of Queen's Shadow, Leia: Princess Of Alderaan, and the main Star Wars comics, fans see a lot more of the character and get more attached to her as a result.
Boba Fett
Boba Fett's exploration in the canon is obviously happening through The Book Of Boba Fett. Still, before the show, Boba was better in the comics than he was in the original trilogy.
In the canon novels and comics, Boba shows his skill as a bounty hunter and is an all-around badass. Fans also get to see some fantastic interactions that he has. The main Star Wars run, Darth Vader comics, The War of the Bounty Hunters, and even his own Age Of Rebellion issue dive into the character and display the kick-ass tendencies audiences missed in the original trilogy.
Darth Vader
Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker may well be the greatest character in Star Wars, and he is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the original trilogy. Therefore it is a testament to the novels and comics that delve into his character to say he gets better explored in them.
Many of his comic runs are the absolute best Star Wars has to offer, and then there are his roles in Lords of the Sith and the Thrawn novels. This content doesn't solely showcase the badass villainy and evil of the character, nor does it just rely on epic uses of the Force and lightsabers. They look deep into the emotional and mental turmoil of the character, the trauma of losing Pé, his relationship with Sidious, and the tedious relationships he forms with others. He is simply outstanding whenever he appears.
