The initial installment of the six-part comic book series, Star Wars: Crimson Empire, was Crimson Empire 1. Dark Horse Comics released it on December 10, 1997.
The last remaining member of the distinguished Crimson Guard is Kir Kanos. He is on the run, and the Empire is determined to eliminate him at any cost. This issue contains flashback sequences that explore the previously unknown pasts of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader.
The galaxy is in a state of chaos. Luke Skywalker and his Rebel allies have destroyed the last of Emperor Palpatine's clones, and the struggle for control of the Empire is underway. A provisional ruling Council has secretly convened to maintain stability, but the Council itself is fractured due to the conflicting ambitions of its members. In this environment, intrigue, deception, and betrayal are rampant as potential successors to the Emperor pursue their objectives.
Carnor Jax is a powerful figure who wields significant influence over the Council. He possesses compromising information about the ruling members that could undermine their authority and further destabilize the Empire. He leverages this knowledge to create a special position for himself within the Council.
However, Jax's true ambitions extend far beyond what the Council members realize: he aspires to become the new Dark Lord—with the assistance of the equally ambitious General Wessel—and ultimately seize Palpatine's throne.
Another individual is aware of the Council's secrets and Jax's aspirations. He remains hidden on the fringes of the galaxy, patiently awaiting the opportune moment to destroy them all...
On the remote planet of Zaddja, far from the Empire's core, an Imperial task force of stormtroopers disembarks from the Destiny to assault an isolated settlement. The settlement is deserted, except for a large number of explosives that detonate upon the landing party's arrival, killing them instantly.
On the planet Phaeda, which is closer to the Empire but still relatively insignificant, a cloaked figure pilots an unremarkable freighter and easily bribes spaceport security to gain entry. The visitor makes his way to a local cantina, where numerous Imperial officers are gathered, discussing the current state of the Empire. Colonel Shev, a loyal supporter of Carnor Jax, provokes another officer, drawing the attention of the cloaked visitor. An officer notices the visitor and demands to know the reason for eavesdropping.
The visitor requests a private conversation, but the officer draws a weapon. The visitor swiftly dispatches him with a double-bladed sword. A violent confrontation ensues as stormtroopers converge on the scene, but the visitor effortlessly defeats them all. Surrounded by the bodies of dead Imperials, a local urges the visitor to flee to safety before more Imperials arrive. With reluctance, the visitor complies.
Meanwhile, aboard the Star Destroyer Emperor's Revenge, Carnor Jax and General Wessel discuss the critical importance of locating Kir Kanos. The conversation reveals that Jax bribed Palpatine's physician to ensure the failure of his remaining clones after the destruction of Byss. Jax also learned of Kanos's survival following a confrontation between the remaining Royal Guards and Luke Skywalker, along with an inexperienced Ysanna Jedi who failed to eliminate the guardsman who was aware of Jax's treachery. Jax, who envisions himself as the next Darth Vader—and eventually, Emperor—dedicates all resources to the elimination of Kir Kanos...
Dark Horse indicates a release date of December 7 for this issue. However, both Marvel.com's listing and StarWars.com news articles pertaining to the series cite a release date of December 10.