Mara Jade – By the Emperor's Hand 1 marked the initial release in the Star Wars: Mara Jade – By the Emperor's Hand comic book collection. Dark Horse Comics made it available to the public on August 5, 1998.
Following her unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the youthful Jedi, Luke Skywalker, Mara Jade is assigned the task of eliminating a crime boss aiming to revive the Black Sun syndicate. Unbeknownst to her, the Emperor's approaching demise is poised to dramatically alter the course of her existence! Authored by Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole, with artwork by Carlos Ezquerra.