Star Wars: Dark Empire is a compilation of all six issues of the Star Wars: Dark Empire comic book series. It originally came out in May of 1993. A preview edition, called a Dark Empire Trade Paperback Preview, was distributed on March 5 of 1996. This collection features a foreword written by Kevin J. Anderson, which discusses the then-current state of development for the Expanded Universe. Additionally, it contains endnotes that provide further details on various plot elements within the Star Wars universe that weren't addressed in the six collected comics. It is important to note that the endnotes were only present in the initial two printings of Dark Empire. They were completely omitted starting with the third printing.
The struggle for freedom continues six years following the Battle of Endor. Although Darth Vader has perished, a resurgent Empire, now led by a mysterious figure, retaliates against the struggling Rebel Alliance. Immense World Devastators, far more potent and unstoppable than the Death Star, obliterate entire planets. Simultaneously, the ruthless successors of Jabba the Hutt place a considerable bounty on Princess Leia and her husband, Han Solo. Alongside Lando, Chewbacca, Artoo, Threepio, and other familiar allies, Han and Leia are determined to safeguard the future for their unborn child. However, their most formidable adversary might be their closest companion: Luke Skywalker...