Originally appearing in the Los Angeles Times Syndicate in February of 1981, "comic strip The Bounty Hunter of Ord Mantell" was created by writer Archie Goodwin with illustrations by Al Williamson. Subsequently, it was reprinted in issues #1–5 of Amazing Heroes magazine.
Dark Horse Comics later republished it within Classic Star Wars 1 and up to page 15 of Classic Star Wars 2. Following the death of penciller Al Williamson on June 14, 2010, it was once more republished in the webstrips section of StarWars.com's Hyperspace and made accessible for public viewing.
Luke and Leia are in search of a new planet to serve as a Rebel base when their ship is destroyed, requiring Han Solo to perform a rescue. Although they successfully escape, Solo's ship sustains substantial damage, forcing him to land on Ord Mantell for repairs.
Upon learning of Han's arrival on Ord Mantell, the bounty hunter Skorr devises a scheme to apprehend Han and collect the reward from Jabba Desilijic Tiure's death mark placed on the smuggler. Skorr abducts Luke and Leia during the night, informing Solo that their release is contingent on his surrender. As confirmation of the kidnapping, Skorr provides Han with Luke's lightsaber.
The following morning, Han travels to the designated meeting location, Ten Mile Plateau. After Skorr releases Luke and Leia, they are rescued by Chewbacca. Together, they reach the Millennium Falcon and flee the planet.
The narrative draws inspiration from a line spoken by Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back.
This strip marked the return of the Star Wars newspaper comic to the Los Angeles Times, prompted by lobbying efforts from the Star Wars Fan Club following its near cancellation.