Dayspring Discussions: The Force Awakens Review

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My The Force Awakens Plot Speculation: Take 3

Twas the night before I buy Star Wars: The Force Awakens tickets and my head was buzzing.  Not only have several teaser trailers come out for tomorrow's full trailer, but the official movie poster for the film has been released.  I do think the poster looks a little crowded, and I have no idea why the hell Luke Skywalker, the hero of the Star Wars saga, is not on it!  To this point we still have no idea what the actual plot of the film is, but I have a feeling tomorrow's trailer will tell us what all these characters are doing in Episode VII.  After each teaser trailer I've jumped on here and given my speculation as to the plot of the film; or what each character is up too.  Since their will probably be no more mystery by tomorrow night I figure I'll give it one last go after see the new poster.

The only thing for certain we know is that this film takes place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi.  The once great Empire has dissolved and the First Order seems to be taking it's place as the bad guys in the galaxy.  Leia is part of the Resistance, which are of course the good guys fighting against them.  Given the word 'Resistance' is used I don't think the Rebels had the crushing victory we saw in the Expanded Universe, or Legends, after the second Death Star was destroyed.  With the absence of Luke from the poster it makes me believe that Mark Hamill isn't in much of the film.  In fact, I think Han and Chewie are in search for Luke because a new Force baddie, Kylo Ren has shown up.  But they aren't in league with Leia.  I don't even think Han and Leia are together.

Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, is a desert scavenger who lives far enough away on the planet Jakku that she doesn't really know what's happening.  That is until Finn shows up looking for her, because he thinks she knows where Luke is.  But the First Order also wants to know where Luke is, so Kylo Ren is also hunting down Rey and her droid BB-8.  I think Rey was once a padawan to Luke; and is also his niece.  

In the Legends universe Han and Leia had twins, Jacen and Jaina, who were built up as the next generation of Skywalkers.  Jacen turned to the dark side, and his twin sister had to kill him for the good of the galaxy.  While the Legends stuff is no longer Star Wars Canon, Kathleen Kennedy said ideas from Legends can be cherry picked for this new continuity.  I think Rey is the new Jaina Solo and Kylo Ren is the new Jacen Solo.  But Rey has turned away from The Force for fear of repeating her grandfather's destiny. 

So Finn goes undercover in the First Order(which explains the stormtrooper outfit) because they have a lead on Rey, and Leia wants him to protect her and find Luke.  Leia trusts Finn because he too is Force sensitive(which is why he has a lightsaber).  Along the way, Rey and Finn are saved by Han and Chewie and they all go to find Luke together.  By the end of the film they find the former farmboy, but Luke knows the Dark Side is gaining power, and they are not ready to face it.  Filming for Episode VIII has begun with reports that Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley are shooting scenes off the coast of Ireland on Skellig Michael Island.  I think Luke takes Rey to this place to do her Jedi training so she will be strong enough to take down Kylo Ren.

Now there is a big prediction that Han Solo bites the dust by the end of the film because of Harrison Ford's desire to see him die way back when Episode VI was being filmed.  While I don't think this will happen I wouldn't bet against it.  I initially thought Luke would die. Episode I, Qui-Gon Jinn die.  Episode IV, Obi-Wan Kenobi dies.  The mentor figure has always died in the first film of each trilogy.  While maybe not the first film, I do think that by the end of this trilogy Han and Luke will have both joined the Force.  Of course, I'm sure I am wrong about all of this.  But as a life-long Star Wars fan who is super excited for The Force Awakens I've had years to think about what Episode VII will be like.  I still don't know where Poe Dameron or Rey's bo staff fits in(though some are saying Darth Plagueis).  I just hope this new "Starkiller" weapon isn't another Death Star.

Dayspring Discussions Oct. 12, 2015

The Martian Brings Ridley Scott Back To Planet Hollywood

Ridley Scott has been a black sheep in Hollywood for the past few years.  His Robin Hood film with Russell Crowe was not well received.  Exodus: Gods and Monsters was a dud, and many people didn't like his Alien prequel; Prometheus.  Though I was not in that crowd on Prometheus.  But with good responses to his latest film, The Martian, it appears Mr. Scott may be out of the proverbial dog house.  

Matt Damon is astronaut Mark Watney.  He and his crew were investigating the red planet of Mars when a storm forced them to evacuate.  But an accident left Mark behind, and his friends believing he was dead.  Now Mark must survive several years on this harsh planet until the next mission arrives.  But he only has food to last a month.  While Mark is trying to figure out ways to make water and food NASA is back on Earth trying to figure out how to bring him home.  Should they send a supply probe, a new manned mission, or tell his fellow crew mates to risk their lives and go back for him?  And will he even still be alive if they do?

Let me start out by saying I think the trailer for this film gave too much away.  His crew mates don't even know Mark was alive till halfway through the film, and by then I knew they were going to go back for him because it was in the trailer.  However, the finale did leave me second guessing if the film was going to end like I thought it would.  I won't tell you what I thought; but I was right.  Because of the trailer I never felt the full stakes of the movie compared to if I had just went it blind.

The film is playing in 3D and IMAX screens, but like most movie, I saw it in regular 2D.  I'm not a fan of 3D and believe their are few films that are worth it.  I'm not sure about 3D, but The Martian would have been awesome to see in IMAX.  The Mars scenery is beautiful to look at and seeing that terrain on an even bigger screen I'm sure would have enhanced the experience of the film.

Damon does a great job of playing the sole inhabitant on a vacant planet.  He constantly talks into video logs so it's not like Castaway where a lot of the film is silent.  I'm curious if Damon actually lost all that weight his character had shed towards the end of the film?  I hadn't heard anything about it so I'm guessing it was a CGI/stunt double effort.

The Martian also includes a great supporting cast like Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, Michael Pena, Sean Bean, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.  The Winter Soldier(Sebastian Stan) and the Invisible Woman(Kate Mara) are also along for this adventure.  These thespians help drive the story, and the stakes, as they race to save Damon's character in time.

While I wouldn't consider this a phenomenal film, I do think it is one of the better ones I've seen this year.  I recommend if you want to see it that you see in theaters; and maybe even IMAX.  Scott pulls off a story about the human condition and our remarkable ability to survive.  With a few jokes and a lot of heart, The Martian is a good start to what is now referred too as "Oscar Season."

RATING:  B

All the posters I looked online for said "November."  I didn't sleep through October did I?

My 'The Force Awakens' Prep Guide Part VI: Fandom

Well my friends, the time has come to end this saga at it's sixth chapter.  However I will not be back 30 years later to do another; maybe.  I hope I've given you some good products to entertain and prepare you for The Force Awakens.  I myself am about to do my prep by reading lots of Stars Wars comics, watching some of my favorite Clone Wars episodes, and watching the film saga a few days before Episode VII arrives in theaters.  

But asides from stories involving Luke, Vader, and Obi-Wan there have been some great stuff about the love and phenomenon that is Star Wars.  This last part highlights some very entertaining Star Wars related material that I recommend you check out.  It's just people taking their love of Star Wars to the next level.  Just like a guy who re-edited the prequel films so he could make a dark part in Star Wars history just a little more bearable to get through.

Tag and Bink Were Here

A two-part comic that turned into four after it's huge success.  This mini series chronicles the adventures of two rebel volunteers during the events of the original Star Wars trilogy.  To stay away from trouble, Tag and Bink find themselves constantly in the middle of it.  The two TIE fighter pilots who went down the Death Star trench with Vader; that was Tag and Bink.  The two storm troopers who Chewie knocked out right before Han was frozen in carbonite; that was Tag and Bink.  And the Emperor's guards dressed in red on the 2nd Death Star; that was Tag and Bink.  

Going back and watching the trilogy makes me laugh any time one of their scenes comes on.  Now, the 4th chapter is a prequel.  Tag and Bink are younglings during the prequel trilogy, who accidentally erase Kamino from the Jedi archives and then follow Anakin and Padme to Naboo, where they try  to help Anakin woo the senator.  Go out and get this one immediately!

Fanboys

A film that not many people knew about when it was released, yet is now known as a cult classic in the Star Wars fan community.  It stars a lot of actors you know from other projects, but not enough to remember their names.  It also has quite a few Star Wars alumni cameos. Kyle Newman directs this film about a group of life-long Star Wars friends in the Fall of 1998.  The group is anxiously awaiting the release of The Phantom Menace, and are devastated when one of them receives a life threatening illness. The group decides to trek across the country to Skywalker Ranch in hopes of stealing a copy of the film they can all watch together.

When released, this film was only playing in a few theaters in the country, and I was so excited to see it I dragged my wife along with me.  She had never heard it, and now she gets mad when I watch it without her.  It's hilarious, heart-warming, and a must-see for anyone who likes Star Wars.

Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed

Many years ago the History Channel did a special about Star Wars.  It talked about the cultural influence on society, and also it's influences.  Scholars and celebrities weigh in on where George Lucas got his inspiration for his saga.  We see not only Joseph Campbell's classic heroes journey, but also influences of biblical, greek, and japanese mythology.  The Empire is compared to Nazi's, and George W. Bush is compared to Anakin Skywalker.  You can find this on YouTube and it's a great in-depth look at the Star Wars mythology.

 How Star Wars Conquered the Universe

Last year, Chris Taylor wrote a book that has now become the Star Wars bible.  Taylor spends hundreds of pages chronicling the Star Wars story.  It starts out talking about George Lucas's family and childhood. And how a car accident sent Lucas on a path from being race car driver to film maker.  It shows the struggle Lucas went through to get the first Star Wars film made, the rise of his Lucasfilm empire, and the effects it had on his personal life and marriage.  We read about the conception and reception to the Star Wars prequel films, and the thought process that led to Lucas selling Lucasfilm, and Star Wars, to Disney in 2012.

Throughout my life I've read and seen quite a bit about the making of the original Star Wars trilogy, but this book went beyond that.  We see what the franchise went through between the trilogies, what  went on behind the scenes during the prequel films(and how you can't blame Hayden Christensen), and when Lucas decided it was time for him to bow out.  It really is a great read for anyone who loves Star Wars. 

My 'The Force Awakens' Prep Guide Part V: Canon 2.0

The countdown has begun!  The Journey to The Force Awakens is upon us!  With less than three months to go we are being bombarded with everything Star Wars.  Several new novels are now on bookshelves, the comic books are in full swing, and toys are being bought in record numbers.  Star Wars has something it didn't have the last time we saw a film in theaters; Disney.  Back in 2012, Disney bought Lucasfilm/Star Wars for $4 billion.  Like Marvel Studios, Disney lets Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy run the production company, but she still reports to Disney CEO Bob Iger.  Having the Disney marketing team behind it, The Force Awakens is becoming a gold mind of franchising. Disney will make back that $4 billion they spent by next year probably!

Now, when Disney bought Lucasfilm, aside from announcing more Star Wars films would be made, they also had another big announcement in regards to Canon.  For those who don't know the term, Star Wars Canon is anything that exists in the main Star Wars timeline.  With twenty-five years of Star Wars novels, comics books, games, television series, and all other media, the lore of Star Wars has gotten big, and somewhat confusing.  Some of it fits together, some of it doesn't.  So Kennedy announced a clean slate.  Anything that isn't the six live-actions films or The Clone Wars TV series would be known as 'Legends" and is no longer part of true Star Wars lore.  Which means it's pretty much fan fiction. 

 Some fans were upset, but all those stories haven't gone away.  In fact, future Star Wars stories are free to draw from what has come before.  Even J J Abrams said he may 'cherry pick' some ideas that have come before for future tales.  But now, post 2012, it all counts!  Lucasfilm has two men, Leland Chee and Pablo Hidalgo, to keep track of Canon 2.0.  Their job, their career, is keeping track of all the Star Wars stories (novels, comics, TV, etc.) and make sure it all fits together.  Some think it's too big of a task to work long-term, but as a big Star Wars fans I've now been trying to keep up with it all before it become too much.

Since I don't read single issue comic books anymore I'm still waiting for graphic novel versions to come out, but I've heard Star Wars, Kanan: The Last Padawan, and Shattered Empire are starting off really good. And thanks to Disney XD and the public library I've been able to keep up with the novels and Star Wars: Rebels.  So if you just want to check out "what counts" now in the Star Wars universe, here are some of my recommendations.

DARK DISCIPLE

One of the best characters to come out of The Clone Wars was Asajj Ventress.  She started out as Count Dooku's apprentice and was betrayed by Dooku to become a much deeper character.  She became a bounty hunter for hire, and last we saw her she tried to help Ahsoka Tano clear her name at the end of season 5.

As the clone war wages on the Jedi Council has reached a decision; to end the war, Count Dooku must die.  It's a dark decision for the Jedi and so a dark Jedi must carry it out. Quilan Vos has mainly worked undercover as a Jedi spy, but is asked to find Asajj Ventress, gain her trust, and then use her inside knowledge on Dooku to assassinate him.

If you are fan of The Clone Wars, and the character of Ventress, this is a terrific read!  It starts out slow, but picks up and ends on a nail biter.  The finale left me satisfied, yet sad.

LORDS OF THE SITH

When we see Darth Vader in A New Hope he is over 40-years-old and half machine.  But back when he first became a Dark Lord he was the boogie man of the universe.  Several years after Order 66 and the formation of the Empire, their are pockets of rebellion springing up throughout the galaxy.  Darth Vader and the Emperor himself travel to Ryloth to squash these rebels down before a bigger movement begins.  But the Twi'lek rebels are waiting for them and see this as an opportunity to take out the head of the Empire and end their tyrannical rule.  It's the Sith Lords, by themselves, verses a planet.

Probably my favorite new Canon book so far because of Palpatine and Vader being the main characters.  We see Vader still struggling with his past and who he has become.  Meanwhile, we still see Palpatine manipulating Vader and playing with his mind to make him the lieutenant he wants him to be. 

LOST STARS

To be honest I've only just started this book, but so far I am impressed.  I heard a spoiler a few days ago and I just had to pick it up.  Lost Stars is about two friends who join the Empire shortly before the events of A New Hope, and soon end up on opposite sides of this galactic civil war.  Their stories play out during the events of the original trilogy and beyond.  That ship falling from the sky on the cover?  That is the Star Destroyer we see on Jakku in The Force Awakens trailer.  That's all I needed to know to get me to read this book.

STAR WARS: REBELS

I bought the first Canon 2.0 book, A New Dawn, right before I started the first episode of Rebels.  And after that first episode I was excited to go back read the prequel to the series.  If anyone ask me how to describe Rebels I say it's Firefly/Serenity in the Star Wars universe.

Kanan, Hera, and the crew of the Ghost like to make trouble for the Empire.  They rob from the Imperials and give to those in need.  On a mission they run into Ezra, a young orphan who has a strong "Aladdin vibe" to him.  Kanan recognizes that Ezra is also strong in The Force as well, and he begins training Ezra in the ways of the Jedi, even though Kanan never even finished his own training before Order 66 was carried out.  The crew travel through the galaxy making lots of waves.  So many waves that it's caught the attention of Grand Moff Tarkin and Lord Vader. Uh-oh.

The first season of his series just came out on blu-ray and dvd and season two premieres out next month.  Some assumed Rebels was going to be a kiddie show because it was on Disney XD, but as the first season continued, the tone and story got darker and more interesting.  The first two-part episode of season two has already aired, and has the crew of the Ghost running into Darth Vader and getting their ass handed to them.  

I'm so excited for season two.  We will get to see more classic characters, and even some from The Clone Wars like Ahsoka and Captain Rex.  The first season is only 13 episodes so it's easy to catch up in time for season two.  So far, anyone who was against Rebels have changed their tune after watching it stating, "this is the first thing in a long time that feels like Star Wars."  But as we know, no one from the Ghost is in the original Star Wars trilogy.  Are they hiding, or did they meet a tragic end?  I can't wait to find out the answer!

My "The Force Awakens" Prep Guide Part IV: Graphic Novels Galore

Yesterday Shattered Empire was released on comic stands everywhere.  This is another part of "Journey To The Force Awakens" that will have events leading directly into The Force Awakens.  I have not read it yet, but so far the buzz seems positive about this book that follows several side characters the day after the second Death Star was blown up by the Rebel Alliance.

Aside from the movies and TV series, my other major Star Wars fandom has been the comic books.  Whether it's Dark Horse or Marvel publishing, I've tried it all throughout the years.  I've already suggested you read Clone Wars omnibus if you want some good stories during that time period, but here are a few more you can read while we all wait another three months for The Force Awakens to be released. Again, they are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being my most recommended.

The Force Unleashed (5)

One of several Star Wars multi-media events that kicked ass!  This was a video game that then spawned books, comics, and action figures to complete it.  The game is great to play, and the storyline is even better.  Starkiller was a young boy when Darth Vader killed his father and took him under his wing.  Starkiller has since grown up as Vader's secret apprentice and now he wishes for Starkiller to build a rebellion against the Emperor in hopes of dethroning him.  But is this plan for real, or is Starkiller just a pawn in the Sith's chess game of power?

Great story, great characters, and some badass game play.  I recommend if you don't read the graphic novel, book, or play the actual video game you go on YouTube and watch the story parts of both this game and the sequel.  Seriously, it's a great story.

Shadows of the Empire (4)

Another Star Wars multi-media event that took place many years before The Force Unleashed.  It started out as a book, then a comic book, then a video game.  It even has a soundtrack, but was never even a movie.  Set between Episodes V and VI, Luke and Leia are trying to hunt down Boba Fett before he delivers Han to Jabba the Hutt.  Meanwhile, Vader is forced to recruit the help of The Black Sun in helping with the construction of the second Death Star.  But Vader doesn't trust the Black Sun's leader, Prince Xizor, who has evil intentions of his own.

A nice in-between story that fills the gaps between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the video game follows scoundrel Dash Rendar, but the novel and comic focuses on Luke, Leia, and Boba Fett.  While I'm not a big fan of the character, I will admit Fett comes off pretty cool in this one.

The Thrawn Trilogy (3)

Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire started the Star Wars Expanded Universe back in 1991 and completed his novel trilogy with The Last Command.  Because of it's success Dark Horse decided to turn the series into comic books, and that is what I've enjoyed reading throughout the years. Set five years after Return of the Jedi, the New Republic is trying to wipe out the last pockets of the Empire, but their new leader, Grand Admiral Thrawn, is very formidable and has plans to claim the galaxy and restore the Empire to glory.  Meanwhile, Luke is still trying to figure out how to restart the Jedi Order.  Having only trained Leia, he feels he may fail in fulfilling his destiny.

This trilogy saw a bunch of great new characters like Thrawn, dark Jedi Jorus C'Baoth, and Mara Jade.  Heir to the Empire is my favorite in the series, but I like how The Last Command ends with Luke Skywalker having a lightsaber duel with a clone of himself.  

Dark Empire (1)

Back in the late 1980's Dark Horse comics acquired the rights to Star Wars comics from Marvel.  Dark Empire was even supposed to be published by Marvel and take place immediately after Episode VI, but plans changed a bit.  Set six years after Return of the Jedi, the Empire is still struggling to regain power with the help of their new Massive World Devastators.  Luke soon discovers that the Empire's new mastermind is still the Emperor, whose clone was killed during the Battle of Endor.  To take down the Sith Lord for good Luke decides to learn the power of the Dark Side, but begins down a path that may destroy him unless Han and Leia can save him.

I still remember when this series came out.  I love the covers and even the art seems "dark".  The sequels to this book, Dark Empire II and Empire's End, weren't as good, but this one definitely holds up.  I will always credit Dark Horse, who kept Star Wars comics alive for over twenty years until Marvel gained the rights back in 2012. 

Legacy (2)

How would you do a Star Wars film post-Jedi without Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher?  Star Wars: Legacy is my answer.  Set 130 years after Return of the Jedi, the Republic has turned into a less menacing Empire, but the Sith have returned and in greater numbers, once again killing many Jedi and sending the rest scattered throughout the galaxy.  The Skywalker heir, Cade, has denounced is Jedi past and is a bounty hunter using his Force skills to make money when he isn't sucking down death sticks.  Cade wants to be left alone, but when the Empire, the Jedi, and the Sith all learn of his existence Cade can no longer hide from his destiny. 

Not only is Cade a terrific, and flawed, character but he is supported by a lot of great minor characters as well.  The 50+ issues of this series could be split up into a great trilogy; whether it be live-action or animated.  It's got the mature tone older Star Wars fans want and plenty of appearances by fan favorites. Such as the Force ghosts of Luke, Yoda, and Mara Jade.  And what would a Skywalker be without R2-D2 by his side?  Still my favorite Star Wars comic book series.

Mark Millar Brings Us "The Flash on Drugs" in MPH

Mark Millar has made quite a name for himself not only in the comic book industry, but now in Hollywood. This year's Kingsman: The Secret Service is based on a mini-series written by Millar, just like another one of his book-turned-film; Kick-Ass.  Mark started out writing great tales for DC and Marvel Comics like The Flash, Ultimate X-Men, and Marvel's Civil War.  But Millar has his own universe of characters he's been building for the last decade, and if you look closely, you can see Mark is drawing his inspirations from heroes already in the DC and Marvel pantheon.

MPH is about two small time criminals, Roscoe and Chevy, who work on the streets of Detroit.  Roscoe is caught by the cops selling drugs and is sent to the Big House for a fifteen year sentence. While in the Joint, Roscoe takes a pill that makes everyone move really slow, allowing him to escape and settle some old scores.  But in hindsight, Roscoe was actually moving at super speed and plans to use this miracle drug for his benefit.  He shares his super pills with Chevy, his girlfriend Rosa, and her brother; nicknamed Baseball.  The four rob from the rich who they feel caused the destruction of their city, and while making millions, also give millions back to the people of Detroit.  But the charity part of their plan doesn't sit well with Chevy and Baseball.  Neither does the fact that they've only got a week's supply of the MPH pills.  Soon the team begins to divide, and the FBI is hot on their trail, led by a mysterious man known as Mr. Springfield who knows their every move.

So basically, this story is Chronicle meets The Flash, and it's pretty entertaining.  As a guy who has read comics his who life I know that Mr. Millar has created his own universe off the backs of classic comic book characters.  Kick-Ass is about ordinary people who experience tragedy and then decide to fighting crime; which is Batman.  Superior is about a young boy who turns into a Superman-like being; which is Shazam.  And then of course there's MPH; which is Flash, or Kid Flash, depending on how you see it.  However, the modern twist is what makes these books great reads.  Millar makes the center piece of his stories nerds or thugs, and then makes a much more believable scenarios as to what these people would actually do if they were given these powers.

MPH has a good twist at the end that you should see coming a thousand miles away, and also left me really satisfied.  If you're into superheroes I recommend anything by Mark Millar because I haven't disliked any Millerverse book yet. They're a nice break from the DC and Marvel corporations, and always entertaining.  I'm excited to read Chrononauts because I've heard nothing but good things about it.  And I'm drooling to pick up the sequel to Jupiter's Legacy.

So while I admit Millar just seems to be recycling old characters and themes that are fifty to sixty years old I'm of the mind set that I don't care.  Just give me something good to read.

  

My "The Force Awakens" Prep Guide Part III: 'Legend' Novels

Happy Force Friday!  I hope everyone got out there and saw all the new Star Wars products that flooded the shelves.  Also today marks the start of Journey To The Force Awakens.  This is three months of Star Wars media such as books, comics, and video games that all leads to The Force Awakens on December 18th.  Aftermath, the first novel in the "journey", was released today and I am anxious to read it.

The Star Wars Expanded Universe kicked off in 1991 with Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn.  I remember by dad buying the book and me trying to read it, but I wasn't quite up to that reading level yet.  Since then their have been lots of Star Wars books.  I've read quite a few Star Wars novels in my day, but a lot of them I didn't end up finishing.  Like I've said, I'm more a comic book Star Wars guy. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a good tale when I read it.
When Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012 they announced all Expanded Universe media, like the novels, were no long part of true Canon, but now part of something called Legends. I'll get more into what this new Canon is all about in a later post.  But for now, here are my recommendations on some Star Wars novels pre-Canon 2.0.  Also, while I think The Thrawn Trilogy is one of the best Star Wars novels I'm saving it for the comic book section in my next post.

Darth Plagueis by James Luceno (3)

"Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis?"  Chancellor Palpatine asked this of Anakin right before he told him the story.  But Palpatine didn't tell him the WHOLE story.  It turns out Plagueis was Palpatine's Sith master and helped conspire with him on the events in The Phantom Menace.  I enjoy this book not really because of Plagueis, but because it highlights Palpatine's rise as a Sith Lord, and how Plageuis recruited him, and helped him gain power.  That is until Darth Sidious eventually killed him.  We even learn Plageuis may have had a hand in Anakin's conception.

Rogue Planet by Greg Bear (4)

Obi-Wan Kenobi watched his master and friend, Qui-Gon Jinn, die right in front of him.  And he could do nothing but make a vow.  Now, several years after The Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan is finding it hard to keep his vow.  This book shows us the relationship between Obi-Wan and his young padawan at an early stage.  Anakin has trouble keeping out of trouble, and this only thins the bond he and Obi-Wan must make.  But by the end of this novel you see the beginning stages of their intriguing friendship.

 Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno (1)

Leading straight into the events of Revenge of the Sith this book is a great read for any Star Wars fan.  Obi-Wan and Anakin are actually in pursuit of Darth Sidious!  The two go on one of their legendary adventures through space as they try and find out who the Sith Lord really is.  

The Truce At Bakura by Kathy Tyers (5)

This book takes place the very next day following Return of the Jedi.  Luke, Han, and Leia are quickly dispatched to Bakura, where a reptilian race is trying to fill the power vacuum the Empire is about to leave before the Rebels can.  However, the most interesting part to me is Leia's journey in this book. Luke has already come to terms that his father was Darth Vader, but Leia despises him.  That is until Anakin's Force ghost pays her a visit.  I recommend this book on that scene alone!  Also, if you think their were no repercussions for Luke taking all that Force lightening from the Emperor, think again.

Legacy of the Force by Aaaron Alltson, Karen Traviss, and Troy Denning (2)

This is really a 9-book series written by various authors, and I always thought it would make a great blue print for Episodes VII-IX.  Han and Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina, are Jedi Knights, and have just suffered the loss of their younger brother Anakin, and their uncle Chewbacca.  But Jacen has taken Luke's son, Ben, under his wing as his padawan.  But as war is slowly creeping into the galaxy once again, Jacen slowly becomes the next Dark Lord of the Sith; Darth Caedus.  Caedus causes much trouble in secret before revealing himself to his family and the galaxy.  And the only hope in stopping Caedus lyes with his twin sister, Jaina, and a battle to the death!

My "The Force Awakens Prep Guide" Part II: The Clone Wars

"You fought in The Clone Wars?" Luke asked Ben Kenobi this question in the very first Star Wars film and fans speculated for years what exactly The Clone Wars was.  There has been several interpretations of The Clone Wars; the very first being in the comic book series Star Wars: Republic.  The next would be a series of novels from Shatterpoint to Labyrinth of Evil.  On our TV screens, we've gotten Genndy Tarakovsky's miniseries, and an animated series that lasted five seasons on Cartoon Network with a sixth season on Netflix.  

Despite what some say about the prequel era of the Star Wars franchise, The Clone Wars has a rich tapestry of stories and great new characters that were added to Star Wars lore like Asajj Ventress, Ahsoka Tano, and the return of Darth Maul.   

Probably the brightest shine in The Clone Wars was something Obi-Wan referenced back in 1977. "He was the best star pilot in the galaxy. And a cunning warrior.  And a good friend."  We see Anakin Skywalker as all these things, and not just the annoying character from Episodes I-III.  We also see the adventures of Obi-Wan and Anakin like we always dreamed they would be.  If you're an Anakin hater than you don't know The Clone Wars.

While I don't expect people to check out everything Clone Wars related, I've highlighted below some of my favorites from this era.  Again, I'll be using a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being my most recommended.

OMNIBUS: CLONE WARS VOL. 1-3 (1)

This is the ongoing comic series that was running through the years the prequel films were released.  After Attack of the Clones the series was the first to show us what The Clone Wars was.  There is a lot of content to read, but I always focus on the stories involving Obi-Wan and Anakin.  There are a few good ones with Mace Windu, Yoda, and Quinlan Vos as well.  But you can pick and choose what characters you want to follow through The Clone Wars.  One of my favorite story lines is Obsession, and right before that we get something no other Clone Wars interpretation has given us; an explanation as to how Anakin got that scar on his eye.  This is still my favorite interpretation of The Clone Wars.

  

CLONE WARS: 2003-2005 (3)

Before Lucasfilm made an entire TV series they agreed to let Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack creator, Genndy Tarakovsky, produce a series of 5 minute shorts taking place during The Clone Wars.  A sequel was then made leading right up to the events of Revenge of the Sith as we see General Grievous kidnap the Chancellor and Mace Windu give Grievous the vicious cough he has at the beginning of Episode III.  The miniseries was then put into two 1 hour volumes on DVD, or you can watch them on YouTube now.  Highlights of this interpretation include the knighting ceremony of Anakin Skywalker, Skywalker's deadly(yet badass) battle with Asajj Ventress, and Mace Windu having a phenomenal battle against an entire army of battle droids.

THE CLONE WARS: 2008-2015

In August 2008, Lucasfilm and WB released the seventh Star Wars theatrical film.  It was a CGI animated film that would set-up an animated series on Cartoon Network come Fall.  The series, supervised by Dave Filoni and George Lucas himself, would be centered around Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and the rest of the Jedi as they fight against the Separatists for the Republic.  A new character was also introduced; Ahsoka Tano as Anakin's padawan.  While not my favorite character to start off, by the end of the series I was really hoping we'd get to see Ahsoka later on in the Star Wars mythology.  

Listed below are some of my favorite episodes out of the 125 that were made.  All these episodes, along with the movie, can be found on Netflix.  This series was very theatrical, and with several episodes spanning one storyline it's like a bunch of mini movies.  The Clone Wars is like a spin-off film series unto itself. And I put The Clone Wars above The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones in my Star Wars film preference.

Season 1 Ep. 4: Destroy Malevolence (2)

The last episode in the first multi-episode arc of the series sees Anakin and Obi-Wan trying to save Padme, who is being held captive by General Grievous.  It's a very light-hearted episode, much like the early seasons of this series were.  But it's fun, and the series does get more mature as it continues.

Season 2 Ep. 1-3: Holocron Heist, Cargo of Doom, and Children of the Force (3)

The introduction of Cade Bane is pivotal because he is the badass bounty hunter everyone thinks Boba Fett is.  Darth Sidious hires Bane to break into the Jedi Temple, steal Jedi Holocrons, steal potential Jedi babies, and deliver them to Sidious.  Anakin and Ahsoka finally catch up to Bane on Mustafar; the future planet of Anakin's damnation.

Season 2 Ep. 12-14: The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, and Duchess of Mandalore (1)

Obi-Wan has a girlfriend!  Master Kenobi is sent to protect the Duchess of Mandalore from rebel terrorists(whose leader is voiced by Jon Favreau).  But the Duchess and Obi-Wan have a past.  They had feelings for each other back when Obi-Wan was a padawan, but unlike his own padawan, Obi-Wan chose the Jedi Order over his desires for the Duchess.  And hell hath no fury like a Duchess scorned.

Season 3 Ep. 12-14: Nightsisters, Monster, and Witches of the Mist (2)

Count Dooku tires of Asajj Ventress's constant failures so he decides to cut her loose.  Ventress escapes back to her home world of Dathomir, where her Nightsister family helps her in plotting Dooku's death.  They even recruit a warrior who will aid her.  One who comes from the same tribe as the former Sith Lord; Darth Maul.

Season 3 Ep. 15-17: Overlords, Altar of Mortis, and Ghost of Mortis (4)

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka become shipwrecked on a planet very powerful in The Force.  It is ruled by The Father who is the balance between the Light Side, The Daughter, and the Dark Side, The Son.  But soon The Father can not keep The Son at bay and the balance begins to shift.  This puts The Chosen One in a very tough place.  A place where Anakin and his friends begin to prophesies what their destines in tale.  Liam Neeson comes back to voice Qui-Gon Jinn and The Force Unleashed & Being Human star Sam Witwer voices The Son.

  

Season 4 Ep. 18: Crisis on Naboo (5)

Cade Bane is back in the series, and this time he's after the Chancellor.  It's up to Obi-Wan Kenobi to go undercover to try and stop the infamous bounty hunter.  Did I mention because of this TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi has become my 2nd favorite Star Wars character?

Season 4 Ep. 19: Massacre (5)

After learning that the Nightsisters helped Asajj Ventress try to assassinate him, Count Dooku sends General Grevious to Dathomir to eradicate the sisterhood, and leaves Asajj truly alone in the galaxy.

Season 4 Ep. 21: Brothers (4)

Mother Talzin has told Savage Opress where to find his brother, Darth Maul, but Opress finds Maul having gone mad from spending years on a junk planet.  Now Opress must try and piece together his brother's mind in order to save them both.

Season 4 Ep. 22: Revenge (1)

With the help of Mother Talzin, Savage Opress is able to save Darth Maul's soul, but Maul has only one thing on his mind; revenge.  Maul and Opress seek out Obi-Wan in hopes of giving him a slow and painful death.

Season 5 Ep. 1: Revival (5)

Darth Maul and Savage Opress rip across the galaxy looking for allies against Obi-Wan and the Jedi.  Master Kenobi and Master Gallia find them on a pirate world hoping to end their reign before it begins.

Season 5 Ep. 14-16: Eminence, Shades of Reason, and The Lawless (1)

Darth Maul and Savage Opress find their allies in the Madalore rebels and begin taking over the planet.  When Maul finds out about Obi-Wan and the Dutchess's past he is all to eager to lure Kenobi to Mandalore in hopes of finally ending his life.  The Lawless is probably my favorite episode of The Clone Wars.  It ends so tragically it had me begging for a sequel to this story line.  But with the series cancelled soon after we never see it.  I've heard ideas on how this all gets resolved, but sadly those episodes were never made.

Season 5 Ep. 17-20: Sabotage, The Jedi Who Knew Too Much, To Catch A Jedi, and The Wrong Jedi (1)

Ahsoka has come a long way since we first see her step out of that shuttle on Christophsis. Now she is being framed for destruction to the Jedi Temple and multiple murders.  Ahsoka is banished from the Jedi Order and is hunted by her own Master; Anakin Skywalker.  She'll have to team up with Asajj Ventress if she has any hope of clearing her name.  Another story that was terrific, but we never saw a climax to the character of Ahsoka due to the shows cancellation.  I am so glad to see her back in Rebels.......oh yeah.....SPOILER.

Season 6 Ep. 1-4: The Unknown, Conspiracy, Fugitive, and Orders (4)

Clone trooper Tup assassinates a Jedi in the middle of a mission after the number "66" is spoken.  Clone trooper Five is the only one who knows why Tup went crazy, and must get to the Jedi to warn them about "Order 66".  Something tells me Supreme Chancellor Palpatine doesn't want that information getting out.

Season 6 Ep. 5-7: An Old Friend, The Rise of Clovis, and Crisis at the Heart (3)

Clovis used to be an old friend of Padme Amidala's.  That is until he tried to kill her for the Separatists.  Now Padme must partner with a reformed Clovis in order to convince the Banking Clan to give the Republic more money for the war.  But Anakin still doesn't trust Clovis.  This puts tension on Anakin and Padme's secret marriage, more than we've seen in the series or the entire Clone Wars.

Season 6 Ep. 10: The Lost One (1)

Master Sifo-Dyas, the Jedi Master who allegedly commissioned the creation of the clone army, has been found.  Obi-Wan and Anakin are sent to retrieve the dead Master's remains and investigate the still mysterious origins of the clone army.  Along the way the two Jedi run into Count Dooku, and the Jedi begin to believe the entire war might be the work of the still mysterious Sith Lord.

My "The Force Awakens Prep Guide" Part I: The Film Saga

Next week is Force Friday.  For those of you who don't know it's the day when the toys and products for the upcoming Star Wars film, The Force Awakens, hits stores around the country.  Star Wars merchandise has been a huge part of the Star Wars franchise going all the way back to 1977.  When Revenge of the Sith was released I had to hold myself back from buying all the lightsabers and collectables I could.  I assume I will need that same will power come next week.

As The Force Awakens approaches I am becoming more and more excited for the film.  Growing up as both a Star Wars and comic book fan I've read quite a few Star Wars comics in my day.  I've also read quite a few Star Wars novels, played some video games, and tried almost anything baring the Star Wars logo.  I've even gone as far as re-editing the prequel films.  I've added deleted scenes from the DVD extras and deleted some scenes in Episodes I-III to make them more enjoyable for myself. 

To prepare for December 18th, I'll be spending the next three months re-reading some of my favorite Star Wars comic book story lines, re-watching some Clone Wars and Rebels episodes, and of course re-watching the entire Star Wars film saga.  

The other day a friend of mine asked what she could watch and read to help prepare her for Episode VII.  And she's not the only one.  So, I decided to do these blog entries as a way to give my advice on what comic books, novels, TV episodes, and anything else Star Wars that I enjoy, and others may like.  I'll give several suggestions and rate them on a scale from 1 to 5 as to what you should check out with a 1 being my most highly recommended.  Hope everyone enjoys this, and May the Force Be With You!

EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE (5)

In the "machete order" of watching Star Wars movies this film is actually not included, and for good reason.  It's my least favorite of the Star Wars saga and the one I only watch when I'm doing a marathon.  But, if you want to get kids started on Star Wars it's the one that is the most "kid friendly" with the goofy Jar Jar Binks, and the hero of the film being 10-year-old Anakin Skywalker.  When I edited this film I took out as much Jar Jar and Anakin as I could and ended up cutting 30 minutes out of the movie.

  EPISODE II:  ATTACK OF THE CLONES (4)

George Lucas called this film a love story, but he forgot to add the "love story" part of it.  All the DVD deleted scenes are expanding the relationship between Anakin and Padme.  So I added them back into the film as well as took out some parts I thought would make Anakin a little less creepy and annoying.  Say what you will about Hayden Christensen in this role, I think he played the part as best as he could with what little direction Lucas gave him.  My second least favorite Star Wars film, but I actually enjoy watching it when all the deleted scenes are added back in.

EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH (3)

I think we can all agree this is the best of the prequel films, and I think had this been the only prequel Star Wars movie released some fans would not have the disgust they seem to have for Episodes I-III. This is also the film I edited the least.  My big gripe is Natalie Portman getting totally shafted in this one. Padme is built up as such a strong character in the first two films, but all she does is cry over Anakin.  This sucks because there are several deleted scenes that include her helping start the Rebellion.  If you read How Star Wars Conquered The Universe (which I'll get to in another part) it's said that Portman and Lucas started having disagreements.  Maybe that's why she is barely in Episode III.

EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (1)

The one that started it all!  My second favorite Star Wars film.  When Revenge of the Sith first came out on DVD I skipped all my college classes for a day and ended up spending 14 hours watching the entire saga.  By the time I got to this film I A) had a greater understanding of who Darth Vader was under the mask, and B) felt so bad for Obi-Wan and all the horrible things he had to live through.

EPISODE V: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1)

My favorite Star Wars film AND one of my Top 10 favorite movies ever.  When I was a kid I used to fake being sick just to skip school and watch this movie.  I hate what Lucas has done with all the Special Edition add-ins; from seeing the wampa, to Luke shrieking as he falls into the abyss because he'd rather die than join the Dark Side.  I own the Star Wars blu-ray set and I never watch it!  Because I prefer my prequel edits and the original versions of the original trilogy.

EPISODE VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI (1)

All those who said Luke was a whiney girl in the first two films, this one will shut you up!  Luke is the man with one of my favorite movie lines ever.  "Jabba, this is you last chance.  Free us or die."  What he basically is saying is, "I'm about to open a can of whoop ass on you."  This ends the originally trilogy and is the last we see of Luke, Han, and Leia in theaters until their return on December 18th in Episode VII: The Force Awakens that takes place 30 years after this film.

Time To Choose Sides For Marvel's Cinematic Civil War

Yesterday some alleged concept art was released revealing whose team each Avenger will choose for the upcoming film Captain America: Civil War.  The origin miniseries is one of my favorites and seeing how both Marvel Studios and the Russo brothers handled the Winter Solider storyline I have no doubt this movie will also be awesome.

In the comic, after a disastrous event causes many casualties, the government proposes the Superhero Registration Act.  This act demands all super powered beings reveal their identities and work directly for the government.  This splits the Marvel heroes into two sides; Iron Man being for registration and Captain America leading the rebellion against it.  Hawkeye himself, Jeremy Renner, went on Twitter and confirmed that this concept art is legit and that these are indeed the two sides to this war.  Fighting with Captain America will be Falcon, Winter Solider, Hawkeye, Agent 13, and Ant-Man.  Fighting along side Iron Man will be War Machine, Black Widow, Black Panther, and Vision.

I have a few issues with these teams.  First off, why is Black Widow fighting against her best friend, Hawkeye, and also Steve Rogers.  The progression of Steve and Natalia's relationship in the last Captain America film was one of my favorite parts of the movie.  She started off thinking he was an outdated boy scout, and as the film progressed she ended up respecting him as a true hero; the kind she's never encountered in her life.  Also, at the end of the Winter Soldier she basically told a government committee to grow screw themselves.  Now, I have no idea how close the film will stick to the source material.  For all I know Cap could be for registration, but given how he helped take down S.H.I.E.L.D. I don't see him liking big brother telling him and his friends who to fight.

The other issue I have is how stacked Tony Stark's team is.  Tony is a genius and a pretty formitable opponent himself, but then he gets another super suit with War Machine, and most all, Vision.  Vision has an Infinity Stone in his forehead.  He could take down Cap's team by himself!  They only way I can see this being more even is if Scarlet Witch, with her hex powers, ends up siding with Steve.  That might give Vision a little trouble and even out the battles a little.  But this is Captain America's movie.  And we always love rooting for the underdog.  

Everyone else is pretty predictable.  Of course Steve and Tony will have their best buds, War Machine and Falcon, on their sides.  Black Panther runs a country so he'd be for government supervision.  Agent 13 was also gimme.  However, with her being in the concept art it makes me hopeful that Emily VanCamp with be in more of the film than I thought.  Maybe among his biggest fight ever Cap gets a little lucky in love.  They hinted at it in Winter Soldier and if you know the comics you know it's coming.  

I knew best friends Hawkeye and Black Widow would be on opposite sides fighting each other.  I just thought they'd be on the other opposite sides.  Though, I liked how in Avengers: Age of Ultron we saw more of Hawkeye's personal life and what he fights for.  I felt like we got to know his character better the way we got to know Black Widow better in the first Avengers film.  Now that we know he is a family man I think it make sense he'd be for the people's rights.  I'll buy it in hopes that Renner is given a chance  to grow this character even further.

So, I have not seen any of the D23 footage nor do I know the exact plot of the film.  But given what I know about the comic book and which side Iron Man and Captain America both fall on these are my thoughts on the announcement of the teams and concept art.  What's yours?