My 34 Years With Star Wars

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far Away......to me those word means everything.  Today marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Star Wars(A New Hope subtitle was added later).  This film touched the world in a way no one ever expected, including it's creator; George Lucas.  Decades later, there are Star Wars fans world wide.  Last month I got to meet other Star Wars fans from Australia, Germany, and Japan at my first ever Star Wars: Celebration in Orlando.  Where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to bask in the phenomenon that all started with a young man on a desert planet who craved an adventure. 

I've been a Star Wars fan my whole life.  When my dad would take my brother and I to the local comic book store I used to get back issues of the original Marvel series.  I remember the day Dark Empire #1 was released(still coolest cover ever).  I remember begging my dad to buy me the Star Wars novelization, but first, to make sure I was advance enough to read it, he made me read several pages from the most recent Star Wars book he was reading; Heir To The Empire. I remember seeing every Star Wars movie in theaters(starting in 1997) and how mad I was at my parents for not letting me go to the midnight showing of The Phantom Menace(looking back on that one I should thank them).  When I used to drive my car in the snow with my headlights on it made me feel like I was traveling through hyperspace. I've had more Star Wars toys than I can count(still have my lightsabers), and to this day The Empire Strikes Back is my go-to Sick Day movie.  

I have been lucky enough to share my love for Star Wars with lots of people in my life, but probably my favorite has been my wife; Lisa.  When I first met her, she liked the Star Wars films, but had never read any of the books or comics.  Now, she's always listening to the audiobooks in the car, she has just as much apparel as I do, and any time I find something Star Wars related she rarely says "No".  I honestly believe it has brought us closer together as couple. I told her years ago if she didn't at least like Star Wars I never would have even dated her.  So why do I love Star Wars so much?  Because, to me, it's about the biggest "war" of all; the one within us.

When it began, Star Wars seemed pretty simple.  It was about a young man who yearned for more, and ended up being taken on a journey that changed him forever.  He saved the princess and defeated the evil man in black.  But as Luke Skywalker's story goes on the details get more complex and layered.  The evil man in black is really his father, whom had suffered great tragedy.  So Luke must decide if he should kill his father, or forgive him for all the horrors he's committed.

On the other side of the coin, Anakin Skywalker was a young boy who was forced into a life of slavery, only to be saved and taken to a place that told him he was special.  He fell in love, let his feelings control him, and in the end it cost him everything he cared about.  Regardless of how you feel about the prequels, the story of Darth Vader is a very real one.

We all have people we care about in our lives.  As a husband and father myself, I would kill to keep them safe.  Anakin wanted more power to try and save the people he loved.  I honestly believe the decisions he made are the same ones we would all make.  It may sound evil, but I think it's really just our humanity.  Anakin's son, Luke, also faced a similar situation but chose a different path.  He put his faith in his father, and trusted that his love would be enough to safe them both.

Another reason I think Star Wars has lasted as long as it has it because of the deep mythology Lucas created.  Up until The Force Awakens he created it all, and filled it with people we all know.  I can't tell you how many times my wife reminds me of Hera, my smart-mouth sounds like Obi-Wan, and I know someone I actually call "Snips."  He imagined this world of excitement we can all live in.  We can swing a laser sword and take down the ice monster.  We can see ourselves running for our lives as we escape the horribly inaccurate stormtroopers.  And who hasn't thought about having a dogfight in a spaceship?  It's our wildest dreams we'll never get to live, but we can watch it on screen time after time.

Many years ago The History Channel(back when it actually showed historical programs) did a documentary on the Star Wars saga called Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed.  It was about how Star Wars took notes from ancient mythology, religion, and history.  But it shows how Star Wars is similar to stories that have survived centuries because they tell us something about ourselves.  It's on YouTube.  I highly recommend it! 

  Today I did the math, I will easily be alive for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars(I hope), but to make it to the 100th year anniversary I'm going to have to live to be 94.  It's no impossible, but I'd better start cutting back on the brownies and bacon just in case.  

I guess what I've been trying to say in this somewhat scattered post is that Star Wars is in my DNA(possibly midi-chlorians) because it taps into something inside of me.  I love the characters I relate to and the adventures those characters take me on. I know people who don't like Star Wars, and while I respect their opinions I also feel like they don't get what the core of it is.  It was/is about a young man who craved an adventure, but ended up getting one he didn't expected. I just think we can all relate to that.  Because it's called life.

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.

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.

How Chris Taylor "Conquered" the Star Wars Story

       No more than ten minutes ago did I finish reading a book I've been working on for about a week and a half.  Now, even though I'm a big comic book/graphic novel reader my wife will testify that I rarely pick up an actual book these days.  So what rare gem got me to spend hours reading without fabulous art accompanying it?  A Star Wars book of course.
       Several people I follow on Twitter reommended a book by Chris Taylor titled, How Star Wars Conquered the Universe. I have seen and read dozens of Star Wars documentaries over the years and thought it would not include anything I didn't already know.  But then I realized this book went all the way up to the selling of Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012, as well as details about the making of the Star Wars prequel films.
       It starts off talking about George Lucas's early life, including his struggle to get the first Star Wars film made; which all were things I knew about.  But included in these highlights were minuet details about Lucas.  He was in a car accident in his early life that sidetracked him from a race car career to film.  This led to a declaration to his father that he'd be a millionaire by the time he was 30.
       The main message I took away from this book was the inner struggle and public perception of George Lucas.  He was a visionary who created an empire, but struggled to control it; at least in his mind.  I am honestly now craving to see a biographic film done on George Lucas.  It would work great in the same tone as The Aviator or Jobs.  The final part could be him securing Lucasfilm and the Star Wars legacy before selling to Disney.
       Also included in the book are the various fandoms of Star Wars throughout the world.  From the formation of the 501st, to the R2 Builders, and even Australia making "Jedi" the second most popular religion in the country.  The book highlights the craze that is Star Wars.
       The most interesting chapter to me was #25, How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Prequels.  In this chapter, Taylor went around to various Star Wars fans who either like or hate Episodes I-III. Taylor spoke with one father who doesn't allow any Star Wars in his house unless it's the original trilogy. He even gets mad when his kid's friends talk about The Clone Wars TV series. Taylor interviewed another man who goes so far in defending the prequel films he discusses The Phantom Menace with actor Jake Lloyd, who quit acting after playing Anakin in the film.  Lloyd de-friended the man on Facebook when he realized he had named his son Anakin.
       The chapter also mentions the various order to watch the six films in.  Each order having a different effect/tone, which I have personally done and vouch for.  The most famous order being the "Machete Order."  Also talked about are the many prequel-cuts that fans have made, including actor Topher Grace.  I myself have even edited the three films so that I may try and enjoy them more.  Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith I believe are an improvement, but no matter how much I cut Jar Jar and little Ani out of Episode I there may be no saving it.
       The beginning of the book began with what I thought was a great comparison by writer Andrew Summers and the love/hate relationship the fans have with the franchise.  "Every true Star Wars fan is a Luke Skywalker, looking at his twisted evil father, and somehow seeing good." While every fan boy agrees Star Wars is awesome, we may not all agree on what part of Star Wars we like.
       How Star Wars Conquered the Universe not only tells the tale of George Lucas's journey (I don't have time to cite the comparisons to Anakin Skywalker's journey) but the journey of a multi-billion dollar phenomenon that will last till all life on this world is dead........we'll probably be killed by our own Death Star.

Game of Wars OR Star of Thrones

This week the fourth season of Game of Thrones arrived on DVD and blu-ray.  This show is easily becoming one of my favorite series ever the more it goes on.  It's epic storytelling at its finest.  George R.R. Martin has made a world so rich and detailed that you can't help but get captivated by it.

But for me, everything always comes back to Star Wars.  I've enjoyed George Lucas's epic universe ever since I was a child.  It follows Joseph Campbell's architectural "heroes journey" much like I feel Game of Thrones does.  To that end, and sticking with the original Star Wars movie(Episode IV: A New Hope), I figured out who is who in the galaxy of Westeros.

JON SNOW IS LUKE SKYWALKER

The reluctant hero who must heed his call to action.  Nobody expects much of Ned's bastard, but through trials and heroic acts he quickly rising into a central figure in this universe. Plus they both can be a little whiney at times, and they both eventually fall of feisty redheads who start out wanting to kill them.

 

TYRION LANNISTER IS HAN SOLO

Han Solo was a scoundrel who only cared about himself, but slowly learned to believe in a higher cause.  Tyrion Lannister was a disgruntled man who only cared about his own pleasures.  But throughout the course of the series he has become quite the hero in his own right, rallying troups to fight in an epic battle, and rebelling against an evil king.

 

SANSA STARK IS PRINCESS LEIA

Let's run down the check list.  Sister of the hero: check.  A damsel in distress: check.  Lover of the anit-hero: sort-of.  Sansa Stark started GoT as a weak and naive girl, but through the course of the series has been getting stronger every season.  I feel like season 5 will be her breakout year and perhaps she'll even get revenge for her family's murders.

 

 BRONN IS CHEWBACCA

As Tyrion's right hand and muscle it only seemed proper that Bronn fit the part of Chewbacca.  Bronn would indeed rip someone's arm out of their sockets if he felt he was cheated.  He also owes his current lavish lifestyle to Tyrion and doesn't seem in a rush to leave Tyerion any time soon.

 

EDDARD STARK IS OBI-WAN KENOBI

This comparison is all to obvious.  Eddard and Ob-Wan both have gone through great wars and both came out better men.  They both mentor the hero and help them in their journey.  But most importantly, both of these men die honorably, thus progressing the hero in his journey.

 SAMWELL TARLY IS C-3PO

A man full of knowledge, but no wisdom to use it.  This seems like it fits right into Threepio's wheelhouse.  Sam is kind of a nuisance to everyone, but can be useful if the occasion calls for it.  Plus he's quite loyal to Jon.  Sounds like the golden droid to me.

TYWIN LANNISTER IS GRAND MOFF TARKIN

As the men who seem to run the evil side of things these two characters are both masterminds of strategy.  They never lose their cool and everyone knows not to cross them.  However, their arrogance also leads to their demise.

JAIME LANNISTER IS DARTH VADER

Jaime slayed the mad king and became the most feared man in the kings guard.  Vader slayed Separatist leaders (along with many Jedi) to become the most feared man in the galaxy.  However, underneath each of these characters are good men.  They are both powerful warriors who have befallen tragedy and eventually see the light.