The Mandalorian and The Problem w/ Grogu

When season 3 of The Mandalorian was about to start I thought about what it was going to be like. I thought it might be about Bo Katan and the Armorer battling over the true Mandalorian way with Din Djarin stuck in the middle; a battle for his soul.  That did not happen. Instead, the Armorer and Bo teamed up to save all of Mandalore from Moff Gideon and pretty much tied up the three seasons into what could be a series finale.

This season of The Mandalorian was hit with a lot of complaints from fans saying how it wasn't the same quality we had come to see from the previous seasons.  And to that I somewhat agree. But I also think, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's a victim of its own success. We've come to expect such a high level of entertainment in this Disney+ series that when it's just good or fine, we think it's crap.  I feel the same way I feel about the final season of Game of Thrones. I like how it ended, but not satisfied about how we got there.  

Looking back at this eight-episode season, I feel like it could have been a tight six-episode season.  Yes, I'm talking about Episode 4 where Jack Black and Lizzo send Bo and Din on a droid detective hunt.  I didn't mind the story, but just that it was placed in the middle of the season storyline and served no purpose to that story. It was a detour in a season where we already had a semi-detour on Coruscant with Dr. Pershing and Elia.  I didn't mind either of the episodes individually but thought we didn't need a break from an already short season of TV.  Also, that bird story in Episode 4 was pretty bad. Sorry Dave. 

The series main character, Din Djarin, did very little as far as character growth this season. Most of that went to Katee Sackhoff as Bo Katan.  And this was another thing people complained about. In order for Bo to be the ruler Mandalore needed, she needed that development, and I thought Bo's renewed faith in herself, and in Mandalorians, was the highlight of the season.  In the final episode I realized Pedro Pascal probably never once stepped foot on set all season because Din never took his helmet off once this year.  Which is probably why the other two actors in the suit got a little more credit in the credits. Pedro was probably recording his voicework in his pj's at his house.

Having watched The Clone Wars when it aired, I knew the bad Mandalorians were Death Watch, and that the Armorer was leader of the Children of the Watch.  So of course, I've never really liked her, and thought she might be the other spy in Episode 7. But we found out she was more a catalyst for Bo, to push her towards what she needed to do, to bring all Mandalorians together for the betterment of their planet, regardless of their beliefs. That metaphor was a nail on the head.  I'm still not a huge fan of the Armorer, but I'll ship her and Bo over Bo and Din any day.

The return of Moff Gideon this season we knew was coming, but too late in my opinion. Wasn't it Episode 5 when we learned he had escaped his imprisonment? He should have been more of a looming threat throughout the season instead of all these silly side stories we got.  Plus, he seemed less menacing now since we know Din already defeated him once back in Season 2. He just seemed so meek, especially with the talk of Thrawn and the eventual return of Palpatine.  I almost laughed when Gideon started hating on Thrawn.  Gideon isn't even good enough to piss on Thrawn's shoes, and I hope general Star Wars viewers will get to see that in the next few years.

They did wrap up the Grogu storyline this season, for the most part this season.  We know why Gideon wanted him so bad, and we know how Grogu escaped the Jedi Temple during Order 66. One of those plot points I want to see more of, the other I thought was just another Imperial thinking he could be cool as Darth Vader. Ya can't son.  My theory as to why Grogu was thrust back into the show after such a dramatic exit last season was Disney's demand to sell toys.  That's the only true purpose Grogu severed this season, and why this character is becoming problematic.  His appeal is his is small, cute, stature.  Yoda was training Jedi by the time he was 100 years old. Grogu is about 55 years old and can't even talk or wield a lightsaber. But Disney can't let Grogu grow-up. Any sitcom runner will tell you the show starts to lose its appeal when the kids grow-up and aren't cute anymore.  Which is why I think the show should have let Grogu be gone longer and come back more mature, or just be done with the character all together and continue to focus on Din. But, again, they need to sell toys.

Was this season a step down from the previous two?  I believe so.  But I still have faith in where the series could go next season.  I like the character of Din, and I'm excited to see his adventures working for the New Republic, and I'm excited to see the upcoming crossover event that was spawned from his series success.  I'm glad the Grogu storyline is allegedly wrapped up, but I feel now this character will continue to be a weight on this show's developing body, keeping in down in exchange for merchandising.

Obi-Wan, Vader, and Maul: The Head Canon Contradiction

 The closer it gets to May 25th the more excited I get.  Yes, it's the 45th anniversary of Star Wars, and yes, I'll be at Star Wars Celebration after spending a few days at Disneyland.  But of course, the Obi-Wan series will be premiering on Disney+.  As I've said, Obi-Wan Kenobi is my second favorite Star Wars character next to Luke Skywalker, and I'm looking forward to some possible vindication for both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen after years of prequel bashing.  When news came that Hayden would be in the series, and as Darth Vader, some fans cried foul.  After their epic duel on Mustafar, Obi-Wan and Vader never saw each other till their fateful meeting on the Death Star 19 years later.  Or at least that is what we thought.

"The circle is now complete. When I left you I was but a learner, now I am the master." -Darth Vader

These are the words Darth Vader said to gives us an indication how long it's been since the once-brothers saw each other.  But let's be honest. The idea of them not meeting for 19 years is Head Canon.  I still remember the 2008 The Clone Wars panel at the Chicago Comic Con.  Someone came up to the microphone and said, "Anakin never had a padawan," and while I don't remember what member of Lucasfilm was fielding the questions at that panel, I do remember his response, "You don't know that."  Because he was right, we didn't know that.  In between Star Wars films laps years and years of untold stories.  So, who's to say Darth Vader and Obi-Wan never saw each other in between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

"Obi-Wan once thought as you did." -Darth Vader

 In almost two decades Obi-Wan could have tried at least once to bring back his best friend from the dark path he had gone down.  Especially when the fate of the galaxy depended on it.  Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy, has said these two will meet again, and another lightsaber battle will ensue.  The facts are that Darth Vader just never knew where Obi-Wan hung his robe in those 19 years.  If Obi-Wan goes off planet in the series, escapes, then just returns to Tatooine and not seen by Vader till nine years later, then it's plausible the two could meet without breaking Canon.  And if it bends Canon a little for the sake of a great story; I'm ok with that. It wouldn't be the first time Lucasfilm, or George Lucas himself, did just that.  

When the Obi-Wan series was announced another rival of old Ben's was brought up, Darth Maul. Those who had seen the Star Wars animated series were quick to refute that Maul could not make an appearance because their meeting one night in the desert of Tatooine was the first time they saw each other since Maul murdered the Duchess of Mandalore (pausing to cry a little).  Now someone can correct me if they want, because I'm just going off my memory here, but don't Obi-Wan and Maul fall into the same Canon facts as Obi-Wan and Darth Vader?  Maul didn't know Obi-Wan was hiding on Tatooine and they hadn't seen each other in years.  But maybe just nine years?

To be honest, I'm going down this rabbit hole to remind everyone that as fans, we only assume what we know.  Head Canon is nice, but when actual Canon is created, we have to let go of what we want to have happened for what actually did happen. 

"Learned to let go of everything you fear to lose."-Yoda

Following me down into this Dagobah cave, will you?  This Obi-Wan series takes place 10 years after Revenge of the Sith.  That is the same time frame that Solo: A Star Wars Story takes place.  In the galaxy at this time the Empire reigns supreme but Maul is also leader of the criminal organization known as Crimson Dawn.  What drags Obi-Wan off-world?  It could be a number of things.  Maybe he has decided to just try one more time to talk to Vader. Maybe an old friend is in trouble (crossing my fingers for a Dexter Jettster appearance).  Maybe Obi-Wan leaving is a way of him trying to keep Luke safe and hidden. With the thuggish Empire tightening its grip on the galaxy it can be more difficult for criminal syndicates to conduct business, unless you do it where the Empire doesn't go, like maybe Tatooine?  Maybe Crimson Dawn puts Luke in peril and Obi-Wan has to follow the source to stop them, and that leads him to another meeting with Maul?

Again, I want to reemphasize I don't expect Maul to be in the Obi-Wan series.  This is just me explaining how he could be.  We're going to get Darth Vader and the Inquistors in this, and I am hoping for Clone Wars flashbacks of Anakin and Obi-Wan. Adding another layer of Maul could crowd the villains and characters in this six-episode miniseries.  But if this series were a non-miniseries it could be an idea for future seasons, or even a tale for a novel or comic book.  But I see enough Star Wars fans barking at each other thinking they know better, when really, we all know bantha doo doo. 

Let's continue down the cave, shall we?  A meeting of Maul and Obi-Wan would add more tension and possibly give us an appearance by one former lover of Han Solo, Qi'ra.  Maul went from the leader of Crimson Dawn at the end of Solo to stranded in the tombs of Malachor in Rebels.  Some fans speculate Qi'ra may have played a part in Maul being marooned on the deserted planet.  Sounds cool, but, what if Obi-Wan helped her?  What if, once again, Obi-Wan cut down Maul in his prime? That would only fuel his hatred for Kenobi even more.  

I think Star Wars fans can debate who is Obi-Wan's true rival, Darth Vader or Darth Maul?  Both have handed General Kenobi much heartache in his life, which is why I think they both would be fitting foes for him to see in his transitional period.  I think this Disney+ series is going to see Obi-Wan dealing with the past, learning to let go of his grief, and focus on the future. 

"Don't center your anxiety, Obi-Wan.  Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs. Be mindful of the living force." -Qui-Gon Jinn 

I'm excited to see what Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor, and everyone else working on the project gives us.  But my wallet is not looking forward to all the Obi-Wan merchandise I will want to buy in the coming months.  Whatever we get, it will be Canon, but we will still have years of untold Obi-Wan, Darth Vader, and Star Wars story holes to fill in. And we as fans will continue to speculate what kind of adventures encompass those untold tales, but when the day comes that Lucasfilm contradicts my Head Canon I will do as Obi-Wan Kenobi instructed 45 years ago.

"Let go, Luke."  -Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi Prep Material

Well people, we have our release date! The Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi series will be debuting on May 25 (45th anniversary of Star Wars) on the streaming service.  Aside from Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi is my favorite Star Wars character.  He has so much tragedy in his life, yet through it all he proceeds with nobility, hope, and snark. From what it seems we'll be getting, I am psyched! On top of the Obi-Wan vs Vader rematch we're being promised I'd love to see some Clone Wars flashbacks.  Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen are back, and both actors have barely aged, so it wouldn't take too much CGI to give us some moments back when they were brothers-in-arms.  

Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse are also coming back as Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru.  Maybe we even get a little Luke Skywalker too?  Concept art shows Obi-Wan could be going off world, some Inquistors, and more!  As I mentioned, I'm super excited for this Deborah Chow directed-series and I can only imagine all the Obi-Wan merch I will be buying when the show premieres (and at Star Wars Celebration). 

With all that in mind, I figured I'd suggest a few Obi-Wan based materials leading up to the timeline of Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Just some things to possibly check out in the next few months to dive deeper into the character.  Obviously, the prequels are a must review, but here are a few novels, comics, and The Clone Wars episodes I think are great to learn more about Obi-Wan Kenobi.  

*I only included current Canon stories*

Master & Apprentice

This novel by Claudia Gray sees Obi-Wan and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, years before Episode I. You get to see more of their relationship as they take on a Jedi assignment, more about Qui-Gon's intrigue with "The Prophecy", and the epilogue flashes forward to Obi-Wan's thoughts during Qui-Gon's funeral.

The Phantom Menace

Every Saga has a beginning.  Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, travel to Naboo to settle a trade dispute.  The whole thing turns sideways and before they know it, they're battling the first Sith Lord seen in a millennia.  

Obi-Wan and Anakin

Several years into his training, young Anakin Skywalker is doubting his choice to become a Jedi. He ventures with his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, on a mission that may be their last.  To be honest, the assignment isn't really important. It's the epiphany of Obi-Wan knowing that if Anakin leaves the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan must go with him.

Attack of the Clones

Padme Amidala is in trouble.  On the verge of a Senate vote to create an army for the Republic her life is in danger.  Obi-Wan and Anakin have been tasked to protect her.  Their investigation leads Obi-Wan to Kamino and the creation of a secret clone army. But what are Anakin and Padme doing on Tatooine while he's getting shot at by Jango Fett and his bratty son, Boba?

Brotherhood

This book isn't going to be released till May 10, and I'm sure it will be a great read right before Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres, being that it deals with the relationship of he and Anakin.  From what we know, it takes place right as The Clone Wars are starting.  Anakin is now a Knight, and Obi-Wan a Master.  Their roles have changed, so how will their relationship change?

THE CLONE WARS

Below are various episodes of The Clone Wars animated series where Obi-Wan plays a pivotal role and each is a step in his Star Wars journey.  We learn about his past with a possible former love, as well as see an old foe come back into his life seeking revenge.  In one storyline, Obi-Wan goes undercover as a bounty hunter and tangles with Cad Bane, and in another he, Anakin, and Ahsoka land in the middle of a mystical family squabble that has deep ties to The Force and Anakin's future. 

Season 2: The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, Duchess of Mandalore

         Season 3: Overlords, Altar of Mortis, Ghosts of Mortis

         Season 4: Deception, Friends and Enemies, The Box, Crisis on Naboo, Revenge

         Season 5: Revival, Eminence, Shades of Reason, Lawless

         Season 6: The Lost One 

Revenge of the Sith

The Clone Wars are winding down. Anakin and Obi-Wan's rescue of the Chancellor ended with the death of Count Dooku.  Obi-Wan is off to take down General Grievous and end the war while Anakin starts to make trouble back on Coruscant. Order 66 changes the galaxy and everything Obi-Wan knows.  

                      From the Journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi

From the pages of Marvel's Star Wars title, After Luke Skywalker has blown up the Death Star, he returns to Tatooine and finds the journal of Obi-Wan in hopes it will help him continue his Jedi training. In various tales we see Obi-Wan take on the scum of Tatooine, keep little Luke out of trouble, and even have a run in with the wookie bounty hunter, Black Krrsantan.

Obi-Wan

Another piece of literature set to help ramp up for the Disney+ series, all we know about this miniseries is that is supposed to come out in May and follow Obi-Wan through various parts in his life.  I believe it is supposed to be a 5-issue miniseries so I would recommend youngling, padawan, knight, master, and then hermit.  Either way, I'm in!

Who Likes Star Wars? Book of Boba Fett, Chapter 6

WARNING!! CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT: CHAPTER 6: FROM THE DESERT COMES A STRANGER.   

The problem with living in an age where information can be shared in an instant is that spoilers for media can also be shared in an instant.  I was online this morning for less than five minutes before I saw spoilers for The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 6: From The Desert Comes A Stranger. But, I only blame myself.  I know better than to look at Twitter or YouTube before watching a new episode of a popular series.  

I also now know the title of this episode refers to the mysterious man who walks in from the Tatooine desert and shoots Cobb Vanth.  For the "Knight fans" of Star Wars and above (I have a system for levels of SW fandom) we know this blue alien is Cad Bane, the best bounty hunter in the galaxy.  His name was never said, but anyone who's seen The Clones Wars or even The Bad Batch know he's one hombre not to be messed with.  That was my favorite scene in this episode.  Because it served the story of the series.  It gave us a new player who is working for the Pykes, he has a history with both Boba and Fennec, and is going to be someone who will be a problem for Boba and his crew.  That is, if we ever get back to Boba Fett.  

I was never a big Boba Fett fan.  I quote Windows from the movie Fanboys, "All style.  No substance."  All Boba ever did in the movies was track down Han Solo, deliver him to Jabba, and then he goes out like a punk in the Sarlacc Pit.  In the Expanded Universe he starred in multiple books and comics that make him a seem like a badass.  But he still ain't no Jedi.  So far in this series we've seen Boba get out of the Sarlacc Pit, get taken in by a group of Tusken Raiders, rescue Fennec Shand, and then take over Jabba's old business.  I honestly think the series has been a snore fest.  However, last week's episode, catching up with Din Djarin, woke me up!  I loved it!  But that's because we know Din, like Din, and can't wait for The Mandalorian season 3! I still don't know who Boba Fett is.

This week we see Mando finally join Boba's clan.  But that was the one scene Boba appeared in the whole episode and I don't think he even spoke!  Again, I'm not a fan of Boba Fett, but in a seven-part season the main character will go almost a quarter of the season without a line of dialogue. And this doesn't set good with me because, aside from his flashbacks, I don't think Boba has had any character growth, or have any sense of character to him at all.  Not even the second lead, Fennec Shand, has had a decent storyline to care about.  In any action movie, you can make the sky fill with people falling off buildings, but if I don't care about those people, it won't be as emotional.  And that's what good storytelling does, try to get an emotional response out of us. Whether it be happy, sad, anger, excitement, or dread.  With one episode left in the season, and a big action sequence coming up, I feel nothing for Boba or Fennec.

Meanwhile, on a planet we have no idea what it is; some droids are building a future Jedi school.  We can assume it's going to be the place that we see get burned down in The Last Jedi, but we don't know that because the episode never told us.  So again, no emotional connection.  Din is going to give Grogu his Beskar chainmail but decides not to give it to him after a brief talk with Ahsoka about Jedi not having attachments.  Did we learn nothing from the Star Wars franchise up to this point?  It was the Jedi's outdated rules that lead to their own destruction!  And it was Luke's attachment his father, Anakin's attachment to his son, that saved the galaxy and brought down Palpatine (for a while). Grogu's relationship to Din, like any relationship, could be a good thing.  Just like any relationship that anybody has, Jedi or not.  

Luke Skywalker is my favorite fictional character ever.  The day Mark Hamill passes, I will cry.  I have no doubt.  Ahsoka Tano is my wife's favorite Star Wars character.  Sure, I liked seeing these characters. But the Grogu training scenes seemed unnecessary in a Boba Fett show. They belong in The Mandalorian season 3.  I liked that Grogu felt he had to choose between being a Foundling or a Padawan.  But after all Luke has gone through would he make Grogu choose just one role? Perhaps it's that narrow view that leads to Luke's own downfall with his nephew.  But what was Ahsoka doing there?  "I'm a friend of the family."  It was a cute line but doesn't explain why she was there. I don't go over to my good friend's house without a reason. Was she there to ask Luke something?  Was she there to check on Grogu?  There was no practical reason for her to be there other than, "Hey, it's Ahsoka!"  Luke could have easily shared those few lines with Din about letting go of Grogu.  SIDENOTE:  The Luke CGI looked WAY BETTER than at the end of The Mandalorian season 2.

It just feels like the storytellers are not focusing enough on its story.  Grogu and Din's journey belongs in their show; The Mandolorian.  This is Boba and Fennec's show.  So why isn't it?  All this diversion away from them is making the audience more against Boba when we need to spend more time with him to care actually about he and Fennec.  This episode had great cameos and moments, but to me it's sideline fan service.  The Mandalorian season 2 had a lot of guest stars and cameos, but the focus was always on Din's journey.  For two great storytellers like Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, they are better than what they're giving us.

I will end on this quote that I think sums up my feelings on Boba and Mando. I forget where I heard this last week, but someone said, "Din Djarin is who we wanted Boba Fett to be all these years."  And I think it's true.  Favreau wanted to do a Boba Fett series.  And he made a great one, and then some with The Mandalorian.  But now what does Boba Fett become? I'm still waiting.  

The Book of Boba Fett's 1st Trailer

       Next week is Disney+ Day. The Mouse House has promised exclusive looks and insight into what the company has in store for the streaming service.  One thing we Star Wars fans figured we'd get was our first trailer for the newest series; The Book of Boba Fett.  So, I for one was surprised when Disney/Lucasfilm released a Boba Fett trailer a week before Disney+ Day.  It was already anticipated, so why not wait another week, or perhaps Disney has another big surprise in store for us fanboys to make us geek out?

     In any event, the trailer runs just under two minutes long and provides us a sliver of what this entry of the Star Wars franchise has in store.  For those who didn't know, there was an end credit scene in the final episode of season 2 of The Mandalorian.  In it, Boba Fett and Fennec Shand return to Tatooine, to Jabba's palace to find Jabba's old crony running the show.  With one blaster bolt, Boba takes the throne and it looks like he's going to be in charge.  And that's what we get in this trailer; Fett and Shand trying to take control of the Underworld that Jabba once ruled.

      At first viewing I was a little underwhelmed.  With the series premiering in less than two months I thought there would be more to it than this.  However, I expect another trailer to be released before the series airs on December 29.  To be honest I've always been one of those guys who thought Boba Fett was overrated.  I never saw the appeal.  But after he shows up in the last season of The Mandalorian looking for his armor, and then helps Din Djarin kick some stormtrooper ass, he thought he finally lived up to his reputation. Though, he did seem a little less ruthless than his reputation would perceive him.  Maybe getting swallowed by a living pit in the desert gives a guy a new perspective? 

      When a spin-off series was announced I was intrigued, but like The Mandalorian, the lack of Jedi and Force ushers didn't get me super excited.  But from this trailer it looks like we getting a galactic Sopranos.  One man's quest to seize and keep power in an area of the galaxy where everyone else is trying to to the same.

      One thing I liked about The Mandalorian was how it connected to other parts of the Star Wars universe.  Din finding a creature of the same species as Yoda, being rescued by Death Watch during the Clone Wars, the status of the Empire years after Return of the Jedi, the beginning of Snoke, and several memorable cameos. So what do I think we could see in this series, or what do I hope for?  For me, Boba's connection to the clones has been his more interesting characteristic. Could we see Temuera Morrison play multiple roles like say a Captain Rex or even a member of the Bad Batch?  What about his "sister" Omega?  As far as the underworld, I'm taking a cue from one of my favorite Star Wars podcasters, Joseph Scrimshaw, and going on "Hondo Watch."  The animated pirate turned Galaxy's Edge host could provide some great comic relief against Morrison and Ming-Na Wen's serious characters.  A live-action Doctor Aphra would be cool.  I would also hope for Cad Bane, but we saw him return not that long ago in The Bad Batch; so I don't want to be greedy.

From this first look, The Book of Boba Fett looks like it builds off the feel The Mandalorian sets up.  But I expect it to be even more gritty.  Either way, it's Star Wars, so everyone knows I'm in.....unless it's LEGO.

Star Wars' Civil War

     Two sides.  Each battling for their principles.  Each doing what they believe is best for the galaxy. The Rebels are good guys and the Empire are the bad guys.  The Resistance are the good guys and the First Order are the bad guys.  The Jedi are the good guys and the Sith are the bad guys.  Can real life ever be that simple?  Even Obi-Wan Kenobi says, "MOST OF THE TRUTHS WE CLING TO DEPEND GREATY ON OUR OWN POINT OF VIEW." 

     I'VE BEEN A STAR WARS FAN MY WHOLE LIFE.  I remember seeing all of the Special Edition films in theaters(along with every other Star Wars film).  I remember my dad taking me and my brother to the comic book store, like he did every Saturday, and seeing the first issue of Dark Empire.  I remember reading a few pages of Heir to the Empire to prove to my dad that I could read well enough to get the novelization of A New Hope.  To this day, The Empire Strikes Back is my go-to sick day film.  I usually post a Han Solo "I Feel Terrible" meme as I lay on the couch resting.  I know I am not alone in my love of Star Wars.  Millions around the world have discovered this franchise at different times in their lives, and has become a myth that has been passed down several generations now. I was 15 when The Phantom Menace was released.  I saw it three times in theaters.  I saw Attack of the Clones four times in theaters.  These are my least favorite Star Wars films, and for a large number of people, thought of as the worst of the franchise.  That is until 2017.

     In 2012 Disney purchased Lucasfilm and announced a new trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, and IX) would be on the way.  Also, that any existing mythology outside of the seven films and The Clone Wars TV series would be erased from Star Wars Canon as it "no longer counted".  As a person who grew up on the Expanded Universe it had it's good stories and bad, but Star Wars fans also knew it was hours upon hours of time spent that no longer mattered.  DISNEY AND LUCASFIILM WANTED TO START FRESH, and since parts of the Expanded Universe contradicted other parts it was just easier to wipe the whole board clean.  Some fans felt it was Disney saying "you wasted your time."  While Dark Empire, the Thrawn trilogy, Legacy, and Shadows of the Empire are Expanded Universe(or now referred to as Legends) stories I still enjoy to this day, there is a lot of Expanded Universe(and some of the current Canon) I don't care for.  

     In 2014 I remember going to see The Theory of Everything at the Alamo Drafthouse on Thanksgiving weekend to not actually watch the film, but to see less than a minute of footage from the newest Star Wars film that was over a year away.  It was glorious!  But, rumblings started to spread of the shot of JOHN BOYEGA AS A STORMTROOPER.  What I saw was Kylo Ren's cross blade lightsaber and the Millennium Falcon facing a TIE fighter with John Williams beautiful score playing in the background.  Why did the race of a stormtrooper matter?  Millions, if not billions, were part of the Empire.  While we never saw them take off their helmets, you had to assume not all the stormtroopers in the galaxy were white males. 

     In 2015 The Force Awakens arrives in theaters.  Daisy Ridley starred as Rey, the Force-sensitive orphan who became the hero of the sequel trilogy.  BUT SHE WAS A GIRL!  And everything is easy for her!  Some people accused Disney of making the main character a girl who can do anything just as a social justice message.  Anyone ever heard of Princess Leia?  How about the line, "Somebody has to save our skins.  Into the garbage shoot flyboy!"  When Rogue One was released in 2016 I didn't hear much about Jyn Erso in the same way, but I think we where all just mesmerized by the Vader hallway scene.

     THEN, IN 2017, THE WAR ERUPTED.  The Last Jedi was the Star Wars film that finally divided the fanbase.  Up to then, everyone agreed that the original trilogy was great, the prequels not so great, and the last two films were at least ok.  After two years of speculating, nothing I thought would happened did, but I still walked out satisfied with what Rian Johnson gave us.  Others did not.  Sure the Finn storyline can be called pointless(I wouldn't) and killing the Emperor-type villain, Snoke, so abruptly was jarring.  But the biggest critique I heard about The Last Jedi was how the hero of our childhood, Luke Skywalker, had become a bitter hermit who didn't want anything to do with the battle to save the galaxy. All of which I believe are valid points of opinion.

     The lines had been drawn, and while I could understand people's complaints, I DON'T UNDERTSAND WHAT FOLLOWED THE LAST JEDI.  The social media accounts of Daisy Ridley, Kelly Marie Tran, and Rian Johnson were full of hateful messages.  So many that Ridley and Tran deleted their accounts, and to this day I am still not sure they have returned.  Imagine getting your dream job.  You get to work in Star Wars.  You are told to play a part, and then you do as your told.  Then people personally attack your gender and ethnicity simply because they didn't like the character you played.   Star Wars hate was nothing new.  PEOPLE ACCUSED GEORGE LUCAS OF "RUINED MY CHILDHOOD" WITH THE PREQUELS.  Ahmed Best, Jake Lloyd, and Hayden Christensen were all subjected to personal attacks simply because of the characters they played.  But in the era where billions have a place to interact and voice their opinions, those voices turned vicious by some fans who celebrate films meant to be about diversity, acceptance, and no holding on to anger.

     Since then I feel like Star Wars fans have been divided on everything.  I KNOW ITS TAKEN ME SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS TO GET TO THE POINT OF THIS ENTRY.  I apologize. But we've gotten to the point in fandom where some believe that if you have a different opinion about film, a piece of art, you are wrong and stupid.  I'm not a big fan of The Rise of Skywalker, but when I watch it I try to focus on the things I like about it, and don't lash out at those who do enjoy it.  Or, I just choose just not to watch it again like I do the other Star Wars films. I believe the Star Wars fanbase has become a representation of the bigger divide not about Star Wars, but about the world around us.  

     Of course what prompted me to write this entry was the firing of The Mandalorian actor Gina Carano.  I admit I only read one or two of the tweets she published that led to her getting fired, so I may not have a full view of the situation.  I can only judge from what knowledge I possess.  And while it is her right to speak about the things she believes, it is also her employers right to let her go if her actions jeopardize their business.  If I was a cashier at Target and swore to all the time I would expect Target to fire me.  They would lose business because of my vulgar words and that is not the kind of image they want to project to their customers.  AND THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO GINA CARANO.

     But this is just another incident in the Star Wars fan community within the last few years.  Headlines about fans shouting hatred, treating humans beings like they aren't real, or have no feelings. Believing that if a story does not go how they wanted it too that it is wrong.  And honestly, I'M TIRED OF BEING A STAR WARS FAN. It is so exhausting reading about personal attacks on people who work for Disney and Lucasfilm. People bagging on books that they haven't read.  If you don't like the idea for a book, just say it doesn't look interesting, and move on with your life.  Not everything is for everyone. YOU DON'T NEED THIRTY TWEETS ABOUT HOW THE THING YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED IN IS GONNA SUCK.  I see so many fans talking not about what they love, but what they hate.  And for the life of me, I can't understand what they fear.  "Fear leads anger.  Anger leads to hate." Is it not getting what they want?  Not being open to something unexpected?  Or just the belief that their opinion is the only one that is right?  

     TO HEAL THE STAR WARS FANBASE WOULD MEAN HEALING THE WORLD.  But we're all too selfish to take a look at ourselves and realize we are the problem.  I've always grown up believing Star Wars was about unity, fairness, understanding, love, and acceptance.  That's why I don't understand people who say they love Star Wars, but don't believe in what Star Wars is. 

    

  

Hi, I'm "one of those people" Who Signed Up For MoviePass

Hi, my name is Shawn and I'm one of these people who signed for MoviePass at $9.99 a month.  Since I live in a "full house" these days it's better sometimes for me to blog rather than podcast, and being that it's a Wednesday night and my house has 5 people(and 1 dog) in it, I thought it'd be best to share my thoughts on this MoviePass deal via the written word.  I'm not going to look up and reference anything so don't try and crosscheck my facts because I'm probably wrong.  All of this will be off the top of my head.

Yesterday, while spending the day at Six Flags with my family, my Facebook was getting links and messages in regards to MoviePass lowering their price to $9.99 per month.  MoviePass has been around for a few years.  I've heard the basis of it, and thought it was a little overpriced.  For a sum amount of money you can see one movie every day, but you can only see a movie one time.  Example:  If I see Spider-Man and I really liked it, I can not use my MoviePass to go back the next day(or any day) to see Spider-Man again.  To me, the other big drawback is it's not "every" theater in the U.S. so chances are my closest theater won't accept MoviePass.  However, one of the biggest theater chains in America, AMC, does accept MoviePass, and they are pissed.

They feel that by MoviePass lowering their prices astronomically it is a bad business plan that is doomed to fail, thereby hurting AMC's public image by being associated with MoviePass.  From what I hear, MoviePass has to reimburse the theater for every ticket they sell, which will be way more than they'll get from memberships.  

So in theory this all sounds like a bad business move right?  Does anyone remember how Netflix started making money?  They would ship you a dvd(sometimes 2-at-a-time) and then once you've watched it you ship it back.  At minimum, from getting a dvd to getting another one would take maybe 3 days.  So let's just say you got 2 per week, or 8 movies a month, but you only paid $7 for the subscription when it started.  Sounds like they would go out of business right?  How many days did you sit on your dvds, saying you were going to watch them only to keep them for weeks or months?  MoviePass is banking on the same concept! 

The average person goes to a movie maybe once or twice a month. Now, let's just say you go to the movie.  You wants snacks right?  Most movie theaters make their money off of popcorn and candy(which is why it's so expensive).  That's money the theater gets every time you use your MoviePass.  Also, most people don't like to go to the movies alone, so you want to bring a friend, and they don't have MoviePass.  Well that's one full price ticket the theater gets, thanks to MoviePass.

For those who know me know I love movies(see this blog for reference).  I try to see 2 new movies a week(whether in theater or on dvd).  But I also spend a lot of time with my daughter.  Add a job and the usual "normal stuff" and my only free time is 9pm-12am after my daughter goes to sleep and before I go to bed.  I don't want to pay evening prices!  Sure, I can go on Tuesdays to my closest theater when it's only $5-all-day, but some Tuesdays I just don't feel like going. MoviePass now allows me to go when I have free time, and for cheaper than the cheapest days. Another limitation is MoviePass will not work for 3D films.  To that I say, "who still wants to see 3D movies, aside from maybe 1 or 2 a year?"

For the big movies(like Star Wars or Avengers) my wife and I buy our tickets weeks in advance, which MoviePass does not allow you to do.  So every few months I plan on spending full price to go see the big films, but the other 90% of films my wife doesn't want to see I can go on my own for a good price.

Now, AMC I heard is trying to sue MoviePass or even get out of their contract with them.  This news has made waves and MoviePass may be gone in a few months.  And if it is, guess I'll just go back to renting movies from the public library.  No worries.  Like Netflix, MoviePass is banking on the laziness of the American people who say they're going to watch that dvd and send it back, or those people who plan on using that gym membership they haven't gone to in months.  Also, how many more subscriptions has MoviePass gotten in the last few days that it didn't have last week; millions?  Maybe AMC better calm down and think about how this might actually help declining ticket sales. I can also see that once so many people have MoviePass they raise the membership fee(Netflix did).  For me, my cut off is $20 (4 x $5 movies a month)

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 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.

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.