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

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

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

Darth Plagueis by James Luceno (3)

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

Rogue Planet by Greg Bear (4)

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

 Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno (1)

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

The Truce At Bakura by Kathy Tyers (5)

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

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

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

My Trilogy of Star Wars EU Trilogies

It's only one week until May the 4th, otherwise known as National Star Wars Day.  I, along with most Star Wars enthusiasts, are hoping that some news will come out regarding the casting of Episode VII.  For many months it seems like every actor and their sister have been rumored to be up for a part in the next Star Wars film.  However, Disney and Lucasfilm have yet to confirm even that the "Big 3"(Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher) are even locked down to be in Episode VII.  Last week Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy, spoke out in regards to the future of Star Wars and the beloved EU(Expanded Universe) that has been thriving for over twenty years; from books to video games.  Kennedy hinted that some ideas of the EU may be cherry picked to be put in the new Star Wars canon.  

This leaves us fan boys with more rumors and hysteria as we ponder, and obsess, as to what of our favorite EU ideas could be put in Episodes VII-IX, Star Wars: Rebels, or even the Star Wars spin-off films.  Growing up I've tried to absorb as much of the EU as I could.  Being a man who enjoys comic books I've definitely read a lot of that, several novels, and even played a few video games based "In A Galaxy Far, Far Away."  If I could whisper into some one's ear these would be the Star Wars tales I would recommend bringing to the big screen.

1) THE THRAWN TRILOGY

Set 5 years after Return of the Jedi this was the first book to really launch the Expanded Universe.  It had been eight years since the last Star Wars film was released so loyal fans were rabid to jump on anything new from the land of Jedi and Wookies.  Heir to the Empire was published in 1991 with Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command being released the following years.  This trilogy blew the door wide-open for the Expanded Universe and it's all thanks to it's writer; Timothy Zahn.

In this trilogy we see Luke training Leia in the ways of The Force and trying to figure out how to jump-start the new Jedi Order.  Meanwhile, in a dark corner of the galaxy, Grand Admiral Thrawn has taken an Imperial Fleet to seek out a Jedi named Joruus C'Boath, who believes can help him reclaim the galaxy for the Empire. C'Boath only agrees to help Thrawn after he learns that Leia is pregnant with potential Jedi twins.  C'Boath seeks out Luke, and after spending some time with C'Boath, Luke realizes the guy it bat sh*t crazy!  But that doesn't stop C'Boath and Thrawn from trying to take down Luke and the New Republic.  

This trilogy also introduced some other classic characters like Talon Karrde and Mara Jade, who has a deep hatred for Luke.  We learn that Mara was the Emperor's hand, and followed Luke when we was in Jabba's Palace in Episode VI.  The end of this series comes down to a climatic lightsaber that Luke has....with himself!  C'Boath cloned Luke using the hand he lost at Bespin!  Young Skywalker must defeat himself, C'Boath, and try not let Mara kill him either.  

This was a great beginning to the EU with great moments.  One of my favorites is when the team crashes the Millennium Falcon.  Lando criticizes Han's landing and he replies, "At least the sensor dish is still on" referring to Lando's time inside the Death Star in Episode VI.  Thrawn and Mara Jade have become classic characters in the Star Wars EU and mythology, and years later, Luke marries Mara and they have a child; Ben.  I love the EU!

2) THE DARK EMPIRE TRILOGY

From 1977-1986 Marvel comics had an on-going Star Wars series that ended with issue #107.  The next Star Wars comic book wasn't published until 1991 by Dark Horse comics titled Dark Empire.  Just has Heir to the Empire had a hand in helping to start the ever expanding Expanded Universe, Dark Empire introduced many comic readers to not only Dark Horse comics, but a darker Star Wars tale.  This story also spun right out of the Thrawn trilogy by recognizing Han and Leia's twins, Jacen and Jaina.

As the story begins Han, Leia, and Chewie are off to save Luke and Lando from a horrific battle.  Luke has been drawn to the battle by The Force and refuses to leave until he finds the power that calls to him.  It turns out to be The Emperor!  Luke then turns to the Dark Side of The Force to try and understand why it engulfed his father, Anakin.  It's up to Leia to save her brother from the Emperor and himself.

After the popularity of Dark Empire is spawned a sequel, Dark Empire II.  The Emperor comes back and seeks out Luke, Leia, and her children.  Meanwhile, Luke is searching for Jedi to help him start the new Order.  It all comes to a head in the final installment, Empire's End, as the Emperor is dying and wishes to transfer his essence into a newborns body: Anakin Solo!

As Star Wars stories go this one was really dark, which some fans may like given their disappointment with Episode I.  Dark Horse has published Star Wars comics for over twenty years now, but soon will be letting go of the property since Disney not only own Lucasfilm now, but also Marvel comics.  Marvel will start publishing Star Wars comics again, and so "the circle is complete." 

3) STAR WARS: LEGACY

Set 126 years after Return of the Jedi, we find the descendant of Luke Skywalker, Cade.  After the New Jedi Order has fallen apart Cade became a bounty hunter.  He uses his Jedi tricks to help him in his profession, and by night dines on death sticks.  When the rest of the galaxy learns that a Skywalker is alive everyone from the Jedi to the new Sith Order rush to find Cade.  But all Cade wants is to be left alone.  This 50 issue series saw the appearance of some of our favorite characters; from R2-D2 to a ghostly Luke Skywalker who tries to guide Cade towards his destiny.  With every move Cade seems to make the wrong decision and it could not be more fun to read!  Cade is a great mix of Han and Luke and the kind of flawed and complex hero today's readers like seeing.  

I've figured out how to break this 50+ part series into three nice pieces.  It has the makings of a great modern Star Wars trilogy.  You wouldn't have to worry about aging actors because you'd have a fresh new cast in a world we're all familiar with.  I recommend this series to anyone who likes Star Wars, but is interested in seeing something totally different in the Star Wars EU.

BONUS:  What I Think Episode VII-IX Should Be:  LEGACY OF THE FORCE

This nine-book series sees Luke, Han, and Leia as the elders while their children, Jacen, Jaina, and Ben take center-stage.  After losing his younger brother, Anakin, Jacen is lured to the Dark Side of The Force.  He becomes Darth Caedus and tries to bring down the Jedi Order and the New Republic.  He even kills his own aunt, Mara, and leaves everyone wondering who did it.  This is an epic series that ended with Jacen facing off against is twin sister, Jaina, in a fight to the death for the fate of the galaxy!

This story takes place within the 30-year time frame Episode VII is set to be told in, and it's got enough edge to keep modern audiences interested.  Plus, it has the "Big 3" in the story, but the next generation at the forefront.  

While I know the next era of Star Wars films won't be any of these stories I do hope Disney and Lucasfilm take notice of these EU stories that people have enjoyed when their wasn't any hope of another Star Wars movie ever being made.  All we ask is a few easter eggs to make us geeks smile as our excitement for more Star Wars punches into hyperspace.