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 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 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.

My Top 5 Young Han Solo Casting Choices

Yesterday, a huge piece of Star Wars news broke as it was officially announced that Disney and Lucasfilm are indeed making a young Han Solo film that will be released in 2018 as part of their Star Wars Anthology series.  Disney also announced the directors of this film would be none other than the duo behind The LEGO Movie and 21 Jump Street; Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

While I would have preferred an announcement of a solo Obi-Wan film starring Ewan McGregor I am still excited about this news.  Lord and Miller have been on a hot streak ever since 21 Jump Street made me laugh so hard at Channing Tatum.  And it wasn't because of his bad acting for once, it was because he was actually funny.  With these two calling the shots you have to assume the film will have an element of comedy to it.  Han is known for is one liners so I can see this film being a bit light-hearted as Han makes his way in the galaxy with his charm and his smirk.

Not too long ago the debate went on about who would play the new Spider-Man.  Well now that bone has been picked dry and Hollywood has given us something new to chew on.  Who will play the young Han Solo?  I've got my choices narrowed down to five.

5) Richard Madden

Every time Rob Stark was on screen in the HBO series Game of Thrones Madden seemed to have an aura about him that commanded you're presence.  Rob wasn't one of my favorite characters but I thought Madden carried the character very well.  If he can bring that same aura to a Han Solo role I think he'll be well on his to play it the way Harrison Ford did.  On a side note, I also picked Madden to be the next Batman before Ben Affleck was cast. 

4) Ansel Elgort

Yes, I do admit that I watched The Fault In Our Stars because I always try to give each film and television show a fair shake before I dismiss it.  While the film was not good(liked I predicted) Elgort played the bad-boy-of-cancer very well.  He had a charm to him, and that's what we need in Han Solo.  We need an actor who can come off cocky and like him because of it.  That's what Ford did, and that's what I believe Elgort can do.

3) Taron Egerton

Having made a splash in this year's Kingsman: The Secret Service, Egerton has made his presence known in Hollywood and has proved he can carry an action film.  He's got the charm and the chops to pull off a scoundrel.

2) Penn Badgley

I first saw Badgely in the short-lived WB series, The Bedford Diaries, and he later found a home for several years on The CW series Gossip Girl while taking on several films like Easy A and John Tucker Must Die.  While I haven't always been a fan of his choices he has always seemed like a legit actor to me.  An actor who can carry a tough-guy vibe, but turn on some charm when needs be.  Sounds like Han Solo to me.

1) Garrett Hedlund

Once I had my list down I was concerned about several of their ages with them playing a "young" Han Solo.  I looked it up, and Harrison Ford was in his early 30's when started playing Han Solo and everyone on my list is 30 and below.   If Disney won't let Hedlund get another shot at Sam Flynn in a sequel to Tron: Legacy then they should let him play another wise-cracking hero with a chip on his shoulder.  Hedlund can do brooding so I don't see why he wouldn't nail this part.    

Marvel's 'New Hope' With Star Wars

I remember when I was a child my father used to take me and my brother to the comic book store every Saturday morning.  We both used to pick out an issue of our favorite Marvel or DC hero.  However, one Saturday, I ended up picking out something different.  It was a new mini-series called Star Wars: Dark Empire.  I didn't know it at the time, but this was the first non-Marvel Star Wars comic book ever published.  Dark Horse comics would remain the sole distributor of Star Wars comic books for over two decades; until today.

When Disney bought Lucasfilm back in 2012 every Star Wars fan knew what the logical change would be for Star Wars comics.  Disney also owned Marvel, a comic book publishing company, so there was no need for Star Wars to continue to be made at Dark Horse.  I was a little saddened by this.  I had grown up reading Star Wars comic books, brought to me by the lovely writers and artists at Dark Horse comics.  But then I thought of the benefits.  Some of favorite Marvel writers like Brian Michael Bendis, Jeph Loeb, or Mark Waid would be writing the adventures of Luke, Han, and Leia.  Star Wars comics could be as detailed and complex as Avengers vs. X-Men or Civil War.

Well, today Star Wars #1 came out.  In a few months Marvel also plans to roll out several mini-series featuring Darth Vader and Princess Leia as well.  To be honest this comic didn't even cross my mind today, but then I got a text from my brother.  He's not a big Star Wars fan like me, but he commented on how he had just read the issue and loved it.  I then knew I had to check it out.  Being a father I didn't have time to go to my local comic shop and indulge in what I'm sure was Star Wars hysteria.  But when I got home I paid the five dollars to read the digital copy on my tablet.

As I flipped my finger through the screens I saw "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" and then STAR WARS.  It was almost as beautiful as seeing the words on the screen with The Force Awakens trailer.  As my finger continued to progress I saw the traditional opening crawl explaining the synopsis, followed by a a ship coming overhead.  I knew then this comic was going to get it right.  

In the first issue Han, Leia, and Luke are on a mission to shut down an Imperial manufacturing plant.  Han took the lead, Chewie was on sniper duty, and Threepio was back in the Falcon ready to swoop in for the rescue.  As always with out heroes, the plan goes awry and soon Darth Vader shows up ending this first issue with what looks like a showdown with Luke Skywalker.  

It's been a long time since I read a single issue comic book. I'm used to reading graphic novels so this seemed a bit short to me, and got cut-off right before it was going to get good.  I know writer Jason Aaron from his run on Wolverine and the X-Men and I was quite impressed how well he handles these characters.  The dialogue seems to flow, and the team seems to be right where they should be post-Episode IV.  Luke his fumbling through his rookie Jedi skills, Leia waste no thought on trying to take out Vader after his part in Alderaan's destruction, and Han's motives for staying with the Rebellion are still allusive.  

I've admired Cassaday's art ever since Astonishing X-Men and loved the full page splashes of Luke having just cut off someone's hand, Vader making his entrance, and Han thinking he can escape in an AT-AT. I only hope that Joss Whedon gets a crack at this, or another Star Wars comic series, some day.  The issue was full of puns reverting back to Star Wars lore.  My only question is if Threepio will actually pick-up the blaster in the Falcon's cock pit and use it.

I wasn't drooling over this issue when it was done, but I thought it definitely had more potential then a similar series Dark Horse tried to put out a few years ago.  If you like Star Wars, comic books, or both, I recommend it.  However, like most comics today, I'm gonna wait for the trade paperback.  Until then, May The Force Be With Us All.

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.