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!

Star Wars Episode VII: My Fantasy Plot

After months of rumors, speculation, and flat out lies the cast of the new Star Wars film has been announced!  As no surprise to anyone, the original cast from Episodes IV-VI are all returning, with the exception of Billy Dee Williams(so far).  Along with them is a slew of actors, most of which aren't anyone on the Hollywood A-List.  This has some fans excited since the original Star Wars film back in 1977 was filled with unknowns like Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher.  

Now that the main cast has been announced another array of speculation has begun as to who these new actors will play and what the plot of the film will be.  We now know that the infamous Expanded Universe that continued the Star Wars story after Return of the Jedi will not be the basis of Episode VII.  But it's been said that they may cherry-pick certain ideas from the EU into this new Star Wars canon.  Every uber Star Wars fan has their own thoughts and ideas as to how they hope this cast comes together in a film.  And here is mine.

Max von Sydow as The Imperial Commander
It'll be 30 years since the events of Return of the Jedi.  I'm sure the Empire didn't just give up after the death of the Emperor and the destruction of the second Death Star.  I'm sure it still took several years of fighting before peace was given a chance.  And while the "New Republic" won out, I'm sure their were some compromises.  Everyone seems to think that Sydow will play an old Sith Lord, but I think that just seems to obvious.  I see him more as the liaison of the once mighty Empire.  He could be this man who actually believed the Empire was the best form of government.  He has a strong sense of duty, and is now proud to be representing the old regime in this new era.  I also wouldn't be surprised though if he has a hidden agenda, perhaps working with some Sith Lords to cause unrest in the Republic making the galaxy wish for the days of the ordered Empire.

Adam Driver as The Sith Lord
Let's just all face the facts.  Adam Driver will be a bad guy.  He just looks creepy.  I've only really seen him in the HBO show Girls and even in that show he was just weird.  I see Driver playing the Darth Maul-type character.  He could be the Sith that everyone sees carrying out his master's plans, and even the one holding secret meetings with Sydow's character.  It also wouldn't surprise me if Driver's character does the non-Darth Maul route and survives past the first film; eventually becoming the master!

Andy Serkis as The Sith Master
I'm of the strong opinion that Serkis should have gotten some kind of Oscar for his role as Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  He was phenomenal in that film!  Serkis has become synonymous with body acting so everyone assumes he'll be doing the same in Episode VII.  Some think he'll be the "New Jar Jar" and play the comic relief.  I personally think it' d be nice if Serkis would actually play Jar Jar Binks!  He could totally redeem the character and maybe make him not look so bad in Episode I if we then know where the character was going to end up.

However, I don't think they'd waste a great talent like Andy Serkis on just some funny character who will sell toys.  I see Serkis playing a more pivotal role; The Sith Master.  Much like Darth Sidious was in Episodes I-III, he'd be the man behind the curtain pulling all the strings.  But because it's Serkis he wouldn't be human. I say they make the big bad some kind of weird/scary alien.  I think this would be a terrific use of Serkis and he can bring out a much better performance than we got from Ian McDiarmid. A blind man could have seen Palpatine was up to no good for Christ sakes!  

Oscar Isaac as The Bounty Hunter
I've seen Driver and Robin Hood, but the only thing I really remember seeing Oscar Isaac in is Sucker Punch, which makes me sad.  I've heard that people are seeing him as the new Han Solo character.  Isaac could be the anti-hero who is rebellious and out for himself, but of course later learns the value of friendship and fighting for a cause.  I think this would be a good idea, but let's make him more edgy.  A trailer for the current The Old Republic computer game saw a cowboy smuggler with a lot of attitude.  I think this type of character would be great for Isaac, only a little more ruthless.  Perhaps Isaac is hired to kill Luke or Leia and ends up joining their side?  Then he spends the other films fighting his own nature, and we never quite know if he'll return to his old ways.

Domhnall Gleeson as The Ben Skywalker
In the Expanded Universe Luke Skywalker marries a woman named Mara Jade, who just happens to be a redhead.  So when I saw Gleeson was going to be in the film my first thought was that he'd play Luke's son; Ben Skywalker.  I remember Gleeson from playing Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise, but it was his starring role in About Time that made me excited to see him on the Episode VII roster.  I thought About Time was wonderful little movie and Gleeson did a superb job as the lead.

With that being said, I think Luke Skywalker is going to die in Episode VII.  Let's think about it.  Episode I, Qui-Gon Jinn, the mentor, dies.  In Episode IV, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the mentor, dies.  I think Episode VII will continue that trend.  Of course Mark Hamill will become a ghost like Obi-Wan did and still be in the rest of the trilogy, but in a heroes journey the mentor always dies.  I think this tale will be no different.  Plus, this will affect every character; including his son.  In the Expanded Universe, after the death of his brother, Jacen Solo turns to the Dark Side.  But what if, it's Luke's son that turns after his father's death?  It wouldn't be a big leap to imagine another Skywalker turning to the Dark Side.  I can see Driver's character being a secret Sith who helps sway Gleeson to the Dark Side as well.  And finally, cast Julianne Moore as Mara Jade. Mark Hamill can thank me later.

John Boyega as The Jedi Hero
Admit it.  As soon as you heard Boyega's name you thought, "Lando's son."  I'm not going to call you racist; I'm just saying it's too obvious.  I can see him being a descendant of Mace Windu though.  Speaking of, I would also like to see Mace Windu back.  I mean, come on, we never saw Mace actually die.  And you're going to tell me the second most powerful Jedi in the galaxy couldn't survive a little fall?

I plan on seeing Attack of Block before I see Episode VII, but I've heard nothing but good things about this actor.  I see him as Luke's star pupil.  The guy who is a hero through and through, and because he's is so beloved by Luke this could be another trigger for Gleeson to go dark.  Boyega could even be the one thought to take-over the "New Jedi Order" when Luke passes on, and this would make his son a little pissed. 

Daisy Ridley as The Jaina Solo
This young woman has become the talk of the cast!  Not only is she the only new female actress announced in this ensemble, but she's also the most unknown actor in the bunch.  This leads me to believe she might have the biggest part in the upcoming trilogy.  Many have already mentioned her resemblance to Carrie Fisher, which of course screams Jaina Solo; Leia's daughter in the Expanded Universe.  In the EU Jaina ended up killing her twin brother Jacen because he turned to the Dark Side.  But instead of her brother, what if she faced off against someone like her brother?  Perhaps her cousin?

Also, being the new female of the group, I can also see her the center of a love triangle.  In A New Hope you never knew if Leia was going to end up with the smuggler, Han, or the hero, Luke.  Of course George Lucas settled that debate when Leia was revealed as Luke's sister.  I can see Isacc and Boyega's characters fighting over Ridley.  But instead of Ridley ending up with the bad boy she goes for the good guy.  Perhaps with the help of Boyega they are able to turn Gleeson's character back from the Dark Side of the Force.

Another reason I can see Ridley being a child of Han and Leia is that if you look at the current Star Wars: Legacy comic book, specifically the first issue's cover, the main character, Ania, is a descendant of Han and Leia, and looks so much like Daisy Ridley.  She just has the Solo look to her. Having an even stronger woman than what Leia is can only help bring in more female viewers to go see Star Wars: Episode VII.