Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Worst So Far

So now that I've listed my favorites so far, I thought I'd take some time to tell you what my LEAST favorite EU materials have been. Now, this doesn't mean you can't like these things or that I didn't enjoy them at all. For the record, there hasn't been one story/adventure from the EU so far that I didn't enjoy at least somewhat. However, unless you are a die-hard fan like me, you may want to steer clear of these items:

#1 Ewoks Animated Adventures (Nelvana animated series)

3 years BBY


Contrary to popular opinion, I don't hate Ewoks. But this show is just a little bit more than I can handle. There are 25-odd episodes comprising 2 seasons and none of it really holds relevance to what's going on in the galaxy. The best episode is the last, when the Empire comes scouting out Endor. But honestly, after I watched about 5 episodes, learned all the characters and read the comic books, enough was enough.

#2 Rogue Planet by Greg Bear

29 years BBY


I remember this being the first EU book I encountered that I didn't really like very much. The best things this book has going for it are that it's one of the only books to feature young padawan Anakin and the bloodcarver (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Bloodcarver). This is also the first time when Anakin feels the pull of the dark side. Furthermore, it does have a nice connection to the book Outbound Flight and the Thrawn Trilogy, as Obi-Wan and Anakin are looking for answers Vergere's disappearance. However, in all, this book is not that interesting. It's not horrible, it's just kind of boring and not much happens. And, also contrary to popular opinion, I don't hate little Anakin and that's not why I didn't like the book.

#3 The Adventures of Lando Calrissian by L. Neil Smith

5-3 years BBY


I might catch some flak for this one, but honesty is the best policy. This trilogy chronicles the adventures of the young gambler Lando Calirissian before he owns Cloud City and while he own the Millennium Falcon. I must admit, the main villain, the Sorcerer of Tund Rokur Gepta(http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Rokur_Gepta), was highly enjoyable. And the third book was actually really fun to read. However, in my opinion, the books themselves were poorly written and the trilogy as a whole was lackluster. On top of that, being one of the first EU books ever written, some of the vernacular and terminology was out of place. For example, "Portuguese man-o-wars" were mentioned. I don't think the sentients of the Star Wars galaxy know anything about Portugal or man-o-wars. However, I can forgive all of this because these books flow and connect exceedingly well with the Han Solo Trilogy. I'm convinced A.C. Crispin and Smith had many good conversations.

#4 The Clone Wars (3D animated series)

22-19 years BBY


I do enjoy this TV show for what it is and there are several things I love about it. However, The Clone Wars has completely and horribly defaced continuity, and I can't let that slide. I'm not upset about Anakin's padawan, Ahsoka Tano, although I wonder what's gonna happen to her come Episode III (partly why I watch the series). What upsets me is that it has irresponsibly tossed around the timeline for the Clone Wars. For example, Anakin, according to Jedi Trial, does not become a knight until 6 months before the end of the Clone Wars. Now, because of this series, he's a knight almost from the outset. Not to mention his scar, which shouldn't be there yet, and the fact that clone commanders shouldn't be popping up until Phase II clone armor is developed, whereas Captain Rex and his squad wear Phase I armor. I feels like, overall, the Clone Wars team did not do it's homework. This isn't beyond repair, but it's annoying to say the least. Regardless, I do genuinely enjoy this TV show, if only just to see/hear previously ancillary Jedi like Plo Koon, Luminara Unduli, and Kit Fisto. And Cad Bane is awesome!

At the end of the day, I can't wait for season two.



7 comments:

  1. My response is to Rogue Planet. I thought that was an odd fit between I and II but I think that it has a great value when placed with the New Jedi Order stuff. Vergere and the planet itself are so significant to the storyline in that series that I am glad I know a little more about them from Rogue Planet.

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  2. Yeah, that's about all I liked about it. It worked really well with Outbound Flight as well. Maybe I'll come to appreciate it more when I reach the NJO!

    You never know!

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  3. Sorry if I became a spoiler in any way to you. I am a bit of a jumper when it comes to order and I don't desire the breadth of knowledge that you seek to attain.

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  4. ha! no problem! I knew about that somewhat anyway.

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  5. I too thought Rogue Planet wasn't so great (poorly written), but I was glad for it in that it cleared up some doubts left over from the whole Verger story!

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  6. I forgot to ask this before:

    How in the hell did you get a hold of a copy of the Lando Calrissian Adventures? Haha, that's hilarious. It looks TERRIBLE. I admire your courage and perseverance.

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  7. Cris,

    Yeah, I do Like it when books tie in to other, much later pieces.

    Rick,

    I actually found those on ebay for a couple of bucks each! I guess not everyone knows how rare those are in single-print. Nowadays, you have to buy the 3-book compilation "Lando Calrissian Adventures". The old ones smell an aweful lot like mothballs though...

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