My Humble Return

Hey all!

It's been a while. Things have been crazy, but it looks like I'll have some time to do some serious reading/blogging come winter break in December. Keep your eyes peeled for entries on Death Troopers (which I am happy to discover happens right around the time period I'm in ATM, right around Rebel Dawn) and Imperial Commando: 501st. In the meantime, I managed to pick up two comics for your review-reading pleasure:

Knights of the Old Republic, Volume Seven

3,963 years BBY

Yeah, buddy. I love this series. Though, to be honest, I didn't have high expectations for this particular volume. I was afraid it was going to be just another one of those transitional story arcs where not much happens. I mean, starting a story-arc with the premise to the tune of, '"Free at last from the false charges against him, former Jedi student Zayne Carrick is ready and able to seek his fortune across the galaxy" (back cover synopsis) sounds like John Jackson Miller, quite frankly, ran out of ideas. Well, I wasn't as disappointed as I expected.

For the most part, it was a cut-and-dry transitional storyline. This volume contains three more or less separate adventures. But they were all unusually entertaining. First, Gryph's plan to con several frontier planet investors out of their (probably not so) hard earned cash results in some unexpected consequences. Meh. But what makes it worthwhile is the discovery that Jarael actually has the ability to (***censored***). And Slysk, the Trando pilot, is friggin hilarious in this one. Next, the crew stumbles upon a lost senatorial ship filled with corpses... sound like Death Troopers? Well, it's not, but let's just say the lone diminutive survivor is not as cute and cuddly as he seems. For the sake of not being too much of a spoiler, I will say no more. The last one takes place on what can be best described as the Disney World of gladiatorial arenas. As far as I'm concerned, a Mandalorian (e.g. Rohlan) fighting in a gladiatorial arena pretty much feeds my awesome bug.

In general, the art in the volume was particularly notable for me. As some of you may already know, this comic series is drawn by a wide array of artists, lending several different visual interpretations to the series. One that stood out for me was Dean Zachary's style (the second story), which, for me, is an odd mixture of real and surreal artwork. Bong Dazo (first story) is still my favorite for this series though.

Otherwise, all the revelations made concerning Jarael have certainly left me eagerly anticipating Volume 8 in the Spring and the (*sniff*) final volume later on.

Purge: Seconds To Die (one-shot comic)

Shortly after Episode III, 19 years BBY

My first reaction: Wait..what? Plo Koon!?! Surely Dave Filoni had something to do with this.

My realization soon after: Oh, that's Sha Koon, his niece.

Apparently Sha Koon survived Order 66. And, in a desperate attempt to destroy the Sith, she contacts the Emperor, claiming to want to become his new apprentice. Obviously, the Emperor was not fooled and sent Vader to "test" (code for "dispatch") the young Jedi.

The entire story is told in the final moments of Sha Koon's life (thus the title). I hope that wasn't a spoiler for anyone. I mean, really, did you expect her to win?

My overall opinion: "meh"

John Ostrander has done much better work. As for the art- kind of goofy at times (i.e. the Emperor). But hey, it was only $4. I'm not too upset.

Until Next time, MTFBWY, A

Clone Wars: Secret Missions #1: Breakout Squad

Clone Wars: Secret Missions #1: Breakout Squad by Ryder Windham

circa 7 months ABG (circa 22 years BBY)

Despite the fact that this is a "young reader's" book, I enjoyed it. I've never been hesitant to pick up the books from Jude Watson's series (i.e. Jedi Apprentice, The Last of the Jedi) so why should I start now? I've greatly enjoyed previous works by Windham, especially his biographies- The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader, The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and A New Hope: The Life of Luke Skywalker.

From the get go, what attracted me to this book most was the cover. A Chiss Jedi? I've never seen that one before. Nuru Kungarama, the clever Padawan of Ring-Sol Ambase, quietly follows his Master to the planet Kynachi, where a heavy Trade Federation blockade has cut off all contact with the Republic. But while the Kynachi claim neutrality in the Clone Wars, a discovery within the wreckage of the infamous Separatist super-weapon, the Malevolence, points towards uniquely Kynachi engineering. Little did young Nuru know that his Master would be incapacitated by a traitor in the squad, and that Nuru himself would be thrust into leading a squad of new recruits on an extremely hostile planet. But the mission must go on, and Nuru will stop at nothing to save his Master.

Something I appreciate most about this book is that it's one of the first books (there's also, for example, Wild Space by Karen Traviss) that adds some literary depth to the Star Wars: Clone Wars series. As far as I can tell, this story takes place between Season 1 and 2, as Cad Bane is a major character. However, it could be that this is Bane's first mission for Sidious. Speaking of the Dark Lord, his plot unfolding in this series is especially devious....I'll say no more. Not only that but bringing the Chiss into this (the second book will address this further) is a nice little addition, as the last time I heard from them was in Outbound Flight, 27 years BBY.

Nonetheless, this series could go either way. But I have faith in Ryder Windham. I'll be sure to watch this series grow "with great interest".

Changing Seasons

Journal Update

12-4 months BBY

The keen eye will notice I took the "weekly" out of the subtitle for this blog. That's because the "weekly journal" updates will have to go on indefinite hiatus, as my school work-load this quarter is on the crazy side. My Star Wars reading will, of course, suffer for it.

On the bright side, I feel like this gives me an opportunity taking a more creative (somewhat anthropological and political) look at how the galaxy as a whole is changing, as well as its key villains and heroes. Thus, I'll try to incorporate the smaller things into a new format for my posts. And, as usual, I'll keep up the major book/comic/game reviews as I go.

Well, on with it then!

As I get closer and closer to Episode IV, events continue to take on a very familiar taste. I've really been able to see the contrast between the blooming Empire of 19-2 years BBY, versus the cold and callous regime we all remember in the OT. Let me expand on that. Looking back at pieces of EU material like Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader, The Force Unleashed, or the Last of The Jedi series, the Empire was significantly more jumpy and extreme. Not only were they struggling to establish a whole new Galactic Order, but even the dealings of the Vader and Palpatine were shrouded in uncertainty. A case in point example is Vader's questioning of his role in relation to Palpatine and to his old identity. Could he defeat him alone? Does Palpatine see him as an equal or is he just a place-marker for a "far younger and more powerful" apprentice? Finally, how can Vader, so plagued by attachment, let go of the Jedi he used to be or the woman he loved? These particular dilemmas are rife in all of the titles listed above.

But the nature of the Empire has changed in both subtle and dramatic ways. As I am mere months away from A New Hope, the Empire has really become that cold, calculating, and arrogant dictatorship that we saw in the original film. Although the Rebel threat is bigger than ever before, so seem to be the egos of the Imperial rank-and-file. While Vader and Palpatine are surely worried about the Rebellion that they have "unwittingly created" (The Force Unleashed), there is a sense that even they have fallen into a bit of complacency. One clear cause of this is that Vader has seriously scaled down on the Jedi hunting, as they are almost completely wiped out. Grand Moff Tarkin has also inched closer and closer to the center stage with his "Doctrine of Fear" ("Fear will keep the local systems in line"- ANH). His journal entries in the Death Star Technical Companion exemplify his growing confidence that once the Death Star is created, no force would seriously threaten or dare challenge the Empire.

So what do stagnant imperial leaders do while they laze around on their hover-couches? Plot against one other, of course! Recent readings have really highlighted the ruthless nature of Imperial complacency. Empire Volume One: Betrayal speaks for itself as a group of Grand Moffs try to assassinate the Emperor, but only succeed in assassinating themselves. Given this new air of treachery, Darth Vader is given a new task by the Emperor- keep an eye on Tarkin and his new toy. As revealed in Mara Jade: By The Emperor's Hand #0, Palpatine does not take an optimistic or idealistic view of Tarkin's rise to prestige.

But the Empire isn't the only one playing hard-ball. In Rebel Dawn, Jabba essentially murders his Aunt Jiliac and his infant cousin, insuring his place as leader of Desilijic. At the same time, Bria Tharen breaks the last straw with Han Solo by flat-out using the smuggler and his allies to further the causes of the Rebel Alliance- with no reward. Not to mention attempts by Bib Fortuna to wipe out his slimy master in Jabba The Hutt: The Art of the Deal.

But how will the Empire change when the Rebel Alliance achieves it first great victory? The Death Star, one could say, is a symbol of Imperial complacency. What will be the crucial differences in the political setting of the Empire or the GFFA as a whole when we finally come to Episode V?

Well, I hope you've enjoyed a change of pace! Let me know what you think of my new direction. More coming soon enough!

Rebel Dawn

Rebel Dawn by A.C. Crispin



3-0 years BBY

Every once in a while you come across a book that literally blows your mind. For me, a good book keep me excited the entire way through, ties plot points (and, for Star Wars, continuity points) together seamlessly, has a diverse and engaging cast of characters, and is well-written overall. Rebel Dawn is all of this and more. Call me crazy, but this just might be my favorite BBY book.

Let's break it down by the qualities I listed above...

I was always glad to pick up this book. It just had an exciting and foreboding feel to it. This story is pretty long for a Star Wars adventure, but I never even noticed that until I finished it. I can usually only read a book for about an hour straight (covering maybe 50 pages), but Rebel Dawn was so engaging that I found myself spending half my day reading it- and loving every minute.

When I think of what attracts me the most about this story, it has to be the astonishing smoothness with which it both creates it own story yet integrates so many others. Rebel Dawn takes place over 3 years and, being the obsessive galactic historian I am, I frequently had to put it down in order to read other books. The most notable interruptions were the Han Solo Adventures: At Stars' End, Han Solo's Revenge The Lost Legacy. Now, you would think A.C. Crispin would have been hard-pressed to incorporate this huge gap (during which Han is off fortune-hunting in the Corporate Sector). Not at all. In a brilliant move, Crispin changed the entire focus of the book away from Han and towards three other key characters: Bria Tharen, Jabba The Hutt, and Durga The Hutt. This book also covers a lot of continuity ground as well. It includes infamous events such as how and why Han and Chewie had to drop their spice cargo, how the Death Star plans reach the Tantive IV, and how Jabba became the leader of the Desilijic kajidic (Hutt clan).

The characters featured in this tale are some of the most iconic in the GFFA. Where else can you find Han, Chewie, Lando, Jabba, Boba Fett, Prince Xizor, Guri, Dash Rendar, Winter, and more? The list just goes on and on. This doesn't even include the numerous references to other major characters (i.e. Obi-Wan, Luke, Mon Mothma).

Finally, A.C. Crispin is an amazing writer. She may be even be my favorite (no disrespect to the mighty Zahn). Her reading is so natural and flowing. And she really created a story that, if I had to pick, would be my personal pick for a one-shot Star Wars movie. This really felt like belonged with the OT. In fact, it seems that this is truly a heartfelt welcome for me to the ABY galaxy.

If I scored this book out of 10, it would get a thousand.

Jabba The Hutt: The Art of the Deal

Jabba The Hutt: The Art of the Deal

12-4 months BBY

Calling all criminal scum! If you want to learn a thing or two about making your way on the sultry side of the galaxy, this is the lesson for you. Perhaps the goriest Star Wars comic I have ever seen, Jabba The Hutt: The Art of the Deal is a collection of four short stories starring the galaxy's most infamous crime lord. Follow Jabba as he deftly swindles fellow crime lords, foils pirate princesses, and, quite literally, smashes the opposition.

There are some definite pros and cons to this book. To be honest, the art in this comic was not in my tastes. It's done by Art Wetherell (who did some Tales of the Jedi work) and is very similar to other late-90's Star Wars comic artwork. Just looks grimy to me. But hey, it would take a truly masterful artist to make Jabba look otherwise.

The stories, by Jim Woodring, are OK, but the last story, "Betrayal", is my definite favorite. This is because, along with the rest of the comic, you get a nice view into the devious mind of Bib Fortuna. The last story, in particular, features a nearly successful plot by Bib to assasinate Jabba. The twist at the end made me chuckle, I must admit.

Also, if you didn't think anything could be more disgusting than a Hutt, check out Princess Nampi the Orooturooan. Now that's a looker- and she's hungry.

As I said at the beginning of this blog, this is the most gore I've seen come out of the Star Wars franchise (keep in mind I haven't gotten to Death Troopers). It includes Hutt body slams, severed heads, and space-vacuum fireworks (think about it)- all of which end in a pool of blood. This one is not for the kiddies.

Empire Volume One: Betrayal

Empire Volume One: Betrayal

12-4 months BBY

The title of this graphic novel is more or less self-explanatory. In the months before the Death Star becomes fully operational, a small group of overly-ambitious Grand Moffs plot to eliminate the Emperor and his dark enforcer, Darth Vader. Armed with a legion of specially-trained stormtroopers, bred especially for their invidious purposes, the conspirators see the perfect opportunity to strike. As Vader leaves to investigate reports of a rogue Jedi on an out-of-the-way planet and the Emperor prepares to board a shuttle to the Death Star, the Moffs set their plans. But their treachery runs on much deeper levels than some expected. Soon betrayal will run within and without this secret plot to destroy the Emperor.

While I managed to make the story sound interesting in my little introduction, it really isn't. Honestly, not much happens. Yes, there are some pretty sketchy Grand Moffs running around trying to overthrow the Emperor, but they just end up destroying themselves. Also, the "Jedi" Vader finds is just an idiotic force-user, eager to learn the ways of the Dark Side. Suffice to say she is quickly dispatched. The most exciting part of this story? The Royal Guards, bar-none. It feels like a nice little sample of what's in store for me with Crimson Empire.

Art-wise, there are pros and cons. The cover art, in my opinion, is horrible, as is the pencil work on the Emperor. The stormtroopers are also quite unsightly. However, there are a lot of cool character designs. One that particularly comes to mind is Grand Moff Trachta. For me, he looks like a mix between Wat Tambor and Cobra Commander from G.I. Joe.

Overall, I would would recommend skipping it. The graphic novel version was a bit elusive and I definitely paid more for that. Of course, I like to hear your opinions so feel free to comment if you think I didn't do this comic series justice!

Empire Volume Two: Darklighter, on the other hand, has already proven itself to be much more exciting.

Enter The Scarlett Assassin

Weekly Journal

September 15, 2009

12-4 months BBY

As if the title doesn't give enough away, last week saw the introduction of Mara Jade into my journey across the GFFA. But that's not all. Her future master, Kyle Katarn, also made his first appearance, as did the Ssi-Ruuk.

After finishing up Han Solo and the Hollow Moon of Khorya (see my review here), and getting a brief update on the construction of the "ultimate power in the universe" via the Death Star Technical Companion, I dived into the first half of Soldier For The Empire, the story of Kyle Katarn during his Imperial cadet training on Carida. I was very impressed by this story because it adds a whole new dimension to Kyle that I never got from the Dark Forces/Jedi Knight video games I played as a kid. You never quite get the full story on Kyle's roots or his Imperial training by playing the games. It was also kool to get reacquainted with characters like Morgan Katarn and Jerec. Thrawn also made an appearance as Jerec's second in command- that's always nice. =)

I then picked up The Truce At Bakura Sourcebook, which introduces our favorite life-energy-sucking, extra-galactic conquerors, the Ssi-Ruuk, as they begin to conquer the planet Bakura. We also meet Dev Sibwarra for the first time, the force-sensitive son of Jedi padawan Ydra, who fled the Jedi Order prior to Order 66. Dev, of course, is quickly captured because he thought, in his naivety, the Ssi-Ruk didn't want to conquer Bakura (wow?).

After that, I read a segment of Empire Volume 2: Darklighter, during which Biggs Darklighter graduates from the Imperial Academy and the first whispers of "a weapon capable of destroying planets" begins to spread amongst the ranks. Also read a small expert from the Movie Trilogy Sourcebook, which features a letter from Biggs to Luke, and hinting at Bigg's thoughts of joining the Rebellion (though very,very tactfully).

Finally, to the reason behind the title. Logged onto Star Wars Hyperspace and checked out the partially animated e-comic of Mara Jade: By The Emperor's Hand #0. The galaxy's most dangerous red-head is observed by Palpatine and Vader in this issue as she performs flawlessly in a simulated infiltration mission. Need I say much else? Go check it out if you have hyperspace!

And by the way, if you ever wondered why Darth Vader is really sent to the Death Star, Mara Jade's opening act explains it all...

Mara: "Are you really suspicious of Tarkin?"

Palpatine: "I suspect him of ambition."