Star Wars & The Expanded Universe

Though it’s not as mainstream as the movies, the Star Wars Expanded Universe is very popular, especially among fans. Starting after Return of The Jedi and continuing from thereon, the world has expanded as different authors produce different stories, which can be found in books, video games, television series, and more. The universe is so big that Disney probably felt the need to not make it canon for their movies—it would be very difficult to keep up with the continuity, and the one in the EU doesn’t always stay consistent due to all the different writers and stories.

So where do I stand on all of this? 

I have to admit: I have a complicated relationship with the EU. Sometime after finishing the Original and Prequel trilogy in 2005, my older brother introduced me to Wookiepedia, arguably one of the most reliable fan-based Star Wars internet encyclopedias (i.e. Star Wars’s version of Wikipedia), where I began to delve into EU material. A lot of the stuff I felt was inconsistent with the Star Wars movie timeline—and also contained continuity errors and doses of out-of-character (OOC) portrayals of some of my favorites. “Why would Luke turn to the dark side?” I questioned when I had learned of it. “Why wasn’t Mara Jade mentioned in the films if she was such an important figure to the Emperor?” So many “Why didn’t the character do this?” or that, and then some of the story lines themselves perplexed me. 

I particularly bagged on the 2008 Clone Wars series whenever it came out; while the 2002 one felt like it (and probably was intended to) follow the movie timeline up to Revenge of The Sith, this one did not. Instead, it felt like it had its separate storylines, with events that seemed enormous during the Clone Wars never being mentioned once in the movies. My biggest pet peeve, I remember, was the Ashoka Tano character. Why would Anakin be forced to take on a Padawan?” I thought, not liking the idea, “And why wouldn’t he mention her in Revenge of The Sith?” She seemed too important of a character not to—she was one of the protagonists, after all. 

But I got over that several years later—either last year or this year, unfortunately. Yes, yes, I know, it took me 5-6 years to get over it and mature, but to be fair, I was only 8 when I first started “hating” on the EU and 11 with the Clone Wars. Anyway…

My biggest problem with the EU is continuity. Everyone is supposed to be connected, and I tried to connect everything, but I ran into too many inconsistencies in the characters’ behaviors, new characters whom were important but never mentioned in the films, storminess that seemed to contradict one another…

But that’s really just the problem: it was trying to be canon. I didn’t know that there were SO many writers and that they had their own separate storylines—of COURE they’re going tone continuity errors and such! In fact, now that I think about it, they did a mighty good job trying to connect the stories together for so many stories!

I think it would have been better to just have alternate universes, which is why I’m glad Disney made the EU non-canon. Actually, I wish they would have used some of the awesome new characters introduced in the stories (I’ll get to that later), but I understand their decision: there is just too much EU material to cover to make sure that you’re not interfering with anything, and it was a hassle I’m sure they didn’t want to go through. Deeming it “non-canon” seems a little extreme, I can see, especially for fans who grew up with it (I’m pretty sure the Thrawn Trilogy started in the 80s after Return of the Jedi), but maybe they could have gone (and will, eventually) with the alternate universe route instead.

Actually, that brings me to another thing: the different cannons. G-canon (George Lucas’ canon) is “real” canon and counts the movies and any EU material George deemed happened, so that can be seen as the main universe. And then after that I think is the book canon, which makes sense since the EU books started after the films. After that I believe are the television series (though Disney considers Clone Wars and Rebels canon, despite my reservations), and the other things go into their own canon. Basically, as one person working on the Star Wars franchise did (it may have been George himself!), the different canons can be seen as alternate universes. This definitely avoids confusion

But enough of that: I like to get the negative stuff out, the “bad news” before the “good news”. Let me explain what I like about the EU.

Contradictory to what I said about some of the storylines, some of them were REALLY interesting and fit into the timeline pretty well. The Thrawn Trilogy, for example, intrigued me greatly. While I have still yet to read it, I really want to.

And my issues with Ashoka went deeper than her being Anakin’s apprentice; I didn’t care for the character herself. If it was just that she didn’t fit in canon, then I should have said the same thing about Mara Jade and Siri Tachi and Feris Oilon, but I didn’t. To me, the latter characters felt well-rounded, interesting, and unique; Ashoka did not. I felt like she was the atypical spunky teenage heroine, a female version of Anakin. She was bland to me, and still is to an extent (though I’ve learned to get rid of my unnecessary hate for her). It’s not that I don’t like Ashoka; it’s more that I don’t find her to be an interesting character, but I see her so much that I’d like to like her but can’t. 

Anyway, the EU has things I like in it and things I don’t, just like everything else. I don’t want to consistently argue about how it’s not canon, and now that I’ve gotten older, I’ve matured from that (thankfully). The EU has its place in the Star Wars universe, and, though it is really long and would probably take forever to cover all of the material, I really love how they expanded the Star Wars universe. I love the franchise so much; the only reason I was so critical of it is because of my deep love for Star Wars. 

My Favorite Star Wars Films (So Far!)

Hey, guys! Artemis here! I know I haven't posted in FOREVER, but since The Character Queen posted awhile back, I'd figure I'd help her in bringing this blog back to life. So today I've got a new post for y'all :)

Although Episode VII (which is now titled The Force Awakens!) has yet been released, I thought it'd be nice if I just listed my favorite Star Wars film so far. I'm sure a lot of people will disagree with me because 1. Empire Strikes Back is not on the top (don't kill me! ;) and 2. A Prequel Trilogy movie is (again, don't kill me! ;) but I just want to remind all y'all that these are my opinions and I'm more than welcome to hear yours. Enjoy :)

1. Revenge of The Sith

This film had my favorite story out of all the Star Wars films. It also simultaneously broke my heart, but, you know, it's a tragedy...I loved the raw emotion of the story and Anakin's struggle and just the overall fear and overcoming it - or letting it take over completely. Palpatine was hands-down the greatest in this film; we barely saw him in the Original Trilogy, and here we see him just being that manipulative selfish megalomaniac that we love to fear. To me, this was also the most character-developed prequel. It may have its flaws (Anakin's general naivety, the Jedi's less-than-stellar judgement, and Padme dying of a broken heart...), but overall I LOVED the story. It's very close to heart to me, personally, in words I may not be able to explain, but something that you can just feel, you know?

2. The Empire Strikes Back

This is most definitely my second favorite and arguably the most well-made Star Wars film to date. The stakes have raised, and the drama intensifies, and you just are on the edge of your seat for the whole ride. I loved seeing Luke's training to become a Jedi and the challenges he struggles, Han and Leia on the run from the Empire and simultaneously falling in love with their epic romance, Vader's incredible scare-factor and Lando Calrissian's hotness (I mean, coolness...) It's probably the most exciting Star Wars film. My only complaints would really be about the C-3PO character (who's almost always annoying, I guess), and Luke isn't the most interesting hero, but overall it was a really good film. It doesn't surprise me that people consider ESB to be their favorite Star Wars film.

3. A New Hope

It was definitely fun, and I guess I just liked how ROTJ was more serious and mature, but ANH was loads of fun. No part of it felt too boring, and I just loved the ride. Of course, I guess you could say that I preferred a more serious tone, which I do, but A New Hope was really fun and enjoyable. I liked getting introduced to the new characters and following into the wonderful world of Star Wars for the first time. It was a great beginning to a film.

4. Return of The Jedi

This is probably my next favorite. It's pretty awesome seeing how Luke has grown and matured over the films - plus, he gets to be a kickbutt hero now! ;) Han and Leia's epic romance finally takes off, secrets are revealed, Darth Vader is redeemed, and the galaxy is saved again. I do think they spent too much time at Jabba's palace (I wasn't a big fan of the whole sequence), and I wasn't too fond of the Ewoks. Vader's redemption felt too quick, but I do like how he was redeemed, and I do think it can make sense in the grand scheme of things. Overall, ROTJ was a pretty good movie.

5. Attack of The Clones

This wasn't a favorite Star Wars film of mine - the story was everywhere at times, there was too much unrealistic romantic dialogue between Anakin and Padme, and there was more focus on the story than the protagonists - but it was decidedly better than TPM; in this one, there is more character focus, in my opinion, and who doesn't love the Geonosian battle scene nearing the end? ;) Plus, I liked how we saw a side of Anakin's growing darkness, even if he is whiny at times.

6. The Phantom Menace

Although I like the Prequels much more than most people, I have to agree with fans and critics on this one. To me, there was too much plot going on that it started getting convoluted, and there wasn't enough character focus. I would have changed the story to make things simpler. Anakin was the main character, but he didn't show up until later in the film, and I think that it would have been better it they focused on him and had him unintentionally getting involved in the Jedi action, similar to Luke in ANH. (And I really didn't care for Jar Jar Binks)

Well, those are my favorite Star Wars films and a little explanation to all of them. To all the Star Wars fanatics (like me!) out there: What are yours? Do you feel like a story was better (like me) but that another film was better well-made on the whole? If so, what would that order be like? Feel free to let me know in the comments below!

Star Wars Episode VII: New Title!

I know this is late, but Star Wars announced the title for the new movie awhile ago: http://www.theforce.net/story/front/Star_Wars_Episode_VII_Will_Be_Called_The_Force_Awakens_160763.asp

So, what do you guys think? Personally, I don't think The Force Awakens is a very Star Wars-esque title. I don't know. Makes me wonder what the next movie's going to be about, especially since they're not going with the EU material.

Apologies if this might've already been posted, but this totally reminded me of our roleplay a couple weeks back. XD Thought it was worthy enough to share.

Star Wars Gifs

Okay, so I went a little (REALLY) crazy on the internet and started searching Star Wars gifs. But once you start you can't stop... :O

Sketches by Elara Dorne

*Bad Wolf intensifies*

 This is my first (successful) attempt at drawing Rose Tyler, or as I like to think of her in this picture the Bad Wolf. It took lots of tweaking and shading but I eventually got everything generally the way I wanted. Her eyes are the best part of the picture in my opinion. Couldn't get the mouth just right, the way I wanted it to look like. In the original picture Rose had her mouth open slightly. Blah, I hate drawing teeth. But in the end it turned out okay with that intense face.

The second sketch is one of Padme, but it is a little harder to tell which character she is suppose to be. Padme's hair is always so beautiful and cool even if some of the hair styles are a little weird. Her eyes eyes are less round in real life but it sort of turned out this way. Got the reflection in her eyes though and her eye brows are actually like that. And so is her nose. All in all I pretty much like this sketch.

                signing off

The birth of a roleplay, pt. 2...

(this roleplay is a two-day special, due to everyone not being able to participate on our first day)

To fill you in about this roleplay, the 10th Doctor and his companion, Rose, visit a strange land called Hyrule, where they are immediately greeted by a strange imp girl named Midna, who is the Princess of the Twilight Realm. She tells them that Hyrule is once again in trouble and that they all need the Doctor's help.
Apparently, black creatures have been wreaking havoc upon the land, as well as a blue hedgehog.
The hedgehog then appears and introduces himself as Sonic.

As the Doctor studies him, two other visitors appear, being the 9th Doctor and Donna Noble.
Here, 10, 9, Rose and Donna begin to have a confusing, wibbily wobbily timey wimey discussion, as Link appears, sword unsheathed.
He questions how Sonic got out of his cell and Sonic bolts into the T.A.R.D.I.S., where Link chases after him. 10 follows and among the chaos, Sonic accidentally knocks against a button and causes the T.A.R.D.I.S. to be on high alert.
Meanwhile, yet another visitor appears out of the shadows, an agent named Black Widow, who explains that she is there to take them all to S.H.I.E.L.D., saying that they need the Doctor's help.

Princess Midna detects that the black creatures tracked them down and goes to confront them, where the Doctor follows, and she puts up a protective barrier to keep the black creatures from getting to the others.
The Doctor questions what the black creatures are and so does Midna, when a young boy suddenly appears, slashing away at them, making them disappear.
He introduces himself as Sora and is apparently friends with the Doctor, where he then explains that the creatures are Heartless, though are a new breed, that he suspects the dark fairy, Maleficent, had something to do with.

There, his friend, Riku, appears, and Midna transports herself, Link and Sonic to a location the blue hedgehog can't escape from.
On the way out of the T.A.R.D.I.S., Sora bumps into Donna and Black Widow, whom were tensely conversing, where Sora discovers Donna has something on her back. The Doctor explains that this creature alters time and creates paradoxes and orders the boy to destroy it. He does, but the others realize the Heartless were returning and so all pile back into the T.A.R.D.I.S..
Just when they are about to leave, Sora yells that he has to protect the 9th Doctor's T.A.R.D.I.S., or else the Heartless will use it to destroy even more worlds. And so him and Riku jump off, 9 in tow, and Sora uses his keyblade to open the T.A.R.D.I.S. and lock himself and the other two inside.
Black Widow suggests that her and the others travel to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.
Sora suggests his small party track down the heart of Hyrule to seal it, so the Heartless would be defeated on that world.
And we are yet to find out what happens. :)

Characters:
Character Queen- Princess Midna, Link, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sora
Charlotte Black- Tenth Doctor, Rose and Riku
Elara Dorne- Ninth Doctor, Donna Noble and Black Widow
Artemis- Darth Vader and Loki
River Song- River Song and her character, Ariella Wylde.

Let the madness continue!

 

 

Source: Cupcakes to Lightsabers

Star Wars Review

Star Wars is definitely one of my biggest obsessions ever. I've obsessed over it since I was eight, and I'm still obsessing over it now. Since I love Star Wars so much, I decided to explain why I love it.

Unfortunately, I never grew up with the movies. In a way I suppose I did, given that I watched them at a young age, but by the time I was born the only films shown in theaters were the Prequels. But I was well aware of the films. It was, and still is, a cultural phenomenon. I knew who Darth Vader was, who Princess Leia was, what lightsabers were, what the Force was...yet I had never seen the films.

And then, one faithful year (I believe it was in 2005), my Dad went out and bought all six Star Wars films. Yep, all six of them. They were really popular back when my Mom was born (which was around the same time the Original Trilogy came out). But anyway...Dad got the DVDs because I guess he thought the films were good (based on its mass popularity), and wanted to watch it. By that time, of course, "Revenge of The Sith" was already out--we had to decide on which film trilogy to watch first; the Prequels, in chronological order, or the Originals, in actual order.

In the end, we chose the Prequels.

I remember how fascinated I became during the films. They were so GOOD! I was only eight back then, but I knew its genius. It is very original, engaging, thought-provoking...it was the ultimate film. I was throughly entertained throughout all the films, I believe.

And that's when my fandom was born.

I can't remember exactly when I realized that I was obsessed; unfortunately, I think it was only a few years ago! But I was obsessed, trust me. I spent hours upon hours on Wookiepedia, the unofficial Star Wars wikia; I pretended to be the characters with my siblings; I reenacted the Battle of Genosis from "Attack Of The Clones"; I made fanfictions before I even knew what they were; I connected EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING, to the films.

Yeah, I had a problem. And I still do, because I can't look at a Star Wars related item without fangirling.

But anyway, that's just about my fandom's birth. Let's get to why I am obsessed with this wonderful film.

Simply put it, Star Wars is the ultimate film for me. It's filled with action, adventure, romance, drama, thought-provoking themes, cool battle sequences, a fantastical universe...it's amazing. I literally can be taken to another world with this series. Just like our own world, too, it can't be classified in one sort of genre; indeed, Star Wars becomes its own.

I really love how original Star Wars is, too. I have NEVER seen a film series like it--sure, it has parallels, but is there any one film that it's inspired by? No. Star Wars is inspired by many, many different things. I think that's what makes it so great. Its inspirations make it relatable, yet it also manages to make itself original in its own way.

The best thing about Star Wars, I believe, is how thought-provoking it is. Yes, you've got your Jedi and Sith, your atypical "good" and "bad" guys, but guess what--no one is purely evil or good. Looking at all the films, especially "Revenge of The Sith" and "Return of The Jedi", and you'll see that there are many, many shades of grey. Heroes struggle to do the right thing; villains (or in this case, just Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader) realize that their evilness is not the right path to go. It shows you that we're all just human, and that things like fear can lead us to dark paths. Remember what Yoda said: Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering, and suffering ultimately leads to the dark side.

I also love how deep the characters are. Everyone's got layers, especially Anakin. I mean, is he good or evil? I suppose you could say he was "good" for most of the Prequels and "bad" for most of the Originals, but is that really true? And all the other characters have their own internal issues and inner demons to face. They just feel so real, and I love it when a fictional character comes to life.

And the universe in Star Wars--oh my gosh! It feels. So. Real. Like I could actually be transported to this galaxy far, far away. It actually exists in that wishful thinking part of my brain. I can imagine, if I let my imagination stretch that far, the universe actually existing. The characters are realistic, their problems are realistic, the wars are realistic...it's all REAL. And that's what makes a great universe.

Of course, in spite of my praise, I must admit, sadly, that the films aren't perfect. I know a lot of people have said this, but the Originals were better than the Prequels! Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the Prequels--in fact, I obsess over them more than the Originals--but it wasn't as entertaining as a film series. I think there was too much going on in the Prequels, so they didn't feel as interesting (except ROTS, of course :D). The Originals were simpler, and to a point I don't like that as much, but they were easier to follow. I literally had NO idea what was going on in "The Phantom Menace"when I was kid, except that the "evil" people were trying to kill the Jedi. And then there was the Jar Jar Binks character--need I say more? :P

Nevertheless, the Star Wars saga is fantastic. The whole storyline of the entire series is wonderful. It stays in my brain forever; I constantly make references to it; I quote from it; I even use it as metaphors sometimes! (I told you the films were deep!) I think that Star Wars is such a great series that it will forever remain a place in my heart--and at the current moment, it is my biggest obsession.