An Unrevised Exploration of Star Wars Expanded Universe
Rebel Je'daii 
This game is still a blast decades after release. Jedi Knight Dark Forces 2 graphics may be dated but they don’t diminish the challenge one bit, and they are a step up from the predecessor. This one did include more save options to it. The story is loads of fun and so is the gameplay. … Read more
This game is a challenge but has a great story. It’s quite a thrill to defeat it at all, even for one like me, who fails at hitting bonus goals. The Clone Wars video game is a blast if you love playing as a heroic Jedi Knight, flying fast vehicles and enjoy the Tales of … Read more
The Ambush At Corellia is pure suspense. We find out pretty quick there is danger for our heroes in the near future, we just aren’t sure what or how. There is an interesting family dynamic here, with typical kids being kids (except they are as bright as their Grandsire and they already know about the … Read more
If we want our expanded universe to resist the efforts to diminish it, its up to the fans. Keep letting them know we want our stories, our books and comics, to be available, intact. Be very aware of digital legal limitations and do what you can to encourage protection for the buyer, not just the … Read more
Dark Forces introduces Kyle Katarn and an amazingly cathartic, immersive game that includes new challenges and the foundation for a new era of Star Wars games. That new era in turn ties in (as usual) with the rest of the content. At this beginning level, we see in the movie tie ins while it sets … Read more
This site is based on Star Wars expanded universe, and stories are my favorite thing. So naturally this is what I focus on in SWTOR. SWTOR itself is purely based on this universe. It combines all the best action, storytelling and humor just as the movies did. Origin Story SWTOR originally called these classes and … Read more
Padmé’s death dissatisfied many people. They felt it took away from her ‘strong woman’ status that she simply died when Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader. Or they felt betrayed she died then at all, given that it was suggested that Leia had some memory of her. But while screen time limited an explanation and story … Read more
A galaxy full of various races of beings is bound to have ideological differences, of what was right and wrong. The ones like the Hutts and the Sith Empire firmly believed the strong should rule. Slavery is a natural outgrowth of that attitude. On the other side you had the Republic which believed in freedom … Read more
This Young Jedi Knights story arc, about the Diversity Alliance, hits harder in 2022 than when it was released in the late 1990s. It’s the second arc in the series, so you might want to read that first if you are worried about spoilers. It picks up right where the other left off. Warning: review … Read more
While most associate the Sith Darth Sidious and the fallen Jedi of ancient days, originally the Sith were a species. The Sith pureblood race of beings was usually (though not always) Force sensitive. Sith purebloods already had an Empire when the cast out Jedi followers of the dark side happened upon them and conquered. Soon … Read more
It is rare for a Jedi to become a Force spirit that can communicate beyond death. Those that knew the skill only used it at need. It is therefore no surprise that in times of war as Jedi fell, the training to do this was lost. Overtime, it would’ve become a mere legend even in … Read more
The plans for and initial construction of the Death Star is told in bits and pieces throughout the saga. This is how it fits together. It truly was an engineering marvel, and its a shame the technological advancements made for it were put to such an evil goal. Early Years of the Death Star – … Read more
After the reboot, Lucasfilm employees said flat out that the old canon would soon be forgotten, then next generation of Star Wars fans would never know it. Those of us who loved the old, refuse to let that happen. Their promise that they would all have one canon fell through when it became clear they … Read more
This story by Dave Wolverton features Han and Leia and the reasons for their long delayed marriage in spite of what seems an overlong courtship. General Solo has been off battling Warlord Zsinj while Leia has been on the home front running diplomatic missions. On return he finds that one of those missions has led … Read more
I’d been wondering for a time now about whether the short stories in novels would appear in the newer Trade market paperbacks. I had heard no mention (in spite of asking on social media) whether they had all the same stuff as their mass market paperbacks. I don’t live near a new book store myself, … Read more
Somewhere at the back of the story, almost unnoticed beneath the blaze of blaster fire and the hum of lightsabers, lies a simple truth of Star Wars. Father figures have a huge impact on the galaxy. In this case, many are simply mentors that take on the role of compassionate guide but also teacher of … Read more
Star Wars under George Lucas never had a race issue, contrary to what the media tells the world. It has always been a massive blend of various cultures, from the languages used and created for new alien races, to accents, building styles, hair styles and clothing styles. It’s universal mythology is what gave it such … Read more
The Cestus Deception by Steven Barnes is full of intrigue, adventure and deeper themes behind the Clone Wars. Starring Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kit Fisto, a secret (but familiar) enemy it also introduces new characters that are well rounded and interesting. It’s a real page turner, and gets even faster and harder to put down as one … Read more
C-3PO and R2-D2 are the two characters are the galaxies witness within all six movies. They’ve carried secrets and been the comedy as well as the unexpected heroes of many adventures. But even droids have character growth, at least when they haven’t had a memory wipe. And their shared adventures go far beyond what is … Read more
My Thoughts I absolutely love this book, Star Wars the New Rebellion. It’s by far one of my favorites of the post Return of the Jedi era. All the heroes of the movies have a part to play with the same sense of adventure, danger, humor and heroism. This isn’t always so in the books, … Read more
The world first saw Darth Vader on screen as a villain. It would be years before his true identity was known. His history shrouded for most of the galaxy, he became a terror to the Rebellion and a traitor to the Jedi. His past would prove far more complicated. Anakin Skywalker was as much victim … Read more
Mothers are incredibly important in the Star Wars Galaxy. Their presence, loss, and influence is strongly felt. It’s not a stretch to say things that affect the galaxy come down to their influence. One thing most notable is that Mothers want their children and want what is best for them. There is no ‘getting rid … Read more
The story of Choices of One goes that an Imperial Governor is offering the Rebels safe haven for a base, in part, in hopes they’ll help guard the system from alien attack from outside the Empire. This is being investigated by our heroes among others. It’s also known by the Emperor, hence his sending Mara … Read more
The ability of the Jedi to influence machines goes all the way back to the Jedaii Order. However, the acceptance of it has been controversial due to extreme Sith abuse of this power. The Force comes of life and some Jedi are highly skeptical of the ethics of using machines and the Force together. There … Read more
The classic hum of lightsabers being activated tends to mesmerize or terrify the citizens of the galaxy. The Jedi are a symbol of peace and to those supporting them it signifies hope, unless of course, you are a criminal. To the Sith, it’s merely a tool and symbol of power. This weapon is your life! … Read more
Razor’s Edge surely implies where Leia finds herself as a mission to trade for supplies for the new Hoth base takes a dark twist. Between being attacked by the Empire, an Imperial spy among the rebels, and just to top it off, a band of pirates, Leia, Han and her crew are now in terrible … Read more
George Lucas makes it very clear that Anakin Skywalker was always the Chosen One. If we look at what we know and don’t know about the prophecy, it confirms it. The question of why so many refuse to accept it comes back to the Will of the Force, forgiveness, and the basis upon which Star … Read more
The Comics It would be difficult to overstate the importance of Tales of the Jedi comics, both to me and the expanded universe. It opened up a whole new era of storytelling in a galaxy far far away. The characters for the first time were not our old familiar heroes of the original trilogy. The … Read more
Incompatibility with Disney’s Timeline There are several reasons why the very founding of the KOTOR and SWTOR games prevent them ever fitting into the Disney’s new canon. When Disney’s LFL announced they would not be continuing the old Expanded Universe, they claimed several things. One that all new stories would be equal in the new … Read more
The basic aspects of becoming a Jedi are laid out in all six movies. These include a natural aptitude (what is later called a high midi-chlorian count), and a willingness to begin and continue training their mind, body and spirit in the best ways to use the Force (and be used by it) for the … Read more
In Vision of the Future by Timothy Zahn, It’s time for our heroes to step up and break through the morass of red tape, fear, and political hatreds stirred up first by the discovery of the Caamas document and then by the alleged re-appearance of Thrawn. (This is in Specter of the Past. Read that … Read more
My rating: 4 1/2 Stars Overview: Our heroes are in a bit of transition from their usual jobs. But the past is a specter that haunts them, both individually and as a united government. They won’t be allowed much down time as an old document has resurfaced that holds clues to a decades old vicious … Read more
In 2009, the concept of the Star Wars Expanded Universe being de-canonized was so absurd it was an April Fool’s Joke on Wookieepedia. The response was heated from those who didn’t get the joke and realize it was April Fool’s. In 2014, after the Disney buyout, it became a reality, with ‘canon tabs’ and ‘legends … Read more
Some worlds were invented just for Star Wars the Old Republic, such as Quesh, Voss and Odessan. But others had their origins in other media. Some were in the movies but others were in the books, comics, and other video games before they are visited in this era. The game does an impressive job bringing … Read more
We had already gotten a special, omnibus leather like hardcover options before. The original trilogy versions had Vader or Leia as a cover choice (Vader is still available and by far the most common.) We also got a very nice Han Solo hardback, with A.C. Crispin’s trilogy. That’s in the featured image. Now it looks … Read more
“He can help you. He was meant to help you.” Shmi Skywalker to Padme and Qui-Gon Jinn As a boy, Anakin Skywalker had a generous heart, courage, and a sense of honesty. He had compassion on those around him. It was the darkest of fates that led to him being twisted into everything he once … Read more
“He’s just been on Ansion dealing with a border dispute.” It’s a simple statement at the beginning of the movie, hinting at what Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice did right before Attack of the Clones. But the mission to Ansion entails a planet spanning adventure in the Approaching Storm. Along with Master Luminara Unduli and … Read more
Obi-Wan Kenobi never expected to be a legend. Raised by the Jedi, his only ambition was to become a Jedi Knight and be the best padawan he could along the way. It turned out harder than he thought. His unorthodox journey would make him a hero of the Clone Wars and the Master the other … Read more
The Ewok Adventure was released on TV in the US and in overseas theaters as ‘The Caravan of Courage’. Two human children are searching for their missing parents after a starship crash leaves them stranded on Endor. Who should show up to help…but Wicket the Ewok’s family. The story: In the Ewok Adventure, Mace and … Read more
The ExpandedUniverse.net is running it’s annual March Madness contest, sponsored by Twin Suns Foundation. This years running is video games. The oldest range back to the Parker Brother’s Atari Video Game ‘Jedi Arena’ all the way to the Star Wars: The Old Republic expansions. You can find the bracket download here: https://www.theexpandeduniverse.com/post/2022-eu-march-madness-fillable-bracket-download You can also … Read more
Even as Timothy Zahn’s stories launched the novels, Tom Veitch helped launched the comics. While they didn’t agree on approach, both stories would introduce foundational elements to the Expanded Universe stretching far into that galaxies future and past. When Dark Empire burst onto the scene no one expected the comics and books to connect. Set … Read more
After being sidelined by the virus restrictions, all the previous years books were finally donated. So now its time for a new donation event! Galloway Township Middle School is the focus of this one, with an aim of $550 for 40 books. New Jersey is an all new location. TSF is as ever an offical … Read more
At first glance a lot of people don’t care for Children of the Jedi by Barbara Hambly. They don’t like her style or her grammar. Newcomers also think it’s evidence that the Expanded Universe isn’t canon because the Jedi mentioned don’t follow their prequel themes. (It was written long before.) However, the story actually has … Read more
When The Clone Wars was released there were two types of fans. The movie fans and those who delved deeper into the Expanded Universe. The former would’ve been thrilled with anything based on the movies. The latter naturally expected it would follow the foundational rules that all the other media had too. In Doctor Who, … Read more
Boba Fett and his Mandalorean introduction came even before Return of the Jedi Initially we only got the briefest of hints from the Empire Strikes Back that his armor was Mandalorean. We get the news he was a Mandalorean Protector from Fenn Shysa, one of the only three surviving members. He encounters Leia Organa on … Read more
People often seem to assume the Expanded Universe’s early works contradict the movies and use it as an excuse to say they are not canon. However, we can demonstrate how the movies themselves prove they do not contradict. The movies are a window to the galaxy. In the prequels that window is centered at a … Read more
The Phantom Menace is integral to the Star Wars saga, because it foreshadows Anakin’s entire journey. It reveals his strength that saved a galaxy, and his love that brought it hope. It also shows that his weakness isn’t a penchant for sadism, or mere raw anger or hatred. The Phantom Menace explains how Anakin could … Read more
Ann Crispin set a very high standard with the Han Solo trilogy. She proved that a universe full of characters and stories was an opportunity for creativity, not an annoyance to be rebooted. She was one of the most creative writers of the Expanded Universe. While early writers had at most a framework from the … Read more
Dave Wolverton wrote some of the foundational expanded universe material with excellent world building. His stories include: The Courtship of Princess Leia, The Sandtender: The Hammerhead’s Tale, Payback: The Tale of Dengar, Tessek: A Free Quarren in Jabba’s Palace, Jedi Apprentice: The Rising Force, and several of the Episode 1 Adventures. This may include some … Read more
Splinter of the Mind’s Eye often pops up when people complain about contradictions in the Expanded Universe. However, people perhaps aren’t noticing the publishing date. Splinter of the Mind’s Eye was written before The Empire Strikes Back, and is the story Lucas considered doing if Star Wars initial movie had not made enough for the … Read more
