Category Archives: Star Wars

TFN’s Jedi Council Forum Lifts LGBTQ+ Restrictions

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Yesterday morning, first word came that the TFN forums were in the process of making a big change: finally ditching the ban on same sex relationships. Initially, there was concern that this change would only apply to original characters and not established characters. Later in the day, however, these concerns were put to rest thanks to one of the moderators in their communication forum.

I can now announce that MS has decided that the lifting of the same-sex romance ban applies to canon and EU characters as well as original characters — it’s a full lift, in line with the existing PG-13 rules about opposite sex romances. I’m sure we’ll have something official-ish soon, but we thought you all should know ASAP so there’s no uncertainty that this is a full lifting of the ban.

For better or worse and despite all odds (considering the competition from the likes of AO3 and Fanfiction.net), the TFN fan fiction forums continues to really be the hub for written fanwork in the Star Wars community.

It’s rather easy to be cynical about this and say that they’ve finally stepped into the year 2003, but you know what? I’m just not going to listen to that cynicism. One of the biggest touchpoints and indisputably the biggest written fanwork touchpoint has changed their rules to create a much more inclusive environment for fans.

On my Twitter timeline last night were folks who had left TFN ages ago or had never even bothered to join because of these rules. Those folks are now looking to to back or join for the first time. They feel welcome there.

Speaking for myself, I know I feel the same way. I may just start posting there with some frequency again.

Review: Star Wars #5

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The battle against the Empire is far from over as our Rebels continue their search for a new base planet. They’re not the only ones with a mission though as Boba Fett, tasked by Darth Vader, hunts for the pilot who blew up the Death Star. Star Wars #5 by Jason Aaron and John Cassaday arrives in comic stores today, bringing your own search for a new issue to a close.  For this month at least.

This is an issue that will probably make the Boba Fett fanboys very happy. Not being a particular fan of the Fett myself, I can’t say for sure but this is definitely the most we’ve seen of him in the new canon thus far. That said, it does feel like a bit of a departure from the previous versions of Boba and like Jason Aaron is having fun with getting to really create and expand upon the characterization of a character who, quite frankly, didn’t do much more then stand there and look badass in the films. (Warning for the more sensitive: there are a few pages that get fairly violent.)

Bounty hunter aside, this issue does let us get another look at our favorite trio. Luke’s off on his own, headed back to Tatooine in search of answers while Leia convinces Han to be her co-pilot on her latest mission for the alliance. It’s fun to see the beginnings of the antagonistic banter between Leia and Han in the years before it fully develops into the routine arguments that fellow Alliance soldiers just walk through on Hoth.  The relationships between all of the main characters are where Aaron really thrives with this book.

On the art front, I continue to enjoy Cassaday’s work and will definitely miss him when he leaves the book. There’s just something about reading a book where you can tell the artist is loving every minute of his work.

Star Wars #5 continues this book’s trend of being solidly enjoyable and gets another recommendation from Tosche Station.

 

Review: Darth Vader #5

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The owner(s) of the lightsabers on the cover of this issue has been the subject of conversation for weeks and now the time has finally come for all to be revealed.  Darth Vader #5 by Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca arrives in comic stores today with the definitive answer to that debate.

Vader has an army.  And two murderous droids.  And the assistance of Doctor Aphra.  And the location of this facility where he suspects Palpatine is training his replacement.  It’s not difficult to predict his next course of action.  But when Vader arrives, lightsaber blazing, not everything is quite what it seems…

Darth Vader #5 has the distinct honor of being the first issue of the new Marvel comics to leave me going “Wait what?” and scratching my head while I try and figure out what’s going on.  Palpatine quietly training a new apprentice definitely seems logical and quite frankly, easy enough to hide in plain sight given that Inquisitors are a part of canon.  Without going into spoilers, the last half dozen pages or so has definitely left me not quite tracking Gillen’s plan here.  That said, this isn’t a black mark against the book.  I have no doubt that more will be revealed in the coming issues and quite frankly if I could predict everything that happens in this book, I’d get bored rather fast.

We don’t get to see as much from Aphra or our murder bots this issue (although Triple Zero does have a few great lines) but given that this a book about Vader, I’m content to see him be the star for an issue.  There’s actually not tons else to say about this latest issue though.  Darth Vader continues to be an enjoyable book with great art by Larroca who’s the perfect fit for this series.  Again, those final few pages left me both on the edge of my seat and scratching my head with confusion.  The next issue’s going to be an interesting for sure!

In the mean time, go pick up a copy of Darth Vader #5 as this book continues to get my stamp of approval!

Moff Mors and the Importance of First Impressions

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Lords of the SithApril 28 saw the release of Paul S. Kemp’s Lords of the Sith, the fourth novel in the new story-group approved canon, of which you can read our spoiler-free reviews here and Brian’s more in-depth review here. Along with being the first of the new books to focus on Darth Vader, Lords of the Sith holds the distinction of introducing the new canon’s first LGBTQIA+ character, Moff Delian Mors.

I found Moff Mors to be an interesting character and a welcome addition to the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Unfortunately, her introduction is handled with far less care than one would hope. Continue reading →

Happy May the 4th: Vanity Fair reveals more character photos, names

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Right after midnight, Vanity Fair posted their cover article for the June The Force Awakens issue, complete with a video and picture of Kylo Ren sans mask.

More photos were revealed this morning, including one of Poe Dameron looking super dashing next to his X-wing.

poe

Also revealed was that Lupita Nyongo’s CGI character, Maz Kanata, is a pirate. A PIRATE!

Vanity Fair will be revealing one final photo tomorrow via their newsletter.

Update 12:05PM – Gwendoline Christie IS Captain Phasma/the chrometrooper

phasma

Continue reading →

Vanity Fair to reveal The Force Awakens exclusive material this week

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vanity-fair-star-wars-214x300Mirroring their work leading up to the releases of the Prequel Trilogy films, Vanity Fair is getting set to unleash exclusive content about The Force Awakens this week.

Tomorrow, they’ll be releasing photos from Annie Leibovitz on their website. Those same photos will be hitting newstands shortly after.

If the past is any indication, we may be getting set to see set photos for the first time. Could character reveals even be in store? We’ll have to check back with Vanity Fair this week to find out.

 

Josh Trank Departs Second Standalone

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Just this morning we posted about the Rogue One news out of Celebration, and mentioned that Josh Trank was unable to attend. Now Lucasfilm has announced that Trank has parted was with Lucasfilm and will no longer be directing the second standalone film.

In a statement, Trank said:

After a year of having the incredible honor of developing with the wonderful and talented people at Lucasfilm, I’m making a personal decision to move forward on a different path. I’ve put a tremendous amount of thought into this, and I know deep down in my heart that I want to pursue some original creative opportunities. That said, the Star Wars universe has always been one of my biggest influences, and I couldn’t be more excited to witness its future alongside my millions of fellow Star Wars fans. I want to thank my friends Kathleen Kennedy, Kiri Hart, Simon Kinberg, and everyone at Lucasfilm and Disney for the amazing opportunity to have been a part of this. May the Force be with you all.

Cue the conspiracy theories and replacement recommendations!

Rise of the Empire Short Story Authors Announced

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mill__cvr_all_r1.inddAt Star Wars Celebration Anaheim, Del Rey announced a new bind-up of A New Dawn and Tarkin called Rise of the Empire, that will feature three new short stories bridging together the two novels and providing further insight into the power of the Galactic Empire.

Today Del Rey revealed the cover as well as the authors for the three short stories: first time Star Wars author Melissa Scott, John Jackson Miller, and Jason Fry!

Rise of the Empire will go on sale October 6.

Star Wars Rebels Returns June 20

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rebels logoDidn’t get to see the Rebels Season 2 premiere at Celebration Anaheim? Good news — you won’t have to wait until fall to see it! IGN has reported that Rebels will return with the hour-long special, “The Siege of Lothal,” on June 20.

The bad news? The remainder of Season 2 won’t air until the Fall. Cue Vader Noooooooos!

If you need a Star Wars fix right away (and who doesn’t?), IGN is also reporting that Disney XD will be showing several specials this weekend in celebration of International Pun Day, also known as May the Fourth.

  • “Star Wars Rebels: The Ultimate Guide,” a half-hour special recapping the entire first season of “Star Wars Rebels” (Monday, May 4 at 8:00 p.m.)
  • Marathons of “Star Wars Rebels” season one and “LEGO Star Wars: The New Yoda Chronicles”
  • Sneak peek at “LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales,” an all-new series of event specials that will premiere on Disney XD this summer.
  • Star Wars-inspired episodes of “Phineas and Ferb,” “Kickin’ It” and “Lab Rats.”