Star Wars, Geek Culture, and Power Converters
The fourth of five sets of exclusive CVI art prints released today. This set features work by Joe Corroney, Mark McHaley, Erik Maell, Carlos Garzon, Doug Wheatley, and Brian Rood. On the left is McHaley’s “The Saga of Solo” print.
To see the rest of the prints, head over to the Official Site.
It’s a new week, which means there’s a new batch of Essential Guide to Warfare notes from Jason Fry. We’re finally up to the New Jedi Order, which means Fry is handing off the bulk of these notes to co-author Paul Urquhart.
Yavin, 28 ABY: The purpose of this piece is to set the scene for the events of the New Jedi Order novels – by introducing the alien culture of the Yuuzhan Vong, with its mix of mysticism, sadism and treachery, and by “interrupting” the narrative with something in a very different style, reflecting the violent shock of the alien invasion of the New Republic. Cutting the scene into static-washed fragments was Jason’s idea, and I really like the result.
Vergere’s agenda is a mystery that fans still debate, and I deliberately DON’T want to speculate on the answer, or on how much she’s deceiving her apparent allies here. (After all, Vergere’s most famous line is “everything I tell you is a lie.”) I don’t want to spoil all the surprises of the novels for fans who’ve not read them all, either. But I do want to suggest that Vergere was involved in schemes and plots we never really saw on the page – so her linkage to Mezhan Kwaad and her presence on Yavin 4 are new continuity. There are other questions raised by this piece, as well, which might sneak up on readers who give it several re-reads – for example, just who is monitoring the conversation?!
For more, head to Jason Fry’s Tumblr.
It’s got nearly 1,500 parts, articulating S-Foils, a rotating cockpit, and I want it I want it I WANT IT.
Over the weekend, Random House quietly put the first thirty-five pages from Aaron Allston’s upcoming novel X-Wing: Mercy Kill online. Included in the preview is the novel’s dramatis personae and a heartfelt note to fans.
There are a few very interesting names listed in the DP for this book. Those of you familiar with the X-Wing novels might find one name in particular to be a pleasant surprise, but I’ll refrain from writing that down here for those of you choosing to remain completely unspoiled until the novel releases on August 7th.
From now until Monday, you can get the entirety of WoW (including expansions) for only $30. That’s right, the original WoW, Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King and Cataclysm for only $30. Is this yet another ploy on Blizzard’s part to gain back traction, especially as we prepare for the upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion? Absolutely. Possibly a reaction to TOR? Doubtful, given their hemorrhaging of members. But if you’ve ever wanted to play WoW or see what the fuss was about, now’s your chance–the Battle Chest (WoW and Burning Crusade) include the first month of play free.
Here I come again with another post that has nothing to with Star Wars. For that matter, this post has nothing to do with Science Fiction, either. Really, this post is about a geeky book. You’ve heard of it and if you’re curious like I was, you might appreciate having a review of it.
Up front, I’d like to reiterate that this is a review of the book, not the movie. I have not seen the film and I’m likely to wait it out until the DVD hits. Either that or see the Asylum’s version, Abraham Lincoln Versus Zombies. Because, come on, if Honest Abe is going to fight one brand of the undead, why not take all comers?
I love all the X-Wing books. I especially love the Wraith Squadron trilogy by Aaron Allston. While Corran Horn remains one of my favorite Expanded Universe characters, I have a deep and abiding love for Garik “Face” Loran. (This will not come as a shock to people who regularly listen to the podcast.) However, there is so much more to this series than this one exceptional character. Allston took the wonderful setup given to him by Michael Stackpole and ran with it, but wasn’t afraid to put his signature touches on the trilogy. To that end, fans of the Expanded Universe received a plot worthy of Star Wars and engaging characters who jump off the page and keep bringing you back for more.
According to G4, Lucasarts may be getting set to release a Knights of the Old Republic PC bundle containing both games.
LucasArts appears to be getting ready to release a two-pack PC bundle for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, based on Amazon and GameStop product listings (via Joystiq). The collection hasn’t been officially confirmed, but GameStop’s listing notes a July 17, 2012 release date and a $20 price.
If it’s released, I do hope it ships with bug and compatibility fixes. The last time I tried to play KotOR on a modern operating system, I ran into all sorts of glitches with the video playback that numerous crashes to the desktop. Just take a look at this thread that documents countless issues and partial workarounds.
“Myri, I thought you were making your living gambling. Nice and safe on the Errant Venture. Making a fortune, from what I heard.”
She nodded, her attention on her rifle.
“So? Why this?”
She smiled. “You must be so proud.”
“What? Of whom?”
“That’s what they tell me. Mostly about Daddy. ‘Wedge Antilles’s daughter? You must be so proud.’ And I am. Some people know about Mom’s career. ‘You must be so proud.’ And I am. Some people know about my sister’s record in the last war. ‘You must be so proud.’ Yes, yes, I am. But maybe it’s time for someone to be proud of what I do. Maybe even me.”
I suspect I’m going to like Myri a great deal. Mercy Kill is due out on August 7th. You should go buy it. Or preorder it.
San Diego Comic Con is next week and the future of the Star Wars Expanded Universe hangs in the balance! Well. Not really. But drama is fun. Sometimes.
Over on Twitter, we asked you to tell us what you’re hoping or expect to have announced to continue the Post-Return of the Jedi Expanded Universe. If you have a suggestion (serious or snarky, we’re not picky), just reply to the tweet below and we’ll add you to this post!
The future of the #SWEU will be announced at #SDCC next week! What are you hoping for? We’ll compile your tweets for a blog post
— Tosche Station(@Tosche_Station) July 5, 2012
Your suggestions below the jump!