Tsar Wars: Return of the Alderaanians

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Bria

Welcome to the final part of our royal team up with Eleven Thirty-Eight. Jay and I have already discussed monarchy as a whole, Naboo, Hapes, and now it’s time for Alderaan.

Bria: I’d like to start by blaming YOU AND YOUR EMPIRE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF A PEACEFUL PLANET, YOU JERK.

Jay: it’s not my fault! It’s not my fault. It was all Tarkin’s doing. Seriously, if you don’t believe me, check out the old Radio Drama — Vader told Tarkin not to destroy Alderaan and basically said the Emperor wouldn’t approve, and Tarkin did it anyway. I’m super curious to see if Alex Bracken will use that part of the audio drama in The Princess, the Smuggler, and the Farm Boy because I *NEED* it to still be canon, otherwise I will hate myself.

Bria: She probably won’t just to spite you. Yes, specifically you.

Jay: Considering how many people enjoy specifically spiting me, it wouldn’t surprise me. But I have hope yet, she’s a nice person. :p If not, well, um…. are you guys taking defectors or do I have to wait for the fall session?

Bria: We’ll look into seeing if we can arrange you non-explosive transportation. Before it was so rudely and cruelly blown up, Alderaan actually seems to have had one of the more traditional monarchies in the Star Wars universe; at least in Earth terms.

Jay: Traditional, if confusing as heck. Under the EU, the Organas were the royal family of Alderaan. Bail Organa was the viceroy (which… doesn’t make any sense, as a viceroy is a monarch’s representative but words don’t mean anything in space I guess) and so his adopted daughter Leia was the Princess of Alderaan. Breha, who wasn’t Breha yet, was the Minister of Education. Until ROTS, when it turned out that *she* was the Queen of Alderaan and Bail was prince consort. Luckily for us, the EU already had the “Alderaanian Ascendency Contention” from the Zahn books and… Bria, this is getting complicated, isn’t it? Continue reading →

Review: Lando #2

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Bria

If you want a book that has twists a plenty, Star Wars: Lando should do the trick. Lando #2 by Charles Soule and Alex Maleev is out today and boy have Lando and company gotten into a lot more trouble than they figured. After all, who would have suspected that the yacht they stole was Emperor Palpatine’s and that he’d send three Star Destroyers after them? (Lando should’ve guessed. Only his luck would be that bad.)

This review has minor spoilers for the issue.

Continue reading →

Tsar Wars: A New Naboo

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Bria

You may have noticed that I have a weakness for all the royalty in Star Wars. That’s why it made perfect sense to team up with Jay Shah from Eleven Thirty-Eight for a nice long chat about all the different monarchies we see across the Star Wars universe. Part I covered how monarchy works and now we’re ready for a deep dive into the intricacies of Naboo.

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Bria: I’d like to thank George Lucas and The Phantom Menace for giving nine year-old Bria the dream that she too could one day be elected Queen and get a crown to wear at state occasions.

Jay: I love Naboo so much — you know, it was my home world in Star Wars Galaxies and I never wanted to leave. I hung around Theed and De’ja Po–oh wait, we were supposed to be talking about the Naboo system of government, weren’t we? Sometimes it’s hard to get over how beautiful and awesome Naboo is.

Bria: Did I ever tell you that I went to the Lake House? I mean, technically it’s called Villa Balbianello on Lake Como but it was the kriffing Lake House!

Jay: Yes, I still remember the day you told me and being eternally jealous. I lived vicariously through the photos, but oh my god it looked just like you had walked onto the set of the pier/balcony area.

Bria: Thankfully, no one was there to talk to me about how they hated sand but you’re right. We digress. Let’s get back to talking about how I’d like to be Queen of Naboo. I mean how Naboo elects their monarchs.

Jay: I’d vote for you–I mean, I’d vote for an improbably young candidate who went through a legislative program and a crash course in politics. But then people would probably think I was crazy, so why is it that the people of Naboo feel so comfortable electing children to run their planet?

Bria: Do we actually know how old the youngest queen ever elected was?

Jay: Argh, I feel like it was something that came up in one of the reference books, perhaps Wizard’s of the Coasts Secrets of Naboo sourcebook but I can’t remember offhand. Man, and Naboo is like my second or third favorite SW planet. Nerd fail.

Bria: Let’s assume it was 13 or younger since Amidala was 14. You knew me via the TFN boards when I was 14… would you have voted for me as Queen back then? Continue reading →

Review: Darth Vader #8

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Bria

I’d ask you to guess what comic is out today but given the title of this review, you already know that Darth Vader #8 by Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca is in comic stores everywhere now. We now return to our adventure show about a Sith Lord, an archaeologist, and two murderous droids.

The fun thing about this issue is that it’s definitely Aphra heavy and given that she’s been one of the best parts of this book that is a-okay by me. It takes until about halfway through the issue for Vader to show up. Again, this is not a problem which is a testament to what a strong supporting cast Gillen has built up in only a few issues. We are, however, getting to the point where I ask myself, “What exactly are Aphra’s motivations for continuing to work for Vader besides not wanting to, y’know, die?” She seems to be enjoying herself but this latest mission seems a little more out of her wheelhouse.

One of the neat things that this book has been doing is showing that Vader does still share that mind for strategy that Anakin Skywalker but that he still can’t beat a true master. He tries to be careful but he’s not perfect. This book has done a fantastic job at really integrating those last remnants of Anakin into Vader without sacrificing anything in terms of showing the Vader that we first met in the Original Trilogy.

Nothing much to say about the art this week. Larroca continues to do a fantastic job and is clearly having fun with character design. No wait, I’m sorry. I lied. I do have to point out that I appreciate the efforts towards diversity that the comics are making. It would have been very easy to make this new Inspector another white male and instead, we get an older black man so kudos to Larroca for that decision. I do miss the Adi Granov covers though.

Do we even need to say it? Darth Vader #8 gets out recommendation again this month.

Tosche Station Radio #123: Tabletop

Posted on July 30, 2015 by admin

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This week on Tosche Station Radio, Tom and Jay join us to discuss Star Wars tabletop gaming!

Kicking off the show, the hosts highlight What’s New on the Blog. Bria reviewed Star Wars #7 and Kanan #4. We had our interview with Christie Golden. There was also our Attack of the Clones live commentary

In Fixer’s Flash, both Brian and Nanci have been busy reading Under the Empyrean Sky by Chuck Wendig. Jay’s been working on a collaboration with Tosche Station and ETE. Tom’s heading to a super awesome video-game arcade and we’re totally jealous.

Deak’s Dirt is light this week. Three day tickets for Celebration Europe are already sold out, which is nuts. Vader Down Star Wars/Vader comics crossover is a thing that’s coming. Most importantly, AFTERMATH EXCERPT.

Biggs’ Bull$#!& is also light this week, with only a weird rumbling that potentially three Star Wars shows are heading to Netflix.

This week on Camie’s Concerns, Tom and Jay help provide an introduction to Star Wars tabletop gaming. Why get into it? How do you get into it? How do you play? We answer all of that and more!

Tosche Station Radio is the official podcast of Tosche-Station.net and a part of Majestic Giraffe Productions. If you like what you hear, please leave a review on the iTunes Music Store. We can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Nanci and Brian are the co-founders and writers of Tosche-Station.net. You can find Nanci on Twitter with the handle @Nancipants and you can find Brian with @LaneWinree.

This podcast has been brought to you in part by Her Universe and Audible.com.

Review: Star Wars #7

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Bria

If you came into this issue expecting to find out just what the heck is up with Han Solo having a wife, that’s too bad because this issue is all about Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jason Aaron and Simone Bianchi take a break from the action to travel back in time to years before A New Hope when Obi-Wan’s still becoming the crazy old hermit and Luke Skywalker’s just a little boy.

First things first though: what nerd at Marvel lettered the credits page entirely in Aurebesh? Because you, you beautiful nerd, are a wonderful human being.

Using the journal as a framing device was a simple yet great idea to allow Aaron and company to go back in time so they can use a character like Obi-Wan Kenobi and it’s one that I hope they use again in the future from time to time. Like Kenobi before them, Star Wars #7 brings the story down to a far smaller level and makes it about the characters. Is there a plot line? Sure but that’s not as important as the journey that Obi-Wan is going through as he continues to adjust to this life as Ben Kenobi. It’s also about him figuring out how to be at peace with being a Jedi to his core and also remaining in hiding where he can protect Luke.

On the art front, this is our first issue without John Cassaday and Marvel chose wisely. Bianchi was a great choice for this issue as his style is a perfect fit for Tatooine. He also draws an absolutely adorable young Luke Skywalker. I’d love to see more of Bianchi’s artwork in the Star Wars universe in the future especially if they continue to do the occasional Kenobi one-off.

Bottom line? Aaron-Bianchi-Kenobi are a winning combination in my book.

Star Wars #7 gets a 5/5 from me this week for a simple yet enjoyable one-shot story about the one and only Master Kenobi.

Review: Kanan: The Last Padawan #4

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Bria

If you don’t like gif reviews, I have some bad news for you. This is going to be another one of those. Kanan #4 by Greg Weisman and Pepe Larraz is out in stores today and, well, Caleb continues to be in a spot of trouble.

Continue reading →

Tosche Station Radio #121: Hall H Madness

Posted on July 11, 2015 by admin

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This week on Tosche Station Radio, it’s the big news from San Diego Comic Con!

Kicking off the show, the hosts highlight What’s New on the Blog. Bria reviewed Lando #1, Darth Vader #7, and Princess Leia #5. We had a Go/No-Go and full review of Dark Disciple from Bria. The Dichotomy of Revan by Bria explored the importance of Revan and representation. Nanci did a Go/No-Go for Imperial Justice. We had our TPM live commentary. Nanci explained why science Fiction must err on the side of diversity.

In Fixer’s Flash, Nanci finished Dark Disciple, read Yours All Along by Roni Loren, read Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge, and is currently reading Liesmith by Alis Franklin. Nanci is also almost done with her book! Meanwhle, Brian has been busy with soccer. All the soccer.

Deak’s Dirt starts with publishing news. Our friend Janine Spendlove is writing a short story for the Star Wars Insider! Chuck Wendig writing all three Aftermath books. On Wednesday we got news about the Journey to The Force Awakens titles. There was an Aftermath synopsis – Wedge is in it! The covers for the YA books were released (Phil Noto!) and we got a synopsis for Lost Stars. Marvel announced a Chewbacca miniseries. Hasbro also announced a ton of toys, including a Black Series Sabine figure!

In Biggs Bull$%#*, we got news that the second standalone will be a Han Solo anthology film directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord of LEGO Movie fame.

San Diego Comic Con was the big news this week, and it takes center stage for Camie’s Concerns. We break down the news, information, and excitement from the big Hall H panel.

Nanci and Brian are the co-founders and writers of Tosche-Station.net. You can find Nanci on Twitter with the handle @Nancipants and you can find Brian with @LaneWinree.

This podcast has been brought to you in part by Her Universe and Audible.com.

Aftermath gets a Synopsis, YA Novels get Covers

Posted on July 8, 2015 by admin

The Official Site dropped more information on Journey to the Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The big bombshell? We’ve finally got a synopsis for Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath:

As the Empire reels from its critical defeats at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance — now a fledgling New Republic — presses its advantage by hunting down the enemy’s scattered forces before they can regroup and retaliate. But above the remote planet Akiva, an ominous show of the enemy’s strength is unfolding. Out on a lone reconnaissance mission, pilot Wedge Antilles watches Imperial Star Destroyers gather like birds of prey circling for a kill, but is taken captive before he can report back to the New Republic leaders.

Meanwhile, on the planet’s surface, former Rebel fighter Norra Wexley has returned to her native world — war weary, ready to reunite with her estranged son, and eager to build a new life in some distant place. But when Norra intercepts Wedge Antilles’s urgent distress call, she realizes her time as a freedom fighter is not yet over. What she doesn’t know is just how close the enemy is—or how decisive and dangerous her new mission will be.

Determined to preserve the Empire’s power, the surviving Imperial elite are converging on Akiva for a top-secret emergency summit — to consolidate their forces and rally for a counterstrike. But they haven’t reckoned on the Norra and her newfound allies — her technical genius son, a Zabrak bounty hunter, and a reprobate.

Wedge is the damsel in distress saved by a new female protagonist? Well this sounds incredible! Just when I thought I couldn’t get more excited about this book.

Additionally, covers for the three new YA novels were shown off. We also learned that Jason Fry co-wrote the Leia novel in addition to the Luke book. Check out the link above for more information and to see those fantastic covers.

Review: Lando #1

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Bria

You know what any book about Lando Calrissian needs to be? Fun. Good news! Lando #1 by Charles Soule and Alex Maleev is just that. The set up is pretty simple: Lando’s in a little to deep to someone and needs to pull a job in order to settle his debt. There is of course, as there always is, a twist. And it’s a good twist. A fun twist. Have I mentioned that this book is fun yet?

Admittedly, a small part of me held a grudge against this book for taking over for the Princess Leia spot in the line up but I’m happy to report that this first issue definitely proved itself. Soule’s got a great handle on the character especially when it comes to his signature suave nature. Where Soule really gets to stretch his character muscles though is with Lobot who, for the most part, was a glorified extra in Empire Strikes Back albeit a glorified extra with some cool head implants. It’s neat to see him as the more logical voice of reason who’s also clearly a friend to Lando and not just a subordinate.

Lando #1 also continues to pattern of more women holding positions of power in the Empire as we’re introduced to another female Moff/Imperial Governor. It’s nice to see sexist firmly dropped from the list of negative words we’ve so often used to describe the Empire in the days of Legends. (Not saying that Ssaria’s necessarily a great person but hey, who am I to judge?)

I’ve enjoyed Alex Maleev’s art for a few years now (his Scarlet Witch in that issue of New Avengers was swoon worthy) but didn’t realize what a perfect fit his art with Paul Mounts’ colors would be for this book. Actually, it’s worth mentioning that Paul Mounts’ colors really help this book standout. I am digging the palettes he uses for the different scenes and locations.

Bottom line? Just like every other Star Wars book Marvel’s put out this year, this one’s a winner.

Lando #1 gets a 4/5 from me along with a recommendation.