Chuck Wendig Fired By Marvel (And The Dangerous Message It Sends)

By: Dominic Jones

In a surprising move, Star Wars author Chuck Wendig took to Twitter today to announce that he had been fired by Marvel and taken off the upcoming Star Wars: Shadow of Vader comic book mini-series he'd been working on, as well as another unannounced Star Wars project with Marvel.  The first three issues of the series will still be written by Wendig, however the final two will be written by someone else (or just maybe just cancelled, it's not really clear, since Marvel has yet to comment on the news).  The Star Wars Aftermath author revealed in a lengthy Twitter thread today (which you can read at the bottom of this article) that he got the news this afternoon, as well as Marvel's reason for firing him.  That reason: they didn't like his tweets. 

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'Empire's End' Will Reveal What Happened to Jar Jar Binks

Image via: EW

By: Dominic Jones

Poor Jar Jar, not only is he one of the most misunderstood characters in cinema history (both by audiences and in universe) but he also has to live with the knowledge that he was instrumental in the downfall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire.  That has to get to a guy.  Jar Jar's, shall we say, lack of popularity means it's likely we'll never see him on screen again.  However, we will be finding out what happened to the poor Gungan in the upcoming novel Star Wars Aftermath: Empire's End by Chuck Wendig.  The novel, which is set following the events of Return of the Jedi, will revisit the Gungan on Naboo and reveal what he's up to in this time period.

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New 'Empire's End' Preview Excerpt Released

By: Dominic Jones

With just under a week until the third and final novel in the Star Wars: Aftermath trilogy, Star Wars Aftermath: Empire's End by Chuck Wendig, hits shelves, Lucasfilm and Del Rey have released a new preview excerpt from the book.  The excerpt was released on StarWars.com and features Han and Leia in a domestic scene, adjusting to their new lives following the events of the previous novel (Aftermath: Life Debt).  We also see them anticipating the birth of their son, Ben Solo (the future Kylo Ren).  Check it out below,

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Double-Sided 'Aftermath: Empire's End' Poster Revealed

By: Benjamin Hart

The latest installment of The Star Wars Show was full of surprises this week. One of the big reveals on the web show was a new double-sided poster featuring characters from the upcoming novel Star Wars: Aftermath: Empire's End.

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First Excerpt From 'Aftermath: Empire's End' Released

By: Dominic Jones

The first new Star Wars novel from Del Rey Publishing is hitting shelves in just over three weeks!  The novel is Star Wars: Aftermath: Empire's End, the third and final installment in the Aftermath trilogy (which includes 2015's Star Wars: Aftermath and 2016's Aftermath: Life Debt) by Chuck Wendig.  Empire's End will be released on February 21st and today iO9 released an excerpt from the novel.  The excerpt features Lando Calrissian and Lobot returning to their old stomping grounds on Cloud City.  Check it out below,

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First Synopsis for "Aftermath: Empire's End" Released

By: Dominic Jones

The first new Star Wars novel of 2017, Star Wars: Aftermath: Empire's End, hits shelves in just over two months.  The novel is the third and final installment in the Aftermath trilogy from author Chuck Wendig, which began back in Fall 2015 and is set in the immediate aftermath of the rebel victory at the battle of Endor.  Publisher Del Rey Books released the first preview synopsis for the book, which tells the story of the battle of Jakku (the wreckage of which can be seen in The Force Awakens).  You can check out the synopsis for yourself below,

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Rear Cover Of 'Aftermath: Empire's End' Revealed #SDCC

By: Benjamin Hart

While Star Wars: Aftermath: Life Debt was recently released with much positive reception, and even debuted on $9 on the New York Times Best Seller list, we're already anticipating the next chapter in the series. Earlier today at the Star Wars Publishing panel at San Diego Comic Con, author Chuck Wendig, among other panelists, revealed the rear cover art for the third an final installment in the Aftermath trilogy, Empire's End. While we previously saw the front cover, which features a seemingly doomed Imperial Star Destroyer, the back includes a downed AT-AT with the words "Every end is a new beginning."

Full cover for Empire's End! #StarWars #SDCC

A photo posted by The Star Wars Underworld (@theswu) on Jul 22, 2016 at 11:41am PDT

The fallen walker looks very similar to the one Rey lives in on Jakku in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Chuck Wendig mentioned at the panel that the title Empire's End is very literal and the Battle Of Jakku will be featured heavily in the book.

The book is due out on January 31st, 2017 and is available for pre-order now

Source: Del Rey

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'Aftermath: Life Debt' Excerpt Reveals Cameo For 'The Force Awakens' Character

By: Benjamin Hart

Next week the Star Wars: Aftermath story continues with the newest book in the trilogy, Life Debt! USA Today has released an excerpt from the book, which is written by Chuck Wendig. While the book will surely explore the further adventures of Norra and Temmin Wexley, Jas Emari and Sinjir Rath Velus, along with an expanded role for Han Solo, Chewbacca and other major galactic figures, it appears another major character from a recent Star Wars film will be making an appearance in one of the book's interludes.

Maz Kanata, who first appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will have a presence in Aftermath: Life Debt. Aftermath's story takes place in the time period immediately following Return Of The Jedi and will ultimately lead into the fateful Battle Of Jakku, which will result in the "Empire's End", which is the title of the third novel in the trilogy.

Author Chuck Wendig spoke briefly with USA Today about bringing Maz into his story:

“Maz Kanata’s clearly seen much and done more than many ever will in the galaxy and that’s so tantalizing. I wanted the chance to tell just a little bit of that — to reveal a few more micrometers of Maz and her castle’s history."

You can read the excerpt itself here:

There’s only one rule in Maz Kanata’s castle.

(Well, okay, there are dozens, even hundreds of rules. If you get up on stage, you have to perform; don’t drink what’s in the brown jug; don’t go downstairs; if your animal drops a pile anywhere, you’re out; all deals need the approval of Maz before they’re done, and if you try to go around her back she’ll take what’s yours and what’s his and sell all of it to the highest bidder; and for the love of all that is holy don’t mention Maz’s eyes unless you want to get into a very long conversation.)

But there’s only one spoken rule — written, too, in a hundred lan­guages (many of them long-forgotten) on the wall beyond the bar: ALL ARE WELCOME. (NO FIGHTING.)

That rule is simple on the surface, but not easy in the execution, because Maz Kanata’s castle has been a meeting place since time im­memorial — a nexus point drawing together countless lines of alle­giance and opposition, a place not only where friend and foe can meet, but where complex conflicts are worn down flat so that all may sit, have a drink and a meal, listen to a song, and broker whatever deals their hearts or politics require. That’s why the flags outside her castle represent hundreds of cities and civilizations and guilds from before forever. The galaxy is not now, nor has it ever been, two polar forces battling for supremacy. It has been thousands of forces: a tug-of-war not with a single rope but a spider’s web of influence, domi­nance, and desire. Clans and cults, tribes and families, governments and anti-governments. Queens, satraps, warlords! Diplomats, bucca­neers, droids! Slicers, spicers, ramblers, and gamblers! To repeat: ALL ARE WELCOME. (NO FIGHTING.)

You fight? You’re done.

Star Wars: Aftermath: Life Debt will be available everywhere books are sold this Tuesday, July 12th!

Source:USA Today

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Special Edition Of 'Aftermath Life Debt' Includes Double-Sided Poster, First Look At Mr. Bones

By: Benjamin Hart

Last year fans fans were re-introduced to the post-Return Of The Jedi era through the book Star Wars: Aftermath, by Chuck Wendig. Now we are just a few days away from the release of it's highly anticipated sequel Star Wars: Aftermath Life Debt. Today, Del Rey has announced a special edition of the book will be exclusively available at Barnes And Noble. Those that buy their copy at B & N will also get an awesome double-sided poster.

One side of the poster features a schematic of the Millennium Falcon(above), which is also included prominently on the cover of the book. The second is a schematic of Temmin "Snap" Wexley's lovable modified B1 Battle Droid Mr. Bones(below). The drawing also includes notes about Mr. Bones from Temmin himself. This artwork, which was created by Chris Reiff and Chris Trevas, is our first official likeness of Mr. Bones who was a favorite among fans in the first book.

Star Wars: Aftermath Life Debt will be available everywhere books are sold on July 12th, but be sure to pick up the special edition version at your local Barnes And Noble to get the above poster!

Source: Star Wars Books(Facebook)

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Cover for 'Star Wars Aftermath: Empire's End' Revealed

By: Dominic Jones

The cover for the third and final book in the Star Wars: Aftermath trilogy was revealed today on the latest episode of The Star Wars Show.  The cover for the novel, which hits shelves on January 27th, 2017, features a crashing star destroyer.  Empire's End is written by Chuck Wendig, who penned the two prior books in the trilogy.  The first book in the trilogy, Star Wars: Aftermath, debuted at #4 on The New York Times Best Sellers list.  The second novel, Life Debt, hits shelves on Tuesday (July 12th).

Check out the latest episode of The Star Wars Show to see the reveal,

Also revealed this week, to promote Life Debt, a double sided poster that will be available to anyone who buys a copy from Barnes & Noble on Tuesday.  The poster features the character Mr. Bones who first appeared in Aftermath and will appear in the sequel, on one side and the Millennium Falcon on the other. The poster features art by Chris Reif and Chris Trevas,

Say hello to Mr. Bones. Part of a double-sided poster w/ special ed of LIFE DEBT only from B&N. pic.twitter.com/txKQjMu6ay

— Star Wars Books (@DelReyStarWars) July 6, 2016

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Princess Leia Uses The Force In New Excerpt From 'Star Wars: Aftermath Life Debt'

By Ciaran Duggan,

Earlier today, Star Wars Books posted a new excerpt from one of their new novels, Star Wars: Aftermath Life Debt, on their Facebook page.

The excerpt focuses on Princess Leia, as she makes a fascinating discovery about the Force, as she embarks on a journey to try to become a Jedi after 'Return of the Jedi'. The excerpt helps to answer a pressing question fans have had, which writer Chris Taylor highlights in his article: 

"Given that Princess Leia was revealed in 'Jedi' to be a Force-sensitive Skywalker, how come we didn't see any of her abilities on display in 'Force Awakens'? Was she just too busy being a politician and general? Did she ever even 'try' to be a Jedi?

The book doesn't focus on the story of Princess Leia, but rather Han Solo nad Chewbacca. Han aids Chewie, in Chewie's mission to free the Wookie homeworld of Kashyyk. Chewbaccca goes missing however, and Rebel Pilot, Norra Wexley, is sent by Leia to find Chewbacca. Chris Taylor provides a succint synopsis of the extract: 

"We get a window into Leia's fraught state of mind at the time - made worse by the fact that she's pregnant with the child we know will grow up to become Kylo Ren..."

To read the full extract, click the link down below:

Aftermatth: Life Debt Excerpt

Let us know your thoughts on the excerpt in the comment section below.

Source: Mashable

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Chuck Wendig Reveals the First Line from 'Aftermath: Life Debt'

By: Dominic Jones

Star Wars Day 2016 (May the Fourth Be With You) has brought us many cool announcements, from the next Star Wars Celebration, to the much anticipated release of Jabba Flow from The Force Awakens to the release of the Revenge of the Sith soundtrack on Vinyl!  One person who didn't want to be left out of the fun was Star Wars author Chuck Wendig, who's novel Star Wars: Aftermath reached #4 on the best sellers list last fall.  Wendig posted the first line of his next Star Wars novel, a sequel to Aftermath titled Life Debt, on his blog today in celebration of May the 4th.  It's very short but very intriguing.  Check it out below,

“Leia paces.”

Short and sweet.  And very intriguing.  We know that the "Legacy" characters will have a much larger role in Life Debt  than they did in Aftermath, where Han and Chewie only appeared briefly for an Interlude which set up this book.  We've known that they would factor into the story in a big way, so it's nice to know Leia will be around too. 

Star Wars: Aftermath--Life Debt hits shelves on June 12th.  Check out the synopsis below,

Set between the events of Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, the never-before-told story that began with Star Wars: Aftermath continues in this thrilling novel, the second book of Chuck Wendig’s New York Times bestselling trilogy.

It is a dark time for the Empire. . . .

The Emperor is dead, and the remnants of his former Empire are in retreat. As the New Republic fights to restore a lasting peace to the galaxy, some dare to imagine new beginnings and new destinies. For Han Solo, that means settling his last outstanding debt, by helping Chewbacca liberate the Wookiee’s homeworld of Kashyyyk.

Meanwhile, Norra Wexley and her band of Imperial hunters pursue Grand Admiral Rae Sloane and the Empire’s remaining leadership across the galaxy. Even as more and more officers are brought to justice, Sloane continues to elude the New Republic, and Norra fears Sloane may be searching for a means to save the crumbling Empire from oblivion. But the hunt for Sloane is cut short when Norra receives an urgent request from Princess Leia Organa. The attempt to liberate Kashyyyk has carried Han Solo, Chewbacca, and a band of smugglers into an ambush—resulting in Chewie’s capture and Han’s disappearance.

Breaking away from their official mission and racing toward the Millennium Falcon’s last known location, Norra and her crew prepare for any challenge that stands between them and their missing comrades. But they can’t anticipate the true depth of the danger that awaits them—or the ruthlessness of the enemy drawing them into his crosshairs.

Source: Terrible Minds

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More 'The Force Awakens' Action Figures Reveal New Characters

By: Benjamin Hart

As close as we are to the release of Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens, the leaks aren't stopping. It's been a while since we've gotten any reveals via new toys, and this newest one is quite intriguing. Our friends at Making Star Wars alerted us to a report by Jedi Temple Archives who got their hands on photos of two never before seen action figures that appear to reveal new character that will be appearing in Episode VII. Of course I should issue a minor SPOILER alert for the following if you'd rather not know anything prior to seeing the movie.

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The first is a figure for a hairy alien named "Hassak Thug."

Many have pointed to this piece of Ralph McQuarrie concept art from A New Hope as a possible inspiration. Others have even pointed out it's resemblance to Zeb Orellios from Star Wars Rebels.

Additionally, we have this figure two pack featuring a First Order Snowtrooper Officer and a Resistance pilot. The pilot is the most intriguing figure because it appears to be the character played by Greg Grunberg, who we've seen and heard a lot about before. He was previously rumored to be named Gorwyn, but the packaging reveals his name to be Snap Wexley. Interestingly Snap shares his surname with Norra and Temmin Wexley, two characters that appeared in the recent novel Star Wars: Aftermath, which is set just a few months following the events of Return Of The Jedi. Could there be a connection there? I would bet a good amount that there is.

I always enjoy leaks like this because it's just enough to enhance the viewing of the movie without really giving anything away about the plot. I can't wait to see both these characters and all the rest on the big screen when The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18th!

Source: Jedi Temple Archives
Via: Making Star Wars

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Cover for 'Star Wars: Aftermath - Life Debt' Revealed

By: Dominic Jones

StarWars.com has revealed the cover for the upcoming novel Star Wars: Aftermath - Life Debt by Chuck Wendig.  The novel is a sequel to Star Wars: Aftermath which came out earlier this year and debuted at #4 on the New York Times Best Sellers List.  Life Debt will pick up after the events of the first novel, which was set about six months after Return of the Jedi.  Check out the cover below,

The cover features the Millennium Falcon, which suggests to me that a certain interlude from the first novel will be picked up on in Life Debt.  A third Aftermath novel titled Star Wars: Aftermath - Empire's End is also in the works from Wendig.

Star Wars: Aftermath - Life Debt is scheduled to hit shelves in Summer 2016

Source: StarWars.com

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'Aftermath' Debuts At #4 On NY Times & USA Today Bestseller Lists

By: Benjamin Hart

A week ago on Force Friday we witnessed the release of tons of toys and more from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. In addition, the first post-Return Of The Jedi novel, "Star Wars: Aftermath", was released. The book is a major part of the ongoing Journey To Star Wars: The Force Awakens publishing program which is working to begin filling in the thirty year gap between Episodes VI and VII and prepare us for the December 18th release of the film. Although Aftermath has been met with some mixed reviews, that hasn't stopped it from topping out at #4 on both the New York Times bestseller list and USA Today's best selling list. Aftermath also made #12 on the New York Times list for best selling E-book fiction.

Star Wars: Aftermath, written by Chuck Wendig, is set immediately following the climactic events of Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi and follows several diverse new characters, along with some old favorites, as they struggle to defeat the remnants of the Galactic Empire in the wake of the destruction of the second Death Star.

You can find Aftermath now at you local book seller, or on Amazon.com!

Via: Furious Fanboys

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Excerpt From 'Star Wars: Aftermath' Revealed

By: Benjamin Hart

What really happened after Return Of The Jedi? "Legends" gave us some ideas for years, but now with The Force Awakens coming closer by the day, Lucasfilm is looking to tell all new(canon) stories that will ultimately lead into the upcoming film. Star Wars: Aftermath, written by Chuck Wendig, is set immediately following Episode VI and explores the fallout of the Battle Of Endor. Wendig is also set to pen two more novels that will round out an Aftermath trilogy.

Last night an employee of  the publisher reportedly posted an excerpt from the novel accidentally. Lucasfilm, with the help of Entertainment Weekly, were quick to follow up their mistake by releasing a larger excerpt which includes the opening of the book. It features the return of some classic characters such as Wedge Antilles and re-introduces a newer character that debuted in a recent canon novel. The prelude begins with a victory speech spoken by Admiral Ackbar, which you can read below:

“Today is a day of celebration. We have triumphed over villainy and oppression and have given our Alliance—and the galaxy beyond it—a chance to breathe and cheer for the progress in reclaiming our freedom from an Empire that robbed us of it. We have reports from Commander Skywalker that Emperor Palpatine is dead, and his enforcer, Darth Vader, with him.

“But though we may celebrate, we should not consider this our time to rest. We struck a major blow against the Empire, and now will be the time to seize on the opening we have created. The Empire’s weapon may be destroyed, but the Empire itself lives on. Its oppressive hand closes around the throats of good, free-thinking people across the galaxy, from the Coruscant Core to the farthest systems in the Outer Rim. We must remember that our fight continues. Our rebellion is over. But the war … the war is just beginning.” —Admiral Ackbar

The novel then moves on to detail a tragic event that happens on Coruscant not long after the the celebration scene we see at the end of Return Of The Jedi. I highly recommend heading over to EW.com to read the full excerpt now!

Star Wars: Aftermath hits bookstores September 4th.

Source: EW.com

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'Star Wars Aftermath' Cover Revealed, To Be First of a Trilogy of Novels

By: Dominic Jones

Last week Lucasfilm announced a new novel coming from Del Rey Publishing titled Star Wars: Aftermath that would be part of the "Journey to The Force Awakens" line of books and comics coming from various publishers.  After that we learned that Aftermath would be written by Chuck Wendig.  Today, Jennifer Heddle, Senior Editor at Lucasbooks confirmed Wendig as the author, revealed the cover (below), and made one more revelation about the book.  According to Heddle's blog post, "Aftermath will be the first book in a trilogy that begins to bridge the Star Wars timeline between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens."

About Aftermath's connections with The Force Awakens Heddle wrote, 

"Obviously I wish I could tell you more about the story, but I can’t just yet. What I can reveal is that you will be introduced to a sweeping new cast of characters, along with a fan favorite from the films. And who knows what other familiar faces will pop up along the way? And once you’ve seen The Force Awakens in movie theaters, you may find that certain names and places in Aftermath have a relevance you never knew–so keep your eyes wide open!"

The big question now is, when is the next novel in this trilogy due for release?  Aftermath is expected to hit shelves on September 4th, 2015 and some are pointing out that there is still one more release date Del Rey has claimed for a Star Wars book in November 2015 and that it could be a potential release date for the sequel.  I have my doubts about that.  It seems like a very fast turn around time, especially if Wendig is writing all three books (though it should be noted that it has never been sated that he will).   It would however, make more sense if they aren't using trilogy in the traditional sense and meaning something more along the lines three novels set in this era that are loosely connected.

Regardless, I can't wait to pick up Star Wars: Aftermath when it comes out on September 4th, 2015.

Source: StarWars.com

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