On This Day: July 31, 2001

By Ciaran Duggan,

Del Rey's second novel of the Edge of Victory duology, written by Greg Keyes, was published on this day in 2001.

The book is set in the era of New Republic and Jedi Order, headed by Luke Skywalker, and follows several different stories of characters such as Anakin Solo, Leia Organa Solo and Han.

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New Thrawn Trilogy Cover Art Revealed

By: Benjamin Hart

Last month we received word that the legendary Thrawn Trilogy of novels, written by Timothy Zahn, would be getting a makevoer with some new covers very soon. Today, Club Jade alerted us to a new report by Jedi Bibliothek in which they revealed the new cover artwork for Heir To The Empire, Dark Force Rising and The Last Command. Jedi Bibliothek explains that the trilogy will be reissued in the U.S. in paperback form on September 27th.

The artwork is truly fantastic, featuring Han, Luke and Leia prominently, and of course, Grand Admiral Thrawn. These novels really seem to capitalize on Thrawn much more than the original cover art did, most likely to coincide with Thrawn being brought back into canon with his upcoming appearance in Star Wars Rebels. As you can see above, all of the covers can be joined together to form a complete, panoramic image. You can get a detailed look at the covers below:

Update: Del Rey confirmed via the Star Wars Books Facebook page that the artwork was created by artist Rich Kelly.

Source: Jedi Bibliothek

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Report: The Thrawn Trilogy Is Getting New Cover Art This Fall

By: Benjamin Hart

Can you believe it's been twenty five years since the release Heir To The Empire? The Thrawn trilogy of books is largely considered to be the foundation on which all the Star Wars Expanded Universe(or "Legends" as it's now called) is built upon, and helped bring the saga back from dormancy prior to the Prequel trilogy films. Now, more than two decades later, the beloved books are making a huge comeback.

At Star Wars Celebration Europe this year it was announced that Grand Admiral Thrawn, the blue skinned, red eyed main antagonist of the books, would be appearing in the Star Wars Rebels animated series. In addition, it was revealed that Timothy Zahn, who wrote the Thrawn trilogy, would be returning to write a new canon novel titled Thrawn that will precede the character's appearance in Rebels. Thrawn's reintroduction into the canon story has drawn renewed interest in the Thrawn trilogy, and it looks as though Lucasfilm is planning to capitalize on it.

Florian at Jedi Bibliothek has uncovered a listing for an upcoming re-issue of the Thrawn Trilogy which will be getting a long overdue facelift. Reportedly, all three books of the trilogy, including Heir To The Empire, Dark Force Rising and The Last Command, will be receiving new cover artwork in this release. The iconic artwork on all three novels has received only minor changes since their release in the 1990's, so it will be exciting to see some updated imagery for these stories.

The re-issue is set for release on September 27th!

Source: Jedi Bibliothek
Via: Club Jade

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Timothy Zahn Discusses the Expanded Universe Becoming "Legends"

Foto: Robson Fernandjes/ Fotos Públicas

By: Dominic Jones

Timothy Zahn will always be remembered as one of the most prolific and important Star Wars authors.  Back in 1991, Zahn was selected to restart the Star Wars publishing line with a trilogy of novels.  The books, Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command (collectively known as "The Thrawn Trilogy"), are some of the most beloved stories in the old expanded universe (known now as "Legends") and introduced fan favourite characters Grand Admiral Thrawn and Mara Jade.  Zahn took part in a fan Q&A at Awesome Con in Washington DC last weekend, and discussed the canon reboot as well as the potential for some of his characters appearing in future films and TV shows.

On the canon reboot, Zahn said,

I think about it kind of like the legend of Robin Hood. We tell stories even now about Robin Hood, or King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. They aren’t real, but it’s still fun to read. Imagine someone finds a letter under Stonehenge from Prince John to the Sheriff of Nottingham, saying “I’ve had it with this Robin Hood, he’s making a mockery of my Kingdom, and I want his head on a pike now!” Suddenly it goes from a Legend to factual history. That is what they have done by calling all of the expanded universe legends.

They are saying we can make any of this back into canon at any time. So the best of their options is set up. Bear in mind they have people like Pablo Hidalgo, Dave Filoni, and Kathleen Kennedy who have an extreme love for the Star Wars Universe. These people are not people who will go and demolish Star Wars. If they have to destroy part of the expanded universe, it will be because its not in line with what they want to do.

In a way its kind of sad that they call it “Legends,” and its not real anymore, but it was never really real in the first place. I think that the expanded universe, and Star Wars are in good hands.

Also bear in mind, that JJ Abrams, and Kathleen Kennedy, will not break into your house and take your books.

On the potential of characters he created appearing in future Star Wars media, Zahn said,

How do I put this? YES! I would love something of mine to show up in Rebels, or Rogue One, or the movies. I think my stuff would translate well.  Even if it’s just a passing reference. At the end of the Force Awakens, I was speculating about a grand battle to take place at the end of the trilogy where they say something along the lines of "We beat Palpatine, we beat Thrawn, we can beat this guy."

Zahn wish of seeing one of his characters appear on Rebels may be coming true very soon (perhaps even at Celebration!)  It's also always interesting to hear how someone who was so involved in the old Expanded Universe feels about the reboot.  It sounds like Zahn understands and is on board with it, even though he may be a little sad about it.  That being said, Zahn seems to have been on board with the reboot since day one, seeing as he was involved in the video announcing it (below).

Source: Star Wars News Net

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Rumor: Fan Favorite "Legends" Character to Appear on 'Star Wars Rebels'

By: Dominic Jones

Ever since the old expanded universe was re-branded "Legends" and rendered non-canon, fans have been wondering which elements might be brought into the new canon.  So far, it's been mostly limited to small references like planets or minor characters in books.   But that may be about to change.  According to a new report from our friends at MakingStarWars.net, a fan favorite Legends character will be appearing in the third season of the animated series Star Wars Rebels.  As usual, there is a chance this may not be accurate, but if you are trying to avoid all Star Wars Rebels spoilers stop reading now.  This is you SPOILER ALERT!

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According to MSW, Grand Admiral Thrawn is slated to appear in Season Three of Star Wars Rebels.  The famous Imperial officer first appeared in Timothy Zahn's novel Star Wars: Heir to the Empire in 1991.  He was a tactical genius and rare instance of an alien rising through the ranks of the Empire.

Via MSW,

"From the sound of things, we’re going to see Thrawn as the tactical genius of capital starship warfare he was to Expanded Universe readers in the ’90s. However, this time he will be using his evil brand of genius against the the heroes of the starship Ghost. 

The future of Star Wars Rebels will also feature an Ezra with a short haircut and a lightsaber similar to Obi-Wan’s/Luke’s second saber. It sounds like the timeline moves a lot closer to A New Hope and Ezra’s design will reflect that."

For what it's worth, we've been hearing similar rumblings about a future appearance by Thrawn in Star Wars Rebels.  I think bringing Thrawn into Rebels offers up huge story potential and it will be a huge moment in Star Wars fandom when he shows up.  We know the people behind the scenes on Rebels are big Star Wars fans and will treat the character with the appropriate reverence.  Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni is fan of Timothy Zahn's "Thrawn Trilogy" from the early 90s, and even incorporated one of Thrawn's tactics into the Season One episode of The Clone Wars "Storm over Ryloth".

Are you excited by the potential for a Thrawn appearance on Rebels?  What other "Legends" characters brought into the new canon?  Let us know in the comments!

As always this is just a rumor until confirmed or denied by Lucasfilm or Disney.

Source: MakingStarWars.net

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Marvel Reveals Comic Solicitations For October 2015

By: Benjamin Hart

While we await the Star Wars to return to our screens, both large and small, Marvel has been doing an outstanding job of entertaining us with all new Star Wars comics. While some fit amongst past films and broaden their stories, others will be taking the story forward, past Return Of The Jedi and into the Sequel Trilogy era. Below you will find solicitations for the newly announced Chewbacca series, as well as Kanan - The Last Padawan #7, Shattered Empire #3 & #4 and Star Wars #11, as well as a collection of omnibuses for Legends, Shattered Empire, Kanan and more. Check them all out below:

CHEWBACCA #1 & #2 (of 5)
GERRY DUGGAN (W) • PHIL NOTO (A/C)
VARIANT COVER BY GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
VARIANT COVER BY ARIEL OLIVETTI
VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
SKETCH VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
YOUNG VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNG
BLANK VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
Known as the skilled co-pilot of the infamous Millennium Falcon, the legendary Wookiee warrior CHEWBACCA will star in his very own limited comic series! After the battle of Yavin, Chewbacca is on his own when he crash lands his ship on an Imperial occupied planet. Now stranded, Chewie finds himself caught in the middle of trying to return to the rebellion and helping a young and feisty girl in need. Writer Gerry Duggan (DEADPOOL, 1872, HULK) and artist Phil Noto (BLACK WIDOW, X-23, UNCANNY X-FORCE) bring us a never-before-seen tale of the heroic Wookiee we all know and love.
32 PGS. (each)/Rated T …$3.99 (each)
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS - SHATTERED EMPIRE #3 & 4 (of 4)
GREG RUCKA (W) • MARCO CHECCHETTO (A/C)
ISSUE #3 – VARIANT COVER BY TBA
MOVIE PHOTO VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
ISSUE #4 – VARIANT COVER BY TBA
MOVIE PHOTO VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
• Concluding the first new-canon comic tale set between episodes VI and VII!
• As the Empire Shatters around them, Rebel heroes fight for a better tomorrow!
• Greg Rucka (Punisher, Cyclops, Wolverine) and Marco Checchetto (Punisher, Avengers World) take us into the more recent long, long time ago!
32 PGS. (each)/Rated T+ …$3.99 (each)
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

KANAN #7
GREG WEISMAN (W) • PEPE LARRAZ (A)
Cover by MARK BROOKS
• We’ve seen Kanan’s LAST adventure as a Padawan...
• ...now we go back to his FIRST adventure!
• See Caleb Dume’s first steps in the Clone Wars!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS #11
JASON AARON (W) • STUART IMMONEN (A/C)
ACTION FIGURE VARIANT COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
SKETCH VARIANT COVER BY STUART IMMONEN
• Chewbacca Unleashed!
• Skywalker in chains!
• Han Solo...with a ball and chain?!?
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS LEGENDS EPIC COLLECTION:
THE EMPIRE VOL. 2 TPB
Written by RANDY STRADLEY
Penciled by DAVE ROSS & DOUGLAS WHEATLEY
Cover by DAVE WILKINS
The dark times continue! As the Empire strengthens its grip in the wake of Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, the remaining Jedi are marked for death! Jedi Master K’kruhk faces a battle for his life — one with deadly parallels for Bomo Greenbark and the crew of the smuggler vessel Uhumele. Meanwhile, Master Dass Jennir is down to his last credit and faces a stark choice: compromise his ideals or starve. Being a Jedi may make him an outlaw, but does being an outlaw mean he’s no longer a Jedi? Darth Vader doesn’t care: He’s on Dass’s trail either way — and so is the dread assassin Falco Sang! Collecting STAR WARS: DARK TIMES #6-17, STAR WARS: DARK TIMES — BLUE HARVEST #0 and STAR WARS: DARK TIMES — OUT OF THE WILDERNESS #1-5.
440 PGS./Rated T …$39.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9724-9
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS: JOURNEY TO STAR WARS:
THE FORCE AWAKENS — SHATTERED EMPIRE TPB
Written by GREG RUCKA
Penciled by MARCO CHECCHETTO
Cover by PHIL NOTO
For the first time in the new Star Wars canon, journey with us into the time after the end of Star Wars Episode VI Return of the Jedi! Writer Greg Rucka (PUNISHER, WOLVERINE, Gotham Central) and artist Marco Checchetto (AVENGERS WORLD, PUNISHER) take us past the destruction of the second Death Star — and into the chaos of a Shattered Empire. It’s the explosive lead-in to this winter’s blockbuster big-screen Star Wars revival, and everything you need to know is right here! Collecting JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS - SHATTERED EMPIRE #1-4, PRINCESS LEIA #1 and STAR WARS (1977) #1
136 PGS./Rated T+ …$16.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9781-2
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS: KANAN VOL. 1 — THE LAST PADAWAN TPB
Written by GREG WEISMAN
Penciled by PEPE LARRAZ
Cover by MARK BROOKS
In Star Wars: Rebels, Kanan Jarrus is a cocky, sarcastic renegade fighting the Galactic Empire alongside the ragtag crew of the Ghost. But years before, during the Clone Wars, he was known as Caleb Dume, a Jedi Padawan training under Master Depa Billaba. Neither master nor apprentice ever suspected that their “loyal” Clone Troopers would turn on them upon the issuing of Order 66 — the Emperor’s directive to execute all Jedi. How did Caleb Dume escape the Jedi purge? How did he learn to survive on his own after his master fell? And how did he become the man we know as Kanan Jarrus? What can a Padawan do when being a Jedi makes him a target? Join young Caleb for a tale that bridges the years between the Clone Wars and Rebels! Collecting KANAN: THE LAST PADAWAN #1-6.
136 PGS./Rated T …$17.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9369-2
Trim size: oversized
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VI — RETURN OF THE JEDI HC
Written by ARCHIE GOODWIN
Penciled by AL WILLIAMSON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Luke Skywalker faces his destiny as the greatest trilogy in all of fiction concludes, remastered for the modern age! These are grim times for the Rebel Alliance. Han Solo is in the hands of the vile Jabba the Hutt. The Jedi Master Yoda grows weak. Emperor Palpatine is determined to turn Luke to the Dark Side. And Darth Vader nears completion of a new dreaded Death Star even more powerful than the first. To avert certain doom, the rebels head to the forest moon of Endor — but will the native Ewoks be friends or foes? Before the Battle of Endor begins, Princess Leia faces dramatic revelations. And when Luke surrenders to Vader, the fate of the galaxy may rest on the ultimate father/son confrontation! It’s Return, remastered — read it! Collecting STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI #1-4.
112 PGS./Rated T …$24.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9369-2
Trim size: oversized
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

Source: Newsarama

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Marvel Announces Two New 'Star Wars Legends' Epic Collections

By: Dominic Jones

As of January 1st the Star Wars comics license became Marvel's and the first new comic of this new era of Star Wars comics hits 'Star Wars #1' shelves next Wednesday on January 14th.  But that doesn't mean Marvel is forgetting the over 20 years of Star Wars comics that Dark Horse published.  StarWars.com announced two new 'Star Wars Legends' Epic Collections of comics published by Dark Horse that will be released later this year.  

The first, hitting shelves in May, is 'The New Republic Epic Collection Vol.1' and it contains STAR WARS: MARA JADE — BY THE EMPEROR’S HAND #0-6, STAR WARS: SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE — EVOLUTION #1-5, STAR WARS: THE JABBA TAPE, STAR WARS: BOBA FETT — TWIN ENGINES OF DESTRUCTION, and material from STAR WARS TALES #1, #3-5, #10, #14-15, #20 and #22.

The second, hitting shelves in July, is 'The Old Republic Epic Collection Vol. 1' and it contains STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC #1-18 & MATERIAL FROM STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC/REBELLION #0

It's nice to Marvel paying their respects to the fantastic work that Dark Horse did in their run of Star Wars comics by re-releasing them so fans that want to read still can.

Source: StarWars.com
 

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'Star Wars: Darth Vader #1' Variant Cover Unveiled

By: Benjamin Hart

Marvel is getting ready to unleash a variety of new (canon) Star Wars Comic series', and one of them will be focused on a certain Cyborg Sith Lord. The first issue of Star Wars: Darth Vader is slated for release in February 2015, written by Kieron Gillen with art by Salvador Larroca. Today StarWars.com revealed a special variant cover featuring Vader flanked by Stormtroopers, which you can check out above!

And along with that, StarWars.com gave our first look at Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 2, which is the second in a series that showcases comics from Marvel's original run from 1977 to 1987. The first book hits shelves January 7th, 2015. You can check out Vol. 2's cover below, for which no release date has been announced:

Will you be picking either, or both, of these up when they're available next year? Let us know in the comments down below!

Source: StarWars,com

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In Case You Missed It: August 23rd - 30th, 2014

By: Benjamin Hart

ICYMI is back with another week's worth of Star Wars news and awesomeness. Clips and info about Star Wars Rebels continues to pour in, more Ice Bucket shenanigans, Comics, Blu-rays and Palpatine Clones... oh my! Read on and get caught up....


This Week's 3-minute 'Rebels' Short Features Zeb
Zeb takes a detour during a mission, and up tangling with some Imperial troops. Read more...

Greg Ellis Confirms Role In 'Rebels'
He's been in everything from Star Trek to The Clone Wars, and now he's coming Rebels. Read more...

Clip From Upcoming 'Rebels' Short Released
We get a sneak peek at next short. Read more...

New Clip From 'Star Wars Rebels: Spark Of Rebellion'
An awesome new clip has leaked featuring the entire Rebels crew. Read more....

First Six 'Star Wars Rebels' Episode Titles, Writers, and Directors Revealed
We now the names of the first few Rebels episodes, and who made them. Read more...

New 'Rebels' Timeline Video
If, by chance, Rebels is the first Star Wars content you'll be seeing, this is the video for you. Read more...

Did Lucasfilm Confirm Rian Johnson's Involvement in Star Wars?
Lucasfilm may have finally let it slip what we've been knowing for some time now. Read more...

Preliminary DVD/Blu-ray Artwork For Clone Wars Season Six Revealed
We're getting closer to a home video release for The Clone Wars' last season. Here's what might be on the cover. Read more...

'Star Wars Legends Epic Collection' Announced
The Legendary Star Wars comics created by Dark Horse will live on thanks to Marvel. Read more...

Rumor: Identity of Episode VII Villain Revealed
Could a familiar character be returning as the villain of the Sequels? Read more...


Also check out....

The latest SWU Podcast, featuring discussions about the final issue of Darth Maul: Son Of Dathomir, Rebels, The Sequel Trilogy and Legends.
Dominic's spoiler free review of the Star Wars Rebels premiere Spark of Rebellion!
An all new Customizing Corner by Darth Daddy, featuring the works of Whiskeytango/


Tidbits:

• Lego Star Wars invades France!
• Read the first 50 pages of Star Wars: A New Dawn!

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'Star Wars Legends Epic Collection' Announced

The official cover art.

By: Benjamin Hart

Marvel is set to begin producing new Star Wars comics next year, but in the meantime their focusing on highlighting the classic comics of the past. Last month it was announced that they would be re-releasing the original Star Wars comic series by Marvel. Today StarWars.com revealed that they will be releasing a plethora of Dark Horse comics from Rise of the Empire era titled Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 1. Check out an excerpt from the official press release below:

"Let the dark times begin! Marvel welcomes Star Wars to the Epic Collection program, with this first volume of a series focusing on the years that follow Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith! After the end of the Clone Wars, the Republic has fallen and Palpatine exerts his ruthless grip on his new Galactic Empire. Now, the few Jedi that remain must decide whether to hold true to their faith, or abandon it completely in the face of a brutal purge — one carried out by the new Dark Lord of the Sith. Rise, Darth Vader!

“We’re thrilled to be bringing our innovative Epic Collections to a galaxy far, far away,” says Marvel SVP sales & marketing David Gabriel. “We’ll be bouncing around to different periods of Star Wars history with each Epic Collection, constructing one huge tapestry, collecting full unbroken runs of all the greatest Star Wars comics from the past 35 years.”

Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 1 TPBwill offer a new way for fans to collect and read iconic Star Wars stories across the past 35 years of published titles. These oversized, self-contained color collections will bring the adventures of the Rebellion, the Galactic Empire and more to the masses with exciting new Epic Collections."

You can read the full announcement on StarWars.com.

Not only is this exciting, but it sounds like more collections like this are on the way! What other eras would you like to see featuring in Marvel's Epic Collections line? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: StarWars.com

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Rumor: 'History Of The Sith' Project In The Works

By: Benjamin Hart

Latino Review is back with another rumor, but this time it isn't about Star Wars Episode VII. They are reporting that a new project is in the works that will focus on the history of the Sith and will draw inspiration from some Legends titles:

"I’ve heard that Disney’s Team Star Wars has spun up development on a project involving the history of the Sith that pulls from elements found previously in Knights of the Old Republic and the Golden Age of the Sith parts of the “Tales of the Jedi” comics series.

This project seems pretty new, or at least in the first stages of revival, so it’s unclear what form this will take: spin-off movie? TV special? Netflix something? Animated whoosit?"

Now that previous books, comics & games that explored this era have been deemed to be Legends, now may be a good time have a canonical retelling of the Sith's history prior to The Phantom Menace. Darth Bane(above), creator of the infamous Rule of two, appeared in the final episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars(voiced by Mark Hamill). That could be a jumping off point for future storytellers to explore the Sith backstory. And bringing in elements from the very popular Knights Of The Old Republic video games would definitely be a fan pleasing move.

As Latino Review points outs, this could be anything. With multiple stand-alone films and television productions currently in progress, the possibilities are endless. But as always, take this rumor with a grain of salt and wait for official word from Lucasfilm.

Source: Latino Review

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