A Dark Force Rising in Star Wars Fandom

It’s an incredible time to be a Star Wars fan. The internet is filled with news and rumours about the many releases Disney has in store for us, and the fan community is thriving like never before.

(Image courtesy of www.starwars.com)

Sadly, amid all of this, there's a dark force rising. One of the most important features of the internet is the fact that it affords everyone a voice, but there are times when some voices become needlessly negative and—ultimately—toxic. I’ve recently witnessed some troubling examples of this within the Star Wars fan community, and felt it was time to break from my usually neutral posts to say something about it. After some careful consideration, I've found that everything really boils down to three main things that we as fans need to keep in mind:

1. If you love Star Wars, then you’re a Star Wars fan. It’s that simple. Star Wars fandom isn’t an exclusive club. There’s no entrance exam, and there’s no required knowledge. You don’t need to have read every Star Wars book, or played every Star Wars game. There’s no such thing as a “true fan”, and pretending that there is only serves to harbour divisions in the fan community. 

2. We can't judge something we haven't even seen. In recent weeks we’ve been seeing a lot of rumours about what might or might not appear in Episode VII. Most fans have met these with curiosity and excitement, but some have responded with scathing criticism—already writing off the film as doomed to failure. This isn’t fair. I’ve said before that there’s every reason to have hope in Episode VII, and I stand by that position. At the very least, we owe it to the cast and crew of the film to wait until 18 December 2015 before we even consider passing judgement on it. 

3. Whatever happens, “your” Star Wars will remain intact. One of my favourite things about the Star Wars universe is the fact that you’re always free to take what you want, and leave what you don’t. If you don't enjoy Episode VII, then that isn’t a problem—you’ll always have the original six films (or original three, as the case may be). If Star Wars: Rebels doesn’t float your star cruiser, then you’re under no obligation to continue watching. The important thing to remember is that for some—or, hopefully, for many—these new additions will become as important as the classic films that we’ve all grown up with. While we might not like a particular entry in the saga, there will always be fans out there who genuinely enjoy and treasure it. Respecting that fact is what genuine fandom is all about.

Ultimately, we need to remember that we're all here for the very same reason: a shared love of that galaxy far, far away. So long as we keep that in mind, and meet our fellow fans with kindness, the Star Wars community will continue to be as incredible as it's always been.

Relics of the Force Featured on Rebelscum.com

Today, my collection was included in the Rebelscum.com's Collectors' Collections - on ongoing feature highlighting Star Wars collections from around the world.

A huge thank you goes out to the team at Rebelscum.com for giving me the chance to share my collection with fellow fans. You can check out the full feature here!

Star Wars Rebels Extended Preview Released

StarWars.com has released an extended preview of Star Wars Rebels, featuring over seven minutes of footage from the very first episode of the series. You can check it out below:

To my mind, this excerpt is nothing short of phenomenal. The look and feel of the show is spot-on, and it's hard to recall something which has so successfully caught the spirit of Star Wars since the last of the Original Trilogy films was released. This is the 'Wars that we all grew up with and fell in love with. I can't describe how excited I am to see where this series takes us.

What's your take on this preview? Be sure to send me your thoughts at relicsoftheforce@gmail.com or tweet them to @Archon_Revuge!

A New Hope for Star Wars Vehicles at SDCC 2014?

While the characters of Star Wars are incredibly important, the vehicles of the saga have a special place in the hearts of fans and collectors alike. In the mid- to late-90s there were a number of lines offering up Star Wars vehicles in various scales. Over the years, however, things changed. First we lost Micro Machines, then Action Fleet, then finally the Titanium Series. For a while now, the only stalwart production of Star Wars vehicles has been in the 3 3/4" line—though even the release of these is sporadic. Last month, however, we received word that Hot Wheels and Star Wars would soon be joining forces to release an entirely new range of vehicles. One line will include themed “character cars” (the first of which can be seen here). The second - and far more interesting - line, will contain a series of miniature ships with display stands. This year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego saw a lot of buzz around the former. Unfortunately, the latter line received far less coverage. The internet is a wonderful place however, and thanks to the fine folks at GalacticHunter.com we’re now able to get our first look at this exciting new line.

(Images courtesy of galactichunter.com)

The vehicles aren’t set to ship until Spring 2015, so the range on display at SDCC was understandably limited. Among those vehicles featured were a handful of X-Wings, TIE Fighters, Snowspeeders, an AT-AT, and the Millennium Falcon. The sculpts appear incredibly close to those from the now defunct Titanium Series line, so the glimpse of an entirely new vehicle—the Ghost from the upcoming Star Wars Rebels television series—will be the most exciting reveal for those looking to expand their miniature Star Wars vehicle collections.

Overall, this new line looks incredibly promising. The sculpts appear to be screen-accurate and incredibly well-detailed—something that can be difficult to pull off at this very small scale. The addition of a range of playsets and carry cases for these vehicles is also very exciting. For now, the only downside is the way in which the vehicles are painted. They’re simply too pristine. Compare these with the paintjobs on the Titanium Series vehicles, which always excellently emulated that “used universe” feel of Star Wars by being dirty and battle-damaged. It’s not something that’s worth dwelling on however, as there’s every chance that the paintjobs on display at SDCC are by no means indicative of the final product.

What's your impression of these new vehicles? Be sure to send me your thoughts at relicsoftheforce@gmail.com or tweet them to @Archon_Revuge!

New Star Wars Rebels Footage Shown at SDCC

The "Heroes of Star Wars Rebels" panel at SDCC has just wrapped up with some fantastic new footage from the show. You can check it out below:

Fans of The Clone Wars will be happy to see Luminara Unduli making an appearance, as well as our favourite pair of intrepid droids.

Star Wars Rebels Extended Trailer Released

Yesterday, StarWars.com released a new extended trailer for the upcoming Star Wars Rebels series. If I'm being honest, I still had a few lingering doubts about Rebels. But all of those disappeared as soon as I saw this. The trailer is absolutely incredible. But don't take my word for it - check it out for yourselves below:

I'm eager to hear what others think of this footage, so be sure to send me your thoughts at relicsoftheforce@gmail.com or tweet them to @Archon_Revuge!

"Force for Change" Video Gives Us Another Glimpse Inside Episode VII

It's the final week of the Force for Change campaign, and J.J. Abrams is wrapping things up with another video giving us a glimpse of Episode VII. This time, we get to see an entirely new - but rather familiar - ship that'll be featured in the film. Check it out below!

If you haven't already, be sure to head on over to the Force for Change website and contribute to this fantastic cause. There are some great rewards on offer, including the chance to be in Star Wars: Episode VII!

Your Guide to Star Wars at SDCC 2014

This week, Comic-Con International: San Diego rolls around for another year. SDCC usually brings a raft of announcements regarding our favourite franchise, as well as giving toy companies like Hasbro an opportunity to show off their latest wares. This year’s convention is no exception, with a number of highly-anticipated Star Wars-themed events taking place. Sites like TheForce.net and Rebelscum.com will be keeping fans posted throughout the four-day event, and below you’ll find a guide for when these updates are likely to start trickling through. All event descriptions are taken from the official SDCC webpage, and times and dates have been converted to New Zealand local time.

The Heroes of Star Wars Rebels [Friday, July 25, 1.00pm – 2.00pm]: The almost 20-year stretch of Star Wars history between Episodes III and IV is a dark time in the galaxy that has never before been explored on screen. The evil Galactic Empire has tightened its grip and only a select few are brave enough to stand against tyranny and ignite a rebellion. Join Star Wars Rebels executive producers Dave Filoni and Simon Kinberg as well as series stars Freddie Prinze, Jr., Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, and Taylor Gray for an exclusive preview of what's to come this Fall on Disney XD in this eagerly awaited television series from Lucasfilm Animation.

Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy [Saturday, July 26, 6.00am – 7.00am]: For the first time, Lucasfilm has opened its Archives to present comprehensive storyboards for the original Star Wars trilogy-the world-changing A New Hope and its operatic sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi—as well as never-before-published art from early conceptual and deleted scenes, in a new book from Abrams: Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy. Former ILM art director Joe Johnston will discuss the newest addition to the Abrams Star Wars Library and the singular experience of creating the iconic trilogy's storyboards with his stellar art department team. Johnston won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for his work on Raiders of the Lost Ark and has directed Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, The Rocketeer, Jumanji, Jurassic Park III, Hidalgo, and Captain America: The First Avenger. Moderated by Lucasfilm editor J. W. Rinzler.

Hasbro: Star Wars [Saturday, July 26, 7.00am – 8.00am]: Members of the Hasbro brand and design team including Jeff Labovitz (director, global brand marketing, Hasbro), Bill Rawley (design manager, Hasbro), and others discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at upcoming, never-before-seen action figures from the highly anticipated Star Wars Rebels animated series.

Star Wars: Collectibles Update [Saturday, July 26, 8.00am – 9.00am]: Join eFX, Gentle Giant Studios, Kotobukiya, and Sideshow Collectibles for product development insights and exclusive previews of the latest in Star Wars collectibles. Moderated by Anita Castellar of Lucas Licensing.

Star Wars: A New Dawn [Saturday, July 26, 9.00am – 10.00am]: The new era of Star Wars storytelling begins in September with Star Wars: A New Dawn. New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller, Shelly Shapiro (editor, Del Rey), Frank Parisi (editor, Del Rey), Jennifer Heddle (senior editor, Lucasfilm), Pablo Hidalgo (Lucasfilm Story Group), Vanessa Marshall (Hera in Star Wars Rebels), and Dave Filoni (executive producer, Star Wars Rebels) discuss the planning and process of Star Wars: A New Dawn and present the list of upcoming Star Wars novels from Del Rey.

Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight [Saturday, July 26, 10.00am – 11.00am]: Ralph McQuarrie's art for the original Star Wars trilogy is introduced to a new generation of young readers in Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight. New York Times bestselling author Tony DiTerlizzi a talks about the conceptualization of this project and the process, challenges, and privileges of writing to the works of a legend; along with Troy Alders (art director, Lucasfilm), J. W. Rinzler (executive editor, Lucasfilm), and Joanne Chan (children's book editor, Lucasfilm).

First Look at Rebels Villains

Over the last week, StarWars.com has posted two new videos that give us some insight into the central villains of Star Wars Rebels: The Inquisitor and Agent Kallus.

Both of these characters seem heavily inspired by the original films, and I for one couldn't be happier. It's going to be fantastic to finally catch a glimpse of the inner workings of the Empire - particularly as they go about tracking down and destroying the remaining Jedi.

What are your thoughts on these Rebels villains? Be sure to send me your thoughts at relicsoftheforce@gmail.com or tweet them to @Archon_Revuge!

Pip Andersen and Crystal Clarke to Join Cast of Episode VII

This morning StarWars.com announced two further additions to the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII - Pip Andersen and Crystal Clarke.

(Image courtesy of StarWars.com)

Both are relative unknowns in the film industry, and were discovered via Lucasfilm and Disney's open casting call last year. Andersen is a particularly gifted parkour practitioner - something which is bound to get speculation going with regards to the character he'll be playing.

Bulk Lot of Episode I 3 3/4" Figures

A short while ago I won an auction on Trade Me for a bulk lot of Episode I figures. They arrived in the post while I was down in Wellington last week, and now I'm back home I've had the chance to unpack and sort through them. I must say, I'm absolutely rapt with this purchase.

Other than a couple of army-building double-ups, these figures are entirely new to my collection. They're all complete and in fantastic condition. Its clear that the previous owner took a great deal of care with these figures, so I look forward to doing the same!

A Changing Universe

If you’re a fan of the saga, you’ve no doubt been asked the same question many times before: “Why do you like Star Wars so much?” It’s a hard question, and it’s harder still to give an answer that does justice to the deep and abiding love that many of us have for the franchise. Sure, Star Wars contains some of the most well-made films in cinema history. There’s a fantastic plot, relatable characters, spectacular effects, and a magical quality that catches the imaginations of young and old alike. But for me, it’s always been about more than the films. The most ambitious thing that Star Wars ever did was to go about creating an entirely new universe.

That’s why I stubbornly stick to the view that Lucas’s creation is more fantasy than sci-fi. In many ways, Star Wars has far more in common with The Lord of the Rings than it does with, say, Star Trek. Most sci-fi franchises build upon the familiar. Star Wars, on the other hand, starts from scratch. Nothing is taken for granted. Every world, every species, every artifact and device is in need of explanation, and it was this grand endeavour that pulled me in hook, line, and sinker.

While the announcement that Disney would be producing episodes VII, VIII, and IX brought much excitement, it also cast doubt on what this would mean for the “Expanded Universe” of Star Wars novels, comics, and games. A few weeks ago, Disney made its intentions clear. In an announcement posted on StarWars.com they unequivocally stated that episodes VII through IX would not follow the same story as the post-Return of the Jedi EU. From this point on, only episodes I through VI, and The Clone Wars and Rebels series were to be considered official canon. All other Star Wars stories of the last thirty-seven years would now come under the (non-canon) “Legends” banner.

I decided to give it a few weeks before I wrote up my own thoughts on this announcement. Like many fans, my initial response was one of disappointment. I had grown up with the stories and characters of the EU, and they now formed an important part of my love for the franchise. I didn’t want to lose them. With time and consideration, however, I’ve come to see the necessity of Disney’s move. It’s clear that the new Star Wars instalments need to be consistent with the existing film and television releases in the franchise. Beyond that, however, it’s understandable that Disney wants to give the maximum amount of creative freedom to its writers by starting with a clean slate. Officially announcing that these new tales will in no way be restricted by existing EU material is the only way of doing this.

It may even be that, for fans, this is the best thing we could have hoped for. While the universe might be changing, nothing is really lost. We’ve always been free to pick and choose which parts of the franchise comprise our own Star Wars universe. For some, this consists purely of the original three unaltered films. For others (like myself), this extends far further. The Legends will live on, and the new theatrical releases will simply give us another take on what might have happened to those heroes in a galaxy far, far away. Maybe the theatrical post-RotJ story will be better than that of Legends. Or maybe it won’t. It’ll be up to each of us to decide—for each of us to build our own universe.

Shadows of the Empire 3 3/4" Dash Rendar

It's been eighteen years since the release of Shadows of the Empire, and somehow I've managed to go that entire time without adding a Dash Rendar figure to my collection. Fortunately, that changed yesterday when my latest Trade Me auction win turned up in the post.

After the Thrawn Trilogy, Shadows of the Empire is one of my favourite entries in the (now "Legends") Expanded Universe. I've added the full line of SotE Micro Machines and Action Fleet vehicles to my collection over the years, but it's great to finally have a Dash to join my other 3 3/4" figures. Fortunately he only set me back $10.00, a nice price given how rarely he pops up on the second-hand market!