Star Wars Legacy of the Force Exile – Review March 15, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in Books, exile, han solo, hansolo, jacen solo, jedi, legacy of the force, scifi, sith, skywalker, star war legacy of the force, Star Wars, star wars legacy of the force, starwars.6 comments
I had been waiting for this book for months and bought it the day it hit the shelves . It was worth the wait.
Another awesome chapter in the Star Wars saga but then again what else should any of us expect?
At this point these books are written to a formula:
• crisis,
• escape from crisis,
• move to next crisis from multiple points
• escape from final crisis while leaving breadcrumbs for the next crisis to open the next book.
The best part of this book for me was likely, Exile’s first escape from crisis which occurs as Han, Leia, Corrran , Wedge and family escape from Correlia as Wedge resigns from the Correlian military.
Overall this installment in the Star Wars Legacy of the Force moreso than any other yet is all about plot progression as opposed to any sort of deeper character development. Not that there is anything wrong with that. This book is all about action and plenty of it.
With Correlia and its allies in an all out war against the Alliance one could hardly expect the book to just be about a bunch of diplomats talking.
Only in the final pages of the final chapter do we see some deeper character development in Jacen as he continues his decent into the dark side. Lumiya tells him that he must choose his Sith name and his sacrifice. Not coincidentally Sacrifice is the name of the next installment in this series. The Darth Who contest should also be wrapped up then so we’ll definitely know Jacen’s Sith name too and I’d expect Lucas to go all out on promotions.
Star Wars Legacy of the Force Exile is a raucous page turning, swashbuckling adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend. If you haven’t yet indulged in the Legacy of the Force Series you should, the previous books (Betrayal 
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic issue # 14 March 14, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in knights of the old republic, KOTOR, scifi, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Books, starwars.2 comments
This series is really starting to suck quite badly.
While Knights of the Old Republic started out as an awesome new series it has steadily declined in quality over the past few months. This most recent issue was totally pointless, poorly written and has artwork that is totally mundane and lackluster.
This issue is the second issue an story arc that began in issue #13 . I had high hopes at the time that this might finally kick it up a notch. I am sorely disappointed.
Zayne should be hunted down by all sides, there should be sith, jedi and mandalorians at ever corner. Instead there is a boring, plodding and altogether predicable slow plot that just keeps meanering along.
I’m at the point where I can no longer recommend this series to the casual reader – I’ll keep buying it myself so i can review it on ShowMeSciFi – so if anything does happen and Dark Horse turns this around – this blog will be the first toast and cheer for its return to glory.
RvD2: Ryan vs. Dorkman 2 the ultimate fanboy lightsaber duel March 9, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in lightsabers, RvD2, ryan vs dorkman, sith, Star Wars, starwars, YouTube.5 comments
RvD2: Ryan vs. Dorkman 2 is now one of my fav fanboy lightsaber duels ever.
Long story short two average dudes duke it out in a factory with real slick saber action that is jaw droppingly awesome. The footage is professionally done and the lightsaber sounds and effects are top notch.
One of my fav sequence occurs at 4:20 where the two of them use the force to try and attrack and repel a lightsaber that has been dropped. The one dude finally wins out but then the butt of the saber hits him in the head – JUST CLASSIC.
Then at 5:48 he gets his hand cut off and to add insult to injury gets his knee sliced too…almost like Monty Python Holy Grail and the black knight scene.
Anyways without any further ado – RvD2: Ryan vs. Dorkman 2 live from YouTube.
Jedi Mail from the US Postal Service March 9, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in jedi, scifi, sith, Star Wars, starwars.61 comments
The US Postal Service is getting into the spirit this 30th anniversary year of Star Wars. Looks like they’ve even got a website planned : uspsjedimaster.com that is not yet active.
I wonder if that means they’ll also have Sith Stamps?
More details at TheForce
New Star Wars Animated Show in the Works March 6, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in scifi, Star Wars, starwars.3 comments
Looks like George Lucas was out this past week talking up his upcoming projects.
Among the most interesting is the new 3d Animated series which we could see in 2008.
He’s very excited about the animated 3D Clone Wars TV series. He is trying to recreate the ambiance of a SW film in cartoon form – “there won’t be anything on TV like it” – it’ll be “smart ass comedy with contemporary humor.” It won’t be dealing with the Skywalker story. The emphasis is on freedom to portray anything they feel like; for instance some episodes are just about clonetroopers, another features as the main character Kit Fisto. He’s going to make 100 episodes, doesn’t have a network yet.
–more details at TheForce.Net
Weird Al Yoda – LIVE March 4, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in jedi, scifi, skywalker, Star Wars, starwars, weird al, weirdal, Yoda, YouTube.3 comments
Just came across this vid (on YouTube of course).
Who needs ‘Lola’ when you can see Weird Al singing ‘Yoda’ live. Great song but at least half the fun with this vid is the audience reactions – fanboy central!!
Star Wars Rebellion TPB (review) March 2, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in jedi, rebellion, scifi, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Books, Star Wars Expanded Universe Books, star wars rebellion, starwars.2 comments
Star Wars Rebellion has been a tough series for me to get into for a simple reason.
The issues don’t seem to come out regularly (ie. monthly) so i haven’t been able to get them and keep track.
THANK GOODNESS FOR TRADE PAPERBACKS.
Star Wars: Rebellion Volume 1–My Brother, My Enemy collects issues 1-5 of this difficult to collect series. It takes place in the period between Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back and introduces another link from Luke Skywalker’s past.
It’s not brilliant stuff but it is very readable and good to look at. I certainly enjoyed this comic though i’m not sure that i’m going to go out of my way to try and find upcoming new issues when and if they ever do come out.
Chad Vader – if you haven’t seen it you should February 23, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in chad vader, chadvader, jedi, scifi, sith, Star Wars, starwars, YouTube.3 comments
Just watched the latest episode of Chad Vader (episode 6) and it doesn’t dissapoint. Vader is sort of like odd job jack in this episode working as a telemarketer, a copier repairman and a taxi cab driver.
HILARIOUS.
Nice classic Vader lines laced throughout the vid and some real professional camerawork make Chad Vader my favorite ongoing YouTube series. Why ask a Ninja when you can watch a Sith?
Don’t believe me? Check out the episode right here.
SCIFIPEDIA vs. Wikipedia February 23, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in jedi, klingon, scifi, SCIFIPEDIA, sith, Star Trek, Star Wars, stargate, stargate atlantis, stargate sg1, startrek, starwars, wikipedia.4 comments
SciFi.com is now actively promoting its own SciFi wiki called SciFipedia. It’s an effort to build out a complete ‘encyclopedia’ of SciFi shows, characters, games and other such trivia.
SciFi.com is expecting/hoping that people will freely give up their time and knowledge to help build out the content. Not a bad idea and one that Wikipedia has proven works.
There is a big glaring monstrous problem with it though.
If you look closely at SciFipedia’s pages in particular the Terms of Use it becomes very apparent that Scifipedia is nothing like Wikipedia. First off Scifipedia content is not licensed under any real open content license like Creative Commons or the GNU Free Documentation License. What that means in normal human speak is that you can’t freely use any content from Scifipedia.
USE OF SCIFIPEDIA CONTENT
Except as described in this Terms of Use, you agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, create derivative works from, perform, sell, resell or exploit SCIFIPEDIA or any portion of SCIFIPEDIA (including any promotions and advertisements for SCIFIPEDIA) (collectively “SCIFIPEDIA”), without express written permission from SCIFIPEDIA.
Wikipedia is totally different in that the GNU Free Documentation license and Creative Commons licenses are all about letting information be free. Part of the incentive of contribution is knowing that you’re setting information free for any/all to benefit from.
Speaking of contributions, at Wikipedia anyone can contribute at any time. There is no need to register if you don’t want too. I’ve contributed many hundreds of entries to wikipedia and have never once registered.
With Scifipedia you have to register or you can’t contribute.
The policy for SCIFIPEDIA is that only registered members will be allowed to contribute entries. The registration will be handled though the SCIFI.COM main website, and registered SCIFI.COM members need only log in. A name and email address will be required, and you’ll need to follow an authentication procedure to become a registered member.
Bummer.
Then last but perhaps most importantly is the fact that Scifipedia has only 4,710 entries or 
so. Wikipedia greatly outstrips that already, containing the same and alot more in SciFi than SciFipedia.
So what am I saying?
I’m saying if you’re going to give of your own free time and will to help enrich and educate why not do so in the most free, most collaborative and most used media the world has ever known. Forget about scifipedia – contribute to Wikipedia.
Two Jedi Get Into a Fight at a Kegger February 22, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in jedi, scifi, Star Wars, starwars, YouTube.add a comment
Kevin Rubio’s Troops is perhaps the greatest star wars fan film ever made (with a nod to Hardware Wars of course).
But what Troops didn’t have is the hard edge..the real life pandemonium and vulgarity that for better or for worse we expect in 2007.
Then along comes this vid, titled ‘Stabbing at Leia’s 22nd Birthday’. It’s a 2007, harsher, cruder version of troops.
**WARNING** this YouTube vid contains language that is not suitable for minors or those with sensitive ears **
Star Wars : The Force Unleashed Lucas’ next great game February 21, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in force unleashed, games, KOTOR, LucasArts, scifi, sith, skywalker, Star Wars, star wars games, star wars the force unleashed, starwars, video games.3 comments
No it’s not KOTOR III. But yes it is the next greatest thing to happen to Star Wars Gaming.
LucasArts has announced a November shipping date for Star Wars The Force Unleashed which should be available for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2 and PSP. It is unclear whether a Wii version is in the cards.
LucasArts is claiming that the new game will introduce all kinds of new gaming innovations – as well as a new playable dark lord wannabe.
The Star Wars saga continues this November in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, a videogame developed by LucasArts, which casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice” and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The expansive story, created under direction from George Lucas, is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. In it, players will assist the iconic villain in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi – and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.
Star Wars : Legacy # 8 – The Sith Reclaim the Empire February 18, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in comic books, comics, Dark Horse, darkhorse, jedi, scifi, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Books, star wars legacy, starwars, starwars legacy.1 comment so far
Just when I thought that Star Wars Legacy couldn’t get any better along comes this issue. It’s a flashback issue occurring before the events of the first issue – way before . We finally get to see how the Sith ended up in control of the Empire after the defeat of the Galactic Alliance, we also see that the rightful Emperor Roan Fel was not at fault for the massacre of the Jedi on Ossus.
The story is just awesome. If you’ve never read Legacy – this is an excellent issue to get started with.
The art ..well it’s not up to the same level as the first seven issues. There is a good reason for that..the art is not done by Jan Duursema. The Sith (particularly Darth Krayt) look kinda lame and overall it’s not the jaw dropping magnificence that the Duursema provides.
Apparently Jan Duursema is working ahead on the next story arc – so we the fans have to settle with second rate artists until her return…considering how awesome the story is…and with the expectation that Duursema is returning I suppose it’s a fair trade off.
The first issue of Legacy revealed the facts of the attack on the Jedi Academy on Ossus and of the betrayal of Emperor Roan Fel by Darth Krayt and the Sith. Now it is time to learn of the machinations and of the secret alliances behind those actions.
Grand Moff Nyna Calixte supervises intelligence gathering for the Empire. Darth Maladi does the same for the Sith. Together they could form an unbeatable team, able to sway the course of a galaxy. That is, if they don’t destroy one another first!
From the ambush of the Galactic Alliance’s fleet to Roan Fel’s narrow escape from assassination, the true story of the Sith overthrow of the Empire can at last be told!
Star Wars Outlander TPB – review February 17, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in aurra sing, aurrasing, comics, Dark Horse, darkhorse, jedi, scifi, sith, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Books, starwars.3 comments
My own personal hunt for Aurra Sing has led me to Star Wars Outsider.
Aurra Sing isn’t the major player in this trade paperback but she is still quite central – it’s more about another lost Jedi the ‘Outlander’ who unites the Tusken raiders of Tatooine.
A solid work with great art and a pretty decent story to boot.
Ki-Adi-Mundi’s first assignment after joining the Jedi Council will take him back to the fearsome desert wastelands of Tatooine. The Jedi Council has tracked a long wayward and powerful Jedi, Sharad Hett of the Sand People, to the backwater world, and it’s up to Ki to find him and convince him to return. Only two things stand in his way: the vicious krayt dragon of Tatooine and the Jedi-slaying bounty hunter Aurra Sing! Ki has little choice but to ask for help from the slimiest crime lord of them all, Jabba the Hutt — and Jabba’s aid always comes with a price! Outlander is full-throttle, white-knuckle Episode I-era adventure!
Star Wars : The Hunt for Aurra Sing February 16, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in comic books, comics, jedi, scifi, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Books, starwars.1 comment so far
The Hunt for Aurra Sing
The first time I ever heard the name Aurra Sing was in the recent Star Wars Legacy of the Force Tempest novel in which Aurra is hired to kill Tenel Ka.
I then went on a hunt of my own a Hunt for Aurra Sing.
What a graphic novel phew. Great writing, great art and fantastic pacing.
She’s not a sith, but not exactly a Dark Jedi either (or is she?) But she is all business in the comic. I’m going to go on another hunt now and track down other Aurra Sing materials to flesh out my collection.
Star Wars Jedi vs. Sith February 10, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in comic books, comics, Dark Horse, darkhorse, jedi, scifi, sith, Star Wars, starwars.1 comment so far
It wasn’t all that long ago that I reviewed Darth Bane : Path of Destruction . Little did I know at the time that the book was little more than a novelization of this comic.
Star Wars Jedi vs. Sith is the graphic novel (or trade paperback) that collects the six issue Dark Horse comic book series. The art is manga’ish and blocky but it is engaging.
The story well – it’s fantastic.
Jedi vs. Sith tells the same story that fills the back half of Darth Bane : Path of Destruction – A thousand years ago the Sith were many and they battled endlessly with the Jedi Army of Light. Lord Kaan ruled the Sith Brotherhood of Darkness and sought the destruction of Lord Hoth and his Jedi followers.
Darth Bane emerges as THE SITH and the Jedi walk away thinking they’ve ended the Sith forever.
In comparison to the book – which i read first even though the comic book predates it by some 5 years – the comic book is quick and fast paced. The book is a different type of engagement, looking deeper into Darth Bane the man, the sith and the motivations behind things. The comic is…well it’s a comic. You just can’t get the same sort of introspection and development (not typically at least).
I am glad i’ve read both though as the experience of reading a comic is very very different than reading a novel. It’s not quite like taking two viewpoints of the same history, more like looking at two versions of the same painting. The biggest addition in the comic book are the kids – only one whom (Rain) even makes an appearance in the novel.
Apparently Dark Horse Comics (the publisher) also thinks that this is a landmark graphic novel and they are re-issuing it as a hardcover as part of the their 30th anniversary
celebrations for Star Wars. It’s expect to be available April 4th of 2007. Personally I don’t have a problem with the softcover (and it’s cheaper). You can click on the first cover image to see if Dark Horse still has any (of the cheaper version) avail.
Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic issue # 13 February 9, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in comic books, comics, Dark Horse, darkhorse, jedi, knights of the old republic, KOTOR, scifi, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Books, starwars.2 comments
Issue 13 kicks of a new story arc that may have some real legs to it. The last story arc concluded in issue 12 . Basically what happens is Zayne Carrick sticks with Gryph the con artist while the others leave on the Last Resort.
Zayne and Gryph ultimately end up with a ship that takes them right back into the thick of things with the Republic Fleet.
Not a bad story but not the best yet either. Another incremental tale that gets things going without being overly dramatic itself.
Maybe I’m being a bit harsh…the story does end with an assasin droid (as seen on the cover) revealing itself to the crew of the Last Resort…oohhh I wonder if they’ survive…guess we’ve got to wait till the next issue to find out.
AND I suppose the funkly lightsaber repelling arm braces that Zayne ends up are kinda cool too. If Luke had a pair of those he probably wouldn’t have lost his arm.
Star Wars : Show Us Your Lightsaber Contest February 7, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in contest, jedi, scifi, Star Wars, starwars, YouTube.1 comment so far
I just found out about the ‘Show us your lightsaber’ contest. I’m sure you’ll all want to get in on the action. It’s not quote Stephen Colbert’s Green screen challenge but it sure does look like alot of fun – and it’s all officially sanctioned by Lucasfilm.
Here’s all you have to do:
1. Make a video.
2. Upload it to this YouTube group: http://youtube.com/group/showusyourlightsaber
3. Fill out and submit the entry form.
You must be at least 13 years old to enter. Entries must be received by March 11, 2007. Click here for official rules.
http://reg.hasbro.com/starwars/showusyourlightsaber/officialrules.aspx
Here’s the official video on (where else) YouTube.
Star Wars on the Nintendo Wii February 7, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in nintendo, nintendo wii, scifi, Star Wars, starwars, video games, wii, YouTube.8 comments
Star Wars video games have long been a hit and miss exercise. From the highs of Knights of the Old Republic to crap like Jedi Power Battles. Star Wars video games for next generation consoles may well be a real hit, especially on the Wii.
On the Nintendo Wii you can literally stretch out with your feelings (or WiiMote/Nunchuk) and strike down your enemy.
Don’t believe me? Check out this vid of Star Wars on the Wii. It’ll blow you away. I can hardly wait.
Dark Horse Comics : No Longer a ‘Dark Horse’ January 31, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in comic books, comics, Dark Horse, darkhorse, KOTOR, scifi, sith, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Books, starwars.add a comment
Dark Horse Rising: It’s No Longer Just A DC And Marvel Universe
The Golden Age of comics was dominated by DC Comics, home to Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. The Silver Age belonged to Marvel with Spiderman, the Hulk, Fantastic 4 and Captain America.
Does the third age of comics belong to Dark Horse?
Regular readers of ShowMeSciFi know all about Dark Horse Comics. They are after all the publisher of all Star Wars Comics including of course the ‘new stuff’ like Legacy, KOTOR and Dark Times.
Recently TwitchGuru.com took a look inside the world of Star Wars Comics. This week they take a look inside Dark Horse Comics itself.
Read the full article here.
Star Wars: Dark Times issues 1 and 2 (review) January 29, 2007
Posted by showmescifi in comics, Dark Horse, darkhorse, jedi, scifi, sith, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Books, star wars dark times, starwars, starwars darktimes.2 comments
“For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.”
–Ben Kenobi
I just picked up both issues #1 and 2 of Star Wars : Dark Times.
Apparently issue #2 was DELAYED. Issue #1 came out in early november while Issue #2 came out late last week (Jan 24). Starting a new series with such a gap is hardly a way to start a series.
But for me it’s not too bad since i got both issues a the same time and didn’t have to wait two months for an issue.
Now on to the good stuff and make no mistake about it, Dark Times is good stuff.
Plot is a bit predictable given the time period – which sometime close after the end of Episode III with jedi on the run and vader trying to figure out wtf is going on and what he’s supposed to be doing.
The artwork is spectacular with a photorealistic airbrush kind of approach that give this title a very sleek and somewhat unique look in the modern Star Wars pantheon of KOTOR and Legacy.
I am looking forward to issue #3 but i’m putting Dark Horse on notice – if it’s two months late I’m not likely to buy it.
Show Me SciFi 