Mara Jade: By the Emperor's Hand (Star Wars) Review

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(More customer reviews)Jedi are awesome. There's pretty much no argument there. But some of us, even if we lived in Lucas' universe, would have a hard time putting away a good blaster even if we were Force-sensitive. Enter Mara. The neutrality of her character is so cool that readers keep flipping pages; she's not really bad, but nor is she good, either. Zahn created such an interesting concept here that it's almost impossible not to like her. As far as this graphic novel goes, it is definitely a page-turner and has some truly wonderful art work. I loved seeing Isard's multi-colored eyes in print! Definitely worth buying. My only qualm is that the story doesn't go far enough--I want to read more! How does Mara meet up with Karrde? That in itself leads to many possibilities of a sequel.

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Mara Jade is beautiful, intelligent--and deadly! She is the personal assassin of the Empire`s dark overlord. But after the Emperor`s death, an unforeseen variable is about to enter the scene of her final mission, the assassination of the leader of the Black Nebula crime organization. Though her master is dead, Jade must complete her final mission...even if it costs her life!

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Star Wars: A Long Time Ago..., Book 4: Screams in the Void Review

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(More customer reviews)I started picking up the Star Wars comics halfway through its run -- right when this book takes off. Compared to the first issues in the series, the art is quite sophisticated and matches well with the imagery seen in the films. Characterizations are remarkably deep considering the plotters were barred from using situations that would pop up in Return of the Jedi.
My favorite bit deals with a young Rebel woman who looks like she could be Luke's first girlfriend, but is actually much more. I won't spoil the surprise here, but let's just say that Mara Jade wasn't exactly a totally original creation.
Most importantly, these stories are FUN and are a great read for all Star Wars fans young and old. I can't recommend them highly enough.

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Star Wars Episodes I, II & III Instrumental Solos Book & CD (Cello & Piano Acc.) Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)This sheet music book contains Star Wars music scores, written in arrangements that are not too hard for advanced beginner students. The CD it comes with is great. My son has been listening to it non stop and although he has not mastered the music himself, he's becoming familiar with it every day. Great Buy.

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The arrangements are completely compatible with each other and can be played together or as solos. Each book contains a carefully edited part that is appropriate for the Level 2-3 player and a fully orchestrated accompaniment CD. Each song on the CD includes a DEMO track, which features a live instrumental performance, followed by the PLAY-ALONG track. Titles: from Episode I: Augie's Great Municipal Band • Duel of the Fates • Qui-Gon's Funeral • Star Wars (Main Title); from Episode II: Across the Stars • The Imperial March • May the Force Be with You • The Meadow Picnic; from Episode III: Battle of the Heroes • Princess Leia's Theme • The Throne Room. Also includes 10 pages of color photgraphs from Episodes I, II & III.

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Warchild (Star Trek Deep Space Nine, No 7) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Warchild" is surprisingly good, not because of the author (Ms. Friesner is well known and I've always enjoyed her work in the past), but because of the subject matter. When I saw this book in the bookstore way back when it was originally published, I passed because it was dealing with the Bajorans, and at the time, I just didn't care about that.
However, after watching all seven seasons of DS9 and getting a better flavor for the Bajorans (and gaining more interest in them), I tried this novel, and was very pleasantly surprised. Ms. Friesner obviously "got" the Bajorans far sooner than I did, and wrote an excellent novel that combines elements of faith, philosophy and morality (along with the SFDS9 mythos) with adventure and gets more than the sum of its parts.
The quick synopsis here is, the Bajorans are in trouble (this book is between seasons one and two) due to how much the Cardassians nearly ruined Bajor before they were driven off. The Cardassians basically raped the world, and many of the people who've returned to Bajor from the refugee camps (or who never left) are tired, hungry, footsore and shellshocked.
They need a sign that things will improve, and the Provisional Government isn't giving them one.
Into this mix comes a message from the missing Kai Opaka -- one she wrote long years before -- about a child being the key to uniting Bajor again. Someone has to go after the child, but of course no one knows who she is (they do know the child needed is female), and the various religious factions are already fighting over the privilege of finding her (and some don't want the child found, too, making everything worse). Which is why a Bajoran monk goes to Commander Sisko and asks for help . . . .
Does he get the help? Of course, but it doesn't go quite as expected (if you're a fan of DS9, you're probably used to that by now) and there's lots of interested byplay between the various children and the officers, as well as some fun scenes between Jake, Nog and one of the Bajoran kids, Cedra. Ms. Friesner also managed to cram in a very credible, though understated, romance for Julian Bashir, not an easy task.
So, it's a coming of age story for Bashir, an adventure story, a mystery, and a race against time. Very good work.
Four stars, recommended.
Barb Caffrey
P.S. If you like this, you may enjoy Sandy Schofield's "The Big Game" and/or Daffyd ab Hugh's "Fallen Heroes," both also excellent stories.

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A message left by the Kai Opaka gives Commander Benjamin Siskso a fateful mission. Find a young Bajouran girl destined to be a great healer who could bring together the warring factions of Bajor. While Lt Dax tries to find the healer, Dr Bashir goes planetside to treat a rare killer disease.

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Using the Force: Creativity, Community and Star Wars Fans (Updated Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay, we all know the stereotype - the nerd who is incapable of carrying on a conversation with the opposite sex, but is able to speak fluent Klingonese; the geek who can't shoot a basket to save his life, but who can personally reenact the final lightsaber duel from The Phantom Menace (complete with sound effects); the misfit who owns every Star Wars actionfigure ever produced, displayed on a set of shelves built into the walls of - wait for it - his parent's basement!
I give you the stereotypical science fiction/fantasy fan.
Only, stereotypes are an inch of fact and a mile of embellishment and conjecture. Are there fans that dress up like Mr. Spock and wave the V sign, telling you to "Live Long and Prosper"? Sure there are! Are there people who can do perfect imitations of a wizened, green puppet (and now CGI character) asking the Force to be with you? You bet!
However, such stereotypes are only a small portion of what encompasses fandom, but they are likely all that the non-fan (or "mundanes" as in the Harry Potter series) may envision, because it is upon the more flamboyant fans that the media so loves to shine their questionable spotlight. Yet, in truth, fandom is as varied as - well - "real life!". For every guy dressed as a Jedi and waving a plastic lightsaber at a Star Wars premiere, there is a family in jeans and t-shirts sitting down to share popcorn in the front row of the theater.
Perhaps most unfortunate of all is the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) suggestion of superiority on the part of the media covering fandom - the outsider studying some exotic, and not quite healthy, cultural phenomena and offering it up as an object of amusement if not outright derision for the "normal" masses.
I've heard the jokes and the put downs, repeatedly. I've come to expect it. So it was with some trepidation that I picked up William Brooker's study of Star Wars fandom. "Here we go again," I thought. "Someone who thinks they understand fandom and is going to tell us all about the "unhappy, socially inept fans who use science fiction and fantasy as a form of escapism from their sad, miserable little lives."
I was wrong. The first thing you should know about Will Brooker is that HE is a fan himself, and this gives him a unique perspective - not to mention it makes it more likely fellow fans will trust him enough to allow glimpses into aspects of their lives they have learned to keep secret to avoid ridicule. Brooker walks the walk and talks the talk. He respects his fellow fans and their views, and he presents them in a fair minded and non-judgmental light in his book, which makes for a pleasant change.
Furthermore, he discusses fandom from many angles, including those that are often overlooked or somewhat obscure and may not be familiar even to many that consider themselves Star Wars fans. Do the terms PWP, EU, "gusher" and "Space Wheat" mean anything to you? They will once you have read this book, and some of the insights you discover may surprise you. Brooker covers such topics as women in fandom. How do they view the Star Wars universe, and how do their reactions and expectations differ from those of the men who tend to dominate science fiction? What about creative expression in fandom? When fans use George Lucas' characters and universe to inspire their own flights of fancy, whether it be through short films, writing or art work, is this a form of homage to Lucas or a blatant disregard for legal copyright laws, or both? How did fans react to The Phantom Menace? Was it a disaster or a glorious success, or a little of each?
So who should read this book? Everyone! Non-fans should read it to gain an insight into fandom. Fans are not simply some exotic creatures you only see dressed in Jedi robes on the news coverage of a Star Wars premier. Fans include the teacher in your child's classroom, the vet who takes care of your dog, the guy who programmed your business software, the kid down the street who mows your lawn, and the Air force meteorologist. They are people like you, and, yes, like me - I am a fan and proud of it.
Fans should read to gain a broader view of the myriad aspects of fandom and the response people have to the Star Wars phenomena. As Brooker points out, Star Wars fandom is a dynamic, complex entity. Many fans don't even agree on issues covered in this book. However, for the most part, they do speak a common language that allows for immediate recognition and a sense of inclusion in a world where fans often feel excluded. Even when they disagree, there is a sense of community - a community Brooker knows well.

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In this study of fandom at its most intense, Will Brooker examines the "Star Wars" phenomenon from the audience's perspective, and discovers that the saga exerts a powerful influence over the social, cultural and spiritual lives of those drawn into its myth. From a Boba Fett-loving police officer in Indiana to the webmistress of the "Star Wars chicks" site; from an 11-year-old boy in south London to a Baptist Church in South Carolina; from the director of "George Lucas in Love" to the custodians of the Jedi Hurtaholics Archive - Brooker unearths a seemingly endless array of fans who use and interpret the saga in a number of creative ways. This book explores what it means to be a fan, examining the role of gender and generation in creating sub-communities within the larger group of Star Wars devotees. It discusses the films and stories created by thousands of fans around the world, and asks whether this apparently unstoppable creativity can be controlled by an organization that has - completely unintentionally - positioned itself in the role of the Empire and turned loyal fans into Rebels.Ultimately, the book serves as a testament to the extraordinary power of the "Star Wars" films and the expanded universe that surrounds them. The book features a lengthy interview with Simon Pegg, co-creator of the sitcom "Spaced".

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Star Trek Online: The Needs of the Many Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a little disapointed with this one. I normally consume Trek books of any era, by any author with great delight. You don't even want to know how many copies of "How Much For Just The Planet" I have.
I don't regret buying this one, but I regret not buying it at a used book store for less.
One issue is perhaps unavoidable given the overall format. With the whole "Living History" idea, I expect some certain similarities in tone and format to World War Z. But on this one, there are a couple times when I can almost hear the rustle of pages from That Other Book in the background. Again, that could be simply because it's a "living history" about a massive war.
The other, greater issue is the author's clear and obvious choice to politicize the book. Between dedicating the book to a currently active politician, and making assorted thinly veiled references to policies of a Recent President Who Shall Not Be Named as well as current events, it gets pretty ham-handed.
Social commentary has always been an enriching element in Star Trek, but this work is somewhat tainted by it's level of current-day political commentary, enhanced by the "narrator's" penchant for wistfully sermonizing, sermons which become downright sticky and gooey sweet.
"Jake" ends up reducing the notional interviews from interviews to a socio-political soapbox for the author to use him to mumble from, a vehicle for his own commentary as opposed to focussing on the experiences and stories of his interview subjects. It's rarely a good thing when the focus of a documentary becomes the interviewer, and not the subjects or their stories. If I want to read an author's politicizing, I'll go to their homepage or blog. The digs at a recent administration and political faction become a wink at the camera that damages the immersion, and wastes type that could have been used telling a better story. (This being despite my personal dislike of said administration.)
Still, there are some good vignettes, some good bits of dialogue, but it's somewhat inferior to what I've come to expect in current Star Trek reading material.

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Prior to the terror-filled times of the Long War—the seemingly endless struggle against the Undine, a paranoid, shape-shifting race once known only as Species 8472—enemy sleeper agents quietly penetrated every echelon of Federation society, as well as other starfaring civilizations throughout the Alpha and Beta quadrants. The ensuing conflict shook humanity to its very core, often placing its highest ideals against a pure survival instinct. All too frequently, the Undine War demanded the harshest of sacrifices and exacted the steepest of personal costs from the countless millions whose lives the great interdimensional clash forever altered.Drawn from his exhaustive research and interviews, The Needs of the Many delivers a glimpse of Betar Prize–winning author Jake Sisko's comprehensive "living history" of this tumultuous era. With collaborator Michael A. Martin, Sisko illuminates an often-poorly-understood time, an age marked indelibly by both fear and courage—not to mention the willingness of multitudes of unsung heroes who became the living embodiment of the ancient Vulcan philosopher Surak's famous axiom, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."

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Star Wars - Infinities Review

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(More customer reviews)It's not easy to rewrite the star wars universe. Case in point: Imagine that you have to rewrite Return of the Jedi. You may change one event, one moemnt, then let your imagination flow. The possibilities for what may happen are almost endless.
But the important thing is, no matter what you come up with, it's important to take the time to tell your story well.
As with the previous two installments of the infinity line of star wars comics (A new hope and the empire strikes back, or IANH, ITESB), the folks at Dark Horse take the classic film and change one event, then see where the story goes. Remember the moment where Leia, disguised as Bossh, armed a thermal detonator in Jabba's palace? What would happen if that detonar...well, detonated?
With that simple change, the story of Return of the Jedi changes. There is no skiff sequence, no rancor fight, and sadly, one of the most beloved charachters is vaporized as a result (and no, it's not Bib Fortuna). From there, the story continues towards it's final moment...the final battle of the rebel alliance and the galactic empire above the endor moon.
What sets Return of the Jedi, infinities apart from IANH and ITESB is it's story. While the first two departed from the established story line greatly, IROTJ sticks fairly close to what happens in the film. Luke still fights Vader on the death star, the rebels still have to blow up the generator on Endor, and Vader must choose between following his master, or killing his children. Instead of the big details, it's the little ones that are changed.
Because it sticks closely to the established story, this entry in the infinities line isn't as compelling or fascinating as the previous two. Don't get me wrong, it's still entertaining, but it's just not as compelling as IANH or ITESB. There are great moments, such as how the bunker is destroyed, Han getting out of the carbonite, and what happens to Vader, but the one thing I noticed the most when reading this comic was the feeling that it was rushing as quickly as it could towards it's conclusion. As I said ealier in this review, if you're going to tell a story, try to tell it well. From the moment the rebeliion heads towards the Endor system, the book picks up the pace and doesn't let up, going at mach 4 towards the ending.
And in the end, this is what harms the story the most. It just goes too quickly. There's no real sense of how vast the final battle is, or how compelling the emotional fight is between Vader and Luke. one example is a description on the back of the book. We're told, "what if the ewoks fought both rebel and imperial?". Indeed, the ewoks attack the rebels...for all of two panels, then they vanish, never to be seen again, and with no impact on how the story plays out. Moments where the potential for emotional drama is high stop two panels short, stopping these scenes dead in thier tracks. Going really fast is not always the best option when you're telling an action story, as it is possible to go way too fast, as is the case here.
But even with the speed and pacing issue, IROTJ is still a fun read. The artwork is unique, looking like a strong blend between hand drawn and computer enhanced, and the final page of the comic, with what happens in it, is sure to put a huge smile on any star wars fan's face (but to reveal it would be criminal).
Now the big question...to buy, or not to buy? I'm really not sure what to say here, except that your best bet is to find this comic in a store, read it, then decide if you want to buy. Just like with the issue of bringing the fluffy ewoks into existance in the star wars universe, you either like it, or you don't like it.

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Star Wars Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi was a fitting climax to one of the truly great sci-fi cinema legends. As the credits rolled, the Empire was in ruins, Luke had led his father Darth Vader to redemption, and Leia and Han were reunited. Yet in the universe of Star Wars: Infinities, the smallest twist of fate can rewrite a saga! In Infinities - Return of the Jedi, all it takes is for C-3PO to lose his head! The result is that Han remains in the hands of Baba Fett, Luke is captured by the Emperor and the Rebel Alliance walks into a trap from which, this time, there is no escape! As thrilling as the movie, the seismic ripples reshaping this fantastic mythology lead to a shocking, epic conclusion worthy of the Star Wars legend!

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Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back Photo Comic Review

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(More customer reviews)
Wow! As a fan of the original photo novels from the 1970's (Star Trek/Battlestar Galactica), I love this format. The editors have done a great job picking the right scenes from the film, and that is a tough job.
Empire is a great continuation of A New Hope! Jedi is just as good!

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The greatest adventure in the galaxy comes to life in this manga-sized adaptation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back composed of frames taken directly from the movie!Han Solo braves the icy wastes of Hoth to save his friend, Luke Skywalker crashes into the swamps of Dagobah in search of the last Jedi Master, and Princess Leia falls into the hands of Darth Vader amidst the clouds of Bespin in this legendary tale!The battle between the cruel Galactic Empire and the ragtag Rebel Alliance reaches its highest pitch yet in this amazing pocket-sized photo comic!

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Tempest Feud: An Adventure for 9th-Level Heroes (Star Wars Roleplaying Game) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you've been running a Star Wars campaign for a while and your players are at the level 8/9 stage, do yourself a favor and buy this adventure. The amount of detail and polish in this adventure is excellent. I'm starting the adventure next session with my group, but having already read through the entire book, I'm very excited about what it will do for my campaign now and for the future.
This adventure obviously has a set plot, but the authors wrote it so well that your players will be able to enjoy it regardless of what they choose to do. I'm really impressed by the latitude I can take with it.

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The Star Wars Poster Book Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is the most comprehenstive look at the various Star Wars poster that have ever existed. Many of them we are familair with, but some we have never seen. Such as a cheep version of the classic '77 poster found in theaters in the USSR.
The side comments about the posters by the authors are cute and add a sense of true fandom. The pictures are in such good detail that you can read the tiny print found on the posters themselves in the book.
A must have for any diehard Star Wars fan. And for the Original Trilogy fans, they too will be delighted since 4/5 of the book focus on the Original Trilogy posters. *thumbs up*

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One of the very first Star Wars posters had no images at alljust enormous block letters that announced, "Coming to Your Galaxy This Summer: Star Wars." The rest is history. Now, 28 years later, the 350 most amazing Star Wars movie posters are collected for the first time. This compilation spans the surreal to ultra realistic, the campy to darkly serious: Darth Vader's head exploding in a shower of camera parts; Anakin Skywalker casting an ominous Sith shadow; C-3PO and R2-D2 selling Star Wars shoes; Luke and Vader in mortal battle aboard the Death Star. Classic posters are joined with text by the world's foremost Star Wars collector, Stephen Sansweet, and poster collector Peter Vilmur, behind-the-scenes stories from artists and designers, a scarcity guide to over 2,000 posters, and a bootleg identification guide. Exploding with color, The Star Wars Poster Book illuminates an unexplored corner of Star Wars history.
2005 by Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

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Star Wars: Underworld - The Yavin Vassilika Review

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(More customer reviews)Any of you know Meglias work, this is a mush have. Yes, the artwork is cartoony but very dynamic and animated. His style is unique, original, and the script goes well with the visuals. Anyone aware of his other works like Luuna, Superman Tarzan, Canari, etc... definitely shouldn't miss this one.
Hardcore Starwars fans might not fully like this one, but Boba Fett fans, like myself, looking for bunty hunter adventures within the starwars mythos, its a good read and a good peek for those with a taste for cartoony style that feels loose and pencil work that has a swing or spontaneity.

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When three Hutts place a wager on who can raise the most successful squad of henchmen to procure a highly valuable, mythical treasure, the most conniving rogues of the Star Wars Universe are recruited. Following a lead provided by Jozzel Moffet, a Hutt's slave girl, three teams set out to be the first to find the mysterious Yavin Vassilika. Boba Fett, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Lando, Dengar, IG-88, and others square off to decide who is the best scoundrel in the galaxy! They're hot on each other's trails, trying to stay alive and get a step ahead of the pack. The competitors dodge lasers and search for clues on the planet Kalkovak, attempt to stay afloat on the high seas of Mon Calamari, and become victims of a primitive culture's ritualistic `Cleansing of the Foul` on a backwater planet beyond the Outer Rim. The seductive Jozzel Moffet, wanting to free herself from a life of dancing and Hutt-washing, is moonlighting for a secret fourth investor and is hoping to get the Vassilika from whichever team is left standing. There are grudges galore in this hectic and humorous mad-dash, brought to you by fan-favorite Carlos Meglia (SpyBoy, Crimson, W.I.L.D.Cats) and writer Mike Kennedy (Ghost/Batgirl).

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Star Wars Galaxy Tiles: A Star Wars Supplement (Star Wars Accessory) Review

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(More customer reviews)The item description says this item contains six double sided terrain tiles, but that's not quite true. It does contain six double sided sheets, but four of them break out into multiple (between 5 and 13) smaller double sided tiles. All in all there are 38 double-sided tilesin this set (for a grand total of 76 images). Here is a brief description of what's on each tile:
TILE 1 (one 8x10 square tile): Empty grey tile floor/room on one side, and open brown grate tile floor with two computer consoles (low objects/hindering terrain) on the other side.
TILE 2 (one 8x10 square tile): Empty grey tile floor/room on one side, and grey tile floor/room with some low objects/hindering terrain on the other side.
TILE 3 (five tiles ranging from 2x4 squares tiles to 4x8 squares): Empty grey tiles on one side (to expand the size of rooms or for hallways), and steps and shaft with walkway on the other side (mostly for hallways/walkways).
TILE 4 (five tiles ranging from 2x4 squares tiles to 4x8 squares): Empty grey tiles on one side (to expand the size of rooms or for hallways), various hindering terrain (pits, low objects) on the other side.
TILE 5 (thirteen tiles ranging from 1x1 square to 2x8 squares): Empty grey or grate tiles on one side (to expand rooms or for hallways/walkways), and various hindering terrain (doors, pits, low objects) on the other side.
TILE 6 (thirteen tiles ranging from 1x1 square to 2x8 squares): Empty grey or grate tiles on one side (to expand rooms or for hallways/walkways and some hindering terrain), and grates (to expand rooms or for hallways/walkways) and various other objects (doors, turbo lifts, etc.) on other side.
On the plus side, the images are high quality, and they are printed on a very thick, high quality card stock that should hold up for many uses. I also like that there are several smaller tiles rather than just six big tiles. Because of this, the set is fairly versatile and can be used to create numerous maps. Three sample complexes that can be made with these tiles are provided on the inside package, but I see many possibilities - especially if you buy more than one pack. So all in all, you get a fair amount of bang for your buck.
On the minus side, the various types of terrain are not marked (walls, low objects, hindering terrain, pits, etc.), so these tiles cannot be used with the Star Wars minis game. I recognize these were designed for the RPG and not the minis game, but it would have been VERY easy for Wizards have given us a (Ploovo) Two-For-One by also making these tiles usable with the minis game (after all, that's what they did with the D&D minis cards -- they put stats/info for both the minis game and the RPG on each and every card). I'm very disappointed they didn't do something like that here.
In sum, if you play the Star Wars RPG and want an easy way to create your own maps, I think you'll be happy with this item. But, if you were hoping to use them for the Star Wars minis game (i.e., Rebel Storm, Clone Strike, etc.), I would pass on these tiles.


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Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (Dark Horse Collection) Review

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(More customer reviews)Although there are a few very trivial flaws in "Heir to the Empire" they are easily overlooked and do not take away from any of the enjoyment contained within. I can say with all honesty and not a little relief that Timothy Zahn did a far better job than any of the low-brow attempts at a worthwhile novel about our beloved Star Wars heroes than such amateurs such as Kevin J. Anderson and Steve Perry. Basically, it takes place five years after "Return of the Jedi" and Luke is just starting to feel comfortable in his role as the galaxy's only known Jedi. Han and Leia are married and expecting twins while struggling to build a new Republic in their home in the Imperial Palace on Coruscant. The Empire is considerably weakened and withering away, but it still holds some surprises for our blossoming New Republic. Strutting upon the stage is a new antagonist almost worthy of being Darth Vader's equal. A blue skinned red eyed member of the Chiss species named Grand Admiral Thrawn, the last of the Empire's Grand Admirals, has taken the Empire into his own hands in an attempt to revive the Empire and bring it back into its former power. He is a brilliant military strategist and super-genius, able to glean merely from a culture's art its military strategies and psychological traits. Although, Zahn never bothers to explain exactly how he does this, I feel that this would certainly qualify one to be an extraordinary genius among geniuses. Okay, Thrawn is quite honestly a much better "bad guy" than the ludicrously ridiculous Hutt (a Hutt that would fit much better in an episode of Looney Tunes) that Kevin J. Anderson dreamed up in "Dark Saber" however, Zahn doesn't quite make him as fascinating as Darth Vader, but after Vader anyone would seem fairly anticlimatic. And an insane dark Jedi by the name of C'baoth is bent on capturing Luke and Leia (with her unborn twins) for his own corrupt reasons. A great plot with all our favorite characters, as well as an interesting trip to Kashyyyk with Chewbacca, even though his child and wife is disappointingly never mentioned, all combine to make a great read replete with space fights, political intrigue, and new characters.

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Star Wars Episode 1 : The Phantom Menace Movie Storybook Review

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(More customer reviews)First off, I thought the flick was pretty good, though a little too slow in the middle. It needed more action, more depth, less clumsy dialogue, and less kiddie stuff. We all know that now. Okay. With that in mind, the screenplay is great in some parts, and groan out loud bad in others. If you're one of the more forgiving (and less bandwagon-jumping obsessed) hardcore fans, it's a treasure. Even with all it's faults, it's cool to sit down and read how the pieces begin to fall into place. Also, this is an uncut script, so a lot of the deleted stuff you see on the DVD is in here, as is some cut dialogue. Again, I wouldn't advise this for the passive Star Wars fan, but it is a must-have for the REAL (being a relative term, of course) Star Wars fan.

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The Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Movie Storybook is the definitive souvenir book of the movie Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Packed with over 140 big, full-color photographs from the movie, The Phantom Menace Movie Storybook retells the Episode I adventure from beginning to end with easy-to-read text based on the screenplay by George Lucas. Freezing the most thrilling and poignant frames of the movie, this book is the perfect collector's item for young (as well as older!) Star Wars fans. Every saga has a beginning, and The Phantom Menace Movie Storybook will let you relive that beginning over and over again!

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Anakin's Quest (Star Wars: Junior Jedi Knights, Book 4) Review

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(More customer reviews)Thousands of children's books are published every year, and it's hard to catch kids' attention. One thing that never fails to stand out, however, is the familiar "Star Wars" logo on a book cover. "Anakin's Quest," the fourth book in the popular Junior Jedi Knights series, is a wonderful tool for encouraging young "Star Wars" fans to read. Rebecca Moesta's writing is concise and uncomplicated, and the story moves quickly enough to keep most kids interested. Young Anakin Solo, son of Han Solo and Princess Leia, is learning to be a Jedi Knight with the help of his uncle, Luke Skywalker, and his friends Tahiri, Master Ikrit, and Artoo-Detoo. In this installment, Anakin and company travel to Dagobah to visit the cave where Luke Skywalker faced the Dark Side in himself. Anakin is afraid that he's destined to fall to the Dark Side like his grandfather, Darth Vader, and needs to face his own inner demons. His adventures along the way will engross and excite even the most casual of "Star Wars" fans. This book is best for children aged 7 to 12--and, of course, the young at heart.

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Traveling to Dagobah after experiencing recurring nightmares, young Jedi-in-training Anakin is accompanied by R2-D2 and other companions on a trip to a secret cave in the swamps, where he faces a test of his strength with the Force. Original.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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THE WOOKIEE STORYBOOK (Star Wars) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Wookiee Storybook is a 1979 Star Wars children's book featuring characters and events from the infamous 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. The book is illustrated by Patricia Wynne; no author is credited. Here, Chewbacca returns to his home world for his two-hundredth birthday while his son "Lumpy" gets lost in the swamp.
This is, basically, a story you've heard before, told in a completely pedestrian manner, only Star Wars-ified: a kid wants to be a hero, disobeys his mother and goes into danger, gets rescued, and learns that "Even when you were afraid, you kept trying. That is what makes a hero." Whatever. It's also weird to see Wookiees speaking intelligible dialogue.
The only "real" Star Wars characters here are Chewbacca and Han Solo, and Han doesn't have much to do (although there is a brief but interesting mention of how they met and became partners). But is it canon? Who cares? (Okay, it's probably not, what with the Wookiee telepathy and the Millennium Falcon's rocket shuttle and convenient "super-sensitive tracking camera.")
Wynne's full-color artwork is quite good. She does an excellent job with the characters, and her attention to detail in the backgrounds is particularly impressive, as is her vision of Kashyyyk. Her art is the highlight of the book.
I love Star Wars, love Chewbacca, love Han Solo, but The Wookiee Storybook is really for collectors only.


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Star Wars Vintage Action Figures Review

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(More customer reviews)This is *the* book for anyone who's ever had an interest in the vintage Kenner Star Wars action figure line (from 1977-1985). Nostalgiac fans who may or may not collect will see all the items they loved as kids, while experienced collectors will get comprehensive coverage on many different aspects of the hobby.
Based on 10 years of research, the author has compiled detailed information not to be found elsewhere, with a special focus on US package variations, store displays & promotional items, and package and display-related prototype items. If you think you've seen it all, you simply haven't until you've seen this book. The author has used large, high quality photos of all the items, many of which have never been seen in any other format. In addition to coverage of the toys many knew and loved, the author provides images of rare and one-of-a-kind items from his own and other collections. You didn't know how many different versions of the rare and infamous unproduced rocket-firing Boba Fett figures there were until this book came out!
There have been other books covering parts of the same topic, but none with the quality and depth as this book. The $34.95 cover price is far less than one would expect to pay for a lengthy hard-cover book like this, especially considering the overall high quality. Unlike general Star Wars guides that used lots of small images, the author has used large, high quality, professionally produced images. The paper stock and hard cover are also heavier than any other book I've seen in this area. In my opinion, not only is this book a bargain at this price, many of the items seen in this book can't be seen *anywhere* since they are in various private collections. It's a super treat to be able to see them all here together in one place.
Todd Chamberlain
Editor, Star Wars Collectors Archive, www.toysrgus.com
Webmaster, www.toychamber.com

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