Star Wars and Philosophy (Popular Culture and Philosophy) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Popular Culture and Philosophy Series can be hit or miss as it tries to wrap in familiar characters or stories in the teaching of philosophers throughout the ages. This volume stands as one of the best produced so far. The Star Wars films have always held some deeper meanings than what appear on the surface, from the concepts of good and bad, light and dark, interconnectedness in the Force, and downfall and redemption. Decker and his fellow authors mine this rich source and bring up many topics or ideas that will make the reader go "Hmmm." Definitely riding on the wave of growing Star Wars mania, this book contains numerous references to the upcoming Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith film and the dark story that lies in the fall of Anakin. Being that this is a series with it's own resident philosopher in the wise Yoda, the writers have been able to spread out and discussion actions and thoughts of other characters in the Star Wars universe. Surprisingly, and somewhat disappointingly, they mine many of the same characters over again, so that while Anakin and the Emperor are well represented, of course, as are Yoda, Luke and Obi-Wan, characters such as Leia, Padame and Chewbacca get the short shrift. Maybe something for volume 2 perhaps? This is a great book for sitting back and letting you experience the saga at a whole different level. And if you are not as familiar with philosophy, this is a great introduction, relating a deeper subject to something so familiar and beloved. May the Force Be With You.

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The Star Wars films continue to revolutionize science fiction, creating new standards for cinematographic excellence, and permeating popular culture around the world. The films feature many complex themes ranging from good versus evil and moral development and corruption to religious faith and pragmatism, forgiveness and redemption, and many others.The essays in this volume tackle the philosophical questions from these blockbuster films including: Was Anakin predestined to fall to the Dark Side? Are the Jedi truly role models of moral virtue? Why would the citizens and protectors of a democratic Republic allow it to descend into a tyrannical empire? Is Yoda a peaceful Zen master or a great warrior, or both? Why is there both a light and a dark side of the Force? Star Wars and Philosophy ponders the depths of these subjects and asks what it truly means to be mindful of the "living force."

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Path of Destruction (Star Wars: Darth Bane, Book 1) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you want to read 2 star wars books this year you should "Rise of the Dark Lord" about Vader and this one. The author for this book is the one that wrote the story for "Knights of the Old Republic" = a Great game that you must play! The Knights time period (1000's years before new hope episode IV)is ripe with great history and it is a shame Lucas & Co. have not decided to use all the great options they have in order to make a movie or TV show from this time period.
I always wondered where the adage given in "Phantom Menace" Came from for the sith apprentice and Master and now I know. I did not make much sense that there could only be 2 true Sith= Master/Apprentice But this clarifies and explains the foundation = created by the character Bane - that became the golden rule for the sith. Add in Tons of action- jedi vs sith, sith vs sith, battles of all sorts, also add in well developed characters, and a story that is fast paced while still giving great details on the history that makes up the Star Wars myth and you have a excellent Book that is much fun to read. Highly Recommended!
May the force be with you.


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The Art of Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Review

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(More customer reviews)Fantastic, beautiful book. Full of gorgeous artwork and pictures. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because for some inexplicable reason, the script is NOT included in the US version. However, the complete illustrated script IS included in the UK version, which I bought from Amazon.co.uk. I can't imagine why this was done, it is a real disservice to the US market. I highly recommend getting the UK version even though it will cost a bit more than the US version.

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Packed with breathtaking visuals created by a team of world-class artists, The Art of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith charts the visual genesis of this epic saga's climactic finale. For years, George Lucas's handpicked group has created characters, costumes, droids, starships, planetary vistas, digi-matte paintings, and sculptures–every type of visual imaginable.This extraordinary volume unveils never-before-seen images–thus taking readers on a fascinating journey from the first concepts to the final movie. While marveling at hundreds of brilliant pieces of art, readers will experience • Darth Vader–a look at the sinister chamber where he is created• stunning conceptual visions for the climactic lightsaber duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi• the evolution of General Grievous–the new face of evil– from initial sketches to ILM animation art• fantastic full-color renderings of costumes, weapons, landscapes, and spacecraft• intriguing insights from exclusive interviews with the artists, whose groundbreaking work helped bring Lucas's ideas to lifeNew to this edition–the one and only Revenge of the Sith screenplay, revealing every beat of the action.For Star Wars fans everywhere, this treasure trove of images from the final, fateful Star Wars movie will provide a visual feast that promises hours of endless excitement.

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Star Wars: Dark Empire Trilogy HC (Star Wars (Dark Horse)) Review

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(More customer reviews)First - the hardcover trilogy edition: 10/10
I love the size and the convenience of having Dark Empire I-III in one complete volume. The binding is great and the colors pop off of the page. This is the definitive edition.
Second, the content: 9/10
I consider myself an avid explorer of the Expanded Universe - but mostly I read the novels. I have read relatively few Star Wars comics, and for some reason I have avoided Dark Empire because I've heard hardcore fans complaining about the resurrection of the Emperor, and the whole state of the galactic civil war in Dark Empire.
I would liken this to Splinter of the Mind's Eye (an early SW novel) - does it fit in 100% with the rest of the EU? No. Is it a helluva lot of fun? YES. Read Dark Empire - it's a different flavor of Star Wars. But in a fun, classic way. Han Solo is perfect, and we get to see a new side of Luke that is thought provoking and sets up an epic story if nothing else.
Read Dark Empire, and buy this edition.

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Six years after the fall of the Empire in Return of the Jedi, the battle for the galaxy's freedom rages on. The Empire has been mysteriously reborn under an unknown leader, wielding a new weapon of great power. Princess Leia and Han Solo struggle to hold together the New Republic while the galaxy's savior, Luke Skywalker, fights an inner battle as he is drawn to the dark side, just as his father... Collecting the complete Dark Empire saga for the first time - Dark Empire, Dark Empire II, and Empire's End - this Star Wars hardcover is a must-have addition to any Star Wars library!

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Dark Tide I: Onslaught (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)I gave this book 4 stars because I reserve 5 stars for really groundbreaking books with outstanding plots. In the Star Wars Universe, I have given 5 stars only to I Jedi (also by Stackpole), Vision of the Future, and the uproariously funny Star Fighters of Adumar. Onslaught isn't quite in that category. Mr. Stackpole is adding to an established story arc and must work within the confines of the arc. He does a tremendous job of making the plot and characters become true to the Star Wars name. This book focuses mostly on Luke and Mara, the Solo Children, Corran Horn, and Princess Leia. For those readers who missed Han Solo in this book, be patient. Han gets two books of his own soon. Jim Luceno (former writing partner of the late Brian Dailey, author of the Early HS trilogy) will be writing books 4 and 5 of the New Jedi Order. Han will get his day.
In Onslaught, Stackpole shows more about the new villains, and makes them seem very alien and threatening. These guys are really BAD! Even Corran Horn is astounded by their ruthlessness, and he's seen the dregs of the Galaxy. When Stackpole writes of Luke and Mara, we can see the depths of their love of each other. And Luke fans will find the Jedi Master at his best. The Solo children continue to blossom into real people in Onslaught. Stackpole does a marvelous job of combining the Solo children, as seen in the Young Jedi Knights and other books, with the almost grown up Solos of Vector Prime. He continues the growth that was started by Salvatore and adds the connections to previous works that was missing in Vector Prime. Corran Horn fans will will love Onslaught, he is well represented in Onslaught. Corran has "grown up" some since his Rouge Squadron days, but still has that delightful arrogance that only a former CorSec officer could have.
To sum it all up, Onslaught is not Stackpole's best work, but it is what was needed to bring the New Jedi Order to ALL Star Wars fans, old and new. Stackpole skillfully blends the best of Vector Prime and the New Jedi Order story with the Star Wars that so many of us have know and loved for so long.

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Anakin in Action (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) Review

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The DK early reading program is exceptional. Licensing popular franchises for different levels. Anakin is rated 2, while the companion book, Watch out For Jabba the Hut is level 1.
For those who have seen the Clone Wars, this is a good way to explain the story to young viewers. With art taken from the film, these books are topical, and use appropriate vocabulary. Want to raise a young Star Wars fan, pick these up and before long, you'll find your child reading any one of the Star Wars novels.
Great job. Simon Beecroft has a remarkable skill in writing for different age groups.
Keep up the great work DK.

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Since the first time we heard Luke Skywalker ask Obi-Wan Kenobi "You fought in the Clone Wars!?" in Episode IV: A New Hope, fans the world over have been wondering exactly what the Clone Wars were and what clones in combat would look like. On August 15th, 2008, with the theatrical release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, much will be explained. The Clone Wars take place between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Lucasfilm is now bringing the wars to life in an all-new CGI animated series. The theatrical release will launch this groundbreaking computer-generated animated series, which will then debut on Cartoon Network and TNT in the fall. New characters like female Padawan Ahsoka Tano join old favorites Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, Count Dooku, General Grievous, and others as the Jedi cross lightsabers with the dark side yet again.© Lucasfilm Ltd. & (tm)--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Star Wars: The Old Republic Volume 2 - Threat of Peace (Star Wars: The Old Republic (Quality Paper)) Review

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(More customer reviews)There was a drastic drop-off of quality in both art and story from Volume 1 to Volume 2 of this series.
Very disappointing.

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For decades, the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire have been at war. The Sith have gained control of the Outer Rim, but their efforts to penetrate the Core Worlds have so far been thwarted. Now, representatives from both sides attempt to negotiate a peace treaty - but deception by the Sith puts the Jedi in an unfortunate position...

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