StarWars.com confirms the titles of the second and third Clone Wars books as Wild Space and No Prisoners. They also bring us the news that Karen Traviss won’t be handling the fifth book due to deadline issues; Karen Miller will finish up the series instead.
Rowling wins Harry Potter Lexicon case
It’s been long enough that fandom has almost forgotten about the Harry Potter Lexicon court case, but the verdict is in… And it’s for Rowling! Once again, I recommend keeping an eye on Cleolinda’s Fandom Wank post for the continuing story.
Underwire is all over The Clone Wars
A brief write-up, an old video and a lot of brand-new screen shots at the Wired blog! (via)
Poll: Did Star Wars novels get you started on genre?
A point that’s often made when arguing the merits of media tie-in novels is that they bring additional readers to the science fiction/fantasy genre. My own experience runs completely counter to this: Star Wars didn’t get me into SF/F; SF/F got me into Star Wars. Granted, I grew up in a family of readers, and Heir to the Empire was not the first genre novel I borrowed from my parent’s bookshelves before I was old enough to drive. So, I admit, I get a little miffed at the notion that reading these things makes us knuckle-draggers. (What’s wrong with an intelligent reader enjoying a little melodramatic space trash, huh? Wait, don’t answer that.) So, for the sake of science random internet polling: Continue reading “Poll: Did Star Wars novels get you started on genre?”
Expanded Universe newsbits: Rebel Force, TFU, Gilroy interviewed, KOTOR #33 previewed
- Rebel Force:
Barnes & Noble is now listing the author for the upcoming Scholastic series as Robin Wasserman (and ‘Scholastic, Inc. Staff.’) At least this time it’s someone who actually exists! Of course, let’s add the usual disclaimer that this all may be a B&N/automated system burp and it’s clearly not official yet, etc. etc.Or not: B&N is now listing Alex Wheeler. - Faint praise: The New York Times seems a little miffed at The Force Unleashed topping their bestseller list. Though to be honest I can get a little ‘damn you kids, get off my lawn! about game-based things, too, so I can’t entirely blame them. (For those without NYT passwords, Sean Williams has a scan of the actual printed page.)
- Review: And since we’re on the topic of The Force Unleashed, SF Signal has reviewed the graphic novel adaption.
- Comics: Newsarama talks to The Clone Wars comic writer Henry Gilroy (via,) while DarkHorse.com previews Knights of the Old Republic #33.
Star Wars corrupting the youth of America?
Graeme McMillan at io9 ponders how subversive the Star Wars saga was to American children with its heroes lying and villains telling the truth, the coolest place to hang being a bar, and the revelation that really, violence, will solve all your problems. Meanwhile, Charlie Jane Anders wants Hollywood to stop hitting Control-Alt-Delete on genre franchise films (Lookin’ at you, Star Trek and the DC Universe!)
Video: Cockatiels for Palpatine
(via)
No Crimson Empire III in the works, says Stradley
Sorry to get your hopes up, folks, but it seems that Mike Richardson’s announcement was premature. Dark Horse’s Star Wars editor (and Crimson Empire co-writer) Randy Stradley lays it all out on their boards. Basically? Yes, it has been discussed, but:
…I don’t have the time to write it in the foreseeable future. And, frankly, after all these years, I have virtually no interest in continuing/finishing the story. On top of everything else, the approach I had wanted another writer to take has turned out to be impossible within established continuity.
So, despite Mike’s untimely mention of the project, it doesn’t actually exist, no work is being done on it, and it is not on Dark Horse’s Star Wars publishing schedule.
Sorry, comic fans. Better luck next time.
Your The Force Unleashed roundup: Catching up with commercials, parties, and concept art
With just a little over a week to go before the September 15th release, you’re going to start seeing commercials… If you haven’t already. The clip above features Vader; Perhaps you might also be interested in a floating Wookiee?
- In San Francisco on September 15th? LucasArts is throwing a TFU launch party at the Harrison St. Best Buy. Several of the game’s cast and crew (and probably plenty of 501st) will be attending.
- Concept art: Rodian Scavenger, Tractor Beam and Jedi in Space.
- The HD Room sums up some of the early reviews. Well, at least it seems to be doing better with critics than The Clone Wars.
Cunningham returns to the EU with Blood Oath?
Christian spotted something interesting on Del Rey’s online catalog – a new Star Wars title from Elaine Cunningham, Blood Oath. The book is listed as a paperback with an April 2009 release.
We haven’t seen Cunningham in the franchise since 2002’s Jaina-centric Dark Journey, and Paul at TFN is hoping for something post-NJO. But I’m hesitant to pin anything – even speculation – on this as of yet.