I don’t know about anyone else, but the EU item I’m most looking forward to right now is Visionaries. Having long been a fan of alternate universes and concept art, this looks like it may be the one of most original things to come out of Dark Horse in years. Having the actual concept artists along for the ride can’t hurt either.
Fantastic essay on Obi-Wan!
The ever-eloquent randomalia has posted a wonderful essay on the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi to the idol_reflection community on LiveJournal.
Especially interesting are her insights into the complex relationships between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and Anakin:
Obi-Wan’s most formative years are with Qui-Gon, and as their relationship deepened, Obi-Wan developed an unshakable loyalty to his Master, one he keeps with him throughout his life. It is this devotion that drives Obi-Wan to promise to train Anakin, though it goes against his wishes and judgment. That promise is given without hesitation, simply because Qui-Gon asks for it. In this way, Obi-Wan’s experiences with this Jedi tradition continue to be unusual. He was not chosen, and does not choose his own apprentice, a fact that lies deep at the heart of the difficulties between Obi-Wan and Anakin.
I cannot recommend this essay highly enough. No spoilers for “Revenge of the Sith”.
Fan Club Details
The Guide to Fan Club Fun at Celebration III. If you’re not a member now, better sign up by March 4th to get the extras. Also, thanks to hofmannison of Livejournal’s Celebration community for pointing out the vendor list and map. (Last two links are PDFs and require a plug-in.)
Trading Sith Spaces
There is mounting evidence that the collectibles being released for Episode 3 could probably provide Hildi (of Trading Spaces) with some interesting decorating themes.
Witness the new line of decorating accessories announced on StarWars.com.
I don’t know which is more trippy, the bead curtain or the lava lamp.
Hayden Goes Italian
Hayden Christensen has landed his next role in the film The Decameron.
Before folks start wondering how his poor diction will work in a period piece, they’re modernizing it.
Um. Okay.
Pop Culture and Fan Films
Now, here’s something that looks interesting – a Star Wars in Pop Culture room at Celebration 3. (They’re actually going to be showing a bit of the Holiday Special. Don’t tell George!) It seems to be mostly trailers and commercials and other promotional stuff, though. What about “Luke be a Jedi tonight” or all the great parodies? Maybe they’re still working on rights issues or something…
Merchandise… again
On starwars.com, we get kiddie books, cheestastic t-shirts, backpacks and lunchboxes, and gaming stuff.
Meanwhile, TFN found some new Legos, high-res scan of the storybook cover, M&M collector packaging, a new toy and a cereal box
“The best trailer we’ve ever done”
Revenge of the Sith producer Rick McCallum had a Hyperspace chat yesterday – although you have to be a Hyperspace member to see the whole thing, TFN has some highlights.
Hamill wins awards, addresses rumors
Mark Hamill’s Comic Book: The Movie won ‘several top honors’ (The Beat is as clueless as we are, thanks to Variety‘s subscription service.) Naturally, red carpet interviews were nabbed about the Star Wars television show: “Never say never.” IESB has video.
TV News: Galactica and Lost
Battlestar Galactica has been renewed for a second season. The latest episode, “You Can’t Go Home Again,” got 3.2 million viewers.
A new episode of Lost airs tonight, and some viewers are worried it will turn into the “bad” X-Files. (And why aren’t people saying that about Alias?) ACIN has some spoilers for the episode tonight and an overview of what the next few shows will be about.