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Review: Denning’s Crucible is just more of the same

Crucible I’m so glad there’s going to be a sequel trilogy, because I can only imagine how much more disappointed I’d be in Crucible if that wasn’t a factor.

It’s not that I was expected a masterpiece, mind you. I freely admit that Denning’s books have never been favorites of mine. But I was hoping for something a little bit different this time. Something at least a little fresher than what we’ve been getting in the ‘modern’ era of the Expanded Universe. Something that lets the Big 3 go off into retirement with one last fun adventure.

Crucible is not that book. It’s just more of same uninspired EU we’ve been getting far too much of in this era – very much a followup to Fate of the Jedi – trying too hard to be profound and failing.

(Yes, there are spoilers beyond this point.)

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Roundup: Will Episode VII help diversify Star Wars?

The prequels didn't do too badly with background characters - will the sequels move diversity to the forefront?The blogside. It’s a hot button issue in many fandoms right now – just ask anyone hanging around Game of Thrones lately – and Bria at Tosche Station explains on why it’s important to have diversity in Star Wars.

Oh, Carrie! Carrie Fisher shares some ideas for Episode VII. They are very… Carrie.

Who wants in now? Star Wars alumni Warwick Davis, Samuel L. Jackson and Ray Park. Spinoffs for everyone?

Disney business. Bob Iger will remain at the helm of Disney through at least 2016. And with The Lone Ranger’s opening-weekend belly flop, Disney has plenty of reasons to be thankful for their recent acquisitions. One expert expects Disney to net about $733M for 2015’s Episode VII alone.

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Her Universe highlighted Saturday at SDCC

sdcc-logoWhile the bulk of San Diego’s Star Wars panels seem to happen on Friday, there are a few happening on Saturday and Sunday, including the Her Universe panel. Here are my picks:

Her Universe: Geek Girl Fashion: A Dialogue Between Fashion Professionals and Fans
Actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and founder of Her Universe, the leading merchandise company for female sci-fi fans, is bringing together the decision makers in the genre fashion industry and the fans for an open discussion. This conversation is meant to be educational and informative, putting the executives and buyers in direct communication with the fans. Ashley will give fans a glimpse of how the retailers stay in tune with their customers and how they develop compelling designs. Audience members will be able to give their comments and recommendations.
Saturday July 20, 2013 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Room 24ABC

More below the cut.

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Star Wars book and comic panels at SDCC

sdcc-logoThe Thursday and Friday schedules for San Diego Comic Con are out, and given that we’re not expecting any really big Star Wars news (ahem, sequel stuff) to come out until the following week at Celebration Europe, it’s mostly up to domestic licensees to carry the torch. (Though there will, apparently, be one hell of a booth, with some fresh trappings.)

Dark Horse may have something:

Star Wars Comics: Here and Now
What is the current state of Star Wars comics? Join Dark Horse editor Randy Stradley and Star Wars creators Carlos D’Anda, Corinna Bechko, Gabriel Hardman, Doug Wheatley, Gabe Eltaeb, Tom Taylor, Zack Giallongo, and others for the lowdown on what’s up, what’s coming up, and why you should be reading!
Friday July 19, 2013 10:00am – 11:00am. Room 7AB

Del Rey I’m not so sure about:

Writer’s Studio: Behind the Scenes with Star Wars Authors
Hear a variety of authors talk about the rewards and challenges of writing Star Wars, whether it’s through novels, making-of nonfiction, or cartoons. New York Times bestselling authors Jeffrey Brown, Troy Denning, John Jackson Miller, and J. W. Rinzler, as well as editors Frank Parisi of Random House and Jennifer Heddle of Lucasfilm, will participate in a roundtable discussion on writing in the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Emceed by Lucasfilm Holocron keeper Leland Chee.
Friday July 19, 2013 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Room 7AB.

I can guess at a few things that may come up in the Q&A portion. But this doesn’t look like a ‘YES, WE HAVE NEWS’ panel, though certainly there will be talk on The Making of Return of the Jedi, Crucible and Kenobi. Maybe something from Empire and Rebellion, even if none of the authors are present?

Del Rey doesn’t publish Star Wars overseas – even in the U.K., another publisher handles the reprints – so they have no reason to hold back anything for CE.

Head below the cut for a few more panels of interest.

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Empire and Rebellion: Razor’s Edge gets a blurb

Empire and Rebellion: Razor's EdgeKnights Archive spotted that the Random House catalog has posted the blurb for Martha Well’s Empire and Rebellion: Razor’s Edge:

Times are desperate for the Rebel Alliance. Harassment by the Empire and a shortage of vital supplies are hindering completion of a new secret base on the ice planet Hoth. So when Mid Rim merchants offer much-needed materials for sale, Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo lead an Alliance delegation to negotiate a deal.

But when treachery forces the rebel ship to flee into territory controlled by pirates, Leia makes a shocking discovery: the fierce marauders come from Leia’s homeworld of Alderaan, recently destroyed by the Death Star. These refugees have turned to pillaging and plundering to survive—and they are in debt to a pirate armada, which will gladly ransom the princess to the vengeful Empire . . . if they find out her true identity.

Struggling with intense feelings of guilt, loyalty, and betrayal, Leia is determined to help her wayward kinspeople, even as Imperial forces are closing in on her own crippled ship. Trapped between lethal cutthroats and brutal oppressors, Leia and Han, along with Luke, Chewbacca, and a battle-ready crew, must defy death—or embrace it—to keep the rebellion alive.

The novel, a hardcover, recently moved up to a September 24 release date.

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Kemp’s Star Wars dulogy is on ‘standby’

Paul S. Kemp recently did a Reddit Ask Me Anything, and those of you wondering what’s up with his Star Wars duology… Well, here’s what he had to say when asked for an update:

I wish I could say something.

Here’s the thing: The Disney deal and announcement of the new movies is a big deal. I’m on standby at the moment. That’s about all I can say. :-/

If it’s had an effect on Kemp – who has generally stayed away from movie characters – could it be a factor in why we haven’t heard much about Sword of the Jedi as well? Note that nothing that has been scheduled – aside from next week’s Crucible – is set any later than Empire. We knew this was a possibility, so stay tuned… (via)