EUbits: Ostrander and Duursema talk the end of Legacy

Legacy. Comic Book Resources interviews John Ostrander and Jan Duursema about the series as it winds down to the final issue.

Fate of the Jedi. Allies has made #8 on the New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists.

Kemp is a busy dude. Crosscurrent author Paul S. Kemp is interviewed at EU Cantina and reveals the dramatis personae for his Old Republic novel, Deceived.

Sorry, no photoshop today. Pablo Hidalgo has another book coming: a Scholastic guide to Lightsabers.

Gaming annex. The box art for The Force Unleashed II. Starkiller is pissed that Vader is invading his senior portrait!

…What? The Insider has an advertising campaign. Try not to giggle.

Review: Christie Golden’s Fate of the Jedi: Allies

Luke and Ben are forced to confront a group of Sith ships floating above Dathomir when all they really want to do is get back to business. Luke not only wants to exonerate himself, but thinks following Jacen’s path to darkness may give him the insight he needs to prevent another Jedi from falling to the Dark Side. But these Sith have some information that Luke might be interested in—information regarding Sith who may be succumbing to the same dementia plaguing young Jedi across worlds.

Could the very fate of the galaxy now depend on an alliance that goes against Ben’s training? Can Sith and Jedi really get along? Or has Luke doomed himself and the life of his son on an idealistic treaty that could turn traitorous at any moment? The good news is, Luke’s betting on treachery. And when betrayal is expected, it seems easier to spot, but only if you know where to look. Continue reading “Review: Christie Golden’s Fate of the Jedi: Allies

Out this week: Hyperspace, A Long Time Ago

We got so much last week I hope you weren’t expecting much… But the first two Adventures in Hyperspace books (looking a little too young to be Young Adult) may be in stores now, if they weren’t already. Comic-goers can keep an eye out for a new omnibus of the old Marvel series coming from Dark Horse. Due to the holiday, it should be in stores Thursday.

(Speaking of last week, don’t forget the poll on Fate of the Jedi: Allies.)

Clone Wars goes kid-MMO with Clone Wars Adventures

StarWars.com posted that Sony Online Entertainment announced the development of Clone Wars Adventures, a free-to-play online experience based on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and geared primarily towards TCW’s fan base of children. Remember, get permission from your parents! Similar to SOE’s game Free Realms, Clone Wars Adventures is not your typical MMORPG (which is usually combat focused), but instead has different mini-games, exploration of the SW universe, and customizing your own SW gear.

Check out the announcement video, which calls it a destination, not a game. From the announcement, it looks like gameplay is limited to being a Jedi or a clonetrooper, but there’s also speeder and starfighter piloting games, as well as a puzzle and card games. While the game will be playable with free accounts, a monthly paid subscription will provide greater access and exclusive virtual goodies. Chat with friends, show off your achievements, or circumvent the parental controls for the ultimate Clone Wars adventure.

Roundup: Get ‘married’ at Celebration V, if you dare

The embarrassment squick strikes back. The second WTF moment of the runup to Celebration V has arrived… The Celebration Chapel. Yes, because going to a Star Wars convention just isn’t geeky enough, you can get a (not legally binding) “light side” or “dark side” wedding. Amusing in theory, but… Really? Seriously? That said, apparently I accidentally proposed to Mandy on Twitter earlier and was invited to photograph her other fake internet wedding, so… What? I’m not even sure anymore. Embrace the pain!

Panels. Shocker! There will be a collecting track! Okay, so it’s not shocking at all, since this has been pretty much the only track at the last couple of Celebrations. Sigh.

Guests. In addition to George Lucas, Carrie Fisher and the usual suspects, Ray Park (Darth Maul) and stunt coordinator Nick Gillard have been confirmed.

Don’t tell us the odds. The feds are predicting an “extremely active” hurricane season. Thought you should know.

Video: The Bechdel Test for women in movies

The Bechdel Test or Mo Movie Measure (misnamed as it may be) is a simple formula that tests three simple things in a movie: a) if there are (named) female characters and b) that they talk to each other about c) something other than a man.

Most movies fail this by a mile, including the lions share of the Star Wars saga.

I believe The Phantom Menace (Shmi and Padme) and Attack of the Clones (Padme and Queen Jamillia, Padme and Beru) may be the only Star Wars movies that pass the Bechdel test… Though perhaps barely, Anakin being a topic (but not a romantic one) in all three conversations I’m thinking of. Thoughts?