Star Wars Hitchhikers Guide - Expanded Universe

.....A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away......
If you've never journied past the Trilogy or Prequelogy, here is your guide to the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Embracing the Dark Side or Living By The Jedi Code, the Expanded Universe has tales for the Jedi and Sith in every one. And truely learn the Skywalker history, this is my interpretation of the Star Wars Expanded Universe.

Showing posts with label Clone Wars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clone Wars. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Zillo Beast Strikes Back - The Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 19


The most dangerous beast is the beast within.



A calculated risk! Following a costly victory on the planet Malastare, Chancellor Palpatine orders Jedi Knights Mace Windu and Anakin Skywalker to transport a fearsome Zillo beast captured during the battle Back to Coruscant.

After seeing that not even a lightsaber could harm the beast, Chancellor Palpatine hopes to unlock the secret of its invulnerability to create new armor for the Republic's clone troopers. Tensions run high as the most dangerous life form in the galaxy touches down on its most populous planet....




A great back to basics Clone Wars Episode.  I love the appearances of the characters you only get to know by vering away from the Movies.  Aayla Secura is one of my favorite female Jedi's that never gets the appearances she deserves, you see bits and pieces of her is Episode 2 & 3, along with a very sad display of her death during the Order 66 execution on Felucia.  She has a great back ground with multiple Jedi Masters, one turning to the dark side, and is a strong Twi'lek role model, because the species is commonly perceived in the EU as, well lets just say "Eye Candy".  The Hilary Clinton of Star Wars, but with alot less clothes!


Zillo Beast Strikes back explored the strong feelings Mace has for leaving the beast alone and take it to another planet, but Palpatine has other idea's.  We see his plot unfold at the end of this episode, but not before the fury of the Beast is Unleashed on Coruscant.  Anakin, Mace, Aayla, Obi-Wan, and Yoda have their hands full, as well as another assist by the Astro-Mech Droid we all owe our servo's too!  Enjoy the Zillo Beast Strikes Back, available to watch at http://www.starwars.com/ .

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Friday, March 12, 2010

Order 66 - Republic Commando Novel - Old Republic / Clone Wars

The Clone Wars rage to their bloody climax. Treachery reigns. Treason takes courage. Commandos, Jedi, and the entire Galactic Republic must face the end of life as they know it…and the dreaded dawn of a new empire.

After the fierce combat of Hard Contact, Triple Zero, and True Colors comes the spectacular culmination of New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss's gripping Republic Commando series. As a battle-scarred era nears its end, a shattering power play is about to stun the entire galaxy…and set in motion events that will alter destinies and resound throughout history.

Even as the Clone Wars are about to reach an explosive climax, no one knows if victory will favor the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) or the Separatists. But no matter who wins, the stakes are highest for elite Special Ops clones like the Republic Commandos in Omega and Delta squads—and the notorious renegade Advance Recon Commando troopers known as Null ARCs.

With Republic forces stretched to the max and casualties mounting, the last thing these beleaguered warriors need to hear is that Chancellor Palpatine is keeping vast armies of secret clone troops in reserve. Sergeant Skirata, a mentor to the clone commandos, has no intention of standing idly by while Palpatine sends them into battle like lambs to the slaughter. Skirata begins to plan the clones' escape from the GAR, but his heroic effort will be in vain unless he can reverse the clones' accelerated aging process.

Caught in the treacherous dealings of their lears, and locked in the battles of their lives, the disillusioned Null ARCs and Commandos nonetheless fight with everything they've got, determined to wrest victory from the Seps and save the galaxy.

But even the deadliest weapons may not be powerful enough to defeat the real menace. And nothing will stop the apocalyptic horror unleashed when Palpatine utters the chilling words The time has come. Execute Order 66. Translation: Kill all Jedi.

With their faith in the Republic and their loyalty to their Jedi allies put to the ultimate test, how will the men of Omega and Delta squads react to the most infamous command in galactic history? All the breathtaking action, suspense, and intrigue of Karen Traviss's Republic Commando series comes alive in Star Wars: Order 66.

I was most impress with how Karen Traviss kept so many of the Clone's story's so separate, dramatic, and personal.  In the movies and Clone Wars TV show you only really know of maybe 2 clones, Rex and Cody.  This novel gives such a personal look at the commando's and how they are really taught on Kamino and a big insight on their heritage.  This is actually the 4th book in the Republic Commando Series but leaves the door open for many of the new characters developed in the novel, I'm most curious to see if the love child between a female jedi and Commando has a story later in the time line.  I didn't think I would enjoy this as much as I did but Karen Traviss work in the Star Wars Legacy has been amazing, and she has even been integrating her own Mandalore language in these novels, referred to as Mando'a.

Can't live without death, can't die without life.

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Labyrinth of Evil - Novel - The Old Republic

Embark upon a breathtaking adventure that pairs Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker on a deadly hunt for the lord of evil who has torn the galaxy asunder….

The war that erupted in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is nearing its boiling point, as the dauntless Separatist forces continue their assault on the teetering Republic—and the diabolical triumvirate of Count Dooku, General Grievous, and their Master, Darth Sidious, fine-tune their strategy for conquest. In Episode III: Revenge of the Sith the fates of key players on both sides of the conflict will be sealed. But first, crucial events that pave the way to that time of reckoning unfold in a labyrinth of evil…

Capturing Trade Federation Viceroy and Separatist Council Member Nute Gunray is the mission that brings Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, with a squad of clones in tow, to Cato Neimoidia. But the treacherous ally of the Sith proves as slippery as ever, evading his Jedi pursuers even as they narrowly avoid deadly disaster. Still, their daring efforts yield an unexpected prize: a unique holotransceiver that bears intelligence capable of leading the Republic forces to their ultimate quarry, the ever-elusive Darth Sidious.

Swiftly taking up the chase, Anakin and Obi-Wan follow clues from the droid factories of Charros IV to the far-flung worlds of the Outer Rim… every step bringing them closer to pinpointing the location of the Sith Lord—whom they suspect has been manipulating every aspect of the Separatist rebellion. Yet somehow, in the escalating galaxy-wide chess game of strikes, counterstrikes, ambushes, sabotage, and retaliations, Sidious stays constantly one move ahead.

Then the trail takes a shocking turn. For Sidious and his minions have set in motion a ruthlessly orchestrated campaign to divide and overwhelm the Jedi forces—and bring the Republic to its knees.

This is not the first time I've read this novel and nor to be the last. Obi-Wan and Anakin fight together as commrads in arms, one of the final and last great battles as the Legend that is Kenobi and Skywalker. You do find out what really transpired and who did and didn't save their skin for the 10th time on Cato Neimodia. Alot of action, and alot of stratigical ploting for both the Jedi and Sith. Great pick up for less than $20 when purchased in the Dark Lord Trilogy. Embrace the darkside, pick up a book!




Star Wars Hitchhiker

Monday, February 15, 2010

Duchess of Mandalore - Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 14


"In war, truth is the first casualty."


A diplomatic mission! As dissent threatens to tear apart the peaceful Mandalore system, Duchess Satine struggles to protect her people against the escalating violence. Betrayed by two of her trusted allies, Satine now travels to Coruscant. There, she hopes to convince the Senate that a destructive splinter group, DEATH WATCH, does not represent the entire Mandalorian government.



On Coruscant, word reaches Duchess Satine that Death Watch is mobilizing, sparking a pre-emptive Republic invasion. On the run from Republic authorities, Satine and Obi-Wan set off to discover the group's true motives.

Truely a more political episode, not one of my favorites this year but it was very good. A little slow at times but in the end you got what you wanted. These last few episodes with Death Watch have started to get alot darker and I'm very surprised because of the main market being kids. Had a nice ending to it, definitely worth watching if you haven't already. Although I'm begining to think Obi-Wan had a very checkered past that we don't know about, everything he has done has been for or at Satine's request. Maybe we will see Obi-Wan taste the forbidden Ithorian Fruit's that are Satine.......probably not!

Watch the full episode here - only available for the next 2 weeks.
 

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Voyage of Temptation - Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 13


"Fear not for the future, weep not for the past."

A royal welcome! Sent to investigate allegations that Mandalore was joining Count Dooku's Separatists, Obi-Wan Kenobi was reunited with an old friend, the Duchess Satine of Kalevala. While Satine claimed Mandalore's intentions were to remain neutral during the war, an attack on the capital city led Obi-Wan to the discovery of a terrorist organization known as Death Watch.

Now the Duchess travels to the Senate, so she can plead her case against her involvement in the war, as the Jedi prepare a defense against her opponents...

As the Jedi and their clones defend Duchess Satine from assassination attempts, Anakin discovers that Obi-Wan and the Duchess have a history together.

This episode was awesome. So much tension, whether it be political or sexual between the Duchess and Obi-Wan. It is evident that Obi-Wan questions his decisions so young by the feelings he has and once had for the Dutchess. Anakin is Anakin in the pestering, harrasing, and saving of Obi-Wan. I don't know if it is intential or i'm just obsessive but Lucas is showing signs of Vader in Anakin in every few episodes, and I love it! It is very dominate thru the clone wars novels and its only right that it be shown in the television series. I've searched up and down for a clip of this scene but none have surfaced yet but here is how it came down in the show.

"Come on, then. Who will strike first and be branded a cold-blooded killer?" --- Tal Merrik to Obi-Wan and Satine, before being killed by Anakin Skywalker (lighsaber thru the chest).

"What? He was gonna blow up the ship." --- Anakin Skywalkers "casual" reaction to Obi-Wan Kenobi, shortly after killing Merrik

A little treat below, and you will see what I mean about the birth of Vader in the clone wars, from a previous episode, Brain Invaders.
 
 


"You are strong and wise, Anakin, and I am very proud of you. I have trained you since you were a small boy. I have taught you everything I know, and you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be."

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Mandalore Plot - Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 12


"If you ignore the past, you jeopardize your future." 

Diplomacy or deception? The Council of Neutral Systems speaks for over 1,500 worlds who want to stay out of the war. But rumors have reached the Republic Senate suggesting that the Council's new leader -- Duchess Satine of Mandalore --  secretly building her own army to fight for the Separatist cause! Now, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has been sent to Mandalore to discover the truth behind these claims. . . 

While investigating rumors of conspiracy surrounding Duchess Satine of Mandalore, Obi-Wan uncovers the truth about a mysterious Mandalorian plot.

This Episode was filled with Obi-Wan as we expect, getting into trouble but it's not Anakin saving him this time.  The bad ass Mandalorians give him a little more than he can handle.  Loved the black lightsaber!!  If you were like me and your DVR didn't record it when it first aired, check out it being replayed on Cartoon Network, or http://www.clonewars.com later this week, where you will always find the latest two episodes.  Great Episode if you're an Obi-Wan fan.

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Friday, January 22, 2010

Lightsaber Lost - Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 11

If you didn't watch it, check out http://www.starwars.com/ later this week and watch it.  I thought this week was going to be a weaker episode but ended up delivering.


Anakin and Ahsoka are traveling thru the slums of Coruscant looking for a black market weapons seller.  Anakin makes the arrest but Ahsoka gets her lightsaber pick pocketed from her.  She teams up with an older Jedi Tera Sinube, looking to keep her mistake from her master Anakin.  New characters are introduced within the Jedi order, I was most pleased to see Tera Sinube, the male Cosian show at the left.  Although his character strongly reminded me of the way Yoda is portrayed in the Clone Wars, but was still very cool. 



If you know who Aurra Sing is, I was kinda worried during the episode because the image to the right is of a new character Cassie Cryar, who had possession of the lightsaber and said she had never held a lightsaber before.  Aurra Sing on the other had is an ex-Jedi Bounty Hunter bad ass and I was really hoping they didn't ruin her history, but all was fine.  Aurra is the picture on the right, I'm not crazy they do some what resemble each other.






 Ahsoka learns a valueable lesson as a Jedi, and in the end the student becomes the teacher.

Watch it if you haven't, the Clone Wars isn't for just kids.  Next week looks to promise not to disappoint, Obi-Wan and Mandalorian's brauling it out and it appears Obi-Wan has his hands full, probably another Anakin rescue for Obi-Wan.

Star Wars Hitchhiker