Star Wars Expanded Universe

Not really a true rant, but the Star Wars Expanded Universe can often get confusing and annoying. But let me first state my beliefs on what is "canon"; the movies. But when new stories contradict the movies, that's a problem. I mean, in a weird way, it's interesting that you can have a two hour discussion about a background character that the filmmakers didn't even name, but in some cases, it just ruins what the movies have established. All of the sudden, "no Jedi surviving" turns into hundreds of Jedi surviving. Having characters killed in the movies, only to come back (and possibly be killed again) is just cheap. I think the worst is how countless stories undo the ending of Return of the Jedi for the sake of reviving the same characters to do the same thing (and even fight the same Emperor, on one instance).

One more example is Boba Fett. Yes he was badass, but the Star Wars saga can easily live on without his character. The filmmakers killed him, simple as that. An extreme example is the bounty hunter, Bossk. A background character in Empire Strikes Back, his history goes on for like 20 years later in the EU. Except there's one problem; he was on Jabba's Sail Barge (the same one that blew up). Small detail, but his clear death is enough to make EU fans go apeship.

Any other Star Wars nerds here who care to discuss?

Not into Star Wars EU, but I do get your point. I can see how it'd be annoying to have the movies retconned when they're clearly the most visible property.

But what can you do? There's only so much you can do before you have to expand on Star Wars. And, given how long lasting it's been, the continuity is bound to be really convoluted.

Why does Star Wars need an EU in the first place?

Same reason any franchise makes comics / books / video games?

I guess it's expected when any fanbase becomes large enough. Especially in the gap between the trilogy and prequels.

I think the EU stuff is fine, so long as they don't start changing the events the movies told. There should be no conflict if you're referencing plot points from the movies to tell a story.

You could then build upon that story and extend it. Make a EU out of your EU.

But yes, retconning what the movies did is just asking for trouble.

I've been playing The Old Republic for the last couple of weeks. Really good game. I know this probably doesn't count as expanded universe, but my favorite era is always going to be the KOTOR era. It helps that it's far enough back that it can be it's own thing without having to rely on/change the movies too.

Also if anyone is on TOR, I'm Amo'Yan on the server "The Ebon Hawk." Send me a message in game.

I'm not going to lie, I hate the EU. It is depressing and most of the stories not set during the time of the Galactic Civil War are kinda...boring. The closest post Jedi story that I enjoyed was the Thrawn Trilogy, which is excellent. It really is. Here is a good list of Star Wars novels I do like and why:

Tales of the...:These are a series of books but I am specifically referring to Cantina, Bounty Hunters, and Jabba's Palace. I think it is nice to give these minor characters some variation of a backstory.

Death Star: This is a nice way to experience A New Hope from the Empire's perspective. A lot of minor characters are expanded upon and it highlights Tarkin quite a bit, who is far too underused for my liking. The best is how they deal with the man who fired the turbolaser that destroyed Alderaan. I'm not spoiling that for you.

Shadows of the Empire: Most of you know this due to the N64 game. This is the only book I have ever known to have an ORCHESTRAL SOUNDTRACK to accompany it. It deals with the quest to find Han Solo before Boba Fett brings him to Jabba the Hutt. It is great development for Luke, Leia, Lando, and Vader.

The Force Unleashed: The novel of the game is excellent. This is what the prequels should have been. Its gives a sense of clarity to the game and allows for more insight into the characters. It is worth the read.

The Thrawn Trilogy: As stated, BUY IT. Thrawn is well written, the story is original and honors the ending of Return of the Jedi without loosing nay of the experience. The characters are memorable and the situations fascinating. Worth it.

Labrynth of Evil: One of the few Prequel stories I like. This runs almost parallel to the 2003 Clone Wars cartoon. It gives a backstory to Grevious, who needed one, and helps progress the story that is kinda there in Episode III but not really.

Rise of Darth Vader: The sequel to Revenge of the Sith. IT isnt as strong of a story but it is worth it to read how bitchy AnakinVader became the badass we all love.

Darth Plagueis: The only good Star Wars story written in the past 5 years. Wow. I love this story. IT manages to do the impossible: MAKE THE PHANTOM MENACE MAKE SENSE. This is important as it gives you the background to Palpatine, who is awesome as usual.

May as well ask here, since yo seem pretty versed. What do you think of SW's impending move to Marvel and the ending of DH's reign?

I'm kinda indifferent to it. Dark Horse has had some really good stories, like the Princess Leis backstory, what happened to Tank, the Empire comic, Star Wars Tales, and the one shot Purge. Then you have stories like that whole Cade Skywalker storyline which is a bit too contrived for my liking. I have heard really good things about their newest comic Star Wars 1 as a return to form. As for Marvel, there should be some good stories depending on the writers. You should always have a little faith before something like this. Sure it may start off slow (I'm lookding at you IDW Transformers) but eventually a creative team will come to make it work. Hell even Spider-Man bounced back after One More Day.

I just hope for more Original Trilogy and less Prequel.