The star wars expanded universe is dumb and should be. The issue of which aspects are canon was one of the most hotly debated topics among fans. If you read the original trilogy novelizations, they make some departures from on. One of the biggest topics of speculation in the runup to the new star wars movie is how it will fit in with the preexisting expanded universe. There are so many star wars books for fans to read and consume, but. This page compiles some canon star wars expanded universe short stories that are available to read online. Star wars is the property of the walt disney company and is used here under fair use laws. Originally appearing in our fourth quarterly almanac, where to start with the star wars expanded universe is the latest in our ongoing series of essays detailing where one can start with any number of sffpopgeekery topics. When disney took over lucasfilm and star wars from george lucas in 2012, a lot of exciting times came for the star wars fandom with new films, as well as new books, comics, video games, and tv shows, all on the way. Ask any star wars reader what book to start with, and nine times out of 10. Star wars fans only had novels, comic books, and video games to keep them involved in the franchise. In a flash, literally decades of stories from its expanded universe. Best new canon star wars books reddit image collections book. Best new canon star wars books reddit april 18, 2020 star wars eu book reports the young folks star wars reading where to start the 23 worst parts of star wars jar binks wookieepedia fandom star wars reading where to start.
The expanded universe, or eu, is the moniker for the entire body of work that comprises the stories set in the star wars universe ranging from novels, comics, cartoons, short stories, young adult books, television shows. Simple star wars book list timeline of star wars novels. I think this is as good a reason as any to finally bury the. Star wars is an american epic spaceopera media franchise, centered on a film series created. The star wars expanded universe is my canon facebook. Understanding the star wars universe will be easier than ever now. Well, the expanded universe which disney just invalidated consists of the basic. The star wars expanded universe is dumb and should be forgotten. Because disney is not satisfied with just making action figures, childrens shows, and video games, it wanted a whole new set of films, and it wanted those films to go into the direction of the star wars universe that george lucas himself, until now, had left well enough alone. It would be weird to watch a movie or read a novel where the climax occurs.
These books were published between 1978 and 2012 and represent a massive collection of star wars stories. Episode i the phantom menace, lucasfilm has divided its titles by fictional era with symbols designating such. Does anyone know what other works are considered canon with the. Nov 18, 2015 the star wars expanded universe is dumb and should be forgotten. We evaluate the new star wars expanded universe, and compare the new canon eu to star wars. On april 25, 2014, lucasfilm officially revised and solidified the canon, stating that all previously released expanded universe works would be rebranded under the new star wars legends banner and considered non canon, in order to ensure a flowing timeline with the release of the star wars sequel trilogy. What is considered canon in the star wars universe anymore. Indeed, using read as shorthand is not entirely correct, since you cant read a tv show, video game or radio drama. The star wars universe is more than just a handful of blockbuster films and. The star wars expanded universe contains stories in a variety of different formats. A complete list of all fulllength star wars novels in chronological order. If you want to read the expanded universelegends books in chronological. Jul 10, 2017 where to start with the star wars expanded universe by thea james.
After disney purchased lucasfilm in 2012, a rather significant decision was made that split the fanbase. Padmes predecessor on the throne of naboo, king veruna, has made the jump from legends to disney canon thanks to the star wars. On april 25th, 2014, it was announced that the expanded universe of star wars is no longer considered canon. In a flash, literally decades of stories from its expanded universe were nixed from canon. This is the realtime chronological novel publishing timeline. When he created star wars, george lucas built a universe that sparked the imagination, and inspired others to create. More star wars expanded universe characters may soon become canon. Jun 26, 2017 with a new trilogy, we have ourselves a new canon. Heres your guide to the star wars expanded universe, including tv, comics, books, and video games. Jan 16, 2012 with thirtytwo brand new pages and many more fully updated pages featuring stunning images with a new fresh look, star wars.
But they are not completely disregarding the expanded universe. If youre new, and want to learn more about the expanded universe, you. Today, we take a close look at the star wars legends expanded universe, examining which books a new reader should check out, and how to start reading star wars expanded universe content including. It is derived from and includes most official star wars books, comic books. In april 2014, lucasfilm rebranded the expanded universe material as star wars legends and declared it noncanon to the franchise. Lucasfilm later rebranded the expanded universe as star wars legends and declared it noncanonical to the franchise. This body of work represents the original star wars expanded universe, which was rebranded as star wars legends and declared noncanon to the franchise in april 2014. What can the old star wars expanded universe give to the new. Force awakens, ive become extremely enthuastic about learning about expanded universe. A complete guide to the new star wars canon before the.
The world of star wars can be a little overwhelming. The 10 best stories in the star wars expanded universe. In 2012, disney bought lucasfilm, adding another wrench to the works. Timothy zahn is a masterful star wars author, and i cannot stress enough the canonical importance, or literary quality of these books. The expanded universe as we knew it will soon be no more. Star wars expanded universe no longer canon the mary sue. It is derived from and includes most official star wars books. Star wars has been expanded to media other than the original films. Heir to the empire, dark force rising, and the last command kicked off the expanded universe, written as the third trilogy decades before the force awakens arrived. This body of work represents the original star wars expanded universe. The new star wars canon is infinitely better than the old. The ultimate guide to reading the star wars books reedsy.
Grand admiral thrawn is one of the greatest star wars characters of all time. Theres so much media stretching back to the release of the original trilogy a little before it, actually that the idea of jumping into the star wars print universe with old canon and new canon and everexpanding storylinescan be a daunting prospect for any fan. Star wars legends, formerly known as the expanded universe abbreviated eu, encompasses every one of the licensed, fictional background stories of the star wars universe, outside of the original six star wars films produced by george lucas and certain other material such as star wars. The chiss grand admiral thrawn is one of the most famous expanded universe characters, the main antagonist in timothy zahns thrawn trilogy. Continuity canon, tiein media like books and comics. Some cancelled the clone wars episodes were adapted into canon books and comics in. For over 35 years, the expanded universe has enriched the star wars experience for fans seeking to continue the adventure beyond what is seen on the screen.
So disney has decided that theyre going to nuke most of the previously established star wars canon. Where to start with the star wars expanded universe. The phantom menace, in the era of the glorious high republic, the noble and wise jedi knights must face a frightening threat to themselves, the galaxy. Simple list of star wars books in order of when they take place, with sidebyside timelines for legends and the new canon. What happens to star wars expanded universe, once the new. Oct 03, 2000 because the star wars universe this guide covers is as vast and populated as george lucas galaxy far, far away, its impossible for even the most prolific researcherwriter to keep up with all the new additions as books, games, collectibles and even animated episodes appear almost on a monthly basis. The force awakens and for several of the old expanded universe now legends star wars books follow. New canon the newly standardized star wars canon includes all the movie episodes, the clone wars and rebels tv shows, and new books since. The best books from the old star wars expanded universe. Ask any star wars reader what book to start with, and nine times out of 10, youll get the same answer. Star wars just nuked its entire expanded universe the. In april 2014 lucasfilm and disney publishing stated that the existing. We evaluate the new star wars expanded universe, and compare the new canon eu to star wars legends. When disney bought lucasfilm, the company threw almost every piece of star wars lore away.
New to star wars books and dont know where to start. Disney has been engaged in a secret war against the star wars expanded universe in order to sell more books, comics and toys. A complete guide to the new star wars canon before the force. Where to start with the star wars expanded universe the book. Short star wars canon eu stories orientation john jackson miller the imperial cruiser defiance is on route to ryloth to deal with an continue reading star wars short stories. So before i reinstall the force unleashed is it considered canon. On april 25, 2014, lucasfilm officially revised and solidified the canon, stating that all previously released expanded universe works would be rebranded under the new star wars legends banner and considered non canon, in order to ensure a flowing timeline with the.
Star wars legends, formerly known as the expanded universe abbreviated. Those in charge of upcoming star wars tv series and novels explain that the expanded universe is still important whether its canon or not. Ive been reading recently about how george lucas supposedly discontinued the star wars expanded universe, which has now been dubbed star wars legends, and that now only certain materials are considered canon or factually what happens in the star wars universe. From the adventures of luke skywalker in december 1976 to the latest novel, this timeline tracks the month and year of every star wars novel excluding childrens and graphic novels published. If youre overwhelmed and looking for a good place to start with star.
A subreddit where all discussion about the star wars eu expanded universe, and things related to the star wars eu are welcome. Learn more about the distinction in the star wars canon books section below. From the adventures of luke skywalker in december 1976 to the latest novel, this timeline tracks the month and year of every star wars. While i dont believe it is wise to start with these books, they are truly phenomenal. I want to start reading those star wars books but i have no idea where to start. New movies and other stories arent based on these books, and will sometimes contradict them. Disneys secret war against star wars expanded universe. May 26, 2014 an explanation of the origin of canon and how i feel about the legends banner. The story of star wars, for the kind of fan that wants to know. Your guide to the entire star wars expanded universe. The newly standardized star wars canon includes all the movie episodes, the.
The old expanded universe eu now known as legends encompassed all of the officially licensed stories from the star wars universe. For a little while, that meant it was less intimidating to jump into the wider star wars universe but the number of works has grown once again. Wars legends and these stories were not considered to be official star wars canon. In what order should i read star wars expanded universe. Most works produced after april 25, 2014 are part of the official canon as defined by lucasfilm. May 04, 2017 the new star wars canon is infinitely better than the old expanded universe continuity is everything. Its time for disney and marvel to bring back a character or two from its expanded universe. Welcome to the star wars expanded universe subreddit. Forget thrawn the new star wars canon has brought over a lot more of the expanded universe than you realise.
When all of the old eu novels were declared legends and no longer canon, many fans lamented the loss of characters like thrawn. It is not for comics or short stories in legends continuity. He opened up that universe to be a creative space for other people to tell their own tales. Sep 28, 2016 what can the old star wars expanded universe give to the new canon. Feb 27, 2016 the lucasfilm story group may have banished the expanded universe to the galaxy next door and rebranded it as legends. Updated regularly, with new releases and upcoming titles highlightesd. With the star wars expanded universe having grown so large and encompassing, its also a great way to explain many of the discrepancies and continuityerrors that occur from time to time within the body of lore comprised by the books, comics, films, cartoons, video games and more. This timeline is organized by chronology, and separated by era, as defined by lucas licensing. The expanded visual dictionary reveals indepth details on every aspect of the movie from the young anakin skywalker and the podracing on tatooine, to the droidekas and battle droids that attack naboo. Where to start with the star wars expanded universe by thea james. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. These books are part of the original star wars expanded universe, and follow an internally consistent timeline. This time, thea tackles a subject close to her heart.
With the exception of the cgianimated the clone wars tv series, nonfilm material produced prior to april 2014 was collectively known as the star wars expanded universe eu. In my opinion, however, many of the older novels are better and still owe reading. The expanded universe has been a part of star wars for almost as long as the movies have, starting with alan dean foster s novel splinter of the minds eye, which was published in. May 07, 2014 star wars expanded universe no longer canon. Each format has its own trends, with some exceptions. With the new revision due to the purchase by disney, another option is to read the new canon books that begin with a new dawn. The tiein novels are still being published, but theyre not part of the official canon. Jul 30, 2014 star wars creatives explain why canon vs expanded universe shouldnt matter. The other side of that, though, was the removal of the expanded universe from canon. Want to read more about the clone wars era or before. Novel publishing timeline this is the realtime chronological novel publishing timeline. What is the expanded universe and why is continuity such a major issue. If you could choose which star wars universe was canon, what would it be.
Jan 29, 2018 more star wars expanded universe characters may soon become canon. The legendary star wars expanded universe turns a new page. Must read star wars legends books, and where to start. Which novelizations of the star wars movies are considered. Kevin hearnes heir to the jedi, is actually in the new canon. The only issue is i dont know whats the best place for me to start as someone whos only watched the films. Also, luke skywalker, the last of the jedi, begins training apprentices. Here are the best star wars books from the old cannon. For years before disney purchased lucasfilm the star wars story was primarily told through the expanded universe, or eu, a collection of books, comics, audio dramas and games that continued and expanded on the stories from the movies. Star wars canon novels a reading order justin beeson medium.
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