Earlier today, Star Wars fans everywhere reacted to the most influential announcement by Lucasfilm this year: The Expanded Universe is getting relaunched. For over three decades Star Wars fans have flocked to what is known as “Expanded Universe” to continue on adventures in a galaxy far, far away. Comprised of novels, comics, video games, and any other form of media imaginable, the Expanded Universe has flourished under the creative influence of countless individuals.
When Disney purchased the Star Wars franchise and announced a brand new trilogy of movies in late 2012, it seemed inevitable that change was coming. The Expanded Universe has always existed someplace outside the official “canon,” that is, what is approved by George Lucas and appears in the movies. While many fans held the Expanded Universe dear, it is apparent certain creativity would be stifled by it in this new, unprecedented era. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, explained the need to “alter the deal.” “We have an unprecedented slate of new Star Wars entertainment on the horizon. We’re set to bring Star Wars back to the big screen, and continue the adventure through games, books, comics, and new formats that are just emerging. This future of interconnected storytelling will allow fans to explore this galaxy in deeper ways than ever before.”
Fans should not despair though, because past stories told in the Expanded Universe will remain. Lucasfilm plans to keep these stories for years to come both in print and digital form, with a new banner reading “Legends” across the cover. There is also an absolute collaboration across all mediums of Star Wars now that will result in all Star Wars material having the same level of validation. Books, video games, television shows, and movies will all operate together to tell one collective story.
Del Rey Books followed this ground breaking announcement by releasing their plans for the new line of adult Star Wars novels. The first book announced is titled “Star Wars: A New Dawn” and will be written by bestselling author, John Jackson Miller. Miller has been a lifelong fan of the Star Wars franchise and has made several impressive contributions to the franchise. He is responsible for works such as “Knights of the Old Republic,” “Knight Errant,” “Lost Tribe of the Sith,” and “Kenobi.” Miller has shown a true understanding for the Star Wars universe and the fandom should consider itself lucky to have him as leading contributor in this new era of storytelling. “A New Dawn” will tie into the upcoming “Star Wars: Rebels” TV show and will take place between Episodes III and IV. Fans can expect it to hit shelves in September of 2014.
Next Del Rey announced a new book by Star Wars veteran author James Luceno, titled “Star Wars: Tarkin.” Luceno’s book will be released November 4th, 2014. Del Rey had the following to say, “Luceno gives Tarkin the Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life. Luceno is known for being a continuity nut and will surely bring his skills to this novel and weave an exciting backstory for Tarkin.
Del Rey also announced a January 2015 release by Kevin Hearne, “Star Wars: Heir to the Jedi.” This novel will be set between “A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back.” Del Rey offers an interesting perspective for this novel and says it will “for the first time ever- [be] written entirely from Luke Skywalker’s first-person point of view.” They also note that this novel, along with all future releases, is to be created in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group.
The last novel Del Rey discussed is by fan favorite author, Paul Kemp. “Star Wars: Lords of the Sith” will be released in March of 2015 and follows be set between Episodes III and IV. Del Rey stated, “When the Emperor and his notorious apprentice, Darth Vader, find themselves stranded in the middle of insurgent action on an inhospitable planet, they must rely solely on each other, the Force, and their awesome martial skills to prevail.”
All of this news is both exhilarating and nerve wrecking for the Star Wars community. As one book closes on the Expanded Universe, another one opens and the possibilities are endless. Make sure to check out the official Star Wars website at www.starwars.com for the full story.
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