In order to give maximum creative freedom to the filmmakers and also preserve an element of surprise and discovery for the audience, star wars episodes viiix will not tell the same story told in the postreturn of the jedi expanded universe. The 1978 star wars novel, splinter of the minds eye, is no longer canon but its still referenced in the expanded universe. It is derived from and includes most official star wars books, comic books, video. In star wars, the expanded universe is official, albeit on a slightly lower level sometimes called ccanon see box on page 40 than the absolute authority of the six star wars films. Oct 20, 2017 i wanted to keep track of my slow progress reading through all the star wars canon novels, but i couldnt find a good list. The eu began in 1978 with the release of splinter of the minds eye, and has spanned thousands of in universe years since then. This is the realtime chronological novel publishing timeline. In april 2014, disneywhich had purchased the series. Must read star wars legends books, and where to start. Now known as legends, the original expanded universe is full of amazing stories.
Why disney blew up more than 30 years of star wars canon. The status of the expanded universe books, games and comics within the star wars canon has long been something of a. With a new saga trilogy, new standalone anthology movies, tv shows, comics, books, and video games all coming out in a rapidly expanding new canon, has there ever been a better time to be a star wars 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. If youre new to star wars books in general, you might want to check out this piece by a fellow rioter on where to start, but this list is a good starting point into what i think are the best star wars books.
Its actual language is quite a bit softer, temporizing that the eu is not being discarded, just changed. When the star wars saga began, there was no formal organization of canon. Jun 26, 2017 with a new trilogy, we have ourselves a new canon. Dec 02, 2019 making sense of the books and comics in the new star wars canon is tough. Cavan scott, bolstered by a whole host of voice actors, delivers one of the most engaging, immersive stories in all of the expanded universe with dooku. Hasbro star wars expanded universe comic pack action figure. 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.
In other words, in what disney now calls legends, here are the best non canon stories we. Apr 25, 2014 regarding the status of the expanded universe canon in relation to the official canon established by the films. 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. If youre new, and want to learn more about the expanded universe, you. For purists, the other pages on this site remain free of post20 stories. The tiein novels are still being published, but theyre not part of the official canon. How splinter of the minds eye expanded the universe. New canon the newly standardized star wars canon includes all the movie episodes, the clone wars and rebels tv shows, and new books since.
Each month, the hosts of our star wars podcast, megan, paul, and saf, take on the latest topics in the expanded universe, on television, and in the theater on star wars blaster canon. While its cultural impact wouldnt have ever gone away entirely, the world that became known as the expanded universe let people explore the galaxy far. Also, the fact that they are aware of these fan sites and clickbate articles attacking the expanded universe and perpetuating these myths and rumors which, if you were paying attention, i. This is a timeline for novels, young adult books, and ebooks in the expanded. The issue of which aspects are canon was one of the most hotly debated. Jan 16, 2012 with thirtytwo brand new pages and many more fully updated pages featuring stunning images with a new fresh look, star wars. Lucasfilm later rebranded the expanded universe as star wars legends and declared it noncanonical to the franchise. Here are the best star wars books from the old cannon. In other words, in what disney now calls legends, here are the best non canon stories we wish were still part of the continuity.
Up until disney acquired lucasfilm in 2012, the expanded universe i. The new star wars expanded novel universe that includes all star wars novels and media created after the legends rebranding of the old eu. Buy hasbro star wars expanded universe comic pack action figure set. Darth sidious, born sheev palpatine and commonly known simply as the emperor, was a forcesensitive human male who became a dark lord of the sith and galactic emperor of the galactic empire, ruling the galaxy throughout most of the imperial era.
In april 2014 lucasfilm and disney publishing stated that the existing. This list of the top 15 non canon star wars stories includes books that examine sith mythology, jedi training, ancient worlds and the murderous rampage of darth vader. It removed the entirety of the expanded universe from canon. Luceno also canonized 114d, a droid servant of palpatine from his own previous star wars books. 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. Even novelizations are interpretations of the film. This is a timeline for books considered canon in the new continuity. If youre new to books, and want to learn more about where to start, feel free to ask the community.
The star wars expanded universe timeline home facebook. Star wars expanded universe stories to feature in episode. As regards the ongoing controversy over the disney universe and the expanded universe, this page which is an extension of the star wars expanded universe timeline website regards the latter as canon and the former as infinities, though it accepts workable elements from the du into the eu. How the abandoned star wars expanded universe inspired. George lucas has famously never read any of the novels published under the umbrella of his own franchise, although details from earlier expanded universe novels did occasionally make their way into. Today lets take a look at the star wars expanded universe and how to get into it. These books are part of the original star wars expanded universe, and follow an internally consistent timeline. Star wars may have its legends, but theres a lot to love about the new expanded universe. The star wars website also details the role of canon, expanded universe or eu sources, and how they fit into overall star wars continuity. We evaluate the new star wars expanded universe, and compare the new canon eu to star wars legends. On april 25th, 2014, it was announced that the expanded universe of star wars is no longer considered canon. We evaluate the new star wars expanded universe, and compare the new canon eu to star wars. These books are considered history and the material that occurs in these stories is officially part of the star wars timeline. The chiss grand admiral thrawn is one of the most famous expanded universe characters, the main antagonist in timothy zahns thrawn trilogy.
The ultimate guide to reading the star wars books reedsy. That being said i prefer legends material for a number of reasons. Lucas licensing editor sue rostoni elaborated further on the place of printed expanded universe sources in star wars gamer 6, canon refers to an authoritative list of books that the lucas licensing editors consider an authentic part of the official star wars history. Still, it was a move that wasnt without its downsides, most prominently the decision to remove theold expanded universe eu books from the canon. What can the old star wars expanded universe give to the new.
Creators of new star wars entertainment have full access to the rich content of the expanded universe. This is a place to discuss any and all things about the books. May 26, 2014 an explanation of the origin of canon and how i feel about the legends banner. So disney has decided that theyre going to nuke most of the previously established star wars canon. A complete list of all fulllength star wars novels in chronological order. Padmes predecessor on the throne of naboo, king veruna, has made the jump from legends to disney canon thanks to the star wars. The expanded universe contains star wars stories that build upon canon material from the movies.
Jul 30, 2014 star wars creatives explain why canon vs expanded universe shouldnt matter. The star wars expanded universe is dumb and should be forgotten. In april 2014, lucasfilm rebranded the expanded universe material as star wars legends and declared it noncanon to the franchise. Christopher cerasi stated, when it comes to absolute canon, the real story of star wars, you must turn to the films themselvesand only the films. While the universe that readers knew is changing, it is not being discarded. 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. This is a timeline for novels, young adult books, and ebooks in the expanded universe legends continuity. Best new star wars books best new star wars canon books. As of april 25, 2014, the only previously published materials that are considered canon are the six star wars films and the star wars. Novel publishing timeline this is the realtime chronological novel publishing timeline.
Episode i the phantom menace, lucasfilm has divided its titles by fictional era with symbols designating such. He opened up that universe to be a creative space for other people to tell their own tales. Disney may have brought the star wars series back to the box office, but they also removed major parts of the expanded universe. For a certain generation, the answer may be yes star wars fans who grew up in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s are probably familiar. The star wars expanded universe, called the eu for short, is the name used to denote the star wars books, comics, video games, and more that were part of the star wars canon prior to april 25, 2014.
Lando calrissians voicerecordings reference a series of eu books, the lando calrissian adventures. This timeline is organized chronologically and in six different categories. The companys focus would be shifted towards a restructured star wars canon based on new material. The expanded universe has been a part of star wars for almost as long as the movies have, starting with alan dean fosters novel splinter of. Apr 28, 2014 star wars expanded universe stories to feature in episode vii. When he created star wars, george lucas built a universe that sparked the imagination, and inspired others to create. Its time for disney and marvel to bring back a character or two from its expanded universe.
Sep 28, 2016 what can the old star wars expanded universe give to the new canon. So it is possible that disney will bring more legends material into canon indeed, disney has introduced grand admrial thrawn into canon. As a result, the company made a swift and decisive move that guts what star wars meant for many fans. Young readers books are almost always an adaptation of a previously released piece of content.
The ripples of this trend are finally being executed incanon with. They include armand isard, admiral yularen, sate pestage, ars dangor, moff therbon, and terrinald screed. Disneys secret war against star wars expanded universe. This is a list of novels considered canon in the new continuity of star wars. For those puzzled as to why the postdisney buyout titles would be included on a star wars eu timeline, the complete saga page follows the one canon approach, which permits any story that reasonably fits into the expanded universe on the timeline.
This body of work represents the original star wars expanded universe, which was. The star wars expanded universe is dead, long live the star wars expanded universe i will make it legal. Kevin hearnes heir to the jedi, is actually in the new canon. But for those who cant face three books of nowunofficial galactic history, heres a quick primer. Those in charge of upcoming star wars tv series and novels explain that the expanded universe is still important whether its canon or not. This timeline is organized by chronology, and separated by era, as defined by lucas licensing. May the fourth be with you as we explore my collection of star wars expanded universe novels. The best books from the old star wars expanded universe. The star wars expanded universe is my canon home facebook. All novels here are published in collaboration with the lucasfilm story group, and are canon with the films and animated tv series. When star wars canon material became known as legends, and new canon. The star wars website also details the role of canon, expanded universe or. Star wars canon novels a reading order justin beeson medium.
Updated regularly, with new releases and upcoming titles highlightesd. Star wars just nuked its entire expanded universe the. Our guide to the star wars expanded universe in reading order. Canon refers to an authoritative list of books that the lucas licensing editors. Novels and novelizations are separated, as are junior novels and junior novelizations. Heres my ranking of 31 individual books and multi book series in the star wars universe, minus the movie novelizations 31. Since theres no consistent dating system in the star wars universe, fans. The star wars expanded universe refers to the books and comics that populated much of star wars media between the release of return of the jedi and the prequels, and it was declared non canon after disney purchased star wars. Simple star wars book list timeline of star wars novels. Welcome to the star wars expanded universe subreddit.
Most of the material from the expanded universe including books, comics, and video games. There is a whole galaxy of books about star wars, hundreds of them, if were counting the eu expanded universe. I think this is as good a reason as any to finally bury the. Nov 18, 2016 this list of the top 15 non canon star wars stories includes books that examine sith mythology, jedi training, ancient worlds and the murderous rampage of darth vader. Rising to power in the galactic senate as the senator of naboo, he cultivated two identities in order to accumulate political authority during the. The old expanded universe eu now known as legends encompassed all of the officially licensed stories from the star wars universe. Star wars canon books in chronological order youtini. They either included everything being published, or left off the. Most star wars material released after april 25, 2014with some exceptionsis composed in collaboration with the lucasfilm story group, making it part of the new canon. Lucasfilm unveils new plans for star wars expanded universe. The legendary star wars expanded universe turns a new page. The clone wars television series and film, while the expanded universe is no longer considered canon and was retermed as the legends brand. 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. Apr 25, 2014 for those unfamiliar with the term, the expanded universe is the official designation for all star wars material that has not been produced directly by lucasfilm, whether it be comic books, novels.
While the star wars franchise celebrates 40 years today, many credit its lasting success to the work of the novelists, comic book creators and tabletop and video game makers who kept it alive when there were no movies or cartoons to be seen. Star wars is the property of the walt disney company and is used here under fair use laws. Nov 18, 2015 the star wars expanded universe is dumb and should be forgotten. Art is such an incredibly subjective thing that it is impossible to say what is objectivally better or worse. 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. Dec 15, 2015 why disney blew up more than 30 years of star wars canon. The clone wars television series and film, while the expanded universe is no longer considered canon and was re. The truth about the expanded universe and the expanded. Your guide to the entire star wars expanded universe. Author james lucenos new canon star wars books have woven a number of familiar imperials back into canon. The 10 best stories in the star wars expanded universe. Disney has been engaged in a secret war against the star wars expanded universe in order to sell more books, comics and toys.
Star wars legends, formerly known as the expanded universe abbreviated eu. Rise of skywalker makes legends sith star wars canon. Meanwhile, the expanded universe is no longer considered canon and was retermed as the legends brand. From the adventures of luke skywalker in december 1976 to the latest novel, this timeline tracks the month and year of every star wars. May 05, 2016 may the fourth be with you as we explore my collection of star wars expanded universe novels. Heres your guide to the star wars expanded universe, including tv, comics, books, and video games. Star wars expanded universe no longer canon the mary sue. Disney may be creating its own canon book universe now since they decided the original expanded universe is no longer canon, but that doesnt mean the books currently labeled legends should be forgotten. 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. New movies and other stories arent based on these books, and will sometimes contradict them.
All the star wars books released after 2014, when disney started releasing books that fell into the official star wars universe. Star wars inspires a love that can border on obsession. Star wars expanded universe book collection youtube. Clone wars made one of star wars weirdest characters canon ommin was an ancient sith lord introduced in the old expanded universe. The films, novelizations, comic books, newspaper comic strips, radio dramas, and spinoff novels were produced, but no standards of canon were set by george lucas or lucasfilm. Dec 23, 2015 fans of the star wars expanded universe the spinoff novels and comic books that were pushed out of canon last year might have found star wars.
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