TEMPORARY HIATUS

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause anyone, but due to increased responsibilites, Cell 2187 will be on temporary hiatus. However, I will attempt to update the media list as often as possible.

Over the next few weeks I will be in the process of moving Cell 2187 to another site. Once this happens, I will post an entry with the new URL.

Thanks for your understanding, and if you have any questions, please e-mail me at bloggochicago@gmail.com.

May the Force be with You!

How Jedi Are You?

:: how jedi are you? ::

More Comics!

Yay! I found more back issues yesterday at my favorite comic book store.

Kevin J. Anderson: Dark Apprentice

(click thumbnail for full-size image)

***spoilers***











the second volume of the Jedi Academy Trilogy, Dark Apprentice, continues the saga of Luke Skywalker's fledgling Jedi academy on Yavin 4. Skywalker's most powerful student, Gantoris, flirts with the dark side and dies. later, a new student arriving after Gantoris's death, Kyp Durron, even more powerful than Gantoris, is also seduced by the dark side.

the spirit of Exar Kun, a Dark Lord of the Sith during the Old Republic era, had established a base on Yavin 4. he brought along members of the Massassi race, who he enslaved. once an esteemed Jedi, Kun slew his mentor, Master Vodo-Siosk Baas, and fled to Yavin 4 in order to pursue his growing interest in Sith teachings. Kun was defeated by the combined forces of the Jedi in a war. but he didn't die. rather, his spirit was entombed within the Great Temple, only one of many that the Massassi built under his rule, and where Skywalker gathers his students for lessons.

after Durron acquires knowledge of dark side powers from the spirit of Exar Kun, he uses these to crush the remaining Imperial strongholds. the Empire ruined his life, having imprisoned him at the age of 8, along with his parents, and was sent to Kessel where he slaved in the spice mines. his 14-year-old brother Zeth was conscripted and brought to Carida to train at the Imperial Academy.

i understand how Durron would want to avenge his parents' deaths, his brother's abduction, and his own enslavement. but the fact that Kun used the Massassi as slaves is practically overlooked. Durron should have had a stronger reaction to the enslavement, and should have been repulsed by it because until recently, he spent half of his life as a slave. how could he simply ignore this?

at the beginning of his conquest, he blows up stars in the Cauldron Nebula, where Admiral Daala and the 2 remaining ships of her original fleet of 4 hide out while planning their attacks against Republic worlds. satisfied that he exterminated them, he then pays a visit to Dr. Qwi Xux, the scientist who unwittingly designed the Sun Crusher, a weapon that was supposed to be powerful and indestructible, for the Empire. Durron entered her mind and literally tore away the information stored in her memory about the Sun Crusher's design.

the novel ends with Durron on his way to the Imperial Academy on Carida in order to gain information about his brother.

there are 2 subplots that irrelevant to the plot: Jacen and Jaina Solo's adventure trekking through the bottommost level of Coruscant, lost, and the flirtation between Lando Calrissian and Mara Jade.

Han Solo flies to Calamari to fetch Leia Organa Solo. Organa Solo was there to persuade Admiral Ackbar to return to Coruscant and resume his role as New Republic fleet admiral. while on the planet, Admiral Daala's forces attacked, targeting Calimari's shipyards.

while the Solos are away, Jacen and Jaina are left in the care of Threepio and Chewbacca. during an outing, the twins escape from their guardians and become lost in the decaying, lower levels of Coruscant. most of the turbolifts have plates that cover the buttons leading to the planet's depths. Jacen and Jaina happen to board a turbolift in which the plating was removed. they encounter a variety of mutated beings, before finally meeting up with humans who had exiled themselves to the city world's dregs during the Emperor's reign. the leader of this band brings the twins directly to their living quarters via air ducts.

neither of these episodes enhance the main plot and are merely filler. i prefer to read a shorter, more focused novel than a longer one in which pointless events take place.

Tom Veitch, Cam Kennedy: Dark Empire

i wrote this a while ago in bloggo chicago for the category, Book Reviews - 100 Words or Less.

















(click thumbnails for full image)






***spoilers***











6-part mini-series, 10 years after Battle of Yavin.

Emperor alive! able to transfer consciousness into clones when physical state deteriorates—result of harnessing dark side energy. Luke travels to planet Byss as "willing" apprentice.

Han, Leia, Chewie, Threepio, with friends from Han's smuggling days, try to rescue Luke. all but Han's friends captured.

Leia brought to throne room. Palpatine reveals plans to turn Leia and knowledge of Luke's infiltration.

good plot but wordy commentary at end of each issue, though informative, takes away from conveying story through art. impressive artwork, particularly ships and mechanical objects. enjoyed seeing Leia wield lightsaber!

NOTICE

I just wanted people to know that if you've left comments in the past, I'm afraid they were deleted when I switched to Haloscan for people to post their comments.

But don't be afraid to leave them again!

Thanks for understanding. ^_^

Republic #69 - Synopsis and Commentary ***spoilers***

***spoilers***













Republic #69 is the first of a three-part series, "Dreadnaughts of Rendili." The Republic is attempting to convince Jace Dallin, Rendili fleet commander and Republic ally during the Stark Hyperspace War, to defect. During the war, Rendili was self-governed but has recently joined the Separatists, a movement led by former Jedi Count Dooku, whose goal is to unify planets dissatisfied with the Republic government in order to dismantle the current administration.

Jedi Master Plo Koon and Republic Captain Jan Dodonna, also veterans of the Stark Hyperspace War, board the Rendili commander's ship. Dallin is conflicted about choosing the Republic over Rendili, his homeworld, as he's loyal to both. Before making a decision, junior officer Lieutenant Yago, labels him a traitor and leads a mutiny. Plo Koon, Dodonna, and Dallin, along with other senior officers are imprisoned.

However, the main plot of this issue is an encounter between Master Obi-wan Kenobi and Dark Jedi Quinlan Vos, with whom his friendship began when both were still padawans.

Kenobi is on his way to the planet Mycroft, whose leaders asked him to check the status of a stranded ship belonging to the Intergalactic Zoological Society (IZS), whose mission is to seek out, record, and procure specimens of the galaxy's life forms, and who have been contracted to do so by Mycroft's Exploration Corps. Though the IZS remains neutral in the ongoing Clone Wars, Kenobi is aware that despite their belief in the universality of biological research, the organization isn't exempt from being a political target.

As Kenobi's Starfighter nears the Titavian IV, he detects a Jedi distress signal from within. The code is an old one but a Jedi signal just the same, so he docks his ship in a hangar bay.

He investigates the vessel and finds casualties before encountering Vos, who's fighting for his life against hunter-killer (HK) droids. The Jedi believe Vos defected and is now an assassin of Count Dooku's. Indeed, Vos has killed several Republic politicians injuring other Jedi in the process, and has manipulated his former padawan, Aayla Secura, into revealing vital information. Though Kenobi questions their long friendship, he casts these aside to aid Vos, as his former Master, Qui-Gon Jinn taught him to do: to give others the benefit of the doubt. In exchange, Vos offers to explain his recent actions once they're clear of the HK droids.

After escaping, the two Jedi rest. While Kenobi treats Vos's wounds, Vos reveals the reason he committed dark side acts. For months he has been deep undercover in order to infiltrate Dooku's inner circle. Few Jedi are aware of this mission--Yoda, Mace Windu, and Vos's former Master, Tholme.

Moments later, the pair are confronted by two of Dooku's minions: Dark Jedi Asajj Ventress and Skorr, each the nemesis of Kenobi and Vos respectively. A short battle ensues, and Kenobi distracts Ventress and Skorr by springing a rancor specimen from its cage, which creates an opportunity for the two friends to reach the hangar bay.

Unfortunately, the Starfighter seats only one. Vos's ship, the Skorp-ion, broke down earlier, which is why he was on the Titavian IV in the first place. Then the Dark Jedi arrived and Skorr impounded the ship.

Vos and Kenobi hatch an escape plan: Vos flies the Starfighter to where the Skorp-ion is docked, then tows it back to the hangar bay, where Kenobi will remain to stall Skorr and Ventress. He still harbors doubts about Vos's loyalty but places his trust in him again.

Ventress arrives, astride the rancor, who she tamed by using the Jedi mind trick. She attempts to convince Kenobi that Vos has betrayed him, manipulated him into believing it was Kenobi's idea to stay behind while Vos retrieves the Skorp-ion. Though he no longer works for Dooku, Ventress insists that Vos has crossed over to the dark side, reinforcing the notion that Kenobi has been abandoned.

The issue concludes with Kenobi preparing to battle Ventress, and readers are left to wonder about who Kenobi believes--his nemesis, or his old friend?
----------
Because of my fangirlship of Quinlan Vos, I hope he's redeemed, especially since I don't want him to die any time soon. He's my current favorite character. But I peeked at the previews for #s 71 and 72, so I know he'll be captured and "brought to justice." Still, it doesn't mean that he won't be redeemed. Anyway, the Jedi aren't going to kill him because that isn't their way.

My attempt at criticism:
John Ostrander's stories are plot-heavy, in spite of the economy of words necessary for comics dialogue.

Jan Duursema, my favorite comic book artist and co-creator of Quin, illustrates the scenes superbly as usual. Her work transcends the nearly two-dimensional art of older comics and/or comic strips in its realism. She goes beyond merely depicting a scene--her illustrations contain nuances between characters that are barely detected between the text's lines.

Reading the EU

What in the galaxy put the idea in my head that I'd be able to read the EU in chronological order?

I started reading Dark Apprentice, then set it down to backtrack and read Dark Empire. I'm so behind.

I Could Be Darth Maul

...for Halloween, anyway. today i learned something that never occurred to me that i could ever do. ever. except while playing Jedi Academy (JA) or Knights of the Old Republic (KotOR).

i stuck around after my regular martial arts class today to practice kali, which i just started training in. the instructors are really nice and very helpful--they'll often stay after as well and continue working with you, sometimes on a one-on-one basis.

so today, Greg taught me the 12 La-something angles using a staff. i'm pretty sure it isn't the Lameco 12, but i could be wrong. fortunately, i'm not confusing them with the Degerberg 9, which is what we learn in the regular curriculum. at least i think we do--i'm not sure. i'm still only a white belt, but i've been taught some fairly advanced stuff sometimes in class, sometimes after.

anyway, the staff is, obviously, a long stick made of rattan or, bamboo. but it is just...like...a double-bladed lightsaber, i swear. without the energy blades, of course.

seriously, when i was practicing the angles it actually looked very Darth Maulish. it was kind of weird to see myself in the mirror wielding this stick and doing all that stuff. obviously i wasn't doing any of the gymnmastic stuff Ray Park does because, well, i'm too uncoordinated to do those flips and all.

but it was so cool. so cool. not just cool-looking, i mean. it was a cool thing to learn.

here's an Ep. I pic i found on the official Star Wars web site:



it looks like what Park--ok, Darth Maul--is executing is an angle 4, in which the right arm leads so that end of the lightsaber swings upward, deflecting Obi-Wan's (Degerberg) angle 6 attack while simultaneously deflecting Qui-Gon's (Degerberg) angle 2 as Maul's left arm swings down.

in kali you use a one-handed grip on a rattan stick, but i believe the lightsaber battles are based on Japanese kendo (swordsmanship). i'm not familiar with the angles they use, but if Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan held their lightsabers in just one hand, it would look similar to kali.

um...i hope that makes sense.

anyway, Brian thinks i'd make a "cute" Darth Maul for Halloween. i told him that i could look very, very menacing.

hmph. he didn't believe me.

x-posted in bloggo chicago

For You KotOR Fans

from VG Cats

What Everyone's Been Waiting For

So the OT dvd's are out. I meant to pre-order it months ago, but never got around to doing so. Oh, well. It isn't going anywhere, and I've never been the gotta-have-it-first type.

As sacrilegous as this may sound, I'm more excited about the new Star Wars: Battlefront game.

A Belated Intro

I haven't posted in awhile because I've been busy setting up the new sites for bloggo chicago and slacktivities. I'm still debating over whether or not to move this blog as well. For now, at least, I'll keep it here.

After having answered a post in an online community that discusses the EU, I realized that I haven't posted here about how I got into Star Wars to begin with. Or rather, how I rediscovered it.

This past winter, I began collecting Star Wars LEGO sets. (I had been collecting Harry Potter ones as well, and how I got into LEGOs altogether is a whole other story.) Last January, I picked up Heir to the Empire and was immediately hooked. I had no idea it was the first of the EU books written.

Of the Star Wars novels lining shelf after shelf at Borders, I just picked it out by chance. Apparently, it was a good choice. I didn't realize it was part of a trilogy, so when I reached the end, I freaked and had to have the next volume immediately.

Since then, I've read the rest of the Thrawn Trilogy; several prequel comics mini-series; all of Jedi Apprentice (I'm a sucker for backstories, plus Obi-Wan's one of my favorite characters); a few Jedi Quests; the young Boba Fett series; the prequel novels except for the ones still in hardcover (too bulky); the Han and Lando books; the OT; the novels up to Jedi Search except for the X-Wing series; some of the Tales From anthologies; and some of Dark Horse's Tales series. I'm trying really hard to keep up with the current ongoing Dark Horse series, Empire and Republic.

I'm so behind on my reading.

Jedi Celibacy & Marriage - Revisited

In Republic #62, Anakin and Ki-Adi-Mundi have a brief conversation before their mission begins. In it, Anakin asks how it is that Ki has a family:

artist: Tomás Giorello

Though Ki admits that he cared for his family, he also confesses that he had a hard time remaining detached from them, but had to accept their deaths, perhaps before he was ready to, in order to uphold the Jedi's beliefs. Certainly, there's no question that he loved them very much (see Republic Issue #s 1-6: Prelude to Rebellion), and obviously he isn't a virgin because he has kids.

What I've concluded then, is that Jedi could have romantic relationships (and by extension, sex), but are discouraged from marrying. The way I interpret this is similar to a family in which one spouse's career is such that they could be called away at any moment with the possibility of never returning, say, like someone in the military. Jedi, however, wouldn't be able to spend nearly as much time with their families, which could also explain why attachments are forbidden.

w00t - New Star Wars LEGO Set!!!!

Finally! I can now own the TIE (twin ion engines) advanced, also known as Darth Vader's personal TIE. This, along with the TIE fighters are discontinued. But now, LEGO has issued a set that includes two TIEs, the TIE advanced, and, the brand new TIE/d, which is droid powered. Check out these pics from LEGO's Web site:

I managed to get a brand new TIE fighter through e-Bay without having to pay a ridiculous amount of money. I have the TIE bomber, which I got on sale at K-Mart. However, I only have the mini TIE advanced. I also have the mini fighter and bomber.

Looks like I'll have to save up my allowance.

The Golden Age of the Sith - Review

Anderson, Kevin J., Dario Carrasco, Jr., et al. The Golden Age of the Sith. Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics, 1996.

***possible spoilers***








Of all the literature of the EU, The Golden Age of the Sith (GAOTS) is the earliest "record" of the Republic and the Sith's history, dating back 5000 years before the Battle of Yavin (BBY). It's a five-part comic mini-series from Dark Horse Comics, though an intro issue, #0, was published first.

The events take place on Cinnagar, one of seven planets in the newly united Koros system, ruled by Empress Teta. Other locations include Korriban and other Sith planets in what is currently known as the Corporate Sector in the Outer Rim, just south of the Hydian Way.

The story follows brother and sister Gav and Jori Daragon, in their desperate effort to chart a new hyperspace path to facilitate trade to other systems. Their ship, the Starbreaker 12, is being repaired. Because they're impoverished, they have no way to pay for it. In a last-ditch effort to earn money, they steal their own ship from the repair dock, and set random hyperspace coordinates to explore. This leads them to Korriban, ruled by the Sith Empire.

On Korriban, Marka Ragnos, the recently deceased Dark Lord of the Sith has just been interred. Two of the Sith Lords argue about who should take the Dark Lord's place. Ludo Kressh and Naga Sadow each feel that he is the rightful "heir."

It's my understanding that the apprentice replaces the Dark Lord if the latter is killed by the former, or by some other means. Granted, that applies to the Sith who fall under the two-Sith rule. GAOTS doesn't indicate how the new Dark Lord is chosen, nor does it reveal how Ragnos died. However, these questions are answered in Christopher McElroy's Time Tales

After the Daragons land and are questioned, the Sith divide themselves into two camps: 1) Kressh's, who believe that the pair's arrival is an omen of an impending Republic invasion; and 2) Sadow's, who insist that the Daragons represent an opportunity to expand the Sith Empire. The siblings are imprisoned, pending execution, which the Sith Lords agree upon.

I enjoyed reading about how the Sith and the Republic (through the Daragons) regained contact. It was interesting, too, to see what the now-extinct Sith species looked like. When the Dark Jedi were banished from the Republic centuries earlier, having fought with the light side Jedi, some interbred with the Sith natives, who they enslaved. Many of their descendants had tremendous Force power and interestingly, all of the Sith Lords were men.

In GAOTS, members of the Sith species are dark pink/light red in color, and have what looks like a mustache dangling from either side of their mouths and tapering to a point. Instead of facial hair, this "mustache" looks like cartilage. Some of the fallen Jedi's offspring, such as Ludo Kressh, look exactly like this. Others, namely Naga Sadow, is a combination of Sith and human--the Sith features aren't as pronounced. What I'm not sure about is whether or not Kressh is descended from a Dark Jedi. Sadow boasts that he possesses Jedi blood, but Kressh makes no mention of this with relation to his own heritage.

The Massassi, a warrior species the Sith use as an army of sorts, look just like the Sith except that their eyes are yellow and lack an iris and pupil. In Time Tales, McElroy claims that the Massassi race was the result of the Dark Jedi's experiments on the Sith. However, this isn't explicitly stated in GAOTS.

As for the ancient Jedi, they are composed of many species I have yet to encounter in the EU literature I still haven't read. The older model of lightsabers they wield aren't cordless; rather, they are attached to a charger worn on their utility belts. Also, battle meditation is utilized and isn't a Force power rarely found in Jedi (as Bioware's game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic would have you believe). When the Jedi scholar Odan-Urr discovers how to harness this power, he teaches the method to Memit Nadill, Empress Teta's Jedi advisor. Together, the two Jedi immobilize the guerilla forces on Kirrek, thus liberating the last planet to unite with the other six in the Koros system.

The fashion in this era is similar to the Greco-Romans' and Egyptians': sandals that strap up and around the calves, gold accessories (headdresses, jewelry), garments resembling togas, and so on. This was a bit jarring because it differs from my own perception of Republic clothing style, primarily cloaks and robes. However, my perceptions are limited to the Clone Wars Era and beyond, so certainly styles could have been drastically different. In designing the attire, Dario Carrasco, Jr., was obviously influenced by our own ancient civilizations. As such, it doesn't seem like the events take place in a galaxy far, far away.

Overall, I liked reading about the Old Republic's history. However, I don't care much for the art. I don't like the clothing or the ships, some of which resemble the Vikings'. There are too many details for my taste, in terms of lines. Still, for anyone interested in this era, it's a good read.

That SW Costuming Thing

I'm just not sure what to make of it. Is it healthy? When does a SW fan cross the line into freakdom? I don't want to be judgmental; I just want to understand the costuming culture.

I mean, I would have no qualms about dressing up as a Jedi for like, Halloween, but to go as far as to join a...a...a club(?)?

These are a couple that I've come across:
The Rebel Legion
The 501st Legion

A requirement, apparently, is to have "professional"-looking armor, for the stormtroopers. There are even sites that provide instructions on what to use for armor and weapons: TK-409.com Do-It-Yourself Star Wars Props

Also, there are sites on how to create a Jedi costume:Obi-Wan's Jedi Academy

So, is there anyone out there reading this? What are your thoughts?

Jedi Celibacy & Marriage

I always thought they were. Celibate, I mean. They aren't allowed emotional attachments, but wouldn't having sex with someone you aren't emotionally involved with be a DS act?

I also know that they're allowed to have feelings, but they aren't supposed to act on them. I think. Or at least, feelings shouldn't motivate their actions, such as striking out at someone in anger.

***possible spoilers***






In Jedi Apprentice #15, The Death of Hope, Qui-Gon and Tahl, who were best friends as students, "acknowedge that their bond has grown beyond friendship and into love" (Star Wars: Jedi Series). Now, if they don't act on these feelings, then it would be OK. Right?

However, they make an honor vow to each other or something like that--I don't have this book or I'd quote from it. It sounded very much like a wedding vow to me, and I'm not sure what it really meant. For the characters, I mean.

Now, 4000 years before that, Jedi did marry and had lovers. According to Star Wars: The Essential Chronology, Nomi Sunrider, before she becomes a Jedi, was married to another Jedi, Andur. After Andur died (I'm sure it was after a "reasonable" amount of time :p) Ulic Qel-Droma (who in some ways reflects Quinlan Vos) and Nomi fall in love.

However, while he worked as an undercover Jedi infiltrating the Krath, Aleema, a Sith and one of the Krath leaders, "intend[ed] to keep [Ulic] as a lover" (Anderson and Wallace 14) . Though the Chronology doesn't specifically state that they were, in fact, lovers, it's heavily implied. Ulic didn't want to blow his cover, after all.

According to Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Characters, Ki-Adi-Mundi of the planet Cerea, has 2 wives (though in Prelude to Rebellion I believe he has 7) (Wallace 91). This was allowed because only 1 in 20 newborns are male (Strnad, et al.). Interestingly, Wallace states that the Cereans--not the Council--"allowed [him] to receive a special exemption from the Jedi edict that discouraged marriage" (91). I would think that the Council would have to approve it rather than the Cereans themselves.

Further, what is meant by "the Jedi edict that discouraged marriage"? Does that mean that Qui-Gon and Tahl, albeit without a ceremony, were married? In one of the books in the Jedi Apprentice series, Qui-Gon reflects that Obi-Wan is the closest he'll come to having a son, which implies that Jedi aren't allowed to have children (except in Ki's case). Yet again, 4000 years prior, Nomi and Andur Sunrider had a daughter, Vima, who becomes a great Jedi.

I wonder, then, when the Council set this edict? During the New Republic era, Luke and other Jedi marry and have kids, but that's to help restore the Order.
----------
Works Cited

Anderson, Kevin J., Daniel Wallace, and Bill Hughes. Star Wars: The Essential Chronology. New York: Ballantine, 2000.

Star Wars: Jedi Series. 2003. 23 Aug. 2004. http://www.scholastic.com/titles/starwars/jedi.htm

Strnad, Jan, et al. Prelude to Rebellion. Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics, 1998.

Wallace, Daniel and Michael Suftin. Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Characters. New York: Ballantine, 2002.

Quin & Khaleen - How Long Will It Last? (Republic #54 Cover)

So, have they slept together? Does he "look" like a virgin? (cover artists: Jan Duursema & Joe Wayne

Quinlan Vos - Virgin Jedi?

On the Dark Horse boards, people assume that Quinlan Vos has a sexual relationship with Khaleen Hentz. This may be inferred from some of the issues in which they appear. Even though there's obviously sexual tension between them, I'm not sure that they've actually done it.

I'm basing this on a certain panel in Republic #63, which unfortunately, isn't part of the preview on the Web site. Anyhow, it occurs when Khaleen wakes Quin from a meditative nightmare. The characters are facing each other, but their faces aren't shown. Instead, all that's depicted are her boobs and his unlit lightsaber in his hand, pointed at her chest. How phallic is that?

The next panel shows only his eyes--he's glaring at her. Then a picture of her face telling him why she disturbed his meditation.

Finally, there's a picture that shows both characters fully, with Quin re-attaching his lightsaber onto his belt. In this panel, a rattled Khaleen says, "You were about a heartbeat from putting your lightsaber through me!" His answer? "No, I wasn't."

Everything but, perhaps? And if he had put his lightsaber through her, would it symbolize the physical act, the result of which kills Khaleen? I'll have to think about the implications there.

Anyway, my question is, if they have had sex, wouldn't Quin have been a virgin? I mean, he was raised in the Temple and all, and peer pressure, if any existed within, would probably have been on things such as lightsaber combat or something. More than likely, he didn't have to cope with "normal" pressure that "normal" teens confront: drinking, sex, stuff like that.

And yet, some of the forum members think he's a player. Personally, for Quin, I prefer the term "playa." "Player" sounds too...well, cleancut. Or something. And let me tell you, when he first appears as his bad undercover self inRepublic #49, he is most definitely a P-I-M-P. Look at him on the cover (cover artist - Ryan Benjamin):

If this ain't a Jedi gangsta, I don't know what is. Holla!

Anyhow, perhaps people think he's a sex machine because he doesn't "look" like a virgin. But then, what does a virgin look like? A Jedi virgin? Obi-Wan? Hmm . . .

Aayla Secura - Another New Favorite SW Character

Aayla Secura. Before "graduating" from the Jedi Academy, she was Quinlan Vos's Padawan (but that isn't why I like her). In fact, she and Quin were promoted to Knight and Master respectively, at the same time.

I like Aayla because she's a Twi'lek who isn't a stupid dancing girl. She kicks ass and, in fact, kicked Aurra Sing's ass, who I can't stand. Aurra's pretty cool looking in a Goth (but cooler) sort of way, but she's a total, total psycho. In fact, the "real" version (played by an actress) isn't even as scary looking as the comics version. But I have to admit, she has a great hair color.

In the comics where it flashbacks to when Aayla was still Quin's Padawan, she looked very much like Mission Vao from KotOR. The weird thing is, adult Aayla is blue. But as a youngster she was like, turquoise-colored, more like Mission.

Quinlan's Death??? No!

In the upcoming Republic #71, to be released in November, people have speculated that Quin will be killed off. In the above link, it says: "Vos is finally captured and broght [sic] to justice for his crimes."

However, just because he's captured doesn't mean he'll be killed. After all, the Jedi honor life and only kill if it's unavoidable. Had Depa regained her faculties, she would have gone to trial, but I doubt the Council would have executed her. Perhaps she could have been redeemed. Maybe the same will happen with Quin. I hope.

Quinlan Vos - My New Favorite Star Wars Character

Quinlan Vos. Because he's a bad-ass Jedi--more so than Mace Windu, even. Or, what the hell? More so than Shaft.

I can totally picture Quin parking his Mobquet Flare-S swoop bike (he doesn't have a swoop in Republic but he should) in a prominent spot on the Jedi Temple's landing platform, then swaggering into the Temple, dressed not in Jedi robes, but in his Guardian armor. Then the theme from Shaft plays in the background (this is the Temple, after all, so this could be a Force occurrence): *funky guitar riff--wicka-wicka-wank, wicka-wicka-wicka-wank* Mace - "You see Master Vos is a bad mother--(Yoda - shut your mouth)." So, can ya dig it?

He walks the fine line between LS and DS, which is a great struggle to watch/read. This dichotomy makes the character more than 2-D, and perhaps more believable. Jedi are not infallible, and his characterization really shows this. In addition, I like the added dimension John Ostrander provides by having Quin basically deluding himself into thinking that he hasn't gone DS, that he's still working undercover.

He's a brooder, and in many ways that I won't go into right now, a Byronic hero. I like Byronic heroes.

And, OMG, he's sooooo hot. I mean, for a comic book character. Is that weird? I'm turning into a fangirl, I think, which seems a bit silly for someone my age, but so what? What do I care? The guy's hot, what do you want? Jan Duursema's a great artist.

Besides, he reminds me very much of the "bad boys" I used to date back when I dressed like Khaleen--hot pants, fishnets, all that.

Purpose of This Blog (As If One Were Necessary)

I don't know who, if anyone, will be reading this, so maybe I'm writing this--ha ha--"mission statement" for myself.

Anyway, I have a LiveJournal, but that's all miscellaneous details of my sordid life. I wanted something separate in which to post my thoughts and opinions on anything related to Star Wars, as well as some things that are remotely related, but related nonetheless, to same. Also, for anyone who does read my LJ, I have to warn you that some stuff may be crosslisted.

Done.