BREAKING DOWN STAR WARS NEWS FROM WEEK 3, OCTOBER 2018. BECAUSE IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR, AWAY — THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT.
After last weeks Star Wars news, this week might’ve seemed a bit on the slow side. But fear not, because we’re weeding through the clickbait rumors (wars) surrounding Episode IX and have updated information (including covers and synopsis’) for the Marvel Star
Wars: Age of Republic comics.
Episode IX Clickbait Rumors
When the news is slow, rumors tend to spread like wildfire. In Star Wars news, it’s more like a thermal blast. Mark Hamill made headlines once again, only to be told what we already knew. He’ll be in Episode IX.
Snoke Rumors and Vader Comics
Snoke hit the backburner, although the discussion of him being a Force ghost continues. To clarify, some feel Snoke will be returning in Episode IX (either as a retcon to Johnsons TLJ or as a Force ghost). The most recent issue of Darth Vader #22 (written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncol), however, might have shed light on this subject.
In Darth Vader #22, more is revealed about the ancient Sith Lord Momin. In particular, how he was able to survive over thousands of years by attaching himself to a helmet. Something other Sith Lords have done in Star Wars history (Legends). But Lord Momin’s story is now Canon, leading many to speculate if Snoke had such a backup plan?
Isaac And “Looser” Statement
Oscar Isaac (the Peter Parker of Star Wars news) made a statement to IndieWire regarding how things are “looser” on set.
“The way they’ve been shooting it right now is looser than it’s been for the last two times.” It does feel like a relief to get on set and feel like, ‘Oh, we can try things.’ It’s a testament to J.J. coming back and feeling confident. There’s less pressure for it to be right. We just want to make a good movie and have a really good time while doing it.”
Some have associated “looser” with improvisation, but improv doesn’t necessarily mean jokes (as the crew on Collider’s Jedi Council recently brought up). In movies, there are multiple takes for every scene. One take may involve an actor deviating from the scripted lines because they feel something better fits the mood. It’s then up to the director and EP’s to decide whether the cut stays or goes.
Marvel’s Age Of Republic Comics
Marvel, Disney, and Lucasfilm recently announced the “Age Of” comics, which include Age of Republic, Age of Rebellion, and Age of Resistance. Each set will include characters from all three Star Wars trilogies, with Age of Republic being the first to hit shelves.
Launching in December 2018 will be Qui-Gon #1 (December 5th) and Darth Maul #1 (December 12th). Jody Houser is the writer for the Age of Republic series, along with Cory Smith and Luke Ross as the illustrators. Artists assigned to the covers include Paolo Rivera, Luke Ross, and Cory Smith.
Qui-Gon #1
In addition to a release date for Qui-Gon #1, Marvel Comics also released an official synopsis.
“Considered one of the greatest Jedi Knights or the one who led them to their doom, maverick Qui-Gon Jinn is one of Star Wars’ most controversial heroes. The Jedi Master is known to bend the rules and it’s gotten him into plenty of trouble with the council. Now, in the face of a mission that goes awry, he’s forced to confront his conflicting beliefs. What will Qui-Gon uncover about his loyalty to the Jedi vs his loyalty to the Force? Guest-starring Master Yoda!”
Darth Maul #1
Marvel provided a synopsis for Darth Maul #1, along with its release date.
“A living weapon of rage and bloodthirst, Darth Maul has stayed in the shadows of Coruscant waiting for his chance to strike against the Jedi Order! However, since tasting his first blood, the Sith Lord struggles to contain his desire for destruction and questions the wishes of his methodically plotting master. Could Maul have had another path in life, or was he always fated to follow a dark road? Guest-starring Darth Sidious!”
A concept variant cover will also be provided by Iain McCaig.
Other Star Wars News
In case you missed it, Jon Favreau is taking over on Instagram where Ron Howard left off on Twitter. Providing sneak peek images into The Mandalorian series, Favreau displayed a rifle and what many fans jokingly call the Star Wars ice maker.
The second episode of Star Wars Resistance missed more than it hit, but we’ve got a new trailer showing what to expect in episode 3. Perhaps the series can, once again, find the magic displayed in episode 1.
Think you could answer this bit of @StarWars Resistance trivia before the answer is revealed? Don't miss another new episode of #StarWarsResistance this Sunday at 10p! pic.twitter.com/kX1W77xfx6
— Disney Channel (@DisneyChannel) October 18, 2018
Star Wars: Battlefront II announced this week the return of The Clone Wars voice actors as their characters get added to the game. EA is currently running a large-scale rollout for Battlefront II, although, many mechanical issues still plague it. The number of players also continues to decrease, making it difficult to play the lesser popular game modes like Ewok hunt and Blast.
What’s got you the most excited this week in Star Wars news? Let us know in the comments below and tune in weekly for the Star Wars News Spiel only on Monkeys Fighting Robots. “May the Force be with you, always.”
