Star Wars creator George Lucas on set in 1999. Lucas famously regarded the licensed Star Wars novels, comics, and games as a separate “parallel universe” distinct from his film saga. Over the decades, as the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) grew into a vast collection of offshoot stories, Lucas consistently maintained that his movies (and later his own TV projects) were the only true canon of the Star Wars narrative. The books, comics, and games were enjoyable spin-offs – but in Lucas’s view, they did not represent “what is really going on” in his Star Wars world. Early Expansion: A Tale of Two Universes After Return of the Jedi in 1983, Star Wars continued in print with novels, comics, and games. By 1991, Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire and other works launched a new wave of storytelling beyond the films. From the start, Lucasfilm Licensing tried to keep these…
Author: Soeren Kamper
Tony Gilroy, Andor, and the Political DNA of Star Wars
When Tony Gilroy casually remarked that the use of the word “genocide” in Andor wasn’t meant as a direct reference to Israel but that he’s comfortable with audiences making the connection, he tapped into something that has always been at the heart of Star Wars: politics. Gilroy’s stance is refreshingly honest. He doesn’t deny that his show can be read through the lens of modern conflicts, including Gaza. Instead, he acknowledges that resonance is inevitable. “Does it bother me that people make the parallel… if it rings in their ears? Let it ring. I’m into it at this point.” That’s not a creator backing away from difficult conversations—that’s one leaning into the power of storytelling. Star Wars Has Always Been Political The idea that Star Wars should be “apolitical” is a myth. George Lucas built the original trilogy as a reaction to the Vietnam War, deliberately casting the Empire as…
On This Day in Battlefront History: The Death Star Expansion Was Unleashed at Gamescom
Nine years ago today, Star Wars Battlefront fans got hit with one of the biggest announcements of the game’s era—EA and DICE unveiled the long-rumored Death Star Expansion Pack at Gamescom 2016, along with the now-legendary Battlefront X-Wing VR Mission for PlayStation VR. And suddenly, players everywhere were asking the same thing: “Wait… we can do what in space?” The Expansion That Took Us Inside the Ultimate Battle Station Up until that point, Star Wars Battlefront (2015) had done a fine job scratching that galactic war itch. But ground battles only got you so far—especially when the biggest moon-shaped gun in the galaxy was still off-limits. Enter the Death Star. The Death Star DLC delivered: It was Star Wars video game fantasy turned reality. Every element of the expansion leaned into cinematic drama, fan service, and fast-paced chaos in all the right ways. The VR Mission That Made You Feel…
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past Trailer Goes Full Multiverse
If you ever dumped your entire LEGO bin onto the floor and made up the weirdest, wildest Star Wars story you could think of—congrats. You just predicted the vibe of LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past. The official trailer is here, and it’s everything chaotic, brick-built, and beautiful that a galaxy in flux should be. What’s New in the Trailer? Let’s just say: LEGO did not come to play it safe. This four-part special looks like LEGO’s answer to the multiverse—fun, unfiltered, and 100% unserious about what’s “supposed” to happen. The Story So Far (and How It Got Weird) Picking up from the original Rebuild the Galaxy special, Pieces of the Past follows Sig and Dev, two goofball Greeblings who accidentally scrambled galactic reality using a Jedi relic known as the Cornerstone. And when the entire Star Wars timeline gets LEGO-melted together? Things get messy…
Star Wars Outlaws Merch Drops at Hot Topic & BoxLunch – Rep Kay, Nix, and ND-5 in Style
If you’ve been itching to show off your love for Star Wars Outlaws, the galaxy just delivered. Hot Topic and BoxLunch have launched a sleek new wave of official Star Wars Outlaws merchandise, and it’s all about the game’s breakout crew: Kay Vess, her loyal alien sidekick Nix, and the grizzled droid ND‑5. These aren’t just logo tees either—this collection blends character art, stylish streetwear energy, and a dash of scoundrel swagger. Whether you’re gearing up for cosplay-lite or just want to rep your new favorite crew without screaming “licensed nerd tee,” this drop is worth a look. Where to Buy Star Wars Outlaws Shirts The collection is split between Hot Topic and BoxLunch, both known for carrying official Star Wars apparel and pop culture exclusives. Most items are priced between $24–$30 USD, and many are available online and in select retail locations. Here’s what’s currently in stock: Hot Topic…
Kylo Ren Faces a Survivor of Order 66 inv
Supreme Leader Kylo Ren is back—and this time, he’s got more than just his grandfather’s helmet to obsess over. Legacy of Vader #7 from Marvel Comics dives deep into the snowy shadows of the Force, as Kylo comes face-to-face with one of the galaxy’s rarest relics: a Jedi survivor of Order 66. The result? A tense, icy clash of legacy, identity, and lightsabers. 💥 Want to read it yourself? You can order Legacy of Vader #7 on Amazon here. A Chilling Confrontation on Lahtae In this latest chapter of the Reign of Kylo Ren arc, Kylo—still trying to live up to Darth Vader’s myth—travels to a snow-covered world in the Mid Rim. There, he tracks down Grandea, a mysterious and formidable former Jedi who’s somehow dodged clones, inquisitors, and time itself. But if Kylo expected an easy victory, he’s sorely mistaken. Grandea isn’t just alive—she’s brilliant, cunning, and more than…
Summer Vacation Returns to LEGO Star Wars: Castaways — Unlock Tropical Chaos Before August 31
Break out the beach gear and prepare to party like a Force ghost on holiday—the Summer Vacation event is back in LEGO Star Wars: Castaways, and it’s bringing back some of the silliest, sunniest Star Wars content this side of Scarif. Running until August 31, this limited-time event transforms the Castaways island into a festive hub filled with beachwear, tropical-themed vehicles, and unlockable rewards inspired by the Disney+ special LEGO Star Wars: Summer Vacation. And yes, Emperor Palpatine in a robe and flip-flops is still canon. What’s New (and Returning) This Summer? Back by popular demand, this event brings a treasure trove of customizable items, all themed around the vacation misadventures from the animated LEGO special. You’ll find: Everything’s earnable via daily challenges and weekly photo hunts, no real-money spending, no loot boxes, no gambling mechanics. Just LEGO fun, Star Wars flair, and a countdown to August 31. How to…
Star Wars SDCC 2025: What Went Down at the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel
The Force was definitely strong at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, especially inside the Lucasfilm Publishing panel—where future canon and legends collided in the form of new novels, comics, art books, and surprises that had Star Wars junkies buzzing like malfunctioning mouse droids. From dark side drama to High Republic hijinks, here’s everything worth knowing—without having to elbow through the SDCC crowds. The High Republic Marches On Lucasfilm Publishing has zero plans of slowing the High Republic freight train. The panel confirmed that Phase III will expand deeper into the Jedi Order’s golden age—and its unraveling. Expect more Nihil chaos, political intrigue, and lightsaber diplomacy in upcoming titles like: These books are connecting more closely to the Star Wars movies and video games canon than ever before—bridging gaps that may or may not involve the acolytes of the Sith. Legends Reforged: Inquisitors, Bounty Hunters, and… Thrawn? One of the more eyebrow-raising…
Ozzy Osbourne and Star Wars: A Cosmic Crossroads of Pop Culture
Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne might seem far removed from the galaxy of Star Wars, yet over the years their orbits have intriguingly intersected. From shared fan moments and musical mashups to thematic parallels in mythic storytelling, the Prince of Darkness and the space opera saga have more in common than one might expect. What follows is a narrative exploration of how Ozzy’s world and Star Wars have crossed paths in culture, art, and fandom – complete with surprising cameos, creative mashups, and mythical parallels that bridge the gap between a bat-biting rock legend and a galaxy far, far away. The Prince of Darkness at Skywalker Ranch In May 1999, the worlds of heavy metal and Jedi collided in an unlikely setting: George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch. Ozzy Osbourne – famously dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” – was among a select group of celebrities invited to an exclusive advance screening of…
🚨 BTCMiner.net Exposed: Is This “AI-Powered” Cloud Mining Platform Too Good to Be True?
They reached out, just like all the others. A polite email.A glowing article.A promise of high returns.And just one small request: “Please publish this on your site. We’ll pay you afterward.” But when a cloud mining company promises guaranteed payouts, FCA certification, and free bonuses, you’re not getting an investment opportunity—you’re getting baited. Let’s take a closer look at BTCMiner.net—because what they wanted us to post… isn’t what we’re going to show you. 💼 The Promise: Easy Money in the Cloud BTCMiner.net claims to be an advanced cloud mining platform offering: According to their marketing fluff, it’s all powered by green energy and fully automated systems. Sounds amazing, right? Except… none of it checks out. 🧪 What We Actually Found Let’s break it down. 🔍 1. Suspicious Trust Scores This isn’t just caution—it’s a red light. 🔍 2. Flood of Press Releases = 🚩 BTCMiner has blanketed the web with…
SWG Legends Galactic Homeshow July 2025 – Show Off Your Imperial or Rebel Style!
It’s Empire Day (or Remembrance Day, depending on which side of the galactic war you’re on), and that can only mean one thing in Star Wars Galaxies Legends: it’s time to trick out your home base with the fiercest, most lore-loving decorations in the galaxy. Yes, the Galactic Homeshow is back—and this time, it’s themed. This month’s challenge? Show your allegiance through design. Whether you’re flying the black-and-red Imperial banner or quietly storing stolen plans in a Rebel safehouse, it’s your moment to tell your galactic story in furniture, lights, starship bits, and atmosphere. Decorate for the Empire—or the Rebellion The July Homeshow is focused on Empire Day and Remembrance Day, the in-game celebrations honoring each faction’s identity. You can enter with: The dev team wants to see your boldest tribute to the side you fight for. The only limit is your imagination (and maybe item count caps). Entry Details…
July’s Double Trouble: Rakghouls and Roulette in SWTOR
Star Wars: The Old Republic isn’t letting the summer lull slow things down. July 2025 is a full-blown cocktail of chaos and credits, bringing back two of the game’s most beloved recurring events: Rakghoul Resurgence on Tatooine and Nar Shaddaa Nightlife. Whether you’re into space-plague heroics or virtual high-stakes gambling, there’s something here for every kind of galactic misfit. ☣️ Rakghoul Resurgence on Tatooine (July 8–14) Ah, nothing says “vacation” like a biohazard outbreak on a desert planet. From July 8th to July 14th, the Rakghoul plague makes its grand return to Tatooine. The Hyland Organization for Rakghoul Neutralization — or T.H.O.R.N., for short — has issued a level-2 emergency alert, and they’re calling on all able-bodied responders (Level 25 and up) to suit up and help quarantine the chaos. What’s the Mission? And yes, there are vaccines, quarantine zones, and contaminated Varactyls involved. Sound fun? You bet your bacta…
RUMOR: Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 May Be in Development — Again
Well, well, well… it looks like old Ben Kenobi might not be done lurking around desert caves and slicing through stormtroopers with casual elegance. Rumors are once again swirling across the galaxy that Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 is back on the table at Lucasfilm. This time, it’s not just random cantina chatter—it comes from one of the internet’s more credible scoopers, DanielRPK on X, who claims that Season 2 is officially in development. No blinking blue hologram announcement from Lucasfilm yet, but that hasn’t stopped the Star Wars community from erupting like a Death Star hit by proton torpedoes. Let’s break it all down like it’s Mustafar circa 19 BBY. Why Season 2 Makes (Some) Sense The first season of Obi-Wan Kenobi was officially branded as a “limited series,” complete with a tidy story arc and just enough nostalgia bait to keep Disney+ servers groaning under the weight of repeated…
John Williams – The Anthology Vol. 1 (1969–1990): A Masterclass in Cinematic Sound, Boxed and Beautiful
What do Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Star Wars all have in common—besides being box office behemoths and eternal meme fuel? Their soundtracks all bear the unmistakable musical fingerprint of John Williams, the composer who made orchestras cool and brass sections terrifying. Now, for the first time, fans of film music, cinema history, and vinyl collectors can experience a curated deep-dive into his early career with John Williams – The Anthology Vol. 1: 1969–1990. And yes—you can preorder it now on Amazon:👉 Preorder here A Vinyl Box Set Worthy of the Maestro Himself Set to release as a 4-LP vinyl box, this anthology is a celebration of John Williams’ early genius, covering the two prolific decades that built his legacy. The collection includes new stereo remasters, rarities, and hand-picked selections from: If you’re the type of person who gets chills from a French horn or starts humming when…
The CIA’s Secret Star Wars Fan Site: When Spycraft Wore Jedi Robes
It sounds like the plot of a scrapped Andor episode: the CIA, desperate for discreet digital communication with field agents, creates a fake Star Wars fan site complete with memes, game links, and nerdy quotes from Yoda. The only catch? It was all real. According to an investigative report from 404 Media, the CIA launched a website called starwarsweb.net around 2010. On the surface, it was indistinguishable from any other fan site of the time—featuring cartoony Star Wars characters, links to LEGO sets and classic games like Battlefront II, and the kind of Jedi-infused banter that feels right at home on Reddit or Discord. But underneath the surface? Hidden communication tools used to pass messages to covert assets operating overseas. Why Star Wars? Why Not? Of all the covers in the universe, a Star Wars fan site actually makes a weird kind of sense. Star Wars has a sprawling, global…
🎭 The Truth Behind 88Miner.net: Cloud Mining or Crypto Mirage?
They reached out to us like they probably did to you—polite, eager, insistent. They said they had clients.They said they had budgets.They said this was just a simple guest article, with payment to follow in “10–12 hours.” This is the story of 88Miner.net, and why everything about them screams SCAM. 🚨 The Email Pitch: Classic Scammer Playbook Here’s how it works: They claim legitimacy.But everything else says otherwise. 🕵️♂️ What Is 88Miner.net? According to the site, 88Miner.net is a “cloud mining” platform that lets users earn passive income by investing in crypto mining plans. Sounds good on paper.But when you scratch the surface, it all falls apart. 🔍 Trust Scores: A Red Flag Parade Translation? This isn’t a business you want to give your money—or backlinks—to. 🇮🇹 Press Coverage: European Media Calls It a Scam In Italy, Decripto.org has reported on BowMiner / 88Miner as a fake cloud mining operation.The…
SWGEmu Empire Day Celebration 2025 — Tatooine, Stormtroopers & Civil War Echoes
Tatooine’s getting dressed up again. From June 26th through July 5th, 2025, the SWGEmu Empire Day Celebration returns to the Finalizer Server, marking not just another PvE bash—but the 22nd anniversary of Star Wars Galaxies itself. So dust off your uniform (or your rebellion trench coat), because Bestine is about to become the galaxy’s most eventful desert hotspot. Official source here When and Where Is This Going Down? Here’s the mission data, trooper: EU Start Time:🕗 Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 8 PM UTC (1 PM PDT / 4 PM EDT) US Start Time:🕘 Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 1 AM UTC (6 PM PDT / 9 PM EDT) Server: FinalizerLocation: Tatooine, Bestine (with system messages revealing exact coordinates) So whether you’re pro-Empire or quietly sketching Rebel graffiti on the cantina walls, there’s something for every spacer at this PvE celebration. What Is Empire Day (In-Universe and In-Game)? Let’s break…
🚨 The Real Story Behind OurCryptoMiner.com: Cloud Mining or Classic Scam?
They emailed us with urgency.They offered a “collaboration.”They claimed their client had already paid. But when you peel back the layers of their offer, all you’re left with is smoke, mirrors, and affiliate bait. This is the exposé they never wanted you to read.This is the real story behind OurCryptoMiner.com. 💼 The Pitch: Friendly on the Surface, Fraudulent in Practice It all starts the same way. They contact bloggers, webmasters, and independent site owners offering to “cooperate” on article placements. They dangle just enough bait to reel you in: But spoiler alert: the payment never comes. 📄 The Article They Wanted Us to Publish We received a glowing “press release” (read: crypto fantasy fanfic) about OurCryptoMiner launching new contracts, promising up to $8,500 per day in mining profits. Yes, really. Here are just a few claims from their document: “OurCryptoMiner is trusted by 3.6 million registered users.”“Users can earn passive…
The Ball Rolls Supreme: Battlefront II Player Hits Max Level with BB-9E
In a galaxy full of Jedi, Sith, and overpowered bounty hunters, one player has done the unthinkable—they rolled their way to the top with BB-9E. Yes, that BB-9E. The angry black ball droid that beeps, spins, and somehow survives blaster fire longer than a clone on Kamino. A Reddit user has officially maxed out BB-9E in Star Wars Battlefront II, proving once and for all that droids aren’t just sidekicks—they’re absolute units when played right. If you’ve ever wondered how far commitment and a shock prod can take you, the answer is: Level 1000. The Most Unexpected MVP Let’s be honest: BB-9E doesn’t exactly scream “hero.” He doesn’t have a lightsaber. He doesn’t wield a blaster. He’s a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot with attitude. But while most players chase high kill streaks with Vader or dash across maps with Rey, this one brave soul put in the work with the First…
Star Wars: Hunters Turns One – A Galactic Arena’s Rise and Fall
On June 4, 2024, Star Wars: Hunters launched globally on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android, inviting players into the competitive world of Vespaara’s Grand Arena. Developed by Zynga and Lucasfilm Games, this free-to-play 4v4 arena shooter quickly garnered attention, amassing over one million players within its first 48 hours. 🚀 A Promising Start Set after the fall of the Galactic Empire, Hunters introduced a diverse roster of characters, including a Wookiee warrior, a dark side Force user, and a Mandalorian bounty hunter. Players engaged in team-based battles across iconic Star Wars-inspired arenas, utilizing each character’s unique abilities to dominate the battlefield. The game’s cross-platform availability and engaging gameplay mechanics resonated with both long-time Star Wars enthusiasts and newcomers, leading to a peak player count of approximately 53,000 in June 2024. 📉 Decline and Challenges Despite its strong start, Hunters faced challenges in maintaining its player base. By May 2025, the…
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes June 2025 Calendar — Troopers, Titans, and Tactical Chaos
The June 2025 calendar for Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes has arrived—and it’s locked, loaded, and packed with so many Omega, Assault, and Fleet events that your holo-table might just burst into hyperspace. Whether you’re climbing the Territory ladder, grinding for a shiny new fleet, or hoarding Zeta mats like a Jawa with a treasure hoard, this month offers plenty of opportunities to flex your strategic brilliance (or just auto-battle your way to sweet loot). Let’s break it all down in a way that even a distracted Nightsister can appreciate. 💥 Daily Login Character: Night Trooper The login reward for June? None other than the Night Trooper, a resurrected menace that fits perfectly with the game’s current Ahsoka vibes. Whether you’re leveling them for PvP mischief or PvE experimentation, this ghostly soldier is a solid daily treat—especially if you’re dabbling in Imperial Remnant synergy. 🧬 Omega Events – Time to…
SWTOR’s Ranked PvP Rewards Now Available for Cartel Coins – Broadsword Shakes the Arena
Well, well, well—looks like Broadsword just dropped a loot bomb straight into the PvP warzone. As of this week, some of Star Wars: The Old Republic’s Ranked PvP rewards are now being sold for Cartel Coins, the game’s premium currency. That’s right—items once exclusively earned through sweat, blood, and extremely salty team chat are now just a few clicks (and a few credits) away in the Cartel Market. So, what’s happening here? A reward structure once tightly linked to elite PvP achievements has now been… monetized. Depending on where you stand—casual PvPer, hardcore grinder, or credits-rich collector—this could either be the best news since bolster balancing or the final boss-level betrayal. Let’s break it all down. What’s Being Sold: PvP Bling, Mounts, and More The first wave of Ranked PvP rewards hitting the Cartel Market includes: These were originally tied to high-tier competitive performance in SWTOR’s now-defunct Ranked PvP seasons….
HK-47 and T3-M4 Mod for Starfield – Galactic Mayhem Just Got Upgraded
Starfield is already a sprawling playground of cosmic exploration, space piracy, and interstellar sandwich hoarding. But you know what it was missing? Murderous sass and binary blips. Enter the HK-47 and T3-M4 Mod—a brilliant slice of fan-made sci-fi fusion that brings two of the most beloved droids in Star Wars history into the Bethesda-verse. Whether you’re a veteran of the Knights of the Old Republic saga or someone who simply wants more sarcasm and charm aboard your ship, this mod is a glorious collision of universes. Let’s dive into what makes this Starfield mod such a standout addition to the galaxy. 👉 Download it here: HK-47 and T3-M4 Mod for Starfield Meet the Droids You’ve Been Looking For You don’t need to be a Jedi historian to appreciate the personalities of HK-47 and T3-M4. These two droids, originating from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, were more than just…
A Breakdown of All Historical References and Parallels in Andor (In Chronological Order)
Disney’s Andor isn’t just another Star Wars story—it’s a politically charged, slow-burn thriller about rebellion, sacrifice, and systemic oppression. Showrunner Tony Gilroy didn’t just want to tell a space opera; he wanted to reflect the gritty truths of real-world history. And he did—again and again. Almost every plotline in Andor echoes a moment from our own past. Let’s break down all the known historical references and real-world inspirations in Andor, following the show’s timeline and expanding on what’s shown in the visuals—and what isn’t. The Aldhani Heist – The 1907 Tiflis Bank Robbery The daring Aldhani heist, where a small rebel crew robs an Imperial garrison’s payroll vault, draws direct inspiration from the 1907 Tiflis bank robbery. That real-life event was led by a young revolutionary named Ioseb Jughashvili—aka Joseph Stalin. His group, operating under the Bolsheviks, ambushed a bank transport and made off with hundreds of thousands of rubles…