George Lucas and the Bantam Era (Part II)
he Bantam era of Star Wars publishing (1991–1999) wasn’t just about storytelling—it was an intricate balancing act between creativity and approval processes. George Lucas, the creator of this sprawling galaxy, maintained a curious relationship with this era. While Lucas wasn’t directly involved in every project, his shadow loomed large over the Expanded Universe (EU). As we continue this exploration into the Bantam era, Part II delves deeper into the creative processes behind some of the most notable works of this period. The Approval Gauntlet: Lucas at the Helm of Outlines For every novel published during the Bantam era, an outline had to go through rigorous scrutiny. As noted by Michael P. Kube-McDowell, author of The Black Fleet Crisis trilogy, no story could move forward without Lucas’s blessing. This process ensured that each book stayed aligned with Lucas’s vision of the galaxy, even if that vision sometimes seemed… opaque. “Lucas Says…
