Nothing you ever needed to know about Star Wars: Expanded Universe
So, back back back in the day (I'm talking high school) I borrowed the "first" Star Wars Expanded Universe book from my local library. I say "first" and mean the book that really got the whole EU thing rolling. There were others before, I know, but Zahn's trilogy was the start of all he post-original trilogy novels. Since then there have been well over 100 novels, not including YA, kids, etc. So I've been reading them on and off for about 20 years now (!!) and, well, it's interesting. First off, I really do love them no matter what. But that's what us SW fans do, we hold fast to our memories of what was and will forever be in our memories as an amazing trilogy of movies no matter what that idiot in an anti-throat-beard does to them.
Anyway, I'm in the middle of a set of books known as the New Jedi Order, which take place 25-30yrs ABY (after the Battle of Yavin). The concept in this collection is great--a new threat called the Yuuzhan Vong are from another galaxy (?) and declaring war on all of known space. They're a species that organically engineers their technology so everything from weapons to ships to communicators are organic-based. It's like a holy war declared upon anything metallic and those that use such items. They're badass, and if you've ever seen the movie Galaxy Quest, they look like the big bads from that.
Let's get down to the reason for my post--Cover Art. Lately on Club Jade there's been a kerfuffle over the latest novel featuring Mara Jade (kickass Jedi wife of Luke Skywalker) and how the quality of the art has been going downhill. Basically it's turned into My Hed is Pastede on Yay! And I agree, the publishers are getting lazy. One some further exploring I came across the Japanese covers for the current book I'm on and wow, I'm jealous.
Here's the US version.
Han looks haggard, and he should because he's been going thru A LOT, okay? The Yuuzhan Vong guy looks freaky, nice, but what's the rest? Blurry white mountains? And why does Han look so out of focus and impressionistic? Where's his left arm? And why is he holding the blaster like he's never fired one before? Could it be that his hand anatomy is all wrong? Yes.
Now check out the Japanese version.
Awesome, right? Look at all that detail! Hutts! Solo's kids! AT-Ats! Proper hand anatomy! It gets me excited to read the book, and that's what those nobs who "drew" the latest novel are neglecting. Yes, even tho we'll read these books no matter what, we'd still like a little effort in the sale. Maybe we'll actually buy the books instead of waiting for our local libraries to carry them.
Anyway, I'm in the middle of a set of books known as the New Jedi Order, which take place 25-30yrs ABY (after the Battle of Yavin). The concept in this collection is great--a new threat called the Yuuzhan Vong are from another galaxy (?) and declaring war on all of known space. They're a species that organically engineers their technology so everything from weapons to ships to communicators are organic-based. It's like a holy war declared upon anything metallic and those that use such items. They're badass, and if you've ever seen the movie Galaxy Quest, they look like the big bads from that.
Let's get down to the reason for my post--Cover Art. Lately on Club Jade there's been a kerfuffle over the latest novel featuring Mara Jade (kickass Jedi wife of Luke Skywalker) and how the quality of the art has been going downhill. Basically it's turned into My Hed is Pastede on Yay! And I agree, the publishers are getting lazy. One some further exploring I came across the Japanese covers for the current book I'm on and wow, I'm jealous.
Here's the US version.
Han looks haggard, and he should because he's been going thru A LOT, okay? The Yuuzhan Vong guy looks freaky, nice, but what's the rest? Blurry white mountains? And why does Han look so out of focus and impressionistic? Where's his left arm? And why is he holding the blaster like he's never fired one before? Could it be that his hand anatomy is all wrong? Yes.
Now check out the Japanese version.
Awesome, right? Look at all that detail! Hutts! Solo's kids! AT-Ats! Proper hand anatomy! It gets me excited to read the book, and that's what those nobs who "drew" the latest novel are neglecting. Yes, even tho we'll read these books no matter what, we'd still like a little effort in the sale. Maybe we'll actually buy the books instead of waiting for our local libraries to carry them.