Here is the short answer: check out our Star Wars books timeline which figures most of the Star Wars books, except for the most recent. I will have a longer answer soon, because the answer to this question may be different for different people.

Really short answer: In general, I tell people to start with Zahn’s Thrawn trilogy is the best place to start. It is where I started.

That’s easy- check in our Star Wars sounds page. If you don’t find what you are looking for there, post in the comments below (or on that page).

The Official Star Wars web site just introduced a fantastic new feature for creating “photo mashes”. That is, to mix classic Star Wars photographs with your own personal photographs to create humorous and interesting mashups. Enjoy! I will post my own creations as and when I make them.

Of course, there is this:

Any original art, envelope art, comics, illustrations, news, stories, meeting information, or any materials voluntarily submitted become the property of Lucasfilm. No compensation will be given for voluntary submissions, and there is no guarantee of publication. Submissions to starwars.com will not be returned. By submitting content, you are stating that the work is original, and created by the person submitting it.

The standard Imperial sidearm is the BlasTech E-11 blaster rifle. This weapon has a three-position stock which allows for optimum bracing during use. Entrenched field troopers typically lock the stock in its fully open position for protracted firing on a constant target point. In full assault or unpredictable situations where agility is key, the stock is kept folded in its fully closed position, as seen here for the escort of a Rebel prisoner.

Imperial blasters are substantially more powerful than most civilian sidearms and can often penetrate the combat armor worn by stormtroopers. Captured weapons in the hands of Rebel elements can lend significant power to the opposition.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith has been nominated for 3 MTV Movie Awards: (more…)

Bib Fortuna is a Twi’lek who worked hard to gain his position as Jabba the Hutt’s majordomo. His life started on the hard Twi’lek world of Ryloth. (more…)

If you are in the Dallas area- or could plan to be- next weekend, on the 29th and 30th of April, you have to take yourself to the Dallas Comic Con. Besides Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) and Star Wars comic artist Howard Chaykin, there will be many comic book creators and celebrities, plus a large exhibitor room filled with collectibles and memorabilia. General admission is $10 and kids under 12 are free with paid adults. The event will be held at the Plano Centre and there are many other cool things happening there.

Escaping Imperial fighters, Han Solo flies his Millenium Falcon into a cave- before the famous words “This is no cave.” are uttered. They were, in fact, in the belly of a Space Slug.

Worm-like creatures growing as large as 900 meters, space slugs inhabit deep caverns on larger asteroids near the planet Hoth. It has long been rumored that a space pirate planted the huge slugs as guardians for his hidden treasure and bases.
The slugs are hardy, existing on virtually no atmosphere. Silicon-based life-forms, they live for long periods by breaking down rock and subsisting on mineral content.

Space slugs are plagued by parasites known as mynocks, which they sometimes feed on. Space slug flesh has a number of commercial uses. The creatures reproduce through fission, splitting into two separate beings.

Luke and Han ride the grand Llama-like Tauntauns in the snow on Hoth. (more…)

The Tusken Raiders play a huge role in the Star Wars films. They change the course of Anakin’s pod race, they play a pivotal role in his turn to the dark side and later also inadvertantly help Luke meet Obi-Wan Kenobi. (more…)

In Return of the Jedi, Jabba orders Han, Luke and Chewbacca to be executed by having them thrown into the Sarlacc pitt.

An omnivorous, multi-tentacled creature with a worm-like beak and needle-sharp teeth, the Sarlacc lives at the bottom of a deep sand hole called the Great Pit of Carkoon in the wastelands of the planet Tatooine’s Dune Sea.

The Sarlacc’s huge mouth—more than 2.5 meters in diameter—seems always open, waiting to be fed. It is lined with three rows of sharply pointed teeth, all pointing inward to keep food trapped inside. It snatches unfortunate victims with its tentacles, dragging them into its mucous-coated mouth.

Local legend has it that victims die a slow and painful death in the belly of the Sarlacc, since its digestive juices take 1,000 years to fully break down its meals. Crime lord Jabba the Hutt often uses the Sarlacc as a sort of opponent disposal—but all it takes is picking the wrong opponent once.

The Sarlacc has consumed many a mighty warrior, including the bounty hunter, Boba Fett.

Kaadu are those large beasts that the Gungans ride into battle.

Kaadu were domesticated long ago by the Gungans who then lived on the surface of Naboo. They are primarily adapted for land-dwelling but can also breathe under water for long periods. Kaadu decorated with giant feathers serve as agile mounts for Gungan soldiers and scouts.

The remote ice world of Hoth conceals the secret Echo Base, a Rebel stronghold built after the evacuation of the base on Yavin IV. The planet is uninhabitable except for a temperate band circling its equator, consisting mostly of tundra. The Rebel Base is located on the northern edge of this band, amidst snowy mountains. Though temperatures are tolerable for humans in the daytime, nightfall brings a killing cold, and shelter becomes vital for survival. Machinery and equipment are also affected by Hoth’s ice, wind, and cold, and Rebel mechanics work constantly to adapt their gear to the to the frozen climate. (more…)

Handmaidens to Queen Amidala

Amidala has five handmaidens: Rabe, Eirtae, Sabe, Sache and Yane.

Dedicated and low-key, the royal handmaidens shadow Queen Amidala at all times. This select group maintains Amidala’s regal image, assisting behind the scenes with elaborate make-up, dresses, hairstyles. They also quietly protect Amidala, acting as secret bodyguards. Upon Amidala’s coronation, the handmaidens were picked for their intelligence, courage and resemblance to the Queen. The Queen values their company, and has become especially good friends with the dependable cool-headed Sabe. (more…)

The most famous Gungan of them all is, of course, Jar Jar Binks. However, there is more to their illustrious species.

Gungans evolved in the swamps of Naboo, becoming almost equally well adapted to life on land and in water. The amphibious beings live in underwater cities hidden in deep lakes, breathing air or water with their compound lungs. Secret techniques allow Gungans to “grow” the basic structures of buildings and vehicles, which are complemented and finished by Gungans artisans in organic styles. Gungans trade with Naboo for certain items of technology, but manufacture everything else they need from the various resources of their underwater habitat. Although Gungans use mechanized vehicles, they have a close affinity with the natural world and still prefer to utilize living mounts and beasts of burden.