BACK TO 'THE CLONE WARS' - ALL NEW EPISODES FOR ANNIVERSARY YEAR!

What better way to celebrate ten amazing years of the epic animated series of The Clone Wars created by George Lucas - its epic scope, great characters, solid drama and exciting action set pieces -  than the news from San Diego Comic Con that the enduring hit show will be returning online to finish the unique series main story and lead-in to the events of Revenge of the Sith, in ways previously hinted at these past few years by the series then animation director Dave Filoni!

Twelve new episodes are incoming!

Teaser trailer for the new mini-season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI7WyhWZkzk

Preview:
http://ew.com/tv/2018/07/19/the-clone-wars-animated-star-wars-series-will-return-for-12-new-episodes/

Thank you, Mister Filoni and Lucasfilm! And especially a hearty well done to the loyal worldwide fans for their genuinely unwavering support and enthusiasm of this fine series!

UK EXCLUSIVE. PRE-ORDER 'THRAWN - ALLIANCES' AND RECEIVE A CELEBRATORY FREE PIN!

Mind and muscle in service to the Emperor, for the ominous events of STAR WARS: Thrawn - Alliances. Images: CENTURY.

It's the eagerly awaited coming together of two of the greatest and most formidable villains living in service to the Galactic Empire: Lord Darth Vader, formerly trusted hero Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, and the ruthless alien tactician and former warrior of the Chiss Empire's Outer Regions, Thrawn, assembled in mighty and spectacular fashion for the thrilling all-new book continuing the acclaimed Thrawn Saga cycle. A sure-fire splendid, page-turning adventure of action and suspense crafted by the man who so memorably re-ignited the Star Wars Expanded Universe fire of popular novel fiction twenty-seven years ago, and whose resultant success was so key to putting the franchise back to the very top of numerous worldwide bestseller lists in the process- Timothy Zahn. His aptly titled Thrawn - Alliances comes to UK hardback this July 26th, 2018, via its proud publishers at CENTURY.

More book details:

“I have sensed a disturbance in the Force.”

Ominous words under any circumstances, but all the more so when uttered by Emperor Palpatine. On Batuu, at the edges of the Unknown Regions, a threat to the Empire is taking root―its existence little more than a glimmer, its consequences as yet unknowable. But it is troubling enough to the Imperial leader to warrant investigation by his most powerful agents: ruthless enforcer Lord Darth Vader and brilliant strategist Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fierce rivals for the emperor’s favor, and outspoken adversaries on Imperial affairs―including the Death Star project―the formidable pair seem unlikely partners for such a crucial mission. But the Emperor knows it’s not the first time Vader and Thrawn have joined forces. And there’s more behind his royal command than either man suspects.

In what seems like a lifetime ago, General Anakin Skywalker of the Galactic Republic, and Commander Mitth’raw’nuruodo, officer of the Chiss Ascendancy, crossed paths for the first time. One on a desperate personal quest, the other with motives unknown . . . and undisclosed. But facing a gauntlet of dangers on a far-flung world, they forged an uneasy alliance―neither remotely aware of what their futures held in store.

Now, thrust together once more, they find themselves bound again for the planet where they once fought side by side. There they will be doubly challenged―by a test of their allegiance to the Empire . . . and an enemy that threatens even their combined might.

You can preorder Thrawn - Alliances directly from CENTURY here:
https://a.pgtb.me/hhlXSs

By doing so - showing your honour and loyal service to both Emperor Palpatine and CENTURY - you'll also receive a lovely and exclusive free pin of Thrawn's colourful rank insignia plaque, as seen below.

Look out for AFICIONADO's book review of Thrawn - Alliances soon...

'SOLO': COMING TO U.S. HOME ENTERTAINMENT THIS SEPTEMBER!

UK Blu-ray sleeve cover.

US release announcement, special features (hopefully better and longer than the ones compiled for previous DISNEY/Lucasfilm SW releases), and new trailer:

https://www.starwars.com/news/solo-in-home

The UK street date is September 25th for optical media purchase, and 17th for digital download.

UK back sleeve cover.

Get the UK Blu-ray here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Star-Story-Blu-ray-Region/dp/B07D5LFM7H/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1531929185&sr=8-1&keywords=solo+a+star+wars+story+bluray

BEHIND THE SCENES: SHADOW TALKERS!

No, it's not some secret rendezvous between human and alien- it's the very recognisable outline of George Lucas going through a scene with Plo Koon actor Matt Sloan on set during filming of EPISODE III's galaxy-shattering Order 66 sequence.

CLASSIC ART: BREAKING THE CHAINS!

Luke's emergency action has been initiated, Jabba the Hutt's private army and slimy cohorts are distracted and in disarray. Now is the perfect time for the slave-chained Leia to strike back against the cruel gangster leader, as seen in these impressive pre-production storyboards crafted for Return of the Jedi in 1981/82, by the recently passed illustrator George Jenson. These storyboards were presented in the excellent J.W. Rinzler tome: STAR WARS: Storyboards- The Original Trilogy, published by ABRAMS a few years back.

George Jenson obituary:
https://variety.com/2018/film/awards/george-jenson-dead-dies-return-of-the-jedi-1202872967/

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE DISAPPROVING TEACHER!

"I hate it when he does that!"

Obi-Wan Kenobi looks on both non surprised and with an air of slight disappointment about him as he watches his determined Padawan and friend Anakin Skywalker make a fast descent through the air lanes of Coruscant traffic in search of an assassin, during the early chase scene of EPISODE II. This was a humorous moment added on to the film during its additional shooting phase.

CLASSIC INDY: IN THE NUCLEAR NEIGHBOURHOOD!

He's escaped the Russian agents at Area 51, and now Indy has entered an even deadlier scenario: a nuclear testing range in the Nevada Desert, in this eerie scene depicting a frightening time during the Cold War, part of early events of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

EPISODE IX: THE (NEXT) NEW BEGINNING...

BEWARE: POSSIBLE SPOILERS!

The new custodian of the Jedi flame, Rey, lights the sky with her lightsaber as the final battle against the First Order, and its supreme leader in Kylo Ren, soon launches the upcoming EPISODE IX.

Rumors persist that IX's story, apparently set several years after the ending of VIII, will see Rey find and coherently bring together a new diverse group of varying age Jedi who will follow her in the continuing struggle - a comprised group unlike any other types of Jedi seen before and mould-breaking beyond anything established with past films, following on from Yoda's predictions to Luke in VIII of how the Jedi will and must ultimately evolve, emotional flaws and all.

Not ultimately seen in VIII, J.J. Abrams co-creations in the Knights of Ren are likely to make a final appearance too-perhaps in challenging Rey's spirited and devoted band of misfits, some of whom may also carry on into the next sequels trilogy being shepherded by Rian Johnson.

As for EPISODE IX's title, AFICIONADO bets that it will be called Fire of the Rebellion. We're likely to find out what title will ultimately be selected by the film's creative types next year, unless things change in the way that LUCASFILM/DISNEY publicity will be handled since the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story....

CLASSIC IMAGE: SPEEDY ESCAPE!

In the main corridor to the bridge of the Trade Federation command ship orbiting Naboo, two unique and deadly Droidekas pursue the fast moving Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi during their retreat action, in a revised ILM effects shot from the EPISODE I Blu-ray release of 2011.

'SOLO': FIERCE CREATURES!

Fighting for their lives and their world, now under attack and planned takeover by Emperor Palpatine and his overwhelming Imperial war machine, the alien swamp warriors of Mimban prove an effective fighting force, once more echoing the might of the primitive against the high-tech concept that has been seen through the saga over the years. 

It was great to see the creatures of Alan Dean Foster's 1978 gem novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye make it to cinematic reality during the opening to Solo: A Star Wars Story.