This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Anthony Guigliano. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Star Wars the Expanded Universe or rather known as Legends was known to be many things. Thought provoking, engaging, but likewise convoluted within certain aspects. Goerge Lucas realized this in a quote.
“When I said [other people] could make their own Star Wars stories, we decided that, like Star Trek, we would have two universes: My universe and then this other one. They try to make their universe as consistent with mine as possible, but they get enthusiastic and want to go off in other directions.” – Goerge Lucas.
This thought process would lead to one of the greatest science fiction series in history, the Star Wars Expanded Universe or rather now known as Star Wars Legends. Incorporating books, short films, movies, comics, and video games.
The books are the easiest source to delve into in regards to old-school star wars. While Disney star wars is very convoluted and watered down. The old EU is very dark and has very interesting themes. The characters are very in-depth, mature themes are being discussed, and it also showcases the width of the Star Wars universe. The EU was so vast that you can get into it practically…from anywhere. Do you want to read a Star Wars story about the Sith? Read Path of Destruction, want to start from the source of the EU? You can start from the Dark Empire trilogy and uncover the Hand of Thrawn and the strange Jedi assassin, Mara Jade. A character that would later become Luke’s love interest. The lore in the story is also very interesting and plentiful and you get this wider scope of the galaxy that you don’t get from Disney Star Wars. Don’t get me wrong, Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor were good, but they were missing that dark feel. What about the video games?
Star Wars games are rare, and the good ones are scarce. Sure, if you are looking for a modern Jedi game you are going to have to look at Jedi Fallen Order or Jedi Survivor—games where you play as a Jedi Knight, aka, Cal Kestis. If you are in the mood for a shooter, you’re going to be glancing at Battlefront 2 or Squadrons. Yet, there are many old… but gold games. The Knights of The Old Republic Games were released in the early 2000s, but it has not stopped their greatness. The dialogue for these games is peak, these stories are greatly paced like Game of Thrones, and all the characters are interesting and have a wonderful roster to the story.
These are story games that change the story. Unlike game studios like Telltale, the player has complete control over some of their companions. During my first play-through of Knights of The Old Republic, one of my companions died in the beginning and I thought it was a normal story thing. And I went on YouTube, and shockingly, it was something that could’ve been completely avoided. I needed her. She was another strong Jedi character!
However, I will also state that the lore between Disney and EU lore is… interesting, EU is simply more interesting than Disney. The stories of Disney stars do not reflect the adult-like nature that embodied the franchise and was able to employ powerful messages. There is an obvious lack of interest and creative development or direction. For proof, glance at the comics. Nearly all of Disney’s comics are generated either from the High Republic (Their copy of the Old Republic) or During the movie period. The EU is so vast and you can pick whatever era appeals to you. However, Disney may look cooler and have better graphics, but it just doesn’t feel very superior due to the lack of good writing.
So, what do you think? Has Disney ruined Star Wars? Let us know what you think!
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