What Is The Star Wars Expanded Universe?
Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the epic tales of the Star Wars movies? Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive into the thrilling universe known as the Star Wars Expanded Universe! If you thought the movies were the only way to experience the galaxy far, far away, think again. The Star Wars Expanded Universe takes the lore, characters, and stories of the films and expands upon them in ways that will leave you craving more.
In this article, we’ll explore what exactly the Star Wars Expanded Universe is, how it came to be, and why it has captivated fans all over the world. From books and comics to video games and animated series, the Expanded Universe offers a vast and immersive experience that allows you to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe. So, grab your lightsaber and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the Expanded Universe, where new adventures and untold stories await at every turn. Get ready to experience Star Wars like never before!
What is the Star Wars Expanded Universe?
The Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) refers to the vast collection of stories, characters, and worlds that expand upon the original Star Wars saga. While the main Star Wars films provide the core storyline, the Expanded Universe delves deeper into the history, mythology, and adventures of the Star Wars universe. It includes novels, comic books, video games, and other forms of media that build upon the existing Star Wars lore.
The Expanded Universe began to take shape in the early 1990s when Lucasfilm, the company behind Star Wars, started licensing out the rights to create additional content. This allowed authors, artists, and game developers to explore new stories and characters within the Star Wars universe. The Expanded Universe quickly gained a dedicated fan base and became an integral part of the Star Wars experience for many.
The Rich History of the Star Wars Expanded Universe
The history of the Star Wars Expanded Universe can be traced back to the release of the first Star Wars novel, “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye,” written by Alan Dean Foster in 1978. This novel was the first official extension of the Star Wars story beyond the original film and laid the foundation for future Expanded Universe content.
Over the years, numerous authors, such as Timothy Zahn, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael A. Stackpole, have contributed to the Expanded Universe with their novels. These books have explored everything from the origins of iconic characters like Darth Vader and Yoda to the rise and fall of various galactic empires. Each story adds depth and complexity to the Star Wars universe, expanding upon the themes and concepts introduced in the films.
Expanded Universe vs. Canon
It’s important to note that the Star Wars Expanded Universe is separate from the official Star Wars canon. In 2014, Lucasfilm made the decision to redefine the Star Wars canon, declaring that only the films, the animated series, and select other media would be considered official canon. This move was made to streamline the Star Wars storytelling and create a cohesive narrative across all platforms.
However, just because the Expanded Universe is not considered official canon doesn’t diminish its significance or influence. Many beloved characters and storylines from the Expanded Universe, such as Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Yuuzhan Vong, have left a lasting impact on the Star Wars fandom. The Expanded Universe continues to be a treasure trove of exciting and engaging stories for fans to explore.
Benefits of the Star Wars Expanded Universe
One of the main benefits of the Expanded Universe is that it allows fans to dive deeper into the Star Wars universe and learn more about their favorite characters and worlds. It provides a wealth of additional content that expands upon the films and offers new perspectives and insights.
The Expanded Universe also offers a sense of continuity and cohesiveness to the Star Wars universe. By exploring different eras and storylines, it creates a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives that add depth and complexity to the overall Star Wars saga.
Additionally, the Expanded Universe introduces new and exciting characters that have become fan favorites. Characters like Mara Jade, Kyle Katarn, and Revan have captured the imaginations of fans and have become an integral part of the Star Wars mythos.
Exploring the Star Wars Expanded Universe
If you’re interested in exploring the Star Wars Expanded Universe, there are several avenues to do so. One of the most popular mediums is through novels and comics. There is a vast library of books and comics that cover a wide range of eras and characters within the Star Wars universe.
Another way to experience the Expanded Universe is through video games. Games like Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight, and The Old Republic MMO offer immersive storytelling and gameplay that expands upon the Star Wars lore.
Finally, the Expanded Universe also includes animated series, such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, which provide additional stories and character development.
In conclusion, the Star Wars Expanded Universe is a rich and diverse collection of stories that expand upon the original Star Wars saga. It offers fans the opportunity to delve deeper into the history, mythology, and adventures of the Star Wars universe. While it may not be considered official canon, the Expanded Universe continues to be a beloved and essential part of the Star Wars experience for many fans.
Key Takeaways: What is the Star Wars Expanded Universe?
- The Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) is a collection of books, comics, and other media that expand upon the Star Wars universe beyond the movies.
- It includes stories set before, during, and after the events of the original Star Wars trilogy.
- The EU introduced new characters, planets, and storylines that were not covered in the movies.
- While the EU was once considered canon, it was rebranded as “Legends” after Disney acquired Lucasfilm and decided to create their own official continuity.
- Despite no longer being part of the official Star Wars canon, many fans still enjoy the Expanded Universe and consider it an important part of the Star Wars saga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Star Wars Expanded Universe:
What is the history of the Star Wars Expanded Universe?
The Star Wars Expanded Universe, also known as the EU, refers to the vast collection of stories, characters, and events that exist outside the main Star Wars film series. It began in 1977 with the release of the original Star Wars film and expanded over the years through books, comics, video games, and more.
However, in 2014, Lucasfilm and Disney announced that the Expanded Universe would no longer be considered official canon. This decision was made to allow for more creative freedom in the development of new Star Wars stories. The Expanded Universe is now referred to as “Legends” and exists as a separate entity from the current official Star Wars canon.
What kind of content is included in the Star Wars Expanded Universe?
The Star Wars Expanded Universe encompasses a wide range of media, including novels, comic books, video games, animated series, and more. These stories often explore characters and events that are not featured prominently in the main Star Wars films, providing fans with additional depth and backstory.
Some notable examples of Expanded Universe content include the “Thrawn Trilogy” by Timothy Zahn, which continues the story of the original trilogy, and the “Knights of the Old Republic” video game series, which takes place thousands of years before the events of the films.
Are the stories in the Star Wars Expanded Universe considered canon?
Since 2014, the stories in the Star Wars Expanded Universe are no longer considered official canon. With the establishment of the new Star Wars Story Group, Lucasfilm and Disney have created a unified and cohesive canon that includes the main films, as well as select television series, books, and comics.
However, the Expanded Universe stories still hold a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars fans and are enjoyed as separate, self-contained adventures in the Legends continuity.
Can I still enjoy the Star Wars Expanded Universe even though it’s not canon?
Absolutely! Despite the change in official canon status, the Star Wars Expanded Universe still offers a wealth of engaging and entertaining stories. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Star Wars universe, the Expanded Universe can provide a deeper understanding of the characters and events that shape the galaxy far, far away.
Many fans continue to enjoy the Expanded Universe stories as standalone adventures, appreciating them for their creativity and the unique perspectives they offer.
Is there a chance that stories from the Star Wars Expanded Universe could be made into official canon in the future?
While it’s always possible for elements of the Expanded Universe to be incorporated into official canon in the future, there are currently no definitive plans to do so. The focus of Lucasfilm and Disney is on creating new and exciting stories within the current official canon.
However, the Expanded Universe continues to inspire and influence new Star Wars content, with creators often drawing inspiration from its rich history. So, even if the stories themselves are not considered official canon, their impact can still be felt in the ongoing Star Wars saga.
Why the Expanded Universe was so good & Why the New Canon books and comics can’t compete
Final Summary: Exploring the Vastness of the Star Wars Expanded Universe
So there you have it, a journey through the vast and captivating Star Wars Expanded Universe! From books and comics to video games and animated series, this expansive world has something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the Expanded Universe offers a wealth of stories and characters to explore.
As we’ve discovered, the Expanded Universe goes beyond the original Star Wars films, expanding the lore and providing deeper insights into the galaxy far, far away. It introduces us to new heroes and villains, delves into the histories of beloved characters, and takes us on thrilling adventures across different eras.
With its immense popularity and dedicated fanbase, the Expanded Universe has become a treasure trove of content that continues to capture the hearts of Star Wars enthusiasts. It allows us to dive deeper into the mythology, connecting the dots and expanding our understanding of the rich tapestry created by George Lucas.
So whether you’re looking to learn more about your favorite characters, discover new stories, or simply immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe, the Expanded Universe is waiting to be explored. May the Force be with you as you embark on your own journey through this extraordinary galaxy!
