This weekend marks the turning of a new page in the expansive Star Wars saga as Star Wars: The Clone Wars releases in theaters on August 15. The Clone Wars is the first-ever animated feature from Lucasfilm Animation and brings a brand new look to the iconic sci-fi series.
(AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
The events of The Clone Wars bridge the gap between the films Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Full-scale galactic war has broken out between the Galactic Republic and the Separatists. The heroic Jedi find themselves leading armies of clone troopers against a Separatist droid army secretly led at its highest levels by the Sith, sworn enemies of the Jedi. Newly appointed Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his apprentice take on a high-stakes mission but they are being stalked by the evil Asajj Ventress. Meanwhile, Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda struggle to maintain order in a galaxy spiraling perilously out of control.
Following the release of the feature film, a series of 30-minute “mini-movies” will air on the Cartoon Network. Reports suggest that at least 30 episodes have already been completed, so both die-hard Star Wars fans and those newly hopping on the bantha bandwagon should be prepared for plenty of trips to a galaxy far, far away.
The Library also has a broad selection of Star Wars-related material in the collection. Naturally, you may want to begin with the films, which will be located in the Feature Films section under ‘S’. In the catalog, they are usually listed by both episode number and subtitle, but for your reference, here are the episodes in release order:
We also have dozens of related fiction titles, which can be found in our Science Fiction/Fantasy section in the Fiction wing. Aside from the movie novelizations, most of these create new storylines using familiar characters and explain events from before, after, and in between the films. Many are designed to be read in series and these often offer a robust, fulfilling story arc. Here are some suggestions for those just starting out in the “Expanded Universe”:
- Thrawn Trilogy: This series by Timothy Zahn takes place in the years following Return of the Jedi. After defeating the Empire at the second Death Star, the Rebels work to rebuild a peaceful government. But the Empire is not entirely willing to accept defeat as a cunning leader readies a previously unknown weapon. The series starts off with Heir to the Empire.
- New Jedi Order: It’s been 25 years since Luke Skywalker first strapped into an X-Wing and he now leads a restored and reinvigorated Jedi order, and his students include his niece and nephews Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin Solo. But how will the galaxy respond to a new threat from a species seemingly impervious to the Force? Begin by reading R.A. Salvatore’s Vector Prime and dig in for another 18 titles.
- Clone Wars: A combination of stand alone novels and series tackle the many different aspects of the Clone Wars conflict, just as in the new movie/tv series. Military fiction fans may especially enjoy the Republic Commando series.
Check out the Wookieepedia for a complete listing of books, and search in our catalog for Star Wars fiction.
Finally, you can find all manner of Star Wars-related titles in the nonfiction section of the library, between call numbers 791.4372 and 791.4375. Especially notable is the outstanding Making of Star Wars by J.W. Rinzler, which includes extensive interviews and reproductions of original drafts and artwork. Also don’t miss the art and cross-sections books in the Folio section.
May the Force be with You at the Sunnyvale Library this summer!
The Sunnyvale Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. The Library will be open during normal hours on Saturday and Sunday and will reopen on Tuesday.
