@Chosen One Not really, since when the EU was written it was the official continuity unless contradicted by the films. The same as the novels we have now. "Elseworlds" isn't really a good way to look at it, you can kind of look at it as rather Earth-616 and the new stuff is the Ultimate universe, if you want to compare it to Marvel's continuities.
Read "Shatterpoint." That Goddamned thing will cure you of your need for Legends. I swear it's just Mace traipsing through the damned jungle. I was almost at the end of it and I said "Jesus Christ, he's not gonna get outta here in time for Palpatine to electrocute him!"
@@Luisyz_ what do you mean? Legends IS a canon in itself. Just different from the new one Disney decided to adopt to make it easier for them to write content. Before 2014 EU has been the only canon. The George Lucas canon.
If anyone wants to have a look at someone else's review, Matt Wilkins has been going through the entire EU novels and comics in chronological order for years now... and he's still not finished. I really enjoy it
Yeah, his series is good. I think I'll stick with SWE now, it'll be good to read along with him. And I think SWE's may be better due to it being in chronological order of release. Plus I missed my opportunity to read along with Matt, but I still love his content.
Yeah, fair enough. I think he works with the time he has, plus it takes so long he doesn't want to die before it finishes 😂 I think I'll go along with both myself. Matt does upload them regularly, as well, rather than the "might not be weekly"
Callum Johns you can easily read a small book like the x-wing serie every week, but bigger one like thrawn take some time. And boring ones like leia's wedding need some dedication!
I have been watching "The Mandalorian" and it has revived my excitement for Star Wars..so I decided to start reading the novels which I was never interested in before..this video was helpful,as I have no idea where to start
Well, first you have to wait a few years for him to upload the Legends videos. Then you need to read the comics yourself. Then the short stories. Then the video games, if you haven't done that. Then the promotional material. Then the children's books and young reader's novels. Then the comic strips, from years ago. Then you probably have to read it all again, because by that time you will have forgotten alot. Although by that time Disney are into their third year of their Legends revival initiative, so you'll have to read more. But after that, sure flawless Legends knowledge!
I started Legends with the Legacy of the Force series which began my obsession with the Star Wars EU. It's partly why I view the new saga titles with such critique. They could do anything on screen and it wouldn't match the scenes I would imagine as I read.
I started reading the first Legacy of the Force book, but it was referencing several events that I didn't understand, so that's what prompted me to go back and read all of the other books. I really enjoyed the first few chapters, so I'm looking forward to reading the whole series with context once I finish TNJO.
This made me curious. I work at a bookstore, so I took a look in our Sci-fi section to see if we had some of these. I found Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn here and I'm looking to see what else I can find.
All smart ass comments aside. My collection started with the Legacy of the Force series in 2008. Been hooked ever since. I have about 26 books to go to finish my Legacy book collection. Added note: Thank you for covering the Legacy books. The Han Solo Trilogy (Which I am almost finished reading the second one) video I shared with my friend so they could see the difference between what was in the Legends, and the Solo movie.
Also, go watch Star Wars Clone Wars. The 2D one by Gennaidy Tartakovsky. It is my favorite clone wars content (moreso than SW:CW) due to it being just war. Oh and the droid gore is amazing.
As someone who has read almost every EU novel, I'm very excited about this series. The X-wing series is my personal favorite as well, with Wedge being my favorite character!
I've read the Bane trilogy at least 3 times, such a great story. Although my first book was "Death Star" since I wanted to start at the (kind of) middle of the timeline.
I am in LOVE with this idea, theres so many Legends books I haven't read, and while waiting for Ep9, the only major things coming canon wise is Resistance and Thrawn Alliances. So looking forward to this
I recommend reading Outbound Flight either right before or right after the Thrawn Trilogy. Oddly enough, I read Outbound Flight in between Heir to the Empire and Dark Force Rising, but it gave more depth to Thrawn's lines in Heir to the Empire about how he destroyed the Outbound Flight, and it fleshed out Thrawn's motivations as well.
When I was first introduced to the EU in hated it! Then it grew on me bit by bit. And after awhile it became equally loved along with the movies. Though alot of the post ROTJ stuff I never liked. And now I'm going through a similar cycle with the new canon. 😁
It depends on a number of factors: age, reading level, if you're a casual fan, just getting introduced to the universe, or a hardcore fan, if you're into books, comics, or background information on the movies. I was reading Star Wars books for kids at 1st grade (7-8-ish) and it wasn't until I was in 3rd grade that I read my first Star Wars chapter book: Boba Fett: The Fight to Survive (I remembered this because I did a book report on it). While I did read a few chapter books for young readers that wasn't too many in my library at least that I could find. Instead I found graphic novels with _Empire_ and _Rebellion_ being the main series that I followed. It was very interesting learning about what was happening between the OT films and one of my first favorite EU characters was Lt. Janek Sunber of the Galactic Empire. It wouldn't be until I was 12 or 13 when I began reading Star Wars novels with the first being _Shadows_ _of_ _the_ _Empire_ . This was at the same time that the two-figure comic packs was being released so that got me reading even more into books and comics. I pretty much read all of the Star Wars books on the shelf within a couple of years which was everything from the _Thrawn_ _Trilogy_ to the _Tales_ Series to the _Jedi_ _Academy_ _Trilogy_ to the Prequel novelizations. At the same time I continued reading the _Empire_ , _Rebellion_ , and even _Legacy_ storylines along with omnibuses on Boba Fett, Jango Fett, the Old Republic, and the Clone Wars. Learning about characters from the movies made me want to learn about the people who interacted with them outside of the movies and that made me a hardcore fan.
Mit Whit Gaming enjoy! One of the most fun summers I had was reading the trilogy. Shame Benicio Del Toro was wasted as DJ in The Last Jedi. Thought he would have been amazing as Thrawn!
@@DedricSilva Yes. Those books perfectly capture the feel of the OT, while doing something quite different. Like poetry, it rhymes. I kinna wish that the Sequels took at least a few ques from that trilogy.
Yeah hoo!!! I loved reading Plagueis the Darth Bane and Thrawn trilogy. I read both canon and legends novels (I’m currently on Crucible by Troy Denning) and am looking forward to this series very much. Thanks Alex!!
I almost agree the film order showing for new viewers. Recently though I introduced someone to the films in the "machette" order: IV, V, !, II, III, VI. And then followed by VII and VIII of course. BY showing the films in this order you get the first two films to develop an understanding for the OT characters and experience the reveal of Vader as the father, then as soon as that's revealed you can go back and see Vader grow up, and right after you see the film where he falls to the dark side, you immediately follow it up with the film where he is redeemed. I think it has a lot more impact that way and especially if you are watching the special edition with Hayden Chritiansen's force ghost then this also helps increase the emotional impact for a first time viewer.
My recommendation is showing them the unaltered Original Trilogy (if available), then the Prequel Trilogy, then the Special Editions of the Original Trilogy, and then the Sequel Trilogy.
Glad you're doing a series on this. I'll be watching, but give a heads up when you get to the Vong war so I can enjoy your summaries without having to read those books. I intentionally skipped them in my EU reading because the whole thing seemed a bit too contrived, TBH. I do need to get around to reading the Bane & Plagueis books. The Dawn of the Jedi novels were quite good as well. Splinter of the Minds Eye is an odd read, but when you remember when it was written and the information available about the characters at the time. It's fun and it works. *For those unfamiliar, it was written basically as a sequel for A New Hope in case Empire never got made. The only canon is what happens in ANH.
I think I’m going to try to read with you for some of the books. At least the ones I haven’t read. (I’ve read the Thrawn books, most of the New Jedi Order & Legacy of the Force, as well as the X-Wing series and a few other random ones.) This should be fun!
A great way to pass the next 18 months, a better way to control the narrative in this god forsaken wasteland formerly known as an intelligent fan base. Having grown up reading the books as they came out, from ‘Splinter’ on by default I’m looking forward to your reviews as looong over due refresher. I’ve re-read a few over the last 40 odd years but boy has it been a while. Kids theses days (I get one cliché per post;) are lucky to have you as a guide through all things Star Wars...well, so am I. It’s no wonder you crushed the last Shmoedown, well deserved to both of you! Here’s to the next member of the Story Group...
Yes!!!!!! So excited. I've been reading the old EU and have gotten almost through the NJO and haven't had anyone to read them with other than Legends Library from Coffee With Kenobi.
First time commenting: Alex, I love your channel and the dedication that goes into all of your videos! The idea of a book club style sounds exciting! I’ve been reading as many Legends books as I can for probably 3 years now. Splinter was one I haven’t read yet so count me in!!
Indeed. I love those books but we do need to agree that there are better series in Legends. But DAMN if she didn't nail the insight into the slow fall of the jedi and human rights abuses through the war. I'll give her that, no other author came close in my opinion. But the Heir to the Empire series will always be the greatest legend series ever written.
Holy crap this is great, I'm definitely going try and read along as well. It'll be a good refresher course for some of the books I haven't read in years. Will you just be sticking to the full novels or also do the YA ones as well? Maybe you could set up a Google doc with what exactly you're planning to read? (or at least the next couple) For a couple of other recs for people looking to get into the Legends continuity I'd also HIGHLY suggest the novelizations for the prequel trilogy. ESPECIALLY Revenge of the Sith, that book is legit amazing, if you like the movie then you'll LOVE the book. Also the Legacy Era comics, the "Tales" novels and the Bounty Hunter Wars trilogy are also great for new comers as well.
I felt the urge to read it as far as the timeline is considered. Starting with the prequel era, I first read 'Darth Plagueis,' and according to the timeline I reference, the next is "Maul: Lockdown."
Im definitely going to try to read along with you. I've had the Kenobi book and Bane trilogy sitting on my shelf for over a year now and just haven't gotten around to reading them. But I guess now I need to pick up Splinter of the Minds eye.
I haven’t read splinter of the mind’s eye since 1979, when I was waiting for empire to come out. You are on I will read with you. I loved the Timothy Zahn novels back in the day, but stopped reading the legends book after that. Love this idea and I’ve been waiting for you to talk about this for a while!
I've read all suggested. Great choices. I would add the Tales series. They're a must. Completely changes how you watch the original trilogy! , Tales from Mos Eisley's Cantina, Tales of the Bounty Hunter & Tales from Jabba's Palace!
Thank you for this video, it's super helpful! I've been thinking about reading Darth Plagueis for a while, but I think I'll start with the Republic Commando series. Loved the game and I'm a huge fan of the Clone Wars era.
Jacob Andrus it's ironic. We, the Legends, were Canon once and numbered in the tens of thousands but now we are scattered, shattered and in tatters. And for every Canon release we flicker like a dying flame on a candle. Only a galactic reboot could save us now. And now that we, the "Bold Ones" exist at only a few thousand we must hold on to our ideals
These are Flagships of EU, but I would like to mention Black fleet crisis & Jedi Academy trilogy. Both saw our heroes at their weaker point and definitely worth the time for watching!
Only read Darth Plagueis so far which gave me a newfound appreciation what TPM, I definitely wanna get more into legends so I’m really glad that you made this video. Do wanna read the canon Thrawn novels before reading that trilogy. I don’t want expectations from legends to impede on that book and Alliances when that comes out.
I dont know if you take requests, but i recently heard that the reason for the hutts rise to power was because they found Ancient Rakattan technology, reverse engineered it and basicly became powerful off it. It would be great if you could expand on that if it is true.
I've been commenting asking Star Wars youtubers to do content like this for a while now 👍 Quickly becoming my favorite Star Wars channel, keep up the good work man! Also, anyone care to share their favorite Star Wars legends material? Always looking for new stuff to read.
I like chronological order myself. I love Han Solo Legends, I think of them as an alternate time line to Ron Howard’s Solo. I read Brian Daley’s Han Solo Adventures between chapters of AC Crispin’s Rebel Dawn: Rebel Dawn chapter 6 Han Solo at Stars’ End Rebel Dawn chapter 7 Han Solo’s Revenge Rebel Dawn chapter 8 Han Solo and the Lost Legacy Rebel Dawn chapter 9 Rebel Dawn Chapter 7 has an interlude that serves as an epilogue to Han Solo At Stars’ End. Rebel Dawn Chapter 8 does the same for Han Solo’s Revenge. One thing Legends did that Solo missed out on, was to give Han a chin scar. I guess Brian Daley’s works can still fit into canon until overwritten. River Phoenix whipped his chin and Sean Patrick Flannery bore the scar as Indiana Jones in the television series that’s still not on blu ray (the complete adventures are hardly complete). Before he wrote Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, Alan Dean Foster wrote the 1976 novelization to Star Wars (Ghost writing under the name George Lucas). Before the blu ray gave us deleted scenes, this is how we experienced Luke & Biggs. Splinter of the Mind’s Eye could’ve been the second film. It’s a great book, but when compared to The Empire Strikes Back . . . .no contest The Lando books had some great moments, but reading them once was probably enough. Every chapter involved somebody smoking. It got to the point where the robot wished he could smoke.
Love this idea! I know opinions on it are mixed, but my personal favorite place to start Legends books is with the Jedi Academy trilogy. I really love the Jedi Order as portrayed in Legends, especially Luke's New Jedi Order, so reading the books where that gets all set up is really fun for me. Plus I find Admiral Daala (and really any Legends female Imperial) to be really interesting.
Do you think if Ben Solo isn't redeemed and killed at the end of Episode 9 that we might get another Skywalker character down the line? Like maybe an illegitimate son/daughter of Luke or Ben and a trilogy focused on them coming to accept their legacy with a story similar or somewhat in the vain of Cade Skywalker in Legends?
Very useful video! When you're French it's hard to find translation... Personnaly I started with the novel Red Harvest wich really get me into the expanded universe. I then read the Legacy comics, and I bought Dark Empire comics (wich is so strange and awesome). I just bought the two KOTOR and the game jedi knight jedi academy. I think next I will read the Dark Plagueis comics. I also would like to read some Republic comics, Tale of the jedi and Darth Bane.
I have the darth plageus boom and the darth Bane trilogy. I got them for Christmas a couple years ago but I haven’t had the time or attention span to read them. I’ve made some progress into darth plageus though
I would say with the Ledged material I would suggest Thrawn Trilogy, Bane Trilogy, X-wing series, The Bounty Hunter wars Trilogy, The Thrawn duology As fare as stand atones I would say Darth Plaguis at No 1, Tales from Jaba's palace, Tales of the Bounty Hunters, Death Troopers, Lockdown, Outbound Flight, I am sure i am forgetting a few but that is off the top of my head.
I think this video perfectly sums up how to get started. The Darth Bane books were the first full length EU books that I read, and I also read Darth Plagueis a few years ago and loved it too. I agree with reading books in release order, however I've developed a similar strategy that allows me to read more than just the novels: 1. I started with Heir to the Empire since that was the start of the modern EU, and then I've been reading the adult novels in release order since then. 2. For the sake of time, if I don't enjoy a novel I skip it and just read a summary so that I at least know what happened. 3. If the book references a story or has an ad for a story in it, then I'll add it to a list of things I can read later if I want to. For example, when I read a book by Kevin J. Anderson, it said he was writing the Young Jedi Knights books and the Tales of the Jedi comics. So I read those too, and I'm glad I did because later books would reference both those works. 4. The Essential Reader's Companion can come in handy for navigating the EU, so I'd highly recommend checking it out.
The X-Wing comics might be a worthwhile addition to your new series. Even though they are set before the novels and feature a mostly different cast of characters (except for Wedge, Tycho, Hobbie and Janson), they are still good stories that get referenced quite a number of times in the X-Wing novels and "I, Jedi", also by Stackpole. :)
Yep, and they complement the books perfectly. I read the comics last year for the first time thanks to the Marvel reprints, and they sure fill in some gaps.
Yay! I love the idea of this! I know you said you were going to focus on the books, and I don't know how much you've read but for my two cents, a lot of the comics have been more than worthwhile. Some of the best stuff even. Like the nomi sundrider and exar kun stuff for example! So I'd love to your take on that!
My fiance hasn't watched Star Wars when we met. I told her that's a deal breaker. We ended up renting everything we could and we saw Rogue One in theaters. Since then we've seen everything in theaters. She loves it. We watched all the movies CORRECTLY. Chronological order.
MikeDSept21 unless you can loose your memory. That’ll be a way to experience them for the first time again. At that point I’d also recommend replaying Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 🤣
Sounds cool. I can only think of one other guy on youtube trying to do all of the old EU, Matt Wilkins, he's like a couple of hundred episodes in. I haven't gotten around to watching to much of his stuff yet because of time though.
While we're waiting on that Obi-Wan Kenobi film, I highly recommend that you read John Jackson Miller's Kenobi novel, its pretty much what the film may end up being, but its a terrific read all the same. :)
A great way for someone new to watch the movies is 4,5,2,3,6...it really helps setup Darth Vader’s transition in rotj. If they like that then they can watch phantom menace last. Release order is cool too.
I suggest showing the unaltered/theatrical Original Trilogy, then the Prequel Trilogy, then the Special Edition Original Trilogy, and then finally the Sequel Trilogy.
Hey SWE, I am glad to see the EU/Legends getting some love. I am always interested in hearing your views on iconic stories from the Legends timeline especially since you don't have biased towards those stories despite how much you love Star Wars. I have one gripe with your reading order, I love the Darth Plagueis novel however I do think it's a bad story for new readers. It's involves a lot of political themes and discusses lots of lore from Legends, as well as being very exposition heavy. I bring this up because I feel like that book might actually discourage newer readers from Legends related content. IMO Plagueis is a novel created for the more well versed and hardcore Legends fans and shouldn't be among the first new star wars novels for those who are less familiar with the material. In terms of a novel I think you should have recommended instead would be the Revenge of the Sith novelization. A lot of people dislike the prequels. But like many Legends books set in the Prequel era, the great authors involved in those stories find ways to address the issues of the Prequels in a way that honors the movies it's based on. Most of the bad dialogue, plot holes, and questionable characterization of the movie is fixed in the novel. Since most of your viewers have already seen Revenge of the Sith, I am sure they would appreciate the recommendation.
Please read Coruscant nights it’s such a good story it’s all about a Jedi who survived order 66 and it takes place in the Coruscant underworld or at least read the second book because it’s kind of like a murder mystery I know it sounds dumb but it’s really good
Love this idea Alex! As a Legends fan I love spreading the good word and it’s good to see you will as well with these videos. Would you ever consider collaborating with Matt Wilkins on this? He’s been working on a similar project for years now. Anyway I hope you stand behind fans who want this awesome continuity continued and I look forward to your videos!
Haven’t actually watched the video yet but I would just like to say that’s it’s probably easiest to start with books that can fit into current canon nicely so it doesn’t cause too much confusion. Plagueis and the Bane trilogy are good places to start.
Dude I've been needing a video like this forever!
Long live the Expanded Universe!
The EU is the Senate.
Darth Revan ya know technicality a lot of the expanded universe are sequels
Legends need to be the EU again and the new Canon needs to be Legends.
@Chosen One Not really, since when the EU was written it was the official continuity unless contradicted by the films. The same as the novels we have now. "Elseworlds" isn't really a good way to look at it, you can kind of look at it as rather Earth-616 and the new stuff is the Ultimate universe, if you want to compare it to Marvel's continuities.
The Darth Bane trilogy is my favorite book series! I’m excited to be rereading it
Who cares its not canon? Its good! That is what matters
Gorila stop motion its canon,its just a separate Canon. Idk why people think there canon only be one Canon per franchise
This is the real canon, Disney’s canon is not good. In fact it is ruining Luke and Anakin Skywalker.
I totally agree!
Hey, where does the Thrawn picture you have come from?
Of course its canon. The other "CANON" doesnt exist. Just a bad dream. The work of an enemy Stand user. An illusion of the dark side.
... but how do you stop?
...You run out of books. Because there are and will be no more... *Cue crying internally*
Read "Shatterpoint." That Goddamned thing will cure you of your need for Legends. I swear it's just Mace traipsing through the damned jungle. I was almost at the end of it and I said "Jesus Christ, he's not gonna get outta here in time for Palpatine to electrocute him!"
I'd say sick burn, but sick electrocution seems more thematic XD
boxhead6177 I know how you feel!
I've heard Shatterpoint is pretty good.
Onions can't make me cry.
Onion: Its not canon.
That's deep
Brian Brecker *SHREK*
Brian Brecker 😭😭😭😭😭
No comments about legends being canon? That’s a relief :v
(I prefer legends but still we have to accept legends is not canon)
@@Luisyz_ what do you mean? Legends IS a canon in itself. Just different from the new one Disney decided to adopt to make it easier for them to write content. Before 2014 EU has been the only canon. The George Lucas canon.
My Dad's friend gave me atleast 30+ legends books, 20+ phantom menace action figures (mint condition) and an FX Mace Windu lightsaber all for free.
A surprise to be sure..but a welcome one
@@alessandrofabiano2819 He gave me a large wall.
Is he interested in adopting? 😊
That guy must've seen you liked it and was like imma blow his mind
$$$
If anyone wants to have a look at someone else's review, Matt Wilkins has been going through the entire EU novels and comics in chronological order for years now... and he's still not finished. I really enjoy it
Yeah, his series is good. I think I'll stick with SWE now, it'll be good to read along with him. And I think SWE's may be better due to it being in chronological order of release. Plus I missed my opportunity to read along with Matt, but I still love his content.
I would've liked it if he got into depth with them like the Council Forcecast has done (now named Fanalysis for future reference).
Yeah, fair enough. I think he works with the time he has, plus it takes so long he doesn't want to die before it finishes 😂
I think I'll go along with both myself. Matt does upload them regularly, as well, rather than the "might not be weekly"
Callum Johns you can easily read a small book like the x-wing serie every week, but bigger one like thrawn take some time. And boring ones like leia's wedding need some dedication!
I can understand that 😜 I think it just looks good for the channel that it's regular.
I have been watching "The Mandalorian" and it has revived my excitement for Star Wars..so I decided to start reading the novels which I was never interested in before..this video was helpful,as I have no idea where to start
A series that works equally well in either version of canon.
What!? This is awesome! Now I can have flawless legends knowledge!
Well, first you have to wait a few years for him to upload the Legends videos. Then you need to read the comics yourself. Then the short stories. Then the video games, if you haven't done that. Then the promotional material. Then the children's books and young reader's novels. Then the comic strips, from years ago. Then you probably have to read it all again, because by that time you will have forgotten alot. Although by that time Disney are into their third year of their Legends revival initiative, so you'll have to read more. But after that, sure flawless Legends knowledge!
JJ how many
Have you read?
I started Legends with the Legacy of the Force series which began my obsession with the Star Wars EU. It's partly why I view the new saga titles with such critique. They could do anything on screen and it wouldn't match the scenes I would imagine as I read.
Absolutely agree. I started with Dark Nest (I think - it was a long time ago now!) Did you read Fate of the Jedi set after Legacy of the Force?
I started reading the first Legacy of the Force book, but it was referencing several events that I didn't understand, so that's what prompted me to go back and read all of the other books. I really enjoyed the first few chapters, so I'm looking forward to reading the whole series with context once I finish TNJO.
I started with like book 4 and then came back a year later and started it from the beginning.
I'm reading with you. I was given over 60 legends books from a youth leader at my church. I think I have three copies of Splinter in the Mind's Eye 😂
Star wars is demonic
@@alejandrohernandez3767 how?
This made me curious. I work at a bookstore, so I took a look in our Sci-fi section to see if we had some of these. I found Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn here and I'm looking to see what else I can find.
All smart ass comments aside. My collection started with the Legacy of the Force series in 2008. Been hooked ever since. I have about 26 books to go to finish my Legacy book collection.
Added note: Thank you for covering the Legacy books. The Han Solo Trilogy (Which I am almost finished reading the second one) video I shared with my friend so they could see the difference between what was in the Legends, and the Solo movie.
Also, go watch Star Wars Clone Wars. The 2D one by Gennaidy Tartakovsky. It is my favorite clone wars content (moreso than SW:CW) due to it being just war. Oh and the droid gore is amazing.
Mace and his super punching.
shrek fucksaoski mcfunking buttdoodle Remember when he took on 4 Jedi Masters *with only his freaking feet?*
As someone who has read almost every EU novel, I'm very excited about this series. The X-wing series is my personal favorite as well, with Wedge being my favorite character!
I am VERY excited about this new series!
I've read the Bane trilogy at least 3 times, such a great story. Although my first book was "Death Star" since I wanted to start at the (kind of) middle of the timeline.
Been meaning to enter this, but was thoroughly intimidated by the amount of reading. Good video.
I am in LOVE with this idea, theres so many Legends books I haven't read, and while waiting for Ep9, the only major things coming canon wise is Resistance and Thrawn Alliances. So looking forward to this
I recommend reading Outbound Flight either right before or right after the Thrawn Trilogy. Oddly enough, I read Outbound Flight in between Heir to the Empire and Dark Force Rising, but it gave more depth to Thrawn's lines in Heir to the Empire about how he destroyed the Outbound Flight, and it fleshed out Thrawn's motivations as well.
When I was first introduced to the EU in hated it! Then it grew on me bit by bit. And after awhile it became equally loved along with the movies. Though alot of the post ROTJ stuff I never liked. And now I'm going through a similar cycle with the new canon. 😁
I really like Canon but I’m slowly getting into Legends and I’m so excited.
I love Star Wars.
It depends on a number of factors: age, reading level, if you're a casual fan, just getting introduced to the universe, or a hardcore fan, if you're into books, comics, or background information on the movies. I was reading Star Wars books for kids at 1st grade (7-8-ish) and it wasn't until I was in 3rd grade that I read my first Star Wars chapter book: Boba Fett: The Fight to Survive (I remembered this because I did a book report on it). While I did read a few chapter books for young readers that wasn't too many in my library at least that I could find. Instead I found graphic novels with _Empire_ and _Rebellion_ being the main series that I followed. It was very interesting learning about what was happening between the OT films and one of my first favorite EU characters was Lt. Janek Sunber of the Galactic Empire. It wouldn't be until I was 12 or 13 when I began reading Star Wars novels with the first being _Shadows_ _of_ _the_ _Empire_ . This was at the same time that the two-figure comic packs was being released so that got me reading even more into books and comics. I pretty much read all of the Star Wars books on the shelf within a couple of years which was everything from the _Thrawn_ _Trilogy_ to the _Tales_ Series to the _Jedi_ _Academy_ _Trilogy_ to the Prequel novelizations. At the same time I continued reading the _Empire_ , _Rebellion_ , and even _Legacy_ storylines along with omnibuses on Boba Fett, Jango Fett, the Old Republic, and the Clone Wars. Learning about characters from the movies made me want to learn about the people who interacted with them outside of the movies and that made me a hardcore fan.
This is why SW Explained is one of best podcasts, Alex you rock sir.
Can't wait for your SW EU Novel reviews...
This is probably the most helpful Star Wars video I’ve seen. Thanks for this I already read darth bane and plagues but i was looking for more.
I am going to start Heir to the Empire some time this summer! 😁
Mit Whit Gaming enjoy! One of the most fun summers I had was reading the trilogy. Shame Benicio Del Toro was wasted as DJ in The Last Jedi. Thought he would have been amazing as Thrawn!
Can't lose with that!
I'm reading it on my IPad and after finishing chapter 1 of the book, i'm loving it so far.
@@DedricSilva Yes. Those books perfectly capture the feel of the OT, while doing something quite different. Like poetry, it rhymes.
I kinna wish that the Sequels took at least a few ques from that trilogy.
Yeah hoo!!! I loved reading Plagueis the Darth Bane and Thrawn trilogy. I read both canon and legends novels (I’m currently on Crucible by Troy Denning) and am looking forward to this series very much. Thanks Alex!!
Read Yoda, dark rendezvous. Awesome legends book.
UA-cam book club for Star Wars legends? I've got a really good feeling about this!
I almost agree the film order showing for new viewers. Recently though I introduced someone to the films in the "machette" order: IV, V, !, II, III, VI. And then followed by VII and VIII of course.
BY showing the films in this order you get the first two films to develop an understanding for the OT characters and experience the reveal of Vader as the father, then as soon as that's revealed you can go back and see Vader grow up, and right after you see the film where he falls to the dark side, you immediately follow it up with the film where he is redeemed. I think it has a lot more impact that way and especially if you are watching the special edition with Hayden Chritiansen's force ghost then this also helps increase the emotional impact for a first time viewer.
My recommendation is showing them the unaltered Original Trilogy (if available), then the Prequel Trilogy, then the Special Editions of the Original Trilogy, and then the Sequel Trilogy.
The Bane books have been my favorite so far! Loved Bane. Second favorite would be the new Thrawn books
So happy that you are making this series+
After watching rise of skywalker ,i think i am going to make the expanded universe my canon. Purge myself from Disney Canon
Me too. Sequel trilogy is bullshit I'm done with Disney canon.
@@Ignisan_66 it was cannon (WAS)
@@Ignisan_66 long live disney trilogy way better than the prequels
I take Star Wars with two timelines
The Disney canon (the 3 trilogies)
The Star Wars canon (the prequels, the og trilogy and legends)
Disney star wars is not canon it is a complete mockery of george lucas' galaxies
Glad you're doing a series on this. I'll be watching, but give a heads up when you get to the Vong war so I can enjoy your summaries without having to read those books. I intentionally skipped them in my EU reading because the whole thing seemed a bit too contrived, TBH.
I do need to get around to reading the Bane & Plagueis books.
The Dawn of the Jedi novels were quite good as well.
Splinter of the Minds Eye is an odd read, but when you remember when it was written and the information available about the characters at the time. It's fun and it works. *For those unfamiliar, it was written basically as a sequel for A New Hope in case Empire never got made. The only canon is what happens in ANH.
some great advice! I love the Thrawn trilogy and the Darth Plagueis book. Will try to hop in from time to time :)
Legends>cannon
=Canon> Disney shit
@@Lots17 except for the prequels and originals and all that
Legends (real canon) > "New Trilogy" (fanfic)
@@joeofmacabre07 filoniverse>legends
@Chosen One jeez people need to grow up
I think I’m going to try to read with you for some of the books. At least the ones I haven’t read. (I’ve read the Thrawn books, most of the New Jedi Order & Legacy of the Force, as well as the X-Wing series and a few other random ones.) This should be fun!
A great way to pass the next 18 months, a better way to control the narrative in this god forsaken wasteland formerly known as an intelligent fan base. Having grown up reading the books as they came out, from ‘Splinter’ on by default I’m looking forward to your reviews as looong over due refresher. I’ve re-read a few over the last 40 odd years but boy has it been a while. Kids theses days (I get one cliché per post;) are lucky to have you as a guide through all things Star Wars...well, so am I. It’s no wonder you crushed the last Shmoedown, well deserved to both of you! Here’s to the next member of the Story Group...
I will totally join you in reading the books that I already own (Thrawn, X-Wing, and Dark Tide).
Yes!!! I can't wait for the comics video!!! I've seen bits and parts of the legends darth vader comics, and that to grabs my attention!!!
Yes!!!!!!
So excited. I've been reading the old EU and have gotten almost through the NJO and haven't had anyone to read them with other than Legends Library from Coffee With Kenobi.
First time commenting: Alex, I love your channel and the dedication that goes into all of your videos! The idea of a book club style sounds exciting! I’ve been reading as many Legends books as I can for probably 3 years now. Splinter was one I haven’t read yet so count me in!!
Step one: buy every clone commandos book by Karen Traviss.
Step two: enjoy.
Blue team John, Fred, Linda, Kelly now you're speaking my language
Indeed. I love those books but we do need to agree that there are better series in Legends. But DAMN if she didn't nail the insight into the slow fall of the jedi and human rights abuses through the war. I'll give her that, no other author came close in my opinion. But the Heir to the Empire series will always be the greatest legend series ever written.
Blue team John, Fred, Linda, Kelly I love that series
Step three: cry because the last one ended on a cliffhanger.
Darman would have come home, but I hear the new 501st member might have had to die, from Traviss' blog...
Holy crap this is great, I'm definitely going try and read along as well. It'll be a good refresher course for some of the books I haven't read in years. Will you just be sticking to the full novels or also do the YA ones as well? Maybe you could set up a Google doc with what exactly you're planning to read? (or at least the next couple)
For a couple of other recs for people looking to get into the Legends continuity I'd also HIGHLY suggest the novelizations for the prequel trilogy. ESPECIALLY Revenge of the Sith, that book is legit amazing, if you like the movie then you'll LOVE the book. Also the Legacy Era comics, the "Tales" novels and the Bounty Hunter Wars trilogy are also great for new comers as well.
Tim Chindles you’re a Star Wars expert
I felt the urge to read it as far as the timeline is considered. Starting with the prequel era, I first read 'Darth Plagueis,' and according to the timeline I reference, the next is "Maul: Lockdown."
Im definitely going to try to read along with you. I've had the Kenobi book and Bane trilogy sitting on my shelf for over a year now and just haven't gotten around to reading them. But I guess now I need to pick up Splinter of the Minds eye.
I haven’t read splinter of the mind’s eye since 1979, when I was waiting for empire to come out. You are on I will read with you. I loved the Timothy Zahn novels back in the day, but stopped reading the legends book after that. Love this idea and I’ve been waiting for you to talk about this for a while!
I've been doing my own reread this past year and I can't wait to hear what you think of some of them.
You know what, I liked the ideia of a SW book club..I'm gonna try read them with along!
YES!!!!!!! A list for me. I read some of dark nest 3,then heir 1,heir 2.
I personnaly begin with the comics volumes Clone Wars, but your advices are verry good.
I've read all suggested. Great choices. I would add the Tales series. They're a must. Completely changes how you watch the original trilogy! , Tales from Mos Eisley's Cantina, Tales of the Bounty Hunter & Tales from Jabba's Palace!
I started with Plagueis right before the Disney Era kicked off. Great stuff, and fits nicely in to the Disney Era EU
I am super stoked for the new series and will read many of the books with you, though some i may not be interested in reading
I started with Legends of a Jedi and Secrets of the Jedi. People always forget about the scholastic books
Amazing vid man keep it up
Thank you for this video, it's super helpful! I've been thinking about reading Darth Plagueis for a while, but I think I'll start with the Republic Commando series. Loved the game and I'm a huge fan of the Clone Wars era.
Thank you so much for this! This will be a video long remembered
Jacob Andrus it's ironic. We, the Legends, were Canon once and numbered in the tens of thousands but now we are scattered, shattered and in tatters. And for every Canon release we flicker like a dying flame on a candle. Only a galactic reboot could save us now. And now that we, the "Bold Ones" exist at only a few thousand we must hold on to our ideals
Cool video, Star Wars Darth plagueis is my favorite legends novel!
The newer audiobooks of the Thrawn Trilogy are great! The narrator for it mimics all the character voices extremely well.
These are Flagships of EU, but I would like to mention Black fleet crisis & Jedi Academy trilogy. Both saw our heroes at their weaker point and definitely worth the time for watching!
Weaker point, but its still star wars so their plot armor eventually comes back😅😅
Awesome idea, count me in! The original Thrawn trilogy are my all time favorites.
"Tales of the bounty hunters" is also a good choice if you want to read some legends stuff
Suggestion: if they are multiple book story arcs (ala Rogue Squadron) I would do like a boiled down review of all the stories and characters.
Only read Darth Plagueis so far which gave me a newfound appreciation what TPM, I definitely wanna get more into legends so I’m really glad that you made this video. Do wanna read the canon Thrawn novels before reading that trilogy. I don’t want expectations from legends to impede on that book and Alliances when that comes out.
I dont know if you take requests, but i recently heard that the reason for the hutts rise to power was because they found Ancient Rakattan technology, reverse engineered it and basicly became powerful off it. It would be great if you could expand on that if it is true.
"It's not Canon"
Doesn't matter! I love it!
It's Better than Canon.
@@animatedink2529 no
I've been commenting asking Star Wars youtubers to do content like this for a while now 👍
Quickly becoming my favorite Star Wars channel, keep up the good work man!
Also, anyone care to share their favorite Star Wars legends material? Always looking for new stuff to read.
mrzombiesbo how many Star Wars novels have you read?
I like chronological order myself. I love Han Solo Legends, I think of them as an alternate time line to Ron Howard’s Solo. I read Brian Daley’s Han Solo Adventures between chapters of AC Crispin’s Rebel Dawn:
Rebel Dawn chapter 6
Han Solo at Stars’ End
Rebel Dawn chapter 7
Han Solo’s Revenge
Rebel Dawn chapter 8
Han Solo and the Lost Legacy
Rebel Dawn chapter 9
Rebel Dawn Chapter 7 has an interlude that serves as an epilogue to Han Solo At Stars’ End. Rebel Dawn Chapter 8 does the same for Han Solo’s Revenge. One thing Legends did that Solo missed out on, was to give Han a chin scar. I guess Brian Daley’s works can still fit into canon until overwritten. River Phoenix whipped his chin and Sean Patrick Flannery bore the scar as Indiana Jones in the television series that’s still not on blu ray (the complete adventures are hardly complete).
Before he wrote Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, Alan Dean Foster wrote the 1976 novelization to Star Wars (Ghost writing under the name George Lucas). Before the blu ray gave us deleted scenes, this is how we experienced Luke & Biggs. Splinter of the Mind’s Eye could’ve been the second film. It’s a great book, but when compared to The Empire Strikes Back . . . .no contest
The Lando books had some great moments, but reading them once was probably enough. Every chapter involved somebody smoking. It got to the point where the robot wished he could smoke.
Lol
I have quite a few of these books and there really good, and I’m happy this video helps people decide which to start with
Man I am really excited to re-visit some of the best stories in star wars again...
Love this idea!
I know opinions on it are mixed, but my personal favorite place to start Legends books is with the Jedi Academy trilogy. I really love the Jedi Order as portrayed in Legends, especially Luke's New Jedi Order, so reading the books where that gets all set up is really fun for me. Plus I find Admiral Daala (and really any Legends female Imperial) to be really interesting.
I recommend the comics collection that came out this year, Star Wars The Old Republic Omnibus
Do you think if Ben Solo isn't redeemed and killed at the end of Episode 9 that we might get another Skywalker character down the line? Like maybe an illegitimate son/daughter of Luke or Ben and a trilogy focused on them coming to accept their legacy with a story similar or somewhat in the vain of Cade Skywalker in Legends?
I was about to ask you something very similar on Patreon! Timely video!
Very useful video! When you're French it's hard to find translation...
Personnaly I started with the novel Red Harvest wich really get me into the expanded universe. I then read the Legacy comics, and I bought Dark Empire comics (wich is so strange and awesome). I just bought the two KOTOR and the game jedi knight jedi academy. I think next I will read the Dark Plagueis comics. I also would like to read some Republic comics, Tale of the jedi and Darth Bane.
I have the darth plageus boom and the darth Bane trilogy. I got them for Christmas a couple years ago but I haven’t had the time or attention span to read them. I’ve made some progress into darth plageus though
I would say with the Ledged material I would suggest Thrawn Trilogy, Bane Trilogy, X-wing series, The Bounty Hunter wars Trilogy, The Thrawn duology As fare as stand atones I would say Darth Plaguis at No 1, Tales from Jaba's palace, Tales of the Bounty Hunters, Death Troopers, Lockdown, Outbound Flight, I am sure i am forgetting a few but that is off the top of my head.
I think this video perfectly sums up how to get started. The Darth Bane books were the first full length EU books that I read, and I also read Darth Plagueis a few years ago and loved it too. I agree with reading books in release order, however I've developed a similar strategy that allows me to read more than just the novels:
1. I started with Heir to the Empire since that was the start of the modern EU, and then I've been reading the adult novels in release order since then.
2. For the sake of time, if I don't enjoy a novel I skip it and just read a summary so that I at least know what happened.
3. If the book references a story or has an ad for a story in it, then I'll add it to a list of things I can read later if I want to. For example, when I read a book by Kevin J. Anderson, it said he was writing the Young Jedi Knights books and the Tales of the Jedi comics. So I read those too, and I'm glad I did because later books would reference both those works.
4. The Essential Reader's Companion can come in handy for navigating the EU, so I'd highly recommend checking it out.
I really liked the Republic/Imperial Commando book series by Karen Traviss
Great vid! I love the new cannon stuff but I still have love for legends . My book collection is a nice mix of both.
The X-Wing comics might be a worthwhile addition to your new series. Even though they are set before the novels and feature a mostly different cast of characters (except for Wedge, Tycho, Hobbie and Janson), they are still good stories that get referenced quite a number of times in the X-Wing novels and "I, Jedi", also by Stackpole. :)
The comics are actually a build-up to the books.
Yep, and they complement the books perfectly. I read the comics last year for the first time thanks to the Marvel reprints, and they sure fill in some gaps.
Yay! I love the idea of this! I know you said you were going to focus on the books, and I don't know how much you've read but for my two cents, a lot of the comics have been more than worthwhile. Some of the best stuff even. Like the nomi sundrider and exar kun stuff for example! So I'd love to your take on that!
As a Legends lover, I approve! Though...reading all the Legends material..that is overwhelming, even for me!
Yes! I can’t wait for the legends book reviews!
How to get started with Starwars Legends? Watching this channel of course
My fiance hasn't watched Star Wars when we met. I told her that's a deal breaker. We ended up renting everything we could and we saw Rogue One in theaters. Since then we've seen everything in theaters. She loves it. We watched all the movies CORRECTLY. Chronological order.
MikeDSept21 Release date is the b e s t
Machete order would of been an interesting starting point
Papa Wells
We'll never know how effective alternative methods are. We can only experience these films for the first time ONCE
MikeDSept21 unless you can loose your memory. That’ll be a way to experience them for the first time again. At that point I’d also recommend replaying Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 🤣
Good point. Please keepe posted. I subscribed. But read all 3 Darth Banes
Need more Raven!
Sounds cool. I can only think of one other guy on youtube trying to do all of the old EU, Matt Wilkins, he's like a couple of hundred episodes in. I haven't gotten around to watching to much of his stuff yet because of time though.
Alex's Star Wars book club :) we could discuss what should/could be brought back into canon
Woah you look so different from just a year ago. This is a great video, I’m showing it to my Star Wars friends. Wish I found this sooner.
While we're waiting on that Obi-Wan Kenobi film, I highly recommend that you read John Jackson Miller's Kenobi novel, its pretty much what the film may end up being, but its a terrific read all the same. :)
This series is going to be so great!
A great way for someone new to watch the movies is 4,5,2,3,6...it really helps setup Darth Vader’s transition in rotj. If they like that then they can watch phantom menace last. Release order is cool too.
I suggest showing the unaltered/theatrical Original Trilogy, then the Prequel Trilogy, then the Special Edition Original Trilogy, and then finally the Sequel Trilogy.
Hey SWE, I am glad to see the EU/Legends getting some love. I am always interested in hearing your views on iconic stories from the Legends timeline especially since you don't have biased towards those stories despite how much you love Star Wars.
I have one gripe with your reading order, I love the Darth Plagueis novel however I do think it's a bad story for new readers. It's involves a lot of political themes and discusses lots of lore from Legends, as well as being very exposition heavy. I bring this up because I feel like that book might actually discourage newer readers from Legends related content. IMO Plagueis is a novel created for the more well versed and hardcore Legends fans and shouldn't be among the first new star wars novels for those who are less familiar with the material.
In terms of a novel I think you should have recommended instead would be the Revenge of the Sith novelization. A lot of people dislike the prequels. But like many Legends books set in the Prequel era, the great authors involved in those stories find ways to address the issues of the Prequels in a way that honors the movies it's based on. Most of the bad dialogue, plot holes, and questionable characterization of the movie is fixed in the novel. Since most of your viewers have already seen Revenge of the Sith, I am sure they would appreciate the recommendation.
Please read Coruscant nights it’s such a good story it’s all about a Jedi who survived order 66 and it takes place in the Coruscant underworld or at least read the second book because it’s kind of like a murder mystery I know it sounds dumb but it’s really good
Love this idea Alex! As a Legends fan I love spreading the good word and it’s good to see you will as well with these videos. Would you ever consider collaborating with Matt Wilkins on this? He’s been working on a similar project for years now.
Anyway I hope you stand behind fans who want this awesome continuity continued and I look forward to your videos!
Haven’t actually watched the video yet but I would just like to say that’s it’s probably easiest to start with books that can fit into current canon nicely so it doesn’t cause too much confusion. Plagueis and the Bane trilogy are good places to start.
I got an IPad for comics, Graphic Novels, etc. But i am gonna get a Kindle Paperwhite for Ebooks and i'm really interested in the Thrawn Trilogy.