Question My Allegiance to the Fandom You Shall Not

Recently, I was able to catch up with a good friend and fellow Star Wars fan. In one of our conversations the topic of naming children came up. You see, he has two beautiful children, Anakin and Amara. While Anakin's name was a deliberate attempt on his part to show his love of Star Wars, Amara was a compromise. He wanted Mara, but his wife did not want another Star Wars name (little did they know Amara IS a Star Wars name). I, of course, have my Jaina (poor Vanessa, my youngest, I tried to get you a Star Wars name, too).

Now here is the debatable part of the conversation. My good friend, a person with who I have spent countless hours going over Star Wars lore, speculation, and even movie dialogue, a person who lost to me when we played Star Wars Trivial Pursuit (although that game I can honestly say I did not win in one turn), claims that I am not a true fan because I did not name my child with a Star Wars name that is easily recognizable as a Star Wars name. Obviously he has not read my blog post "Why I love Star Wars: Princess Leia". He quickly pointed out how anyone who has seen the movies knows who Anakin is and how I usually have to explain where I got Jaina's name.

Am I less of a fan because I did not name Jaina Leia or Padme? I think not! If anyone dares to question my devotion again, I challenge them to a game of Star Wars Trivial Pursuit (regular or DVD version)!


- Jedi J

Wizard + Rock = Wrock!

Wizard Rock hits the media mainstream in this story. While I haven't taken in much "wrock" myself, I'm continually amazed by the variety found in Harry Potter fan activities. From blogs, to college campus quidditch matches, to activism, to fan fiction and wandcraft, the HP fandom shows its love in many ways.

This little blog here is all about love, too. So wrock on, fans.

Prof. H

Book Review: The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader

Have you ever wondered why Sand People are called Tusken Raiders or why Dark Jedi are called Sith Lords? Or how did Smi and Anakin Skywalker become slaves? Or maybe you asked the most important question of all--is Anakin Skywalker the Chosen One?

The answers to these questions and some more are found in The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader, by Ryder Windham. It is the first book of a series that is to include the stories of Obi Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker.

The book's main focus is on Anakin's feelings during the timeline of the six movies. There are some insights to things that happened during the Clone Wars and the time that is to be addressed when The Force Unleashed is released, but nothing too major there. It also dabbles in the two stories that occur during the original Star Wars trilogy, Splinter of the Mind's Eye and Shadows of the Empire but once, again nothing too major.

Readers will find familiar dialogue in this book, as well as some moments that are not shown in the movies but that take place during the movie.

I hope you enjoy the book.

Jedi J

Pop Quiz

I always knew the red gummies were evil...Art by BeUrblackswan

So you think that you know everything there is to know about being a Jedi? How about being a Sith (had to for the hubby)? Test your Jedi or Sith knowledge with this quiz.

In honor of Star Wars weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios, a fun little exercise has been posted on their website. You can even print out a copy of your certificate.

Mine, of course, states that I am a Council Member. Of course.

Jedi J

New Ink from Rowling

Art by suetlilanglz

The Harry Potter prequel we told you about earlier has been posted online. Go here to read about James' and Sirius' adventures with a pair of Muggle policement. The story includes phoenix t-shirts, Sirius' flying motorcycle, and more James Potter cheekiness than anyone should be able to stomach (Oh, Lily, you poor woman). Some fan artist will draw something for it soon, but in the meantime, I've supplied a neat pic of the Marauders for you above.

I must say, the 800 word story feels a bit different from the Potter books. I suppose, for the first time since the opening chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in which we are in Vernon Dursley's head for a long time, the perspective is wholly Muggle. I think it was a good choice for this story.

I also must say that as the story loaded on my computer, I inexplicably danced around my kitchen singing "Billie Jean." Don't ask why. It's inexplicable.

There's also THIS. THIS new picture from the new Half-Blood Prince movie, in which Harry gives Ginny a sweet, sweet lovin' hug. Squee! Enjoy the Potter-y!

I want some more...

I just read the first chapter from Breaking Dawn and I absolutely LOVED IT!!!
The first chapter gives you a glimpse into the whirlwind of feelings Bella's going through. Bella is now dealing with the impending wedding, which in itself is a horrible display of gawking and fussing over her that she does not welcome; the honeymoon night, which she hopes brings her to a more equal playing field with Edward; and Jacob's withdrawal from all of his friends (he's probably moping somewhere in the mountains...just my opinion).

My head is loaded with different scenarios that could happen in the chapters to come. Like, maybe Jacob comes back and a lover's quarrel/Vampire Vs. Werewolf war breaks out right before they say "I do". Or, maybe the Volturi make an appearance and Bella and Edward have to make a run for it, leaving everyone wondering what happened to the bride and groom. These are just a couple of my favorite scenarios which may or may not be anything close to what Meyers has in store for us.

How will it all end...???


V.

Half-Blood Prince Movie Picture

A new picture (I write, as I clap hysterically and bounce in glee). November can't come soon enough...

Prof.H