A Journey Through the Stars: My Star My Wars
When it comes to Star Wars, I can guarantee you two things. First, this post will be a long one, so be prepared to sit back and enjoy the journey. And second, there may be a second or even a third part, exploring various aspects of this ever-expanding universe.
I asked myself how to start this post many times and finally decided to follow the general rule of Star Wars: there's no clear start or end.
As a child of the '80s and '90s, our hero was Luke Skywalker, we adored Ewoks and Wookiees. We had no idea we might see another Rancor in a different Star Wars show, or that this Rancor would elicit our sympathy. We had no idea about what happened before or would happen after all these adventures, but our hero was Luke Skywalker. As children, we played games on the streets, and everyone took on names like Han, Luke, and Leia.
Then came the second trilogy, and it was a hit. It brought us feelings like love and hate, all wrapped up in father-son relationships between Obi-Wan and Anakin. We lost Qui-Gon, and we realized he would have been one of the best assets of the Jedi. And then there was our beloved small friend who turned out to be the grand master of all heroes. "Do or do not, there is no try," he said, and we all loved him forever.
Some may have realized earlier, but I started to ponder the hundreds of stories that could unfold in this vast universe. I began asking questions like how the Death Star plans were gathered and how many heroes might have died to achieve such an accomplishment.
Now, after all these movies, we thought we knew a lot about the story and the characters surrounding it. We realized that there would be more stories to come, but we knew the main issues about Anakin, Obi-Wan, how it all led to Luke and Leia, and we had a glimpse of how good and evil shaped up in a galaxy far, far away. But I found out I didn't really know it all.
I can't say I'm a big fan of the last trilogy. It felt like the same theme, with Luke being the son of Vader and now Rey being the heir to that legacy, just as Kylo Ren is the son of Han. There is an orphan hero, Rey, who comes and becomes a powerful Jedi, reminiscent of how Luke's journey began. Kylo Ren's act of killing his father echoes the conflict Luke faced. There are so many similarities, and the story didn't charm me, nor did the characters. This confusion gave rise to many questions in my mind as well.
The revelation of Palpatine being alive in some sort of weird zombie state not only ruined the end of the sequel trilogy but retroactively harmed the original trilogy. Vader's sacrifice in "Return of the Jedi" appeared to be in vain, as he failed to bring balance to the Force, and Luke's role in his father's redemption was radically reduced.
Why did Finn suddenly start using a lightsaber when he had no prior training? There are lots of questions people would like to ask loudly about the sequel trilogy, but they don't, because they fear that Disney might create another movie that could further disrupt the storyline.
However, my love for Star Wars was rekindled exactly four years ago, thanks to Disney's acquisition of the franchise. With the introduction of series like "The Mandalorian" and "The Book of Boba Fett," the Star Wars galaxy was brought back to life. These shows not only showcased thrilling adventures but also deepened our understanding of the rich tapestry of characters and their interconnected stories.
Let me explain why "The Mandalorian" holds a special place in my heart.
First and foremost, it's a refreshing and straightforward story. The simplicity of its narrative is a breath of fresh air. Moreover, the cast of the series is incredibly powerful, bringing their characters to life in a compelling way. Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda, is a delightful addition to the Star Wars universe, shedding light on a mysterious species that has intrigued fans for years.
The concept of being a Mandalorian is captivating. Their creed comes with certain rules and principles, making it distinct from the mystical path of the Jedi. The ethics and morality of a Mandalorian are simple and resonate with values found in many religions.
What truly sets "The Mandalorian" apart is its ability to make nostalgic references to our beloved childhood Star Wars characters and stories. This series pays homage to the classics while forging its own path in the galaxy.
Here, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Jon Favreau, the mastermind behind "The Mandalorian." His dedication to the Star Wars universe has reignited our passion for the saga. In summary, "The Mandalorian" was an immense success.
I won't delve into the Obi-Wan TV Show and Solo Movie, as I've cherished those characters throughout my life, and I prefer to preserve the images of Obi-Wan and Han Solo as they've always been. How I've known and visualized their past is sufficient, and I don't need these new shows to alter the value of my dreams.
After experiencing the adventures of The Mandalorian and Boba Fett, we were introduced to the remarkable character, Cassian Andor, whom we first encountered in Rogue One. Frankly, we didn't pass judgment on why he acted the way he did back then. The Andor series was another resounding success, reminding us that being a hero doesn't necessitate being a Jedi, using the Force, or possessing special equipment. Regular people can play a crucial role in the story and emerge as heroes. This revelation extended beyond the Star Wars universe. It made us realize that the main idea is about who we want to be.
I know this might sound unconventional, but we all have the opportunity to choose between good and bad in life, and our decisions and choices define us. While watching Cassian's journey, we reflected on how we interpret the events we encounter, the decisions we make in response, and, of course, the consequences that follow those choices.
What truly made my heart race with anticipation was the announcement of the "Ahsoka Tano" series. As a fan of "Star Wars Rebels," I couldn't be more excited to see one of my favorite characters, Ahsoka Tano, get her own spotlight. Ahsoka, a former Jedi Padawan, quickly won the hearts of fans with her determination, wisdom, and strong connection to the Force.
Speaking of "Star Wars Rebels," it was a series that introduced us to a new set of beloved characters: Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, and Kanan Jarrus, to name a few. These heroes, along with Ahsoka Tano, brought fresh perspectives and unique stories to the Star Wars universe. Each character's journey was beautifully crafted, making us care deeply about their fates.
Ezra Bridger, a young Force-sensitive orphan, underwent remarkable growth, evolving from a street-smart survivor to a promising Jedi. Sabine Wren, a talented artist and explosives expert, added a creative spark to the team and embraced her Mandalorian heritage with style. Kanan Jarrus, a Jedi Knight who survived Order 66, played a crucial role as Ezra's mentor and a beacon of hope in the fight against the Empire.
However, I'm thrilled about the upcoming stories that the Star Wars universe has in store. We all know what's next? But, here's a list of stories I'm eagerly waiting for:
Sifo Dyas' Story: The enigmatic Jedi Master who ordered the creation of the clone army before his mysterious demise.
Quinlan Vos and Ventress Story: The complex relationship between the Jedi Master and the Sith assassin turned Nightsister.
Revan and Alek Story: The epic tale of Revan, a Jedi turned Sith, and his loyal friend Alek, later known as Malak.
Maz Kanata's Enigma: Who is Maz Kanata, and how did she come into possession of the Skywalker Lightsaber?
Mara Jade and Luke Story: The intriguing story of the Emperor's Hand turned Jedi and her connection to Luke Skywalker.
The Broom Boy's Journey: The identity of the boy on Canto Bight who used the Force to pick up his broom and his path to becoming the individual we glimpsed at the end of Episode VIII.
These are the tales I'm hoping to explore next in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe. May the Force be with us as we look forward to these exciting narratives.
I'm fully aware that Star Wars and all its characters are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney. I understand that creating such a collection may raise legal questions about merchandise and selling. However, my primary goal here is not to profit from Star Wars or its beloved characters, which have held a special place in my heart for nearly a decade. The sole reason behind these collections is to share my deep affection for them with like-minded fans. If I happen to spot someone wearing these creations, it brings a smile to my face, and it opens up the possibility for a delightful conversation about our shared love for the Star Wars universe.
I will no longer dig into the characters and stories of this vast universe. I'll leave the rest for replying to your emails and perhaps for a second part of this post in the future.
I hope you enjoy this post and the journey through my Star Wars collection, which is a tribute to all the characters who have touched our hearts and made the Star Wars universe the legendary saga it is today. From Luke Skywalker to Ahsoka Tano, from Darth Vader to Darth Maul, these iconic figures have left an indelible mark on our lives. Join me in this adventure where fashion and fandom converge, celebrating the heroes, the villains, and the vast galaxy they inhabit.
I completed writing this post on 8th September 2023, and since then, I've been tirelessly trying to figure out how to put the pieces together, much like the intricate plotlines of the Star Wars saga itself. May the Force be with you all!
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