New Marvel One-Shot To Explain C3PO's Red Arm!

We're about to find out in a new Marvel One-Shot!

We're about to discover the origin of C3PO's red arm!

From StarWars.com:

Fans of the galaxy’s greatest protocol droid have noticed that in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, C-3PO has a new red arm. In a special one-shot from Marvel, we’ll learn just how and why he got it.

Today, Marvel announced Star Wars Special: C-3P0 #1, a new story from the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens publishing program coming in December. Reuniting the acclaimed and award-winning writer and artist team of James Robinson and Tony Harris for the first time in nearly two decades, the tale follows “golden rod” on a solo adventure leading up to his appearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens — and reveals what led to this change in appearance.

“That’s a really exciting part of doing this story,” says Robinson. “I saw a photo of C-3PO with his red arm the other day and I thought ‘Wow, I’m the writer who gets to explain that.’”

You may not be fluent in over six million forms of communication…but this book is a must have in any language.

See full article here.

Get all the latest Star Wars toys here

So, give us your theories on the red arm in the comments section.  You can also sound off on our group and make sure to like our page!  As always, we will keep you updated right here on the Forcestrong Network when we get more info on the release date.

Get all the latest Star Wars toys here.

Artist Spotlight: Outpouring Comics, VODA, Inheritance, And More

My personal piece of Outpouring Comics.
I bought this at WV Pop Con and had it signed by everyone :)

Outpouring Comics started as a couple of friends Role Playing together and creating stories while in college. These stories evolved and two of the Role Players eventually went on to start their own universes, characters, and stories. Both creators brought in a small group to assist in creation and expansion of their universes before bringing any comic to readers eyes. In June 2012 the two universes merged together to bring about the creation of Outpouring Comics.

Jon Miller, CEO.
I met Jon and talked for a long time last weekend.
Very down to earth guy, and someone who you can tell would be fun to hang out with!

Outpouring Comics made their first public appearance debut at Asbury Park Comic Con in April 2014 with the comic VODA #1. It's now on the 3rd issue, you can find them all here.

VODA (Valley of Death Alliance) follows Deadeye as he forms the villainous group and then they exact their revenge on society, the government, and anyone else they can find that have wronged them over the years

Outpouring Comics is one of the fastest growing independent comic book publishers in the industry. They have recently acquired the award winning horror comic book Inheritance!

Stop by the website for more details

If you would like to have your own 'Artist Spotlight' on this blog and across the entire #Forcestrong Network then contact me today.  Each one is customized for your needs. Thanks for stopping by, comment below or visit our group.  -Travis

Marvel's First Vader/Star Wars Comics Crossover Is Coming!

With all the Star Wars excitement at SDCC this past weekend, Marvel Comics decided to get in on the action. Star Wars: Darth Vader co-writer Kieron Gillen sat in on the Cup O' Joe panel to announce Star Wars: Vader Down.

Gillen said this was a crossover between the core Star Wars comic and Vader. The crossover will cover a period where Darth Vader is marooned behind enemy lines and must make his was back to the Empire by fighting through an entire Rebel army that stands in his way.

No word yet on when the crossover will begin, so stay tuned!

As always, be sure to visit our Facebook Page and give us a like, and join our Facebook Group for all kinds of fun!

Source: Newsarama

A Guide To Better Understanding The New Star Wars Canon

With the new canon replacing the old expanded universe, and all the new comics, novels, television series, and of course the movies themselves....it can get a bit tricky on figuring out into what order everything falls.

Fear not friends! The good folks over at Overmental have figured it out so you won't have to, plus they periodically update the listing as more material is introduced. I must admit, I'm a bit surprised that Plaguieus is not included in this list...but that might be due to Disney saying that the movies and Clone Wars were the core of the new canon, so they may not have included Plaguieus for this reason.

Anywho.....Ladies & gentlemen, I give you:

With this guide you'll have a better understanding as to where everything falls into place, which in turn will alleviate a lot of confusion between certain events in the Star Wars universe and how they impacted future events, as well as helping you understand references made to people, places, or events earlier in the timeline.

Alright everyone, Buckle up. Here we go!

1. Star Wars Ep. I - The Phantom Menace

Set 32 years before A New Hope, this is the earliest point of the new canon. (SWTOR is not canon, therefor it does not apply)

2. Star Wars Ep. II - Attack of the Clones

Set 10 years after the events of The Phantom Menace, this gives us the first glimpse of what will soon evolve into the Galactic Empire.

3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie & Series)

These events take place between Attack of the Clones & Ep. III - Revenge of the Sith and help fill in plot holes and elaborate on characterizations from the prequels....Plus we get Rex & Ahsoka!

WARNING: The Clone Wars has it's own chronological order, as the movie and episodes from seasons 1 through 3 were shown out of sequence. Click HERE for the correct order in which to watch.

4. Star Wars: Darth Maul - Son of Dathomir

With the source material being unused Clone Wars scripts, this comic book series follows the infamous Sith lord and his dealings that take place after the end of TCW.

5. Star War: Dark Disciple 

This novel was released on July 7, 2014 and is also based on unused scripts from TCW. The book centers on the partnership between Asajj Ventress and Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos in their efforts to take down Count Dooku.

6. Star Wars Ep. III - Revenge of the Sith

Here we witness the betrayal to-and fall of the Jedi Order, the end of the Clone Wars, the fall of Anakin Skywalker, and the Rise of Darth Vader.

(Side Note: The James Luceno novel titled Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader is not considered as part of the new canon and therefor not included in this list)

7. Star Wars: Kanan - The Last Padawan

This Comic book series centers around a young Kanan Jarrus, beginning with the story of his survival of Order 66.

8. Star Wars: Lords of the Sith

This novel is a singular story of when the Emperor and Darth Vader were stranded on Ryloth.

9. Star Wars: Tarkin

Written as a Character study of Tarkin, it also tells of how he was bestowed with the title of Grand Moff.

10. Star Wars: A New Dawn

In this novel, we catch up with a post-Order 66 adult Kanan Jarrus meeting Hera for the first time.

11. (OPTIONAL) Star Wars: Story Before The Force Awakens

This one is optional, simply because it's a web comic series written entirely in Korean, which centers around a young Luke's time on Tatooine. Check it out HERE.

12. Servants of the Empire: Edge of the Galaxy

This book is about Zare Leionis and how he came to enroll in the Imperial Academy. Zare was a recurring character in Season 1 of Star Wars Rebels. It is unknown if, however very likely that he will appear in future seasons.

13. Star Wars Rebels

An animated series set 14 years after Ep.III. This series introduces us to the now established crew of the Ghost, led by Kanan Jarrus. What starts off as a life of smuggling evolves into something greater. Season 1 finished strong with a highly anticipated season 2 on the way.

14. Rogue One

Currently in production. Rogue One is a movie set to release in 2016 detailing the events that lead to the theft of the Death Star plans.

15. Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope

The one that started it all. With the help of Obi Wan, Luke, Leia, Han & Chewie begin an epic adventure to fulfill a mission to deliver the newly acquired Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance. Along the way, Luke learns of his destiny.

16. Heir to the Jedi

Taking place between Ep. IV and V, this book follows Luke as he discovers more about his abilities while on a mission to rescue a captured cryptographer.

17. The Weapon of a Jedi: A Luke Skywalker Adventure

Set to release September 4, 2015. This book tells the story of Luke's very first lightsaber duel.

18. The comic book series Star Wars, Star Wars: Princess Leia, and Star Wars: Darth Vader

All three titles pick up after the destruction of the Death Star in Ep. IV.

Star Wars 

Tales of adventures and the developing friendships of Luke, Leia, Han & Chewie while battling the Empire.

SW: Princess Leia 

We find the Princess coming to terms with the destruction of Alderaan and her mission to seek out any scattered survivors that were off-world when the planet was destroyed.

SW: Darth Vader

This series begins with Darth Vader dealing with the fallout from the destruction of the Death Star. This series runs concurrent to Star Wars, with events and stories sometimes overlapping.

19. Star Wars Ep.V - The Empire Strikes Back

Here we see the Rebels on the run with the Empire in hot pursuit. Luke begins his Jedi training, and learns more about his destiny.

20. Moving Target: A Princess Leia Adventure

A novel about the Princess leading a team of Rebels on a mission against the Empire, set to release on September 4, 2015

21. Star Wars Ep. VI - Return of the Jedi

The final showdown between Luke, Darth Vader and the Emperor, marking the end of the original trilogy.

The next group of titles are part of the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens series, which bridge the gap between Episodes VI and the upcoming VII.

22. Lost Stars 

Taking place after ROTJ, it tells a story of two childhood friends on opposing sides of the conflict, and how it affects their duties and friendship. The book comes out September 4, 2015.

23. Star Wars: Aftermath 

Also taking place after ROTJ, this book centers around the still ensuing battles between Rebels and a fractured Empire. As the Rebels uncover evidence of an upcoming secret Imperial meeting, some worlds celebrate their new found freedom as others remain under Imperial control. The book is set to release on September 4, 2015.

24. Star Wars: Shattered Empire 

A 4-part comic book mini series that tells the continuing story of our heroes after the Battle of Endor and the Destruction of the 2nd Death Star.

25. Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens - C3P0

Not much is known about this comic series as of yet other than the release date being prior to, or on December 18, 2015.

....and finally

26. Star Wars Ep. VII - The Force Awakens

Set 30 years after ROTJ, we find a battle still raging between the Rebel Alliance (Now called The Resistance) and The First Order (formerly the Galactic Empire). Heroes new and old join forces as a new threat looms over the horizon.

What do you think of the new Chonological order? Comment about it on our Facebook group.


Source: Overmental.com

New Canon Change For Han Solo. Spoiler From Today's SW Marvel Comic!

Hang on Forcestrong! Today’s issue of Star Wars #6, written by Jason Aaron, contains a surprise that changes one of the series’ main characters completely. You all know the new Disney mandate makes everything 100% Star Wars canon. Get ready to have your mind blown.

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Ready?

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Meet Sana Solo...

Well, looks like Han had a wife?  Has a wife?  Or is she crazy?  We really don't know much more yet.  Sound off on what you think on our Facebook Group. 

Source:  Comic Book Resources

NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

Yoda IS the Dance Master!  See more Forcestrong videos here.

Review of Marvel's Princess Leia, #1 & #2

Spoilers ahead! This review contains a synopsis along with commentary.

The Princess Leia series is Marvel's third release in the rebirth of Star Wars in comics. The series is set right after ANH ends, with the first panels showing the medal presentation ceremony. We are greeted with the familiar faces of Han, Chewie and Luke. Princess Leia then goes on to speak of the great loss of Alederaan and the death of her mother, Queen Breha Organa and Viceroy Bail Organa.

General Dodonna announces it is time to move the Rebel base off of Yavin, since the Empire is now aware of their location. Scouts will be sent out to try to find a suitable planet as others, Admiral Ackbar for example, are tasked with preparing the base for transport. Leia requests to scout, since she seems to have no duties to attend to. General Dodonna is against the idea since they have intercepted a transmission and a substantial bounty has been placed on her.

As Leia leaves, we are introduced to a female Rebel pilot named Evaan. This is the first new character the series offers us. Evaan Verlaine has a fiery temper and a quick tongue. She was mentored personally by the Queen in the heritage of Alderaan. She respected the Queen because of the person, not the position and it is clear she does not respect Leia. Word is spreading through the base the Imperials are hunting down all surviving Alderaanians. Doesn't take a genius to figure out what is going to happen next.

R2 delivers a hologram message to General Dodonna of Leia explaining she is off to gather all the remaining "sons and daughters of Alderaan". As the General reaches for the droid, we find out R2 is also a hologram and actually on board a shuttle with Leia and...what for it....you guessed it, Evaan. A pair of X-Wings show up to escort the shuttle back to Yavin. I'll let you guess who was piloting them. If you guessed Luke and Wedge, give yourself a gold star and a cookie (make it two cookies).

Evaan proves to be a savvy pilot and strategist. She hits one of the X-Wings, knocking off a piece of the shuttle. Luke and Wedge overhear Evaan on the radio saying it was a piece of the hyperdrive. Seem like a set up? Just when you think Leia is going to utter the first "I've got a bad feeling about this" of the series, Evaan jams the controls and they make the jump to hyperspace.

Here ends the first issue. Total number of new characters, other than random pilot #2 in a few panels, 1. So it seems Evaan is the co-pilot of this series. I am not exactly "wowed" by the story and it is also only the first issue. I shall press on.

Issue 2 opens with the shuttle in hyperspace. Leia has a flashback to her childhood. She wants to practice combat exercises instead of her language lessons. She wants to be "in on the action." Bail says soldiers are a thing of the past and Leia must struggle to keep the culture focused on creativity, love and life. "Whatever happens, you must keep Alderaan alive." We all know how well that worked out; Tarkin 1 / Alderaan 0. We snap back to the present with Leia apologizing for her failure to an empty room.
   
First stop, Naboo. Leia learned as a Senator of a cloister (interesting choice of words - if you need to look it up, I'll wait. I need another cup of caf anyway. Back? Ok, we journey on.) little known and long standing. They, Leia and Evaan , will pose as Imperial Auditors. When asked her name at the space port, Leia gives the fake name First Minister Solo. Seriously? Isn't Han supposed to be a famous smuggler? We get it, she likes him. At this point, I am going to give you a breakdown of new characters we will meet:

Lord Junn - well dressed businessman, seems to be of Alderaanian decent and knows Leia.
Mul Sanaka - owner of Club Deeja and does business with Lord Junn
Madame Pareece - oversees the performances of the Melodic Order (made up of Alderaanians) at Club Deeja
Snes - Doorman at Club Deeja
Tace - member of the Melodic Order at the Club
Tula - Tace's sister 

Lord Junn calls out to Leia in the square, addressing her as Princess. Evaan seems annoyed since they are trying to stay incognito. Leia explains they know each other and not to worry. Which, if you have ever read any spy novels, is exactly when you start to worry. Lord Junn places a call to Mul Sanaka on Leia's behalf, supposedly using her fake name.

Evaan and Leia show up at the club and are greeted by Snes and not too kindly I might add. Leia uses her fake name and Snes addresses her as Princess. Anyone else smell a set up? Leia headbutts Snes who then calls out to Mul Sanaka for help. He shows up armed ready to take aim at Leia and is then shot in the back by Madame Pareece. Madame Pareece is overcome with guilt because she has not told the other Alderaanians of the planets destruction. She was afraid it would distract them from their music. Leia makes an announcement and vows to protect them all.

We return to Lord Junn's residence where Leia confronts the kriffing piece of poodoo. He has been in the business of human trafficking and set up the Princess, hoping she wouldn't make it out of the club. He provides a ship to help transport the Alderaanians off world. We then find out their next stop is the Sullust System in the Outer Rim.

Tace calls her sister from the shuttle and wants to do whatever she has to do to reunite with her, since their home world has been destroyed. Tula explains her duty is now to the Princess and serving Alderaan in anyway. Instead of reuniting, Tula tells Tace to call every night and explain what they are doing and where they are heading. Does it seem like Tula is interested in more than just her sister's well being? I agree. The final panel reveals Tula is an Imperial Officer! Dun Dun Dunnnnnn....

I'm still not entirely on board with the story line. It seems like it has the potential to become redundant very quickly. For your sake, noble reader, I shall persevere.    

Too Much Is Never Enough, Or Is It?

Buried With Exclusives

By Guest Writer Mandalore The Wise

For years we have asked for more. Artists and authors answered. Fan made movies popped up all over the web. Die-hard fans created their own storylines when they weren't satisfied with what the authors were writing. The Mickey Mouse Marketing Ears of Disney heard the call, the collective cry of “give us more” and they have answered – AND IT WILL BE CANON.

The animated Clone Wars was pushed off to Netflix, so it wouldn't compete with the new Rebels series. Marvel announced they would be releasing 3 new series. All the current novels were tagged as “Legends” and new novels are hitting the shelves. Exclusive action figures are popping up all over, and I’m not even talking about the ones from the various conventions. Target, Wal-Mart and Walgreens are getting figures you can’t find anywhere else. I spent countless hours on the phone and driving around just to get my hands on a Prototype Armor Boba Fett, just to find them all over the shelves about a month later when they got their next shipment. Oh well, it was an adventure and learning experience.

At first, I was in awe. I was excited for the cartoon and the comics. I created an event on my calendar so I wouldn't miss out on Star Wars #1. It had been years since I had set foot inside a real comic shop. This was going to be like reliving my childhood. The day finally came. I stepped through the doors and breathed in the geekdom! The smell of graphic novels and comics – Oh how I have missed thee. I walked up to the counter and there is was… Comic of the week… Star Wars #1. I reached for it. Then I looked past it. On the wall, there were rows of different covers. Wait. Shenanigans I say! I asked my fellow geek working behind the counter if there was any difference in the story itself. “Nope, just the cover.”

Ok, deep breathe. How many covers can there be? How many do I need? Logically, I knew the answer but the geek in me wanted them all. So I picked up a few different covers, paid and headed home. When I got home, I surfed the web and found over 50 covers. My head swam with variants and exclusives and incentives….

I started looking through my comic collection from the mid 90’s and found a few comics that had a couple different covers. A couple, nothing remotely close to 50. Then Darth Vader #1 and Princess Leia #1 hit the stands also coming in a multitude of different cover options. Star Wars #2 also has multiple covers. When will the lunacy stop! Then I made a realization. It won’t.

Disney answered our collective cry and we are paying for it, literally. Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying all the new content. I am looking forward to reading the new novels. I will continue to buy the comics, only 1 cover. I will fight the urge to be lured into hunting for the exclusives, knowing I will lose some of the battles and will continue to expand my overall collection.

Gone are the days of having to brave the lines at a Wizard World for an exclusive. Now you just have to head to Walgreens...  Let us know what you think on our FB group. 

Marvel Announces Ep. VII Prequel Comic

As reported on IGN.com, Marvel has announced an upcoming comic series set to release in September that serves as a prequel to Episode VII. "The Road to Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Shattered Empire #1" (If that title isn't a mouthful, I don't know what is...) will be out September 15th.

No specifics have been released as to the content of this series, though from the look of the teaser image below by artist Phil Noto, it seems to hint that this series will pick up immediately after the final events of Return of The Jedi. 

It's presumed that the story will follow our heroes as the Rebel Alliance continues it's push against the remnants of the Empire, it's once undisputed might now shattered due to the Emperor's death. This will undoubtedly be a delicate project, as it will have to take into account the events of the 20 books that are also set to be released throughout 2015 in order to ensure proper continuity within the new Star Wars canon EU.  > Get all the latest books here <

Let us know what you think on our FB page!

Turns Out, The Mouse CAN Use The Force! In defense of the Disney ownership.

I'm enjoying the writing, art, and quality of Marvel's new Star Wars comic line.  The action, violence, and story have been shocking unlike Disney.  Which is comforting to me.  I want to make sure that they follow this model for the movies and future properties.  Right now, it looks VERY promising.  I'm happy!

Looks like I'm not the only one.  Jacob Hall from ScreenCrush writes:

Disney didn’t buy ‘Star Wars’ so it could navigate a labyrinth of pre-existing novels, comics, and video games. More specifically, Disney didn’t buy ‘Star Wars’ so it could appease the niche group of fans who have kept up with the increasingly complicated Expanded Universe. It bought ‘Star Wars’ to please the much larger audience of everyone else. 

So Marvel’s new line of ‘Star Wars’ comics, which are officially part of the new canon that also includes the ‘Star Wars Rebels’ animated series, are an interesting beast. After all, Marvel is another relatively recent Disney acquisition. These aren’t like the countless ‘Star Wars’ tales published by Dark Horse Comics over the past 20-plus years, which were sanctioned by Lucasfilm but generally made independently. Now Disney controls ‘Star Wars’ from top to bottom ... and the results, like the brand new ‘Darth Vader’ series, have been shockingly, surprisingly good.

I couldn't agree more.

In stark contrast to their competition across the aisle, the Marvel of recent years has embraced an eclectic mix of writers and artists, giving them access to the strangest corners of their superhero universe and publishing series that have been joyously offbeat. That sense of good taste has already extended to their new ‘Star Wars’ comics, with writer Jason Aaron and artist John Cassaday’s ‘Star Wars’ title (now two issues deep) shattering industry records and for good reason: it’s a terrific comic book. However, it’s writer Kieron Gillen and artist Salvador Larroca’s ‘Darth Vader’ #1 that really suggests how exciting and weird the new ‘Star Wars’ canon may be.

I really love Marvel but I have to agree here.  Too many offshoots that get in the way.

The key has been the same approach that has made Marvel comics so wonderful over the past few years: diversity. Don’t like ‘Darth Vader’? That’s okay, because Marvel is releasing a ‘Princess Leia’ miniseries from the superstar team of Mark Waid and Terry Dodson. Burnt by the prequels? Don’t fret, these new comics are OT to their core.

It’s this willingness to embrace so many different angles and accept so many different approaches to this universe that have lapsed fans all-the-more excited for ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens.’ Maybe history will prove everyone wrong ‘The Phantom Menace’-style, but as of this moment, Disney seems to be letting creative people play in this sandbox and do as they please. If there is extensive supervision, it’s not readily apparent. After all, Gillen’s signature is all over ‘Darth Vader,’ with the writer of ‘Phonogram’ and ‘The Wicked and the Divine’ shaping the ‘Star Wars’ universe around his personal style. As someone who felt all of his enthusiasm for ‘Star Wars’ drain away after the prequels, and whose few attempts to dive into the original EU were rebuffed by impenetrable storytelling, this open-ended, artist-driven approach is a joy to witness.

Read the Full Article Here.

Let us know what you think about the new ownership.

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