Traveling the Jundland Wastes: Recent Episodes
Mark and Dan
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back from a summer break and happy to be chatting about Star Wars again! We talk about everything and anything in the Star Wars universe this week. Break out some coffee and muffins because you are about to venture into The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast with Mark and Dan.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We are back! Yes...we know it's been a while but we are here with our final thoughts on the second season of Andor from Disney Plus (better late than never...right?) In addition, we share some thoughts about some of the Star Wars news as of late and are looking forward to a super Star Wars summer season. Break out the coffee and cake because we are chatting about Star Wars on The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Yes...we are a little late with our thoughts about the 7th, 8th and 9th episodes of the second season of Andor. (Some tusken raiders were out on the Wastes and then our bantha crashed) But better late than never. Break out the baked goods and coffee because we are back for another great episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We hope you had a lovely May the Fourth and are having a great Revenge of the Fifth! We are back behind the microphones to share our thoughts about the fourth, fifth and sixth episodes of Andor on Disney Plus. Plus, we share some thoughts about May the Fourth, A New Hope and Revenge of the Sith on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The first three episodes of the second season of Andor have hit Disney Plus and we are here to give you our first impressions of the show. What did we like? What did we not like? What are some of our thoughts as we are 25 percent through this series? Plus, we share some thoughts about news that came out of Star Wars Celebration Japan! All that and more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We are under 22 days until the release of the second season of Andor on Disney Plus. Tonight I am joined by a panels of Andor fans who share thoughts, insights and speculation on what we might be getting in this second season! Pour yourself a glass of blue milk and get ready for a great discussion on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Who watched the final trailer for Andor season 2? Dan and Mark did and we have a lot to say about it. We also have some conversation about the latest Star Wars video game Outlaws and so much more on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're back today with one of our famous potpourri episodes of the podcast...just a lot of Star Wars chat all over the place which is always a lot of fun. We chat about Disney Plus, a Star Wars channel, books, comics, video games, Andor, and a whole lot more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back behind the microphones and we are discussing the Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 art prints. Great artists have put together spectacular art and images for this years Star Wars Celebration and we are going to give you our thoughts and impressions. Plus, is there a future for classic expanded universe character Mara Jade in the canonical Star Wars universe? All that and more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're back again! Yes, twice in one week because Disney Plus dropped a second trailer of sorts for the upcoming second season of Andor! Dan and I share our thoughts on this trailer and have some fun as we get through our Wednesday together on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back with another new episode of the podcast. Today we tackle the first trailer for Andor season 2! The trailer dropped recently and we have a lot to chat about. All of that and a whole lot more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! HAPPY STAR WARS PODCAST DAY 2025! The TJW Podcast is thrilled to be part of this amazing celebration of everything Star Wars in the podcasting world. Today we reminisce about the last 16 years of podcasting on The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast and take a deep dive into the question of Rey Skywalker and if there will be a movie showing her taking a role in leading the next generation of Jedi. All of that and more on this celebratory episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
StarWarsPodcastDay#SWPD2025
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! After a little bit of deliberation and Jedi meditation, we are back behind the microphones to give you our thoughts about the final episode of The Skeleton Crew! Plus we chat a little bit about rumors of Padme making an appearance in the next season of Ahsoka and some news about Star Wars author Timothy Zahn. All of that and more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're back with another analysis of the latest episode of Disney Plus' Star Wars Skeleton Crew! We chat about episode 7 and speculate at how this series will wrap up this week. Sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy another episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're diving back into The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 3 A Question of Survival! I also have some other Star Wars news and tidbits to share with you as well. It's time for a coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy 2025 to all of our listeners as we continue the HOLIDAY PODCAST BLITZ! Dan and I have watched episode 6 of Skeleton Crew and are here to share our thoughts and ideas with you. All of that and whole lot more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're closing out 2024 with another HOLIDAY PODCAST BLITZ episode! Dan and I share our thoughts about the fifth episode of Skeleton Crew as well as some other Star Wars topics that come to mind. Break out your favorite beverage and toast the new year with us on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The HOLIDAY PODCAST BLITZ continues today with our thoughts about the fourth episode of Skeleton Crew! We are halfway through this series and Dan and I are sharing our thoughts on today's edition of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Break out the coffee and holiday treats because we are still having our HOLIDAY PODCAST BLITZ! Today, we are diving back into the frozen tundra of Hoth with episode 2 of The Empire Strikes Back NPR Radio Drama. What did I think about this episode and how does it expand on the story we know from the movie? All that and more on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
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Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today we continue our HOLIDAY PODCAST BLITZ with commentary on The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama! That's right Jundland Wastes travelers....break out your CD's, cassettes or MP3's of The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama and get ready for a fun journey! Today, I give my commentary on Episode 1....Freedom's Winter! Break out some coffee and cake because we have a journey to take on The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama with commentary from The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Skeleton Crew has blasted off and I am here to give you my first thoughts about the first two episodes of the newest Disney Plus Star Wars series. This podcast is part of our HOLIDAY PODCAST BLITZ! So stay tuned for another great episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's Cyber-Monday and the eve of the next Star Wars Disney Plus series Skeleton Crew! I'm having a quick coffee break to chat about some Star Wars holiday swag and what I managed to score on Black Friday! Break out a cinnamon roll and hot chocolate because you're listening to The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're on the eve of Turkey Day here in the US and the TJW Podcast is having a HOLIDAY PODCAST BLITZ! We are going to have some special shows as we enter into the holiday season and hope you are able to join us for the ride. Today we are talking Star Wars video games! What's on the horizon and what do we want to get for the holidays! All that and more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back behind the microphones and chatting all about Star Wars. It's good be back with a new episode which is a potpourri of Star Wars topics. Break out the coffee and cinnamon buns because we are starting your weekend with this new episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes. Mark and Dan are back at the microphones for another great episode of the TJW Podcast! Today we remember the legendary voice of Darth Vader, the great James Earl Jones. All that and a lot more on this hour long episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We are wrapping up the week with another episode of the podcast. Today we remember the iconic voice of Darth Vader, the great James Earl Jones as well as Star Wars comic book artist John Cassady. In addition, we chat a little about Ewen McGregor getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That and much more on this coffee-cast edition of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Start your weekend off the right way with Dan and Mark back behind the microphones for another great episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. We are chatting about the cancellation of The Acolyte and share some early thoughts about the new Star Wars video game Outlaws! Break out the coffee and snacks because we have a good conversation to share with all of you.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We are back from our summer break and happy to have you along for the ride as we start off the autumn season with a fun filled potpourri of Star Wars chat! Break out the scones and coffee and sit back for some audio goodness heading towards you at lightspeed!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are chatting about the season finale of The Acolyte...Episode 7...Original Sins! We are breaking down this episode and also examining the series as a whole. What aspects of the show did we like and what parts we found more challenging. This is a great discussion and we are happy to have you along for the ride on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back behind the microphones and chatting about The Acolyte Episode 7 Choice! There were many choices made in the episode by the Jedi, the Witches and the staff behind the show. What were their choices in this episode and how is it going to play into the series finale next Tuesday night? Break out the coffee and scones because Dan and I have a lot to unload in this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I'm back with Dan on the podcast to share our thoughts on episodes five and six of The Acolyte. We discuss the ideas and the imagination when it comes to the nature of the Sith, how it plays out on The Acolyte as well as in books and other media. We are taking a dive into the Sith and are glad to have you along for the ride.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We returned to the Sharon Public Library last night for our first live-in-person recording since before the pandemic. We had a great conversation about the Star Wars limited series' on Disney Plus and how we feel they connect into the larger Star Wars saga. Sit back and enjoy this great conversation on The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're back again with another lunch coffee break cast with Mark and Dan! Today we are chatting about the fourth episode of The Acolyte titled Day. What were some of the interesting aspects of this episode that caught our eye and what did we find challenging? All of that and more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're back again with another lunch coffee break cast with Mark and Dan! Today we are chatting about the fourth episode of The Acolyte titled Day. What were some of the interesting aspects of this episode that caught our eye and what did we find challenging? All of that and more on today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Yes, we are a little tardy this week but we have our thoughts on Episode 3 of The Acolyte....Destiny! Dan and I have a good chat about this episode as we prepare for our live podcasting event next week, June 25 at the Sharon Public Library in Sharon, Massachusetts. Check out the Facebook page for all the details. Sit back, relax and enjoy this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're talking about The Acolyte series from Disney Plus! And yes...I said "we're" because co-host Dan is back in the studio tonight to help me break down these first two episodes of The Acolyte. In addition, the TJW Podcast has a big announcement about our next live and in-person podcasting event! All that and more on todays episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's one day before the release of The Acolyte on Disney Plus! Who's excited for some new Star Wars stories? I'm sharing some "pre-game" comments on the series. I also have some news about upcoming Essential Legends Collection titles and the cover art for these stories as well. All that and more on todays coffee-cast with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's a special day for the podcast when we can do back-to-back shows! Today on the podcast I am sharing some thoughts about the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi and some nice books celebrating this amazing movie in the saga. It's a coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I am back behind the microphone and talking about the upcoming Disney Plus series The Acolyte set to hit the air on June 4th. In addition, I have some of the physical media releases of these Disney Plus series that I want to chat about as well. Break out a coffee and scone because we are chatting about Star Wars on The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy May the Fourth, Revenge of the Fifth and Revenge of the Sixth! Who watched Bad Batch and Tales of the Empire? Who bought some fun Star Wars swag this weekend? Who had a great Star Wars weekend? I did and I hope you did too! Find out more on this new episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We have a bunch of new announcements to chat about today on the podcast...KOTOR, Black Series Masters of Evil set, Natalie Portman autograph signing and more! We might be a little late for a coffee break today so maybe this episode is better with an after dinner cocktail or tea? Or maybe you just need to break out some blue milk. Whatever you are having enjoy it with this episode of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Spring is in the air, it's April 1 and that ain't no fooling! On todays coffee break I chat a little about some new books and a one shot comic coming out, some Black Series figure news and more on this episode of the The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's a Bad Batch Wednesday! Not only that but we're getting a lot of Star Wars action figure swag dropping today on Hasbro Pulse including this great 4 figure set from the original Zahn/Thrawn trilogy novel The Last Command! Hear some of my thoughts on it and more on today's coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're starting the week off right with another coffee cast! Or perhaps I should say a coffee cast with a little blue milk? We're talking blue milk, The Acolyte, the High Republic, Fan Expo Boston, the Star Wars Epic Collection and more on todays episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I'm back behind the microphone this week for a quick coffee break. It's been a while but I just wanted to share a few thoughts about news in the Star Wars galaxy and let you know that our commentary on The Empire Strikes Back NPR Radio Drama is coming soon! Glad to have you along for the ride today.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy Valentine's Day! On today's coffee break we chat about Star Wars romance in the expanded universe as well as some nice Star Wars swag appropriate for February 14! Break out the chocolates and roses on todays episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're celebrating Star Wars Podcast Day 2024! The TJW Podcast is proud to join other Star Wars podcasts in celebrating the great voices across the globe who love to engage in conversation about the Star Wars universe! Take a coffee break with us and find out what's cooking with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
StarWarsPodcastDay2024
SWPD2024
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today we discuss the final episode of the Star Wars NPR Radio Drama for A New Hope....Episode 13 Force and Counterforce! Plus, I have some thoughts about the first expanded universe story to take place right after A New Hope....Splinter of the Minds Eye by Alan Dean Foster. Does this title have a place in the Essential Legends Collection? Stay tuned and hear what we have to say about it!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The TJW Podcast is back with our commentary on the Star Wars NPR Radio Drama Episode 13 The Case for Rebellion! It's a fun episode so get your favorite beverage and get ready for a good coffee break just in time for the weekend! Plus, I share my thoughts about some Star Wars news as well!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's double header day here on the podcast. Today we continue our journey into the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas with a look at episode 10 The Luke Skywalker Initiative and episode 11 The Jedi Nexus. Plus I share some current Star Wars news and thoughts as well. It's a great day when you can get a double dose of the TJW Podcast during your coffee break.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy new year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are looking forward to what Star Wars has to offer in 2024. Today we continue our journey into the Star Wars NPR Radio Drama with our commentary on Episode 9 Rogues, Rebels and Robots. I also share some Star Wars news and other thoughts on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We continue to take our holiday season to new levels as we make our way through the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas! Today we chat about Episode 8 Death Stars Transit. Take a coffee break with us on The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's a Monday but it's also another step in our journey through the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas. Today we discuss Episode 7 The Han Solo Solution. I also mention some thoughts about Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny playing now on Disney Plus. It's time for a coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We are back behind the mics to bring you the next step in our journey through the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas. We chat about Episode 6 The Millennium Falcon Deal. Keep up those fun holidays spirits, pour yourself a good cup of hot cider and get ready for a new episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! And today we actually are going into the Jundland Wastes with Ben, Luke and the droids in our commentary on Episode 5 of the Star Wars NPR Radio Drama called Jedi That Was, Jedi To Be. Plus, I have some comments on the naming of Dave Filoni as the new Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm. Enjoy this pre-Turkey Day episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're moving right along with our journey into the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas with Episode 4 titled While Giants Mark Time. Plus I have a quick comment about a fun video I found on my Facebook Reels regarding Hayden, Rosario and the Ahsoka series! It's time for a coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're preparing for the winter holiday season by continuing our journey through the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas! Today we are chatting about Episode 3 Black Knight, White Princess and Pawns. Break out the spiced apple cider and and prepare for the jump to hyperspace with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy 45th anniversary of The Star Wars Holiday Special! What better way to celebrate this Life Day then by relaxing with a new episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. We continue our deep dive into the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas with a discussion about Episode 2 Points of Origin! Start the weekend off right with the TJW Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today is the day! We start our commentaries of the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas! We start things off with episode one from Star Wars: A New Hope called A Wind To Shake The Stars. Get yourself a nice warm beverage and get ready to go back to Tatooine with this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I'm back behind the microphone for a new episode of the TJW Podcast! It's a coffee break and I'm chatting about Star Wars swag, The Force Unleashed, the Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas and lots more. The holidays are starting early with this episode! Grab a pumpkin spiced drink and get ready to hit hyperspace with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! This is no coffee cast today...we have a full blown 1 hour plus episode with me and my co-host Dan! That's right...Dan and I are back in the studio today to chat about some of our post Ahsoka series thoughts. You can break out the coffee if you want but you may need a full lunch to enjoy while listening to today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The finale of Ahsoka has brought a conclusion (and a bit of a cliffhanger) to this first season. I share some of my thoughts on this extended episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Yes, I was not able to post a podcast last week so this week I am combining my thoughts on parts 6 and 7 of the Ahsoka series on Disney Plus! Wow! These are two powerful episodes and I have a bunch of thoughts on it. Break out the coffee and scones because we are chatting about Ahsoka on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's an Ahsoka Tuesday! New episode of this great Disney Plus series hits eastern time zone viewers at 9PM tonight. We chat a little about that as well as the upcoming Mark Hamill private autograph signing, some news about the Star Wars Black Series figures and a little book news. It's time for coffee with the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's the eve of another episode of Ahsoka! And I have some additional thoughts to add from the previous podcast. Plus, I have some book news to share and I'll throw it a back a bunch of years to the prequel trilogy with a nice collectible that I just added to the collection. All that and more on this coffee break with the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! What did you think of Ahsoka part 5 Shadow Warrior? I was blown away by this episode and want to share some of my thoughts with you on this extended episode of the podcast. Anakin...Ahsoka...what does the living force demand of me now? All of these deep thoughts on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy Monday to you as you start your work week! And a happy eve of Aksoka Tuesday. Part 5 is just on the horizon and I can't wait to see what happens this week. I share some more thoughts about the concept of a fallen Jedi and I have some book news to share as well. It's your coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! WOW! Part 4 of the Ahsoka series on Disney Plus just blew me away! So many questions! So many ideas in this episode! This is no coffee break podcast today...I suggest a couple sandwiches and a dessert to get through this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. And we are going to be spoiler heavy on this episode so be sure to watch Part 4 Fallen Jedi of the Ahsoka series before listening to the podcast today.
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're chatting about part 3 of the Ahsoka series! I really enjoyed this episode and have a lot to say about it. It's time for a coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's an Ahsoka Tuesday! As you we get ready for part 3 of the Ahsoka series on Disney Plus, I'm also thinking about the digital release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Grab a coffee or tea and sit back for this small break in the day with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on this coffee break we're chatting about some listener feedback and the resurgence of the Sith character from the original expanded universe Darth Malgus! It's coffee, sandwiches and snacks for all in this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We are talking about the first two episodes of Ahsoka from Disney Plus! And yes...I say WE because my co-host Dan is back on the podcast to share his thoughts about these episodes as well! Break out the good coffee and pastries because you are listening to The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's time for a coffee break with our pre-game thoughts about Ahoska hitting Disney Plus sometime later today or tomorrow. What are some ideas that I have roaming around my head as I get ready for this new chapter in the Star Wars saga? I am really looking forward to this new series! So break out that coffee and blueberry muffin because it's time to talk about Ahsoka with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Fan Expo Boston 2023 is in the history books and I'm going to fill you in on my adventures at the show. Star Wars celebs, artists and authors were in the house so sit back for that coffee break and hear all about it on this episode of TJW Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We chat about Ahsoka, Fan Expo Boston, Billy Dee Williams and much more on this fantastic coffee break edition of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Take a break with the podcast as I chat about Ahsoka, Rosario Dawson, Fan Expo Boston, Lando, Black Series figures and a whole lot more! Who would have thought you could talk all about that during a coffee break? Break out the coffee and snacks because you are listening to The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on this coffee/lunch break I'm chatting about the Star Wars action figure news that came out of San Diego Comic Con and the new Star Wars Outlaws video game trailer! All that and more on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I'm back again with another fun episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. Today on this coffee/lunch break edition of the podcast, I chat about the new Ahsoka trailer, some great new additions to the Star Wars Black Series 6 inch figures and some new book news. All of that and more on The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I'm back behind the microphone with another episode of the TJW Podcast! Today I chat about the new Indiana Jones movie, my summer reading list and some fun swag I picked up to start off the summer season. All of that and more on this coffee/lunch break edition of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Summer is here and I'm still thinking about what Star Wars books I plan to read when I take my trips to the beach or the lake. I'm talking about Legends stories and specifically an audio drama treasure from the late Brian Daley called Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell. Plus I fill you in on some swag I picked up on May the Fourth! Break out the lemonade and take a break with the TJW Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The podcast is back as we unofficially start the Star Wars 2023 summer season! What are you doing this summer Star Wars wise? Today I chat about the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi, some more guest announcements at Fan Expo Boston and Rhode Island Comic Con as well as some essential legends book news. All that and more on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy May the Fourth and Revenge of the Fifth! How did you celebrate these great Star Wars days? Take a quick coffee break with me and I'll tell how I celebrated the day and what swag I picked up. It's great to have you back for another episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's time for coffee and Star Wars conversation with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. I'm chatting about Star Wars artist Dave Dorman and his upcoming appearance this November at Rhode Island Comic Con, May the Fourth swag and other Star Wars thoughts on this episode of the TJW Podcast!
Hey there fellow Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The podcast is back! This episode is a bit longer than a coffee break so maybe maybe grab a steak sandwich and fries for this extended episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. We chat about Bad Batch, The Mandalorian, Star Wars Celebration, 501st day and the upcoming May the Fourth Be With You Day as well!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on the podcast I am continuing my chat about the trouble I am having with the High Republic part of the Star Wars timeline and some thoughts about the Del Rey Star Wars Essential Legends Collection titles. It's time for a coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Break out some snacks and coffee because we are talking about last weeks Bad Batch episode called Tipping Point. Plus, a little bit of book news in this sweet coffee break called The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The podcast is back for your coffee/lunch break and I'm chatting about this weeks episode of The Mandalorian called The Foundling! Break out the coffee and good muffins because you are listening to another amazing episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Take your coffee break with the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast as we discuss last weeks episode of The Bad Batch entitled Pabu! Plus I have some news about an upcoming Star Wars Marvel Omnibus, some New England comic con news and some thoughts about the Gentle Giant Star Wars mini bust of Dark Side Rey!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We are talking about episode 3 from season 3 of The Mandalorian....The Convert! Take a coffee break with us and hear my thoughts about this episode! Plus, I give a short update about sprucing up the bookshelves of the TJW Podcast. Start the weekend off right with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Hunker down on this snowy and stormy day here in southeastern New England with the TJW Podcast! Today I chat about this past weeks episode from The Bad Batch called The Outpost. Warm up with some coffee and danish along with today's episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I'm back! Today I chat about The Mandalorian episode 2 of season 3 called The Mines of Mandalore. Plus, I have some comic book and expanded universe items to chat about as well. Break out the sandwiches and coffee because it's time for The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on the podcast we chat about the 10th episode of The Bad Batch...Retrieval! In addition, I share about more guests at Star Wars Celebration and some comments by Qui-Gon Jinn himself, Liam Neeson about his thoughts of reprising his role. Warm up a coffee and join us for another episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today I am chatting about the latest episode of the Bad Batch...The Crossing! In addition, I mention a little bit about the upcoming comic con season and some news about the new Indiana Jones Adventure Series 6 inch figures coming out in April. It's time for a coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's "I love you....I know" Day here on the podcast! Today I chat about some great new Star Wars art especially made for "I love you...I know" Day, it's the 45th anniversary of Splinter of the Mind's Eye and there is a new book on the horizon about the Star Wars NPR radio dramas! Time for a coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We have a double header of Bad Batch this week. Take yourself a coffee or lunch break with the TJW Podcast as we chat about Clone Conspiracy and Truth and Consequences episodes.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's Star Wars Podcast Day 2023 and we're glad to have you along for the ride! It's the 24th anniversary of Jedi Talk, the very first Star Wars related podcast which premiered back on February 7, 1999. The TJW Podcast has been around for 12 years and I'm going to celebrate the day with my 12 item Star Wars wish list! Grab a coffee, blue milk or any other beverage out there to toast a great Star Wars Podcast Day with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!#StarWarsPodcastDay2023#SWPD2023
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're wrapping up the week with a quick chat about my thoughts on the latest Bad Batch episode called Tribe! In short, I LOVED IT! Wookies, lightsabers and Jedi! Now that is Star Wars that I can enjoy! Break out the good coffee and scones because this coffee/lunch break calls for it!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on the podcast I chat about the latest Bad Batch episodes and I throw in my two cents on the latest autograph signers who will be at Star Wars Celebration Europe this April. Plus, I have some book swag news to chat about as well. It's another coffee break/lunch break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes. Today on the podcast I am chatting about the new Star Wars Archives Episodes 4-6 book by Paul Duncan. I just got the 40th edition from Taschen publications and have some thoughts about it before I begin delving into it. Plus, I talk about a new Star Wars Funko Pop figure that will soon be arriving to the official bookcase of the TJW Podcast. TGIF and enjoy!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Break out the coffee and the good muffins because we are back for another Star Wars filled coffee/lunch break. Today on the podcast I chat about the third episode of The Bad Batch and the Mandalorian season 3 trailer that dropped last night. It might be a bit cold this January day but we are heating things up with some great Star Wars conversation.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy new year! Happy 2023! Let's start the year off with some thoughts about The Bad Batch season 2 and some new swag in my collection. It's time for your lunch/coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy holidays and wrap up of 2022! Today on our coffee/lunch break we are chatting about Star Wars swag! What did you get and what did I get? Break out the hot chocolate because we're warming up a great episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I'm back behind the microphone and chatting about Star Wars books, art and holiday gift ideas. I know it's not the lunch hour and it's a little late for a coffee so I leave it to you to find the appropriate meal, snack and beverage for this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're back for another coffee-lunch break podcast episode. Today I chat about my thoughts regarding the Andor season finale, some recent Star Wars news and an update about my latest Star Wars swag acquisitions. Break out the fluffernutter sandwiches and coffee because you're listening to The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan is in the house for another coffee break podcast! We chat about a bunch of the items but have Andor on our minds. Check out this special in person episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast with Mark and Dan!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners - I'm back with another lunch break episode! We're chatting about Andor Episode 11 as well as some new Star Wars Marvel omnibus volumes coming out in 2023! Break out the sandwiches because it's a lunch with the TJW Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's another lunch time review of Andor! There's only one way out! We'll break it down in 15 minutes or so while you enjoy your coffee and sandwich on this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on the podcast I break down my Star Wars adventure to Rhode Island Comic Con this past Sunday. It's lunch break with the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! Where's my Fluffernutter?
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We're chatting about Andor episode 9....with TJW Podcast co-host Dan! Yes, it's true! Dan joins me for a coffee break to discuss the Andor series in general and some thoughts about last nights episode on Disney Plus! Break out your coffee and sandwich with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's lunch break with the TJW Podcast! I'm scattered all over the place with this episode. Probably due to the fact that I'm still working on my first coffee and I don't have a fluffernutter sandwich. Regardless, great to have you along for today's episode!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Time for some hot cafe and a fluffernutter sandwich with the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. Did you watch the new Tales of the Jedi animated shorts yet? What did you think? And how about that Hasbro announcement from London Comic Con regarding some of the those new Black Series 6 inch figures? Mara Jade, Bastila Shan and Darth Malak! I share some thoughts on this episode of the TJW Podcast.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's your lunch break with the TJW Podcast. How about that episode of Andor last night? A very powerful episode. Today I chat a little about my thoughts about the episode and how I am feeling about the Andor series. It's time for lunch and coffee with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's a double header Wednesday on the podcast as we chat about Andor and Tales of the Jedi on Disney Plus! What can we gain from these two series that approach Star Wars from different angles? It's a late day coffee break and you're listening to The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes. It's your post Andor episode 7 review lunchtime-coffee break podcast. We are chatting about Andor, the Taschen Star Wars Archive books and some thoughts about some new Gentle Giant Star Wars mini busts and statues. Pour me some cafe because it's time to talk Star Wars!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's an Andor Wednesday again on the podcast! Let's chat about Andor, the Shadow of the Sith novel by Adam Christopher and more thoughts on the Star Wars Black Series six inch figures! It's a lunch break with the TJW Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Coffee break! Who watched Andor episode 6 this week? I'm chatting about Andor as well as some KOTOR video game news and more chat about the Black Series 6 inch figures that I'm considering. Close out your work week with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes. Break out that sandwich and coffee because it is another lunch break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. Andor, Shadow of the Sith and Star Wars action figure swag is on my mind today. Glad to have you along for the ride!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Break out the coffee or cereal with blue milk because we're back with another episode. Today we chat about the fifth episode of Andor, the new Tales of the Jedi animated shorts series coming to Disney Plus this month, the original Tales of the Jedi Dark Horse comic tale, Star Wars guests at New York Comic Con and some Star Wars artist news. Enjoy this episode of the TJW Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's a Tuesday lunch/coffee break with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! Today I am chatting about some of the Disney Plus Star Wars documentaries, the retirement of James Earl Jones, some new swag I want to add to my collection and find out what I am reading these days. Take a break with the TJW Podcast...you'll love it!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on the podcast I give my thoughts on the first four episodes of Andor from Disney Plus. In addition, I have a some comments on the now spotted-in-stores Boba Fett (Droids version) six inch Black Series figure from Target. Break out your lunch and coffee because the TJW Podcast is the house.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's Andor day! Today the first three episodes of the new Andor series on Disney Plus dropped! We chat spoiler free about this momentous day as well as mention some new books that came out this week and some upcoming Star Wars swag from Hasbro and Gentle Giant Ltd! It's your lunch break with the TJW Podcast! Enjoy!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Pour yourself a glass of blue milk or galactic cafe because it is time for another lunch/coffee break with the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! Andor, Rogue One, Tales of the Jedi and some classic expanded universe stories are some of the things I'm chatting about.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Andor is heading to Disney Plus in less then a month. Get yourself ready for Andor by re-watching Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with commentary by Mark and Dan! This is no lunchtime hour or coffee break...you need a big bucket of snacks and drinks to get through this commentary.
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's lunchtime which means another episode of the TJW Podcast! There are a lot of Daisy Ridley autographs being posted today from her last autograph signing. Some were good and some were not so good. I chat about autographs and how we view them in our fandom.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's time for your lunch and/or coffee break with the TJW Podcast! Today I'm chatting about some art and some autographs. Break out that sandwich and freshen up that coffee because here is your new episode of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Break out your lunch and coffee for another episode of the TJW Podcast! Obi Wan, ILM, Andor and essential legends are on my mind today. Make sure to always have a little bit of Star Wars each and every day.
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's a swagtastic Friday show to end the week. In this lunch time episode I chat about some art prints I purchased from Herofied art, a couple new mini busts from Gentle Giant that I might considered adding to my collection and the upcoming Tales of Kenobi and The Bounty Hunter Wars hardcover leather-bound editions from Barnes & Noble. Grab your coffee and sandwiches for this lunchtime edition of the TJW Podcast!
Hi there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's another lunchtime podcast break! I share some thoughts about Fan Expo Boston and my meeting with Star Wars actor Anthony Daniels! Enjoy!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The band is back together for tonight's episode! Dan joins us in the studio tonight to help breakdown our thoughts about the six episode Obi Wan Kenobi series on Disney Plus. Grab something to drink and get ready for a really fun discussion.
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! In this lunchtime session of the podcast, I chat about my favorite aspects of Star Wars Celebration 2022 that wrapped up this weekend. Break out your lunch or coffee and enjoy this episode of the podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on the lunch break version of the podcast I chat about some new Star Wars swag in my collection: a Mark Lewis Jones autograph (Captain Canady in Ep 8), the new Star Wars Insider magazine and my new art project of Star Wars bookplates. Plus, Star Wars Celebration is underway in Anaheim and the Kenobi Disney Plus show starts tomorrow!
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Today on the podcast we remember Star Wars concept artist Colin Cantwell. In addition, I share some Star Wars swag that is on my wish list. It's lunch break again with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We are one week away from the Kenobi Disney Plus series and Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim. This past week we got to see the new Vanity Fair Star Wars cover and photos by Annie Leibovitz and the new Star Wars Insider for May. Great photos and nice magazines to add to your collection. Hear more about it on today's episode of the TJW Podcast!
Hey there TJW Podcast listeners! Happy 20th anniversary to Star Wars Episode 2 Attack of the Clones! I have some thoughts to share with you about why Ep 2 is my favorite movie of the prequels.
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes. Today on the podcast, we are chatting about Free Comic Book Day this past weekend and remembering two artistic giants in the comic book industry, Neal Adams and George Perez. We also talk about their contributions to the Star Wars universe.
Hello TJW Podcast listeners - Happy May The Fourth Be With You Day! Today we chat about the Star Wars Celebration art show prints that are available for purchase at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, CA this year. These prints are just the thing to celebrate with on May The Fourth! Let us know what prints you are getting at the show and which ones are your favorite.
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! While we might be disappointed that Mark Hamill will not be at Star Wars Celebration this year, there is no doubt that his character of Luke Skywalker still has room for more tales to be told. What are some of my favorite Luke Skywalker expanded universe tales? What are some of yours? Stay tuned for a quick look at a couple of my favorites.
Hello TJW Podcast listeners - Can you believe that it has been 15 years since the release of The Force Unleashed video game? Sam Witwer, who is known as the voice actor for Darth Maul in The Clone Wars and Rebels, started his Star Wars journey as Starkiller in this video game that re-imagined a Star Wars galaxy in which force powers were over the top powerful and the seeds of the Rebellion were planted. I think back to that video game and other random Star Wars thoughts on this episode of the TJW Podcast!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Check out our new show format and let us know what you think. Today I chat about my thoughts regarding the new Kenobi series set to launch on Disney Plus in May as well as the re-release of the novel Kenobi by author John Jackson Miller!
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We are back on the podcast and chatting about The Book of Boba Fett that hits Disney Plus tomorrow! We also chat about the High Republic, video games and other Star Wars thoughts. Enjoy and happy holidays!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Break out your DVD, Blu-ray, digital or Disney Plus app for Rogue One because we are doing our commentary on this amazing piece of the saga! Why do we love this stand alone story so much? How does it affect our understanding of the other movies in the saga? All of that and much more in our commentary on Rogue One!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! We bring you our commentary on Star Wars....Episode 6...Return of the Jedi. Find your copy of Episode 6 on DVD, Blu-ray, Disney Plus or even that dusty old VHS tape! All is good! We had a great time doing this commentary and we hope to have another up before the end of the summer.
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are back for the April edition of the podcast! Lots to chat about in tonight's show. KOTOR....does the future of Star Wars storytelling have its roots somewhere in The Old Republic era? Stay tuned and hear our thoughts on it. Enjoy the show!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! We're back in the studio for another great episode. Tonight, Dan and I turn on the microphones and have an extended discussion about Star Wars, Disney, the expanded universe, the Muppets, music and other topics in this potpourri episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! Enjoy!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! - Happy Star Wars Podcast Day! We are thrilled to join with 80 other Star Wars podcast to celebrate our love of Star Wars and Star Wars podcasting. In this special episode, Dan and I look back at our years of Star Wars podcasting and our thoughts about the future of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! We raise our glasses to all those other Star Wars podcasts that continue to enhance our admiration of the Star Wars franchise!
Special thanks to Daniel Contreras and his website www.starwarsnowthis.com for putting this event together! #starwarspodcastday #swpd2021
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Happy 2021! We start off the new year with some exciting news for not only The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast but for all Star Wars podcasts across the galaxy! And Dan and I get into a good chat about all those Star Wars projects announced at the end of last year by Disney. It's a great episode and we are glad you are along for the ride! Get those earbuds in place and raise a glass of blue milk in honor of the new year! The TJW Podcast is back with another great episode!
Happy Holidays TJW Podcast listeners! We hope you are enjoying your holidays and making the most of them with your loved ones. Today on this holiday edition of the podcast, we go over the last two chapters of season 2 of The Mandalorian! We also take a moment to remember the original Boba Fett from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch who passed away on December 17, 2020. And we share some thoughts as well about the upcoming Star Wars Rogue Squadron movie coming in 2023! Pour yourself some blue eggnog with a little rum or maybe settle into a good Corellian ale because The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast is back with a new episode!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are back on the mics and chatting about The Mandalorian, Chapter 14: The Tragedy! And let me tell you, there were a ton of tragedies that happened to our heroes. And while it was great to be re-introduced to Boba Fett in the canonical Star Wars universe...what worked and what left us scratching our heads in this chapter? Get those ear buds in place because The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast is back again for another episode!
The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast remembers Star Wars actor Dave Prowse who was and will always be the legendary Darth Vader. We chat about our experience meeting him at the 2012 Super Megafest convention and how we will remember him. We send our condolences to his family and fans.
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Everyone is buzzing about the latest chapter of The Mandalorian in which we get our first look at Rosario Dawson's portrayal of the legendary Jedi Ahsoka Tano. And we also found out The Child's real name! So much to talk about it on this new episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! Get those earbuds warmed up and get yourself a good beverage because we are talking about The Mandalorian!
Hey there TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are back for the November 2020 edition of the podcast. Today we chat about our thoughts regarding the first four episodes of season 2 of The Mandalorian, Dan gives us a review of recent Star Wars video games Jedi: Fallen Order and Squadrons and we have a discussion about news surrounding Star Wars author Alan Dean Foster. Let the holiday season begin! The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast is here with another great episode!All the best,Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are back with our review of The Mandalorian season 2 trailer. We break down that amazing trailer as well as going on some fun tangents....and more tangents...and even more tangents. It's a fun show that we think you will enjoy!
| | | Beggar's Canyon by Herofied artist Rob Taylor |
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! Dan and I are back in the studio to start a new and special series of episodes. We are going on a journey to explore and analyze the original Star Wars NPR Radio Dramas! After a long stretch of time analyzing the Sequel Trilogy, we wanted to bring back our love of the Original Trilogy while at the same time having a chance to chat about the Expanded Universe segments within these radio dramas. You can still find these radio dramas through various online vendors or even at your local public library. Take the time to listen to each chapter and then tune us in for our analysis. We are going old school on the podcast tonight! Prepare to go back in time to Tatooine and meet Luke Skywalker as a young pilot racing his T-16 Skyhopper through Beggar's Canyon! We look forward to having you along for the ride!
Enjoy!
Mark and Dan
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! We hope everyone is having a great summer. Today on the podcast Dan and I chat about the cancellation of Star Wars Celebration, the new and upcoming video game release of Star Wars Squadrons and we chat about the fairly new canon EU novels Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray as well as Lords of the Sith by Paul Kemp. Plus, some thoughts on Star Wars swag, Bob Dylan and Lisa Loeb (yes, there is a Star Wars connection at least for one of them :) Pour yourself an iced coffee, frozen lemonade or even a blue milk because we are talking Star Wars!
Enjoy!MarkCo-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are talking Clone Wars tonight! What an epic ending to this seven season series! Plus we throw in our thoughts about our favorite bounty hunter making his debut on The Mandalorian. And we have a conversation about Darth Revan! All that and more on today's podcast!
Enjoy!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Happy May the Fourth Be With You Day! Dan and I are back in the studio and chatting about our impressions of The Mandalorian. What did we like about season 1? What had us scratching our heads? Get ready because you are about to hear The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast with Mark and Dan!
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are back in the studio tonight with our thoughts regarding Star Wars Episode 9 The Rise of Skywalker! Take a well deserved break from your routine, grab yourself a blue milk and plug in those ear buds because you are Traveling the Jundland Wastes with Mark and Dan!
Email us and let us know what you think about The Rise of Skywalker!
Enjoy!
Mark and Dan
Co-hosts of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! The final trailer for The Rise of Skywalker hit in October and we are back to share our thoughts on it. We are under 49 days until Episode 9 is on the silver screen and we are looking forward to celebrating this next chapter in the Star Wars saga! Grab yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and put on those earbuds because we are back at the microphones with another episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
All the best,
Mark and Dan
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! We're back in the studio for another episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! It's been a while since we had a chance to sit down and break down the latest Star Wars news. But we are back in the studio and happy to have you along for the ride. This episode is a bit of a smorgasbord of Star Wars thoughts that is on our mind. We pay tribute to the great Peter Mayhew, break down the latest teaser for The Rise of Skywalker and chat about comics, books and the new Fallen Order video game. Fire up the converters! The TJW Podcast is about to make the jump into hyperspace!
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! Can you believe that on May 21, 1980, 39 years ago today, The Empire Strikes Back hit the theaters? Possibly the most popular of all Star Wars movies, it still send chills up our spines in so many ways no matter how many times you see it! Celebrate today by taking out your bluray, DVD or VHS and listening back to our archived commentary on Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back!
Happy 20th anniversary to Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace! Can you believe that is has been 20 years since the day that Star Wars fandom restarted in such a monumental way? The story of Anakin Skywalker began with Episode 1 and considering what we have seen in the teaser for Episode 9 The Rise of Skywalker, it's a good bet that many aspects of the prequels will present itself come this December. For now, pop in that bluray, DVD or VHS (yes, there was still VHS when The Phantom Menace was released on video :), and listen to the TJW Podcast commentary back when we were on the road to Rogue One!
Happy anniversary all!
Mark and Dan
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Star Wars Celebration 2019 is in the books. While Dan and I were not able to be in Chicago we followed along social media to keep up with all the happenings at the biggest Star Wars party of the year! The excitement reached a fever pitch when we got our first look at the teaser for Star Wars Episode 9 The Rise of Skywalker! We break down the teaser with our thoughts and speculation of this final chapter of the Skywalker saga. Plus we chat about The Mandalorian, Clone Wars upcoming final season, Jedi Fallen Order video game and the Vader VR experience. Get yourself ready to blast into hyperspace with this next episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! Dan and I are back in the studio for our pregame report for Star Wars Celebration 2019 that kicks off next week in Chicago. There are so many big announcements that we are eagerly awaiting to happen at this years Celebration. We chat about Episode 9, The Mandalorian, Clone Wars, the Fallen Order video game and much more. Let the Star Wars spring season begin with this episode of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! Dan and I are back in the studio for another episode of the podcast. 2019 is going to be a banner year for Star Wars and we are so excited to be chatting about Star Wars in the studio today. We still have more to say about The Last Jedi and we discuss the new Star Wars video game slated for release this November. Get yourself a warm beverage and fire up those mp3 players because we are talking Star Wars on the TJW Podcast!
| | | BREAKING NEWS! MARK AND DAN RETURN TO THE TJW PODCAST !The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast is back on the air! It has been almost a year since our last podcast but we are back! What is the state of Star Wars? What is the state of the TJW Podcast? Dan and I met up at our local Barnes and Noble bookstore and coffee shop last night to chat about all of this and more. Here is a special unedited edition of the podcast! And let us know what you think at our Facebook page.Happy holidays!Mark |
Happy New Year TJW Podcast listeners! It is great to be back in studio and recording our thoughts on Star Wars Episode 8 The Last Jedi! As we all know, this movie has generated a great amount of analysis, criticism and praise all at the same time. In fact, Dan and I butt heads and lock horns during this special extended episode. What worked? What didn't work? How does this upcoming year look from a Star Wars perspective? Strap in and get ready to travel the Jundland Wastes with us once more.Email us and tell us your thoughts about this episode and The Last Jedi!Enjoy!
MarkCo-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! 15 days until The Last Jedi and we are back in the studio for another great episode of the podcast! I break down my thoughts on my experience at Rhode Island Comic Con and my meeting with Darth Sidious himself Ian McDiarmid, we get Dan's insights into the new video game Battlefront II and we explore some of the recent news regarding the new trilogy and the live action TV show! It's a great conversation and we invite you to get comfortable and enjoy the show!
Email us and let us know what you think of the show!
Enjoy!
Mark
Happy Cyber Monday TJW Podcast listeners! While you are shopping online today for all of your Star Wars swag be sure to check out our latest episode of the podcast. We finally have our commentary on the official trailer for Episode 8 The Last Jedi!
What are some of your thoughts on the trailer? Email us and let us know!
Have a great Cyber Monday!
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are back in the studio and ready to chat about Star Wars and the expanded universe. Today we talk about news regarding The Last Jedi, Episode 9 and Solo: A Star Wars Story. We also dive into some of the books we have read in preparation for The Last Jedi, discuss the newest trailer to hit for the upcoming video game release this month Battlefront II. And if it's November, it means that Dan and I are getting ready for Rhode Island Comic Con. And this year we are thrilled to have the chance to meet Ian McDiarmid AKA Emperor Palpatine for the very first time! Fire up the converters and get ready for a new episode of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
| | | TJW Podcast host Mark unboxing some new figures on Force Friday II |
Hey there TJW Podcast listeners! Happy Force Friday II to everyone. The summer might be winding down this weekend but Force Friday II is a great way to start off the autumn season and prepare for The Last Jedi this December! Dan and I are back in the studio with this very special episode of the podcast. We have an unboxing of some great 40th anniversary figures from Hasbro's Black Series Titanium collection! In addition we chat about some Star Wars EU (of course) and the big news that Ian McDiarmid AKA The Emperor/Darth Sidious will be a guest at the Rhode Island Comic Con this November!
Email us and let us know what your thoughts are on this news!
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners - We have a special episode of the podcast today. Dan and I are back in the studio to discuss a topic near and dear to our hearts...the expanded universe of course! Back in April 2014, Lucasfilm rebooted the timeline and began a new expanded universe in books, comics and video games that would align with stories presented in the movies and television series. Have the stories in this new timeline met our expectations? Do the legendary stories still have a place in the hearts of Star Wars expanded universe fans? We begin the discussion on this special episode of the podcast!
Email us and let us know how are you feeling about the new expanded universe!
Happy summertime!
Mark
Happy summertime fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back in studio this month for another great hour of Star Wars podcasting. In this episode we chat about our experience going to Connecticut ComiCONN where we met Spencer Wilding who portrayed Darth Vader in Rogue One, Star Wars author Timothy Zahn and comic book artist Jim Steranko. We also speak about Official Pix upcoming autograph signing with Shannon McRandle, the official Lucasfilm physical representative of the great expanded universe character Mara Jade. We also bring in the latest news about the stand alone Han Solo movie that is scheduled to be in theaters May 2018. Fire up that mp3 player and fasten in your earbuds for a great episode of the TJW Podcast!
Email us and let is know what you think about the podcast!
Happy summer season!
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are back in the studio for another great episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. In this episode we discuss the recent article in Vanity Fair magazine about Episode 8 The Last Jedi and the fabulous photos taken by photographer Annie Leibovitz. In addition we chat about some Star Wars books we are reading such as Thrawn by Timothy Zahn and The World According to Star Wars by Cass R. Sunstein. We also have found another great source for expanded universe information that will be of great interest to our listeners. And we take a look at some of the great photos for sale at Star Wars Authentics! Sit back and get ready to jump to hyperspace with the TJW Podcast!
Email us and let us know what your thoughts are on these topics!Mark Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Greetings TJW Podcast listeners! And Happy May the Fourth to everyone! Dan and I fire up the converters and the microphones again for another great episode. Today we have our post Star Wars Celebration thoughts, see what Star Wars books are on the horizon as we start the build up to Star Wars: Episode 8 The Last Jedi, we chat about the final season of Star Wars Rebels coming this fall and the new Star Wars: Forces of Destiny short animated series. Plus, we share our thoughts about the new video game set to be released this fall Star Wars: Battlefront II! Now let us raise our glasses of blue milk or favorite beverage and let us all toast a good May the Fourth to all! Enjoy the podcast!
Email us and let us know what you think about this episode! We love the feedback.
Happy May the Fourth!
Mark
Co-host TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! A special Star Wars Celebration art show review for your listening pleasure! Dan and I go through the art show print selections for this years Celebration. So many great artists! So many great prints! What were our favorites? Tune in to this special episode and then make your selection. Have a great time in Orlando everyone!
Email us and let us know what you think about the episode!
Have a great one!
Mark
"The queen of the night, she is light in the darkness, the queen of the light, she has night in her eyes "- Raibard's new title trackHello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back in studio today with a new episode of the podcast! Our discussion revolves around a new theory Dan has regarding the origin of Rey. Does that origin story have anything to do with Mara Jade? And rumors are circulating that actress Laura Dern (and not Shannon McRandle?!)might be portraying a certain red head from the expanded universe in episode 8 The Last Jedi?! Plus, we have our very first Star Wars swag unboxing on the show! Find out what Gentle Giant mini bust I added to my collection. Get your favorite beverage and warm up that MP3 player because Mark and Dan are back with a new episode!
Email us and let us know what you think about the episode!
Have a great one!
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Welcome to this months edition of the podcast. Dan and I are at our favorite Barnes & Noble store coffee shop again to chat about Star Wars news and the connections to the Star Wars expanded universe. In this episode we discuss about the possibility of seeing an Anakin Skywalker force ghost in Episode 8 The Last Jedi, the new Han Solo stand alone story, the popularity of Star Wars: The Old Republic and some thoughts regarding the upcoming Timothy Zahn novel Thrawn.
Pour yourself a nice hot beverage, plug in those earbuds and prepare to hit the sands of the Jundland Wastes with Mark and Dan!
Email us and let us know what you think of this episode! We love the feedback!
All the best,
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We are back with another new episode of the podcast. Today, Dan and I discuss and speculate about the meaning behind the title for Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi. What could this title mean and do previous Star Wars expanded universe titles give us any clue as to what it could mean? In addition, we discuss what we are currently reading during these cold winter days, some news about the Star Wars Celebration art show coming in Orlando this spring and new Star Wars art that is popping up at Rob Taylor's Herofied art store.
Email us and let us know what you think about the podcast!
And remember to always stay safe while traveling the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Happy new year my fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It's 2017 and we are so excited to be back with another episode of the podcast! And tonight we are here with our review of Star Wars: Rogue One! This is a spoiler heavy episode so if you have not yet seen the movie we highly recommend you get to your local theater as soon as possible and enjoy this next installment before listening to our show. I think this is going to be a great year for Star Wars and we are so happy to have you along for the ride.
Be sure to email us and let us know what you think about Rogue One and anything else in the Star Wars expanded universe!
All the best,
Mark
This special episode of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast is dedicated to the everlasting memory of the princess of the Star Wars galaxy, the great actress Carrie Fisher who will always be remembered for her portrayal of Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars saga. May her memory always bring joy and hope to everyone in the galaxy.
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We conclude our journey to the first stand alone story Star Wars: Rogue One with our commentary on the final prequel Star Wars movie Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith!
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Email us your thoughts regarding our commentary.
Have a great day!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We are continuing on the journey to the first stand alone story Star Wars: Rogue One with our commentary on the second prequel Star Wars movie Episode 2 Attack of the Clones!
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Email us your thoughts regarding our commentary.
Have a great day!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy holidays! We have a special report regarding a new licensed Star Wars product that we had to share with you. The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast was so happy to hear that the good people at Quill.com (a subsidiary of of Staples, Inc.) have traveled the Jundland Wastes with us by tuning into the podcast! In addition, they have just released some great Star Wars licensed copy paper that is available for purchase at this time. Not only is this the best copy paper in the galaxy but each ream of paper is wrapped in an eye-catching Star Wars design and comes packaged in a reusable Star Wars themed box that can transform into a collector’s item or poster for a fan’s workplace or home office. Tune into this special report for more information! And be sure to order your Star Wars paper at www.quill.com/StarWars!
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We are on our way to the first stand alone story Star Wars: Rogue One with our commentary on the first prequel Star Wars movie Episode 1 The Phantom Menace!
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Email us your thoughts regarding our commentary.
Have a great day!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Get ready for another fantastic episode of the podcast. We start off with a special report that we recorded at the Bruce Springsteen concert in Foxboro, Massachusetts this past September. Find out how we connect The Boss with Star Wars. Then we jump forward to yesterday with our coverage of this years Rhode Island Comic Con! We chat about Star Wars with artists Rob Taylor of Herofied Art and Golden Age artist Allen Bellman who shows us a glorious retro-Darth Vader print! And we chat with Cross Company representative J.R. who tells us how we can purchase some officially licensed Star Wars Cross pens (a perfect gift for the holidays). And of course we sit down and have some good discussion about the convention and more thoughts about Rogue One! Plus, throughout the podcast you get a special musical treat with some selections from Dan's new band Raibard!
Let the holiday season begin with this episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
All the best,
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are having coffee at our favorite bookshop in town and chatting about the release date of Episode 8, some thoughts regarding the Rogue One trailer and then we have a great discussion about some recent Star Wars novels!
We also are looking forward to Rhode Island Comic Con this Sunday and I chat about my latest Star Wars swag that I added to my collection this past week.
Strap yourself in, fire up the converters and get ready for the jump into hyperspace! The TJW Podcast is here with another great episode!
All the best,
Mark
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I fire up the Blu-ray player with part two of our commentary on Star Wars: The Force Awakens! It's an extra helping of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast this month and we are glad you are along for the ride. So get your Blu-ray, DVD or digital copy of the movie set to 57:43, pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage and get ready for a great conversation on Episode 7!
All the best,
Mark
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back in studio for our August edition of the podcast. It's a great show tonight and we have a lot to chat about in this episode. We discuss the recently revealed teaser video of the new Darth Vader virtual reality game and get into a discussion about the lasting legacy of our favorite Sith Lord! Now that Grand Admiral Thrawn is being brought into canon there are many expanded universe fans asking about the canonization of Mara Jade into the Star Wars saga. Mara Jade's official Lucasfilm physical representation and model Shannon McRandle and her fans would love to see Mara on the silver screen. We discuss the possibilities on this episode as well. And is Episode 8 going to be a spectacular continuation of Episode 7? Or are some recent comments by Rian Johnson placing doubts in our mind? We break it all down here on this August edition of the TJW Podcast!
All the best,
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners - Anyone who is a Star Wars expanded universe fan was jumping for joy this past weekend with the Star Wars Celebration Europe announcement of Grand Admiral Thrawn's upcoming appearance this season on Star Wars Rebels! In addition, a new novel by legendary author Timothy Zahn is coming out this spring called simply Thrawn! Plus, we learned that there are still more stories to tell about Ahsoka Tano! Author E.K. Johnston's novel Ahsoka will hit bookstores this October. Dan and I break down this incredible expanded universe news in this special edition of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
All the best,
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Dan and I are back on the sands of the Jundland Wastes with our pre Star Wars Celebration Europe - pre San Diego Comic Con episode. We chat about the conventions, news regarding Rogue One and Episode 8, some new collectibles on my shelf and a discussion regarding the previous expanded universe now known as Legends. This Star Wars summer is heating up so get yourself a cold lemonade or iced coffee, sit back and tune into our latest episode of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! Summer 2016 has started and we are heating it up with this months episode! Dan and I are back in the studio with our commentary on Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This is part one of our commentary with part two coming out next month. I cannot think of a better way to start the summer then popping in the bluray, DVD or digital copy of Episode 7, fixing yourself a lemonade or iced coffee and traveling to the sands of Jakku with this commentary.
Let us know what you think about our commentary! Email us at:jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We are back in the studio again! And we are so happy to be chatting about Star Wars again. We had a bit of radio silence since our last episode but we are looking forward to a fantastic Star Wars summer! In this episode we chat about the new novel Star Wars: Bloodlines, more observations about The Force Awakens, the soundtrack, Star Wars Celebration, RI Comic Con and other deep thoughts regarding our favorite silver screen franchise. In addition, we have added a special John Williams overture of themes for your listening pleasure. What better way can you finish listening to the podcast then with some great John Williams themes! It's great to be back on the air!
Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the podcast by emailing us: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com .
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! Dan and I were at our favorite book and coffee shop last night to record this episode of the podcast. This is part two of our review of The Force Awakens. We chat about the latest TFA swag we have collected, some in depth analysis of Kylo Ren and some thoughts about the fantastic movie soundtrack by John Williams. Start 2016 the right way with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Let us know what you think about The Force Awakens. Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners - The force awakened this past Thursday and it was glorious! The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast was at the first showing of the movie on Thursday at Patriots Place in Foxboro, Massachusetts and we had a blast. In this episode of the podcast we share our pre-movie comments right from the theater and follow it up with our thoughts on the biggest movie premiere ever.
Make yourself a nice hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and prepare to review possibly the most amazing Star Wars movie ever to hit the silver screen.
Be aware, SPOILERS ARE IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE! Please watch the movie before listening to our analysis! You'll thank us for it!
And let us know your thoughts on The Force Awakens! Send your email to: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
Happy holidays!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners - The trailer is out! Dan and I discuss our reactions to the trailer and how we are preparing for December 17 (Yes...we got tickets for the 7:30PM show).
We discuss some books, music and even give mention to our upcoming journey to Rhode Island Comic Con to meet the Princess herself, Carrie Fisher! We know there has been an awakening....we have felt it...and we are chatting about it on the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
Let us know your thoughts on the trailer! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there TJW Podcast Listeners! It's Throwback Thursday and we are going back into our archives to share with you a gem of an interview we had with Star Wars author Ryder Windham back in March 2012!
And be sure to stay tuned for more new episodes of the podcast this month!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We are back in the studio for our end of the summer podcast! And while the long, warm and lazy summer days are coming to a close, we are now in full swing for the build up to Star Wars Episode 7...THE FORCE AWAKENS! We chat about Episode 7, our thoughts on Boston Comic Con, the news that Carrie Fisher will be at Rhode Island Comic Con in November and other topics of interests for Star Wars expanded universe fans!
So pour yourself an iced coffee, fire up the converters and prepare for the jump into hyperspace with The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
All the best,
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners - We take another step towards Star Wars Episode 7 The Force Awakens with our commentary on what is considered the greatest Star Wars movie...The Empire Strikes Back!
We are joined in studio with our good friend and TJW Podcast listener Ian for a great discussion about Episode 5!
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Email us your thoughts regarding our commentary.
Have a great day!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners - We are once again stopping in Mos Eisley for lunch with Sheena and Justin for another round table discussion! We are chatting about the Prequels in the movies and novels...why I like them and why others do not.
Let us know your thoughts on this topic after listening to the podcast! Send us your email!
Have a great day!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners - Dan and I are back at our favorite book and coffee shop for another great discussion about Star Wars and the Expanded Universe! We chat about the latest news that came out of San Diego Comic Con and delve into other areas of interest for all Star Wars fans!
Get ready for a great discussion once again on the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!Email us and let us know what you think of the show!Have a great day!
MarkCo-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners - The road to Star Wars Episode 7 begins today for the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast as we present our commentary on Star Wars: A New Hope/Episode 4! In these months leading up to The Force Awakens we will be posting our commentaries on all six episodes!
So fire up the converters...uh,er I mean the DVD player, the Blu-ray player, the new digital format or even those vintage VHS tapes! Then turn on our commentary and join us as we begin the saga again with Star Wars: A New Hope.
Email us with any comments at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep safe on the Jundland Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners - Check out this special edition of the podcast. We take a break from our travels on the Jundland Wastes and head on into Mos Eisley for lunch with some friends.
Join me, Jazzy Jedi Justin and Sweet Sheena, the Queen of Cosplay, as we discuss the topic.....
Legends: Is it good that the old Expanded Universe stories are no longer considered official canon?
Email us with any comments at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep safe on the Jundland Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We have thawed out from one of the roughest winters in the New England and are back with a jam-packed episode of The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! We are chatting about the news out of Star Wars Celebration, the 2nd teaser for Ep 7, Star Wars Rebels, new Expanded Universe material and a whole lot more!
As Han said, "we're home."
Email us with any comments at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep safe on the Jundland Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
It has been a lot of fun watching events from Star Wars Celebration via You Tube and www.starwars.com. And I do not think anyone can deny that the opening ceremony for Star Wars Celebration was anything less then amazing. We heard from JJ Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy about their thoughts on Episode 7 and the Star Wars community in general. We got to see three of the new Star Wars actors that are carrying the torch for us through the next three films. BB-8 made his first public appearance and it was incredible to see a new astromech playing alongside R2-D2. The “legacy” actors also were brought on stage and they all looked amazing! It’s such a shame Harrison Ford was unable to make it to the event but we wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries. And then to top it all off we got to see the second teaser for Episode 7!
Needless to say we were all blown away by this “old school” teaser that was voiced by Mark Hamill, showed us the familiar image of Darth Vaders mask, the wreckage of an Imperial Star Destroyer and of course the most grandest image of Chewbacca and Han Solo back on the Millennium Falcon! It was a glorious day for all Star Wars fans at Star Wars Celebration and around the world who watched the event online.
This really was a time of celebration for those of us who enjoy and admire the saga and story from a galaxy far, far away. But in addition to the thousands upon thousands of Facebook posts and tweets celebrating this second teaser (and getting us all ready for the extended trailer we expect to see at The Avengers: Age of Ultron in May), there was way too much negativity being thrown back in the face of George Lucas for the prequels and his special edition versions of the original trilogy.
Obviously, everyone is entitled to have an opinion. This is a franchise that we enjoy and it has a special place in our hearts. And at times that love can be tested with those parts of the saga that some find unenjoyable. With that said, I feel that I need to reiterate my personal take on all of this.
I really think it is about time to stop all of this negativity aimed at the prequels and the special editions. I really think it is time stop all of this negativity aimed at George Lucas. For me, it is all part of a franchise that can be enjoyed in whatever way you want it. If you find the prequels unwatchable, then never watch episodes 1 through 3. If you think the special editions cannot be viewed because Han doesn't shoot first in these editions, then stick with the original VHS copies or DVD’s that came out with the un-special editions. It has never made any sense to me how certain Star Wars fans completely lose their cool when even a hint of any Star Wars done after 1983 is mentioned. And even more so how anyone can level such harsh feeling towards George Lucas. I have even had a listener of my podcast step over the line of spirited debate with some very inappropriate remarks after comments I made about the prequels.
I am a Star Wars fan. I have enjoyed all six movies. I have enjoyed the Clone Wars and Rebels television series. I even enjoy the Star Wars Holiday Special! I enjoy that we have a plethora of Star Wars comics, books and video games. Are there aspects that I find less enjoyable than others in the saga? Of course! But none of it takes away from my admiration of the complete saga or the gratitude I have for the genius of George Lucas in giving us one of the greatest sagas of all time.
There is a new generation of Star Wars and George Lucas handed over the reigns to people he entrusts to carry on the task of bringing us these amazing stories. I for one am going to enjoy this time. There are new stories to be told, new heroes to cheer on and new villains to challenge our senses. In my humble opinion, none of this could have happened unless we realize that the Star Wars saga was an evolving entity from original trilogy, to special editions, to prequels and right through the television series, books, comics and video games.
I am thrilled with what will happen in the coming years for Star Wars. And in the meantime I am going to enjoy the wholeness of the saga and the magical journey it takes me on every time I watch these movies....all six movies and the upcoming Episode 7 in December!
Stay tuned for another podcast episode!
Mark
Co-host of The TJW Podcast
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy new year and welcome to 2015! This is most definitely the year of Star Wars! Episode 7 is at the tail end of the year but there is a lot going on leading up to the biggest event in Star Wars history since the release of the prequels! And the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast wants to bring you along for the ride. We have a lot of great things happening so be sure to stay tuned every month on iTunes and on our blog. And keep your eye out for announcements of our live appearances as well.
Watch out for stray banthas, beware of Tusken Raiders, keep clear of Jawa sandcrawlers and let's hit the Jundland Wastes for 2015!
Let us know how we're doing! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We know you have seen the Episode 7 teaser....now let's discuss this 88 second glimpse into the next Star Wars movie coming out next December!
Strap yourselves in and prepare to make the jump to hyperspace on this next episode of the TJW Podcast!
Keep safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Dan and I are back from the 2014 Rhode Island Comic Con. We met a lot of great guests and found some great swag deals. We interviewed the lovely Karen Allen who played Marion Ravenwood from the Indiana Jones movie saga, met up with our pal Rob Taylor from Herofied art and came across some great Indiana Jones artifacts. We also address the challenges we dealt with at this convention.
WIN A HEROFIED STAR WARS ART PRINT OF BOBA FETT BY ARTIST ROB TAYLOR! Click over to our facebook page and like our RI Comic Con posting. All those who like this posting will be put in a raffle to win this gorgeous print ! Deadline for liking the post and being eligible for the raffle is November 21, 2014
Keep safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! Dan and I are back for another Coffee Cast! This month we are chatting about Star Wars Rebels! We talk about this weeks cameo appearance of Darth Vader voiced by James Earl Jones as well as our thoughts about the possibilities that exist in this original trilogy era series. It's our warm up as well towards the November comic conventions here in New England! Grab yourself a coffee and join us for this months podcast!
Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Be sure to like us at our facebook page as well! We would love to have 100 likes by the time we go RI Comic Con and Super Mega Fest conventions in November!
Thanks for listening!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! Dan and I are back at another coffee shop and chatting about Star Wars! Check out the new the podcast and let us know what you think.
Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Be sure to like us at our facebook page as well! We would love to have 100 likes by the time we go RI Comic Con and Super Mega Fest conventions in November!
Thanks for listening!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there TJW Podcast Listeners! Dan and I are breaking the radio silence with our summer spectacular "coffee cast"! We went to our favorite Barnes & Nobles bookstore and had some great Star Wars chat over some coffees. So get yourself a tasty beverage and fire up the converters! Uh, er...I mean your Mp3 player and get ready for some Star Wars Expanded Universe chat!Let us know your thoughts about this episode!Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.comTravel safely on the wastes!MarkCo-Host - TJW Podcast
Hey there TJW Podcast listeners - The local Comcast channel in Massachusetts did a great story about the New England 501st Legion. And they included some coverage of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast live event with Zack Giallongo this past February at the New England Comics in Norwood. You can watch it here! Enjoy!
Let us know what you think! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com .
Stay tuned for a new episode coming soon.All the best.
Mark
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! A belated Happy May the Fourth and a very happy Revenge of the Fifth! More than any other year, I think this years May the Fourth celebrations were more exuberant and plentiful than previous years. Don’t me wrong, it has always been a lot of fun and at times it has coincided with Free Comic Book Day weekend as well. But I think this year was a little different.
Maybe it’s because I live in southern New England and the fact that we just came out of a pretty rough winter and are thrilled that we have finally hit spring. We can get out and go to these events without worrying about an icy,snowy and cold trip. But I think it is also because we are in full throttle with Episode 7 especially after getting the official cast announcement last week as well as getting a peek at the trailer for Star Wars Rebels. And did anyone else catch J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan’s May the Fourth You Tube greeting?
My facebook and email were just jammed packed with enough Star Wars news to make any Star Trek fan cry. And how about all the deals coming in from every “etailer” you can imagine? If you are a Star Wars fan and were unable to make a choice for a good May the Fourth purchase, I do not blame you! Do I get a good deal on a Star Wars book or graphic novel? Is there an action figure or statue that is too good to turn down?
At first I thought about some some Star Wars art. As a budding artist myself, I really do appreciate the time and effort that Star Wars artists put into a great print, a sketch card or a nice commission piece. But as I was surfing the web for a deal, I noticed that Official Pix had their annual May the Fourth metallix photo deal. Last year they had two great shots to choose from...a funny impromptu shot of the Millennium Falcon crew giving us their best “May the Fourth be with you!” wave and a gorgeous shot of Carrie Fisher sporting her slave outfit while taking a jump in the ocean.
This year only offered one shot but it is such a great scene from The Empire Strikes Back. A close up of Darth Vader with Boba Fett in the background during the reveal scene on Cloud City when Darth Vader greats Han and Leia with, “We would be honored if you would join us.” This was the item I had to get in honor of May the Fourth. This metallix photo measures 10 inches by 20 inches and is just missing some great signatures from James Earl Jones, Jeremy Bulloch and Dave Prowse. I cannot wait to get this in the mail!
This November I will hopefully be going to the Rhode Island Comic Con. Dave Prowse aka Darth Vader will be in attendance and I cannot wait to shake his hand and get his signature on this great photo.
What did you get on May the Fourth? Getting anything for Revenge of the Fifth?
Let us know! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
All the best and stay tuned for our next episode!All the best,
MarkCo-host TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast listeners - It seems like we are in a period of time when daily news updates include something new about Star Wars. And today the news seems to be about the Expanded Universe.
We have just learned that the first set of Star Wars novels from our current Expanded Universe to have the Lucasfilm approved “Legends” banner are the Han Solo Adventures by the late Brian Daley and the Lando Calrissian Adventures by L. Neil Smith.
Here are some of the details regarding these re-releases:
Both set of “Adventures” will be the collected editions. The Han Solo collection will include Han Solo at Stars End, Han Solo’s Revenge and Han Solo and the Lost Legacy. The Lando Calrissian collection will include Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu, Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon and Lando Calrissian and the Starcave of Thonboka
These new reprints have new cover art and the “Legends” banner on the top of the cover
These will be paperbacks and it does not look like there will be a hardcover version
Amazon.com is taking orders for these novels but I am unsure when these will be available
I think most of us were expecting the first “Legends” title to be Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire. As I mentioned in a previous post this week, this novel was the beginning of the modern Expanded Universe for many Star Wars enthusiasts. But I think there is something very significant about Lucasfilm putting the Han Solo/Lando Calrissian Adventures novels out as their first “Legends” titles.
These novels can be called the original Expanded Universe stories in the Star Wars universe. These titles came out at a time when all we had were the movies and one Marvel comic book series. Daley and Smith (as well as Alan Dean Foster who penned Splinter of the Minds Eye) were authors who gave us approximately 200 page adventures per title.Aside: Nowadays it is strange to see a novel that is not somewhere between 300 and 500 pages long. But back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, there was still a concept of having a full novel in under 200 pages. I wish that novelists would return to this concept.
The fun of these novels was seeing how each author remained true to the character of Han and Lando yet at the same time did not feel the need to obey the rules of timelines, possible future storyline repercussions and the fear that ideas would be rejected for not falling into the universe set up in the movies. Don’t get me wrong....these are Star Wars novels and they do have a lot of “anchors” throughout the stories that remind us of the universe we are in. But there is a freshness and sense of freedom I always get when I open up one of these very early Expanded Universe novels. I am hoping that Lucasfilm will follow suit by re-releasing Splinter of Minds Eye as well under the “Legends” banner.
And perhaps Lucasfilm is giving us a small indication of how Episode 7 and the upcoming new Expanded Universe is going to play out. Perhaps by releasing these classic novels first as “Legends”, they are telling us that Star Wars is going to return to the style that made the movies and these early novels so much fun. The combination of strong characters, high adventure and a limitless universe of ideas will be what takes us into this new and exciting Star Wars era.
Let us know what you think about these re-released novels. Write us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
All the best,MarkCo-host TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! Yes, we are excited about the Episode 7 cast announcement but we still want to show our support for one of the nicest guys in the Star Wars universe, Chris Parsons who played 4-LOM in The Empire Strikes Back! We want to see him reprise that role in Episode 7 and we need your “likes” on our 4-LOM For Seven Campaign page.
Like the page and then listen to our podcast we did this past February about Chris Parsons and our interview with him. Support Chris Parsons! Support the campaign! Support the podcast!
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!All the best,
MarkCo-host TJW Podcast
Hello Jundland Wastes Travelers! So did anyone hear any Star Wars news yesterday? HAHAH I think it’s going to be one of those days that “will be long remembered.” Where were you when you heard the official cast announcement for Star Wars Episode 7? For most people, I think we were at work, in an office, in school, on the road or responding to the unyielding pings, buzzes, beeps and rings with text messages saying “Star Wars 7 Cast Announcement”.
I was going to post a response to the blog almost immediately but then I considered giving myself the night to let the news sink in. And yes, I along with countless other Star Wars fans had a difficult time concentrating on anything else besides this announcement for the rest of yesterday afternoon and evening. But it’s now official. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are indeed reprising the roles of Luke, Leia and Han in Episode 7. Joining them will be Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and Kenny Baker (R2-D2). We are all still investigating the new cast that is joining them. But early rumors are that these actors have been carefully chosen and will have the unique honor of continuing the greatest saga of all time next to the Original Trilogy cast who made it happen in 1977.
I am not even going to attempt to imagine right now what the actual story will be for Episode 7. How can anyone outside of the cast and crew possibly imagine what we are going to see story-wise? But here are some thoughts and imaginative ideas that I am wondering about regarding Episode 7:
Does anyone remember that John Williams is going to do the musical score for Episode 7? On my way home from work I was going through Star Wars soundtracks. What an amazing library of music! All six soundtracks are incredible on their own and you are able to tell the story of the saga by listening to these musical gems. Leia’s theme, the Battle of Hoth, the arrival of Darth Vader on the 2nd Death Star, the droids on the Jundland Wastes (funny how I really like that one), and the duel of Anakin and Obi Wan on Mustafar are just a couple clips that stand out in my mind. I do not think any Star Wars fan can separate the music from the movies. And as an Expanded Universe fan, there are times when I am fully entrenched into a comic or book and I can imagine hearing the Star Wars soundtrack playing through certain pages or panels of a book. I have no doubt that the Episode 7 soundtrack will have the same lasting effect
As a amateur artist, I am really looking forward to seeing the art, sketches and representations of this new Star Wars era. We know that Star Wars Celebration will be in Anaheim, CA next spring and with it will also be those fantastic artists print that come with the show. Episode 7 will undoubtedly be the theme for these prints. And I am just imagining how artists will represent the original cast as opposed to the new cast? Will there be flashback images interspersed with current images? And what about the usual “Art of Star Wars” books that have come out with each episode? And the graphic novels...what will we see?
Get ready for the collector bug to hit as magazine covers, stories, toys and general Star Wars swag begins to hit the shelves with an Episode 7 banner! While I certainly cannot collect it all, I am looking forward to seeing a cover shot of our original crew in their Star Wars fatigues, gowns and robes on the cover of Star Wars Insider or Entertainment Weekly. While we might not know the story-line for Episode 7, I think we can imagine how an older Jedi Luke might look walking on the sands of Tatooine. Or perhaps how a Jedi Leia might appear? And will Han still be wearing his black scoundrel vest?
Enjoy the time leading up to the movie by re-watching the original six movies. Now that we know the story continues after Return of the Jedi, we can take the time to re-explore the events leading up to the redemption of Anakin Skywalker. In fact, last night I was re-watching the fantastic documentary Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Original Trilogy (this was on the bonus disc from the DVD set that came out in 2003). What a great history of the making of the Original Trilogy and so much fun to watch. Make sure you make time to re-watch this documentary especially because the “big 5”(how can we really leave out Anthony, Peter and Kenny?) are interviewed as well.
Star Wars Episode 7 is on the way and I cannot think of a better time to be a Star Wars fan. Let us know your thoughts by emailing us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
Travel safely on the Jundland Wastes friends!
All the best,MarkCo-host TJW Podcast
As we all know by now, the future of the Star Wars Expanded Universe is very much alive and well according to last weeks press release from Lucasfilm. The sticking point for a lot of Star Wars Expanded Universe fans is the fact that previous stories will fall into a category outside of what is considered Lucasfilm canon. For some, that is a breath of fresh air as we prepare ourselves for a new era of Star Wars movies, television series, books, comics and video games. For others, there is sense of melancholy with the realization that stories, characters and ideas that we have embraced during the past 20 plus years will fall off the Star Wars radar.
But is there a way that we can appreciate and enjoy our current Expanded Universe while looking forward to what is now going to be Star Wars stories canonized by Lucasfilm?
I admit it...I’m a huge fan of the Star Wars Expanded Universe as it currently stands. And I think for most fans, the real era of Expanded Universe stories began with the Zahn Trilogy. There was a significant period of time between the release of Return of the Jedi and the release of these novels that almost seemed like the heralding in of a new era in Star Wars...and it was. Granted, there were certainly some great novels that came out during the years the Original Trilogy was in full “force” such as the Han Solo novels by Brian Daley, Splinter of the Minds Eye by Alan Dean Foster and the Lando Calrissian novels. But for the most part these were very much stand alone novels in the greater Star Wars timeline and even the most dedicated Expanded Universe fan accepts these as great stories that do not necessarily have a significant impact on the events of the movies or beyond.
Del Rey Books gave us such a plethora of stories spanning the New Republic era, the New Jedi Order, Legacy of the Jedi, Fate of the Jedi, Old Republic era and even stand alone novels set in the Original Trilogy era. Dark Horse Comics did such an incredible job giving us gorgeous and exciting art work along with amazing stories that filled in many eras of the Star Wars timeline. Who can forget classics story arcs as Dark Empire, the Crimson Empire, Knights of the Old Republic, Legacy and more recently the collection of Darth Vader stories.
Lucasarts was also a player in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Their most well known contribution has to be the Knights of the Old Republic series. Not only is this a tremendously enjoyable gaming experience but it is one of the first times that a Star Wars video game contained such an enormous historical account of the Old Republic era from such varied angles. And while some may disagree with me, The Force Unleashed was also a very significant event in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. While this storyline will probably be written out of canon, I believe this story pulls together those gray areas of the story between Episode 3 and Episode 4 in a very strong and plausible manner.
And how can anyone forget such events in the Star Wars Expanded Universe such as the deaths of Chewbacca, Anakin Solo, Jacen Solo and Mara Jade Skywalker? What about the revelation that Darth Krayt is A’sherad Hett? Or how about seeing Luke as a force ghost in Legacy? Even some over-the-top-out-of-this-world infinity stories such as the time Indiana Jones comes face-to-face with Han Solo?
So in a nutshell, I am a huge fan of the Star Wars Expanded Universe. But does that mean that I am not going to enjoy the future Star Wars titles that are on the horizon? I highly doubt that.
I was very pleased to see that John Jackson Miller, who has been bringing us Star Wars Expanded Universe stories for so many years, is going to have the honor of authoring the first book in the new Expanded Universe called A New Dawn. This is going to be a backstory to the upcoming Star Wars Rebels animated series starting in the fall. And who would not want to hear about this era of the Star Wars timeline especially after the powerful conclusion we have all seen in season 6 of the Clone Wars? New characters and new adventures await us all in books, comics and video games about the new Expanded Universe.
But even with all this excitement on this fresh new era of books, comics and video games, it is never going to take away the pleasure I have and will always have for the stories and characters from our current Expanded Universe. No one will ever be able to tell me that a character like Mara Jade did not have impact on the Star Wars universe. No one will be able to take away my enjoyment of the Old Republic and the history of Darth Revan, Darth Malak and Bastila Shan. No one will ever be able to keep me from flipping through my collection of Crimson Empire and iconic images of the red helmeted royal guards battling it out!
As an Star Wars Expanded Universe fan, I am more than happy to “expand” my mind a little bit more to embrace the new stories that are on the way as well looking back at the legendary tales that are forever part of my Star Wars imagination and memory.
Let me know what you think about the state of the Expanded Universe. Write us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep on traveling the Jundland Wastes!
MarkCo-Host TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We had a great time this past Sunday interviewing Shadows of Endor author and illustrator Zack Giallongo at our Star Wars Podcast Party at New England Comics in Norwood, MA!
We had a great live audience as well as members of the 501st Legion New England Garrison! There was even a cameo appearance by our good friend, Star Wars author Ryder Windham. Check out our show and pictures from the event! And let us know what you think about this show and our podcast!
Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
| | | The TJW Podcast with Star Wars artist Zack Giallongoand some of his younger fans |
| | | Zack Giallongo in the custody of the 501st Legion! |
| | | Zack chatting with Star Wars author Ryder Windham |
| | | TJW Podcast hosts Mark and Dan checking outthe great deals on Star Wars comics! |
| | | Many thanks to Frank from Star Wars Autograph Collection forallowing us to post these great pics! Check out his fantastic website:http://www.starwarsautographcollection.com/ |
More Star Wars Expanded Universe news coming at you soon!
All the best,
Mark and Dan
Host - The TJW Podcast
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We have a big announcement on our podcast! But you'll need to listen to this months podcast to find out all about it. It's all in our exclusive interview with Star Wars actor Chris Parsons. His career in movies is extensive. Star Wars fans know him as one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy, 4-LOM!
After listening to our podcast be sure to click our link to show your support of the 4-LOM For Seven Campaign!
Let us know what you think about the podcast as well!
Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
All the best,
Mark and Dan
Hosts of the TJW Podcast
SAVE THE DATE! On SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD at 1:00PM, the Traveling the Jundland Wastes podcast will be recording from the sales floor at New England Comics in Norwood( 732 Washington St Norwood MA,02062)! But that's not all! We will be interviewing Star Wars: Shadows of Endor artist Zack Giallongo! Plus members of The 501st Legion New England Garrison will be at the show as well! Come meet TJW Podcast hosts Mark and Dan, Star Wars artist Zack Giallongo, and give thanks to the fine Imperial soldiers of the 501st for keeping the universe safe! Kids are encouraged to come in Star Wars costume, with prizes for the best entrants! More details to come.
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! We are back in the studio to chat about our thoughts regarding Star Wars in 2013 and what we are looking forward to in the new year of 2014!
And stay tuned for upcoming announcements!Enjoy and let us know your thoughts at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.All the best,Mark and DanHost of the TJW Podcast
The TJW Podcast was on the road again! This time we stop off at our favorite convention of the year, Super Megafest in Framingham, Massachusetts! We had a great time meeting a lot of fans, artists and actors. We were especially pleased to have met Star Wars actors Ray Park (Darth Maul), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) and the lovely Femi Taylor (Oola from Return of the Jedi). I was also thrilled to chat with a personal hero of mine, Supergirl artist Jamal Igle and Star Wars artists Rob Taylor and Kevin Liell. Check out our coverage on this episode of Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! Let the holiday season begin with a full dose of the TJW Podcast!
| | | Super Megafest 2013 art print by artist Kevin Liell |
| | | TJW Podcast Host Mark Leibowitz andReturn of the Jedi actress Femi Taylor |
| | | Ray Park aka Darth Maul signed my Legacy of the Sith print by artist Mark Mckenna |
| | | TJW Podcast Host Daniel Gil was attacked bya pair of battlebots! |
| | | Jeremy Bulloch aka Boba Fett chatting with fans! |
| | | Boba Fett and the TJW Podcast...a great combination! |
| | | Star Wars artist Rob Taylor from www.herofiedart.com |
| | | My fabulous Tatooine print from Rob Taylor! |
| | | Comic book artist extraordinaire Jamal Igle! |
| | | One of my favorite Supergirl coversby the great Jamal Igle! |
Let us know what you think of our coverage and the podcast! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com!
Happy holidays from your friends at the TJW Podcast!
Mark and Dan
| | | Boba Fett and the Rancor |
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! We hit the road last week traveling to the Rhode Island Comic Con 2013 show at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Dan and I had a great time walking the convention floor, meeting some great Star Wars and comic fans, attending a great panel discussion with many of the bounty hunters who starred in The Empire Strikes Back, had our photo taken with Lando Calrissian, saw a life size Rancor and Jabba the Hutt and caught up with some our favorite comic book artists. In addition, chatted with our good friend Star Wars author and Honorary Traveler of the Jundland Wastes, Ryder Windham about his Death Star Owner's Technical Manual and The Bounty Hunter Code.
| | | The TJW Podcast with Billy Dee WilliamsMany thanks to www.shenanigansbooth.com for thegreat digital download. Check them out! |
| | | Michael Wood of the 501st and Ryder Windham. |
| | | Star Wars Bounty Hunters Panel |
| | | Jabba the Hutt at the 501st Table |
| | | TJW Podcast Host Daniel Gil with artist Hannibal King |
| | | Patrick Shea with his BTTF Time Machine |
| | | Artist Craig Rousseau |
| | | We wanted to take it for a spin. |
| | | Comic signed by Spider-Man artist Alex Saviuk |
| | | TJW Podcast Host Mark Leibowitz and a Shadow Trooper |
Stay tuned for coverage of Super Megafest coming at the end of November! Plus, the TJW Podcast has some big announcements on the horizon! Stay tuned and keep check back with the podcast and blog!
We would love to hear from you! Let us know what you think of the podcast! Email us at: jundlanwastespodcast@gmail.com.
All the best,
Mark and Dan
Hello TJW Podcast Listeners! When Lucasarts shut down a couple months ago, many of us in the Star Wars community were wondering about the future of Star Wars gaming. We thought Star Wars 1313 was in full production and going to be heading to the shelves sometime at the end of the year. Fans of The Force Unleashed series were holding their breath wondering if the Starkiller story line was going to have a conclusion. And we all heard rumors of another edition to the Battlefront series in the works but nothing official.
Well, in addition to Episode 7 and the Star Wars rebels animated series, we have confirmation that a new Star Wars Battlefront game is on the way. Check out the trailer! It is a first person shooter perspective animated shot of what appears to be a snowtrooper rushing through the snowy terrain on Hoth with sounds of laser fire and classic battle sounds from the Star Wars universe! And with the announcement of the new next-gen gaming systems such as the PS4 and Xbox One, I have no doubt that this game will take our Battlefront gaming experience to the next level.
A couple months ago after Lucasarts shut down, Dan and I recorded a retrospective look at some of our favorite Lucasarts games. This "lost" episode is trip down memory lane for any active gamer and will give anyone who is so into gaming an opportunity to get a small "audio" taste of our favorite Star Wars games that came out of Lucasarts.
Enjoy this episode of the podcast! And stay tuned for another great episode!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers - I hope everyone had a spectacular long weekend. The summer season is unofficially here! The summer comic convention season is in full swing and Star Wars Celebration Europe is coming up very soon in July.
The TJW Podcast wishes that there would be a way to make it for Star Wars CE but it is a little bit too far away for your friendly neighborhood TJW Podcasters. We hope to make up for it this November when we travel to Providence, RI for Rhode Island Comic Con and Super Mega Fest in Framingham, MA. Two conventions in one month! I'm sure we are going to have a great time and enjoy seeing you, our listeners, on the convention floor this autumn.
This past weekend I was trying to get to some sketching and drawing. I have been getting back into sketching over the past couple years and Star Wars has always been one of my mainstays when it comes to subject matter. When I was a kid there there was never a time I did not figure out some new Star Wars art project to do.
As a child of the 80's, as well as a child of the Original Trilogy, Star Wars was always a mainstay in my home. And there was a some ease to being a fan of just one set of trilogies. Don't get me wrong, I have no reservation saying that I enjoy the Prequel Trilogy and I have no doubt that Episode 7 will be amazing. But having only one trilogy at the time made it easy when it came to collecting and Star Wars art projects.
I also remember how I embraced the idea of making my own ships and environments when I was told that something at the toy store was too expensive or one of those items that I needed to wait until Chanukah to get.
I will never forget taking large poster boards, broken up boxes, construction paper, tape, glue and other materials to make a Millenium Falcon. But I also remember how much I relied on some of the great Star Wars Activity Books that came out in 1978 or 1979 which also offered some great activities as well. I made Darth Vaders Tie Fighter from the Darth Vader Activity Book and an X-Wing Fighter from Luke Skywalkers Activity Book.
These book also had many puzzles, cutout games and activities that made for some great memories as a kid. And while there was sometimes the disappointment of not having the real Kenner ship, I still had a great time making my own and customizing them for my action figures.
The Star Wars Activity Books are also great because these were also made before The Empire Strikes Back was in movie theaters. The wonder and awe that was in so many of us at the time I think sparked our imaginations when we saw activities in these books. They still do today as I do art projects and activities with my own children.
And while these books have been out of print for some time, fear not! There is a great book out right now that will help you get your Star Wars art project imaginations going full throttle! Check out Bonnie Burton's Star Wars Craft Book. This book will show you how to take some materials from around the house and come up with some fun Star Wars projects. My favorite project in the book is a bean bag Jabba the Hutt.
Part of Star Wars fandom is making your contribution to the fun of the franchise. Drawing and sketching is one of the ways I do but I also find time to do these arts and crafts projects as well. It's fun to do with younger kids but it also is a great way to do something creative with your Star Wars passion.
What Star Wars art projects are you working on? We'd love to see them. Send us your pic to jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com and we'll post them on our blog!
Happy summertime everyone! Keep checking back for a new episode of the TJW Podcast!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Jundland Wastes Travelers! The upcoming three day Memorial Day weekend means the kickoff to the summer season. And who doesn't enjoy the summer? BBQ's, days at the beach, campfires and fireworks will all be here before we know it.
But it is also the start of one of the best sci-fi/fanatasy movie seasons in a very long time. Iron Man 3, Star Trek, Man of Steel, After Earth and Wolverine are on my list to see this year.
But in addition, we have some great Star Wars books hitting bookstores and Amazon in the coming months. Here is a list of some of the books I'm looking to pick up:
Star Wars Wild Space - This is another great volume in the Star Wars Omnibus series from Dark Horse. The material in this collection come from very rare and out print sources. Old Marvel Sunday strips, some UK tales and other obscure comics from our classic trilogy characters. Even the cover of the book is gorgeous! While the Omnibus series splits the upper half of the cover with the iconic Star Wars logo and places the image on the lower half, I do not think it takes away from the cover image. Granted, if I had it my way I would have dropped the Star Wars logo and just did a full cover image...but, it still is a great cover to the book. It really does bring one back in time to the original trilogy era with young Luke and Leia, blasters in hand fending themselves off from a unit of stormtroopers. It will be a thrill to read the tales spun by authors such as Archie Goodwin and seeing art by illustrators like Dave Cockrum. Even our friend Ryder Windham, honorary TJW Podcast traveler, has some of his tales throughout this collection as well. I am looking forward to cracking open this latest Omnibus on a lazy afternoon or before bed at night and remembering back to those early days of the classic trilogy.
Star Wars Legacy Volume 1 - As hard as it is to admit, I have never read any of the Legacy comic series. I was to involved with the Knights of the Old Republic era and thought it was too much of a leap to jump back and forth between the Old Republic era and 140 years after the battle of Yavin. But I am planning on picking this volume up. The art by Jan Duursema is beautiful! The images are stunning and the story is considered a great edition to the Expanded Universe. Plus, we know that the Jedi ghost image of Luke does appear to his great grandson Cade Skywalker which is enough of a reason for me to pick up this volume. And it is part of those great Dark Horse hardcover collections as well. They are worth every penny and look great on the shelf as well as when you are reading them from your favorite recliner or sofa. The second volume is scheduled to come out in September. Dark Horse is spacing these two volumes well to give us time to get through volume 1 and get us ready for volume 2.
Star Wars Clone Wars Episode Guide - This hardcover episode guide of all 108 episodes is full of gorgeous images taken from the show along with tidbits, plot points and information about the episode as well as the Clone Wars time period. As crazy as it might sound, I do not have any of the Clone Wars seasons on DVD. I am anticipating that this fall and winter holiday season is going to be the time that they put out a full 5 season box set of the Clone Wars (along with that special season 6 bonus content). So with that hope, I am planning on getting this episode guide as a way to refresh my memory and take me down memory lane of all 108 episodes. Plus, I am really looking forward to getting a closer look at the illustrations and images in this book. You can really see the detail that the animators put into this series when you take a moment and look closely at any of the still images.
Star Wars Kenobi - This long awaited novel by John Jackson Miller will delve into the time period right after Revenge of the Sith through the rest of his life living in the Jundland Wastes of Tatooine. The bad news is it comes out the end of August so we have a little bit of time before we get our hands on this one. I think this novel is going to contain some groundbreaking information on Obi Wan and his training from the ghostly image of Qui Gon Jinn.
What are you looking forward to this summer season in Star Wars books? Let us know! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Happy three day weekend!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello TJW Podcast listeners! I want to thank all of you who have liked our facebook page! We have a great time chatting about Star Wars in the studio and at our live shows. And we love to hear your feedback as well. Please ask your family, friends and fellow Star Wars fans to like our facebook page, listen to our past episodes and be sure to keep your emails coming!
We are looking to get at least 50 likes on our facebook page by Boston Comic Con in August and 100 likes by Rhode Island Comic Con in November. Your support of the podcast is appreciated and we want you to join us on a podcast episode! If there is a topic you want to discuss or if you see us at one of our on-the-road shows, be sure to come over an introduce yourself. We would love to meet you and have you on the podcast.
My post yesterday discussed the up and coming Star Wars Rebels TV series set for a September 2014 release. In my list of characters and story-lines that I am hoping will come to fruition with this new series, I seemed to have left out one that needs to be included.
Star Wars 1313 - This video game which was suppose to be delivered this coming holiday season was one of those projects that was scraped with the closing of Lucasarts...or will it? The timeline of this video game is right on par with the time period Star Wars Rebels is taking place. The animated video segments that were releases at G4 this past year and on the Lucasarts website were impressive to say the least. The dark and gritty underworld of Coruscant level 1313 was a new and amazing segment of the Star Wars universe that was going to open a whole new series of Expanded Universe stories that would have starred bounty hunters, scoundrels and other forms of scum and villainy Perhaps even cameo appearances of Darth Vader or even a Jedi in hiding from Order 66?
Even though Lucasarts is no longer making Star Wars video games, we have been told that Disney is teaming up with EA Games to make the next set of Star Wars titles which will most certainly sync up with events in Star Wars Rebels and Episode 7. I really think Disney would be making a mistake if they did not reach out to the developers who were working on this game. From what I saw, story ideas were abundant animated segments were in the works and the team was in place to make this game a reality. Plus, if it is in the same time period that Star Wars Rebels is taking place it would open the storyline to new comics and novels as well.
Do you want to see the Star Wars 1313 project brought to light? Let us know your thoughts! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep checking our blog for new posts and podcasts! We can also be found at iTunes!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Jundland Wastes Travelers! I know it has been a while since you last heard from us here at the office and studio of the TJW Podcast. We were originally scheduled to go to Boston Comic Con in April but due to the tragedy at this years Boston marathon, the convention was postponed until August. And unfortunately we will not be at BCC in August. But, we will be attending the Rhode Island Comic Con in November this year. And there are a lot of great guests coming especially for Star Wars fans.
The one and only Billy Dee Williams will be attending. The TJW Podcast is hoping to get even a brief word with the man who made Star Wars cooler then drool with his portrayal of Lando Calrissian. Plus, an exclusive Empire Strikes Back bounty hunters get together! Cathy Monroe (Zuckuss), Chris Parsons (4-LOM) and Alan Harris (Bossk). And who can forget the guy that was too slow at the trigger against Han Solo... Paul Blake AKA Greedo! And if that isn't enough for a Star Wars fan, we also get a opportunity to meet Bonnie Piese who played Beru in Episode 2, Barrie Holland who was the Imperial Officer in Episode 6 that said the famous quote to Han and his crew on Endor "You rebel scum!" and Tim Rose who played Admiral Ackbar!
And we are also looking forward to meeting up again with comic book artist Mark Mckenna who has done work on Star Wars comics for Dark Horse and has made some gorgeous prints for Star Wars Celebrations in the past. Mark was also our guest during our coverage of Super Mega Fest this past November. Be sure to check out his art and website!
For the past few months I was a little sad about the Star Wars news coming out in the press and the internet. Lucasarts shutting down, layoffs all over Lucasfilm, the Clone Wars series being cancelled...it's been a little disappointing to say the least. And even within the Star Wars Expanded Universe, I have to say that I am also a little disappointed so far with Brian Wood's Star Wars comic. I plan to chat about this on the next podcast episode so stay tuned.
But this week was a breath of fresh air with the announcement of Star Wars Rebels! The new animated Star Wars series set to launch in the fall of 2014. We finally are getting some stories during a time period between Episode 3 and Episode 4! This era is just full of possibilities! It will be during the height of the Imperial grip on the universe with the Emperor in charge with his right hand man Darth Vader at his side. Jedi who survived Order 66 are on the run. Traitors, or I should say rebels, are working to man their forces and find a way of defeating the Empire and restoring the Republic. All of this news is especially important considering what we already know about this time period from previous books, comics and video games. Here are a couple items that I think should be expanded upon in this series:
The Force Unleashed - I have said it before and I will say it always...The Force Unleashed is a great story that needs to be expanded upon or at least shown a conclusion from where the story left off in TFU 2. This series introduced strong characters, exciting stories and brought together so many story-lines between Episodes 3 and 4. I would love to see what happened to Darth Vader on his way to the rebel base on Dantooine. I want to know if this Starkiller we met in TFU 2 is a clone or the actual Starkiller himself. We need to know what happens with Starkiller and Juno Eclipse. Actor Sam Witwar has already played Darth Maul in The Clone Wars so it is not out of the realm of possibility that he would be asked to reprise his role from the video game in this new series as Starkiller.
The Other Sons of Tatooine - This Star Wars comic Omnibus is a great collection of stories that highlight the tales of characters that did not get too much mention in the movies. The most prominent one is Biggs Darklighter. His story of growing up as a farm boy, becoming one of the hottest gully jumpers on Tatooine, making his way to the Imperial Academy and finding his way to the Rebellion is fascinating, exciting and adds so much to the saga. I would love to see more about Biggs and perhaps even expand upon his story on how he found his way to the Rebellion in this new TV series. We could also get some more background story on Wedge Antilles, Dak, Zev and Porkins.
Mara Jade - Everyone is very well aware of my affection for the character of Mara Jade. Her story in the expanded universe starts in Timothy Zahn's Allegiance but we have nothing about her upbringing and how she became to be under the guidance of the Emperor. I would really be interested in learning more about her background. Was she ever identified by the council prior to Order 66? Where does she come from? Mara Jade is such a deep character and this new TV series seems just the place to delve more into her story as well.
Luke, Leia, Han and the rest of our good guys - Wouldn't it be interesting to see any of these characters growing up on their respective worlds? Seeing a younger Luke and his relationship with Owen and Beru. Or perhaps even seeing encounters of Luke with Obi Wan Kenobi? This is especially interesting as we also await John Jackson Miller's Kenobi novel this summer. I would really enjoy seeing more back-story on our classic trilogy characters and I think this TV series can do that.
What are your thoughts on Star Wars Rebels? Send us an email at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for our next exciting episode of the TJW Podcast!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Check out this link to a fantastic article by TJW Podcast co-host Dan. It is a new fresh look at The Empire Strikes Back and how this will tie hopefully into the success of Star Wars Episode 7!Star Wars - A Humanistic Vision in a Technological World Stay tuned for a new episode of the TJW Podcast and look for us at this years Boston Comic Con on April 21, 2013! We will be walking the convention floor and doing some on-the-fly podcasting as can only be done by the podcast that is committed to exploring the issues, ideas and the imagination in the Star Wars Expanded Universe! If you see us, please say hello! We would love to chat with you.All the best,MarkCo-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there TJW Podcast listeners! I know it has been a long while since our live show at New England Comics in Norwood to celebrate the release of the original trilogy era Star Wars comic by Dark Horse. Needless to say Star Wars news has been coming in fast and furious over the last few months. And this past week was no different. Just on the heels of the announcement that The Clone Wars animated series was cancelled, we learn that Disney has shut down Lucasarts and layoffs are in the process not just for the video game company but also for Industrial Light and Magic.
Is it me or has Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm gone a little sour on the taste buds of Star Wars fans like me? I have no doubt that forthcoming Episode 7 movie will be spectacular especially since it seems likely that the "big three" will be reprising their iconic roles. But it seems that ever since the acquisition of Lucasfilm, Disney has been "cleaning house" and getting rid of several high profile Star Wars projects.
I am not going to get into the cancellation of The Clone Wars. Unless you have a very different way of looking at the Star Wars universe, I can safely say that the majority of Star Wars fans are very disappointed that the show will not be returning next fall and many questions still remain unanswered regarding some key story lines in the show.
But the bigger question for me is how this is going to affect the Star Wars Expanded Universe. I know there are many great Star Wars fans who prefer to keep the Star Wars universe contained to the six movies of the saga and the upcoming movies scheduled for future release. But for many Star Wars fans like myself, we take a lot of pleasure in the known Expanded Universe that has been developed over the last 30 plus years as well.
So many great stories and characters have emerged from novels, graphic novels and the video games. And this past weeks announcement means that a great story and what appeared to be a great video game is no longer going to happen. Star Wars 1313 has been sadly scraped and will be nothing more than a bunch of great trailers left to fester on You Tube.
I am not sure if the closing of Lucasarts means the end of Star Wars gaming. It is hard for me to imagine that with an Episode 7 release that some form of video game will not be in the works. But what bothers me the most is that game titles and series such as Knights of the Old Republic/The Old Republic, Battlefront and The Force Unleashed will probably no longer be part of the larger Star Wars saga. These titles and series do not seem fit the into Disney vision of that galaxy far, far away. And it's hard for me to believe that the novels and graphic novels that are currently in play will be spared from Disney's version of Order 66.
I suppose it's a little early in the game to spell out gloom and doom for the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Especially when we are still very early in the production of this new movie. But when I think back on the resurgence of Star Wars in popular books and video games that coincided with the prequels in the early 2000's, I can remember feeling elated about finding my way back into Star Wars fandom.
So many great novels filled in the spaces before and after the movies. Seeing familiar characters from the original trilogy in the New Republic and the Legacy of the Force series. Discovering that stories existed from the Old Republic era and getting to know Jedi such as Bastila Shan and great Sith such as Darth Reven and Darth Malak. And possibly the best Expanded Universe story to hit in the last couple of years with The Force Unleashed saga. Starkiller, Vader, the Emperor, Juno Eclipse and others gave us a story line that, in my opinion, enhances the movies when it picks up in A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.
Star Wars is about as popular as any big fan franchise today. And I do think that the future of fandom is bright and is going to go on for as long as I can see. But it would be a sad day if the efforts put forth by previous authors, writers and artists are left to side of the road in a cloud of spacedust as we blast off into a new era with the upcoming movies. And it would be equally tragic for those fans who have invested the time, dollars and fandom into these stories to see them written off from the timeline.
Dan and I will speak more about this on our next podcast. But we are also going to recommit ourselves to spending some podcast time discussing some of our favorite Expanded Universe tales and delving into the those areas that make the Star Wars Expanded Universe a great place to explore and enjoy.
Stay tuned and let us know your thought. Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
All the best,
Mark
| | | TJW Podcast with the Rebel Legion |
Hello Jundland Wastes Travelers! Listen to our fantastic Star Wars comic launch party and podcast from this past Wednesday at the New England Comics store in Norwood, Massachusetts!
We had a great time discussing the new Star Wars comic and its possible impact on the Star Wars Expanded Universe and the movies. We hear from our fans, make special mention of Star Wars artist Mark Mckenna and his great Legacy of the Sith print, chat with members of Alderaan Base (the Rebel Legion of New England) and find out who our newest honorary travelers are in this special edition of the podcast!
| | | TJW Podcast Host Mark Leibowitz |
| | | TJW Podcast Host Daniel Gil analyzes the impact andimportance of The Force Unleashed storyline |
| | | Phantom Squad Pilots Erik Larkin and Erich Shafer witha couple Star Wars fans who come to the party |
| | | New England Comics Store Manager Allan Burnshosted this launch party and podcast |
| | | Erich Shafer of the Rebel Legion gives us an updateon upcoming events for 2013 |
| | | Rebel Legion member Erik Larkin |
| | | Erich Shafer was inducted as an Honorary Traveler of the Jundland Wastes |
| | | Allan Burns of New England Comics was inducted as anHonorary Traveler of the Jundland Wastes |
| | | Great deals on a plethora of Star Wars EU! |
| | | Allan Burns drawing winners of our raffle for a coupleStar Wars collectibles |
We would love to hear from you! Email us at jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com !
Stay tuned for our next episode!
All the best,
Mark
Host of the TJW Podcast
TOMORROW NIGHT! COME TO OUR PODCAST-STAR WARS COMIC LAUNCH PARTY!
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! It's official! The TJW Podcast is back on the road. We will be podcasting at the New England Comics store (732 Washington Street in Norwood, Massachusetts) on January 9, 2013 6:00PM - 7:45PM. We will be celebrating the launch of the new original trilogy era comic called Star Wars. In addition we will discuss how this new comic might have an impact on the new Star Wars Episode 7 movie. Plus, get some great deals on Star Wars comics and merchandise at the store! Check out the flyer and come by for a fun evening of Star Wars podcasting and partying.
Hey there travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Our friend Erich Shafer, a member of the 501st Legion New England Garrison and Alderaan Base (the Rebel Legion of New England), is co-hosting a new podcast with his fellow Rebel Legion member Phil Maiewski on a brand new podcast called All Wings Report In.
I just listened to the podcast and it is a lot of fun! These guys have trooped events with both the 501st and Rebel Legion. In addition to their great commitment to bringing life sized Star Wars characters to events worldwide, these guys have done a lot for so many charities as well as bringing smiles to so many children young and old.
In this inaugural episode they go over Star Wars highlights of 2012 and bring us news regarding the greatest "good guy" costuming club in the universe.
The TJW Podcast congratulates Erich and Phil on this new podcast and look forward to seeing them at future events!
Happy new year! And we will see you all at our podcast event at New England Comics on January 9, 2013!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! It's official! The TJW Podcast is back on the road. We will be podcasting at the New England Comics store (732 Washington Street in Norwood, Massachusetts) on January 9, 2013 6:00PM - 7:45PM. We will be celebrating the launch of the new original trilogy era comic called Star Wars. In addition we will discuss how this new comic might have an impact on the new Star Wars Episode 7 movie. Plus, get some great deals on Star Wars comics and merchandise at the store! Check out the flyer and come by for a fun evening of Star Wars podcasting and partying.
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! It's official! The TJW Podcast is back on the road. We will be podcasting at the New England Comics store (732 Washington Street in Norwood, Massachusetts) on January 9, 2013 6:00PM - 7:45PM. We will be celebrating the launch of the new original trilogy era comic called Star Wars. In addition we will discuss how this new comic might have an impact on the new Star Wars Episode 7 movie. Plus, get some great deals on Star Wars comics and merchandise at the store! Check out the flyer and come by for a fun evening of Star Wars podcasting and partying.
Hi there travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy holidays to everyone! The holiday season is a great time for Star Wars Expanded Universe fans. So much new offerings in books and comics. We have the Star Wars 1313 video game in the works. And who doesn't like to add to their Star Wars action figure collection?
This past week I was able to find time to switch out my new Vintage Collection figures for ones that I did not even off the card yet. I had a nice bunch going back to the Phantom Menace wave that I wanted to display. And while we know that any new Vintage figures are on hold, we do have news that some "greatest hits" will be coming back this year.
This will give some of us an opportunity to get some of those figures that have been drastically overpriced for past few months. But what I am really looking forward to this spring is the Luke Skywalker Yavin Ceremony and the Mara Jade Skywalker figures. The pics I have seen of these figures are great. Luke will go great with the latest Vintage Collection version of the Han Solo Yavin Ceremony figure. And I am hoping my Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Construction figure will be standing next to Mara Jade. Probably the best version of Mara Jade in plastic.
But I have also been trying to catch up on some classic Star Wars tales as well. Specifically. tales of Han Solo and Chewbacca. I think the announcement of the Star Wars Episode 7 has prompted a lot of Star Wars Expanded Universe fans to revisit (or even pick up for the first time) some tales of our beloved Star Wars trio.
I was lucky to pick up finally hardcover versions of all three Han Solo novels by the late Brian Daley. There is just something so special to have in my hands a hardcover novel that is under 200 pages and spinning tales of Han, Chewie and the Falcon. I was a big fan of the NPR radio dramas by Daley and his novels just do a tremendous job of showing us Scoundrel Solo blasting through the galaxy, smuggling stuff and hanging out with such colorful characters. And in my opinion, the art on the covers of all three books are really unique to the time period of the late 70's. I wish I had posters of these covers.
And as my children are beginning to grow an affection for the Star Wars franchise, I have started reading to them Ryder Windham's Adventures in Hyperspace from Scholastic. These novels may be targeted to children but adults will enjoy them as well. Short enough chapters to read to the kids at bedtime and yet full of action and enjoyment. These stories take place before Episode 4 and also show Han and Chewie at their best. Plus we get appearances from Jabba the Hutt, Bib Fortuna and Gamorrean Guards. The pictures in the book are great as well!
And I recently also acquired the Science Fiction Book Club version of the Han Solo Trilogy by A.C Crispin. She was kind of enough to send me a personalized autographed bookplate. This volume collects the three novels that she penned in the late 90's. We get backstory on Han's childhood and how he became that smuggler who meets Luke and Obi Wan in the Tatooine Cantina. I have not read these novels before so I am looking forward to seeing how her writing differs from Brian Daley.
Lastly, I have started reading Tatooine Ghost which weaves a tale of Han and Leia on their "honeymoon" trip to Tatooine (some go to Aruba others go to Tatooine) :) Some may think this novel does not fit into the genre of books I have just mentioned. But I would have to say that part of Han Solo's charm is his relationship with Leia. Some may disagree with me, but I really enjoy how the Expanded Universe developed the love and marriage of Han and Leia. They are the royal couple of the Star Wars universe. And it's fun to see how they were in that time period following their marriage. Plus, we get to revisit Tatooine in this novel and get encounters with Force ghosts of characters we have seen and read about in prior movies and novels.
So what are you reading over the holidays? Tell us what you like about the Expanded Universe! We'd love to hear from you.
And stay tuned for news about our next live podcast event!
Happy holidays!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host TJW Podcast
Hey there travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy holidays to all of our podcast listeners! It's a great time of the year and we hope you are enjoying the holidays with friends and family. The holiday season started a little early for us here at the TJW Podcast by our attendance at Super Megafest in Framingham, Massachusetts this past Sunday. What a great time!
We met up with some great Star Wars artists, chatted with some legends from the comic book industry, caught up with some friends in the 501st Legion New England Garrison and even had a chance to shake hands with the great David Prowse aka Darth Vader. So start off your holiday season and Black Friday with our special coverage on the TJW Podcast-Megacast!
| | | TJW Podcast Host Mark Leibowitz and a 501st Biker Scout |
| | | TJW Podcast Host Daniel Gil feeling his Chicago roots in front of the infamous Blues Brothers police car |
| | | R2D2 is always a hit at conventions! |
| | | The gracious and soft spoken Dark Lord of the SithDavid Prowse aka Darth Vader |
Stay tuned for our next episode! And be sure to send us your thoughts about the podcast at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! It's that time of year when the fall starts to wind down and the Hoth-like winter conditions are just around the corner. But it is also the start of the winter holiday season which is just a lot of fun. People start to get into better spirits, lots of tasty treats seem to be in abundance at the work office and school classrooms and the first snow of the season is always exciting to see.
But for a Star Wars fan, I think it's is even a more special time of the year. For some reason, I have always associated the winter with Star Wars. With days off from work, there seems to be more time to crack open a new Expanded Universe novel, break open some action figures to add to my display case or take a couple hours to throw in a Star Wars movie into the DVD player. And of course with all the winter holidays, there are bound to be gifts from that galaxy far, far away that brighten the season for a special Star Wars fan.
Personally, I think the holidays started a little early this year with the BIG announcement made by Lucasfilm and Disney this past week. Facebook, Twitter, emails and all social media was exploding this past week with news of the acquisition as well as the numerous mock-up pictures combining our favorite themes from Stars Wars and Mickey Mouse. But it wasn't until last night that it really hit me...and I'm not talking about the head cold that I have been fighting all week either. But around 4:00AM this morning it finally sunk in that a new Star Wars movie will be out in 2015.
A new Star Wars movie! Episiode 7! A movie that will take place after the events of Return of the Jedi! I began to imagine what it will be like to stand in line at theaters on a spring afternoon or evening to get a ticket to see Star Wars again! Just imagining being there as the lights dim and the words come across the screen, "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." And then hearing that booming beginning of the classic John Williams theme song as the Star Wars logo fades off into the blanket of space and stars.
But we know that the usual buildup to the movie will include trailers, posters and images. And novels, comic books and new figures will of course have to be part of the campaign as well. But what will the storyline of Episodes 7, 8 and 9 entail?
My first hope is that we get to see our heroes again. Can you imagine seeing Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher reprising their classic roles of Luke, Han and Leia? The story could easily take place at a time when their actual ages match the timeframe for a post-Jedi story. And if that were the case it would be easy to include characters from the Expanded Universe that have become fan favorites over the years.
I would love to see Mara Jade in a Star Wars movie! Her character was developed incredibly well by author Timothy Zhan. And seeing Luke and Mara together as our favorite Jedi couple would balance out the tragic Anakin-Padme storyline in a sense. How great would it be seeing a movie where true love becomes an essential component to being a Jedi!
But, the possibility still remains that what Expanded Universe fans take as Star Wars cannon may not be the vision of the writers and directors of this new set of movies. Part of me would love to see some of the Expanded Universe make its way to the silver screen. But the other part would be disappointed if I did not see something new that has not been given over in a Star Wars novel or comic.
As I mentioned in my previous post, there are just too many questions right now and we will all have to wait for the answers. But the TJW Podcast and Blog are here to stay and we are really looking forward to journey ahead! The Star Wars franchise is alive and well! Star Wars movies are on there way! And regardless of the storyline, there will be undoubtedly some great Expanded Universe tales to tell as well.
Let us know your thoughts! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep safe on the Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
The Star Wars world has been abuzz for the past 24 hours with the news that Disney has acquired Lucasfilm. And in addition, Star Wars episodes 7, 8 and 9 will be a reality in movie theaters come 2015.
I was just home from work when Dan called me with this breaking news. I was flabbergasted to say the least. I always thought that Lucasfilm would be that independent film company (granted, a multi-billion dollar independent film company) that would stay hold to the ideas that they are the only ones who know how to make Star Wars great and epic. It has been known for a while that George Lucas was planning on retiring in the coming years and his successor Kathleen Kennedy would be someone he trusts who can keep his vision of the Star Wars universe alive.
It does appear that Kennedy will be the person who will be heading up the production of these new Star Wars movies. And if there is anyone who can fill the shoes of George Lucas, I think Kathleen Kennedy is the person to do it. Her work on Raiders of the Lost Ark proves that she knows the recipe to make a good movie. And if she can do that with Indiana Jones, I am certain she will be able to step up to challenge with these new Star Wars movies.
I still am unsure how I feel about Disney taking the reigns at Lucasfilm. Granted, if any company knows how to make movies the right way, it is Disney. They have had a connection with Lucasfilm since the days they acquired Pixar and brought us movies like Wall-E, Toy Story and Cars. And from a merchandising perspective, there are many crossovers between Disney and Star Wars as well.
But the questions remains, what will be the story-line of Star Wars Episode 7? And how does this play into the exisiting Star Wars Expanded Universe stories and timeline? With Disney taking design control of all aspects of these new movies, how will that affect the final product we will see in the movie theaters in 2015?
As a host of a podcast and blog that is dedicated to the discussion of the issues, ideas and the imagination of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, it would be a little tough to imagine that characters and story-lines from the classic Timothy Zahn novels not finding there way onto the silver screen. I began thinking of what it would be like to see those Zahn novels coming together in a movie. Who would play Mara Jade? What would Grand Admiral Thrawn look like? How would the story of Han and Leia play out? Would they in fact be married? Would the love story develop between Luke and Mara? Or will these movies be acting as a major reboot of the Star Wars timeline as Star Wars Expanded Universe fans understand it?
This coming January we are going to see the first issue of the new "Star Wars" comic book from Dark Horse. The hype behind this comic book series is that it is set in the original trilogy era (probably between Episodes 4 and 5) and it will have all the characters we are familiar with in an era that we know well. Could this comic book series be a primer for events that are going to eventually play out in the new movies? And what about the upcoming book called Crucible that shows Luke, Leia and Han on the cover with more white and grey hair that I had ever envisioned? It obviously takes place after the events of the Fate of the Jedi series but will anything in this book have any impact on the new movies?
We have quite a long time before we have any concrete answers to these questions. We still are following the events in The Clone Wars animated series, many story-lines in books and comics are still in motion and we are not certain what other breaking news might appear in our inbox's in the coming weeks.
But I am very optimistic about this news. I am thrilled that new Star Wars will be on the big screen in the coming years. I am even more excited that my kids will be at an age that they can enjoy these movies and go with me to the theaters to see these movies. And a new movie will obviously trigger the usual merchandising campaigns that will offer fans those collectibles that make this new Star Wars experience even more enjoyable. If anything, this announcement has solidified that idea in my mind that the ideas, moral lessons, adventures and fun that stems from that galaxy far, far away is in fact going to last forever!
Dan and I will chat more about this breaking news on the next podcast. Let us know your thoughts! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep safe on the Jundland Wastes! And let us know if you spot Mickey Mouse hanging out with Jawas or Tusken Raiders! :)
All the best,
Mark
Co-host - TJW Podcast
Hey there travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Darth Dan and I are back in the studio for another episode of the podcast. As many of you already know, Dan and I are fans of the tales and stories from the Old Republic days. We have both played Knights of the Old Republic, have enjoyed the Tales of the Jedi comic and have kept up with the latest offering under The Old Republic banner.
One of the biggest items to hit this year was Biowares long anticipated MMO PC game called Star Wars: The Old Republic. Darth Dan was lucky to be chosen as a beta tester for the game and has been spending some time exploring the galaxy far, far away during the times of the Old Republic with this new game.
Listen to his analysis of the game and join us as we get a taste of the Old Republic here on episode 7 of the podcast! Let us know your thoughts on the game as well as the comics and books from this time period! Send us your email at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
All the best,
Mark and Dan
Hosts of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! Darth Dan and I are back in the studio for another episode of the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast. While we are not going to be at Star Wars Celebration 6 in Orlando, Florida this week, we are still excited about all the happenings in the Star Wars universe.
In this episode we discuss Expanded Universe titles we are reading, the great Star Wars Celebration 6 art prints and Dan shades some new light on how to watch all six Star Wars movies. And who would have thought that this revelation would have occurred while recovering from lyme disease (you'll have to listen to the podcast to understand what we mean :)
Let us know if you're going to C6! And we would love to hear your feedback on the podcast! Send your comments to: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
And stay tuned for our in depth podcast analysis of The Force Unleashed! We will be discussing both video games, the comic trade paperbacks and the action figures that were all part of this amazing chapter in the Star Wars Expanded Universe!
Travel safely friends!
Mark and Dan
Hosts of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! Star Wars Celebration 6 is in the books! For those who were able to make it to Orlando, it seems like it was a blast! The news coming off Star Wars fan sites, podcasts and social media has been fast and furious. It seems like it was the best Star Wars Celebration yet! And it seems like the party is going to continue next summer in Germany for Star Wars Celebration Europe II.
For the TJW Podcast, it looks like we will have to wait a couple more years for C7. But all of us here at the podcast are determined to make it happen the next time occurs.
Even though I was disappointed in not going, I was able to bring some of the convention home with the help of many dedicated Star Wars fans who were in the convention hall.
My biggest score of the convention was getting two autographed bookplates from Star Wars authors Timothy Zahn and Drew Karpyshyn. In addition, my self addressed stamped envelope came back to with an official USPS time stamp made specifically for Star Wars Celebration. Thanks to fellow podcaster Jay Shepard of Jedi Journals on the Forcecast who took the time to make these great bookplates and got them signed by the authors!
Other items I am awaiting to see come through my mail box are a Chris Trevas autographed C6 badge, a great 4 card postcard set from the guys at Jedi Temple Archives, an autographed 8 x 10 photo of Garrick Hagon who played Luke Skywalker's buddy from Tatooine Biggs Darklighter and a gorgeous 11 x 14 black and white 3 shot photo of Ian McDiarmid as Darth Sidious/Emperor Palpatine. One day I will have to get this autographed. And I think I may even have a C6 patch to add the offical TJW Podcast jacket as well. All in all, not a bad catch for someone who had to miss the convention.
We are busy preparing for our special The Force Unleashed analysis podcast! So stay tuned! Plus, Dan and I will be back on the road in November for Super Mega Fest in Framingham, MA! We cannot wait to meet the man who played Darth Vader....the one and only David Prowse.
Plus a lot of expanded universe to discuss as well. Stay tuned for more updates and more shows!
Travel safely on the wastes!
All the best,
Mark and Dan
Co-hosts of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes travelers! It was so hot today here in south eastern Massachusetts! I am sure it's not as hot as it will be in Orlando for Star Wars Celebration 6 in a couple weeks...but I can imagine the heat and humidity will be there for the convention. As I was trying to cool down last night I decided to take out my sketchbook and draw another Jundland Wastes picture. I decided to go with Ben Kenobi for this sketch. I recently just picked up his 2004 Vintage Trilogy figure and was rereading the first part of Ryder Windham's The Life and Legend of Obi Wan Kenobi.
I love stories about Ben/Obi Wan Kenobi during the time of his exile on Tatooine. I always imagine stories of his training by Qui Gon Jinn's spirit, his telekinetic communication with Yoda on Dagobah or his task of watching over Luke Skywalker from a distance. I do hope we get a chance to see some of these stories come to life in the Expanded Universe.
And if you want to see a great Expanded Universe/Infinity story that includes Ben/Obi Wan Kenobi, pick up The Force Unleashed Ultimate Sith Edition video game for Xbox 360. There is a story called A Fragile Hope in which we see what might have happened if Starkiller AKA Galen Marek defeated Darth Vader on the Death Star and became apprentice to Darth Sidious. The story takes place on Tatooine. And it is about the best Tatooine has looked on a video game. Ben/Obi Wan makes a a very important appearance in the game. It is also the best rendition of Ben/Obi Wan on a video game as well!
Email us if the summer heat is inspiring your fandom in your reading, video games or any projects.
Stay tuned for our next podcast!
Mark
Co-host TJW Podcast
Hey there Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Yes, it has been a while since I last posted a blog or a podcast episode. I am hoping that I will be able to post more as the summer ends and the autumn season begins. Life tends to be pretty "non-routine" during the summer and I hope to have a more consistent routine as it regards the podcast by the time the leaves begin to change color.
But it is the summer season and it means going out and enjoying the weather, maybe going to the beach, getting a good swim in and having some tasty summertime treats like ice cream and lemonade. But it is also the prime season for comic conventions! This past weekend was the ever famous San Diego Comic Con. I watched some footage on G4 thus past Saturday night. It really is one of those experiences that needs to be tried even once. The panels, the costumes, the comic book culture and the general fandom cannot be duplicated anywhere. It is the grand-daddy of conventions and I do hope to make it there one day.
And in a couple weeks, Star Wars fans will be flocking to Orlando, Florida for Star Wars Celebration 6. The TJW Podcast really wanted to find a way to be there this year. But it is an experience that will have to be put on hold at least for this year. Perhaps when Celebration 7 is announced in two years or so the TJW Podcast will have a better opportunity to attend.
This got me thinking about fans who (for whatever reason) are unable to make it to a convention this summer. Granted these events do require some financial planning and family coordination which can make it impossible at times. But just because one is not able to attend a San Diego Comic Con or a Star Wars Celebration does not mean that a devoted fan of the franchise cannot have some "geek" fun. Here are some suggestions that I have done in the past month or so to cure those comic convention doldrums.
Podcasts - It is probably not a big surprise that I would list this as my first choice. While podcast have exploded in the last few years, I think the fandom community has benefited most from the democratization of blogging and podcasts. There are more first hand reports compiled on blogs and podcasts that take us right into the convention hall. As fans, we get to hear the background noise of the convention and the ambience of the event. Actors, artists and fan interviews on podcasts have connected us more with the conventions then any other medium in my opinion. Yes, you can find news about these on G4 or E! but there is a sense excitement balanced by the normalacy of the everyday fan logging his or her journey at a convention. Do a websearch or search through iTunes and see what podcasts are available for comic con fans! And then pour yourself a tall glass of lemonade, plug in your Mp3 player and pretend you are at the event.
Virtual Artist Alley - One of the best times I had at the Boston Comic Convention this past spring was getting to spend a LONG time walking through the artist alley. I met many artists that have inspired me to draw again as well as those that I have admired over time. And while nothing replaces the experience of being there, the internet has allowed us access to see (and order) great pieces of art from some very talented artists. Check out the official Star Wars Celebration site (www.starwarscelebration.com) and see who has a print for sale. Then go to the artist website. You get to see many prints from past conventions and celebrations. There is actually a print from a past convention that I am planning to purchase. The great thing about this is that I can budget for a print because I am not attending the celebration where I need to pay for hotel and other expenditures. So it is sort of a consolation to be able to get a fantastic work of art.
Autograph Hunting - Just as one has a little more to budget for an art print, the same can be said for those who are looking to get an autograph. Conventions and celebrations are famous for the meet and greet opportunities. These lines can be long and it can sometimes take a big chunk of time out of the convention depending on the actors fame. So another great consolation is the fact that many conventions have mail in or ordering services so you can purchase an autographed photo and at times even personalized autographs. There are a couple I am looking to get from the C6 show and it never fails to put a smile on my face when I get them in the mail. Plus, it is a good time to find those actors who will sign autographs for free through the mail (as long as you have enclosed proper postage and a self addressed stamped envelope). Do some research and you will find that many actors who you would suspect are "too famous" will in fact take the time to sign an autograph.
Crafts and Cooking - This might sound a little silly but there can be a lot of fun had with making Star Wars art crafts and cooking. I have always been a big fan doing dioramas. And if you have children they will also delight in being able to transform an ordinary shoe box into a great scene from the movies. And by all means, USE YOUR LOOSE ACTION FIGURES! They are meant to be played with and look great as part of a diorama. The possibilities are endless and if you are doing this with your children you will see their eyes light up when you can put together the Battle of Hoth, Yoda's swamp home, the famous Lars Homestead or a speeder bike chase through the forest of Endor. And if you do a web search you will find many resources for Star Wars fans who like to make dioramas. Some even include cut out templates which can really make your diorama stand out! And don't forget to check out many Star Wars themed recipes that can be great to make and delicious to eat. My kids love making giant Death Star cookies and get a kick out of these 6 inch cookies!
Expanded Universe Titles - As a podcast dedicated to exploring the issues, ideas and the imagination of the Star Wars Expanded Universe it should be no surprise that I list this as a way to cure the blues of not attending a convention or celebration. In addition to the many titles out there, you can also catch up on Star Wars video games that might have fallen through the cracks and were missed. If you are looking for a great game that does not take a long time to play, try The Force Unleashed 2. It is an older game but the graphics are incredible and it is a good story. Even for those who have played it, the fun is still there!
Have a Mini-Con - You can't possibly be the only guy or gal who did not manage to make it to a convention or celebration. A great way to have some fun this summer is to have a "Non-Con" party. You can easily mention this to people on forums in places like www.rebelscum.com and see if anyone is interested. Have an informal gathering at a beach, a lake or even a nearby park. Make it pot luck and share in bringing snacks and drinks. And then the skies the limit to what you can do. Maybe you want to have some things to trade from your collection. Perhaps bring the DVD's of the movies to watch together on a laptop or portable DVD player. If there are any 501st member in the area ask them if they would like to "troop" at your party.
These are just a couple of ideas. But I would love to hear your ideas as well. Send us an email with your ideas to: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for another episode of the TJW Podcast!
Mark
Co-host TJW Podcast
Hey there Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I know it has been a while since our last update. The spring and summer around the headquarters of the TJW Podcast has been mighty busy. But we do have shows coming up so stay tuned!
Without a doubt, everyone is in full comic con mode with the summer season. And to add to it, Star Wars Celebration 6 will be taking place this August in Orlando, FL. It doesn't look like the TJW Podcast will be in Orlando for this event. But we are hopeful for Star Wars Celebration 7 in another 2 or 3 years.
And while it might seem a little early to be looking towards autumn, I have to say that I can't wait until the cool winds of the fall are upon us. Why? Because the Indiana Jones saga will be released on Bluray this fall! I am really excited about getting this set. I don't think it's possible to be a fan of Star Wars and not be a fan of the Indiana Jones franchise as well. I have been catching up on some great Indiana Jones expanded universe titles as well the classic Marvel comics The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones.
But my most recent Indiana Jones collectible to hit my shelf recently was an autographed photo of Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood signed by actress Karen Allen (AKA Marion Ravenwood). I love this classic shot of her and Harrison Ford from Raiders of the Lost Ark. (All I need to track down Harrison Ford for his autograph and my photo will be complete :) See the photo at the top of the post.
It actually got me thinking which couple I like better: Han Solo and Princess Leia or Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood. Both couples have great banter and I just love listening to the dialogue with these characters.
Stay tuned for more Star Wars Expanded Universe conversation to hit the podcast very soon! And let us know what you are thinking about these days! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
Stay safe on the wastes!
Mark
Co-host TJW Podcast
The sketch book was open again yesterday and this time I wanted to draw the one and only Chewbacca. Maybe it is not the best Chewie I have done but it does give that "Wookie rage" that all Star Wars fans enjoy! More to come soon about our next podcast!
All the best,
Mark - Co-host of the TJW Podcast
| | | Wookie Rage on the Page! |
| | | Imperial Sandtrooper by TJW Podcast Host Mark |
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! Last night I was on my couch having a lemonade and sketching some Star Wars art in my sketchbook. Here is the latest entry to the sketchbook. Maybe we will use for the TJW Podcast patch and logo? It does show an Imperial Sandtrooper traveling across the sands of Tatooine and the Jundland Wastes with the twins suns beginning to set in the horizon. And I also threw in a couple moisture vaporators.
I actually have a couple ideas I am playing with for a patch and logo. Some of these ideas include Jawas, Tusken Raiders, Banthas and Dewbacks. But I also have ideas that would include old Ben Kenobi, the Lars homestead and of course Imperial Sandtroopers. I'll post more pics as I complete sketches. But if you have any ideas be sure to send them to us here at the Traveling the Jundland Wastes headquarters: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
| | | Anakin Skywalker by a friend of the TJW Podcast |
I have not been the only one who has been sketching Star Wars lately. A good friend of the podcast and blog sent me this sketch of Anakin Skywalker! She is a great artist and we look forward to posting more of her work here at the Traveling the Jundland Wastes blog.
And stay tuned for another podcast episode! Travel safely along the Jundland Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast and Blog
Hello Jundland Wastes Travelers! So what does a podcaster like myself prefer to wear at live shows and comic conventions and celebrations? The answer is my favorite Levis denim jacket with some great Star Wars patches and pins!
Some may think I am stuck in the 1980's but I will always believe that the Levis denim jacket is a classic and will never go out of style. It is comfortable and perfect for patches and pins.
At Boston Comic Con this past April I actually had people checking out my jacket and asking about the patches and pins that I had on it. I was proud to show my jacket and get word out regarding the podcast and my admiration for the Star Wars franchise.
I thought it was about time to take a couple pics of the jacket and let everyone in on the official jacket of the TJW Podcast!
| | | Jedi Starfighter Patch (from The Jedi Path by Dan Wallace) and a Droids P | in | |
| | | Biker Jew Crew Patch and Star Wars Celebration 5 Pin | |
| | | Star Wars Celebration 5 - Five Piece Boba Fett Patch |
Do you have a denim/jean jacket that you have updated with some fantastic Star Wars patches or pins? Send us a pic and we will post it to the blog!
And stay tuned for news about an official TJW Podcast patch that you will be able to own!
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast and Blog
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes - Here is the other interview we did while at Boston Comic Con this past April. We were honored to have a moment to speak with Star Wars artist Katie Cook! She is also doing an art print for Star Wars Celebration 6 in Orlando, Florida this August. Katie has worked on many comic books, the Star Wars Galaxy series sets and has her own original comic called The Gronk. Check out our interview with her and we hope to speak to her again before Star Wars Celebration 6!
And be sure to check out Katie's website at: http://katiecandraw.typepad.com/
Stay tuned for more podcasts and blog posts!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The TJW Podcast was on the road last month for Boston Comic Con! As you can see from previous posts it was a lot of fun for both Dan and I. We had a great time roaming Artist Alley and getting to meet many comic book artists and illustrators. We got a chance to chat with Star Wars artist Doug Cowan. Doug has done many Star Wars illustrations including work on the Star Wars Galaxy card sets and prints for Star Wars Celebration. And yes, Doug will have a new print for Star Wars Celebration 6 in Orlando, Florida this August. We hope to chat with Doug sometime after his Star Wars Celebration 6 art print is revealed. Stay tuned for updates!
Click here to listen to our interview with Doug Cowan!
And be sure to check out Doug's website: http://dougcowan.net/
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast and Blog
Hello Jundland Wastes Travelers! I hope everyone was able to celebrate "May the 4th Be With You" Day last week. For a Star Wars fan it was a bit of a mini celebration complete with some great deals on Star Wars products throughout the weekend.
Probably the best deal of the weekend was a free Star Wars comic book given out for Free Comic Book Day on May 5th (or for hard core fans it was "Revenge of the 5th" day). I was not able to attend the celebration at my local comic book store but a good friend of mine stepped up to the plate and brought me back some great comics including the Star Wars issue with Han and Chewie on the cover.
But there were some other great deals that I spotted as well. Official Pix, the premier internet store for officially licensed Star Wars photographs and autographs, were offering 40% off photographs. Williams Sonoma had a discount on those awesome Star Wars cookie cutters of Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Stormtrooper and Yoda. Amazon.com had tons of discounts on various Star Wars Expanded Universe books as well the Star Wars Bluray collection. In a nutshell, it was pretty easy to find a great price on some Star Wars gear and collectibles! I hope you were able to find something special!
In the past week or so I was able to find a couple treasures on the vast landscape of the Jundland Wastes:
| | | Star Wars Galaxy 6 Reflections on Endor card signed by Doug Cowan |
| | | Ben (Obi Wan) Kenobi - 2004 Original Trilogy Collection |
| | | Star Wars Celebration V Badge |
NOTE: I am searching for the following badges to complete this set: Luke, Lando, Grevious, Han and C-3PO. If you have any extras and would like to trade/sell, send me an email here at the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast!
- The conclusions to Star Wars Dark Times and Crimson Empire III comic books
- The Empire Strikes Back Punch Out and Make It Book
Have you found a Star Wars treasure that you have been looking for? If you have, let us know here at the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast! Email us: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
I am hoping to post audio from the Boston Comic Con very soon! Stay tuned and thanks for listening!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Greetings Fellow Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! This has been a pretty fun month for us here in the Jundland Wastes. So many new Expanded Universe titles and a couple fun events.Back in March we had our first live show with Star Wars author Ryder Windham. We also had some of the troops from the 501st Legion New England Garrison present as well. It was a great evening. We chatted with Ryder about his latest books and Star Wars in general. And we had some great fans of the podcast in attendance.
| | | Ryder Windham on the TJW Podcast |
The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast also inducted Ryder and the 501st Legion New England Garrision as Honorary Travelers of the Jundland Wastes for their contributions to the Star Wars universe and their fans. We presented certificates of honor to Ryder and the 501st and are proud of their efforts and support for our podcast.
| | | Ryder named an Honorary Traveler | | |
| | | Tusken Raider John Dressel |
After the interview, Ryder signed autographs and met the fans. And the 501st troops stuck around to take pictures with our fans as well!Everyone had a great time and I cannot wait to do another live show. Stay tuned for details about our next appearance!
| | | Ryder signs autographs for Star Wars fans |
| | | TJW Podcast Hosts Dan and Mark with the 501st Legion New England Garrison |
| | | 501st Sandtrooper at Boston Comic Con 2012 |
And this past Sunday, Dan and I were on the road again as we traveled to the Boston Comic Con at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts! The first table we saw at the event was the 501st Legion New England Garrison who had a "Shoot-a Trooper-For-Charity". Fans delighted loading up Nerf blasters and taking their best shots at Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers, Sandtroopers and Biker Scouts. The 501st raised $1700 for Shriners Hospital! Gotta love these guys! It was great seeing many of the troops who came to the podcast event last March. We are proud of the 501st and look forward to doing another event with them!
We spent a lot of time in artist alley. My only regret is that we did not have enough time to meet every artist in attendance. So many great artists, illustrators and members of the comic book community were in the house giving the fans a great opportunity to meet with them. I was even able show my sketchbook to many of the artists in attendance and received some very valuable drawing advice. My dream is to find myself in an artist alley alongside many of the friends I made at Boston Comic Con.
| | | Star Wars Artist Doug Cowan - www.dougcowan.net |
We interviewed two Star Wars artists making their mark in the Star Wars universe; Doug Cowan and Katie Cook. Audio from these interviews will be posted soon! Both Doug and Katie have done prints for past Star Wars Celebrations and will have new prints for Star Wars Celebration 6 this August in Orlando, Florida. In addition to being great artists, Doug and Katie are some of the nicest people you will meet. Be sure to take the time to meet Doug and Katie at C6 and purchase their prints!
| | | Star Wars Artist Katie Cook - www.katiecandraw.typepad.com |
And you cannot go to a Comic Con without purchasing something special. I bought a great set of postcards from Doug Cowan, a sketch card from Katie Cook and a great drawing of Darth Revan and Bastila Shan from artist Taylor James. Stay tuned for pics of these great works of art. And stay tuned for a regular edition of the podcast coming soon. We have a lot to discuss. Revan! The conclusion to the Fate of the Jedi series! Comics such as Crimson Empire III, Agent of the Empire and the upcoming Boba Fett and Darth Vader comics. Let us know if you were at our podcast event with Ryder and the troops or if you went to Boston Comic Con! We'd love to hear from you.
| | | Boba Fett at the Boston Comic Con with TJW Podcast Host Mark |
Send your emails to: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark Co-host TJW Podcast
We're back in the studio chatting about Star Wars and the Expanded Universe! We have headlines, an update on what we are reading these days, a discussion of lightsaber duels, a quick review of a Ryder Windham title and another one of Dan's Star Wars revelations! Stay tuned for show notes and our next episode!
We're once again traveling the Jundland Wastes! It has been a while since we did our last podcast. But we're back in the studio and getting back into the groove. This week we chat about the latest in Star Wars comics including Knight Errant and Darth Vader and the Lost Command. We touch upon some ideas concerning the original trilogy and the Star Wars EU. And we both discuss some not-so-recent EU titles that have caught our interest.
Mark and Dan are back in the studio and chatting about some new and not so new Expanded Universe titles that they have read over this long and cold winter. So get a hot cup of coffee, fire up the converters and get ready for some Star Wars EU chat!
Mark and Dan chat about some Star Wars EU game titles including The Force Unleashed 2 and the upcoming RPG Star Wars: The Old Republic. Plus other ideas and insights into the Expanded Universe.
Our first podcast recorded back in August 2010 is now available to download. We are going to try and get more episodes up as soon as we can. And while our previous posts mentioned that we were going to be talking about the character of Mara Jade and the novel Allegience by Timothy Zahn, we decided to put this on hold until later this year as the 20th anniversary of the Zahn trilogy approaches.
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Here for your listening pleasure is our interview with Star Wars author Ryder Windham!
Stay tuned for pictures of the TJW Podcast staff and our guests from our first live event!
If you were at the event last night let us know what you thought of it! Add a comment below are send us an email.
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Tonight is the night! Our live podcast event with Star Wars author Ryder Windham and joining us will be members of the 501st Legion New England Garrison!
The podcast interview will start at 6:15PM and be about 35 - 45 minutes. Ryder will then sign autographs for our fans! And you will be able to meet members of the greatest Star Wars costuming group of all time, the 501st Legion!
Here's the info you need to know!
March 27, 2012
6:15PM - 7:45PM
Sharon Public Library
11 Main Street in Sharon, Massachusetts
Please keep in mind that books WILL NOT be sold at this event.
See you there!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
...Yes I have!
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I just finished listening to the Darth Plagueis audiobook by James Luceno (read by Daniel Davis). What an amazing novel! It is a must read for any Star Wars fan and, im my opinion, one of the top five Star Wars novels of all time.
We first learned about this Sith Lord back in Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith. While watching a Mon Calamari water opera, Chancellor Palpatine aka Darth Sidious has a private conversation with Anakin Skywalker in which he gives a brief overview of this Dark Lord of the Sith who had the ability to control midi-chlorians to the point that he could create life and keep those he cared about from dying. And in an ironic twist of fate, he is killed by his apprentice in his sleep. I remember being in the theater listening to Palpatine and wondering if there was ever going to be an official history about this Sith Lord in the Expanded Universe.
There were rumors a couple years ago about this novel but we were told that Del Ray had decided to put this project on the backburner. And as it is for most releases at Lucasfilm, timing is
everything. With the re-release of Episode 1 The Phantom Menace in 3D, the timing could not have been better to release Darth Plagueis.
A Star Wars Expanded Universe novel works best for me when the author takes the times to consider previous storylines that have touched on the subject as well as how it can affect the way in which it impacts the six movies as a whole. Darth Plagueis is a novel which accomplishes all of this and more! James Luceno, who authored other Star Wars titles including Cloak of Deception and Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader, did a tremendous amount of research for Darth Plagueis. He weaves together other established storylines and characters from other novels while at the same time providing the reader with a rich and chilling account of the rise and fall of the Sith Lord that opened the door to the entire Sklywalker storyline throughout all six movies.
The story at times can seem a bit heavy on the reader when it discusses the political climate in the Republic, the players and the ramifications of actions that Darth Plagueis sets into motion. After listening to the entire novel, I can see why such detail was placed on describing these scenes. But even if you are not so interested in the politics, there is plenty of good old fashioned dark side Sith action and dialogue. There are some pretty jaw-dropping chapters and brutal events which do justice to the nature of these Sith Lords. And it can be argued that Plagueis and Sidious were possibly the most brutal of Sith Lords we have learned about in the Expanded Universe.
The story picks up a lot after the first 100 pages. More information comes to light which gives us a new perspective watching Episode 1 The Phantom Menace. In fact, I think the events in Darth Plageuis will also give a new perspective on how we watch any of the movies. I am really looking forward to taking a couple hours to watch my bluray version of Episode 1 and seeing how these events from Darth Plageuis change the way I view this movie.
So many characters appear in this novel that give us a better understanding of why they have made certain choices in the movies. Plus we get to see the origin of one of the most popular Sith Lords of all time, Darth Maul. With the reappearance of Darth Maul in The Clone Wars animated series and the recent release of The Wrath of Darth Maul by Ryder Windham, the storyline we see in James Luceno's novel gives a deeper look into this mysterious, double-bladed wielding Zabrak. Now that's some real bonus material in a novel!
Be sure to come to my interview with Ryder Windham on March 27 from 6:15PM - 7:45PM at the Sharon Public Library as I ask him how his novel ties into Darth Plegueis.
And possibly the best part of the novel is the detailed description of how Darth Plagueis meets his fate at the hands of Darth Sidious. Do yourself a favor and listen to that scene on the audiobook! Daniel Davis is a great voice talent and gives such a powerful performance throughout the novel. But this scene will knock your socks off!
I highly recommend reading or listening to this Star Wars title! It is a must for any Star Wars Expanded Universe fan and should be required reading for any Star Wars fan! I am hopeful that the success of this novel will prompt Del Ray publishers to seek out more powerful storylines in the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
See you all on March 27!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host TJW Podcast
Ever since I began playing the Knights of the Old Republic on my original Xbox, I became fascinated with the characters that were introduced into this time period of the Old Republic. And anyone who knows me, has listened to the podcast or read my posts on the blog, know that I am intrigued with the characters of Jedi Knight Bastila Shan and former Sith Lord Darth Revan.
Much like the Han and Leia in the Original Trilogy, Darth Revan and Bastila Shan are that couple that play off each other so well in their dialogue. Just when you think these two characters are going clock the other with a gaffe stick, you find these special moments in the game (if you are basically playing the light side path) that remind you of those moments that Han and Leia had with each other throughout the three original movies.
In the novel Revan by Drew Karpyshyn, we see a little less banter between Bastila and Revan but a lot more emotion and seriousness in their dialogue. Without giving away the plot and circumstances of these two characters in the novel, I will say that there is a feeling uncertainty between Bastila and Revan.
We know that the canonical story of the original Knights of the Old Republic video game shows the redemption of Revan and his ability to redeem Bastila after she temporarily goes the dark side. The second installment of the Knights of the Old Republic known as The Sith Lords, includes cameo appearances of Bastila, Malak and Carth Onasi. And even though Revan is mentioned throughout the game, he never makes an appearance. At this time, we are uncertain of what happened to Revan and Bastila following the events of the first game. There is a lot of speculation as to his fate. Mystery shrouds the main character of this second game and we are uncertain what connection this character has with the Revan and Bastila story line.
While we have all been given the opportunity to do our own bit discovery in the new Star Wars The Old Republic video game, for those that want a clearer understanding of how the loose ends are tied up from the first two video games, I highly recommend reading the Revan novel. It is one of best expanded universe novels I have read!
Drew Karpyshyn knows how to write Star Wars and is, in my opinion, the best expert of the Old Republic era. He has proven it not only through his scripts for the Knights of the Old Republic video games but also with his Darth Bane trilogy of novels. And Revan is the best example of bringing this era of the Star Wars Expanded Universe to life. The novel is enhanced even more with a new Sith Lord named Scourge as well as meeting some old buddies we know from the video games such as Canderous Ordo.
This book is a page turner all the way. The descriptions of battles, environments and interactions between the characters are solid! It is a great book and one that needs to be on bookshelves of Star Wars Expanded Universe fans!
Let me know what you think of the novel! Or let us know your favorite characters from the Old Republic era! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
See ya on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
We look forward to seeing you at our podcast event!
See ya soon Jundland Wastes travelers!
Mark
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! The Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast will record a live show with a public audience on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 from 6:15PM - 7:45PM in the Cynthia B. Fox Community Room at the Sharon Public Library, 11 North Main Street in the center of Sharon,MA. TJW Podcast host Mark has the honor of interviewing New York Times best selling Star Wars author Ryder Windham.
This will be Ryders first appearance on the podcast. He will discuss some of his more recent titles such as The Wrath of Darth Maul and the upcoming conclusion to his four part Secret Missions series titled Star Wars The Clone Wars: Guardians of the Chiss Key. We will also discuss his phenomenal reference books The Complete Vader and The Millennium Falcon Owner's Workshop Manual.
In addition, the TJW Podcast will also welcome members of the New England 501st Garrison! We are thrilled to have the support of these Stormtroopers and I cannot wait to see them at the event! Come and celebrate the Star Wars expanded universe at this live event!
Please take note that books will not be sold at this event.
Stay tuned for more updates!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Favorite Expanded Universe Characters
Have you ever found yourself wondering who your favorite Jedi or Sith is from the entire Star Wars universe? It seems like a question that is not answerable. Depending on what movie was coming out (or being re-released) or what Expanded Universe literature I am currently reading seems to influence my decision. But after some deep thought on the matter I think that Qui Gon-Jinn is my favorite light side wielder of the Force from the movies.
And if I had to choose an Expanded Universe character, I would have to go with Luke's sexy red-headed gal pal and wife. Mara Jade Skywalker is number one on my list. And it seems appropriate that if Luke Skywalker is our hero of the original trilogy, his Jedi wife deserves the title of number one Expanded Universe character...at least on my list. Interestingly, I just learned that Hasbro will be making a Mara Jade figure for the Vintage Collection line in 2013.
I have a theory that the character of Mara Jade was the key influence that changed the Jedi and Sith from being an "all boys club". The prequel trilogy has a number of prominent female Force users and the Expanded Universe is ripe with adventures of Jedi and Sith gals.
Knights of the Old Republic, Revan and Bastila
Since 2003 I have been so enthralled with stories from the Old Republic era. The Knights of the Old Republic video games was my entry into stories that took place a couple thousand years prior to the Skywalker story line. The Tales of the Jedi series also gave me a chance to see events which highlighted the adventures of Jedi and Sith like Ulic Qel Droma, Exar Kun and Naga Sadow.
If Mara Jade has the gold medal on my Expanded Universe list, then Bastila Shan and Darth Revan are tied for the silver medal. If you have not tried Knights of the Old Republic video game then you are missing out, in my opinion, on one of the best Expanded Universe stories. Who would have thought that the best story would come out of a video game and not one of the hundreds of books or comics?
The story of Bastila Shan and Darth Revan is a grand story of struggling to stay on the light side of the Force, redeeming oneself from the dark side of the Force and finding the key to defeating evil. The story somewhat continues in the Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords but if your time is short you can skip this game. The third part of the story of Revan and Bastila is chronicled in the recently released novel titled Revan by Drew Karpyshyn.
This novel is my number one pick for 2011 (or maybe 2012 if you have not read it yet :). Karpyshyn's writing style is true to the genre and he knows how important a strong story, engaging characters and keeping that special Star Wars essence flowing throughout the pages. I know a Star Wars novel is working for me when I can almost hear the John Williams score playing in my head while reading. Or even the music from the KOTOR video game. I had always hoped that the story of Revan and Bastila would be released as a role playing game similar to the first two games.
But the novel is a great read and stands well as the third part of this story arc. We are reintroduced to characters from the video games and meet some great new characters as well. We see some new planets and systems as well as those that we have become familiar with. Revan is such a deep character and his struggles and triumphs are examined closely in this story.
Karpyshyn, who authored the Darth Bane trilogy of novels, is one of those special authors who is able to bring the magic and majestic lore of the movies onto the printed page of a novel (or the spoken dialogue of a video game). He knows what makes a good Star Wars story and he does not disappoint in his latest novel.
So get to the library, go to your bookstore or order your copy of the novel from Amazon.com. It is a must read for Expanded Universe fans. Are you a fan the Knights of the Old Republic? Did you play the video game or read any books or comics that have made you a fan of the universe dated a couple thousand years BBY? Let us know! Email us your comments to: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
Keep traveling the Jundland Wastes with us!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast/Blog
FYI: This is a spoiler free review of the novel!
Darth Maul is back in a big way this year. More then any other Expanded Universe story, the return of Darth Maul is probably the biggest Star Wars story arc for 2012. The 3D version of the Phantom Menace is hitting theaters this week, we know that Darth Maul is returning to the Clone Wars animated series later this year, the Expanded Universe is ripe with Sith titles in a big way this year (check out my previous blogpost about some of these Sith titles) and our first look at a post-Episode 1 Darth Maul appears in Ryder Windham's latest installment in his Star Wars biography series with The Wrath of Darth Maul.
Unlike his other biographies of Anakin, Obi Wan and Luke, this is a much darker tale that gives the reader a glimpse into the infamous Rule of Two relationship between Maul and his master Darth Sidious.
While reading this novel I kept thinking back to when Sidious/Palpatine retold the story of Darth Plagueis to Anakin in the opera house in Episode 3. I always felt like I was eavesdropping on their conversation. And I still get chills when Sidious/Palpatine tells the tale of how his master failed and died at the hand of his apprentice.
There were times in The Wrath of Darth Maul that I felt like I was that unseen witness during those interactions between the master and apprentice. The Darth Plagueis novel by James Luceno (which I have only started this week) and the Darth Bane novels by Drew Karpyshyn also give us great insight into the Rule of Two. But I think the difference with Ryder's novel, is the fact that we start out knowing both the stories and fates of Sidious and Maul from a plethora of Expanded Universe material as well as the movies. So it would only make sense that we are more connected to these characters and can feel the greater impact of tales woven within this novel. There are hints and subtleties throughout the story that made me say, "Wow! Now that sheds a whole new light on what happens later on!"
The background of Darth Maul from a young child, through adolescence and to his ascension as a Dark Lord of the Sith gives the character depth and added dimension that cannot be comprehended from just watching Episode 1. Like Darth Vader, Maul can be seen as the end product of manipulation, abuse and hatred (all good prerequisites for becoming a Sith Lord). At the same time, he is not just a mindless monster or guard dog for Sidious. He has doubts about his training, his required obedience and I believe he despises Sidious on an unconscious level (and even on a very conscious level as well at times) for turning him into this double bladed lightsaber wielding weapon of destruction. And believe it or not, you might even feel a sense of empathy for Maul by the time you finish this novel.
As with the previous biographies, the book is a work of art on its own. The image of a hooded Maul appears on the slipcase. You take the slipcase off and you see Maul in all his glory complete with spiked horns and a gruesome smile of sorts. The backcovers shows Maul with his double bladed lightsaber ready for action. I am sure the softcover version will be released later this year at a lower price point, but I would encourage everyone to spend the extra couple dollars and get this hardcover version. I still go back to the previous novels and go back and forth looking at the art on the covers.
Stay tuned for my reviews of Revan by Drew Karpyshyn and Darth Plagueis by James Luceno. The Sith Lords invade this year and the Traveling the Jundland Wastes Podcast and Blog will have analysis of these great titles! I am awaiting the arrival of my Sith holocron with Daniel Wallace's Book of Sith which goes on sale tomorrow, February 10, 2012. The pictures and videos of this Sith holocron and book looks fantastic. But I am sure it will be even better when I can open it up myself. Stay tuned for more on this title as well.
And we will have more information coming soon about our live show in March! We would love to meet you! And let us know what you think about any of these new Sith titles coming out this year. Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com.
The sands of Jundland Wastes have mysteries ready to be discovered! Join us on our journey!
Mark
Co-host of TJW Podcast
Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! Stay tuned for information regarding are first ever live show! Well, it's not going to be a live streaming podcast but it will be a live event that you will be able to attend. We will record the show and post it on iTunes and on the blog.
I am really excited about doing this show and our special guests who will be in attendance for it. Keep checking back for more information!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hey there Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Yesterday I opened the mailbox and found my Save the Lars Homestead limited edition watch. This watch was made as part of the fundraiser to help restore the actual "igloo" Lars homestead as seen in Episodes 2,3 and 4. This watch has the iconic "igloo" along with a moisture vaporator and the binary suns. And the coolest part of the watch is the capsule behind the timepiece which contains actual sand from Tatooine,uh,er, Tunisia. And to cap it off, I have my name engraved on the back and am listed at an "Expedition Colleague".
Of all the locations in the Star Wars universe, I have to say that Tatooine has always been my favorite. Perhaps it is because that is where the saga started back in 1977. And who can forget that iconic image of Luke standing outside the homestead staring off at the binary suns-set and wondering where life was going to take him.
And I just love the special edition version of Episode 4 and how Tatooine is enhanced. The sandtroopers on their dewbacks looking for the droids, Obi Wan's homestead and the approach into Mos Eisley is just spectacular. And for the first time this month, we are going to have the opportunity to see Tatooine in 3D with the re-release of Episode 1.
If you are looking for a great Tatooine Expanded Universe title, check out The Life and Legend of Obi Wan Kenobi by Ryder Windham. There are some awesome scenes from Tatooine that tie in many of the events from the movies as well as expand on some secrets hidden in the sands of Tatooine.
I am very honored to have my name attached to the expedition that will be restoring the Lars homestead. As a fan of the saga and the Expanded Universe, I think it will be fun knowing that the "igloo" was restored with the help of fans who find so much enjoyment from the stories taking place in that galaxy far, far away.
Keep traveling with us on the Jundland Wastes! And if you have received a watch, let us know and we'll mention it on the podcast!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! We had some snow this past weekend here in the northeast. This is the view from the Jundland Wastes headquarters (I admit it looks a little more like Kyshyyk in the winter rather then the dry sands of the Dune Sea and the Jundland Wastes).
So after I finished shoveling my driveway I was inspired to rearrange my current Vintage collection figures in my brand new APEX display case. This is a great case to display figures! Just be sure to get some figure stands so your action figures can have action poses without falling down all the time.
And this being a blog and a podcast dedicated to the Star Wars Expanded Universe, I just had to display a battle from my own personal expanded universe (almost bordering on an infinities storyline). I thought it would be great to have two of my favorite female Jedi Knights, Bastila Shan and Bariss Offee, battling Darth Sidious and dark side Anakin Skywalker. And you will see Luke trying to get his shot in from the back of Sidious.
And check out this birds eye view from the top of this display case. You really get a lot of figures in here and can see them from different angles.
Stay tuned for my review of some great books that have recently hit the bookstores! I have a lot to say about Revan by Drew Karpyshyn, Vader 3-D Reconstruction by Daniel Wallace and The Wrath of Darth Maul by Ryder Windham!
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Last night I was finally able to open up my Modern Vintage figures, take out my display case and get them on figure stands. My busy schedule does not leave me much time these days so it has been a challenge to find time to get to work on this project.
display.
Thanks to a lot of helpful advice on figure collecting and storage on the internet, I have been able to get most of my figures on stands to display or have them stored in sturdy plastic cases awaiting to be switched out when I want to change up my display.
My first figure placement was Bastila Shan and Darth Sidious battling each other in the front row. Maybe this will inspire an "Infinities" storyline or comic? That will have to be my next project.
Do you have figures displayed in a case, diorama or even on your desk? Send us a pic and I'll post it to the blog!
Stay tuned for more postings and podcasts!
Stay safe on the Jundland Wastes and keep on eye out for runaway banthas!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Greetings Jundland Wastes Travelers! It has been quite a start to 2012 for the Star Wars universe. My last post mentioned all the extraordinary Expanded Universe books that are either available now or will be in the coming weeks. But as most of you know just from listening to the podcast that I am also collecting action figures from Hasbros current Vintage Collection.
It has been a challenge getting these figures. The distribution has been spotty for some figures. But all in all, I am very satisfied with the figures I have purchased...even better is the fact that I am not a "complete-es" so that helps my wallet. But it does look like that I am going to end my collection with figures coming out in the next year.
I am eagerly awaiting The Phantom Menace wave figures to arrive at my door in the coming weeks. And while some of the figures in this wave are not characters I am probably not interested in keeping, this wave does have my favorite Jedi of all time, Qui-Gon Jinn; the scariest looking Sith of all time, Darth Maul; and his mentor Darth Sidious as he appeared in Episode 1. I am waiting to get these figures before watching my Bluray version of Episode 1. I have a feeling that the anticipation will allow me to appreciate the movie even more especially if I have these new figures on Vintage cardbacks to look at while watching the movie.
In addition to these figures, I am trying to find the 30th anniversary collection figures of Darth Revan and Darth Malak. How can you possibly own a Vintage Collection figure of Bastila Shan and not have a couple Dark Lords for her to battle? Also, I am in the middle of reading the Revan novel and it is such a good story! I cannot wait to add these two Sith figures to my collection.
The one other figure that has caught my eye for the coming year is the realistic figure of Anakin Skywalker from the animated Clone Wars series. The figure looks great and I am really impressed how they sculpted the figure. In addition, it will be on a Vintage cardback which really shows how much The Clone Wars has impacted the Star Wars universe.
But even with all the great books, comics and figures coming out this year, I have to say that Star Wars Celebration 6 will be the high point of the year. Dan and I hope we will be there with all who are going! Stay tuned!
Let us know what you are thinking about regarding Star Wars! Send us an email at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com
Keep traveling the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello Jundland Wastes Travelers! The weather is starting to get cold here in the northeast of the United States but the Expanded Universe titles are heating up this winter season! More specifically, it looks like that the EU is going to spend a good amount of time and energy on exploring the secrets of the Sith this year. Just take a look at what has already come out and what we can expect in the next few week!
Crimson Empire III - This Dark Horse comic book series has returned after a long hiatus! It prompted me to pick up the trade paperback versions of Crimson Empire I and II and get myself reacquainted with the characters of Kir Kanos, Carnor Jax and Mirith Sinn. The first series is the best in my opinion. The action and storyline is well written. And I really enjoyed seeing the appearance of Darth Vader and the Emperor in the flashback scenes as well. Check it out if you want to see the world of Star Wars from the vantage point of one of the Emperors Royal Guards.
The Book of Sith - The best piece of Star Wars memorabilia has to be my Vault Edition of The Jedi Path by Daniel Wallace. It is one of the most creative ideas to date when it comes to Star Wars books or even collectibles in general. The book itself is a work of art with special paper for the pages, collectible inserts, embossed cover and the awesome battery powered vault that houses this volume. And this February we get to see the Sith side with The Book of Sith by Daniel Wallace. It comes housed in a Sith holocron along with sound effects and a bunch of collectibles. It is priced around the same amount that The Jedi Path Vault Edition was when it first came out. I am planning on getting this but I have no doubt that next year a stripped down version will be for sale similar to what was done with The Jedi Path this season. I am hopeful that we will get a fresh look at the Sith Lords we have come to learn about through the books, comics and video games. I am especially looking forward to any history and information that will be mentioned about the planet Koriban and former Sith Lords like Darth Revan and Darth Malak.
Revan - I am currently reading this novel by Drew Karpyshyn. It is one of the best EU novels I have read in a long time. It has been a little difficult keeping up my hopes that something exciting will emerge from the Fate of the Jedi series. So finding this novel at the library was a breath of fresh air. I am a big fan of Drew Karpyshyn and his contributions to the Knights of the Old Republic video games as well as his three Darth Bane novels. Anyone who has played KOTOR and KOTOR 2 will love this novel! We meet characters from the game and learn more about what happened to them after the events of these two games. We are are also introduced to some new Sith Lords. Granted, Revan is no longer a Sith Lord at this time but he deserves an honorable mention for his Sith history which does continue to haunt him in this novel.
Darth Plagueis - Have you ever heard of the legend of Darth Plagueis the Wise? No, but we are going to in a couple days! Dan and I have mentioned this on the podcast, but without a doubt one of the greatest moments in the Star Wars movies is when Palpatine retells the story of Plagueis to Anakin in the opera house. Even this Cliff notes version of the story had me riveted to my seat in the theater and my ears wide open. I have always thought and imagined what this Sith Lord was like with Palpatine? What kind of apprentice was he to Plagueis? This is another must have novel for anyone who really enjoys stories of Sith Lords and are looking to rewatch Revenge of the Sith with some new background from this novel.
The Wrath of Darth Maul - It is no secret how much I enjoy the novels of Ryder Windham especially his biographies of Luke, Obi Wan and Anakin/Vader. I have spoken about them on the podcast and I encourage everyone to pick them up and read them (especially, the hardcover editions! The art on these novels are gorgeous!). And we now have another addition to this biography collection with the story behind Darth Maul. This is another must have for my collection and I cannot wait to get into it.
The Clone Wars - I know that the Clone Wars animated series is not really EU. But they are certainly going to be addressing Sith issues when we see the return of Darth Maul this season on the Clone Wars. Who would have thought that Darth Maul would officially return to the Star Wars universe? Yes, we have seen him in comics and other places in the EU, but this is different. Especially, considering that some information in the new Darth Maul novel will probably connect into the series. And we are all looking forward to seeing how they are going to construct his cybernetic legs as well as seeing him duel again with Obi Wan and maybe even Anakin!
So much to read, watch and enjoy in 2012...the year of the Sith! Do you have anything Sith-like that you are reading this year or looking forward to? Let us know here at the Jundland Wastes! Send us an email!
Looking forward to getting back in the studio for another TJW Podcast!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Greetings Travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Happy holidays and a happy new year to everyone! I am sure everyone is still sorting through their Star Wars loot as they read this posting. And I'm sure the current Vintage Collection figures showed up as gifts for some of our listeners as well.
The current Hasbro Vintage Collection has brought many fans back to the collecting hobby. These brand new vintage style figures on a classic Star Wars cardback has really struck an emotional chord for a lot of Star Wars fans. All over the internet and on Star Wars podcasts and blogs I am hearing about fans who are remembering back to when they were just kids at the time of the classic trilogy. We remember seeing the movies and getting all excited to head to the toy store to pick up those action figures of characters we grew to love. And who can forget the Kenner commercials showing cool action figures and vehicles being used by kids just like us!
Without a doubt, the emergence of the new Vintage Collection in the summer of 2010 gave us all something to be excited about. I am grateful that I am not a "complete-ist" otherwise my wallet would be suffering greatly. But that is fine because I am very satisfied with the figures I have picked up and looking forward to adding to my collection this year with the new Phantom Menace wave which appears to be out for sale at this time on eBay and various toy stores.
There are a couple other Expanded Universe figures from previous lines and waves that I do want but for the most part I am happy with my collection. The only thing I need to do now, is get these figures out of the package and into my display case.
But just as the figure itself is collectible, I also enjoy looking at the cardbacks that come with them. I always wonder why a certain photo was chosen as opposed to others, the colors chosen for the name tags and the style of lettering for the Star Wars logo and wave name. These cardbacks are as much of fun as having the figure.
I began to wonder what my next big Star Wars project will be after I finish off my collection this year. Granted, I have this blog and podcast and I hope it will be going for a long time to come. But I am also trying to get back into drawing as well. And then it came to me....make my own custom cardbacks!
I began looking all over the internet and have found out that it is a hobby for many Star Wars fans as well. Some take new photos and make a cardback with the bubble for a figure they have. Some make it into a real art project by covering over current cardbacks with their own art. And there are even those who just take a piece of poster board cut to size and draw or paint their very own cardback.
Hopefully, sometime this winter I will make an attempt at designing my very own Star Wars action figure cardbacks. I have always enjoyed art projects and I hope that I will get as much fun (or hopefully even more fun) pursuing this new hobby. And it will probably be a little easier on my wallet as well.
Do you have any Star Wars art projects that you are working on? Let us know here on the Jundland Wastes! And send us some pics! We'll post them to the blog.
Break out those pencils, crayons, markers and a whole lot of creativity! We're in the Jundland Wastes and making some great Star Wars cardbacks! Hope to have something to show you soon.
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It has been a while but I wanted to send a transmission during these happy holidays! Dan and I are going to get back in the studio soon, 2011 was a bit of tough year in getting our podcasts up and running. But we are hopeful that in the new year of 2012 that we will be able to supply more podcasts and posts for your enjoyment.
Star Wars is fun year round but I think it is especially great to chat about during the winter holidays. We all have wish lists for Star Wars swag and it does take some thought deciding what we want and what we want to give. Here is my small wish list (or not so small considering how you see it) for the the holidays:
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The Star Wars Nine Disc Bluray Set - By far, it has to be the big item this year for Star Wars fans. Granted it came out in September and it was an item that I was tempted to pick up this past fall. But at the same time I thought what would be better then tearing open the wrapping paper and seeing that set in your hands. And while there has been some differences in opinion when it comes to the cover art, I have to say that I really like it! The images of Anakin and Luke on the sands of Tatooine give the traveler of the Jundland Wastes warm feelings about all six movies. And it would make for a great day off from work to watch Episode 4 in full high defintion!
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Current Vintage Collection Action Figures - I really came back into collecting Star Wars toys with the launch of this line back in 2010. The classic packaging and the updated figures really bring me back to the days of going to the toy store with my mom to buy the vintage figures back in the early 80's. I have just purchased a fantastic display case and some stands for the figures I currently have. So I am hoping to have a little time over the weekend to get these figures out of the packaging and into the case!
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Previously Released Action Figures - With my limited budget, it is tough to get every action figure I want. But there have been some figures from previous lines and comic packs that have caught my eye. As a huge fan of the Knights of the Old Republic, it was so much fun to get the Vintage Collection Bastila Shan. But how can I have Bastila without a couple Old Republic Dark Lords to fight? The 30th anniversary Darth Malak and Darth Revan are on my list. Plus, I have finally finished playing The Force Unleashed 2 and would like to get a couple figures from that line as well.
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Star Wars Novels and Expanded Universe books - Star Wars publishing just continues to grow with each year! For the avid reader it is a great time to explore the Expaneded Universe! The novels I am looking forward to getting hold of is Revan by Drew Karpyshyn and Darth Plagueis by James Luceno. Other books I am keeping an eye out for this winter will be Book of Sith by Daniel Wallace, Star Wars Secret Missions #4 by Ryder Windham and the final Fate of the Jedi book Apocolypse.
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Miscellaneous Stuff - There are some other items that I think are just so cool. For example, those Star Wars cookie cutters from Williams Sanoma. Who wouldn't want cookies the shapes of Boba Fett, Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper? I have one more peice I need to complete the Star Wars Celebration V Boba Fett patch and there are a couple patches and pins I want to add to my classic jean jacket. I would like to complete my collection of Celebration V badges too. The art is done by Grant Gould and they all look fantastic! Grant is an awesome Star Wars artist!
What are you hoping to get this holiday season? Let us know!
Have a happy and safe holiday season! Remember to watch out for Tusken Raiders and stay out of your landspeeders if you have one too many Jawa Juices or spiked blue milk!
Happy Holidays!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
As most Star Wars Expanded Universe fans know, the release of Biowares MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online) game Star Wars: The Old Republic this coming December is probably going to be one of the biggest events to happen in the Star Wars EU this year.
Jundland Wastes traveler and co-host Dan is by far one of the best resources when it comes to Star Wars gaming and gaming in general. He has played both Knights of the Old Republic games for Xbox numerous times as well as other popular titles such as The Force Unleashed, The Force Unleashed 2 and the Battlefront series. And while he enjoys being able to lose himself in a great Star Wars novel or comic book, his real passion is for the Star Wars video games and the complex characters and plotlines that make up these extraordinary avenues into the Expanded Universe.
The holidays came a little early for TJW Podcast co-host Dan last night. He has been chosen to play and test out some of the game this coming weekend! The Old Republic website (which is a plethora of information and videos of this game) asked fans who were interested in testing the game prior to the December release to register at the website. I spoke with Dan last night and this morning as he was downloading the test game to his PC. Needless to say, he is thrilled to have this opportunity to take a look at this game prior to the release.
And as your co-hosts of the TJW Podcast we are committed to reporting on his first hand impressions of the game. Stay tuned for our special news breaking podcast!
And with the upcoming release of the novel Revan, I think we are looking at some exciting Star Wars EU in the not so distant future!
Keep traveling with us on the Jundland Wastes and let us hear from you!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host TJW Podcast
Hey there fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Anyone who lives on the east coast of the US is going to get their first taste of winter this weekend. A nor'easter is working its way up to the TJW Podcast studios.
So depending on when it gets here I am thinking it might be a "stay inside" weekend. And catching up on some Star Wars Expanded Universe titles is a great way to pass the time. I'm going to brew up some good coffee, break out a tasty muffin and crack open this titles on my catch-up list.
The Rising Force by Dave Wolverton and The Dark Rival by Jude Watson
A couple months ago I had the pleasure of reading the two for one novels Legacy of the Jedi and Secrets of the Jedi by Jude Watson. After Ryder Windham, I have to say my first runner up for best writing of Star Wars novels goes to Jude. She, like Ryder, has written a plethora of young adult novels. Specifically, she has written 3 series of novels: Jedi Apprentice Series (44 BBY - 38 BBY), Jedi Quest Series (28 BBY - 25 BBY) and Last of The Jedi (18 BBY - 10 BBY). These novels delve into detail about Dooku, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and others from before Episode 1 and past Episode 3.
Qui-Gon Jinn has become my favorite Jedi over the past few years and I really enjoy getting the opportunity to explore his character further. This series of novels have been on list for a long time and I plan on starting it off this weekend with The Rising Force and The Dark Rival. And like Ryder, Jude writes for a younger audience. However, if these novels are anything like Legacy of the Jedi and Secrets of the Jedi, they are far from being juvenile and will be enjoyable for any Star Wars Expanded Universe fan.
Star Wars: Legacy / Knights of the Old Republic
Another series that I was never able to get into was the Star Wars Legacy comic book series. I started the Knights of the Old Republic but never got past the first volume. With the conclusion of the Fate of the Jedi series next spring and the start of The Old Republic video game this winter, I thought it would be good idea to get caught up on both of these series before the holidays. And it is relatively easy to find the comic trade paperbacks of both these series online or at a local library.
Have anything that you are catching up on? Let us know and we'll give you a shout out on the podcast!
Have a enjoyable weekend!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
This past week I finished the third novel in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Secret Missions series by author Ryder Windham. This set of novels takes place during the Clone Wars and I believe is matching up pretty closely to the timeline of the animated series on Cartoon Network. The fourth novel is due out soon.
This series is about Jedi Padawan Nuru Kungurama, a squad of Republic Clone Troopers, a former assassin druid and a female scoundrel named Lalo Gunn. Nuru's master Ring-Sol Ambase disappears on while on a mission and Nuru is determined to find him at all costs. The series brings in characters we have come to know in the animated series such as Cad Bane and Asajj Ventress. But we also get some cameo appearances from Chancellor Palpatine and Count Dooku. If you like the animated series and are looking for some fast moving action and exciting stories then I highly recommenced these novels. While they are aimed at a younger audience I really believe that older readers will find these just as enjoyable.
In addition, I have just started the eighth novel in the Fate of the Jedi series called Ascension. This series is winding down with the final installment scheduled for sometime early in 2012. Luke, Han, Leia along with their children and other Jedi are still searching for the elusive Sith monster Abeloth. The Galactic Alliance continues to be on shaky ground and the future is very uncertain for many of the characters in this series.
While I have managed to get through all the novels so far in this series authored by Aaron Allston, Christie Golden and Troy Denning, it has been a chore of sorts to get through them. Without a doubt, these accomplished authors who have made a tremendous mark in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. They are giving us insight into the characters of Jaina Solo, Jagged Fel, Darth Cadeous, Ben Skywalker and Vestara Khai. But I sometimes question the verbosity of these novels and the direction that is taken with certain subplots which seem to weigh down the reader and do not seem connected to the larger story arcs. Perhaps they will be realized at the end of the series. But for the casual Star Wars fan these novels are a bit much to digest.
I am a passionate Star Wars fan and have been committed to these post Return of the Jedi novels for many years now. So I know that I will read these novels even though there are many parts of these novels that have not been enjoyable to read.
And it is this lack of enjoyment that has made me realize how much fun one can have reading something like Ryder Windham's Secret Mission novels. He is true to the saga because he is acutely aware of the "fun" that is needed in the Star Wars universe. He combines fast moving stories, interesting subplots and story arcs, and gives life to characters who fit in so well into a universe Star Wars fans are familiar with.
And if you want to see his stellar treatment of characters from the movies, you need to read his biographies of Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker. Personally, I think his biography of Obi-Wan Kenobi is a must read. He pulls together many stories from the Expanded Universe and weaves a tale that will warm the heart of any Original Trilogy fan. I cannot wait to pick up his upcoming biography of Darth Maul early next year. I am sure it will be page turner especially for us following his return in the animated Clone Wars series and the re-release of The Phantom Menace in 3D.
What are your thoughts on Secret Missions or the Fate of the Jedi series? We would love to hear them!
Keep those landspeeders in tip top shape and remember to water your banthas!
From the Jundland Wastes...all the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
The release of all six Star Wars movies on Bluray has given members of the Star Wars community a fresh new take on the greatest saga of all time. The enhanced sound, video and improvements to the movies gave us another reason to celebrate our admiration and passion for the franchise.
While I have not yet purchased the Bluray set (I am hoping that it will be Chanukah gift in a couple months), I know that I am looking forward to revisiting Yoda on the planet Degobah in The Empire Strikes Back.
Of all the places in the Star Wars universe, the planet Degobah is the most mysterious one of all. We all know that the planet is surrounded by the shroud of dark side which is why Yoda chose it as his hideout after the fall of the republic. But to this day, there has never been a definitive story why the planet has this dark side aura.
Or even why that infamous cave is strong with dark side energies. The Force Unleashed 2 video game briefly revisited the planet and the cave. It even had a cameo appearance of Jedi Master Yoda. But I do not think we learned anything specifically as to how the planet or even the cave became a domain of dark side energies. Was the cave ever visited by any Sith lords or dark Jedi? Did anyone from the Old Republic know about this planet? Was the planet ever vibrant with life and then somehow deteriorated into the Degobah we know?
I certainly do not have any answers. But that is good because we can speculate on some ideas and perhaps it can become the backbone of an expanded universe novel or comic to explain some of the reasons.
This past week I read a fantastic comic trade paperback called Star Wars Adventures: Luke Skywalker and the Treasure of the Dragonsnakes. While this comic is probably aimed at a younger audience, I think it is a strong story and any Star Wars fan will enjoy it. The story takes place during The Empire Strikes Back and focuses in on Luke's training with Yoda on Degobah. We get to see an artists rendition of the creature that tried to swallow R2-D2 and learn how this creature emanates dark side energies.
We get a more detailed look into Luke's training and even see Yoda performing acrobatic feats similar to his duels in Attack of Clones and Revenge of the Sith. The dialogue is true to the characters. There are times that I can hear Frank Oz's voice of Yoda coming through pages along with John William's Yoda musical theme playing in the background. The comic art looks great! Drawing and inking the planet Degobah is no easy task in my opinion. But the artists have done a good job making it visually appealing and some of the art just pops off the page.
I highly recommend putting this on your list of books to read especially if you have (or are getting) the Bluray set. You will get a fresh look at Luke, Yoda, R2-D2 and the planet Degobah in both the Bluray and in this comic trade paperback.
It came out earlier this year so it is still pretty easy to purchase a copy or check with your local library to see if it is on the shelves. Have any thoughts about our favorite swamp in the universe? Email us an let us know! We will even make mention of it on the podcast!
Stay safe traveling the Jundland Wastes!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
As I mentioned in the previous blogpost, here are some other pics from that fabulous evening!
Pademe Amidala's Royal Attire
Zam Wessel's Bounty Hunter Gear
Jedi Master Plo Koon
The Wisest of Wise...Master Yoda
C-3PO...Human Cyborg Relations...
A Wookie named Chewbacca
Imperial Officer Uniform
The Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire!
I can feel your angaaaahh...it gives you focus...makes you stronger.
You have failed me for the last time Admiral...
Gotta love a happy wookie :)
Move along...move along...
Two years ago next month I was in attendance for Star Wars in Concert at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI. It was such a fun event!
Prior to the show we were able to view costumes, art work and other items straight from the Lucasfilm vault. That in itself was worth the price of admission. Plus, I had the chance to meet some of the members of the New England 501st and Rebel Legion. It was the first time I was able to get a first hand look at their costumes.
The members I spoke to put in such time and effort into their costumes. They really looked like they came straight from the movies! And more importantly, they do a lot of charity work and make frequent visits to children hospitals to brighten the day of many ill children.
The concert was just magnificent. A full symphony orchestra, lighting and laser effects and the enormous screen in the background with scenes from all six movies made for a fantastic experience. Plus, Antony Daniels who played C-3PO narrated the concert. The crowd in attendance was great too. It was so much fun being around a crowd of people who also share the enjoyment of Star Wars.
I have reopened the Jundland Wastes Treasure Chest again and have some pics from that night. Do you have any pics from a Star Wars in Concert experience? Send them to us and we'll add them to the treasure chest. We'll also make special mention of it on the next podcast! Keep checking back here for more pics from the concert.
Stay tuned for more blog updates and podcasts! Keep traveling the Jundland Wastes with us!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
I almost forgot to include these autographs as well. They are not from the Star Wars Universe but still actresses and characters that I have enjoyed in the past.
Marina Sirtis who played Counselor Deanna Troi in Star Trek: TNG.
Lea Thompson who played Caroline in "Caroline in the City"...as well as other big hit movies and TV shows.
Remember back in Star Wars: A New Hope (Ep 4) when Obi Wan opens the wooden chest in his home and takes out the lightsaber "that Luke's father wanted him to have when he was old enough"? I always wondered what else did Obi Wan keep in that wooden chest. I am sure we all have some ideas. I think some ideas were presented in the Life and Legend of Obi Wan Kenobi by Ryder Windham but we never really see what else he kept in that chest.
So while we may never know what Obi Wan kept in that chest, I want to show you some of the treasures that are in the Jundland Wastes Podcast treasure chest. Yes, it's true...the TJW Podcast has a small treasure chest that is safely hidden away in the Jundland Wastes. Hopefully all Tusken Raiders and Jawas will never find this secret location in the sands of Tatooine. But for our faithful listeners I thought it would be fun to show you some of my finds for the TJW Treasure Chest.
Today are some autographs that I have had the good fortune of receiving through the mail or at a convention. Let us know what you think!
Amy Allen who played Jedi Master Aayla Secura
Catherine Taber who voices Padme Amidala in The Clone Wars
David Prowse who IS Darth Vader
Jeremy B who plays the awesome Boba Fett
James Earl Jones who voiced the greatest villain of all time...Darth Vader!
Jake Lloyd who played young Anakin Skywalker in Episode 1.
Peter Mayhew as the mighty Chewbacca!
Carrie Fisher as the first lady of the Star Wars universe Princess Leia Organa
Pete Sumner as the Imperial Officer who kept saying, "TK421 do you copy??" in Ep 4.
Shannon McRandle who plays Luke's lovely red headed Jedi wife Mara Jade!
Tom Kane who voices the wisest of all...Jedi Master Yoda
Orli Shoshan who plays Jedi Master Shaak-Ti. She signed this autograph in Hebrew!
More treasures to be unveiled soon! Have any treasures you want to share with us? Send us an email and attach a pic. We'll post it on future posts and mention it on the next podcast!
All the best fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! It has been a while since we sent a clear transmission. Dan and I are hopeful that we will be back in the studio for our autumn edition of the TJW Podcast! Plus we are going to post soon our audio commentary of the Microseries as well. We have a lot to chat about and are looking forward to getting back to reporting on the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Stay tuned and watch out for Tusken Raiders!
Mark and Dan
Co-hosts of the TJW Podcast
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Thanks to everyone who has asked about the Microseries audio commentary. Dan and I are preparing this episode and we hope to have posted next week.
The summer is starting to come to a close but things are just starting to heat up again in the Star Wars Expanded Universe! Not to mention of course the story of the year...Star Wars in Blu-ray! Plus all the new titles coming out this fall including the already restarted comic book series Star Wars Dark Times! As you know I am personally awaiting the sale of the Bastila Shan vintage action figure. Plus another season of Star Wars The Clone Wars animated series in September. Just a whole lot of Star Wars to delve into this fall and I am really looking forward to it.
What are you looking forward to the most this fall in the Star Wars universe? We'd love to hear from you! Send us an email and stay tuned for our next episode of the podcast.
All the best,
Mark
Hello fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! Great news to report! Dan and I will be back into the studio this week to record our audio commentary for the first volume of The Clone Wars Microseries! We're very excited about this and cannot wait to share it with our audience!
In addition, we have a special announcement to make on the podcast as well! Stay tuned!
All the best,
Mark
I am awaiting eagerly for the postman to deliver my new ARC Trooper action figure from the new Hasbro Vintage Collection. From the pics I have seen, this looks like a great action figure with lots of articulation and a good amount of accessories. It is also nice to see that Star Wars and Hasbro recognize the significance of this Expanded Universe character the role played in the Clone Wars Microseries by Genny Tartakovsky back in 2005.
While we had already seen Clone Troopers in Attack of the Clones (Episode 2) and Revenge of the Sith (Episode 3), the ARC Trooper was a fresh new take for this special elite unit of troopers. The Microseries came about as a test to gauge whether the fan audience would be interested in this kind of show.
In the past, Star Wars animated shows in the mid-80's like Droids and Ewoks were a bit silly and aimed at a younger audience. Prior to that, the only other animated Star Wars came in the infamous 1978 Holiday Special in which we get an Expanded Universe/Infinities story with Han, Luke, Chewie, the droids, Darth Vader and Boba Fett. While it certainly does not fit into the normative Star Wars timeline of events, it gave us original trilogy characters (played by the actual actors), some decent and interesting looking animation and a brief fire-fight with some Imperial Stormtroopers.
The Microseries is unlike either of these two examples of Star Wars TV animation. Each episode is only a couple minutes long although now on the DVDs you can play all episodes back-to-back if you want to watch the full 45-50 minutes in one sitting. While not 3D animation, it is colorful, bold and exciting to watch. Most episodes are action heavy and in some cases lack any dialogue. Although, the voice acting does play well in episodes with dialogue. Standard Star Wars sounds like lightsabers, blasters, ships and droids are utilized and give the fans a small mental reminder that we are watching Star Wars.
My favorite episodes are those that tell the story with little dialogue. Some of my favorites episodes are:
The ARC Troopers are working together as a well oiled machine
Mace Windu battles against an entire droid army. Who do you think comes out on top in this battle? :)
Asajj Ventress proves her worthiness to train as Sith under Count Dooku inside a Roman style arena
Anakins duel with Assajj...great duel!
While I am a hug fan of the current Clone Wars animated series, I still get a great deal of enjoyment from both volumes of the Microseries. It really is a lot of fun for those who have seen it as well those who have not yet had a chance to see it.
Let us know your thoughts on it!
All the best,
Mark
PS - We might get in the studio and put together an audio commentary for the Microseries! Stay tuned!
PPS - I just got my ARC Trooper figure over the weekend! It looks great! I am working on a display for my 2010-2011 Vintage figures and will post a pic soon!
The biggest comic con of the year is in full swing! San Diego Comic Con is going on now through Sunday and Star Wars is a big part of the festivities. While today is just the second day of the convention, there is already a lot of great news and pics!
For fans of the Expanded Universe and more specifically the Knights of the Old Republic video game, we are getting our first real look at the 2011 Vintage style action figure and packaging for Bastila Shan. I am not at the convention so I cannot give a real first hand take on the figure but, I can say (from the photos that I have seen from the con), that it is one of the best in the Vintage collection so far.
The figure looks like it has some great articulation, the head sculpt is not that bad and her double bladed yellow lightsaber brings me back to first time you met her in the video game. Remember rescuing her (uh..er..Bastila had a different take on the rescue...play the video game and see for yourself) from the Black Vulkars?
The cardback is a collectible unto itself! I love the EXPANDED UNIVERSE title on the card. This is also being done for the ARC Trooper which is already on the market. And they make this extra enticing by adding CHARACTER DEBUT on the plastic shell covering the figure. The artist rendition of her is just spectacular. Her confident stance and grip on her ignited double bladed lightsaber casts a yellow glow on her that takes you back to a classic time when the Jedi defended the republic with honor and dignity.
It seems that Hasbro has a spotty history when it comes to making action figures of female Jedi. The recent vintage figure of Barriss Offee came out great. A beautiful sculpt that identifies her as a powerful Jedi while at the same time not taking away from her feminine elegance. But I also own the comic pack version of Mara Jade. And while I am a huge fan of Mara Jade, I have to admit that the figure is not the best representation of her. However, with all that said, I think the Bastila Shan figure is one of the best female Jedi figures done. I will give an update to this post once I have the figure...which might not be until the end of year. More updates on the release date as the news comes to us.
As a collector and a fan of the Expanded Universe, I cannot wait to add this figure to my Vintage 2010-2011 collection. In fact, I may have to buy an extra one just to keep in the packaging.
Are you collecting the 2010-2011 Vintage line of action figures? Let us know what you think of the new Bastila Shan figure!
A new episode of the TJW Podcast is on the way...stay tuned!
All the best,
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast
We're back in the studio chatting about Star Wars and the Expanded Universe! We have headlines, an update on what we are reading these days, a discussion of lightsaber duels, a quick review of a Ryder Windham title and another one of Dan's Star Wars revelations! Stay tuned for show notes and our next episode!
Greetings fellow travelers of the Jundland Wastes! I know it has been a while since we had a posting or podcast. And I appreciate the feedback and requests for more podcasts and posts! I am hopeful that we are going to be able to have a more consistent podcast schedule staring this summer and through autumn. And I am planning on more consistent posts as well. It is great to know that we have so many fans of the podcast around the globe. So keep checking back and we hope to have episode 5 of the podcast up soon for your listening pleasure!
In the meantime, let me fill you in on some of the topics we are looking to discuss:
Lightsaber duels in the Star Wars Expanded Universe - What are our favorites
Grand Moff Tarkin - More insight from the recent Dark Horse comic series "Darth Vader and the Lost Command", the novel "Death Star" and The Clone Wars animated series
The Old Republic - Comics, books and the video game
Knights of the Old Republic - How will the stories of Revan, Maalak and Bastila tie in?
Fate of the Jedi - I sense a tremor in the force...is Luke a goner?
Star Wars Celebration 6 - How can you not talk about this? :)
In addition, I think we have gotten to a point in our podcast that we will have special segments on the show. Some of them will be:
Dan's Revelations on the Star Wars Universe
The Ryder Windham Spotlight - A closer look at a novel penned by one of the nicest authors in the Star Wars Expanded Universe
* EU Pick of the Week
And what would a podcast be without some fun paraphernalia to show your support and fandom! I am hoping to have some bracelets colored like the Tatooine sands with our podcast name and logo made up. Stay tuned for more updates!
Let us know if there is anything you want us to discuss! And stay tuned for news regarding a live broadcast of the TJW Podcast! We'd love to see you there!
We are traveling the Jundland Wastes! And it's great to have you on the journey!
All the best,
Mark
We have confirmation that Star Wars Celebration 6 is going to happen August 23 - 26, 2012 (next summer) back at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL! This is sure to be the greatest celebration ever! With all that is happening in the Star Wars EU, I am certain that this celebration will not disappoint fans of the Star Wars Expanded Universe!
Stay tuned! Episode 5 of the podcast is on the way! Dan and I will be touching on some new topics and we will be giving our first thoughts on this announcement!
Tell us what you, as a Star Wars EU fan, are looking forward to seeing at C6!
All the best,
Mark and Dan
Check it all out at:
http://starwarscelebration.com/