Soldier

Do not judge it by the cover

Full disclosure here.

The reason why I am featuring "Star Wars" (2015) TPB #2 and #3 together, is because the cover of the third issue is probably the ugliest cover of a comic book I saw. EVER.

And I really couldn't think how to have that... thing *alone* in a picture.

Contentwise, though, I truly enjoyed both issues.

The Obi-Wan tales in the second and third TPB (originally published in #7 and #15) are little treasures. Simone Bianchi's art is very peculiar, but, in my opinion, beautiful. The very different, hyper-realistic style of Mike Mayhew is also noteworthy, even if I personally do not like how he represented Obi and Luke.

Both of these brief stories are a glimpse of what to expect from the Obi-Wan series next year: solitude, angst, remorse.

A LOT of family drama.

And a LOT of time to think.

[Hopefully flash-backs, yadda-yadda, Hayden, yadda-yadda]

I found particularly interesting the fact that Obi-Wan respects and kind of understands Owen's categorical denial in allowing any training for Luke (I will speak more extensively about Jedi training/family choices in another post).

And I absolutely adored seeing a little more of the "poor-uncle-Owen".

Barely speaking, grumpy, then suddenly flambé (the irony!), in the movies he seems not even deserve Luke's mourning, as he is more upset by the death of "I-know-you-since-two-days-Ben" than of his 19 years adoptive father (!).

Owen has the potential to be a very solid character, with motivation and will.

I truly hope for further development in the series.

The original issues 8-12 are illustrated by Immonen: the art is good, and I always appreciate it when the characters do look like the original actors.

Also: lightsabers.

A LOT of lightsabers.

The panel with Han, Leia, and Chewie ready to battle with the laser swords is pretty epic in my book. And seeing the young Leia with a (blue) lightsaber gave me chills.

Also, I love Sana.

Although I do not read Doctor Aphra, I truly appreciated the introduction of a canonical non-straight character.

Representation truly matters, and I am here to fight every day whoever says otherwise.

PS. Vader is superb, once again.

We shall

“But I’ve got a better idea,” she said. “We’ve got at least a few days, more likely a week. Why don’t you come to the Irizi homestead with me?”

“To your homestead?” Thrawn echoed. “Are strangers even allowed?” A muscle in his cheek twitched. “Especially strangers from rival families?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Ziara said. “I’m blood, and I’m an honored member of the fleet who just helped save eight thousand lives. I don’t know how far all that will take me, but I’d rather like to find out. You game to find out with me?”

“I don’t know,” Thrawn said hesitantly. “I don’t want you to get in trouble on my behalf.”

“I’m not worried about it,” Ziara said. “Did I mention that my grandfather was an amazingly passionate art collector?”

Thrawn smiled. “If I haven’t mentioned it recently, Ziara, you have a knack for seeking out and exploiting your opponents’ weaknesses. Very well. Shall we once again charge headlong into danger?"

"We shall," Ziara said. “Besides, we’ve just survived an encounter with a malicious gas giant planet. Really, how bad could my family be?”

~

There is just one thing in all the canon Thrawn books that I love almost as much as Thrawn himself.

The relationship between Thrawn and Ar'alani.

They are the purest representation of what, for me, a true friendship should be. Love, honesty, support. Being there, for that person that is the extension of your soul, no matter the time, the distance, the odds.

And, although I did not dive into "Greater Good" yet, "Chaos" and "Treason" are hymns to their relationship.

Which is truly magnificent to read.

So, starting from today, I will spend more than a few weeks reporting beautiful moments in their strong and wonderful partnership, lasting decades and light-years.

[In the photo. My precious and priceless treasure: the Ar'alani custom Funko Pop by @poppourrico, absolutely one of the most perfect things I own]

Heroes not villains

"We of the fleet like to think of ourselves as heroes. Often, though, the true heroes are those who design and build the warships we take into battle."

[Yes, this is Thrawn speaking]

Share some love for your engineers today, would you?

[They are not villains too].

[In the photo: a not original Thrawn minifig, that probably will break a friendship that lasted two decades. @fra_sprea please, I AM SORRY for this. We still can be friends, right?]

"I am, and ever will be, a white-socks, pocket-protector, nerdy engineer-born under the second law of thermodynamics, steeped in the steam tables, in love with free-body diagrams, transformed by Laplace, and propelled by compressible flow. As an engineer, I take a substantial amount of pride in the accomplishments of my profession. [...] which leaves its imprint on our society in countless ways. [...]

So should not the world admire and respect them? Answer: Only occasionally. Many of our fellow citizens are mistrustful of logic and critical of technocrats, and often with reason. Bridges fail, airplanes crash, storage tanks leak, radiation escapes, and automobiles are recalled. Such failures are reported widely, and the search for whom to blame is initiated. [...] We are mistrusted because we are perceived as being slaves to technology, as technocrats who don't care a whit about the environment or safety or human values. And I reject those criticisms.

In my experience, engineers aren't really bad folks. A little too focused, maybe too intense for some, but they are as caring and concerned as other segments of our society. [...]

And in all honestly, I am guilty of a bit of subterfuge. [...] What I really hoped to do was shamelessly use this occasion to remind you of the breadth, and the depth, and the importance of engineering as a whole to human existence, human progress, and human happiness."

Neil A. Armstrong, National Press Club, February 22, 2000.

The companion

Tea time

To thine ownself be true

"Give thy thoughts no tongue,

Nor any unproportioned thought his act.

Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,

Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel;

But do not dull thy palm with entertainment

Of each new-hatch’d, unfledged comrade. Beware

Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,

Bear’t that the opposed may beware of thee.

Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;

Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy;

For the apparel oft proclaims the man,

And they in France of the best rank and station

Are of a most select and generous chief in that.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be;

For loan oft loses both itself and friend,

And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

This above all: to thine ownself be true,

And it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man."

This is, obviously, not a spoiler.

Maybe just a part of that Thrawn who lives in my brain.

Definitely, a part of 𝘮𝘦.

[Literally, because it is partially tattooed on my arm]

I might be a little cryptic, and I am sorry.

But I genuinely want to thank everyone that was hyper today because of these wonderful, imaginary, characters.

And shared a joy, that became my joy.

[Photo: "Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy - Greater Good" by Timothy Zahn]

Not that I care

Happy Tano Tuesday!

*me with the happy-shortsighted-squirrel face*

[which is this face (^_^)]

- Wait, what?

*me with the same face*

- Happy Tano Tuesday!

- It's Monday.

*Read this how Harrison Ford would do*

- ...

- ...

- I know, but tomorrow is Chissmas, and I have this brand new spectacular Ahsoka pin by @kulturegirlflair, and there is no way that I won't share it like RIGHT NOW.

- ...

*me with the same face*

- Happy Tano Tuesday!

#TanoTuesday #OnAMonday #NotThatIcare

[In the photo: pin by @kulturegirlflair, t-shirt by @teeturtle, and wind jacket by @heruniverse]

These small things

"Her father had always said she should take heart when she had others on her side. Look deeply into them, he'd say, help them discover what they're capable of, and you'll always find you have the people you need."

~

Does Leia leave her rings and earrings on her nightstand, after scribbling a couple of notes for the next day, just before crashing to sleep, exactly as I do?

I love to think about these small things.

And, eventually, Rian Johnson loves it too, because he did it twice.

The first time with Luke's nightstand, and the second with Ben's.

They are less than a couple of frames, but there is their life inside.

The light was nice this evening.

The days are longer, and I tried to imagine.

Funny enough, as usual, I put a million things in my photos, and then I pick a super zoomed one, so you barely see or not at all, the earrings, Luke's compass, her lightsaber, her bracelet, her personalized stationery, and a mountain of hairpins (totally out of frame!)

"The customs varied from continent to continent, age to age. But always, one of the most profoundly intimate acts was to allow someone else to take the braids down. [...]

Each pin was carefully placed in a pile off to the side so that they could keep only the slightest sliver of space between them. [...]

Leia's hair didn't begin to tumble free until the very last braids were loosed. When at last it fell heavy and dark around her shoulders, Kier buried his hands in it, and she didn't have to think or worry anymore, just close her eyes, kiss him, and let go."

[In the photo -visible XD- Leia's stationery by @scifigirlnextdoor, LGT Leia lightsaber, Leia's ring from eBay (US $7.99), Luke's compass also from eBay (US $17.99). Both quotes are from "Leia. Princess of Alderaan" by Claudia Gray]

This side of the pig

"We’ve reached the blockade.

I could really use Hera on this side of the pig right about now."

OK, folks.

The moment of the truth has finally arrived.

Now is when I go out from the shadows, and I proudly declare which is my 100% "comfort Star Wars."

You know, when you need to be so unapologetically happy and comfy and warm inside.

Yes.

"Fighter Flight" and "Idiot's Array."

And I am talking 11 movies, books, and all the series here.

["The Force Awakens" is my close second, but if I want the purest feeling, I go with these two]

I think I saw these episodes 100 times. Each.

And, no. Not that my life is so bad, but this is the kind of feeling-good sensation that I am a total sucker for.

Yep. I am THAT kind of a fan.

I read fluff fanfiction, I love fluff fanart and, there is, generally, a ton of fluff headcanon in my brain.

So you can clearly understand why "Rebels" is, by far, the best thing I could have on TV. It's family, and cozy, and funny, and they love each other SO MUCH. Sure, there are some very angst episodes, some incomprehension, but, mostly it goes away in the arc of an episode or two.

And the foundation of that is, of course, Hera.

"All right. Enough with the divide and conquer. You think by setting us against each other, you'll keep us off-balance enough to get what you want? But what you want depends on my crew working together in sync. Is that clear?"

She is the very heart of the Ghost crew, the link that keeps everyone pushing for their best and walking a step further in the direction of mutual respect and affection. She knows that harmony and love are the keys.

And she is very good with trays.

Every time I wear these stunning earrings by @occasional_geek, I feel all her strength and empathy. I gifted them to myself for my birthday two months ago, and it was a perfect decision. They are elegant, and the pearl and glitter are just magnificent. The details are incredible, and, believe me, the picture absolutely doesn't give them justice.

In the photo also one of my favorite face masks (second just to the Kanan's one) by @spacemomcreations, which I featured some posts ago.

Kanan: Have to admit, it’s a lot more peaceful aboard with the kids gone.

Hera: Yeah, but I’m feeling a bit guilty about feeling sending them--

Kanan: On a wild meiloorun chase?

Zeb: Spectre-4 to Ghost.

Hera: Ah, right on cue. Go ahead, Spectre-4.

Zeb: Right. Well, we’ve a bit of a problem.

Hera: I thought you might. Look, don’t worry about the meilooruns.

Ezra Bridger: Yeah, meilooruns. Uh, we found some. But we lost them. Then we found them again. But we smashed them.

Zeb: Just cut to the chase, kid.

Kanan: Wait! What am I hearing? It sounds like--

Ezra Bridger: Yeah, about that. See, um-- well-- We stole a TIE Fighter.

Kanan: YOU WHAT?!

Zeb: He’s taking it better than I thought.

Kanan: Get rid of it!

Both: Do we have to?

Kanan: At least tell me you dismantled the locater beacon.

Zeb: Of course. We’re not fools. (whispering to Ezra) Under there. The red wire. No, wait—the blue.

Ezra Bridger: Well, which one?

Kanan: It’s red and the blue.

Ezra Bridger: Right. Got it. I-I mean… got it a long time ago. You know, back when we first boarded. Right away. Immediately.

Kanan: Stealing a TIE attracts unwanted attention. Rendezvous at Shadow Site 2 Fly straight there. Do not stop. And don’t do anything.

Zeb: On our way. Spectre-4 out.

Ezra Bridger: That went well.

Zeb: Yeah.

Ezra Bridger: Do you know which way we’re supposed to go?

Zeb: No idea.

Goddess

Exquisite mentoring-Thrawn is exquisite. Epilogue

And so I arrived, after 9 posts, at the conclusion of this "exquisite mentor" series. I loved this journey, and I hope you enjoyed it too.

Curiously, Thrawn thought, for a very long time, to see people like mere assets. He even told Ar'alani once, when he was younger.

At the end of his growing path in "Chaos", he understands that compassion, appreciation, and kindness are actually the true keys.

To cooperation, to motivation, to relationships.

What a leader, a warrior needs.

However, he thinks that Ar'alani alone possesses this very peculiar way to interact with others, something impossible for him. Mostly because his society, like ours, considers rationality as the exact opposite of empathy.

"And she got all that just from reading history?" Che'ri asked.

"That, and the way she looks at the universe," Thrawn said with an oddly sad smile. "Where I see non-Chiss as assets, she sees them as people."

Thalias looked over Che'ri. A lot of people saw sky-walkers as just assets, too. "Makes her a good commander."

"Indeed it does," Thrawn said. "Certainly a better commander than I." [...]

"Her officers follow her with confidence, even eagerness. Mine follow me because they're good Chiss warriors."

"So change," Thalias suggested. "Learn how she does it."

"I'm not certain I can."

"I wasn't sure I could fly," Che'ri said. "You taught me how."

This is, fundamentally, why I love so much that a character like Thrawn exists in a book.

In many representations, very logical people, 'neurodivergents' someone would say, are portrayed as cold, distant, unable to connect, unable to "read people." But the inability to understand society or social constructs has nothing to do with empathy or kindness.

Thrawn observes reality, as he observes arts.

He connects flows, strokes, patterns.

So behaviors, attitudes, facial expressions.

This makes him able to deeply *see* what is underneath. What people *really* feel, fear, think, ARE.

And THAT is why is so important for me, for many of us, to state that his logic doesn't make him rude, evil, or a villain.

But a patient, respectful, caring, exquisite mentor.

What is it, Caleb?

"It's time for you to go home," Obi-Wan Kenobi said. []

Sitting on the floor with his classmates in the central security station, young Caleb Dume listened —but not intently. His mind wandered. [] He was just one of the crowd, not yet apprenticed to a mentor. But one day, he'd be out there, traveling to exotic worlds with his Master. They'd provide peace and order for the citizens of the Galactic Republic, defeating evil whenever he found it. Then he saw himself later, as a Jedi Knight, fighting alongside the Republic's clone warriors against the enemy Separatists. Sure, Republic Chancellor Palpatine had promised to resolve the war soon, but no one could be so rude as to end the war before Caleb got his chance. []

"It's just in the test mode now," Obi-Wan said. "No one will respond. But were there a true emergency, Jedi could receive the message in several ways. [] No matter the format, the basic purpose should be clear—"

"Go home!" the collected students shouted.

Obi-Wan nodded. Then he saw a hand being raised. "The student in the back," he said, finishing for a name. "Caleb Dume, right?"

"Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan smiled. "I'm learning too." The students giggled. "You have a question, Caleb?"

"Yes." The boy took a breath. "Where?"

"Where what?"

The other pupils laughed again, a little louder this time.

"Where's home? Where do we go?"

Obi-Wan smiled. "To Coruscant, of course. Here, to the Jedi Temple. []"

The teacher started to turn back to the beacon when he spotted Caleb Dume jabbing his hand in the air again. [] "Yes, Caleb?"

"Why—" []

"Why don't you tell me, Caleb: What reasons would you expect would cause us to recall every Jedi in the Order?" []

"Unexpected reasons."

"That's as a good an answer I've ever heard," he said. [] "So the important thing is, when you get the signal..."

"...go home!" the children said, Caleb included.

"Very good." Obi-Wan deactivated the signal and walked through the crowd to the exit. [] Caleb stood, but did not leave the aisle. []

"What is it, Caleb?" []

"Can you send people away?"

Everyday I celebrate the heart of this kind, humble, stubborn Jedi, reminding myself to never stop questioning and being myself.

[In the photo, my Kanan bracelet by @silverbyselene

Quote from "A New Dawn" by J.J. Miller]

We are all the Republic

"The Force is with the galaxy.

It is the time of the High Republic: a peaceful union of like-minded worlds where all voices are heard, and governance is achieved through consensus, not coercion or fear. It is an era of ambition, of culture, of inclusion, of Great Works".

"Light of the Jedi" is, more than in one way, a very political book.

With very political views.

And whoever says that "Star-Wars-should-not-be-political-yaddayadda" probably did not really pay too much attention to seven seasons of a series in which entire episodes were about how conflicts are actually ruled by bank control and good PR.

Yes, in a kids' tv-show. Go figure.

So, sorry if my posts about "Light of the Jedi" will be less than a little political.

And if you can see in this the reflection of the time we live now, and what we can be but we choose not to, well.

I am just here quoting a SW book.

"The Republic was not one world. It was many, each unique in ways large and small. Solving one problem inevitably caused others. There were intractable cultural, historical, economic, and military conflicts among inhabitants of worlds. [.]

But the key was this. [.] You could not solve those problems individually. It was ridiculous to even try. What you could do, however, was make the various peoples of this high era of the Galactic Republic see one another *as* people."

"I believe if is possible because of us. Because we can and will work together to achieve it. We are, every one of us, a great work. I see a galaxy where we use our strengths to shore up each other's weaknesses, where we understand and celebrate our differences and hold them up as valuable. We are a Republic where every voice matters, whether in the Core or on the farthest planet at the edge of the Rim."

"That was the goal.

One idea. One sentiment.

She could do it. Everyone could do it.

Chancellor Soh knew it was true. Five words.

We are all the Republic."

[In the photo the mesmerizing, out of this world —literally— t-shirt by @hello_there_stickers. I think I never put an alarm clock for buying a t-shirt before. And I regret NOTHING.]

Accidental Tea

Accidental tea taster?

Perhaps.

As always in my life, I am not an expert in anything.

But I enjoy trying everything.

Spent the last couple of months wrapped in delicious scents created by @thenerfherderco, melting under the voice of Thrawn or Marchion Ro, smiling at Loden's funny accent, or Eli's cute inflection (all Marc Thompson, by the way), I realized that multiple are the senses that we involve while diving into a story or a character.

So, even if I can keep crying turning the pages of a fan book like "Last Known Trajectory", cuddled by Tumblr's artist fanarts, I have to recognize that we are attracted by more than mere actions or visuals.

A smell. A voice.

A taste.

Yes. Why not a taste?

If I can imagine scents associated with a character, I can totally relate them to flavors too.

Salty, spicy, sour.

Sweet.

Don't we use these exactly for describing moods and attitudes?

People?

So here is where I arrived at these "fandom" teas, helped by a precious hint from @soulnova_alizrak.

The one I share today is "Grand Admiral Thrawn", which blend ingredients are shown in the second photo. The tea mix was artistically created by VC at "CoruscanTea", and you can find it on Adagio Tea. Tin samples are 6 dollars, with larger boxes for 14 and 24 dollars.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn" is tasty but not invasive, a little sour thanks to the blueberries and the apples.

The base oolong is good.

Not smoky, not heavy, it has a firm, but gentle flavor.

[I will let this sentence sink in for a moment]

I am not sure I can perceive the coconut or the cornflowers, but the color and smell are delicious.

Ultimately.

Best decision ever.

We ARE the storm

We are all the Nihil. 

We don't just ride the storm. 

We ARE the storm. 

Why we find some villains absolutely fascinating?

Why we are attracted by them like moths with the lamp?

Why we even consider reasons in their actions?

Marchion Ro IS, unapologetically, a VILLAIN.

And, sure, Marc Thompson's voice-portrait of him is simply magnificent.

And, yes, descriptions like the following do not help to not fall into his rabbit hole.

Marchion Ro pulled off his mask, reaching up and running a hand through his long, dark hair, untangling it. The energy in the room changed, even though the Tempest Runners had seen Marchion unmasked many times. His appearance tended to have a particular effect on those around him— slate-gray skin, wholly black eyes, a certain angular leanness to his physique.

But it is not just his appearance or voice.

There is a part of us that is disgusted by his behavior and attitude.

But another just wants to understand, seeing a logic in his thinking.

The Republic. [...] Invading, taking over, with all its rules and laws and particular brand of freedom that isn't free at all. And you Jedi always just behind, absolutely convinced that every action you take is right and good. My family learned that to its costs, long ago

So that, undeniably, I am here.

Just craving for him to appear again.

I am the Eye of the Nihil, and I see the battle you're fighting. I see the Republic, trying to take away your freedom. [...] They want you dead. Just for living. Just for being. Just for walking a path they don't own. Who are they to tell us how to live? Who are they to come to our territory and try to kill us? The Republic. The Jedi. What gives them the right?

"Light of the Jedi" by Charles Soule.

[T-shirt by GeekyGirlExperience on Etsy]

Ashla and Bogan

Jedi and Sith wield the Ashla and Bogan. The light and the dark. I'm the one in the middle. The Bendu.

In Jungian psychology, the Wise Old Man is an archetype of the collective unconscious, the ancestral memory common to all humankind.

Yoda, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Gandalf or Dumbledore, all retrace this topos.

If an individual has wrestled seriously and long enough with the animus problem so that he is no longer partially identified with it, the unconscious again changes its dominant character and appears in a new symbolic form representing the Self, the innermost nucleus of the personality. [.] In the case of a man, it manifests itself as a masculine initiator and guardian, a wise old man, a spirit of nature and so forth.

The Wise Old Man is typically a father-type figure who uses his personal knowledge to offer guidance that, in a mystical way, instills in the heroes a sense of who they are and whom they might become. He is often seen to be from a different culture, foreign or alien, often presented as a wizard or hermit. He is commonly killed or removed, in order to allow the protagonist to develop on his/her own.

The mindblowing point about being an important element of the collective unconscious is, that, even if absolutely scripted and predictable, the Wise Old Man genuinely touches our emotions, and inspires us.

An object can not make you good, or evil. The temptation of power, forbidden knowledge, even the desire to do good can lead some down that path. But only you can change yourself.

If you want, he is the 'quotable ourselves', the part of us that we *feel* is there. The wise, courageous, strong persona that always knows what to do, how to do it, when to do it.

No doubts, no uncertainties.

I have spoken.

It is just a matter of finding our own voice.

[For celebrating my little rant, a photo that combines my favorite two Wise Old Men: Bendu and Kuiil. Not such a big Jungian psychology spoiler, but, yeah... SPOILER - both dead. Obviously. But also a pity, because they were utterly brilliant. The Bendu background art is another stunning piece by @intoalargerworldbykara. The Pop was a perfect gift from @_hipstrice]

Exquisite mentoring-Thrawn is exquisite. Part VII.

[It is insane that we are already at the SEVENTH part of this— actually 8th because I did not count the first. And just considering his mentoring attitude!]

"All beings possess imagination to varying degrees," Thrawn said. "It can be encouraged and nurtured, or can sometimes shine out in moments of stress.

But curiosity is a choice"

~

[This is one of my favorite Thrawn's quotes, btw]

Thrawn was taller than Samakro had expected, and carried himself with grace and a certain air of confidence. He was also courteous to the officers and warriors, and knew his way around the Springhawk. [.]

"The quality of the Springhawk's repair and maintenance crew has improved considerably since you were placed in command."

Samakro felt his eyes narrow. A compliment? Or a subtle reminder that Thrawn was the ship's captain now? [.]

Probably a compliment, he decided.

~

"I'm glad she's confident," Samakro muttered.

"She is." Thrawn cocked his head. "There's another reason for taking only a small force, though, a tactical reason. What do you think it might be?"

"I have no idea."

"Think," Thrawn urged. "You have knowledge and vision. Apply them to the problem." [.]

Two Chiss ships... an unknown number of opponents... a tactical reason... "It will certainly be easier to evaluate the Lioaoin tactics when they only have two of us to shoot at," he commented, stalling for time while he tried to think. Two Chiss ships...

"Exactly," Thrawn said, inclining his head. "Well done, Mid Captain."

~

[In the photo: the striking beauty of @pinmasterleidy pin featuring a rebel ysalamir —can you please stay still for this shot, can't you?— and an equally untamed lock of hair. The pin is still available in the Etsy shop, and, deserves to be part of your collection. In the image background, the addictive Thrawn scented candle by @thenerfherderco and the adorable plush by @penguinfairycrafts]

New Stories

The second TPB of the current 'Star Wars' series (2020) arrived just a few days ago, and I feel like sharing the excitement after six months of waiting, even if I will probably dive into it next weekend.

The first issue was a tiny little disappointing, after the good start (the last scenes in Bespin, at the end of Episode 5).

Maybe it was just my fault because I *did* (normally I don't) see some leaked images of the 'catching the Anakin saber' page, and I was stupidly expecting a known character or a more complex one.

Varla was not so well depicted, in my opinion, and I did not feel sympathetic to her at all. And not because she was hunted or scared or different from the iconic fearless Jedi. Kanan, Cal, and Cere are some of my favorite characters in the whole franchise, so I think I was just expecting more layers in her personality, motivations, nightmares even. Instead, she was merely a street banner to find a temple.

I also felt there were some loopholes, as very few people knew the Anakin-Vader secret, or, after the confirmation by Varla, Luke's further need to ask a *dying* Yoda if Vader was his father indeed.

Anyway, this second installment seems more about Leia and Zahra, and I hope to grow a little my interest in this character.

I will definitely rant again about this soon.

[In the photo, among other things, my precious Leia Organa desk cards by @scifigirlnextdoor.

Also, note that the Defender depicted -the blaster- is supposed to be for 'my' character, not Leia's. This is why is not shiny black, but scratched metal. You know, just because I'm pedantic and I would never *willingly* wrong the color otherwise.]

Not this time

"Perhaps I was wrong."

[Prepares to strike Ezra with his light saber]

"It wouldn't be the first time."

"It was foretold that you would be here. I our long awaited meeting has come at last."

"I'm glad I gave you something to look forward to."

"We need not be adversaries. The Emperor will show you mercy, if you tell me where the remaining Jedi can be found."

"There are no more Jedi. You and your Inquisitors have seen to that."

"Perhaps this child will divulge what you will not."

"I thought I know who you were under that mask. But it's impossible. My master could never be so vile."

"Anakin Skywalker was weak. I destroyed him."

"Then I will avenge his death."

"Revenge is not the Jedi way."

"I am no Jedi."

~

As one of the most emotional moments in the whole SW saga, the encounter between Ashoka and Vader is the duel I always pick when my friends are hesitant to watch "Rebels."

Of course, I need to prep them a little about who Ahsoka is in the first place if they are unaware, but I have a tested and effective selection of CW episodes that never fail.

At the iconic "I am no Jedi", I saw grown-ups melting, barely keeping it together, even after a very succinct introduction to the character.

Because, to be frank, she is utterly magnificent in that scene.

And even if one of my favorite Rebels episodes is "Fighter Flight" (yes, the meiloorun one, folks) and the fundamental reason why I adore Rebels are puffer pigs and space waffles (a.k.a. *GIVE ME THE FLUFF*), "Twilight of the Apprentice" is one of my most beloved Star Wars, well, EVERYTHING.

So, you can clearly imagine how, as soon I discovered this glorious pin by @thescevolistore, it had to be part of my small but cherished collection.

The colors are impressive, the art majestic.

So dynamic, breathtaking.

As the scene itself.

"I won't leave you. Not this time."

"Then you will die."

Everyone is made of light

"The great truth of the Force: no matter what a person was on the outside...

...inside, everyone was made of light."

This is the first of -many- posts that I plan to write about the High Republic series, and "Light of the Jedi" by Charles Soule in particular.

I start to say that I am biased.

I am biased because, as even rocks know now, I love Thrawn. So, if you ask me "Which are your best-loved SW books?" I would probably reply "Chaos" and "Thrawn." They are like that diner in Indiana where your grandpa was taking you when you were 5. It wasn't that fancy, the burgers delicious but habitual, the malt way too sweet. Nevertheless, it was YOUR diner. Every GOOD thing in life linked to it.

But the truth is.

"Light of the Jedi" is my brain pick.

It is a GEM.

It is cinematographic, captivating, dynamic.

For me (<and I stress this part) is the best-written SW book I read so far.

And I am mostly speaking about style here.

Loving such distinctive prose is very personal, so do not take my word for it. Also, I am just a random peasant that reads books sometimes.

But, wow. Soule writes as I would sell my soul for.

New lines.

Put. Emphasis. On. Words.

Sentences without a verb.

Fascinating, intricate, peculiar adjectives separated by commas.

"That one thing.

Hope"

"All the ships, people, Jedi, Republic, locals. Red, green, blue, worlds, lives, hope, despair."

I can almost quote the entire book here.

I L O V E I T.

And, moreover, it is funny and enthralling, and brilliant.

For celebrating this first post (I know I am already running out of characters), and my total crush on this era, I share another stunning pair of earrings made by the always wonderfully talented @geekablycute. They are mesmerizing.

They are so changing color and attitude, according to the light, that today I am violating my number 1 personal IG rule: never post two photos that do not add content. But, see, even if they do not, I feel the need to share how the colors are mutating, and always surprising.

So, allow me this exception.

The earrings are placed on an insanely beautiful @hello_there_stickers t-shirt, which, however, will be spotlighted in another post.

All these people in my head

While I have read comics all my life, I never approached any Star Wars original book before last year.

I always loved the novelizations of the movies, but, somehow, never dove into any original story.

I know, I know. Nothing to be proud of.

Last year, minutely preparing my then epically failed trip to Batuu, I bought "Black Spire" by Delilah Dawson.

My portal.

Vi and her world at the edge of the galaxy welcomed me to this expanded way to enjoy my most emotionally-charged fandom.

Then the lockdown happened.

Without the need to commute, and all the evenings at home, I started prop-making, saber-building.

And books-savoring.

Thanks to a mix of audio and text, to be precise.

As you know, comments and notes are essential to my reader's survival.

I need the paper.

However, I can affirm with absolute certainty that I wouldn't be SO desperately in love with 'some' characters right now without Marc Thompson's voice.

Did I read plenty of Star Wars novels in one year? Not too much, really.

However, these 19 stories gave me joy and sadness, love and hate.

And I cried.

A LOT.

Pure bliss and desperation tears.

The most unstoppable sobbing caused by the death of a character in Charles Soule "Light of the Jedi."

It hit me, illogically and deeply.

[I will rant more profusely about this novel in future posts (many), but, sincerely: READ. THIS. BOOK].

The best fluff comfort: "Guardians of the Whills" by Rucka (Baze and Chirrut are too perfect ), "Chaos Rising" by Zahn (please, try to beat the colored markers scene), and "A New Dawn" by John Jackson Miller (flirty Kanan bartender!).

Tall blue alien military genius aside - possibly my favorite fictional character ever written-, many started to live rent-free in my head.

Rael, Eli, Vi, Marchion, Ar'alani, Amilyn, Thane, Ransolm, Loden.

And I'm so profoundly grateful for every one of them.

This year would have been *truly* different without them, and the unparalleled talent of their creators.

Ps. I include here the magnificent 'Last Known Trajectory' which I am finishing these days.

Not *precisely* a canon book.

But it has all the rights to be.

Dave

As the biggest fan that George Lucas could have, Dave Filoni is a solid choice to guide many of the series coming out the next year.

The "Lucas-in-his-head" is a flawless creator that should always be taken into deep consideration, even in placing an obscure prop in the far background.

His love for Star Wars and the fan community is strong, and you can *feel* it in every interview, or contact he had with the fanbase.

As a cosplayer and passionate fan himself, he knows what is important for us, and, as he said once, how to give us "not what we want but what we need."

[I do not know if I actually *needed* "Jedi Knight" in my life, but I agree that definitely was emotionally impactful]

Creators disappointed me in the past -big time-, so I am done idolizing them for then discovering that they were just humans (and, sometimes, pretty questionable ones). That said, it is undeniable that the care and passion that Filoni puts into his job are tangible. And his actual *fun* in doing his job is visible. I think I never saw a person smiling so much speaking about the fans or about their work projects. Ever.

So, I am more than thrilled to share with you today this brilliant Trapper Wolf pin by @fandomplanetpins. The pin is huge, and has this absolutely cool "visor" effect, so, despite I do not understand a thing about pins, I think it would be a great addition to your collections ($11 on Etsy).

[In the photo, in the background, another precious art piece by @intoalargerworldbykara]

Exquisite mentoring-Thrawn is exquisite. Part VI

I am very committed to sharing with you *all* the longest/more relevant extracts in which Thrawn is the ultimate exemplary boss.

I think I still have a couple of posts missing. It will follow a series in which he shows to care for sentient life, a series about Eli, one about the relationship between Thrawn and Ar'alani, and between Thrawn and Nightswan.

And all because I am pedantic, and IG allows me just 2200 characters each time.

~

"Commodore, you brought us here on the same vector the Allanar disappeared along, did you not?"

Faro started to speak, then paused. Ronan saw a small frown crease her forehead, and her posture stiffened a bit.

Mentally, he shook his head. He'd never cared for commanders who liked to entrap their subordinated, trying to catch them in mistakes and humiliate them in front of their fellow officers and crew.

Sadly, more and more people seemed to play that game these days, from the sadistic Emperor and his crackling manipulation, through Tarkin and his cultured viciousness, all the way down to minor warship captains who would never amount of anything and knew it. [...]

There was another flicker as Faro's expression changed. "No, sir, I didn't," she said, a quiet confidence in her voice. "We left the transfer point on that vector; but we were farther out on the edge than the Allanar. We arrived in the same system, but we didn't travel through exactly the same space."

Thrawn inclined his head. "Very good, Commodore," he said.

And smiled.

Ronan frowned. He *smiled*?

But smiling wasn't part of the game. The object was humiliation, and Faro has escaped the trap. Thrawn should have scowled, or at the very least hidden his disappointment behind a neutral expression.

But he'd *smiled*.

[Featured in the photo, beside a slice of myself, the absolutely unmissable graphic novel of Zahn's "Thrawn." The TPB is now a little expensive, but you can find it for a few dollars on Google Books or the Marvel app.

Does anyone hope for a graphic novel of Chaos too? Young Thrawn and Ar'alani...]

Brave enough (to be yourself)

"If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming anything; if they taught you that strength is found in diversity, and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, nonbinary, or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred. And in my opinion, nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much."

-Daniel Radcliffe-

I published the whole essay some time ago in an IG story, but I feel today to report it here, wearing my Tina Goldstein necklace.

Since J.K. Rowling expressed her transphobic comments, it has been difficult for me, and many like me, to live openly their love for these characters and fandom.

And it is not just about my very unimportant feelings while wearing a t-shirt or a necklace. Entire organizations, like the @thehpalliance (Harry Potter Alliance), faced new biases and difficulties, despite the incredible work they do for gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, net neutrality, climate change, and more, in campaigns like #NevilleFightsBack, #DAFightsBack, #AccioBooks. They use the power of story and popular culture to make activism accessible and sustainable, believing that heroes aren’t born, but they develop with practice and support.

"We're his army. Dumbledore's Army. We're all in this together." - Neville Longbottom

One of the reasons why I love Star Wars, Star Trek, Buffy, or Harry Potter, is because they push me to be a better person, every day, in small and big things.

Because I am inspired by the characters (Janeway, Ahsoka, Neville, Eli, Luna, Picard), their unapologetic embrace of diversity, and their courage in fighting for change.

I need to stop allowing narrow-minded creators to rob me of that.

"Being different isn't a bad thing. It means you're brave enough to be yourself." - Luna Lovegood

The family you found

There’s two kinds of family,” Miara said after a moment. “There’s the kind like me and Kaeden, where you get born in the right place to the right people and you’re stuck with one another.

If you’re lucky, it turns out okay.

The other kind of family is the kind you find.

~

This Disney Infinity Ahsoka figurine is one of my favorite in my collection.

I never owned the game, actually.

I bought this without its original box (I'm an 'open box collector', after all, so I don't mind too much), or a playable character.

Nevertheless, I am absolutely in love with this cartoon style.

The posture, the attitude, the look.

The lightsabers are both full green, which is - maybe - imprecise, but the hilts are pretty accurate, even for this sort of manga style.

A great energy for this rocking #TanoTuesday, which I want to share with all of you here, in a way, a 'family that I found.'

You killed my father

"If I may say so, Captain Solo, I do find it rather disconcerting that your vessel continues to be easily mistaken for garbage"

I decided that, while I'm waiting for the 2020 run to unfold, I will share with you the 2015 series of the 'Star Wars' comics.

While the current is set after Bespin, the first arc was just after the explosion of the first Death Star, with Luke just discovering his new Jedi potential, without a guide or knowing where to find one.

The theme was also explored in 'Heir of the Jedi', not a particularly good book, generally speaking, with, however, some nice insights into Luke's growth.

[No, not the "moving noodles with the force" part, nor him trying to make out with a random lady for a good part of the story. However, I did love some quotes, and several interesting reflections about being the son of a Jedi - which weren't supposed to marry or have children- or Jedi mind tricks attempting or lightsabers assembling]

Anyway.

The first issue art is generally good, and I enjoyed the characterization of all the OT protagonists.

I loved the moment in which Luke faces Vader for the first time after the Dark Lord 'sensed' him during the trench run. I honestly found it odd that Vader did not recognize his own lightsaber at a first glance (come on Anakin! The Graflex!), but, overall, I appreciated the whole scene, which, for me, was indeed a missing piece in the relationship between Luke and Vader.

"Who are you?"

"You killed my father"

"I've killed very many fathers. You'll have to be more specific."

The story is action-packed, but there are very interesting dialogues between Leia and Han, and Leia and Luke, which, in my personal opinion, are the main reason why I love the comics: exploring these relationships besides what we see on screen.

Bonuses: Boba Fett, and Luke's super cool outfit (the Yavin yellow jacket!).

[My photo features, in the background, besides some of my lightsabers and a seeker droid, one of *my* favorite jackets ever: Jyn Erso by @fjackets]

Never chained

Ok, ok.

This post wasn't scheduled.

BUT.

@raewardstudios has a sale in her Etsy shop, and she is one of my favorite artist/creators/small shops out there.

If you follow this account, you know well my obsession with her food packages series. In every one of those photos, there is my love and soul. They are my pride and joy and the very reason why I love taking photos for my blog.

So, here my announcement/ celebration post, featuring her Bo Katan keychain. She also has a wonderful and super cute series with all the women in Clone Wars!

Check her shop, and have a relaxing, beautiful day, you all!

Why you care about ME?

"I appreciate your willingness to share," Thrawn said. "One may learn a great deal about a people by the stories they tell of others."

"And?" Vanto said. *The wrinkles return. His head turns slightly to his right*

"I do not understand."

"I ask what you have leaned about humans," Vanto said. *His eyes narrow slightly*.

"I misspoke. Apologies. I meant to say I could learn about a person, YOU, from the stories you choose to tell."

"And what have you learned about me?" Vanto asked. *His eyes return to normal size. His vocal tone lowers in pitch*.

"Thar you do not wish to be here. [...] You wish to return to your numbers and inventory lists," Thrawn said. "That is where your talents lie, and where your desire your path to lead."

"Fascinating," Vanto said. *His tone takes a new, rumbling texture. The corners of his lips tighten briefly. [...]

"Is what you wish?" Thrawn asked.

"Absolutely," Vanto said. *The fuller tone partially fades from his voice* "What I don't know is why you care."

"Why I care about what?"

"Why you care about ME," Vanto said. [...]

"You are my translator. You hold my words in your hand, and their meaning." [...]

"Krayt spit" Vanto said. *He makes a snorting sound though his nose*.

"Forgive me?"

"I call krayt spit," Vanto said. "You've picked up a lot of Basic in the past couple of days. You speak it as well I do. Probably better - you don't have a Wild Space accent people can make fun of. The last thing you need is a translator."

[...]

"What is meant by krayt spit?"

"It's a slang term for nonsense," Vanto said. *The left corner of his lips twists upward*. "Especially nonsense that the speaker knows is nonsense."

"I see. Krayt spit. I will remember that."

~

These two.

Adorable way beyond words.

[So, I did this thing, and I ordered an Eli and Thrawn ring, beautifully done by Caitlynminimalist.

You can judge me now.]

Scents

If you ever checked out my older posts or stories, it is not news that I am completely addicted to @thenerfherderco wax tarts.

She has a gift, I am telling you.

She can frame a character with surgical perfection.

Sure, scents are personal, and you may like them or not.

But it is unarguable how flawless they all are.

Although I consider them all genuinely divine, I want to report here some silly thoughts for describing my *very own* top top top ones among the 18 (!!!) I tried.

[Yes. 18. And 4 more are on the way]

[Not joking about the 'obsession' part]

I already discussed Qui-Gon, Kylo, and Ben in previous entries, so I won't repeat myself. Nevertheless, I want to state again how phenomenal these three are, definitely among my highest treasured favorites.

I premise that I love strong, imposing perfumes.

"Across the stars", the Padme and Anakin scent, is persistent, passionate, impossible to ignore. Together with Vader's, it is one of the most robust fragrances in my collection.

And I love it.

"Kanan" is magnificent.

Slightly lighter than I expected, but exquisite.

Exotic, in a way, but humble, grounded, round.

Peculiar and precious, it is not something you can find or reproduce easily.

And if this sentence does not describe Kanan, I do not know what it does.

And then.

Thrawn.

Wow. I can't describe how I feel when I melt this.

Initially, I thought it was similar to a very specific scent, uniquely created for a brand of expensive shops. They engineered this fragrance for a sensation of exclusivity, prestige. Something that just a few can experience or understand.

I was curious if I was right, so I did buy the original perfume, even if I hate the company with a passion.

And I was just partially right.

Because Melissa's Thrawn is SO MUCH MORE.

It is not just a cologne. It is an idyllically and blissfully blended cologne.

The tones, there, are more complex and elegant.

It feels initially like a familiar "man" scent, but it is more refined and layered.

It is difficult to frame, to follow.

You can partially understand some notes, but not all.

It's Thrawn.

Exquisite mentoring-Thrawn is exquisite. Part V

{Thrawn Vs. Vader, round 2}

"Commander Hammerly, how many moons are you reading?"

"Moons, sir?" Hammerly asked, sounding bewildered.

Vader turned to face her. Again, one of Thrawn's subordinates questioning the admiral's orders. Perhaps it was time to deliver a reminder of the need for instant and unquestioning obedience. "Yes, sir - moons," Hammerly added quickly.

Vader looked at Thrawn. There was no indication that was considering punishing the commander, not even with a verbal rebuke, for her questioning orders. Indeed he seemed merely intent on receiving her answer.

~

"I assume you sent assistance?"

Faro felt her lip twitch. "I sent four TIES Defenders, sir," she said. "They were unable to significantly affect the outcome."

"I doubt that, Commodore," Thrawn said calmly. "Even if they merely drove off reinforcements to the freighter they nevertheless contributed to its capture. Did Commander Kimmund take any prisoners?"

"Yes, sir, he reports they have three," Faro said, feeling some tension in her shoulders. Grand Admiral Thrawn always saw the big picture, choosing to concentrate on the success and learn from the failures. Vader, if his reputation wasn't exaggerated, would probably have left a trail of bodies behind him after such a lackluster report.

It was entirely possible that he still might.

"Excellent," Thrawn said. [...]

"Do you wish any cultural downloads sent to you? I have a high-speed transmitter ready."

It was only a small smile; but to Faro it spoke volumes.

~

[In the photos: the absolutely gorgeous Thrawn #SeventhFleet #earrings by @geekablycute. Check also the second photo, with the stunning shiny back!

In the background: art by @intoalargerworldbykara. And, yes, the first one is actually a real shot with just very minimal editing. 🙃]