Rounding up Star Wars Week on the Capes and Tights Podcast, Justin Soderberg welcomes comic book artist Vladimir Popov to the program to discuss coloring Star Wars comics and more!

Popov is the colorist responsible for comics such as Where Monsters Lie, Flash Gordon, Highlander, Robocop, Fearscape, Port of Earth, Hellraiser, Ice Nine Kills, Yungblud and many more. More recently Vladimir has colored Star Wars comics for Dark Horse including Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Wedding Spectacular, Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, and Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories – Qui-Gon.

#224: Vladimir Popov | Star Wars Week

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Next up for Star Wars Week on the Capes and Tights Podcast, Justin Soderberg welcomes Jason Munoz to the program to discuss This Dad Reads and more!

Jason has used his place on social media to chronicle his journey through books and more. Munoz reads and reviews anything but particularly loves Star Wars, thrillers, modern literature, sci-fi and fantasy.

As part of Star Wars Week, Jason and Justin discuss the Star Wars universe based in novels, comics and more. Plus, the two discuss sharing your passions, including Star Wars, with the next generation.

#223: This Dad Reads – Star Wars Week

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In honor of Star Wars Day, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra–conducted by Lucas Richman–accompanied a screening of the 1977 film for Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine. While I have seen the film many times over, the rare opportunity to hear the BSO play the John Williams alongside was a chance I was not going to pass up. It was well worth the price of admission.

As the lights dimmed and the iconic Star Wars crawl began, I was instantly overcome with emotion. As the Bangor Symphony Orchestra struck the first note of the Star Wars Main Title, it hit me in a way I hadn’t expected, leaving me on the verge of tears. The live orchestra preforming the Star Wars Main Title was truly fantastic. An experience like nothing else I have enjoyed while watching a feature film. Once I settled into the movie, I was able to come into my own a bit and enjoy the film and music alike.

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s performance of A New Hope was so remarkable that at times, you forget the orchestra is playing live and not the original score. Fans of the BSO might not have been surprised, but one would imagine that the original score being so iconic you’d be able to tell even the slightest difference. That was not the case on May 4.

The experience was truly like nothing else. However, there were a couple of drawbacks worth noting. Moments such as the Cantina scene weren’t played live, likely a decision made by Lucasfilm and Disney rather than the BSO. Additionally, the seating at the Collins Center wasn’t ideal for this type of viewing. The screen’s height made it uncomfortable for those in certain seats—including ours, which we initially thought were great. While this minor inconvenience left us with sore necks, it didn’t take away from the incredible experience. It’s something I’ll keep in mind, though, when looking at similar events, like the upcoming The Nightmare Before Christmas showing in October.

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert was one of the best viewings of the film I have ever experienced. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra delivered an exceptional performance of John Williams’ iconic score and of course the film was shown with all of its glory. If you ever have the chance to watch a film accompanied by a live orchestra, especially if it’s a Star Wars film, don’t miss it!

To learn more about how we feel about the film itself, check out our review from Star Wars Week 2024.

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert Trailer

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First up for Star Wars Week on the Capes and Tights Podcast, Justin Soderberg welcomes comic book creators Alyssa Wong and Liana Kangas to the program to discuss Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Annual and more!

Wong writes award-winning fiction, comics, novels, and games. Their stories have won the Nebula Award, the World Fantasy Award, and the Locus Award. Alyssa was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, and their fiction has been shortlisted for the Hugo, Bram Stoker, and Shirley Jackson Awards.

Alyssa’s comic credits include Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Marvel (Shang-Chi, Iron Fist, Alligator Loki, Extreme Carnage), DC (Batwoman, Wonder Woman, Spirit World), and Adventure Time. In 2023, Alyssa joined the Star Wars: The High Republic storytelling initiative and their debut novel releasing January 2024. Alyssa has also written for Overwatch and Blizzard Entertainment’s Story and Franchise Development.

Liana Kangas is a freelance comic artist, illustrator, and writer, with previous professional history in graphic design and outreach. They recently released the TRVE KVLT trade paperback they co-created and illustrated with writer Scott Bryan Wilson at IDW Publishing as well as the original graphic novel, Mariko Between Worlds, they illustrated and co-created with writer Matthew Erman for Mad Cave Studios. The trade paperback of Know Your Station they illustrated and co-created along with writer Sarah Gailey. his local comic shops on September 20, 2023 from BOOM! Studios.

Kangas illustrated short written by James Tynion IV for Razorblades, published by Image Comics and contributed to a short with David M. Booher on Canto: Tales of the Unnamed World.

They have also worked on the IDW Publishing / LucasFilm title Star Wars Adventures written by Sam Maggs, co-writing the short one-shot Seeds of Eden, co-written by Joe Corallo, drawn by Paul Azaceta, and published by TKO Studios, co-created and drew a mini series titled She Said Destroy, written by Corallo and published by Vault Comics, and the BlackAF series title Devil’s Dye written by Vita Ayala published by Black Mask Studios.

Liana’s work has been featured in anthologies including 2000 A.D., Z2’s The Final Symphony, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Comic Mix’s Mine!, Image Comics Where We Live, and A Wave Blue World’s All We Ever Wanted, Dead Beats, Embodied and Dead Beats: London Calling.

Liana Kangas has drawn covers for series published with Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Comixology, Oni Press, Ahoy Comics, Vault Comics, Mad Cave Studios and Scout Comics and licenses such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Dark Spaces: Wildfire, and more.

#222: Alyssa Wong and Liana Kangas | Star Wars Week

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Star Wars: Tales of the Empire delves into stories of lesser-known characters like Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee in the six-episode season created by Dave Filoni. With outstanding animation and intimate storytelling, this series offered a fresh perspective on the expanding Universe. However, despite its strengths, there were some areas where it fell short.

The animation was a sight to be seen, providing us with visually stunning episodes. The animation brought characters to life in a new way and was wonderfully attractive. The shorter format, 10-12 minutes each, attempted at focused storytelling but got bogged down, losing some of what makes them unique.

The series also provided an opportunity to explore characters who lesser-known than the more prominent figures in the Star Wars universe. Characters like Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee were given a chance to shine and showcase their unique personalities and motivations. This added depth to their stories and allowed fans to connect with them on a more personal level.

One area where we felt Tales of the Empire fell a bit short was in its lack of larger characters from the Star Wars universe. While there were brief appearances by some well-known figures, we will leave you to find out who they are, these moments felt fleeting and left us wanting more. Including more interactions with established characters could have added depth to the series and enhanced its overall appeal to those who are not as diehard of Star Wars fans.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire offered us a unique look into the lives of lesser-known characters within the galaxy far, far away. With stunning animation and unique storytelling, this series provided a fresh look at the Star Wars Universe. While it may have had some shortcomings in terms of exposition and character development, overall Tales of the Empire was an enjoyable addition to the Star Wars Universe.

The series was created by Dave Filoni and starred the voices of Diana Lee Inosanto and Meredith Salenger as Morgan Elsbeth and former Jedi Barriss Offee respectfully. Tales of the Empire was released on May 4, 2024.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is now available for streaming on Disney+ in its entirety. Also check out Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi which released in October 2022.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire Trailer

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The Grand Admiral was first introduced to us in Zahn’s 1991 novel Heir to the Empire where we relied solely on our imagination to picture what the villain looked like after reading Zahn’s description. Now, with comic book adaptations (as well as other adaptations) we get to see him in all his blue glory. This is done wonderfully by artists Andrea Di Vito and Pat Olliffe.

In Alliances, we follow the daring exploits of Thrawn and Darth Vader as they take on a new threat on Batuu. Alliances captures the essence of Thrawn, as well as the overall tone of the Star Wars franchise. Jody Houser and Timothy Zahn’s skillful adaptation of Zahn’s original novel is seamless, blending the different threads of the plot together to create a story that is action-packed.

The artwork in Alliances is a treat. Di Vito and Olliffe do a fantastic job bringing the galaxy far, far away to life. They truly capture the power of Thrawn as well as the scope of the vast Star Wars Universe. They skillfully bring the Grand Admiral to life in each panel. At the conclusion of this series it was evident that this creative team was made for this story. Alliances does the original source material justice, which is no surprise with Zahn thoroughly involved.

This adaptation of Thrawn: Alliances is truly top-notch. Reading along is like watching a Star Wars movie, with all the epic action, memorable characters, and brilliant storytelling that we have come to love. Now if Lucasfilm and Disney would give us a big screen adaptation of Zahn’s novels.

The collected edition trade paperback of Thrawn: Alliances will hit local comic shops on September 18, 2024 (FOC: June 8) and bookstores everywhere on September 17.

Thrawn: Alliances Preview

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No one knows what it is like to be inside the metal suit of C-3PO better than Anthony Daniels. As one of the only cast members to appear in all nine of the Skywalker Saga films, Daniels has plenty of stories to tell about being on set. However, it seems that is the only stories he has to tell and they are mostly about how they shot each scene he was involved.

While I Am C-3PO provides some great insight into Anthony Daniels’ on-set experiences, we felt it was too narrowly focused on the minutia of the scene-by-scene descriptions of filming rather than delving deep into the life of Daniels himself. As fans of Star Wars and C-3PO, we had hoped for more insight into the journey Daniels took to get to the Star Wars Universe.

Daniels does give us stories from his first meeting with George Lucas to his emotional final days of the set of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. If you are a huge Star Wars fan, the insight into the behind the scenes of the creation of these films is just want you want. However, we felt we were sold a book about Anthony Daniels and it was more about Star Wars as a whole.

Despite its shortcomings, I Am C-3PO still offers valuable insights into the making of one of the most iconic film franchises in history. Anthony Daniels’ vulnerability shines through as he reflects on his role and accomplishments throughout the years. For fans looking to explore the galaxy far, far away from a different perspective, this memoir is a must-read.

I Am C-3PO provides a unique glimpse the filming of Star Wars Skywalker Saga from the point-of-view of Anthony Daniels. While it may not delve as deeply into personal anecdotes from Daniels as we had hoped, it still offers valuable insights and behind-the-scenes details we can enjoy. We would love to say this book is for everyone, but it really is designed for Star Wars fans. In the end it was an entertaining read.

I Am C-3PO is available at bookstores everywhere. An audiobook narrated by Anthony Daniels himself is available at Libro.fm!

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The Star Wars series was created for Disney+ by Leslye Headland and is set at the end of the High Republic era before the events of the main Star Wars films, and follows a Jedi investigation into a series of crimes. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes but discovers the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.

Star Wars: The Acolyte stars Amandla Stenberg as Mae, Lee Jung-jae as Sol, Manny Jacinto as Qimir, Dafne Keen as Jecki Lon, Charlie Barnett as Yord Fandar, Jodie Turner-Smith as Mother Aniseya, Rebecca Henderson as Vernestra Rwoh, Joonas Suotamo as Kelnacca, Abigail Thorn as Ensign Eurus and Carrie-Anne Moss as Indara. Additionally, Charles Chapman, Margarita Levieva and Amy Tsang have been cast in undisclosed roles.

Headland, Alex Garcia Lopez, Kogonada, and Hanelle Culpepper each directed two episodes respectively. The writing team consists of Headland, Jason Micallef and Charmaine DeGrate, Jasmyne Flournoy and Eileen Shim, Claire Kiechel and Kor Adana, Adana and Cameron Squires, Micallef and Jocelyn Bioh, as well as DeGrate and Jen Richards & Jasmyne Flournoy.

The first two episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte will be available to stream on June 4, 2024 with the next four episodes streaming every week following.

Star Wars: The Acolyte Trailer

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For the Capes and Tights Star Wars week we have compiled a list of our favorite, most amazing Star Wars vehicles of all-time.

10. SANDCRAWLER

Sandcrawlers are huge treaded fortresses used by Jawas as transportation and shelter. The sand-pitted vehicles, many meters in height, are equipped with a magnetic suction tube for sucking droids and scrap into their cargo chambers.

9. ANAKIN’S PODRACER

Built in secret by the young slave Anakin Skywalker, this shiny blue and silver Podracer was boasted to be the fastest ever to compete in the Boonta Eve Classic. It wasn’t idle puffery by its creator — when thrown into the cutthroat racing competition, this Podracer’s performance gave Anakin the edge he needed to win the race and his freedom. Smaller and leaner than all the other competing Podracers, Anakin’s vehicle follows the same basic design found throughout the sport: a small cockpit pulled by two high-powered engines. The engines are locked to each other via an energy binder, and durable control cables connect the engines to the cockpit.

8. SPEEDER BIKE

Speeder bikes are common sights throughout the galaxy, with manufacturers turning out both civilian and military models. One of the best-known speeder bikes is the Aratech 74-Z, which saw service during the Clone Wars and remained a mainstay of Imperial forces during the Galactic Civil War. All speeder bikes are capable of high-speed travel and require skill and fast reflexes.

7. SLAVE I

A powerful pursuit craft made famous by Jango Fett in the days of the Republic, this ship was inherited by Boba Fett for his career as a bounty hunter. The aged but effective ship is loaded with hidden defensive and offensive weaponry and equipment, and has a reputation earned from decades of successfully capturing fugitives.

6. IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER

The wedge-shaped Imperial Star Destroyer is a capital ship bristling with weapons emplacements. Turbolasers and tractor beam projectors dot its surface. Its belly hangar bay can launch TIE fighters, boarding craft, land assault units, hyperspace probes, or be used to hold captured craft. In the days of the Empire, its bustling bridge would be staffed by the finest crewers in the Imperial starfleet. Its presence in a system mark matters of extreme Imperial import. Though, as is typical of the Empire, not even the Star Destroyer was enough to sate the Imperial hunger for displays of power. Larger vessels, such as the Super Star Destroyer, dwarf even these giants.

5. AT-AT

The All Terrain Armored Transport, or AT-AT walker, is a four-legged transport and combat vehicle used by the Imperial ground forces. Standing over 20 meters tall with blast-impervious armor plating, these massive constructs are used as much for psychological effect as they are for tactical advantage.

4. TIE FIGHTER

The TIE fighter was the unforgettable symbol of the Imperial fleet. Carried aboard Star Destroyers and battle stations, TIE fighters were single-pilot vehicles designed for fast-paced dogfights with Rebel X-wings and other starfighters. The iconic TIE fighter led to other models in the TIE family including the dagger-shaped TIE Interceptor and the explosive-laden TIE bomber. The terrifying roar of a TIE’s engines would strike fear into the hearts of all enemies of the Empire.

3. DEATH STAR

The Death Star was the Empire’s ultimate weapon: a moon-sized space station with the ability to destroy an entire planet. But the Emperor and Imperial officers like Grand Moff Tarkin underestimated the tenacity of the Rebel Alliance, who refused to bow to this technological terror…

2. X-WING

The X-wing is a versatile Rebel Alliance starfighter that balances speed with firepower. Armed with four laser cannons and two proton torpedo launchers, the X-wing can take on anything the Empire throws at it. Nimble engines give the X-wing an edge during dogfights, and it can make long-range jumps with its hyperdrive and its astromech droid co-pilot. Luke Skywalker is famous for destroying the Death Star behind the controls of an X-wing.

1. MILLENNIUM FALCON

An extensively modified Corellian light freighter, the Millennium Falcon is a legend in smuggler circles and is coveted by many for being the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. Despite her humble origins and shabby exterior, the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs has played a role in some of the greatest victories of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic.

The Falcon looks like a worn-out junker, but beneath her hull she’s full of surprises. A succession of owners, including Lando Calrissian and Han Solo, have made special modifications that boosted the freighter’s speed, shielding and firepower to impressive – and downright illegal – levels. The price of such tinkering? The Falcon can be unpredictable, with her hyperdrive particularly balky. Despite her flaws, she’s beloved by her owners – Han Solo and Chewbacca spent years searching the galaxy for the ship they once called home, rejoicing when they finally reclaimed her.

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The first book in the Thrawn trilogy picks up five years after the end Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The Rebel Alliance has achieved significant victories, but remnants of the old Imperial fleet still pose a threat to peace in the galaxy. Leia and Han are navigating their roles in government while Luke Skywalker is training to become a Jedi Knight. As tensions rise, a new antagonist emerges in Thrawn, one of the most formidable foes in Star Wars lore.

As most, who have read the Timothy Zahn Thrawn novels, would agree Thrawn is one of the coolest, most badass, and best written antagonists in the Star Wars universe. He is a mast tactician and strategist, making him a worthy adversary for our heroes. His presence adds depth and intrigue to a universe now missing Darth Vader. Zahn’s writing brings Thrawn to life in a way that captivates us and solidifies his place as the second best villain in the Star Wars universe behind Darth Vader.

In addition to Thrawn’s compelling character, Heir to the Empire is filled with the action, adventure, quips and spectacle we have come to expect from the Star Wars films. Heir to the Empire is truly a book version of a Star Wars movie.

In a world filled with endless possibilities, imagining what could have been if Lucasfilm had chosen Zahn’s Thrawn trilogy for Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. While we may never see this version of Thrawn come to fruition on the big screen, we can still enjoy these novels that continue the legacy of Star Wars.

In the end, Star Wars: Heir to the Empire is a must-read for any Star Wars fan. It’s truly a continuation of what we all loved about the original film trilogy in a galaxy far, far away. With Thrawn as the main antagonist and the return of our favorite main characters from the films, Heir to the Empire has cemented it legacy in the world of Star Wars.

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire is available wherever books are sold. Heir to the Empire is the first is a series of three novels.

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