}); The Road to Episode Infinity: April 2019

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Bonus Aliens



Over the past year I have investigated over 150 Star Wars Alien Species in an attempt to increase my knowledge of the Star Wars universe. Here are some extras that were left out of some of my previous posts. Next week I’ll be back with my May the 4th special!

Siniteen


The large brained Siniteen species were a hyper intelligent species from planet Mileva. They can be recognized by their giant bald heads, their pale skin, and their pupiless eyes. It was claimed they could calculate hyperspace jumps without the aid of a navicomputer. Some also claimed that the species was the most intelligent in all the galaxy.

During production of “A New Hope”, Pons Limbic was referred to as "Brainee," "Cranium Head" and "Crater Head." In the 1995 collectible card game, Limbic was nicknamed “Brainiac”. It wasn’t until 2008 that the character first received a proper name.

Siniteen is an anagram for Einstein.

Lamproid

The serpentine Lamproid race had four large black teeth, two stalk-eyes, and six clawed hands. Lamproids were natural predators from planet Florn where they would use venomous tails to attack their prey.

Though the species was often thought to be non-sentient due to its appearance, Lamproids were actually very intelligent, especially in their ability to solve puzzles. Lamproids also mated for life and felt deep affection for their chosen partners. Some Lamproids even selected partners from other species. One such example is Dice Ibegon, a member of the Rebel Alliance, who tried to convince her lover Lak Sivrak (a Shistavanen) to join the Rebellion.

A Lamproid puppet was designed for the original 1977 Star Wars film. It was known as the “Drooling Arm” because it was able to emit red slime through an internal tube. George Lucas noted that the creature was gross-looking, but gave the OK to shoot it, since he assumed the film would end up with a PG rating anyway.

Defel

The Defel were a red-eyed wolf-like species that could blend into their surroundings becoming almost invisible. Defels had the natural ability to bend light around themselves. They evolved from hunters and could smell a blood molecule from six miles away. Though in the days of the Republic, modern Defel preferred liquified meat for meals.

Their home planet Af’El was a harsh world and sharing of communal resources was vital to survival. The Defel lived in underground caves on their planet to escape harsh wind storms. They had a strong sense of honor and would not associate with beings who were known to break promises.

Many beings in the galaxy thought that Defel were mythical creatures and did not actually exist.

Arleil Schous the Defel was one of the wolf-men-like creatures that Lucas thought looked cheap and sought to replace for the Special Edition of “A New Hope” (the other was Lak Sivrak the Shistavanen). For the 1997 cut, Arleil Schous was replaced with a new creature (a Sarkan named Melas).

Before “A New Hope”, Arleil Schous’ mask was originally used in a 1974 live Halloween show called “In the Attic”.

Vuvrian


The insectile Vuvrian species hailed 
from the planet of Vurdon Ka. Vuvrians had twelve eyes that could see in all directions at once. They also had heightened senses in general, which made them incredibly observant and many excelled in the Jedi Order. Included in this heightened perception was a heightened sense of pain, which cause Vuvrians to be poor soldiers. Most Vuvrians employed themselves as diplomats, negotiators and merchants.


Wioslea was the Vuviran who bought a landspeeder from Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in the film “A New Hope”. Though she is secretive about her past, some have claimed that she may be a force user because her brown robes look Jedi-like. Also, when she was released as an action figure in 2009, she came with a green lightsaber- though Hasbro officially recognized this as a mistake. One piece of evidence against Wioslea being a Jedi is that Kenobi successfully used a Jedi mind trick against her, while negotiating over the selling price of the landspeeder.

Saurin

The Saurin were a reptilian species from planet Durkteel. They looked very similar to Trandoshan and many claimed that the two species shared a biological history. Though the two look similar, one easy way to tell the species apart is that Saurins have five fingers while Trandoshans have only three.

Saurins look naturally intimidating, and many members of the species were employed as thugs and bodyguards. During the age of the Republic, the Saurin government supported Refugee Relief and many Saurins joined the Rebel Alliance during the age of the Empire.

During production of “A New Hope” the two Saurin on set were referred to as "Crockers" or "Gila-Men". One Saurin costume was reused in “The Empire Strikes Back” to create Trandoshan bounty hunter Bossk. The other Saurin mask remained unmodified and was used again in “Return of the Jedi”. The three Saurins to appear in Star Wars films are Hrchek Kal Fas and Sai'torr Kal Fas (A New Hope) and Gauron Nas Tal (Return of the Jedi).

Morseerian

The cone-headed four-armed Morseerian species were native to planet Merj and wore environmental suits and masks while travelling to other worlds. Though their scally heads were exposed, what many beings never saw was what Morseerians looked like under their suits. In truth Morseerian skin was translucent and one could view the inner organs and flow of the blood.

The Morserians were introverted and loners by nature. They were also secretive and never revealed the location of their homeworld to outsiders. Their homeworld, Merj, is thought by some to be located in the outer rim and contain a predominately methane atmosphere.

Two Morseerian costumes were created for the 1977 Star Wars film and were nicknamed "Plutonians" or "Squid Heads”. Later these creatures would receive a species name for the 1995 Star Wars Collectible Card Game as well as the individual names “Chall Bekan” and “Nabrun Leids”.

Baragwin

The large Baragwin species were sentient reptilians native to the lost world Old Barag. The planet was located in the expansion regions early in galactic history and after the Baragwin left their homeworld behind it was never found again. Some say it was destroyed, some say it is still out there, and others think it might be a known planet but no one is sure which one.

Baragwins had thick wrinkled skin that was resistant to attacks. Many Baragwin worked a thugs including Hermi Odle, one of Jabba the Hutt’s henchmen.

During production of “Return of the Jedi” call sheets from the production of the movie suggest that Hermi Odles original name was "Hemmy Moroid", which was most likely a pun on "hemorrhoid". Hermi Odle's eventual name may derive from the phrase 'Hear Me Yodel'.

Elomin


The Elomin were the surface-dwellers of planet Elom. Some claimed that the species descended from the Zabrak before migrating to Elom. The Elomin enslaved the subterranean Elom species and told the Republic that they were non-sentient, although the truth was eventually discovered. Eventually the Republic granted the Eloms equal rights.

During the age of the Empire, the Elomin were enslaved by the Imperials, but it was the subterranean Elom that stage raids to save their former masters from servitude.

The Elomin had skin of various colors including orange, pink, and purple. They had horns on top of their heads and (like the Elom) had two face-tusks.

Elomin first appeared in the Timothy Zahn novel “Heir to the Empire”.



Elom


The Elom evolved to live on the dark subterranean grottos of the frozen planet Elom. Elom have naturally acute eyesight, but do not function well in bright daylight. Elom have claw hands and two short tusks.

One day surface dwellers, known as Elomin discovered the subterranean species. The Elom were quickly enslaved by the Elomin. The Elomin even convinced the Republic that the Elom were not sentient.

Tanus Spijek was the Elom who appeared in Jabba’s Palace in the film “Return of the Jedi”. Tanus was a spy for the Rebel Alliance until Alderaan was destroyed.


Swokes Swokes

The large-mouthed Swokes Swokes were a naturally violent species who often took jobs as bodyguards or bounty hunters. Their bulky size and ability to regenerate body parts made them a formidable foe. Swokes Swokes also had a simplistic internal structure which lacked pain receptors. It is also rumored that some Swokes Swokes had long bulky tails.

On their home planet of Makem Te Swokes Swokes domesticated long snake-like creatures called schinga shikou for riding.

Swokes Swokes did not fare well in the Clone Wars and by the age of the Empire their species was driven to near extinction with their homeworld possibly destroyed.

Swokes Swokes first appeared in “The Phantom Menace” in the Mos Espa Market and in the Galactic Senate.

Anx

The reptilian species known as the Anx had a large blade-shaped crest that would change colors based on the mood of each individual. Since their homeworld Gravelex Med has higher than average gravity, Anx have a hunched stature and a deep rumbling voice.

Anx culture thrived on being social. Many Anx even grew fanatic about groups that they associated with. Members of the Anx species could be found in the Galactic Senate as well as the Jedi Order. Anx could also be dangerous, since they were inherently aware of weak points in the anatomy of other beings. An Anx could defeat opentents using a single well-placed attack.

During the production of “The Phantom Menace” an eleven-foot-tall Anx costume created which added twenty-four-inch stilts under the feet of actor Jerome Blake and added thirty-six inches above the head of the actor. Jerome Blake played the Anx Horox Ryyder in the Senate scene as well as the Anx Graxol Kelvynn in the podracing scene.


Lurmen

The Lurmen were a short furry species from the world of Mygeeto. Mygeeto was snow covered and had crystalline landscapes. It was one of the few worlds where Kyber Crystals could be found. The Lurmen lived in the planet’s naturally occurring crystalline towers.

The Lurmen were pacifists who were subjected to occupation by the separatists during the Clone Wars. Many Lurmen escaped Mygeeto and fled to other planets such as Maridun and Qalydon to escape the war.

The Lurmen were present in concept art for “Revenge of the Sith”, but were eventually cut from the film. The Lurmen first appeared in a 2009 episode of “The Clone Wars” called “Jedi Crash”. Lurmen also appeared in a 2017 episode of “The Freemaker Adventures” called “The Lost Crystals of Qalydon”.

Ubdurian

The Ubdurian species evolved on planet Ubduria on the inner rim and were one of the first space-faring civilizations. However, in ancient times, Mandalorian raiders undertook a crusade which ravaged many inner-rim species including the Ubdurian homeworld. After this dark period in their history, the Ubdurians became nomads until eventually settling on the outer-rim planet of Nag Ubdur. Ubdurians still wear traditional travelling cloaks and aurodium belt buckles as a testament to a time where they travelled the stars as migrants.

The Ubdurian twins Cratinus and Prashee frequented Maz Kanata’s castle and would often perform scams by swapping identities with each other.

Onodone

The Onodone species were recognized by their purple skin and elongated trunks. Aside from their odd appearance almost nothing is known about the species including their homeworld. The Onodone were never represented in the Galactic Senate and their presence is missing from most galactic events.

The Onodone, Gwellis Bagnoro was a frequent patron is Maz Kanata’s Castle, enjoying his anonymity and dark history.


Star Wars Aliens


The Aliens of the Cantina

The Aliens of “The Empire Strikes Back"

The Aliens of Jabba’s Palace

The Aliens of Max Rebo’s Band

The Aliens of the Battle of Endor

Flipping Heads

The Aliens of Attack of the Clones

The Aliens of Revenge of the Sith


Aliens of Podracing

Aliens of Ralph McQuarrie


Aliens of  Rogue One

Aliens of  The Last Jedi


Aliens of  Endor

The Most Obscure Aliens of the Original Trilogy

Aliens of the Mandalorian

Bonus Aliens

Friday, April 5, 2019

Age of the Republic (Comics)


Age of the Republic Reviewed

“Age of the Republic” is a mini-series of comics and is the first entry in a series which will span three generations including “The Age of Rebellion” and “The Age of Resistance”. Starting in December of 2018, two issues were published each month focusing on both a hero and villain from the prequel era. When read side by side the hero and villain storylines are thematic mirrors of each other – or as George Lucas would put it, “They Rhyme”.  

Qui Gon Jinn in “Balance”

Qui-Gon Jinn has always questioned the Jedi Council and the nature of The Force. To find deeper understanding to the questions that most trouble him, Qui-Gon channels The Force and plugs seemingly random hyperspace coordinates into his nav system before blindly jumping to hyperspace. The Force guides him to an unnamed planet where he embarks on something of a vision quest.
Darth Maul in “Ash”


Maul has hired a thief. A man that Maul believes is predisposed to The Force. Not a Jedi, but a potential one. Maul murders the man, but as a consequence is scolded by his master, Darth Sidious, who is not ready to reveal the Sith to the Jedi order. The story reaffirms Maul’s complicated relationship with a master who he secretly despises.


Obi-Wan Kenobi in “Mission”

Obi-Wan is in the early days of training his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, although he still has reservations about being a Master at all. Anakin meanwhile is sick of training with the younglings and feels he is ready for more. When Obi-Wan is sent on a mission he is told by Master Yoda to bring Anakin along. Along the way, Obi-Wan learns an important lesson about being a Master.


Jango Fett in “Training”

Jango is taking his son/clone Boba along on a Bounty. Jango doesn’t actually need the money anymore- his Kamino deal is a pretty extensive package.  But Jango didn’t just take the deal for the riches, he also asked for  a son. This comic makes it clear why Jango wants a son in the first place. Boba is his apprentice and his legacy. “Training” is a mirror story to “Mission” and reading the tales, you begin to feel that Jango is a more natural teacher than Obi-Wan is.




Anakin Skywalker in “The Sacrifice”

General Anakin Skywalker is ordered by Admiral Yularen to sacrifice civilians working in a foundry on the third moon of Kudo. Anakin struggles with this task believing that Jedi are supposed to help save lives. While on his mission Anakin learns that the civilians are actually slaves, and he unleashes his wrath on the Separatists. Seeing Anakin actually struggle with ethical decisions and ultimately choosing the morally superior decision is a delight to see. It’s something that I wish I would have seen more of in the prequels.



Count Dooku in “The Cost”

Count Dooku is on a mission to Sullust when he is surprised to run into a Jedi Knight. When the Jedi recognizes him, they reminisce about old times, and Dooku thinks fondly of his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, who was met an untimely death during the Battle of Naboo. The reader considers that, perhaps, there is still good in him after all, but Dooku ultimately chooses the darker path.



Padme Amidala in “Bridge”

Padme and her handmaidens (Motté & & Dormé) are on a mission to planet Clabron. Trouble greets them upon their arrival (as it is apt to do). The Grand Minister with whom Padme is supposed to meet has been shot by an assassin and the shooter is still at large. The Vice Grand Minister does not trust Padme and does not think she belongs on planet. Padme must find a way to use her diplomacy to create a “Bridge” between herself and the Clabron people.

General Grievous in “Burn”

In contrast to Padme’s affinity to compromise and negotiate, the character of General Grievous only knows destruction. Grevious has hunted down dozens of Jedi Knights and on the planet Ledeve he kills two more. When Grevious discovers a Jedi Temple on the planet, he overcomes several traps until he finds his way to the heart of the tower and is granted a vision…. (notably we get to see what Grevious used to look like before he got all cyborgy)

Mace Windu in “The Weapon”

Mace Windu finds himself a prisoner on planet Oosalon under a nefarious crime lord- But he remembers two lessons he learned from Master Huyang when he was an apprentice that might help save him...

Asajj Ventress in “Sisters”

The story takes place during Asajj Ventress' time as a bounty hunter, just before her encounter with Ahsoka Tano in the Season 5 Clone Wars episode “To Catch a Jedi”. Though the story acknowledges Ahsoka’s time as a Nightsister, the “sisters” referred to in the title are two new characters….


Captain Rex and Jar Jar Binks in “501 Plus One”


Captain Rex and Senator Jar Jar are on a mission to planet Mimban, but nothing is going right. Jar Jar was apparently brought along to help negotiate with the Mimbanese since both Gungans and Mimbaneese are native to swampy locations. However when Jar Jar picks up a fallen Jedi’s lightsaber the action really picks up....







Dark Horse Comics
 (
Link)

Dawn of the Jedi  Dawn of the Jedi

Tales of the Jedi Tales of the Jedi

Knights of the Old Republic Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: Republic Star Wars: Republic
Dark Times Dark Times
Empire & Rebellion Star Wars: Empire & Star Wars: Rebellion
Brian Wood's Star Wars Brian Wood's Star Wars
Dark Empire Dark Empire
Crimson Empire Crimson Empire
Invasion Invasion
Legacy Vol. 1 Star Wars: Legacy
Vector Star Wars: Vector
Legacy Vol. 2 Legacy Volume 2
Infinities Infinities
The Star Wars The Star Wars

Star Wars Tales Star Wars Tales

Marvel Comics

Original Marvel Comics Original Marvel Comics
Star Wars #108 Star Wars #108
Alan Moore's Star Wars Comics Alan Moore's Star Wars Comics

Han Solos Vs. Space Crocodile Han Solo vs. Crocodile in Space

Marvel's New Star Wars Line Catching Up With Comics

Age of Republic Age of Republic
Age of Rebellion Age of Rebellion
Age of Resistance Age of Resistance

Star Wars #1... Again Star Wars #1... Again
Ewoks in Comics Ewoks in Comis
Who is Doctor Aphra Who Is Doctor Aphra

The Last Jedi Expanded Universe The Last Jedi Expanded Universe
Who is Jaxxon Who Is Jaxxon

IDW Comics
Tales from Vader's Castle Tales from Vader's Castle

Return to Vader's Caslte Return to Vader's Castle