Since Disney declared they would conclude the old Expanded Universe, labeling it as Star Wars Legends, a new set of official stories emerged. This decision split the Star Wars community, with some long-time readers and gamers of the Legends material feeling resentful. Over time, there have been three main groups: those who only accept the canon, those who dislike everything about Legends even though they haven’t experienced it, and those who appreciate both. Lucasfilm has understood for a while that Star Wars’ appeal lies in its characters and have gradually incorporated many Legends characters into the new canon, aiming to please every fan group.
Incorporating characters such as Grand Admiral Thrawn, Captain Gilad Pellaeon, among others, into the main storyline is a significant step, but this move only scratches the surface of Legends characters who could seamlessly fit within the established narrative. To be precise, there are numerous Legends characters that have been crafted with the canon in mind and could lead stories that would significantly enhance the depth and richness of the main storyline.
Kyle Katarn
Kyle Katarn made his debut in the 1995 first-person shooter game Star Wars: Dark Forces, playable on Windows and Mac systems. This mercenary, employed by the Rebel Alliance, stumbled upon the secret project to develop the Dark Troopers – a formidable group of stormtroopers and war droids designed to wipe out the Rebels. Despite its challenging gameplay, Star Wars: Dark Forces remains popular, and the surprising revelation that Katarn possessed Force abilities launched a series of beloved Star Wars PC games, including the Jedi Knight series. In the aftermath of the Rebel’s victory over the Empire at Endor, Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II featured Katarn squaring off against the Dark Jedi Jerec. Later, he starred in Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, where he fought another Dark Jedi, and ultimately served as a mentor to new character Jaden Korr in Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy.
Katarn is ideal for the time frame of Star Wars: Andor and beyond, as his character aligns perfectly with this era. His past is filled with tragedy that drives his intense disdain for the Empire, which shapes him from a mercenary to a Rebel and potentially a Jedi. While Lucasfilm has demonstrated their willingness to incorporate Force-wielding Rebels during the Imperial period, they may not necessarily make Katarn a Jedi. Instead, they could focus on his other compelling aspects, such as his independent Force sensitivity. Essentially, Katarn is a more badass version of Ezra from Star Wars Rebels.
Tallisibeth Enwandung-Esterhazy
Initially introduced in the novel “Yoda: Dark Rendezvous” by Sean Stewart during the era of the Clone Wars, Tallisibeth Enwandung-Esterhazy was a relatively less experienced Jedi Padawan known for her determination. During the course of the Clone Wars, she embarked on a perilous mission to the planet Vjun alongside Master Yoda and her fellow Jedi Masters and Padawans. However, they were ambushed by Asajj Ventress, resulting in the deaths of their two Masters, leaving Tallisibeth, her Padawan companion, and a native of Vjun named Whie Malreaux to survive on their own. The duo managed to reunite with Master Yoda before a showdown with Count Dooku. For the remainder of the war, Tallisibeth resided at the Jedi Temple, endured Order 66, and was eventually transported to Mandalore where she joined Clan Skirata.
Lucasfilm has primarily moved away from the Clone Wars era in Star Wars, but the character Tallisibeth can seamlessly be integrated into any time period where Jedi are present. She’s not a powerful Jedi, but she more than makes up for it with her charm and spirit. Her passion to become a Jedi compensates for her limited Force abilities. Tallisibeth provides an intriguing perspective for canon fans, showcasing the experiences of a Jedi on the less powerful side. She’s an ideal character for younger audiences and would be a fantastic addition to a series like Young Jedi Adventures.
Booster Terrik
In the realm of galactic tales, I found Booster Terrik introduced within the X-Wing series penned by Michael Stackpole, more specifically in the fourth installment titled the Bacta War. Booster was the dad of the smuggler, Mirax Terrik, who found herself entangled with X-Wing pilot and ex-Correllian officer Corran Horn. You see, Corran’s old man had been tracking Booster for eons, and it was he who had Booster trapped on Kessel. Later on, Booster joined Rogue Squadron to free Thyferra from Isard Ysanne’s grasp and amazingly captured an Imperial-class Star Destroyer for his personal use. He repainted the ship red and turned it into a roaming casino/smuggler’s den called the Errant Venture. Throughout the old Expanded Universe, Booster maintained allegiance with the New Republic and its successor, the Galactic Alliance, all while driving my future brother-in-law Corran up the wall.
In a new take on the Star Wars saga, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” explores various unsavory corners of this galaxy far, far away, with Booster Terrik fitting seamlessly into this lawless realm. A character who’s both a rogue and a softie at heart, Terrik aspires to amass wealth while maintaining an honorable reputation. With a physique reminiscent of a Wookiee and a knack for stealing the spotlight, he’s always a delight when he appears on screen.
The ship “Errant Venture,” captained by Terrik, could potentially reappear in canon if “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” were to continue with a second season or any other production that dives deep into the gritty side of Star Wars. Smugglers and outlaws have always been fan favorites within the Star Wars universe, and Terrik stands at the pinnacle of this intriguing group.
Garik “Face” Loran
Garik “Face” Loran is another graduate from the X-Wing series, making his debut in Wraith Squadron by Aaron Allston. Originally a child actor hired by the Empire for propaganda films, Garik later switched sides and joined the Rebel Alliance to atone for his past of promoting the Empire through holofilms. Loran was recruited into Wraith Squadron, an elite fighter unit that doubled as a commando squad, assembled under the guidance of renowned pilot Wedge Antilles. Loran’s talent for impersonation and mastery of disguise proved invaluable to the team when they infiltrated Imperials or pirates, playing a crucial role in their victory against Imperial Warlord Zsinj. The Wraith Squadron eventually became part of New Republic Intelligence, with Loran rising through the ranks to command them during the war against the Empire and later the Yuuzhan Vong. Eventually, he ascended to become the head of Galactic Alliance Intelligence.
The Wraith Squadron series stands among the finest Star Wars novels ever written, and a significant reason for this is Loran. His blend of humor and drama masks a character burdened by many regrets, having lived through decades of war and witnessing the deaths of his comrades. In a post-Star Wars: Return of the Jedi universe, Loran would be an ideal fit, working alongside the New Republic to combat the remnants of the Empire.
Kal Skirata
In a fascinating twist, the TV series “The Mandalorian” has carved out its unique corner within the Star Wars universe, delving deeply into the history and customs of the Mandalorians. This is reminiscent of the “Republic Commando” novels by Karen Traviss, which centered around clone commandos who were tutored by Mandalorian drill sergeants personally chosen by Jango Fett. One of these exceptional soldiers was Kal Skirata, a member of the elite Cuy’Val Dar unit. Skirata, who was a foundling himself, felt a profound sadness when he realized that the clones had no families – a significant aspect of Mandalorian culture that the books introduced. He took in a group of clones known as the Nulls, specially enhanced by Jango Fett, and treated all his commando squads like his own children. Skirata was first seen in “Triple Zero,” working alongside Delta and Omega Squad, as well as the Nulls and fellow Cuy’Val Dar Walon Vau, to thwart a Separatist terrorist plot. Over time, Skirata united this group – along with several Jedi generals and an Intelligence agent – into a vast family, striving to create a home for them all on Mandalore following the war.
As a devoted cinephile immersed in the galaxy far, far away, I can’t help but single out Kal Skirata as the cornerstone of the “Republic Commandos” novels. Skirata embodies the quintessential Mandalorian, a blend of intellect, prowess, and relentlessness, yet he transcends these traits with his profound capacity for love.
His animosity towards the Kaminoans and the Jedi Order adds depth to his character, making him all the more endearing. At times, Skirata can be downright hilarious, a trait that adds an unexpected layer to his tough exterior. He stands firm and unwavering in his loyalty to his family, yet strikes fear into those who dare to challenge them.
Lucasfilm has introduced various types of Mandalorians to us, but Skirata stands out among them. He is not affiliated with the extremist Death Watch or any of the more cultish sects, offering a fresh perspective on the Mandalorian culture. If incorporated into the current canon, Skirata could enrich and expand the portrayal of Mandalorians, making them even more captivating.
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2025-02-04 20:40