Old Friends: Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jabba the Hutt, Darth Vader, C3P0, R2D2 Synopsis: Ever wonder where the characters in the Mos Eisley Cantina came from? Or what happened to them after Luke and Obi-Wan left Tatooine? 16 different authors, brought together by Kevin J. Anderson, have written the back-story for some of our favorite and most recognizable Cantina patrons. You will be surprised and intrigued with this collection that holds true to the Star Wars universe as we know it. Review: The Bith Band: Told in the first person by Doikk Na'ts, one of the band members, he explains in detail, and with a great sense of humor, how they came to work at the Cantina after an interesting start at Jabba's Palace. This one really sets the stage for all the stories that follow - so pay attention. The Rodian Bounty Hunter: Where did this guy come from? His only claim to fame is that he was blasted by Han Solo. Naiive is an understatement and as the reader is drawn further into this story, you are amazed that Greedo managed to live as long as he did. This is a good one. The Tonnika Sisters: NOT! The two beautiful brunettes standing at the bar, sipping their drinks and watching the action are not who they appear to be. Although they don't realize it at the time, these two young ladies will provide valuable information to the Rebel Alliance through no fault of their own. The Talz & the Chandra Fan: A 4-eyed fluffy white "purveyor of information" and a tiny mouselike pickpocket are an unusual pair. Their partnership will, however, impact Jabba's personal wealth, aid a friend, introduce the reader to another nasty Imperial, and help the Rebellion. A.C. Crispin has written another wonderful story. The Ithorian: This former High Priest of Ithor, banned from his homeworld, has quite a tale to tell. Although his pacifist beliefs are at odds with his desire for revenge, the eventual solution to his dilema is creative, well told and fits in so well with the Star Wars "way of doing things." The Bartender: Wuher hates droids (we all know that)! But, as we shall see, our favorite drink-dispenser has a change of heart and grand plans for the future after a very special afternoon at the Cantina. The Gotal: Money and power - the two most important things to Trevagg until he meets the NightLily. His conquest of the beautiful virgin becomes an obsession. But, as we have learned in the previous tales, things are not necessarily what they seem in Mos Eisley The Devaronian: Labria has a really big secret and he is hiding on Tatooine so no one else finds out what it is. He also has a hobby that will cost Jabba his band, start a small riot at a wedding, and gives us more insight into Wuher, who surprises the reader, one more time. The Jawa: They are too weak, too small, too private and they smell bad! But once in a while, one of them is different. A chance meeting with an old Jedi Knight lights the fire of revenge in one such character and he ends up in the Cantina to face his destiny. The Ranat: He is a trader, barterer of all manner of information and discarded hardware, bits and scraps of machinery and parts, and the occasional power pack. The Ranat and the Jawa make a deal, but you have to read three stories in a row to see what happens. A mini-trilogy and a very nice read. The Storm Trooper: 1023's journey from the Imperial Military Training Facility to the Mos Eisley Cantina has twists and turns that answer many a question asked in future events. He seems to show up just about everywhere, at the right time. Good for the Rebellion - Bad for the Imperials. The last of the three - this one is excellent! The Anzat: "Assassin, terminator, exterminator", his own words. Why he hunts and what he searches for is explained. I found this to be the most difficult to read and understand, and the least interesting. The fault does not lie in the story, rather the writing style. Told in the first person, it is a little confusing but if you can get past that, not a bad story. The Spacer: BoShek is a smuggler employed by the B'omarr Monks whose monestary Jabba the Hutt calls his HQ. He has just beaten Han Solo's time on the Kessel Run on his way to Tatooine. Unfortunately, a meeting with a Wookiee sends BoShek's life in a direction he would never have imagined. The Dr. & the Aqualish: Obi-Wan Kenobi sliced off Ponda Baba's arm in the Cantina - we all know that. But what happened next? That question is answered in this well written story that fills in more of the blanks in the story line, and has a great ending. The Moisture Farmer: I could not find this guy in the Cantina anywhere during the movie. But he has an interesting story to tell and the reader gains an insight into the Sand People, moisture farming, and the trials and tribulations of living on Tatooine. I liked this one for the story it told, the characters it introduced me to, and and an ending that fits the genre' we call "Star Wars". The Wolfman & the Lamproid: This is a love story and it is wonderfully written, with suberb characters, attention to every detail, and clear and solid story lines that take us back and forth in time without confusion. Judith and Gar Reeves-Stevens are right on the mark with this final chapter in the anthology and the best is definitely saved for last. This one gets a "Bravo!"
Title: Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina |
1/31/05
