The 1990s was the decade where Star Wars Returned from a hiatus after the end of the original trilogy, and truly became a multimedia franchise. With so many new and inventive stories releasing during this time, the Star Wars Expanded Universe, or EU, is formally established. Some of these stories are even contending for the best Star Wars Has ever seen, all of them lead to the launch of the prequel trilogy with Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in 1999.
But long before, It was a conservative effort to bring Star Wars Back in the limelight, with books, comics and even video games releasing in the 90s. On top of that, the Star Wars Special editions of the original trilogy were also shown in theaters, bringing a whole new generation of Star Wars Fans in the galaxy far, far away. But which original stories during this revival period for the franchise were the best? Here are our top 10 best Star Wars stories from the 1990s.
10
The Hand of Throne duology
Timothy’s son
Starting off at the end, we have these Hand of throne Duology by Timothy Zahn. The two novels, Specter of the Past and Vision of the Future, take place in 19 ABY, and wrap up the conflict between the New Republic and the Empire in a beautiful way. Written as semi-sequels to Zahn’s original Thrawn Trilogy, the Hand of throne Brings many plot points from the books full-circle, leading to a very satisfying read.
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The books begin with the discovery that members of the Botan species were complicit in the Empire’s genocide of the Kaamasi people, a well-loved alien species in the galaxy. The Batons are quick to fight the accusations, which leads to a political firestorm that brings down almost the entire New Republic. Oh also GRand Admiral Thrawn is back from the dead, threatening the peace the Empire and New Republic are so close to achieving. Or is he?
9
The Jedi Academy Trilogy
Kevin J. Anderson
Right after the Thrawn Trilogy and the Dark Empire Comics, The Jedi Academy Trilogy, by Kevin J Anderson, was released in 1994. The books deal with the establishment of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4, and the struggles Luke has while trying to accomplish this. The books Jedi Quest, Dark apprenticeAnd Champions of the Force All became foundational for the EU. As a complete forward.
The trilogy significantly also introduced Kyp Durron and Natasi Daala to the Star Wars Expanded Universe, both of which would become major players in the events to come. Durron in particular drives much of the books’ plot, as he is one of Luke’s first students and falls to the dark side due to the manipulation of a Sith Spirit. The three novels push these Overall history in some incredible places, making it an absolutely essential 1990s Star Wars History.
8
The Crimson Empire Comics
Mike Richardson, Randy Stradley and Paul Gulasi
The first comic on our list is the Crimson Empire Series, written by Mike Richardson and Randy Stradley, and penciled by Paul Gulasi. The comics released in 1997 were the first to really dig into the lore behind the Imperial Royal Guards. The red-cloaked men have captivated fans since they first appeared in 1983 Return of the JediBut it wasn’t until Crimson Empire That they could peek behind the coat.
Taking place hard after the Emperor and Vader’s death, and after the death of the Emperor’s clones, Crimson Empire Tells the story of what happened to the dedicated individuals with nothing left to give themselves. Kir Kanos, a former guard, joins the New Republic, while Karnor Jax, his former friend, takes over a piece of the Empire for himself. It all leads to an incredibly cinematic, action-packed and very ’90s adventure that is absolutely one of the most iconic. Star Wars Stories of the decade.
7
The Young Jedi Knights series
Kevin J Anderson & Rebecca Moesta
Next, we have the iconic and memorable Young Jedi Knights Series by famous and previously mentioned author Kevin J Anderson, and his wife Rebecca Moesta. The young adult novels were published from 1995 to 1998, and chronicle the years 23 and 24 Abby. But more importantly, the 14 novels tell the story of Jacen and Jaina Solo, heirs to a proud Jedi legacy.
Being the children of Han and Leia, and training under Jedi Master Luke Skywalker at his Jed Praxeum on Yavin 4, these books are perfect for younger readers. It’s a school-like setting, with adventure and Jedi abilities mixed in for good measure. The adventures that Jacen and Jaina go on with their friends Lowbacca, nephew of Chewbacca, Tenel Ka, Zekk, Raynar Thul, and even their younger brother Anakin are made even more important by how well known these characters were in the New Jedi Order series and beyond.
6
The X-Wing series
Michael A Stackpole & Aaron Allston
Much like the Royal Guards, another core aspect of Star Wars What is fully examined off-screen are the iconic pilots of the series. The X-Wing Novels written by Michael A Stackpole and Aaron Allston do just that, with their 9 novels released from 1996 to 1999 diving deep into what a pilot for the New Republic actually looked like. These books are an absolute fan favorite, and when you read them, you can see why.
Focusing on the famous original trilogy background character Wedge Antilles, and the Force-sensitive pilot Corran Horn, who was created for the series, these books are top-notch pilot tales. Dealing with loss, strategy, politics and other complex ideas, the X-Wing Series also proved to be the foundation for the Expanded Universe going forward. If a fan is even slightly interested in pilots in the Star Wars universe, X-Wing: Rogue Squadron is the place to start for this iconic series.
5
The Dark Empire comics
Tom Witch and Cam Kennedy
Dark EmpireWritten by Tom Witch and illustrated by Cam Kennedy, is simply unforgettable. The first Star Wars comic series published by Dark Horse, Dark Empire Was controversial at first, but has proven to have staying power because of its sheer imagination and beauty. The entire series is visualized by famous and very stylistic artist Cam Kennedy, including his wonderful watercolors on every page.
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Dark Empire is a story that really feels galactic in scale, which makes sense considering its history. Emperor Palpatine has returned from the dead in a clone body, leading legions of new ships in a bid to conquer the galaxy and destroy the New Republic once and for all. A terrible story like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Dark Empire is a unique experience, bringing back fan favorites like Boba Fett, while also pushing the galaxy in new directions with elements like Leia finally pursuing the Jedi path herself.
4
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
George Lucas
How can a list of the best Star Wars Stories from the 1990s do not include the one Star Wars Movie released in that decade? Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace The prequel trilogy began in 1999, and tells the story of the Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi fighting the forces of the greedy Trade Federation who have taken the planet Naboo captive. Along the way, they meet Anakin Skywalker, and visit some beautiful locations in a strange yet charming film.
At first being maligned, but receiving much more grace from fans of the modern age, The Phantom Menace is an absolutely essential part of the Star Wars Saga. The true beginning of everything, the introduction of everything you need to know to see the saga. But besides its impact on the Star Wars universe, it’s also just an incredibly technically impressive film, with the motion-capture performance of Jar Jar Binks, the CG environments and the pod race sequence prominent.
3
Throne trilogy
Timothy’s son
Releasing in 1991, the Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn is one of the most important Star Wars Stories ever told. The near-foundational text of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, the books heir to the empire, Dark Force RisingAnd The last command It was essential to prove that Star Wars Can exist on the page as well as the screen. And because of this trilogy, it has for years to come.
heir to the empire Fame introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn and Mara Jade, two major players in the EU. To come, and even impacted canon. Thrawn became a prominent and important figure in canon stories as well, all thanks to the sheer success, popularity and quality of the three books. A true successor to the original trilogy of films, with their tone, scope and sense of humor, the Thrawn trilogy is a must-read for everyone Star Wars Fan.
2
Tales of the Jedi comics
Tom Witch, Kevin J. Anderson, and more
A maxi-series consisting of several miniseries by different artists, Tales of the Jedi Has to be mentioned in any list of the greatest Star Wars Stories ever told. The first ever ongoing story told for the Empire, Tales of the Jedi was Star Wars‘Original look in the Old Republic era, even coining the name Knights of the Old Republic For his first two story arcs, illustrated by David Roach. But what is best about these stories is not the era, it is the complexity of the stories they tell.
For example, the arc The Golden Age of the SithIllustrated by Dario Carrasco, Jr., introduces the Sith species and all their internal politics. his sequel, The fall of the Sith EmpireThen describes one of the biggest wars of the era, the great hyperspace war, and how it came about. Later stories like Dark Lords of the SithIllustrated by Chris Gossett and Art Wetherell, dive into the nature of the dark side and how it affects the JediLeading to the wonderful stories of Exar Kun and Ulic Kel-Droma.
1
Shadows of the Empire
Steve Perry, John Wagner, LucasArts, and more
At last, we have reached Shadows of the Empire. The 1996 multimedia project is undoubtedly the best Star Wars History of the 1990s because of its sheer scope, variety, quality and more. strain of multiple mediums, Shadows of the Empire There was a book by Steve Perry, a comic series by John Wagner and Kilian Plunkett, and even a video game by LucasArts. But more than that, Shadows of the Empire Tells a story that fills in the gap between Empire strikes back And Return of the Jedi In a beautiful way.
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Han Solo has been captured, the Empire is at its most violent, and Leia, Luke, and Chewie are at odds with the galaxy. But beyond that, the Emperor’s confidant in the criminal underworld, Prince Kyzor, is plotting to capture and kill Luke Skywalker to usurp Vader’s place at the Emperor’s side. The captivating story spans the galaxy, and dives deep into the characters of Luke, Leia, Vader and even new smuggler character Dash Rendar.
Shadows of the Empire is truly a special moment in the Star Wars Franchise past, solidified by its popularity among fans of all ages. Trading cards, toys, and other merchandise marked his free, fit what Star Wars Intended with the project: a movie without a movie. Inseparable from many fans’ opinion of the original trilogy, Shadows of the Empire is the best Star Wars History of the 1990s.