Podcasts TV Hyperspace Theories 43: Queen's Shadow & Galaxy's Edge

43: Queen's Shadow & Galaxy's Edge

Published: May 9, 2019, 2 a.m.

Many Star Wars fans, including the team here at FANgirl, have long urged the franchise to release a novel centered on Padm\xe9 and her political career. That moment has finally arrived from Disney Lucasfilm Press, in the form of the Young Adult novel\xa0Queen\u2019s Shadow\xa0by E.K. Johnston, who previously wrote the YA novel\xa0Ahsoka.

As usual, we begin with our meta segment, in which we consider influential forces and figures that have shaped the Star Wars franchise. Part of what makes this Padm\xe9 novel special is that Johnston is one of the first Star Wars creators from the Prequel Trilogy generation to attain the opportunity to contribute as a professional. In interviews, she shares that she first saw\xa0The Phantom Menace\xa0on her fifteenth birthday, and immediately built her fandom around Padm\xe9, Sab\xe9, and the rest of Amidala\u2019s handmaidens. From fanfic to her career as a published author to books about Ahsoka and Padm\xe9, Johnston brings priorities, values, and emphases to her Star Wars work that differ greatly from most contributors from the Original Trilogy generation. As even more peers from her generation join the franchise, Star Wars will broaden with new perspectives from new voices.

We share our reactions to\xa0Queen\u2019s Shadow\xa0in the storytelling segment. Padm\xe9 and Sab\xe9 are the principal characters, but the book has a lot of other elements to discuss, as well. In addition to the handmaidens from the Prequel Trilogy films, the novel includes appearances from characters in\xa0The Clone Wars\xa0animated series and connections to Claudia Gray\u2019s novel\xa0Leia: Princess of Alderaan. Also noteworthy are several of Johnston\u2019s new characters, as well as the variety of different forms of representation she includes in the story.

For the world-building segment, we discuss the recently revealed details about Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, opening later this year at that Star Wars: Galaxy\u2019s Edge expansions at Disneyland (May 31) and Disney World (August 29). From cast member costumes to food and beverage options, in-universe toys and attire for purchase, the Imagineers have developed an impressive range of immersive qualities for the theme parks. Fortunately, Disney has anticipated the high demand for the openings, and has several guest-flow control measures prepared to keep the experience from being overwhelmed by dense crowds.

April brings the Star Wars Celebration convention in Chicago. Hyperspace Theories will be there, so check back for our coverage from the event.

Related Links