It is a very sad day for Star Wars Fans.

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Justin pays tribute to the late Tom Weich, a pivotal figure in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU), whose work on *Dark Empire* and *Tales of the Jedi* helped shape the franchise’s continuity. Reflecting on Weich’s contributions, Justin also remembers other beloved Star Wars authors who’ve passed away in recent years, such as Dave Wolverton and J.W. Renzler. The video emphasizes the importance of appreciating creators while they’re alive and celebrates the lasting impact of their work on the Star Wars fandom.

Takeaways

• 😢 Tom Weich, a key figure in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, passed away at the age of 80, and the community is mourning his loss.
• 📚 Tom Weich's *Dark Empire* comic series in 1991 played a major role in revitalizing the Star Wars Expanded Universe during a dark time for the franchise.
• 🚀 *Dark Empire* influenced many Star Wars stories, including the return of Emperor Palpatine, and helped lay the groundwork for the sequel trilogy.
• 🔗 Tom Weich helped create a unified Star Wars Expanded Universe timeline by ensuring continuity across multiple comic series like *Dark Empire 2* and *The Thrawn Trilogy*.
• 👶 The early '90s marked the rebirth of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, with key works like *Dark Empire* and the *Thrawn Trilogy* re-energizing the fandom.
• 👑 Tom Weich also contributed to the *Tales of the Jedi* series, which explored the Jedi Order at the height of its power, long before the prequels.
• 🎨 Although *Tales of the Jedi* didn’t personally resonate with the speaker, it was a crucial work for Star Wars fans, providing a deeper understanding of the Jedi.
• 📖 The speaker shares a personal connection with the Expanded Universe, recalling childhood memories of reading the *Young Jedi Knights* series.
• 💔 Tom Weich is remembered not just for his Star Wars work, but for being part of a broader community of authors who helped shape the EU.
• 📣 The speaker reflects on the passing of other Star Wars authors, such as Dave Wolverton, J.W. Renzler, and Aaron Alston, highlighting their importance to the Star Wars legacy.
• 🙏 The video encourages fans to appreciate creators while they’re still here and to express gratitude for the works they’ve contributed to the Star Wars universe.

Q & A

Who was Tom Veitch, and why is he important in the Star Wars universe?

Tom Veitch was a Star Wars author who played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) in the early 1990s. He is best known for writing *Dark Empire*, a comic series that helped reintroduce the Star Wars universe after a period of stagnation. His work laid the foundation for many subsequent stories in the EU and contributed significantly to shaping its continuity.

What was Tom Veitch's contribution to the Star Wars Expanded Universe?

Tom Veitch is credited with helping kickstart the revitalization of the Star Wars Expanded Universe in the early 90s. His *Dark Empire* series, along with *Tales of the Jedi*, were foundational works that expanded the lore, introducing key concepts like the return of Emperor Palpatine and exploring the Jedi's ancient past.

How did Tom Veitch influence the continuity of the Star Wars Expanded Universe?

Tom Veitch ensured that *Dark Empire 2* and *Empire's End*, sequels to *Dark Empire*, maintained continuity with Timothy Zahn's *Thrawn Trilogy*. This commitment helped establish a unified timeline for the EU, where stories built upon each other, creating a more cohesive and interconnected Star Wars narrative.

What was the significance of *Dark Empire* in the Star Wars franchise?

*Dark Empire* was significant because it marked the return of the Empire and Emperor Palpatine in a new era, influencing both the Star Wars Expanded Universe and later canon material. The series laid the groundwork for future storylines, particularly the themes of the Empire's resurgence and Palpatine's return, which would resonate in the sequel trilogy.

How did *Dark Empire* relate to the Star Wars sequel trilogy?

*Dark Empire*'s portrayal of the reborn Emperor Palpatine and the Empire's return from the unknown regions heavily influenced the themes explored in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, especially *The Rise of Skywalker*. While not directly adapted, elements of the comic's storyline served as inspiration for the sequel films.

Why is the 1990s considered an important era for the Star Wars Expanded Universe?

The early 1990s marked the rebirth of the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Following a period of limited new content after the original trilogy, *Dark Empire* and Timothy Zahn's *Thrawn Trilogy* revitalized the franchise, providing fresh stories that kept the fanbase engaged and laid the groundwork for many of the EU stories that followed.

What is the connection between Tom Veitch and *Tales of the Jedi*?

Tom Veitch is credited with creating *Tales of the Jedi*, a comic series that explored the ancient history of the Jedi Order. It offered a unique look at the Jedi before the events of the original trilogy and is considered one of the foundational works in the Star Wars Expanded Universe.

How did the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) impact the fandom?

The Star Wars Expanded Universe played a crucial role in keeping the fandom alive and flourishing during a time when there was little new Star Wars content. The EU provided fans with a rich, expanding universe of stories, keeping their love for Star Wars alive, especially with the absence of new films until the prequels.

What is the significance of Dave Wolverton's *Courtship of Princess Leia* in the Star Wars EU?

Dave Wolverton's *Courtship of Princess Leia* is a beloved novel in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, particularly known for its exploration of Leia's character and her relationship with Han Solo. Wolverton's work contributed significantly to the EU, expanding on the personal lives of the main characters beyond the movies.

Why is it important to appreciate the creators of works we love, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of appreciating the creators of works we love while they are still alive. Acknowledging their contributions not only honors their legacy but also fosters a deeper connection with the material they created. The speaker reflects on how many authors, like Aaron Alston, loved engaging with fans and how simple acts of gratitude can mean a lot.