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Todd Wahlstrom

Todd Wahlstrom is a creative and analytical freelance writer and life-long Star Wars fan. He has covered such topics as Darth Vader, the Jedi, Boba Fett, and AT-AT Walkers. Todd has published a non-fiction book, holds a Ph.D. in history, and enjoys hiking, running, and reading about science.

Stormtrooper helmets have interesting features. We may first think of the shiny, white dome look. Or, we may be drawn to the darkened eyes and frown expression. Yet, these helmets have many features that serve an important purpose. The side slits on the helmet are one such feature that helps stormtroopers breathe.  What Is the …

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Star Wars tends to intersect with real life. World War II is a major influence on the films, including X-Wing and Tie Fighter battles. Weapons have also been incorporated into the movies from this historical period. The Tusken gaffi stick is one weapon that derives from a different time and location. Here we can point …

Read More about Did You Know the Tusken Gaffi Stick Was Inspired by the Totokia, the Traditional Weapon of Fiji?

In the world of “what if” questions, many focus on Anakin. What would have happened if he had been made a Jedi Master or had gone with Mace Windu to confront Palpatine are some of those lines of inquiry. Topping the list, though, could be answering what would have changed if Anakin were Windu’s Padawan? …

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Located in the Outer Rim, Tatooine is a distant desert world. We may think of the planet as only a home to criminals and outcasts, and not central to the Star Wars universe. However, we can make a strong argument for how Tatooine is at the center of it all. Here are 5 reasons to …

Read More about Unpopular Opinion: Tatooine Is Actually the Center of the Universe

As fans, we are aware of the connections between Star Wars and World War II. Yet, we may not know about the history behind the Resistance-Rebel ring. From movies to real life, actual and fictional rings symbolize a stand against tyranny.  The Resistance, Rings, and History As fans pointed out in this discussion, Resistance rings …

Read More about It’s Wild that the Resistance’s Secret Rings Mirror Something from Actual History

Many fans have had issues with the sequels. Movie elements, such as the writing, strained plots, and uninteresting characters, are among the criticisms. We may also pinpoint JJ Abrams as the worst choice for director of The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker, which set a tone for the other two films. Here are …

Read More about JJ Abrams Was the Absolute Worst Choice for the Sequel Trilogy

As we watch Rebels, we may have noticed differences from The Clone Wars. The artistic design of the show is distinct, including the look of the lightsabers. In Rebels, the lightsabers are much thinner than what we may be accustomed to. Why is that? The chief reason is the artwork of Ralph McQuarrie, but we …

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Lightsabers are composed of plasma and typically weigh just over 2 lbs (1kg), including the hilt. Hence, they are maneuverable weapons that work well in one-on-one duels. Yet, they are actually supposed to feel heavy even though they have low mass. Why do they feel heavy if the blade itself has no mass? That’s what …

Read More about Mark Hamill Revealed Why Lightsabers Feel Heavy Even If the Blade Has No Mass

We know that Anakin became disillusioned with the Jedi Order. He also put being with Padme above everything else. So, why didn’t he leave the Order then? His duty-first thinking and desire to save Padme are two compelling reasons. We also cannot forget about Palpatine.  Duty First Thinking A leading explanation for why Anakin didn’t …

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When Andor finished its second season, we had a near-perfect series. Yet, as this article indicates, “some characters got their stories shortened” because of the need to condense the storyline. Perrin Fertha, Mon Mothma’s presumed “deadbeat husband,” is case in point. Based on a cut scene, he may have had more depth and knowledge than …

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