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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.

We watched Darth Maul defeat Qui-Gon Jinn in the first prequel, and then Ahsoka Tano defeated Maul in The Clone Wars series. Those two duels set up an interesting question–how did Ahsoka defeat Maul when Qui-Gon couldn’t? Much of the answer has to do with Qui-Gon and Ahsoka’s fighting styles and the circumstances of their …

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We are familiar with Luke’s green lightsaber that burst on the scene in Return of the Jedi. Yet, we may not be as familiar with how Luke made it. Drawing on Legends, let’s explore how Luke borrowed a Sith technique to forge his second lightsaber.  Dark Times for the Jedi After Order 66, the remaining …

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General Grievous was someone to be feared and not afraid of anyone, almost. General Grievous actually did fear one Jedi in particular, and it was not top lightsaber fighters like Anakin or Mace Windu. The one and only Yoda is who Grievous feared because he could not keep up with Yoda’s fighting style and connection …

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The Star Wars television show Andor follows on the heels of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, but is much different from these series.  It is slower-paced and does not have standout characters like Din Djarin, Boba Fett, or Kenobi. It may appear to be a downturn in the success of recent …

Read More about Rewatching Andor Again and I Must Say: What an Absolute Masterpiece of a Star Wars Story

Since 1977, the Empire has been a definitive aspect of Star Wars. Thanks to the Andor television show, the Empire continues to captivate audiences in 2022. The First Order sprang from the Empire and starred in the three Star Wars sequel movies. This new and improved Empire 2.0 sought to reclaim the galaxy with a …

Read More about The Galactic Empire vs. The First Order: Is the First Order Just a Copycat of the Empire?

The Star Wars universe is packed with technological wonders—light-speed starships, planet-destroying weapons, and lightsabers that can cut through almost anything. It feels like a world far beyond our own. Or is it? If we really look at it, technology in Star Wars doesn’t seem to change much. Across thousands of years, blasters, droids, and hyperdrives …

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We do not directly see it, and probably do not think of it right away when we think of Star Wars. But it’s there all the time and is important to the movies and shows we love. Gravity, or, more accurately, artificial gravity, is a central part of Star Wars. How does it work? Starships …

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The Empire’s strength came from its Imperial Navy. Yes, Darth Vader and the Emperor were impressive, but a commanding navy was central to the power of the Empire.  The massive presence of Star Destroyers and the menacing sound of TIE fighters announced and spread this power. Without these ships, the Empire would have crumbled earlier …

Read More about How Many Ships Did the Empire Have in Star Wars?