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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.

Darth Vader has many distinctive elements that come with his armor. His fearsome mask and helmet, belt, and chestplate are among them. Yet, we may not have noticed the chain around his neck. Why did Vader start wearing it and what purpose does it serve? The chain has useful and ornamental purposes, and possibly symbolic …

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In the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, viewers saw Obi-Wan return from a hidden life and emerge as a Jedi. After the Clone Wars and his duel on Mustafar, we may have thought he would have abandoned the prophecy. Instead, Obi-Wan fully embraced it. Why did this happen? We can count his relationship with the Force and …

Read More about Why Didn’t Obi-Wan Abandon the Prophecy Instead of Fully Embracing It After It Failed During the Clone Wars?

Because of the prequel movies, we know Anakin’s backstory starts with him as a young boy. Yet, how the prequels portray Anakin only came together once those movies were planned. What was known about Anakin-Vader before the prequels came out? There was an outline of his life, but it diverged from the first two movies.  …

Read More about What Was Known About Vader/Anakin’s Backstory Before the Prequels Came Out?

In The Clone Wars, we witnessed the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) take on the Republic and be on the verge of losing. Yet, what if the Clone Wars happened without Palpatine playing both sides? Could CIS actually beat the Republic? The potential for a CIS victory has merits, but we see more advantages for …

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During the Clone Wars, the AT-TE was a mainstay weapon that evolved into legendary status for Star Wars fans. This combat vehicle has multiple features that help it stand out. We can start by recognizing its walking speed and then think about eleven other outstanding components.  1. Walking Speed The All Terrain Tactical Enforcer (AT-TE) …

Read More about The Official Cross-Sections Say that the AT-TE Can Walk at 37 mph & 11 Other Facts You’ll Love to Know

The First and Second Death Stars were front and center in the original trilogy. They resembled one another but were built much differently. Why was that the case? We can point to advances in technology and intended plans for the answer.  How the Two Death Stars Were Constructed Differently Death Star I was the “moon-sized” …

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In the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Obi-Wan abandons his Jedi ways and buries his lightsaber. After his battle with Anakin and the defeat of the Order, he was in a state of despair. Yet, Obi-Wan also swore to protect Luke. What explains this contradiction?  Why Did Obi-Wan Forsake the Force and Bury His Lightsaber? In Episode …

Read More about If Ben Is the Sworn Protector of Luke, Why Does He Forsake the Force and Bury His Lightsaber?

Everyone remembers how Obi-Wan severed Darth Maul in half in The Phantom Menace. We presumed he fell to his death down a reactor shaft until we discovered that Maul survived and became a renewed dark force. How did he manage to survive the fall? By luck and the dark side.  How Did Maul Survive His …

Read More about ‘The Sith Hunters’ Comic Reveal How Maul Survived the Fall