The Continuator Series

Fanfiction
Title:	The Continuator Series
Author(s):	Jackie Paciello and Paula Block
Date(s):	1978-1985
Length:
Genre(s):	gen
Fandom(s):	Star Wars
Relationship(s):
External Links:
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The Continuator Series is a Star Wars series of stories by Jackie Paciello and Paula Block.

It was nominated for a 1981 Fan Q Award.

The Series

about "The Paths of Choice," from Warped Space #47

• Resurgence, part One by Jackie Paciello (in Warped Space #39)
• Resurgence, part Two by Jackie Paciello (in Warped Space #40)
• Notes on the Force as Presented in Resurgence/The Continuator, article by Paula M. Block (in Warped Space #40)
• Comfort by Jackie Paciello and Paula M. Block (in Warped Space #41) (Paula Smith called it "third step in a running start on their Star Wars 'Continuator' series" )
• The Continuator, Part One by Jackie Paciello and Paula Block (in Warped Space #42)
• The Continuator, Part Two and Three by Jackie Paciello and Paula Block (in Warped Space #43
• The Continuator, Part Three and Four by Jackie Paciello and Paula Block (in Warped Space #45)

• The Paths of Choice, part one by Jackie Paciello (in Warped Space #47)
• The Paths of Choice, part two by Jackie Paciello (in Warped Space #48)
• The Paths of Choice, part three by Jackie Paciello (in Warped Space #49)
• The Paths of Choice, part four by Jackie Paciello (in Warped Space #50)
• The Paths of Choice, part five by Jackie Paciello (in Warped Space #51)
• The Paths of Choice, conclusion by Jackie Paciello (in Warped Space #52)

Origins

One of the authors of "The Continuator" writes about her series:

In 1977, 'Star Wars' premiered and gave fandom a shot in the arm. The challenge to jaded Trek fen was too much to resist. Around this time I met Jackie Paciello and found that although our writing styles differed plenty, we both had the same outlook towards the potential direction of the SWars universe. And so we began to write together, taking advantage of each other's talent and enthusiasm to produce 'The Continuator' universe. Writing in tandem is not an easy thing -- it requires a blending of styles and compromises -- but it is always inspirational, not to mention a great way to learn new things about technique.

About

From "Notes on the Force as Presented in Resurgence/The Continuator," article by Paula M. Block, printed in Warped Space #40:

When Jackie Paciello and I sat down to write CONTINUATOR, et al., we had some very strong concepts in our minds as to how we shouldn't present the Force, but very few as to how we should. The "shouldn't" aspect was simple and logical. The use of the Force as Lucas originally presented it is not akin to the type of parlor tricks Alan Dean Foster presents in SPLINTER OF THE MIND'S EYE. Just because Luke was able to use the Force a couple of times in STAR WARS (each time under Kenobi's influence) does not mean that in stories which succeed the tim.e frame ;of SV he would have the full-fledged powers of a Jedi Knight. Our premise was that there was no way Luke could become a Jedi Knight on his own. There is no one left to teach him about the ways of the Force — unless you want to assume that Kenobi keeps whispering in Luke's ear for the rest of the poor boy's life. Jackie and I didn't. (Well, with the exception of an emergency or two ... )

No — Luke may have access to the Force, but he's no Jedi. In fact, because of his ignorance, he is extremely limited in his usage of the Force. The only way he's going to be able to increase his knowledge is by experimenting. And the experimental steps have to be logical. Just because Luke was able to "see" a remote without using his eyes, and "see" a target without the use of a targeting computer, isn't going to mislead him into thinking, "Gee, I think I'll give levitation a whack today. Or maybe I'll try and make Han say something really stupid." This would be a different type of Force manipulation than Luke has learned. IAttempting it would be akin to someone learning how to ride a bike and then assuming that he can drive a car without asking anyone for a driver's manual. They're both vehicles, and they both move when manipulated correctly, but knowing how to operate one hardly prepares you to operate the other. Therefore, we decided that were Luke to continue experimenting with the Force, he would attempt things which were related to what he already knew how to to do.

Which led Jackie and I to analyze just what Luke could do. (This is what's known in the trade as working backwards, folks.) Essentially, Kenobi taught Luke what was probably the initiatory level of using the Force (Intro to the Force 101, if you will). He was taught to turn off, albeit briefly, his tangible perceptions of the world surrounding him in order to tune in" to the intangible properties of the world within.

In other words, he's learned how to put himself into a very basic meditative trance-state Which allows him to "perceive" things which ordinary people cannot perceive. At this initiatory level, Luke is essentially a receiver of information. He does not know how to "send", he c'oe.s not really know how to "control" the Force in the sense which Kenobi meant when he told Luke that a Jedi both controls and is controlled by the Force. At this point, due to his naivete, Luke is basically "controlled" by the Force: it tells him when to act' and he acts.

From this brief analysis, Jackie and I have made some rather general projections of what deeper levels of the Force Luke has access to as he continues to experiment. By no means are we saying, "Hey folks, this is how it is!" Rather, this is what we've hypothesized for the purpose of writing CONTINUATOR. We thought you might like to share some of our notes.

[...]

Sample Art

• 

  by Martynn, from "Resurgence" (Warped Space #39)

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  by Martynn, from "Resurgence" (Warped Space #39)

• 

  by Martynn, from "Resurgence" (Warped Space #39)

• 

  by Martynn, from "Resurgence" (Warped Space #40) - "Martynn's illos are beautiful. She'll probably kvetch because the backgrounds aren't all filled in, but Martynn, lovely, sometimes; that does an even better job of setting off your subject. Considering the pressure she was under when she did these illos, they're incredible. And now she has one more for the large file cabinet of Chewie-carrying-somebody illos."

• 

  by Martynn, from "Resurgence" (Warped Space #40)

• 

  by Martynn, from "Resurgence" (Warped Space #40)

• 

  by Martynn, from "Comfort" (Warped Space #41)

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  by Martynn, from "Comfort" (Warped Space #41) - A year later, Martynn told another fan: "Your one full-page of Luke asleep with Jessami in his arms recalled a similar illo which I did for the old 'Continuator' series of Luke and Bri Windrider in the 'Comfort' installment. I'm curious as to whether you used your own reference because, I recall, Po sent me a clipping from a magazine with the angle she wanted for the sleeping couple. It's a nice rendition, anyway."

• 

  by Martynn, from "The Continuator" (Warped Space #42)

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  by Martynn, from "The Continuator" (Warped Space #42) - "Tell Martynn that it's about time she realized there are backgrounds in real life. And other portions of anatomy besides the face ... If one covers the face of any one of her people in illos, the picture looks rather dismal and amateurish. She's improving weekly, though."

• 

  by Martynn, from "The Continuator" (Warped Space #43)

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  by Martynn, from "The Continuator" (Warped Space #43) - "Martynn's work wasn't up to some of her other illos, tho' the one of Leia was excellent."

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  by Martynn, from "The Continuator" (Warped Space #45) - "Martynns illos are worth turning the pages for."

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  by Martynn, from "Paths of Choice" (Warped Space #47)

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  by Martynn, from "Paths of Choice" (Warped Space #47) - "Martynn's illos are bee-you-tiful, as always. My only gripe is that having Leia naked in bed is a bit gratuitous. Considering that nothing happened, I don't think it was necessary to the story and could have been left out. Luke could have gotten just as excited seeing her in a soft lacy gown, something incongruously feminine for her."

• 

  by Martynn, from "Paths of Choice" (Warped Space #48)

• 

  by Martynn, from "Paths of Choice" (Warped Space #49)

• 

  by Martynn, from "Paths of Choice" (Warped Space #49)

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  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #50)

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  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #50)

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  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #50) - "Luke and Leia on p. 29 look like the kids from THE BLUE LAGOON." and "The new illos will take a bit of getting used to. Not bad, save on p. 29, where Luke and Leia look like a pair of 13 year olds." "

• 

  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #51)

• 

  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #51)

• 

  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #51)

• 

  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #52)

• 

  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #52)

• 

  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #52)

• 

  by Nancy Stasulis (Warped Space #52)

Fan Comments

1979

...third step in a running start on their Star Wars 'Continuator' series is 'Comfort.' which well enough written, but a bit trivial -- Luke meets an old friend from Tatooine, Bigg's old girlfriend, and they comfort each other.

1982

Even "Comfort" still reads well, though I've had my copy since last FebCon. I'm not a Luke fan, but Po and Jackie's Luke is not just simply a cute little blond twit, but a real flesh and blood young man with recognizable feelings and a personality and maturity which grows in a logical, if painful and at times heart-wrenching fashion, at those two capable writers' hands. In the absence of Han (who is fortunately recovering in time for "Continuator"), one could almost come to like the lad a great deal from their portrayal. Of course, the real reason I liked the story was because it gave me a chance to draw Han in jammies ...

"The Continuator" was OK, although I ended up wondering how Han and Chewie were doing more than how much more Luke was hurting from visitor to visitor. Let's see — Han got a knife, Luke's got a fever ... if Leia turns up pregnant ...

"The Continuator" is brilliant, as always. Po and Jackie have obviously done their homework, because, except for the swollen joints, Luke has a textbook case of viral meningitis, and the doctor's sense of impending doom after he seizes is quite appropriate. As a piece of writing it's flawless — no technical problems, even -- and Martynn's illos are beautiful. She'll probably kvetch because the backgrounds aren't all filled in, but Martynn, lovely, sometimes; that does an even better job of setting off your subject. Considering the pressure she was under when she did these illos, they're incredible. And now she has one more for the large file cabinet of Chewie-carrying-somebody illos.

"The Continuator" ... *sigh* What is it this time, get Luke? Mary Otten might say it's about time, since every WARS tale until now has gotten Han. I can do without both, after the first one. You always hurt the one you love, ain't it the truth? Tell Martynn that it's about time she realized there are backgrounds in real life. And other portions of anatomy besides the face ... If one covers the face of any one of her people in illos, the picture looks rather dismal and amateurish. She's improving weekly, though.

"The Continuator" is helping to satisfy my wild imaginings about SW and the up coming sequel. I'm happy to see WS devoting space to SW literature. Personally, I found quite a bit to chew on from the movie, and George Lucas left many ideas and thoughts unanswered. I enjoy reading how others are dealing with those questions.

"The Continuator" — well, looks like Luke has become part of the "get 'em" ranks with this installment. I'm a bit surprised that Leia or one of the other rebels hadn't noticed his grave sickness earlier. Methinks Leia's dedication may be obscuring her powers of observation — and possibly pointing her toward an unexpected yet inevitable collapse of her own at some future date. I do like the developing cast of characters. Especially the cynical physician Savlanoot. He must be a descendant (or ancestor?) of one of the M*A*S*H doctors -- especially Hawkeye. His rueful reflections on repairing the rebels only to send them off again to get killed certainly matches that mode. Once again we get a cliff-hanger ending. What happens to Luke? Only the force (and the authors) knows.

Paula Block and Jackie Paciello's series continues to be excellent, although I wish someone didn't always end up "gotten". I like Savlanoot and I hope we'll see more of him. Not all the interesting characters connected with the Rebel Base could possibly have appeared in the movie, and it's up to fans to discover them.

... while I have read and enjoyed your STAR WARS material ... the movie was 90% action; the remaining 10% didn't allow for too much in the area of in-depth characterization. I have to start all over with the characters in each SW tale I read. For this reason, I find that the SW tales I tend to enjoy are those that, like "The Continuator" series, allow time and room enough for the development of the characters. I look forward to further sections of this series.

The continuing "Continuator"—you already know my thoughts on that. To be fair, I will say that having left Luke at death's door in WS 42 (six months ago!), I couldn't very well expect to find him competing in the Alliance Olympics in WS 43. It is my fervent hope that he will be (up, that is) in WS 44. Frankly, I am waiting to see what happens to Han and Chewie. Jackie and Paula, would you please deliver? Han recovered from a near fatal stab wound ages faster than Luke from a sniffle, for God's sake! (I know it's viral meningitis; just the sort of thing he'd catch, too— now Han got stabbed by an alien creature using a strange knife —probably dirty— that's panache.

I have a friend who is absolutely bonkers on the subject of tables of military or para-military organization. He went wild when he saw the one facing Part 2 of the "Continuator" series. Thanks for the reference, Jackie and Paula. I look forward to the continuation of the "Continuator."

Haven't been able to get interested in "Continuator" despite its good solid characterizations; it's seemed to me they're just running through the standard repertoire. But I may just be impatient because I've been so absorbed in my 'own' (non-SW) cycle series.

And now to the feature I'd been waiting on the edge of my seat for. "The Continuator" is fabulous! As a matter of fact, it was the first thing I turned to when I finally got my eager little paws on the 'zine. I have always resisted the idea of Luke and Leia becoming a twosome. It simply rings too much of a fairy tale with a typical 'live happily ever after' ending. Also, Leia is just too worldly for Luke. But that can also be a good reason for her possible interest in Luke. I've always felt that Han and Leia would get together simply because they deserve each other! Both have the same sarcastic sense of humor and love to take shots at each other. There would be conflict in their relationship. Love and kisses are fine, but the world does not exist on them alone! As Han said in TESB, "You like me because I'm a scoundrel." Although we heard an actual declaration by Leia, I don't think the triangle has been solved. Have this theory that Lucas is going to kill off Luke in the next movie, esp. after Yoda's comment. How will Paula and Jackie solve this dilemma? Hurry and let's read the next chapter

Need I offer any prejudiced comments about "Continuator", which I'm still most happy to be involved with? Part 2 I particularly liked the development of Leia. Her ambivalent attitude towards Luke seems to be just what George L. had in mind, judging from TESB. I'm kinda glad we did 2 before TESB's release, though. I'd hate to have seen Savlanoot and those picturesque floating medical 'droids replaced by the bale ful 2-lB. The force sequences too are highly correlative to what we now know of Yoda's teachings and read well regardless. Hope Po and Jackie don't let the series end with 4. Whether they continue along their own lines or adapt to TESB's new material, their talents are eagerly awaited (besides, I want to keep my job ... ). Wolf's last words of Kenobi are at best with the implications of their first line. After that they become a bit too poetic. Angela's Obi-Wan on the facing page is, as always, quite well-done, with particularly wonderful expressive eyes and mouth.

What are Paciello & Block going to do with their series now that TESB has Leia apparently preferring Han? The relationship with Luke seems to have settled into a brother-sister relationship there. "Continuator" is not bad, but not the best fiction I've seen in WS. And Martynn's work wasn't up to some of her other illos, tho' the one of Leia was excellent.

Paula Block and Jackie Paciello ("The Continuator") are, in my estimation, two of the best SW writers around. I thoroughly agree with most of their views on the SW universe, esp. with their views on Luke's use of the force (which they explained in WS 40). So many authors have Luke doing amazing things right out of left field and crediting it to the force--things that have never been documented or that he has only seen Ben do. One other thing they handle well is Leia's character—theirs is an attempt to explain her, which makes sense. They make her a person with motives, unlike so many who make her a dictator and/or a bitch ... The other solution authors are fond of, which Paula and Jackie manage to avoid, is to change Leia's character, ignoring the one Lucas has set up. I can't wait until the end of the "Continuator" to see how she comes to terms with herself and her feelings about Luke. (Nice touch, dreaming about being the wife of a farmer-- makes her more human).

When I saw that "Star Wars" stuff was being included [in Warped Space] I gave a silent groan. Though I loved the picture and saw it repeatedly, I just didn't see that there was much in the way of characterization to go on, esp. as compared to Trek. Well, it just goes to show what a good writer (like Paula) can do. I'm really interested in "The Continuator". Keep up the good work ...

'The Continuator' is another chapter in this series concerning the rebels at their new base after the events in Star Wars. The characterizations are among the best in SW fan fiction. Even when the story emphasis shifts from one character to another, no one suffers... In these final chapters, everyone is healthy, so those who are bothered by get 'ems or hospital stays should be happy. This series is basically a continual story chronicling the events, small and large, in the personal and business lives of the rebels. It's not a one-major-crisis story, but rather it paints a very realistic picture of life on a transient military base with all the inherent problems and strategies intact. The attention to detail is admirable and the small, seemingly boring details concerning supplies, contacts and diplomatic endeavors are incorporated into the story in a realistic and natural way. I guess I'm just a sucker for a story that not only elicits an emotional response in the reader, but is also logical and does not violate any rules of human behavior in the cause of poetic license... Emotionally the story packs a wallop and Paula and Jackie handle these scenes very well. Of course, Martynns illos are worth turning the pages for.

"The Continuator"—I had to go back and re-read the first two chapters of this. It still strikes me as a very long exercise in double-triange relationships, but I'm working out all the combinations and permutations. Leia comes across the best, working out her role as Leader and Inspiration. Han Solo isn't bad—and they've stopped brushing the hair out of Luke's eyes every five minutes.

"Continuator"—very good conclusion. Leia was realistic in explaining why she couldn't afford to be emotionally in volved; Luke was equally realistic in telling her why she couldn't afford not to be emotionally involved. Also, in this one, Luke grew up in another way. From being the servant boy who nearly killed himself for the Revolu tion, he is now proposing to take charge of the way his life will run-—by putting his definition of his role to the Rebel leaders. It's almost a shame this series has come to an end. I'd like seeing how Luke and Leia handle the problems of their conflicting roles—and their relationship. Makes me wonder, also, in the light of TESB—how will Han handle his developing feelings toward Leia, if he does get back to her? After all, she still has a rebellion to run.

I know it sounds a little strident, but after the umpteenth story and/or argument on Why Han Is So Much Better For Leia, one tends to get a bit snappish. Give Her Worship a break, people; she's barely out of her teens, wihout family, and in charge of a revolu tion! That's why I like stories like those in the "Continuator" series: there's an even balance in the presentation of the major characters, and the "minor" ones have ample opportunity to get their licks in as well. No one is right or wrong all the time; the conflict between Leia and Luke shows that up well. I agree with Martynn on the subject of Savlanoot. Don't ditch organic physicians just because the only medic we've seen is a 'droid. Robot doctors are fine for a base set-up, but there will always be a need for "live" medics, and, besides, 'droids aren't much good in the field.

A strong round of applause for this section of "The Continuator". I was very much impressed with the treatment of Leia; she sounded completely right to me, some thing which is not as common as I'd like. She is certainly not unfeeling, but the authors give an excellent picture of the training, the control, the strength of mind required of a political figure in the middle of a revolution. It is a tremendously difficult role, and this story is admirable for making it clear that it is as difficult for the Princess as it is for those around her. Bravo!

I would just like to say a few nice things about the works of Paula Block/Jackie Paciello. They have devoted much creative intelligence to "The Continuator" and related stories, and the result has been some of the best fiction I've read. The underlying structure of the series is cohesive, and the plots based upon it are believable and well- paced. Their characterizations ring true, and I am especially pleased to see the sensitive and compassionate treatment of Luke and Leia. Are there any plans for "The Continuator, Collected"?

...the ending of the series in this issue kind of left me hanging. It seems like there should have been more, at least where Luke and his conflicts were concerned. Instead things just seemed to just drag on at the end without any definite conclusion. "Captain Falfa"? Where have I heard that before?

The conclusion to "The Continuator" — what can I say, except more! More, more! Paula and Jackie, one of you must be a Skywalker fan (aka "Luke-aholic" — all Hanatics may please eat their hearts out! Only kidding). Your characterization of him is absolutely fantastic—and most important, you don't treat him as the "dumb kid with the lightsaber," as so many others tend to do. As a matter of fact, all of the characters are constantly true to form and believable—I hurt and feel right along with them. Thanks to Han for finally telling Leia off—it's about time that someone did! Now, don't get me wrong—I like Leia, but I really think a good spanking would benefit her immensely. I also feel sorry for her; she's so scared of herself that she can hardly live—and she was cold about Bri ... Bri's dead? No! No, no, no!!! It's not fair! I liked her sooo well, and poor Luke! Please, please say that it wasn't her ship that blew up! Oh, well-- I can hope, can't I? I'm going to miss her. Anyway, I hope that you plan to do more stories, with Martynn at the artistic reins. All of you are great!

About "The Continuator" by Paula Block and Jackie Paciello, all I can say is Poor Leia. I really felt for her, trying to explain to Luke that she couldn't care every time apilot was shot down. She wouldn't be a very good leader (if one agrees that Leia is a co-leader in the Rebellion) if she did. It would drive her mad. I agree with Luke that people should be able to love during war as well as peace, but if Luke could have understood her position, quite a bit of grief could have been saved.

First off, in response to Carol McPherson's LoC in WS 46 regarding "Continuator," perhaps the reason she felt she was left hanging without resolution of Luke's conflicts was that it wasn’t the end of "Continuator" after all! Though Paula Block has deigned to bow out in favor of other things, I'm continuating the "Continuator" solo (so to speak) with WARPED SPACE 47 (and 48 ... ). Luke definitely has a ways to go, both intellectually in dealing with his future within the Alliance, and emotionally, in dealing with his relationship with Leia. I'm striving not to find convenient ways of ultimately merging with the TESB Universe — the one Poblocki and I have laid has its own destiny — but I am attempting to have Luke mature and follow the logical path based on the established premises. The most difficult task I foresee (and this goes, I think, for all writers not following the TESB Universe) is avoiding parallels which are too obvious to the reader, yet at the same time maintaining the direction of the character, i.e., given Luke's psychology and motivations, given the "last hope of the galaxy premise, certain events must take place and certain emotional conflicts must arise. I only hope I can handle the challenge as well alone as many of you seemed to think Po and I did together.

I've enjoyed the "Continuator" stories, some more than others, and Jackie Paciello's "The Paths of Choice" is one of the better ones. Thanks for the intro by C-3P0—it does get a little hard to follow a tightly-knit series with such a long gap between installments! Is a "Continuator Collected" being planned?

Glad "The Continuator" is continuating. I came into this series late, too, but think it's in the top five best SW series ever done. Martynn's illos are bee-you-tiful, as always. My only gripe is that having Leia naked in bed is a bit gratuitous. Considering that nothing happened, I don't think it was necessary to the story and could have been left out. Luke could have gotten just as excited seeing her in a soft lacy gown, something incongruously feminine for her. Also, what a cliff-hanging ending!

"The Continuator" series is well-written, and I was able to get into it even though I hadn't read most of them, due to the intro. "The Paths of Choice," though, did leave me feeling somewhat let down, with Luke and Leia probably dead. I really don't like kill-the-main-character pieces (which is why I also found "Honor Binds Me" depressing). I guess it's because part of my enjoyment of fandom is that the characters, though changing and growing, are always there.

.... all the convulsions, wounds and general swoonings which have come to characterize [The Continuator Series].

This being said, it was with relief that I saw Jackie Paciello's "The Paths of Choice." I was afraid the series had ended, or been put on the back burner for a year or so. Luke is champing at the bit again—doesn't he ever do what he wants, without consulting other people? I swear I'd blow up in his place. Han's "this is what I'm doing, and shove the comments" attitude is much closer to my own nature. I'll admit. So our Luke is still dithering, though somewhat lustfully, for our resident John-Boy. George Lucas still hasn't broken him out of that image, though he tried in TESB. Sigh. More blood and faintings. I have yet to find an episode in which everyone remains standing and bandageless. Since the "Continuator" could hardly continue with only Han and Chewie, I surmise that Luke and Leia have been drugged and will be captured by ... Vader? The Emperor himself? Boba? Yoda? Fu Manchu?

One big round of applause. Somebody finally realized how serious the Falcon's position was, and is having the fearsome duo skulk and paw dirt after leaving the Alliance. They simply shouldn't be able to waltz around the galaxy as they did before, and aren't. Their position is believable, as is Han's stubborn pride in refusing to do what he should, i.e., go back to the Alliance, as it is his only way out.

Han's emotions are believable as well, his unwillingness to bum the bridges between the Alliance and himself, his desire to go back to the way it was, before, when he was a free spirit, and damned the universe for breakfast. It's too bad, in a way, that he doesn't get to work it out cerebrally, but must about-face abruptly because Luke is in danger—again! (Ye gods, what a friend! Always in dire need of help!) All this to say I do enjoy the "Continuator," and hope it continues for many more issues of WS.

"The Continuator" was good, as usual. I always feel at home with the characterizations, etc. Jackie writes well, and I'm always comfortable with her stories.

RE: Jackie Paciello's "Paths of Choice," I'm not too sure. She's certainly given a new twist to her story. The last thing I expected was to find Luke and Leia in a Polynesian paradise. I reserve judgment about Pajai and company. Don't know enough to judge—but I keep on reading!

Speaking of tropical islands, it will be interesting to see if "The Continuator" series is headed toward a tie-in with TESB and ROTJ. Luke's abilities seem to have grown quite a bit by the end of the third movie, considering he had but a few lessons from Kenobi, and one seminar on Dagobah before Yoda told him his diploma was in the mail. Speculation on how these abilities developed could be very interesting. Much of "Paths of Choice" aroused my impatience, however. The characters seem to spend pages wondering how they really feel about everything, with nothing else happening and no fresh insights about their relationships. (Maybe later?) Nice sub-plot involving Han, General Dodonna, and the Alliance turncoat. Jackie Paciello's writing is highly competent, really involving the reader in the characters' perceptions and emotions. Except for a few minor lapses, the POV (that again!) is well- controlled.

More or less the same comments I gave "Paths of Choice." I'm still not sure where we're going here. But for the first time ever, I felt a twinge of ... sympathy? liking? for the character d'Loren. Felt like booting a Corellian behind, too. I guess it proves the extrapolation makes sense. I can't wait to see how our Han will finally pry himself loose. Even Luke actually struck back, wonder of wonders.

"The Paths of Choice," part 4. The new illos will take a bit of getting used to. Not bad, save on p. 29, where Luke and Leia look like a pair of 13 year olds. Nevertheless, Nancy Stasulis shows promise. Dodonna and Willard sound a bit ineffectual. "Our heroes" should never—or hardly ever—be the only ones capable of getting things done. It's unrealistic and pretentious. If you're surrounded by idiots, you won't look clever, just the best of a bunch of dorks! Another "girlfriend" of Han's? Why does it seem so natural for him to have a "girl" in every port? It's a real serial, all right: you're always waiting for the next installment.

Luke and Leia on p. 29 look like the kids from THE BLUE LAGOON.

1983

Your one full-page of Luke asleep with Jessami in his arms recalled a similar illo which I did for the old 'Continuator' series of Luke and Bri Windrider in the 'Comfort' installment. I'm curious as to whether you used your own reference because, I recall, Po sent me a clipping from a magazine with the angle she wanted for the sleeping couple. It's a nice rendition, anyway.

1985

On the matter of Han vs. Luke in fan stories and who trashed whose character first, I note the following. I have always found certain fan series and one-shots fascinating for the manner in which the nominal hero, Luke, actually performed in what I would call a sidekick role to Solo. For instance, in the early "Continuator" series (I haven't read much of it recently), Luke did do a lot of thinking about the situation and moralizing about what should or should not be done in any given situation. Solo just went out and did it, and at the end of almost every story, Luke was standing by Han's bedside (with droids and Leia and Chewie) and saying "Thanks". Now, who is trashing who? Is anyone being trashed? Still, I don't think the writers of Continuator think of Han as their main man—at least they don't seem to. One of the problems I see in the continuing evolution of fan stories has been the fact that many fans placed both Luke and Han in assigned boxes with A New Hope and never realized that the characters had already surpassed those boundaries by the end of that film. Then when Empire came along and ail the relationships had continued to grow in the space between the films, many fans were locked into given interpretations and got all shook up. Now, nobody says one can't continue writing a given universe. Nowakowska has done so with apparent success. The Continuator folks seem to be giving it the old college try. But I'm thinking of that famous flap with the Duncans in which they tried to tell George Lucas he couldn't do what he wanted with his characters because, in essence, they thought he'd trashed Luke and made Han something he shouldn't be (this after Empire). As I've said before, I think, maybe they were right. But also, maybe they left the game before the final whistle.

There is so much latitude in the Star Wars Universe, that a fannish writer can find a niche for almost any kind of character...although a few of us really WANT to write about shoe salesmen or real estate brokers (unless someone's going to speculate as to where Jabba got the Sarlacc pit?) Naturally, the romantic, dashing bounty hunters and Jedi Knights get most of the play, but what about the people behind the scenes? There's a doctor in the "Continuator" series who's pretty interesting...but isn't there a story somewhere about the guys who make the 'Droids? Do they design themselves? How about the anthropologists who make contact with Ewoks? Is there a Miss Jane Goodall to sit in a tree for twelve years or so and write or film it? How about that Senate...how did it work? And how could it have been junked so easily? These are the essence of LIFE, if not great Tragic Drama...and one of the reasons thatStar Wars 'worked' was that you got the impression of a living Universe'. It wasn't all glitz and flash...people had to eat, they had to work, there were economic factors involved.