Remember those really cool (but sometimes tacky) What If comics series from Marvel? Yeah, me too – I loved “˜em. I was a huge fan of the concept of exploring alternative outcomes in a universe in which a single choice can change fate and destiny. Well, my fellow geeks, that’s where the concept of Star Wars Infinities comes in, as far as the Star Wars Expanded Universe is concerned.
Back when Infinities was first released, I can recall some of the uncompromising purists among the Star Wars geeks being infuriated at the mere thought of proposing a continuity that was alternate to the three movies of the Original Trilogy. Some were critical because, to them, they felt it "reduced" the saga for them.
How wrong they were!
The three story arcs of Star Wars Infinities turned out to be quite popular, especially among the EU enthusiasts – and not so much for the alternate paths of events depicted, but instead chiefly for the reason that many of the moments in the Star Wars are made up of singular choices that would, if taken any other road than shown, change the entire path of the galaxy.
There have been countless additions to the stories in the Expanded Star Wars Universe over the last couple of decades, and Dark Horse has long touted some of the finest comic stories of the galaxy far, far away. However, very few come along that have the power and potential of being so good that it could be conceivable to imagine a film or television version of the tale. The compendium represented in The Other Sons Of Tatooine is one of these rare pleasures, showcasing some of the exceptional storytelling focusing on Star Wars.
The conception behind The Other Sons Of Tatooine is simple: to focus on the characters from Tatooine other than Luke Skywalker who have had major impacts on the in-universe history of the saga. The first, an obvious selection to adapt, is Biggs Darklighter, first performed by Garrick Hagon in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The second, a creation within the Expanded Universe, is Janek Sunber aka Tank – who does not appear in A New Hope, but is mentioned by Mark Hamill in the scene where the Lars Farm purchases the droids.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press