The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a 1996 reference book written by Mark Cotta Vaz. Structured like a "making of" book typically written for a film, the book covers the Shadows of the Empire multimedia campaign. It explains the origins and development of the novel, comics, video game, and soundtrack.
Publisher's summary[]
Between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the galaxy was plunged into the shadows . . . STAR WARS: SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE
The minds behind the Star Wars galaxy have created a phenomenon of epic proportions, designed to unfold in nearly every medium at their disposal. This intensely researched volume guides you through this Star Wars event--as its creators reveal the secrets behind the multimedia release of the year. The tendrils of this dark drama will reach throughout the Star Wars galaxy:
- The evil crimelord Xizor challenges the power of Darth Vader in an exciting new novel of Imperial intrigue.
- Princess Leia, Lando, and Dash Rendar launch an all-out attempt to rescue Han Solo in a state-of-the-art Nintendo video game.
- Xizor's agents search the galaxy for Luke Skywalker in the taut comic book mini-series. Their mission: kill the son of Vader.
- The secrets of the Imperial homeworld are revealed in brilliantly painted trading cards.
- A fully orchestrated soundtrack and exciting new Star Wars action figures embellish the adventure.
STAR WARS: THE SECRETS OF SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE provides the official guide to the heroes, the villains, and all the major combatants. When this war is over, only one will control the Empire's violent underworld. . . .
Contents[]
- Introduction: American Pop
- Part 1: THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE
- The Shadows Tale
- Galactic Lore
- Part 2: CONJURING
- Part 3: JOURNEY INTO DARKNESS
- Empire and Underworld
- The Dark Prince
- Xizor versus Vader
- Rebel Force
- Bounty hunters, Droids, and Bikers
- Part 4: BATTLE ZONES
- Power Up!
- Battleships
- War Games
- The Final Battle
- Part 5: SHADOW PLAY
- Gathering of the Tribes
- The Toy Shop
- Music of the Shadows
- Dark Designs
- Part 6:
- Shadows Guide
- Characters, Locations, and Vehicles
- Star Wars references
- Credits
Continuity[]
The book (p. 264) wrongly mentions that the final thirty cards of the 1996 Topps Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire collection would feature artwork inspired from scenes of the comic series and the video game.[2] In reality these were only eleven: cards 89-94 were inspired from the comic series and cards 95-100 from the game.[3]
Appearances[]
| Characters | Organisms | Droid models | Events | Locations |
| Organizations and titles | Sentient species | Vehicles and vessels | Weapons and technology | Miscellanea |
Sources[]
"Lucasfilm's Latest: Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Update" — Star Wars Insider 28- "Around the Galaxy" — Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 6
- "Lucasfilm's Latest" — Star Wars Insider 29
- "Shadows on the Shelves" — Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 7
- "Star FX: Anatomy of a Thriller" — Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 7
- "Cyber Notes: Shadows On The World Wide Web" — Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 7
- "Use the Force: Shadows of the Empire Trivia Contest" — Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 7
Notes and references[]
- ↑
"Lucasfilm's Latest" — Star Wars Insider 29
- ↑ The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
- ↑ 1996 Topps Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
