What Was the Worst Thing About Star Wars Legends?

Star Wars Legends, also known as the Expanded Universe, has been a rich and expansive universe for fans to explore. While many cherished the stories and characters from this era, there were certain elements that detracted from the overall experience. In this article, we will delve into the aspects of Star Wars Legends that were criticized the most, focusing specifically on continuity issues and character choices.

Continuity Frustrations

One of the most significant critiques of Star Wars Legends has been its continuity. While the Legends continuity was generally quite detailed and elaborate, it suffered from several internal contradictions and plot holes. The series was widely appreciated for its rich background and diverse storytelling, but it was not without its flaws.

The biggest issue was the inconsistent handling of certain events and characters across different media. For example, the Clone Wars multimedia project, including both the animated series and its accompanying comic book series, introduced several elements and storylines that did not align seamlessly with the established mythology post-Return of the Jedi (ROTJ).

Specifically, the events and characters in the Clone Wars media were often contracted and retconned to fit new storylines, leading to a fragmented and sometimes confusing universe. This inconsistency made it challenging for fans to follow certain narratives and appreciate the interconnectedness of events.

The Problems with the Clone Wars Continuity

The relationship between the Clone Wars multimedia project and controversies surrounding it is a prime example of these continuity issues. The animated series and the comic book series brought in elements that were referenced in later Star Wars material, such as the Mortis gods. However, these references sometimes contradicted each other, leading to a convoluted universe.

For instance, the Mortis storyline introduced powerful beings who played a significant role in the fate of the Jedi Order. This storyline was later referenced in post-ROTJ material, but the details and the exact nature of the events involving Mortis were often inconsistent, leading to confusion for both new and long-time fans.

The Disadvantages of Mara “Sue” Jade

One of the most controversial aspects of Star Wars Legends was the character of Mara “Sue” Jade. This character has become infamous among fans for being a grossly overpowered archetype. Her existence was often justified as a way to provide a "badass woman" narrative, but in reality, she detracted from the overall quality of the storytelling.

Mara “Sue” Jade was known for her unmatched skill in lightsaber combat, her vast wealth, and her near-invincibility in combat situations. At times, she seemed to exist solely to fulfill a tropic of having a powerful and fearsome female character, rather than serving a coherent or significant role within the broader story.

This overreliance on such characters can often become tiresome and result in a lack of depth in the overall narrative. It often removes the sense of challenge and makes important moments feel less impactful, as the threat or challenge is consistently met with overwhelming force from powerful characters like Mara “Sue” Jade.

A Garbled and Confusing Universe

The combination of fragmented stories and powerful characters like Mara “Sue” Jade contributed to a feeling of a garbled and confusing universe. While the Legends continuity offered diverse and imaginative storytelling, it often left fans feeling frustrated and confused.

The conflicting elements introduced by the Clone Wars multimedia project, combined with overpowered characters like Mara “Sue” Jade, led to a chaotic and inconsistent narrative landscape. This made it challenging for fans to fully immerse themselves in the stories and appreciate the intricate details and character development that Legends aimed to provide.

Conclusion

While Star Wars Legends offered a wealth of stories and characters for fans to explore, certain aspects of the continuity and character development detracted from the overall enjoyment. The inconsistent handling of events in the Clone Wars multimedia project and the existence of overpowered characters like Mara “Sue” Jade led to a confusing and sometimes frustrating universe.

For many fans, these issues contributed to a sense of nostalgia for the established Star Wars canon, free from the inconsistencies and overpowered elements that plagued Legends. However, for those who enjoy the rich and diverse storytelling that Legends provided, these aspects can still be appreciated as part of the broader Star Wars narrative landscape.