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The Art of Rogue One A Star Wars Story

CONCEPT ART LENDS TO THE VISUAL DEPICTION OF IDEAS THAT GIVE HOPE TO A GREAT FILM.

 

"Saw's Pilot" artist-Luke Fisher The Art of Rogue One A Star Wars StoryOne of the better Star Wars films is Rogue One A Star Wars Story (2016). Sure it filled in the back story of the stolen Death Star plans but it was fantastic storytelling. Like all Star Wars films, Rogue One started as a story and then the art department stepped to being to shape and bring the story to life. The Art of Rogue One A Star Wars Story is one of two Art of books that offer a lot of material that never saw the light of day which is in some cases a bit sad really.

By and large Rogue One is a darker story with a predictable yet melancholy ending that leads to light (Star Wars A New Hope.) What really stands out about the film is the darker tone set up by the dark art in the book.

Krennic Shuttle Details Version 1: Artist Ryan Church The Art of Rogue One A Star Wars StoryFor starters the movie takes place on multiple different planets all with different environments and backgrounds. While Star wars films do tend to visit different areas Rogue One really went to a bunch each more interesting the the planet before.

The droids are fantastic and many have never been seen before Rogue One, so a tip of the hat to Doug Chaing and his art department for the creativity in each unique droid brought to life from art. Director Krennic, who in a very early concept had facial scars. There is an Underworld Alien, that never made it onto the screen which is a shame. The list goes on and on.

To fully grasp the movie making process, one must take in the concept art it takes to help the finished product. The art and artists do not disappoint in the Rogue One book. While it does have a lot of art that did not make the final cut it offers the reader a chance to view it soak it in and ponder if it was the right thing to leave concept art brought to life either in or or out of the film.

"Mustafar Meditation Chamber 1" artist Ryan Church The Art of Rogue One A Star Wars StoryThe Art of Rogue One A Star wars Story is a must have for not only Star Wars fans but movie fans and art fans as well.

 

Up Next: The Art of The Mandalorian.

 

 

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The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story

Concept art lends to the visual depiction of ideas that give hope to a great film.

 

“The ‘muddy trooper’ Glyn Dillion artist, The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars and art seem like a perfect partnership. Sure the same can be said for other movies and movie franchises and art, but Star Wars is so visual that the art is part stunning and often overlooked. The Art of Star Wars books offer plenty of concepts some which are used in films and some that never see the light of a movie screen. In the series of articles to come we will go in depth of the Art of Star Wars books, starting with Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Doug Chaing who is the Senior Vice President and Executive Designer of Lucasfilm, is counted on heavily to orchestrate not only the concept art but also how it fits into a film or show. Idea’s, characters and environment’s all need to be brought to life.

Ron Howard did a solid job with the film which is vastly underrated as Doug Chaing and his team did a tremendous job with the concept art. What should and needs to be stressed is not every concept makes it’s way into the final product. But the Art of Star Wars books places many of those art drawings into the books.

“Super Hauler” Vincent Jenkins artist, The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story

It is the art that is cut that the reader either agrees with it being in the film or thinks it should have been in the film but was cut out, that is the beauty of art and film (which is a form of art.) One aspect of Solo the film is it is filmed in dulled out colors and then brighter color throughout the film.

“Maverick 009” Ivan Manzella artist The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story

Sometimes the art does not do the film justice and sometimes the film does not do the art justice with Star Wars, Doug Chaing and his art department nail it every time. The films are subjective to the fan as far as like/ dislike but the art is on point time and time again.

For Solo, much of the art in the book presents early stages and not the finished product although final product is shown. The is the interesting part of this book, it really shows the process. Flipping through the pages and seeing how the movie turned out is a fun adventure.

If you are a Star Wars fan or an art fan who also likes films, The Art of Solo: a Star Wars Story is a good way to introduce a very good balance to both.

 

Up next The Art of Rogue One A Star Wars Story

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Fall mean hockey season

Four seasons, four seasons each unique in design. Winter, cold wet grey skies abound for the most part. Spring is the season of renewal and the promise of warmer weather is moving in. Summer hot, cookouts activities abound. Fall this season gives us color, cooler temps, and hockey. That’s right hockey.

Fall happens to be my favorite season. I love the fall colors and the cooler temps powdered doughnuts and apple cider (it’s the Michigander in me.) I enjoy hockey…….. ANY hockey. little kids, high schoolers, college, minor league, NHL. It is a great fast-paced game.

A dramatic photograph of a hockey stick and puck on textured hockey ice. There is plenty of copy space.Click on an

This week saw the puck drop on the 2023-24 NHL season, a sure sign fall is in the air and winter will follow. This year is a bit different for me as I have been blessed to have been asked to cover the Columbus Blue Jackets with full media credentials from the press box.

I have been able to separate the fan in me to be completely unbiased offering a balanced assessment of teams that I have an do write about. It is about finding that balance. There is no cheering in the press box as both home and away teams have representatives.

The view from the box is outstanding the game looks slower from up there unlike in lower bowls of arenas. In covering the Blue Jackets you will get blunt assessments both bad and good without a hint of fandom.

The Undrafted News has given me this opportunity, my goal is to represent The Undrafted News, my family, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the 5th line well and in a way that is honest and true to the team and the city of Columbus Ohio.

Part of a Day and night series:
Columbus Skyline in daylight showing the Broad Street Bridge over the Scioto River and the Scioto Greenways mile. Several skyscrapers are visible in the skyline including the Ohio Supreme Court and the LeVeque Tower.

Time will tell how this year’s Blue Jackets team will adjust to a new coaching staff and new system. But much like enjoying the leaves changing color enjoy the hockey season.

 

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Lando no longer intended to be a streaming show, it will now be a movie

As you may be aware Solo: A Star Wars Story is a favorite of mine. The movie was unfairly panned by fans due to poor box office reception of The Last Jedi. Donald Glover who portrayed a young Lando Calrissian was one of the standout performances of the film. It was said that a Lando show was being developed by Disney/Lucasfilm and now that project has turned into a full length feature film.

Lucasfilm logo displayed on a phone screen and The Walt Disney Company logo displayed on a screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on August 20, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Donald Glover and his brother Stephen who is a screenwriter revealed on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast the revelation the beloved Star Wars character would be returning to the big screen.

No development or negotiation of the film is taking place right now as the writers strike is raging on. That has not fully stopped the project as the Glover brothers had already done development and continue to write and rewrite as they are a duo.

The Lando show was first announced in 2020 with screenwriter Justin Simien who since has been replaced by Stephen Glover. What the now movie will focus around is anyone’s guess.

I will venture my own guess, I believe what could be at the core of the show is how Lando Calrissian wins control of Cloud City from Baron Administrator, Dominic Raynor in Calrissian’s favorite game, Sabacc. Raynor was so enraged he hired Bounty Hunter Bossk to inflect revenge on Lando.

Not that the show will focus on that but it would be interesting and would also help the overall Sta Wars story. Still it is exciting to hear that Lando Calrissian will be headed back to the big screen and this could be the right move.

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The Last Jedi is getting some love from Ahsoka

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is perhaps the most controversial movie not only in the Sequel Trilogy but all the Star Wars films. Near the end of the film a child uses the Force and moves a broom into his hand setting the fan base into a revolt. Yet, in all reality it jives with what Star Wars is about also what George Lucas has said about the Force.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 07: George Lucas attends MoMA’s Party in the Garden 2022 at The Museum of Modern Art on June 7, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Museum of Modern Art )

In 1981, in The Making of Return of the Jedi book George Lucas, screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan along with director Richard Marquand were going over the story line:

Kasdan: The Force was available to anyone who could hook into it?

Lucas: Yes, everybody can do it.

Kasdan: Not just the Jedi?

Lucas: It’s just the Jedi who take the time to do it.

Marquand: They use it as a technique.

Lucas: Like yoga. If you want to take the time to do it, you can do it; but the ones that really want to do it are the ones who are into that kind of thing. Also like karate.

The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson was right to use a child to illustrate what Lucas had said 41 year’s prior. Now Dave Filoni is diving deeper into this aspect of the Force on Ahsoka.

Sabine Wren, who is being trained by Ahsoka is not a Force user or a Jedi she is a Mandalorian, remember the Force exists well everywhere according to Yoda;

A life-size figurine of Yoda from the Star Wars series is displayed at the Star Wars Identities exhibition during a media preview at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore on January 28, 2021. (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The fact is anyone can access the Force given enough training and will. George Lucas fully supports the decision made by Filoni to double down on the anyone can use the Force.  “A lot of people get confused about the Force. They see it as some special thing that you can find and pick up and put it on your head and suddenly, you have the Force. Whereas it’s always been designed so that every living being has the Force,” Lucas said.

The amount of Force in living beings depends on how much they train. While The Last Jedi ruffled feathers Ahsoka is staying in line with the Force and what Star Wars creator George Lucas has said. So really fans lack of understanding was the real issue all along.

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Would the Detroit Tigers make a big trade?

The Detroit Tigers are sitting in third place in the AL Central Division eight and a half game behind division leader Minnesota. During the course of the season the Tigers have seen OF- Riley Green, OF- Kerry Carpenter and 1B- Spencer Torkelson emerge as a core trio that looks to be around for a while. With top prospects Colt Keith, Justin-Henry Malloy and Parker Meadows awaiting callups, First round draft pick Max Clark is still a ways away from Motown. Would Tigers team President Scott Harris consider moving a top end prospect of current player to get more bats into the Tigers system? That is the question.

Rebuilding teams are not fun to follow and ballpark attendance generally dips during a retooling timeframe. The Tigers are rebuilding back-to-back which adds to fans misery. One thing that can speed up rebuilds is trades. Nothing should be off the table to make a team better sooner.

The Tigers have a surplus of left handed hitting outfielders and could use an influx of right handed bats in that group. Parker Meadows who looks to be a prospect who can make an impact could be moved but the return would not be one that moves the needle as much as other players.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JULY 23: Kerry Carpenter #30 of the Detroit Tigers at bat against the San Diego Padres at Comerica Park on July 23, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Let’s say Scott Harris (assuming he does not hire a GM before the Winter Meetings) decides he wants to bring in some high end young controllable bats to help the rebuilding process and goes big, as in really big. He could trade Riley Greene or Kerry Carpenter. Greene who looks like he is going to be an above average MLB player and Carpenter who has enjoyed success would be great trade chips.

If Harris wanted to go really big and trade for top prospects he could package Greene and pitcher Tarik Skubal. The return for those two would certainly be huge and would/could speed up the rebuild.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 28: Spencer Torkelson #20 of the Detroit Tigers at bat against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on July 28, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Will that happen? I do not believe that Greene will be moved and will be offered an extension this offseason. Greene is the type of player you build around as is Carpenter and Spencer Torkelson.

Still nothing can be counted out and nothing should be off the table to improve the team sooner than later.

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The Detroit Tigers prospect rankings update

MLB Pipeline and their group of scouts are among the most reputable, trustworthy that cover and rank prospects. For the Detroit Tigers looking to gain momentum in terms of high end prospect talent four prospects landed on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects which also meant a change for the Tigers rankings as well.

First let’s take a look at where the four Tigers prospects landed on MLB Pipeline’s top 100. OF- Max Clark came in at #15, 3B/2B Colt Keith came in at #26, P-Jackson Jobe was listed at #59 and 2B-Jace Jung was ranked the #72 prospect in all MLB.

Now how do those four rank in the Detroit Tigers top 30 prospects and what does the future hold? Those four ranked in the MLB Pipeline top 100 (Clark, Keith, Jobe and Jung) also represent the top four in the Tigers organization. Four in the top 100 is not bad, yes more talent is needed but when considered Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson are young the four prospects give the Tigers some promise.

Max Clark who the Tigers drafted third overall in this years MLB Draft has all the tools to be a special talent and future all star. Graded:

60-Hit, 50 Power, 70-Run, 65-Arm, 60-Field for an overall 60 makes Clark the top Tigers prospect. Clark is a contact hitter who uses the gaps very well. He has the plate discipline scouts drool over. Clark is a very good fit for Comerica Park.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Colt Keith #81 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo during the Detroit Tigers Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Friday, February 24, 2023 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Colt Keith drafted in 2020, has been injured so this season is a better look as to what he brings to the table.

55-Hit, 60-Power, 45-Run, 60-Arm, 45-Field, 55-Overall, in short Keith has All-Star ability he has cut down on strikeouts and is developing a better eye at the plate which is why he made the top 100 prospects.

Jackson Jobe is a pitcher who has the stuff to reach a #2 in a rotation. After a rough start last season the real Jobe began to show and has carried over.

65-Fastball, 65-Slider, 55-Changeup, 55-Cutter, 50-Control, 55-Overall, with a fastball that sits at 95-97 MPH and a changeup that dips to the low 80’s it’s easy to see why Detroit is high on the young pitcher. Again, if he develops he can be a valuable #2 and fringe All-Star.

Jace Jung  is a player who can impact the future Tigers lineup with his plus power to all fields.

55-Hit, 55-Power, 40-Run, 45-Arm, 45-Field, 45-Overall.  Jung has the ability to be an impact hitter for the Tigers. His numbers in terms of grades should change the more seasoning he gets.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 17: A general night view of the main entrance of Comerica Park during the game between the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 17, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Indians defeated the Tigers 10-3. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers have players who will fit nicely in Comerica Park. The hitters are all gap first power second hitters. That is not an issue. Colt Keith has the most power upside, while Max Clark and Jace Jung should get on base with some power, about 20 homerun ability each.

It has and will take time but the Detroit Tigers have some nice talent, more is needed.

 

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Clearing up the Ahsoka timeline

Many Star Wars fans are either confused or simply are unaware of the timeline Ahsoka takes place in. Some fans have theorized Ahsoka is a prequel or others a sequel to The Mandalorian if it is connected at at all. The fact is here is when Ahsoka takes place and how it connects.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Costumes are seen at the Mandalorian special launch event at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 28, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Ahsoka takes place during Season 3 of The Mandalorian so it takes place at the same time. After making her live action grand appearance during Season 2 during an episode titled “Chapter 13: The Jedi,” Ahsoka also made a cameo in The Book of Boba Fett to discuss the future Jedi training of Grogu with  Djarin.

Taking place about seven years after the events of Return of the Jedi, both The Mandalorian and Ahsoka are indeed connected to the larger picture that creator Dave Filoni is constructing. That said it should surprise no one if someone from The Mandalorian makes a cameo in Ahsoka or someone from The Book of Boba Fett.

In fact due to his absence in The Mandalorian Season 3, it almost makes sense if Boba Fett himself makes a cameo. Ahsoka is investigating a threat to the galaxy, the threat is non other that Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Set to release August 23, 2023 with a two-episode banger, Ahsoka is set to reunite characters from the popular animated series Star Wars Rebels while connecting to The Mandalorian.

WINTERHAVEN, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Star Wars cosplayer Shawn Richter as Boba Fett poses for photos at Buttercup Sand Dunes on January 15, 2022 in Winterhaven, California. Buttercup San Dunes was the location of several iconic scenes filmed for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

The question is will the Rebels characters, Djarin, Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker and perhaps Grogu unite to take down the mounting threat of Thrawn? This would be a Star Wars fans biggest dream. One of the fan bases favorite villains squaring off against one of the fan bases favorite series, this time in live action.

The countdown is on! Ahsoka will soon be released to the delight of Star Wars fans everywhere and next steps will be taken to form the bigger picture.

 

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Ahsoka is getting closer and we now have run times

While some Star Wars fans are calling Ahsoka “Rebels 2.0” the show is reaching fever pitch in terms of anticipation. While it is true that Star Wars Rebels characters Ezra Bridger, Zeb Orrelios, Chopper, Sabine Wren and the lead character Ahsoka are coming to live action for the first time the popular Star Wars show is sure to satisfy Star Wars fans and fans of Rebels.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Dave Filoni attends the Ahsoka panel at Start Wars Celebration 2023 in London at ExCel on April 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Disney)

It appears that Star Wars Rebels creator Dave Filoni has either learned a lesson or been paying attention to the fact that other Star Wars streaming shows such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian Season 3 were unevenly paced. Filoni said that the show is kind of paced like The Mandalorian but the episodes are more even in terms of run time.

1 hour and 36 minutes is the total run time of the first two episodes of Ahsoka. Streaming shows are interesting as it gives creators the freedom for run times. One thing, shows of any verity need to flow and not be overly choppy as was the case with aforementioned Star Wars shows. It seems that Filoni has learned that and perhaps he listened to fans vent of social media about choppy run times.

Dave Filoni has also gone on record as saying Ahsoka will have longer episodes as it has a lot of story to fill and is really bridging the gap with The Mandalorian. Let’s just get this out of the way, Grand Admiral Thrawn one of the Star Wars fan bases favorite villains is the key figure of the show.

STAR WARS REBELS – “Steps into Shadow” – The critically-acclaimed animated series “Star Wars Rebels” returns SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:30 p.m., ET) and introduces new characters Grand Admiral Thrawn and Bendu during the season three one-hour premiere event, “Steps into Shadow” on Disney XD. (Disney XD/Lucasfilm via Getty Images)
GRAND ADMIRAL THRAWN

While rumors are swirling Thrawn will not enter until close to the end of Season 1, the first installment does end in a cliff hanger (again rumors) with the hope of a Season 2. With Lucasfilm in a perceived state of flux with the people calling the shots an old fan favorite done by the original Rebels creator (Filoni) could help revive Star Wars to the point where fans would be willing to give Ahsoka a second season.

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Brodric Martin may be the key for the Detroit Lions defense

In an effort to improve the defense the Detroit Lions drafted three defensive players this year, LB-Jack Campbell, DB- Brian Branch and DT- Brodric Martin. It is unusual to expect a rookie defensive tackle to make a big impact however with Martin that view should change. Drafted in the third round pick 96 overall Martin is having a very good training camp and he is not even on the receiving end of his talent.

Ranked 31st in scoring defense and 29th in yards allowed the team gave up 240 rushing yards to the Carolina Panthers in just one half. To say the unit needs improvement is an understatement on a large scale.

BLOOMINGTON, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Western Kentucky DT Brodric Martin (99) during a college football game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Indiana Hoosiers on September 17, 2022 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN. (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Brodric Martin from the University of Western Kentucky had just three sacks that does not tell the whole story. The 6′ 4″, Martin has good size for DT who is basically can not be moved one on one. A lot of upper body strength allows Martin to shed would be blockers.

One trait that was noted pre-draft has not been a factor in Lions training camp. Martin was said to be slow off the ball thus far he has been anything but slow off the ball.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after being tackled by Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

So why would a rookie third round draft pick be the key for the Detroit Lions? With defensive pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson and Romeo Okwara and others Martin’s play and forcing teams to double team him will open up more pass rush chances to the Detroit edge rushers. As seen in practice when Martin was left one on one and sacked the quarterback, then he was double teamed and Hutchinson had two sacks.

To say the Detroit Lions defense will improve is logical given they can not be much worse. Yet the unit looks much improved in camp so far and it is centered around a rookie.

The Detroit Lions are close to being a contending football team and Brodric Martin is about to be a problem. Martin is one player to watch for the Lions as he seems to be what the team has been missing.