518: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics #54 "STARFIRE RISING"
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
Release Date: 06/05/2025
536: Star Wars Holiday Special Connections with Tom Spina
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
Happy Life Day! A Celebration of the Star Wars Holiday Special It’s that time of year again — Life Day is here! We’re giving thanks to Lucasfilm and CBS for blessing us with the wonderful Star Wars Holiday Special. This episode, we’re celebrating in true Life Day fashion — by diving into the Holiday Special and exploring how it connects to the larger Star Wars universe in our own creative and humorous way. How did Mermeia influence the Clone Wars? How did Ackmena go from Naboo handmaiden to Halcyon bartender and end up working at the Cantina? Joining us is fellow Holiday Special...
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535: Creature from the Black Lagoon: Classic Horror Revisited with Gary Gerani
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
The Creature From the Black Lagoon trilogy just celebrated its 70th Anniversary, so what better time to dive into this influential classic horror series than Halloween? Our guest, Gary Gerani—Topps trading cards editor and co-writer of Pumpkinhead—joins us to share his memories of seeing The Creature from the Black Lagoon for the first time, his insights into the enduring appeal of the Gill Man, and why this Universal monster continues to captivate audiences seven decades later. We kick things off with an overview of the Universal Horror legacy, then explore each film in the Creature from...
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534: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics #56 "COFFIN IN THE CLOUDS" with Jason W. Christman
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
In this episode, we’re diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #56: “Coffin in the Clouds” — and we’ve been saving this one for the Halloween season for more than one reason. Originally released on November 24, 1981, Coffin in the Clouds follows Lando Calrissian as he returns to a mysteriously deserted Cloud City after the events of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Joining us for this eerie adventure is Star Wars artist and our good friend Jason W. Christman, who helps us unpack the story, art, and legacy of this issue. Issue 56: Coffin in the Clouds Release date: November 24th,...
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533: Epic Universe’s Dark Universe + Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2025
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
We’ve been looking forward to experiencing Universal Orlando’s brand-new Epic Universe: Dark Universe for well over a year, and finally we made it! Walking through the fog into Darkmoor Village felt like stepping inside a classic monster movie. We rode Curse of the Werewolf and were blown away by Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. There’s a reason all the vloggers keep praising this attraction. We also share our thoughts on food, merchandise, characters, and atmosphere. Meeting the NEW Bride and Frankenstein in person was the perfect ending to an unforgettable visit. Next,...
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532: Star Wars Legends & Lore with Author Barbara Hambly
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
We’re joined by legendary author Barbara Hambly, whom we met at Legacy Expo: A Star Wars Expanded Universe convention in Burbank (Sept 13–14). After seeing her on a panel hosted by Melissa Miller, we couldn’t resist inviting her on—what was meant to be a quick chat turned into a full conversation. Barbara shares stories from writing Children of the Jedi, Planet of Twilight, and her beloved short stories in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina and Tales from Jabba’s Palace—and even answers fan-favorite questions about Luke Skywalker’s love life. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has...
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531: Imagineering Education with Thomas Riddle - How to Create the Most Magical Schools on Earth
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
We’re thrilled to welcome author (and good friend) Thomas Riddle to the podcast as he shares insights from his inspiring new book, Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth. What happens when teachers borrow imagineering principles—immersive storytelling, worldbuilding, and design—and bring them into the classroom? Could this be the key to unlocking deeper engagement and curiosity in students? Thomas makes a compelling case that this approach is tantalizingly possible. Blending lessons from both classroom practice and immersive design, Imagineering...
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530: Long Lost Vader - Unmasking Tom Bewley
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
Just when we thought we found all the actors who’ve played Darth Vader, another emerges. Tom Bewley was the first actor to portray the Dark Lord of the Sith on screen after Return of the Jedi. He appeared in the Frank Oz-directed 1985 film, The Indian in the Cupboard. In his very first podcast interview, Tom opens up with never-before-heard stories from behind the mask. He shares what it was like stepping into Vader’s boots for The Indian in the Cupboard, his duel with the Energizer Bunny in a now-legendary commercial, memories from the Star Wars 10th Anniversary convention preshow with...
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529: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics #55 "PLIF!" with Anna Graves & Jeff Caffrey
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
Have you, like us, been eagerly awaiting the Star Wars Marvel comics issue that introduces the telepathic, energy-eating Hoojibs?Join us and our special guests in a breakdown of Marvel’s 1981 comic Star Wars #55: “Plif!” — one of the most beloved issues from the original Marvel Star Wars run. You can also listen and read along in 1983’s read-along record Planet of the Hoojibs Read Along Storybook. Recorded live from Rebel Scum Con, this special presentation features special guests Anna Graves (voice of Duchess Satine Kryze in The Clone Wars) and Jeff Caffrey (VCN Network), who bring...
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528: Jabba, Oola and a Wampa | Rebel Scum Con Part 4
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
In Part 4 of our Rebel Scum Con experience, we go behind the scenes with MORE talented artists who gave life to a few of our favorite Star Wars characters. We sat down with Toby Philpott, one of the puppeteers behind the massive Jabba the Hutt. From controlling Jabba's grotesque expressions to (maybe?) licking Princess Leia, his stories from the set are not only fascinating but filled with tips and tricks for any aspiring puppeteers out there. Next up, Femi Taylor, who played the ill-fated (but always fabulous) Oola, shares her experience on the set of RETURN OF THE JEDI. She dives into what...
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527: Two Wedges and a Watto | Rebel Scum Con Part 3
Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive
The Rebel Scum Con fun continues! In this episode, we're serving up double Wedge and a dash of Watto for your Star Wars enjoyment. First up, we’re honored to be joined by Denis Lawson, the legendary actor who portrayed Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy and returned in The Rise of Skywalker. He shares stories from set and reflects on Mark Hamill's hug in the galaxy far, far away. But wait—there's more Wedge to go around! We’re also joined by David Ankrum, the voice of Wedge in A New Hope, who helped bring the iconic pilot to life. And did you know Wedge makes a...
info_outlineThis episode marks the HALFWAY point in the original Classic Marvel Star Wars series that ran from 1977-1986! We break down Issue 54: “STARFIRE RISING” from September 1981, which serves as a continuation of repurposed JOHN CARTER, WARLORD OF MARS artwork created for the cancelled comic series. Not wanting to waste unused artwork which was done by the same artists as the Star Wars series, Chris Claremont was brought in to write a new Star Wars story based on that existing art. Then Walter Simonson adapted art to fit these issues 53 and 54, and Viola you have new Star Wars!
We are not sure why this issue is called STARFIRE RISING, but it should have been called CRUSH ON LEIA, since the story revolves around Aron Peacebringer (John Carter) having an existential crisis over his adulterous thoughts on Princess Leia. You can tell the moment the art switches from repurposed John Carter to Star Wars towards the end of the issue. Please enjoy.
Today in Star Wars History - May 29, 2019
After a thirty-three-year hiatus, Marvel Comics continues their classic Star Wars series with the release of issue #108 - Forever Crimson. We covered this issue in episode 495 since it was a direct continuation of issue #50: Crimson Forever which came out in 1981. Forever Crimson, published in celebration of Marvel’s 80th anniversary, encompasses five short stories that feature Jaxxon, Amaiza Foxtrain, and the droid-hating Valance the Hunter.
#54 “STARFIRE RISING"
Release Date: September 22, 1981
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artwork: Walt Simonson, Carmine Infantino
Coloring: Glynis Wein
Cover Art: Walt Simonson
Imperial General Sk'ar captures Aron Peacebringer and Princess Leia. As the two heroes struggle against their bonds, Aron discovers that his friend Delois, has turned traitor and joined forces with Sk'ar. Now Delois and Skar plan to bomb Aron’s government - The Calian Confederacy.
When all seems lost, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, and Aron’s best friend Kéral Longknife arrive to fight the Imperials. Leia finds Sk'ar's anti-matter bomb and begins defusing it, but will she diffuse it in time or will this world be wiped out just like Alderaan?
We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute!
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