From: cblaise@moose.uvm.edu.UUCP (Chris Blaise)
Subject: Star Wars Cannon
Originator: cblaise@moose.uvm.edu
Organization: University of Vermont -- Division of EMBA Computer Facility
Date: Mon, 7 Sep 1992 15:16:29 GMT

	This was posted by Tom Veitch last week, but I've just gotten around
to posting it from the Star Wars fidonet echo.  A few weeks earlier, I
had mentioned that accordingto someone who had attended a con that WEG
gave a lot of information, and stated that Dark Empire and the "juvinile"
novels were not considered cannon as the books were.  Here is Tom Veitch's
(author of Dark Empire) responce:

 ----

 From: TOM VEITCH
  To: ALL          
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 17206 (WEST END INFORMATION)
I regret being unable to take on messaging for several weeks due to
workload...However, I have been scanning the echo from time to time to see what
folks are discussing. One recent message caught my attention and needs a
clarification. I refer to:
 
     >>From: JOHN RETZER
     >>To: ALL
     >>Subj: WEST END INFORMATION
 
There are a number of inaccuracies in John's report. I suspect these
inaccuracies are not his, but come from the people he was hearing speak at the
seminar. The biggie, for me was this one:
 
     JR:<<4) Lucas considers WEG to be the official Star
     Wars Universe. The comics and juvenile books, although
     licensed, are "alternate universes." Lucas apparently
     considers juveniles and comics different audiences from
     the adult books and role playing games -- a fact that
     has WEG quite upset, since they know that all of the
     role players will buy the comics and expect WEG to
     conform to what happens. Ironically, however, WEG does
     not have permission from Lucas to duplicate everything
     in the comics. Lucas gave Dark Horse the latitude to be
     more "fantastic" than he otherwise would allow, feeling
     that it would help comics sales.>>
 
This is mostly hooey. Please keep in mind that you were hearing a person who
was interested in promoting WEG as being more "official" than everything else.
The comics that Dark Horse is (and will) be doing are just as "official" as
Zahn's books and WEG roleplaying materials. Ultimately EVERYTHING that is
licensed takes place in an "alternate universe" and is subject to being blown
away by films originating from the source (George Lucas).
 
     JR:<<The Dark Horse comics will be published in a
     single volume by Bantam.>>
 
Dark Empire will be collected, but there is no arrangement with Bantam at this
time. There will be a hardcover limited edition (1000 copies) and there will be
a general edition, probably shipping next summer. The collection will include
additional material, including some new ships and stuff from Kennedy's 
sketchbooks.
 
     JR:<<10) Lucas will allow WEG to do sourcebooks on
     practically anything they want, as long as it doesn't
     touch the Force, or anything that occurs before A New
     Hope. (Read: that's what the new movies will be
     about).>>
 
Dark Horse will be doing a comics series called TALES OF THE JEDI, which will
delve into the deep past of the Galaxy, the history of the ancient Jedi, and
the Force. So far, Mr. Lucas has given us exclusive permission to work in this
area.
 
It's safe to surmise that eventually novelists and gamers will be allowed into
that ancient time...but Dark Horse will do the pioneer work.