Is "Rebels" canon in Obi Wan Kenobi?

June 3, 2022 Jason Murphy

A primary character in Star Wars Rebels appearing in Obi-Wan Kenobi is the Grand Inquisitor, who serves as the main villain of Rebels season 1. Reva apparently murdered the Grand Inquisitor in episode 2 of Kenobi, creating significant confusion due to his appearance a few years later in Rebels Canon.

It is very probable that in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3 it is disclosed that the Grand Inquisitor is merely wounded. The Inquisitor could recover (with some bacta-aid) and return, ultimately finding Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger a few years afterward at the start of Star Wars Rebels. Considering Disney's incorporation, and sometimes dependence, on the animated aspects of the Star Wars franchise with the development of The Clone Wars season 7 and Star Wars: The Bad Batch, it would be illogical to eliminate Rebels from canon.

Additionally, characters and unresolved plotlines from the conclusion of Star Wars Rebels are anticipated to carry on in Ahsoka, set to premiere next year. For instance, a key villain from Star Wars Rebels, Grand Admiral Thrawn, was referenced in The Mandalorian. Additionally, another original character from Rebels, Sabine Wren, is confirmed to feature in the Ahsoka series, with strong rumors indicating that Ezra Bridger might also make an appearance. This indicates that the canon of Rebels is preserved, regardless of choices made in Obi-Wan Kenobi, which can be addressed by allowing the Grand Inquisitor to survive (though a definitive death would pose much greater problems, considering his significance in the animated series).

Star Wars Rebels has provided some of the best storytelling in the Star Wars universe, presenting both exhilarating action and profound emotional resonance. Consequently, coupled with the evident love from fans of the animated series that prompted the addition of various live-action Star Wars characters from animation, Star Wars Rebels is certainly considered canon and is unlikely to be removed anytime soon. Certainly, this does not mean that mistakes can't happen that 'breach' canon, as demonstrated by George Lucas' original and prequel trilogies. Nevertheless, considering Dave Filoni's significant impact on the future of the Star Wars franchise, it is clear that Star Wars Rebels will stay important in the coming years.

Pop Art from Sandgrain Studio

June 1, 2022 Jason Murphy

You ever get a hankering for something different? Have no fear we got your next obsession. Sandgrain Studio is an online retailer that specializes in Midcentury Pop Art. Its artistic interpretations of prized scenes and images from beloved movies and TV shows and they bring us an extensive collection of posters that are modern, minimalist, and subtle. They're kind of in contrast to the films and series they represent, which are largely anything but. One thing the posters and their big screen / little screen references do have in common: they're all exceptional works of art.

Sandgrain Studio prints minimalist movie and TV show posters on artisan thick matte paper with high color and contrast. Movies range from Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Marvel, to classics such as Pulp Fiction, Fight Club, Top Gun, and The Godfather. Pop culture through and through. TV fans can choose from Netflix and Disney+/ MCU shows as well as greats such as Seinfeld, LOST, The Office, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Parks and Recreation, and Breaking Bad.

Check em out at https://sandgrainstudio.com/ and view the gallery below

Nintendo, Petco, SDCC.. Yes, all 3 have come together as one!

June 1, 2022 Jason Murphy

Nintendo is bringing the Switch along for summer outings this year. The journey features a stop at San Diego Comic-Con, specifically @ Petco Park!

The stadium has been recognized for hosting some of the largest activations at SDCC due to its immense size. This year is no exception and has secured one of the most prominent names of all. Nintendo will be in charge of the Petco Park Interactive Zone from Thursday, July 21 to Saturday, July 23 from 10am to 6pm each day, and on Sunday, July 24 from 10am to 4pm

Feel free to visit and try out demos like Nintendo Switch Sports, Mario Strikers: Battle League, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. There will be numerous photo opportunities, interactions, and merchandise to obtain.

To gain access, you must book a "Warp Pipe Pass" through registration. Registrations will open at 10am PT on July 15 for the dates of Thursday, July 21 , and the Friday-Saturday slots will be accessible at 5pm PT on the night prior to each event date. It's somewhat complicated... just keep in mind that you’ll sign up for the first day (Thursday) one week in advance, but for each subsequent day, you must register the night before that day.

We still do not know if this means the Nintendo gaming lounge will be present at the Marriott like in previous years, or if it will just be a Switch exclusive event at Petco. (after all, Nintendo primarily has the Switch now).

Additional updates will be provided as the dates get closer. Prett sure they’ll still be complicated.

Interested in following them across the country? (you shouldn’t be, I wouldn’t, thats insane) Check your local dates below:

Minneapolis, MN June 6 - June 13 Mall of America

Denver, CO June 23 - June 25 Park Meadows Mall

Milwaukee, WI June 30 - July 2 Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds)

Chicago, IL July 8 - July 12 Navy Pier

San Diego, CA July 21 - July 24 San Diego Comic Con ("Interactive Zone" across from Petco Park)

Bethlehem, PA August 5 - August 8 Musikfest

Raleigh-Durham, NC August 12 - August 16 Streets at Southpoint

Los Angeles, CA August 25 - August 28 Universal CityWalk Hollywood

Seattle, WA September 2 - September 5 Alderwood Mall

Artist Spolight- Jin Yung Kim

May 31, 2022 Jason Murphy

San Diego-born artist Jin Yung Kim is establishing his reputation in the art scene. He has illustrated for prominent companies such as IDW Publishing, Playstation Studios, and Marvel. His approach is distinctive and captivating. It's the type of art that bursts forth on the page. His portfolio features cover artwork for IDW Publishing, Sony PlayStation - VASG San Diego, The Bartlet Jones Supernatural Detective Agency, GigaPower Toys, Mastermind Creations, Design Ministries, JAGS Inc, T Eric Bakutis - Glyphbinder, Groovy Like a Movie, and Lamp Light Media, LLC. He has also collaborated with Marvel and IDW on various novels. You’ve probably encountered his work without even realizing it. He is also a frequent guest on the Hall H Show, a podcast available on YouTube. His passion for giant robots has placed him in the spotlight of cover art for IDW Transformer illustrations, and he isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Jin Yung Kim is set to make another appearance at SDCC2022 this year. You can find him beginning July 21st at table BB-24 in the convention center. You can choose from prints, pins, sketches, published reprints, original art, and any commissioned pieces!

Take a look at some of his creations below, or explore his websites for all your graphic art needs:

https://rarible.com/jykallday

www.jykallday.com

https://jykartshop.com/