Whether you viewed the Empire as a laudable method of galactic unification, or the diabolical brainchild of a fiendish mastermind, there's no denying its scope and ambition. Emperor Palpatine sought to correct the wrongs of a corrupt bureaucracy, and by disbanding the Old Republic and exterminating the Jedi Order, he traded one manner of misconduct for another.
The iron hand of the Empire stretched throughout the Star Wars Universe at the time of Episode IV: A New Hope. Its fleets of Star Destroyers and garrisons of stormtroopers, led by his Sith enforcer Darth Vader, kept star systems in line, and if that didn't work, Palpatine created a Death Star that could destroy them. The Empire was George Lucas's representation of what happened when fear won and hope died, and it brought opportunity for some, and devastation to others. If you're a fan of the Empire, here are 10 gifts you'll love.
STAR WARS IMPERIAL HANDBOOK
Discover the codex of Imperial tactics, strategies, and regulations with Daniel Wallace's Imperial Handbook, your definitive guide to the military might of the Empire. As the Empire took hold of the galaxy, high-ranking officials had to compile procedures for ensuring that the Emperor's galactic domination would be resolutely enforced, revealed here for the first time.
After falling into the hands of Rebel Scum after the Battle of Endor, the handbook was thought lost, only to resurface with the pithy commentary of traitors scrawled in its margins. Their mockery of Imperial propaganda is balanced with the erudite revelations of Grand Moff Tarkin, Darth Vader, and the Emperor himself.
IMPERIAL PROPAGANDA TSHIRT
Show your love for the Empire with this Imperial Propaganda Tshirt, emphasizing the power of the Empire and the might of its Imperial military. Darth Vader, the Emperor's dreaded scourge is depicted in profile, along with a rank and file of stormtroopers. Behind them, TIE fighters soar through the air, unmatched in speed, agility, and firepower. The words, "Lead The Way Join Today" frame the graphic of this 100% cotton garment.
In the Star Wars Universe, joining the Empire often gave opportunities for the galaxy's disenfranchised citizens, allowing them to get off-world to see new planets and acquire new skills they never thought possible. Even Luke Skywalker was once going to join the Academy until he betrayed the Empire and became a member of the Rebel Alliance.
IMPERIAL SYMBOL CUFFLINKS
As unassuming and subtle as an Imperial Spy, these cufflinks won't distract from the rest of your carefully polished ensemble while still giving you an aura of authority. The Imperial military is known for its impeccable standards in dress; from the top of their freshly starched hats to the tips of their incredibly polished boots, no Imperial officer would ever be caught with a seam out of place.
Join the ranks of an elite class with these Imperial Symbol Cufflinks by Castor Jewelry, and flash your love for the Star Wars fandom and the Empire. Made from a high-quality white zinc alloy, they're perfect for weddings, fancy dinners, or whenever you want to remind the public who owns the galaxy.
STAR WARS LEGENDS EPIC COLLECTION: THE EMPIRE VOL. 1
What Star Wars fan hasn't wondered what happened during the year between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope when The Empire rose out of the ashes of the Old Republic? While we got a taste of it in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, that didn't account for almost two decades of Imperial rule. In the wake of the Clone Wars, remaining Jedi were forced to either face the Emperor's enforcer, the Sith Lord Darth Vader or go into hiding.
If you've ever wondered about the events of the early days of The Empire, look no further than this collection of comics from a wide variety of Dark Horse authors. Re-released under the Marvel brand after Disney's acquisition of the Star Wars franchise, it offers an in-depth look at the Empire you've only just imagined.
STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK STEEL BOOK
Considered by many Star Wars fans to be the best Star Wars movie ever made, and by cinephiles to be the finest second act of a film series ever made, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back bridges the gap between Episode IV: A New Hope and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi with tension, peril, and adventure.
Relive the excitement of the Imperial ground assault of Echo Base on Hoth, Luke's training with Jedi Master Yoda on Dagobah, the epic lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in Cloud City, and revel in the power of the Empire as it left the Rebel Alliance scattered and disorganized, with its hero Han Solo now the prize of Jabba the Hutt, and an uncertain future ahead. This version contains bonus material as well as the original theatrical release!
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK SOUNDTRACK REMASTERED
In an era when science-fiction movies played out to soundtracks comprised of heavy synthesizers, funk melodies, and experimental sound effects, composer John Williams sought to elevate the Star Wars franchise with a full orchestral score. Though he's produced several beautiful themes throughout the Star Wars films, none will be as iconic as the "Imperial March", heard for the first time in The Empire Strikes Back.
With this remastered compilation of the score, you receive not only the music from the film as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra but in its original release. Previous CD's only contained half as many tracks and out of order, making this the definitive version of John Williams' mellifluous vision.
THE MAKING OF STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
Discover all the behind-the-scenes magic of one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces ever made with J. M. Rinzler's The Making of The Empire Strikes Back. Using his access to Lucasfilm's Archives, Rinzler has published storyboards, concept art, production stills, sketches, and never-before-seen interviews with the cast and crew of Episode V.
Learn how Frank Oz developed the innovative puppeteering behind Jedi Master Yoda, how the roguish Lando Calrissian came into a fourth draft, the frozen conditions in which Echo Base was conceived in Norway, and the mysterious origins of the bounty hunter Boba Fett. This book is a true celebration of one of the greatest movies in the Star Wars Saga as well as a milestone in movie history.
IMPERIAL SYMBOL BI-FOLD WALLET
Whether you're keeping archaic Imperial transmissions or paper credits safe from prying eyes, this Imperial Symbol Bi-Fold wallet will protect your most valuable pieces of paraphernalia. Made from a soft faux-leather, it features a well-stitched industrial design, and Imperial designation numbers "J-4-4-4-1" on the front. On the front, you'll find the white Imperial "Cog", while inside the bi-folds you'll find the Star Wars logo.
This officially licensed Bioworld Star Wars wallet is perfect for Star Wars fans or those loyal to the Empire and has slots for 5 of your cards, a clear slot for your identification, and a wide slot for your currency of choice. Whenever you find yourself outside the jurisdiction of the Empire, the contents of this wallet will go a lot further than trying to enforce the Empire's might.
STAR WARS IMPERIAL CERAMIC TEAPOT
Fit for the table of a Grand Moff or even the Emperor himself, this beautifully crafted Star Wars ceramic teapot features the Imperial Symbol amidst a starfield pattern, with dazzling Pinache graphics. The Emperor's dreaded superweapon the Death Star orbits beside the handle, while a squadron of gold TIE fighters soar around the base. An elegant teapot, for a more civilized age.
This officially licensed teapot holds four cups of water and comes with a top to keep your favorite beverages as hot as the twin suns of Tatooine. It makes a stunning centerpiece at your next Imperial tea party and would go nicely with a cozy viewing of The Empire Strikes Back.
STAR DESTROYER KEY CHAIN
One of the most iconic shapes in the Star Wars Saga, the Imperial Star Destroyer was the visual leviathan that showed audiences back in 1977 that Star Wars was a different science fiction adventure than anything they had ever seen before. When it comes looming into frame in Episode IV: A New Hope, it not only revealed the power of the Empire but the epic nature of Star Wars.
QMX has faithfully recreated the Empire's signature starship using official files provided by Lucasfilm, at a 1:3000 scale. This 2-inch replica, made from a hefty steel alloy comes with a chain and key ring, ready to convey your love for the Imperial fleet. Adam Driver (Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens) carries one as Officer Ronald in The Dead Don't Die.
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