Tarkin's Top Shelf

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca discuss Padme's loyal decoy, her protection, her trusted bodyguard, Sabe' . Your hosts go over the latest Vader comics where he encounters Padme' after her death and Star Wars: Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston . Who is this Padme' lookalike? Is it Sabe' seeking vengeance for her best friend, Padme' and if so, will she survive the faceoff with Da...

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, your hosts go over the most anticipated publishing reveal of the year, Project Luminous! That's right! The secretive cast of creators (known as Project Luminous since Star Wars Celebration Chicago) just unveiled the next step into a larger world known as The High Republic. Later this year, debuting at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim in August 2020 , Lucasfilm w...

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca celebrate Valentine's Day by talking about the most charismatic character in the galaxy far, far away. The one, the only, mastermind behind the entire Skywalker Saga , yes, the one responsible for being every voice Ben and Anakin heard inside their head. Sheev Palpatine . Mark and Becca take a look at good old Palpatine by exploring the latest...

It's an animated discussion on the latest episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf. Mark and Becca take the "animated" bookends off the shelf and gear-up for the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars . Your hosts cover the Season finale of Star Wars Resistance and then shift gears to the Official Trailer of Star Wars: The Clone Wars . They discuss key moments and how those moments may or may not lineup w...

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca pose the question: does "Resistance Reborn," setup Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker ? Does it hold up to character characterizations and plot points from book to film? Well, before your hosts answer those questions and more, Mark and Becca tackle the latest in Star Wars News on Kenobi rumors, the Maker meeting the Child , and Ewan and Hayden at...

Tarkin's Top Shelf shares a spot of tea or coffee if you will, with the host of Coffee with Kenobi , Mr. Dan Z! That's right, Mark and Becca welcome Dan to the show to talk 42 years, almost 43, of Star Wars . They discuss a variety of Star Wars topics beginning with the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga, " The Rise of Skywalker ," and filtering through the addition of Disney Plus and finishing with...

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca explore Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker through " The Visual Dictionary " and " Secrets of the Jed i" books.  They discuss how these books work as companion pieces to the film and add some enhancement to what plays out on screen. Thanks to DK Publishing and Insight Editions for providing Tarkin's Top Shelf with copies of these books for review...

Tarkin's Top Shelf and Idiot's Array Podcast form a Force Bond via Skype for a Roundtable Breakdown of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker! In this episode, Mark, Becca, Alan, and Ryder lightspeed skip through keypoints, mythos, character arcs, and more as they discuss all things Star Wars and The Rise of Skywalker. So, get out your Jedi Compass , and don't get lost in the Rammahgon or you may have t...

In Review: "I Am C-3PO" by Anthony Daniels and DK Publishing . In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Becca Benjamin welcomes Dennis Keithly from Podcast Stardust to the show to help fill-in while Mark Sutter is under the weather. Becca and Dennis take a close look at Anthony Daniel's memoir as it spans over 42 years of Star Wars and generations of Skywalkers and passionate fans. They also use thi...

Tarkin's Top Shelf welcomes the mastermind and Pop-Up creative behind Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop-Up Galaxy , Matthew Reinhart! In this episode, Mark and Becca sit down with Matt and pick his brain on inspirations, dream projects, and the process behind all things Pop-Up in a galaxy far, far away.    Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe...

In this episode, "Tarkin's Top Shelf" welcomes Emmy Award-Winning author, Kevin Shinick to the show to discuss his latest endeavor, Star Wars: Force Collector ! Mark and Becca invite Kevin to talk Star Wars , the concept, plot, settings, and of course, the Force that encompasses the story of Star Wars: Force Collector. So please, pull up a chair and grab hold of your favorite Star Wars possession...

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark, and Becca welcome Matthew Bortolin , author of "The Zen of R2-D2" to the show! Matthew is also the author of "The Dharma of Star Wars," and has talked about the links between Star Wars and Zen with CNN, Newsweek, USA Today, Good Morning America, and several online magazines and fan websites. Please join your hosts as they welcome Matthew to the show to...

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca review "Star Wars: Resistance Reborn" by Rebecca Roanhorse and Del Rey Publishing. "Star Wars: Resistance Reborn" is the prequel story to the upcoming film, "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," the final chapter to the Skywalker Saga. But first, your hosts introduce a new segment to their show format: The Mando Files—a quick roundup of thoughts...

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca continue their discussion on The Aftermath Trilogy IN Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker . Your hosts dive deep and tackle some intriguing concepts that may or may not be coincidences. In essence, nothing is off the table as they take a closer look at dreams, Genie scenarios, and old relics. Yes, everything, from books to on-screen, and everyth...

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf , Mark and Becca go back into the Star Wars Archives and revisit the Star Wars: Aftermath Trilogy by Chuck Wendig . Your hosts take a deep dive into what appears to be the foundations of the sequel trilogy and the catalyst for the closing act of the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker . But first, Mark and Becca go over the latest happenings in St...

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca are joined by the creative mind behind "Star Wars: How NOT to Eaten Get by Ewoks," and the "Be More" books, Christian Blauvelt ! As always, your hosts go-over your favorite (and, maybe, your least favorite) Star Wars books, and this show showcases Christian's handbook on Galactic Survival Skills and how to avoid the dangers of traveling in a...

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca review Star Wars: Spark of the Resistance by Justina Ireland and Disney Books. This book is the first of the "Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" series and sets the stage for the upcoming final film of the Skywalker Saga. Your hosts cover character growth, plot development, and world-building heading into "The Rise of Skywalker," b...

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca review "How Not To Get Eaten by Ewoks," "Smuggler's Guide," "Be More Lando and Be More Leia," and then top it off with the finale of all finales, "The Skywalker Saga" by Delilah S. Dawson! But first, your hosts go over the latest in Star Wars Book News, Empire Magazine Cover Reveals, and more. Oh! "Tarkin's Top Shelf" has a little announcemen...

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" welcomes Jeffrey Brown to the show to talk about Star Wars: Rey and Pals . In this episode, Mark and Becca take a break from the seriousness of fandom and get back in touch with their inner-child by chatting with New York Times Best Selling Cartoonist and Author, Jeffrey Brown . As they recount scenarios from Star Wars: Rey and Pals, they unleash the fun side of Star Wars and...

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" heads to Batuu as they review Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire by Delilah S. Dawson . In this episode, Mark and Becca journey to Galaxy's Edge , figuratively, of course, and delve into Dawson's all-immersive literary adventure located at Black Spire Outpost, and follow General Organa's top Resistance Spy, Vi Moradi on her mission to recruit and build a new base for the re...

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" reviews a bit of Batuu with Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: A Crash of Fate and Star Wars: Myths & Fables by Disney Books and Lucasfilm Press. In this episode, Mark and Becca discuss the fundamentals of writing styles between both books, genre, and pictorial skills as well. But first, your hosts go over the latest in Star Wars News and possible "Negotiations." Help us spread the word...

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca review Star Wars Thrawn: Treason by Timothy Zahn and Del Rey Publishing. Thrawn Treason is the third installment of Zahn's Thrawn series. Additionally, they go-over the plot, subplots, and characters for a thorough review of what may be the last we see of Thrawn from a literature lens. But first, Mark and Becca discuss some of the recent Sta...

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" welcomes a special guest to the show. Actually, in a way, you could say she's royalty. Please join Mark and Becca as they welcome the "Heart of the Galaxy" and the first Rebel of the Alliance, the voice of Padmé Amidala from Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Cat Taber ! In this episode, Cat Taber joins the hosts of "Tarkin's Top Shelf" to talk all things Padme' Amidala, and yes, the...

Is the Skywalker Saber equivalent to the Elder Wand ?  Well, in this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca discuss the similarities and possibilities between these two franchises that make this idea plausible. Your hosts will dovetail back between books, comics, and of course, on-screen materials to support their point of view and notions. But first, they go over the latest in Star Wars...

Alphabet Squadron, suit up! In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca review the first part of a new trilogy, Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed and Del Rey Publishing . They dive-in on the characters and their backstories, and what makes them tick. Also, they touch on setting the stage for what's to come in the next two parts of this crossover event. But first, Mark and...