Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi / Duchess Satine of Mandalore
Length: One shot, inspired by this fanart
Artist on LJ: Unknown
Artist Website: dA and tumblr
Why this must be seen:

As a last rec, this piece's arched frame sets the stage for a formal, courtly rendition of the relationship that Star Wars: The Clone Wars developed as a canon romance for Obi-Wan Kenobi: his love interest is of the nobility, she is a pacifist to as strong a degree as he is Jedi, and she occasionally comes off as a diva. The course of their love did not begin smoothly, run smoothly, or end smoothly. The background and medieval vibe made me think that the work could be rendered in stained glass, befitting the detail on the costumes and the tender pose of the couple.

So long, crack_van! To set the historical placement, on this day in 1759, the British Museum opened; in 2001, Wikipedia went online; and in 1935, a favorite author, Robert Silverberg, was born, who, by his own count for four years beginning in 1956, wrote "a million words a year [...] From 1956 to 1959, Silverberg routinely averaged 5 published stories a month, and had over 80 stories published in 1958 alone." (From Wikipedia.) So let's get cracking on those WIPs, folks! I had a great time here and thank the fantastic mods, who did a bang-up job for ten years; this comm shall be an excellent museum, wiki, and trove of thousands of words. See you around sometime, pronker

Obi-Wan - Satine Korejanai!

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Obi-Wan, Luke, Owen
Length: One-shot from a huge gallery
Artist on LJ: buff_iroh
Artist Website: dA and many glorious goodies on capslock_cw
Why this must be seen:

A problem with a prolific artist is choosing which piece to rec, and whittling it down to this one took some thought. What struck me was the bright, desert-looking color scheme with its fierce shadows, and the eager look on little Luke's face as he reaches instinctively for the brightest Force presence around, and Owen ... well, Owen wants to protect his little one. That doesn't make Obi-Wan's heart rest any easier, though it must soothe his mind. Tagged both OT and PT because it is intertrilogy. What would a tag be for the upcoming Rebels series, I wonder? IT?

Obi-Wan and Luke

Fandom STAR WARS
Pairing: Obi-Wan/Anakin
Length: One shot *literally* from his ENORMOUS... gallery
Artist on LJ: elthegeneral
Artist Website: dA and also many delights here on capslock_cw
Why this must be seen:

Because above all else, Star Wars is fun: out of our dreary world and into a galaxy of unbridled imagination. El's work is unbridled sexy fun, and if these works don't say that about him, then I don't know what will. From NSFW to SFW to 'is he drawing what I think he's drawing?? hoo, yeah, baby!!', come aboard the El Train.

Clone Wars AniXObi Yaoi

Fandom: STAR WARS
Character: Ahsoka Tano
Length: One entry for the Ahsoka 'Sexy 'Soka' contest.
Artist on LJ: Unknown
Artist Website: on dA and on tumblr
Why this must be seen:

Raikoh draws gorgeous fanart for Star Wars and other fandoms. See this rendering of Ahsoka in a glorious pose, in a splendid response to a contest challenge. Stick around for this artist's gallery, too.

Ahsoka Bikini

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Obidala. Pre-threesome Anakin/Padmé/Obi-Wan, or my favorite, bottom to top, Padmé/Anakin/Obi-Wan
Length: 2000 words
Author on LJ: jedibuttercup
Author Website: Masterlist
Why this must be read:

Fandom is a remarkable thing: from 'zine days to now, the amount of actual things to do in fandom blossomed from writing stories and corresponding with other fans via snailmail to today's happy, all-encompassing internet sites, gaming, roleplaying, cosplaying, attending cons, the upcoming Star Wars in Disneyland's Tomorrowland remodel, etc. etc. etc. So this story, written via my prompt from the ever-gleeful Darths and Droids webcomic by one of the most prolific, wide-ranging fandom authors around, shows how mindbending fics can be. The POV must have been quite the challenge to write, as Padmé's handmaiden must deal with the fallout of her employer's highjinks and high spirits. But deal she does in this lighthearted tale, its genesis showing fandom's facets: webcomic to prompt to author's posting in an LJ comm. Enjoy! Happy Friday!

never meant to start a war

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters/Pairing: Obi-Wan Kenobi/Asajj Ventress
Length: 1672 words
Author on LJ: andromakhe
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" is due for a few more episodes, to be released this year. The show surprised many in the adult themes and situations for such a young audience-skewed program, but that is the way of many 'kiddie' entertainments, and as adults, we enjoy wholeheartedly our 'kidvid.' Well, I do, anyway. Onward to the story, inspired by the events of the last televised episodes of the lamented series: this answers a mystery regarding the fate of an important plot point MacGuffin. If you like the category 'slightly romantic', then you'll enjoy this tale, and read more of this author's stories, since many involve Obi-Wan and Asajj doing what they do best.


This Weapon Is Your Life

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Anakin/Obi-Wan
Length: 46554 words
Author on LJ: ijedi7
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

This story is about the first Obi/Ani slash tale I read: therefore it's a personal favorite, as posting rules permit. It has so much in it, the hurt/comfort, first time, exotic aliens, mindbending, gah, all the goodies are here. Plus, this author managed to put fannish interests to good use, witness her ongoing research blog which illuminates fannish endeavors, lifestyles and even eating habits: what an enviable way to work. Add to all that a slash survey, and yes, I'll rec this.

Down The Wrong Path

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan
Length: ~1500 words
Author on LJ: ingridmatthews
Author Website: Writing journal
Why this must be read:

Obi-Wan turns inward after a devastating start to his exile, first to depression, then to re-discover what joy there can be in life. The Jundland Wastes become bearable, and even, with an unrestrained Qui-Gon, fun can emerge.

Blooming in the Sands

Vidder: Davey647Returns
Vidder on LJ: Unknown
Musical Artist: Glen Nelson and Todd Howard performed, Glen Nelson and Spencer Klinell wrote.
Vidder Website: YouTube Channel
Why this vid must be seen:

I was out to lunch last Friday, sorry. This vid shows how Star Wars grew to be not 'just some 1977 movie,' but inspired fannish efforts everywhere. To quote the video's creator, Dave Bouressa: "After The Forcecast started their "Mandalore Rain" contest (a spoof contest based on Mandolin Rain by Bruce Hornsby), many people entered. However, the winner was arranged and performed by Glen Nelson and his band. This is that arrangement." Pursuing the growth theme of this post, this vid demonstrates the influence of the EU, and when you consider the social movement of the fandom, wow. Makes me proud. *gets a little cosmic*

Mandalore Rain

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Anakin/Obi-Wan
Length: ~7000 words
Author on LJ: xtinethepirate
Author Website: jedi_divas
Why this must be read:

It doesn't have to be, unless you want to miss out on a happy Christmas story of the 'let's have sex under the Christmas tree!!' genre. Then go right ahead and read it anyway, because it's fun and life-affirming. Also, you will see Masters Yoda, Windu, Billaba, Mundi, and particularly Vos, doing what we always knew they did on their downtime: playing pranks, making bets and getting stinking drunk. And also playing Cupid.

Cherry Mistmas, Master Kenobi!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Anakin, Obi-Wan, OCs
Length: 31649 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

It's an odd thing to post this rec, but a good thing, in that December is not usually when anyone can post Star Wars recs due to the fandom being not a Small Fandom -- but this December is not like others and a Christmas story fits today, the Winter Solstice (Summer Solstice to the South Hemisphereans, Merry Christmas to you down there!). There is a popular genre, too, of 'Jedi visit Earth,' and for a cute story with serious undertones, I enjoyed this one a bunch. Anakin gets a differing perspective on his life in the GFFA during his stint in wintry earth times. It can't help but change him. The author wrote a WIP sequel, too.

Now, That's Different!

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Obi-Wan/Padmé
Length: 639 words
Author on LJ: nostalgia_lj
Author Website: Fic tags
Why this must be read:

Because today is Uri Geller's birthday, and a fic like this one brings to mind the value of illusion: hiding, revealing, and the reasons for hiding and revealing. While Obi-Wan and Padmé do not bend spoons with their minds here, Obi-Wan, at least, could. This author also writes Obi-Wan/Beru, posted as well on the Sepia Side of the Force, a place designed with one of the best senses of fun around, though it's on Angelfire, so watch out for those popups. If you can find a block for them, let me know.

Seems So Real

Fandom: STAR WARS
Length: 1087 words
Characters: Obi-Wan, Vader
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: FFN profile
Why this must be read:

Today is Friday the thirteenth; this story wrings the last bit of luck that Obi-Wan owns out of his life.

He Believes

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Wee!Anakin, Qui-Gon
Length: 286 words
Author on LJ: modillian
Author Website: Fic Masterlist
Why this must be read:

This story illustrates the sheer knockout Force power of Anakin's innate nature, how it controls him and how he controls it. It's a chilling little piece, because what happens when he meets the mature Force power of a stranded Jedi Master, and the alluring natural power of a young, pretty Queen? Read and enjoy the story as I lounge here upon the crack-van's luscious shag carpet while eating my picnic lunch at a wintry park, reminiscing about how this author showed me what crack is. I am still awaiting the next chapter of this enthralling Anakin/Obi-Wan epic! Aw, who am I kidding.


Begin

Good morning, I'm pronker and let's back out of the driveway for our farewell Star Wars tour, savoring the ride every parsec of the way. A quote from my first time reccing, years ago: "As a fan of gen, het and slash and just about every genre you can think of, I hope to offer fun stuff from drama to character study to PWPs." So, off we go with a rewrite of the prequels, in novel form.

Fandom: STAR WARS
Length: ~148000 words
Characters: Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padmé, Nute Gunray, Yoda, Count Dooku, Jango Fett, Asajj Ventress, other prequel characters
Author on LJ: There doesn't seem to be one.
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

Think tight writing, exploration of the motives of the Neimoidians, Dooku's labyrinthine plots and his use of Asajj Ventress in a way you'd not thought of, and a Padmé whose political ambitions take her to a level with which Anakin strives to keep up, and you've got the general thrust of the story. Body horror explodes into reality in this story, as does humor, while the prose will captivate and highlight the visuals we all have from seeing the films, and make them darker. A long winter's evening or two will be well spent in reading.



The Phantom Menace: The Unauthorized Rewrite

Attack of the Clones: The Unauthorized Rewrite

Revenge of the Sith: The Unauthorized Rewrite

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Siri Tachi, Yoda, OCs
Length: 72k words
Author on LJ: fernwithy
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

Family Portrait is one of the more thought-through, detailed examples of worldbuilding that I can think of. Obi-Wan must rely on fourteen year-old Anakin for advice in how to resemble a family for an intricate undercover mission on a planet openly hostile to Jedi. Along with EU's Jude Watson character, Jedi Knight Siri Tachi, the trio delve into a mystery about a fellow Jedi's involvement with his birth family. It's a nice long, plotty read. There is an excellent cover for this story here. fernwithy also posts at The ForceDOTnet, but the site makes me nervous with its story truncation issues that are not fixed after one year.

Family Portrait

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Obi-Wan Kenobi/Asajj Ventress
Length: 763 words
Author on LJ: Doesn't seem to be one.
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

The animated program, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, is a thing of the past. What it did was to flesh out the character of Asajj Ventress of comics and the Tartakovsky series, transforming her via character arc into three dimensions. Within the strictures of a program aimed at six year-olds, it did this remarkably well. This tale is set about 10 years BBY, in the hazy realm of Intertrilogy hyperspace, well before we can visit it once more in Disney's addition to the Saga. Let's all enjoy a good Saturday night read with mentions of TCW's events, rendered in Asajj's sassy voice.

Autonomy

Vidder: Anya14
Vidder on LJ: Unknown
Musical Artist: Rachel Stevens
Vidder Website: YouTube Channel
Why this vid must be seen:

Obidala is a sub-sub genre of Star Wars. This is only one of the many Obidala *Obi-Wan and Padmé pairing* vids around that I enjoy; it is sprightly, has a knockout tune by Rachel Stevens, and features someone I've recc'd before. In addition, the lyrics decry one's namby-pamby inner dialogue, waffling in a very human way about whether or not to be strong and deny oneself pleasure: "I said never again, but here we are ... " Thankfully, the vidder plays along with innermost desires amid superb scene cutting, and Padmé and Obi-Wan benefit, to our viewing pleasure.

I Said Never Again

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Anakin/Obi-Wan
Length: 22278 words
Author on LJ: aureawolf
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

It's a personal favorite, and the posting guidelines permit, that's why. But, on to particulars: it captures 'Star Wars-iness' to me. It's got heartwrenching moments, funny moments and relationship moments. Timeskipping begins right away, so be prepared to move throughout all 6 films, per the author's summary. It's a blithe rec.

Castaways

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Siri, Adi, Bruck, Xanatos, Zan Arbor, Yoda, Garen, Bant, Mace, Tahl, OCs to die for!
Length: Novel
Author on LJ: ruthbaulding
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

crack_van is ten years old today, w00t! So let's celebrate with a remarkable accomplishment in fandom. When an AU is launched by an author, the expectations are high: one scenario for an alternate universe is to ask 'What if X happened instead of Y, or X did not happen at all'? Lineage is an AU using the basis of Jude Watson's fandom-beloved Jedi Apprentice series begun at the time of The Phantom Menace which depicted young Obi-Wan Kenobi's apprenticeship under Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Jedi Apprentice was in a Young Adult format, satisfying movie-goers' questions and introducing new characters such as Obi-Wan's friends Bant Eerin and Garen Muln while utilizing the movie-characters Mace and Yoda in familiar roles. ruthbaulding's series is adult in tone and circumstance, fleshing out characters both of TPM and Watson's creation. Give yourself a good, long read with this series and come away in appreciation of plot, imagery and characterization. There is no better rec for today's anniversary.

Lineage

Lineage II

Lineage III

Lineage IV

Lineage V

Lineage VI

Lineage VII

Lineage VIII

Lineage IX

Lineage X

Lineage XI

and vignettes set between published Lineage installments, in various genres: Growing Pains

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon
Length: Novel
Author on LJ: cara_chapel
Author Website: L index, go 5/8 down the page
Why this must be read:

Recc'd often by this comm, Lilith Sedai writes stories set seamlessly into the GFFA, only with sex. Masterfully plotted, Balance The Force is what I'd call 'high concept' (yet bountiful with 'low concept' character development and many subtleties), and I'll let the author summarize: Obi-Wan, more attuned to the Unifying Force than his master, believes his nightmares may be a warning about the future. Qui-Gon, preoccupied by the Living Force, disregards the warning. Lengthy and convoluted mayhem ensues. Really, this is not to be missed. Told in series, as follows:

Galactic Gladiators
Rogue Jedi
Dark Apprentice
Uneasy Allies
Grandmaster

Title: Flamebird
Characters: Tim, Jay, Bruce Wayne, Watto, Nightwing, Yoda
Length: ~4k words
Author on LJ: sharpest_rose
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

It takes a fine chef's hand to concoct a savory crossover stew, and this author serves up some of the best. Flamebird is a well-known name in the DCU, its addition to the GFFA flavors a world filled with Padawans named Tim, an AgriCorps candidate named Jay, all watched over by a mystery named Nightwing. Lots of atmospheric touches and a profoundly right ending, this story is a winner. There is a fine illo for the story by ratcreature right here.

Flamebird

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairings: Anakin/Obi-Wan, Anakin/Padmé
Length: ~400 words
Author on LJ: misura
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Oh the joy of discovering a community called Fic On Demand! Talented authors all, and one story in particular took my fancy: misura captures the edgy essence of Anakin and Obi-Wan's relationship, laced with fear and ecstasy.

Black is Black

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, Barriss, Anakin, Mace, the Council ... the whole
Star Wars: The Clone Wars crew
Length: 68657 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Profile with stories
Why this story must be read:

This is a perfect AU, tweaking one plot point of the final arc of the animated show, Star Wars: The Clone Wars: what if Anakin had not been able to find Asajj Ventress in time to prevent her knowledge from stopping Ahsoka's death sentence? GreySilhouette weaves a fine bit of craft artfully as Ahsoka's trial prompts Obi-Wan to act. The characters and relationships are spot on and the lightsaber duels memorable, with excellent action writing.

Fallen Legends

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Anakin, Obi-Wan
Length: ~25k words
Author on LJ: seal_girl
Author Website: Fic Tags
Why this must be read:

Because it is a lead-in for Halloween, and is spooky. Written for spook_me, the atmosphere builds nicely to an intense climax. There is Obikin byplay, and the big question is this: Who or what is causing visitors to an out-of-the-way water world to disappear? Three chapters, each neatly linked to the next.

Waters Edge

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Qui-Gon, Xanatos, Obi-Wan
Length: ~3k words
Author on LJ: amacker
Author Website: Scroll down for story list
Why this must be read:

It's hot, to match our northern hemisphere weather. It's very hot. Warnings for non-con, as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan deal with Xanatos, the former Padawan gone rogue who forces Qui-Gon out of balance. The word 'pairing' doesn't quite cover this rec, though there is sex.

Balance

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, Master Yoda
Length: 5k
Author on LJ: none
Author Website: Ruth Baulding on FFN
Why this must be read:

Ruth Baulding's natural domain is the realm of drama and angst, where she rules as master. In this fic, she proves that she is just as adept at writing humor. As Ruth puts it, this is male bonding, Jedi style. Our boys play hard and are joined by an unexpected guest. As always, the prose in this fic is top-notch, and I enjoyed the characterization of Mace Windu here.

To the Victor Go the Spoils

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Padmé
Length: 3k
Author on LJ: themacunleashed
Author Website: FFN profile
Why this must be read:

This fic impresses upon the reader the debilitating nature of depression and the truly amazing strength of the will to recover and move forward. Written in short scenes, this is the story of Padmé's grief and guilt in the wake of the loss of her husband and children at the end of ROTS.

And You Finally Understand

Hello, I'll be driving the van this month. I'm sorry, I've been somewhat distracted by Darth Real Life, but better late than never, right?

Title: Smile Chapter 27: Crossover 1: A Beginning
Characters: Ahsoka Tano, Captain Rex, Tenth Doctor
Length: 4-5k (?)
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Queen on FFN
Why this must be read:

I've been having a Doctor Who marathon, that's why. No, kidding. It's because Queen is wonderful and an amazing writer and has decided to use this one-shot as inspiration for an entire soon-to-be-posted AU. In this fic, Ahsoka and Rex meet the Doctor for the first time, and as anyone familiar with the lovely Doctor can imagine, our friends from the GFFA don't quite know what to make of him. Queen is primarily a Star Wars writer, but her characterization of the Doctor is spot-on and Ahsoka's perception of both the Doctor and his TARDIS through the lens of the Force is imaginative and dazzling.

Note: This crossover is one in a collection of ficlets (all Star Wars) by the same author. Feel free to enjoy the others.

Smile Ch. 27

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: none
Length: 3k
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

Set some time during the Clone Wars, this story is a highly amusing outsider's view of some of the more unusual domestic aspects of the galaxy's monastic heroes. A simple foray into the privacy of the Jedi Temple to deliver a message is punctuated by Bail Organa's internal commentary, which is both unsurprisingly astute and humorously reflective of the rigid etiquette with which the esteemed Senator conducts himself. This is a decidedly light story that is sprinkled with somber bits of reality that serve to anchor the tale within the greater happenings in the galaxy beyond certain candid practicalities within the Temple.

Culture Shock