 | SURFING THE HOLO(NET): WEDGE ON |
The Internet is widely regarded as the largest storehouse of information available.
Almost anything, no matter how obscure can be found. Not strangely, a number of web sites dedicated to a chararcter with only thirty lines -- spanning three movies -- have sprung up. That character is, of course, Wedge Antilles. Originally a cult character (known only by the most die-hard Star Wars fans), Wedge is now more widely recognized thanks to a series of books and comics based on him and Rogue Squadron. Since a total of nine web sites pertaining to the Leader of Rogue Squadron have been discovered, we at ECHO STATION have decided to let you know which are worth spending time (and money) browsing.
THE WEDGE ANTILLES HOMEPAGE
http://www.epix.net/~killando/wedge.html
The Wedge Antilles Homepage, by ECHO's own Jim Fisher, is one of the better sites on the Web
based around so narrow a subject. Among the various bits of information on this page are the
Wedge and Rogue Squadron FAQ's, neatly maintained in HTML format. Probably the best
attraction to the Wedge Antilles Homepage is the picture and video archive, with over fifty
pictures, drawings, and videos related to Wedge and Rogue Squadron. Graphics in context are
almost non-existent, but this archive has enough to keep you coming back for more. Other
notables include a list of links, a small fanfiction archive, and a list of all available Wedge-related
merchandise. Although this site works nicely with an older browser, a newer version is highly
recommended.
Overall Grade: A-
THE DENIS LAWSON INFORMATION BUREAU
http://calhoun.lakes.com/~heather/lawson.html
While the Information Bureau is not a site dedicated to Wedge, Rogue Squadron, or even Star Wars, it is worth mentioning because of the information it provides. Thrown in with a wealth of information about Denis Lawson, the Scottish actor who played Wedge in the films, are various pictures and other references to "that darn Star Wars phenomenon." Miscellaneous Wedge links are included, but only in the context of other sections. While not the place to get advanced knowledge about Wedge or Rogue Squadron, this does make an interesting waypoint.
Overall Grade: B
THE WORLD WIDE WEDGE PAGE
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/1813/wedge.htm
The World Wide Wedge Page covers some very basic concepts: "Didn't Wedge Die in the First Movie," "Info on Rogue Leader," and "Quotes Everyone Remembers." Also
included are three links and one sound clip. While this might be a good starter page for one who has only seen the Trilogy once or twice, it might be a better idea to try a different site.
Overall Grade: D+
WEDGE ANTILLES IS MY HERO
http://www.physics.oberlin.edu/~samir/wedge.html
This page, with its nifty title, provides a well-done biography of Wedge. The site also has the most extensive list of Wedge/Rogue Squadron links out of any page I have seen. Aside from that, though, there isn't much on this page one couldn't find somewhere more convenient.
Overall Grade: C-
STAR WARS: X-WING ROGUE SQUADRON (Official Dark Horse Page)
http://www.dhorse.com/sw/swxw/index.html
One of the things usually true about "official" sites is they have more detail than "unofficial" places. This page is no exception. The Official Dark Horse Page offers
detailed descriptions of each issue of the Rogue Squadron comic, along with images of the covers and prices. If anyone happens to be interested in the X-Wing series of comics, this is the place to start. Be aware, however, that since this a commercial site, no honest opinions about the comics will be found.
Overall Grade: B
WEDGE ANTILLES WORSHIP PAGE
http://orion.it.luc.edu/~sberks/wedge.html
Good name but completely mediocre in content. Most of the interesting stuff on this site, including two magazine articles, can be found on superior, more complete Wedge pages. There is painfully little exclusive info: a few humdrum Wedge quotes, an uninteresting bio, and a short list of Wedge merchandise with three pictures. There are a decent number of links, which can take you to better sites. Use them.
Overall Grade: C-
CORELLIAN BLOODSTRIPES
http://users.aol.com/gazuga/wedge/wedge.htm
This is one of the better Wedge-dedicated pages out there. Besides the usual FAQs on Wedge, this has a comprehensive sound archive that contains all of his lines from the movies, as well as some that weren't (in the Heir to the Empire audiobook). There are some unique
documents, including the most complete explanation I've read on the Wedge CCG card controversy. Also, for you WEG heads, there is a Wedge RPG stats page, although it should be noted that these stats contradict the ones given in post-ROTJ sourcebooks. The layout is visually pleasing, with a frame-based menu, and a neat logo for the page's title. The only thing really lacking here are pictures, but that is more than compensated for by the other content. If you're looking for an all-in-one Wedge page, definitely check this place out. But make sure you're using an updated browser, like MS Internet Explorer 3.0.
Overall Grade: B+
WEDGE'S WEDGE PAGE IN FRENCH AND ENGLISH
http://massena.univ-mlv.fr/~franchom/wedge_ang.html
There is absolutely nothing to be found on this WedgeSite. Two links, two pictures, and two bios on Wedge (both copied out from Galaxy Guides 1 and 5), presented in a bland, one-page form. Worth visiting only if you have no idea who Wedge is.
Overall Grade: D-
ROGUE SQUADRON
http://ally.ios.com/~vader3/wedge.html
The sole redeeming feature of this otherwise ho-hum page is the picture archive, which contains many shots of Wedge from all three films, plus pictures of Wedge in comics, merchandise, etc. Besides this, the only other original piece is a small section devoted to Luke Skywalker bashing. Everything else can be found on another site. The page design could be a little better as well (what: no starfield background?)
Overall Grade: C+
(Mike Schorsch (76113.232@compuserve.com) and John Bartos (73360.334@compuserve.com) apparently spend too much time on the Internet, so they know what they're talking about)
