Rebel, Imperial fleets invade cyberspace

Since the release of Star Wars Special Edition, we have been inundated with images and sounds from the movie. It seems like the only thing on TV anymore is Star Wars commercials.

When you drink your Pepsi, you see Darth Vader staring at you from the side of the can. When you read the paper, you see at least one article a day about George Lucas' brainchild. Well, if you haven't had your fill, have no fear. There's always the World Wide Web.

Star Wars fans have come to use the Web as a forum to showcase their knowledge, obtain information and communicate with each other. With the release of the digitally remastered trilogy, sites dedicated to Star Wars and its sequels have proliferated. The trilogy boasts more sites on the Web (41,520 using the Infoseek search device) than any other movie except for Star Trek.

As one explores the plethora of Star Wars sites, a few general trends emerge. In almost all of the sites, the broad themes that the movies deal with -- such as good vs. evil -- are acknowledged. Also, the trilogy receives approbation in all of the sites due to Lucas' excellent special effects and attention to detail.

Visually, a Star Wars site isn't complete without the Star Wars logo and at least one picture of R2-D2. The graphics in general are excellent, with well-placed images from the movies. Unfortunately, many sites try to simulate outer space by using black backgrounds, which can be taxing on the eyes after several hours of surfing.

Tones and subjects of the sites vary tremendously. The standard Star Wars site has links, pictures, sounds and videos. A Web site can be found on virtually any minor character or location in the Trilogy, such as Sy Snootles or the Mos Eisley Cantina. Some also include page-owners' proclamations of undying allegiance to the Rebel forces or an utmost respect for Boba Fett.

Sites are also set up dealing exclusively with Star Wars-related fiction, comic books, cards and toys. The Web has become an excellent place for fans to find the memorabilia they are looking for.

Listed below are some of the more interesting sites to check out:

n  starwars.com -- The official Website of the Trilogy: Although it's basically an on-line commercial for the trilogy, it's a good source for accurate information concerning release dates, behind the scenes facts and how Lucas has changed the films for the latest release.

n  http://www.zdnet.com/yil/content/mag/9703/starmain.html -- The authority for Star Wars on the Web. This site can aim you in the right direction if you are looking for something in particular. It also has a list of the 10 best Star Wars sites on the Web.

n  http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/hills/6007/ --"You Know You're A Star Wars Geek When . . ." is a great site to check out Star Wars-related humor. People who visit the site can add their own comments to a list that consists of: " . . . when your best pick-up line is 'Hey baby, wanna see my light saber?' " or " . . . when you name your trash can R2-D2."

n  http://members.aol.com/andrewm675/ chewbacca/chewie.html -- "World O' Chewbacca" is the site to find out everything you need to know about that wild and wonderful Wookiee, Chewbacca. It comes with the Chewbacca Poll, which asks the readers' opinions on the Wookiee's different hairstyles and growls.

n  http://bobafett.bounty-hunters.com/main.html -- The Boba Fett Multimedia Vault is the place for those of you that have a Boba Fett-ish.