Author Analysis: Daniel Keys Moran

Analyze and discuss the writing skills and strengths and weaknesses of our first short-story author. No bashing or gushing.

Previous Author Analyses:
Elaine Cunningham
R. A. Salvatore
Sean Williams and Shane Dix
Greg Bear
Kathy Tyers
Darko Macan
Vonda McIntyre
Walter Jon Williams
Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Roger MacBride Allen
John Ostrander
Steve Perry
Brian Daley
Barbara Hambly
Dave Wolverton
Troy Denning
Ann C. Crispin
K. W. Jeter
Sean Stewart
Haden Blackman
Greg Keyes
Michael Stackpole
Kevin J. Anderson
Matthew Stover
Michael Reaves
Aaron Allston

Go at it!

 

Daniel Keys Moran, IMO, is probabaly the most underappreciated Star Wars author. His short story, "The Last One Standing" seems to have become the basis for most Fett characterizations, and "Empire Blues", which gave us the background of Labria, wasn't too shabby either.

 

Daniel Keys Moran is the single best author to have graced the Star Wars franchise.

That is all.

 

Best short-story author by far. I Empire Blues.

He's able to set a great tone with his stories, really getting into the character's head. I'm tremendously disappointed that we haven't gotten more from him.

 

Damn straight. "The Last One Standing" is my favorite piece of Star Wars literature, bar none, and "A Barve Like That" isn't far behind.

"Empire Blues" isn't one of my personal favorites, but it, too, is pretty high up there in terms of quality.

I wish he'd come back. The EU could use someone with his ability these days.

 

Well, have to be honest, he wrote the definative Boba Fett for me and possibly more. The stories were well rounded and entertaining. He made Boba a person, yet still the Bounty Hunter we can all love.

 

Wait, HE'S the guy that wrote those two?

My god. That ... IS Boba Fett. No matter how much the character has been mangled since ... every time I read his stories, I'm reminded why I was drawn to him in the first place.

 

Yep, DKM wrote "A Barve Like That" under a pseudonym, apparently.

Believe it or not, I actually really like ol' Bobby-- as portrayed by DKM. What I don't like is how subsequent portrayals have been all over the map with him. Comics I can understand, but DKM's nuances were particularly missed in the latest LotF installment.

I'd like to know what editorial problems caused him to used a pseudonym for "A Barve Like That," providing the quote in the Wooki can be trusted.

 

Daniel Keys Moran (The Last One Standing) and Andy Mangels (Twin Engines of Destruction) created the two perfect depictions of Boba Fett for their respective media. Those are the two interpretations I try to stay loyal to when dealing with Boba.

 

I forgot about Engines of Destruction, wonderfully done in relationship to his character. At the same time showing his ruthless side, but also a softer side for the people.

As for DKM, I would love to see more short stories by him. Especially more Fett stories, something earlier in his career perhaps. He did very well making his Last One Standing stretch several decades. In fact, when I get back to school, I think I'll pick up Last One Standing. Its due time for another read

And Abel, glad to see u have good role models

 

That's very reassuring.

 

I've never heard of this guy, but if he writes good Fett, then i've got to read some. Where can i find his pieces?

 

Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina (though that's not a Fett story), Tales of the Bounty Hunters, and Tales from Jabba's Palace.

 

Strangley, that is one of the stories that i haven't read in Mos Eisly... *runs off to read it.*

 

Wow. He iss a great writer. Now I HAVE to read the Boba Fett one, it must be great!!