The Star Wars series continues to break box-office records, and will long be hailed as the most influential science fiction series ever. Since the very first movie, Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope, was released in 1977, Lucas has directed three more, including:

• The Empire Strikes Back, Episode V (1980);
• The Return of the Jedi, Episode VI (1983); and most recently,
• The Phantom Menace, Episode I

Of course, I now have the trilogy on video, and I recently enjoyed a Star Wars movie marathon before going out to see the newest installment, The Phantom Menace.

Until Episode II (tentatively titled The Rise of the Empire) hits theaters in 2003, here are some links to get that Star Wars fix!

This is a very comprehensive site which features news, downloadable movie trailers, live chats, and information on the Special Edition Slick graphics.

In addition, it has exhaustive hyperlinks, making it one of the best sites I've found. Come test your knowledge!

This is yet another "official" Star Wars site, with the tag "Your Daily Dose of Star Wars. Heavy in the news department, this site has some of the best up-to-the minute coverage on Star Wars.

It appears to be updated frequently, although the updates will probably slow down the longer Phantom Menace is in the theaters. With its online survey, you can explore such topics as rating the actors chosen for important roles, and you get a chance to answer fun questions such as "What Star Wars?” …a neat way to interact with other Star Wars fans.

"The Alternative Star Wars Set up in a news format, this site also offers detailed information on each of the episodes, including some great photos. This is one of the few sites I found that actually awards prizes, so check back with it often to see what they will offer next.

Back in 1998, the National Air and Space Museum hosted an excellent "Star Wars” exhibit. Although the exhibit closed in January 1999, it has been preserved online for an indefinite time period.

This snazzy site explores the mythology that surrounds the Star Wars. This is a good place to learn about some of the sources of inspiration for George Lucas, and some of the original storyboard photos and costume pictures cannot be found anyplace else.

For the serious collector and trader, this site will help you get your hands on just about any type of Star Wars memorabilia. There is even a link area featuring hundreds of other collector sites, just in case this one doesn't have what you are looking for.

Did you know that one seller is trying to unload authentic Empire Strikes Back souvenirs? And even if you have a vintage AT-AT Walker that has been played with but still has the original box, you could get upwards of $350!

The Star Wars: Behind the Magic contains your basic Star Wars stuff, such as news, downloads, and episode information. One unusual feature is the section devoted to Star Wars humor, a welcome respite in the huge sea of information.

The key draw to this site is an excellent photo section that focuses on behind-the-scenes events, including some shots you've probably never seen before.

"Your one-stop news source for all that is Star Wars.” We all know how popular gaming has become, and this site promises to introduce you to some of the best interactive stuff out there. You can read reviews and participate in opinion polls devoted to the many Star Wars episodes. For the gamer in all of us!

This site is devoted entirely to the newest installment of the Star Wars saga, the Episode I: The Phantom Menace. With really good color photos and the latest news and hype surrounding the movie, this is one place to look before you go out and see the movie.

Check out the "Rumors" section, and read about what people think they know about the movie and upcoming Episodes II and III. Some very funny stuff is in here!

The Star Wars Outpost was created by one very dedicated fan, who clearly spends much time and effort updating the site with the best stuff, such as a self-made blueprint of an X-Wing fighter and a really good A-to-Z encyclopedia of all things Star Wars.

Also good is the Planet Directory, which allows you to search for planetary information based on a star map culled from the Star Wars universe.