The Force is online
Get into the 'Star Wars' spirit early with both official and fan-created websites

The greatest science fiction story of all time is back.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will arrive in theaters on May 19.

In anticipation of this event, here are some sites to help you get ready for opening day.
The obvious place to begin is the official Star Wars website. This site has links to each of the now four Star Wars flicks. You can link to characters, vehicles, droids, technology, locations, aliens, creatures and weapons.

(If you're curious about the difference between creatures and aliens, Chewbacca and Yoda are aliens. Ranco (Jabba's rat) and Wampa (the "mysterious Hoth ice creature") are creatures. Who knew?)

On this site, you can also download both trailers for Episode I. And if you're enthusiastic and have some extra cash, you can also buy Star Wars paraphernalia at shop.starwars.com.

For some more information on the prequels (the three movies, starting with Episode One, which will precede the current Star Wars trilogy), check out the Star Wars Prequel Watch.

For true collectors, there are many sites that can assist in buying, selling or trading collectibles.
The Star Wars Action Figure Web is a popular site. Attracting nearly 90,000 visitors in the last 18 months, this page is dedicated to Star Wars action figures, including pictures and information on many figures.

For Star Wars collectors' cards, try Anduril’s Star Wars Cards for Sale, which includes an extensive collection of collector cards. The Star Wars Collector Archive tracks various memorabilia, from toys to posters to autographed pictures. Started in 1994, this site aims to bring together collectors from all over the world.

If you're not a collector but think you know everything about the films, test your Star Wars IQ or chat about the films with other fans.

And for gamers, there's Droidworks. This game lets you "design and deploy droids to destroy the evil empire." Download a free demo version and try out a training mission, or order the full version of the game for about $40.

For an examination of the technical aspects of Star Wars, review some technical commentaries. Topics include death stars, warships, the phenomenological study and physical rationalization of hyperspace, Darth Vader’s injuries, Jabba's decorations and more.

Hey, who isn't excited about the newest Star Wars film? There's so much hype online and off, that if you're not excited yet, you probably will be before May 19.