I’m curious as to what fans had in mind for sequel trilogy villains before the Thrawn books or Dark Empire comics existed.
Hmm, I’m not completely sure how to answer that. As someone who grew up with the EU in the 2000s, I often look at them and use those existing characters as inspiration to form my own villains and what not.
But if I was in the 1980s, I’d think the villains in VII, VIII, and IX would be in the same vein as Lumiya and the Nagai from the Marvel Star Wars comics. Or possibly come up with a new group who can use the Force and serve as a rival to the new Jedi Knights (who are not Sith and/or 100% dark side). I dunno. Just spitballing here.
Screw lightsabers, I’ll stick with regular swords. At least they won’t blow up in my face like this franchise has.