CLASSIC INDY: HE'S BACK (AGAIN!)

The nice teaser poster composition of the iconic hat and whip, readying the cinema world for the then 2008 return of Indiana Jones in THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Eight years on, and Harrison Ford will officially be back for more, reunited with Spielberg and screen writer David Koepp (and hopefully creator George Lucas somewhere in the mix), for a fifth adventure. Its going to be very interesting to see how this one turns out...

Disney Announces Fifth 'Indiana Jones' Movie - Hollywood Reporter
Harrison Ford Talks Playing Indiana Jones Again Makes Surprise On Ellen - YouTube

CLASSIC IMAGE: STANDING HIS GROUND!

Anakin Skywalker's abilities may have been temporarily downed, but Obi-Wan is still ready to fight alone against the growing dark powers of the intimidating Count Dooku, in this memorable moment from EPISODE II.

Star Wars' Ewan McGregor Insterested in Obi-Wan Spinoff | Collider

STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends Birthday Greetings out today to Ewan McGregor, whom we hope will return to the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi at some future point in the movie franchise.

EVENT REVIEW: 'SECRETS OF THE FORCE AWAKENS: A CINEMATIC JOURNEY' (UK GALA SCREENING)

John Boyega at the Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey event in London. All event images by James Gillham/StingMedia.co.uk for DISNEY UK.

Today (29th March, 2016), Scott Weller/STAR WARS AFICIONADO was kindly invited by DISNEY to attend a special one-off cinematic screening of the upcoming feature-length Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey documentary. This evening bar/screening event, held at the trendy PICTUREHOUSE CENTRAL in Piccadilly, London, saw a beaming and enthusiastic John Boyega introduce the documentary (which he himself hasn't seen yet!) and have fun with the fans, doing a special selfie with the entire seated audience, and teasing about the new addition to the EPISODE VIII cast: Kelly Marie Tran.

The First Order has arrived.

John Boyega has fun.

Getting another major selfie!

Produced by first choice documentarian to Steven Spielberg (and now, it seems, J.J. Abrams): Laurent Bouzereau, Secrets is an interesting and nicely crafted documentary that certainly has lots to enjoy, though with very few actual secrets to spill, and is split into four easy to follow chapters. Here's my guide to each one:

The Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey – Trailer - YouTube

PART ONE: We see the sell-off of the STAR WARS franchise to DISNEY by George Lucas (far too glossed over and quickly out of the way, with no mention of the "scriptment" he originally concocted, nor any mention of how critical he was in getting the original classic cast back on board), Kathleen Kennedy assembling her new creative team, including J.J. Abrams, and first writer Michael Arndt (who isn't talked to), the development of the new/old universe after the events of JEDI by the production designers and artists, and the need to recapture the "used universe" magic that made the original three films so striking; the discovery of Daisy Ridley (interrogation scene screen test footage- all too brief), and her and John Boyega's first interviews, plus the return of Lawrence Kasdan as a vital creative force to the LUCASFILM family.

Casting Rey | The Force Awakens Bonus Features - YouTube

The now incredible first cast read-through of the script.

PART TWO: The intense start to filming in the desert of Abu Dhabi, the introduction of BB-8 (and how Ridley (worried about her performance at the start of filming) asked J.J. for more interaction with the droid), John Boyega's first scenes (and numerous screen test clips) and his all-round enthusiasm, Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, the set building of the Millennium Falcon (down to every last meticulous detail, plus the stop motion chess game) and the sequences all being filmed at Pinewood (including the introduction of Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron (originally to have been killed off on Jakku but spared, at the request of Isaac, after having died early on in four previous films!)), the return of Harrison Ford to the role of Han Solo and the giddyness of the other cast and crew with his arrival, plus the two Chewies!

PART THREE: Filming the scenes at Maz Kanata's Castle (though nothing on the subsequent battle and stunt work), the introduction of Maz and her realization, Andy Serkis filming on high his scenes as Snoke, the return of Princess Leia, C-3PO (and Abrams's reasoning for the new red arm), and R2-D2.

PART FOUR: The passing of the Classic Trilogy torch from one hero to another: the end of Han Solo (filmed amid lots of green screen and secrecy, plus his somber farewell behind the scenes) and the return of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, filmed at the striking location of Skellig Island.

Getting ready for posed photography in Abu Dhabi.

Highlight scenes from across the documentary:

Kathleen Kennedy's first production meeting confirming J.J. Abrams as director, and her later deciding she wanted Captain Phasma in the movie, based on the painting and maquette she saw.

Costume make-up test footage of Rey and Finn before going to Abu Dhabi.

The now iconic first full cast read through (including Mark Hamill narrating the script- watch out for a different description of the rebel planet D'Qar), and some mild nervousness from Harrison Ford in an afterword interview about whether this new film would be a success.

Female Stormtroopers in action at the Jakku opening attack.

Deleted scenes: Han putting up the die in the Millennium Falcon cockpit, some additional rehearsal dialogue between Han and Leia about Kylo Ren, rehearsing Maz Kanata's lightsaber scene with Leia on D'Qar).

A big thanks from J.J. to Gwendoline Christie.

VANITY FAIR legend Annie Leibovitz photographing Captain Phasma and troopers at the entrance to Maz Kanata's wrecked castle at Pinewood.

Motion capture genius Andy Serkis working with Lupita Nyong'o on developing her character.

Mark Hamill having fun watching filming of the various alien creatures at Maz Kanata's castle.

Carrie Fisher's early nerves on the first day of filming, helped along gently and encouragingly by J.J. Abrams.

John Boyega enjoying seeing the Millennium Falcon prop with J.J. Abrams at Greenham Common airfield, London.

Harrison Ford's gentle hug with Chewbacca at the end of his filming.

Apart from Domnhall Gleeson and Max Von Sydow, pretty much all the main cast are interviewed. Sadly, that also includes the nauseating, Prequel-unfriendly Simon Pegg.

"Ben!"

Documentary disappointments: Material obviously being saved for additional featurettes: nothing on the Rathtars sequence or the finale lightsaber duels, the lack of any real examination of the post production phase, barely a look in at ILM and its state of the art CGI effects since 2005, and little on John Williams superb work, past a brief interview and some music conducting shots. But the most disappointing aspect: absolutely nothing on that Harrison Ford injury sustained on only his second day of filming. It didn't need to be anything sensational, but the lack of mention of that part of the filming history is a major disappointment- and it was something other audiences members watching found conspicuous by its absence, too.

Filming at Skellig Island.

AFICIONADO RATING: Back in 2001, the EPISODE I DVD set had a brilliant 60 plus minutes documentary, The Beginning, which genuinely proved a surprising and often warts-and-all look at the film's making, brave enough to show the times during the 1997-99 production process when things didn't go smoothly for George Lucas, especially during the editing. Secrets is a worthy time capsule successor to The Beginning, and a fine addition to the upcoming April Blu-ray/DVD set for EPISODE VII, but its also family friendly, legally friendly, and has a manufactured and soft feel to it, lacking its predecessor's bite - you have to admire Lucas even more now for letting people see what happened back in the day, and then approve it for outsiders to see- the kind of scenario I doubt you'll get with any future STAR WARS movies behind the scene material. 3.5 out of 5

With thanks to DISNEY UK

Get hold of THE FORCE AWAKENS on Blu-ray here: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Limited Edition Dark Side Artwork Sleeve Blu-ray + Bonus Disc 2015: Amazon.co.uk: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis, Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong'o, Kenny Baker, Gwendoline Christie, J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Kathleen Kennedy: DVD & Blu-ray

CLASSIC IMAGE: A NEW LOOK FOR ANAKIN...

On the empty set of Padme's apartment at the FOX STUDIOS, Australia, during 2003, Hayden Christensen returns as Anakin Skywalker, taking part in some special lighting, make-up and wardrobe tests before filming commences on EPISODE III.

CLASSIC IMAGE: DROIDS ABOUT TOWN!

I found out about the London May 1980 Selfridges Department Store exhibition for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK shortly after it had closed, but I've heard many great things about it since, what with its many props and costumes, parts of sets and photo posters. And of course, the iconic droids in Threepio and Artoo, as pictured here. The Chris Kelly presented CLAPPERBOARD children's movie special for TESB was filmed at the exhibition, interviewing UK effects whizz Brian Johnson, Anthony Daniels and Dave Prowse, and providing a nostalgic glimpse of what was on display.

Clapperboard The Empire Strikes Back Special - YouTube

STAR WARS REBELS: BATTLE OF THE APPRENTICES?

Despite his clearly overwhelming popularity, bringing back Darth Maul from his prior death state for THE CLONE WARS animated series was, I feel, one of the few creative mistakes that the superb production team made during its five-year run, so I'm very wary of the character, last seen onscreen getting fried by the Emperor, appearing in STAR WARS REBELS, which has already been packed to the brim during its second season with returning characters from across the saga.

Old Master - Twilight of the Apprentice Preview | Star Wars Rebels - YouTube

Darth Maul in STAR WARS REBELS.

Just what role the older shadowy Sith exile will play linked to Ezra, on the mysterious world of Malachor, is not fully clear, though I'm hoping old red eyes will finally, finally be taken out by the returning presence of Darth Vader in next week's season finale- a battle that was thrillingly realised in a What If? scenario for DARK HORSE comics at least a decade ago...

Star Wars Rebels: Darth Maul returns | EW.com
Exclusive: 'Star Wars Rebels' and the temple of doom

WELCOME TO 'MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT'!

Matt Zed over at his nicely created Mos Eisley Spaceport website has kindly added STAR WARS AFICIONADO to his list of the Best 50 STAR WARS Blogs. Thank you very much, and May the Force Be With You!

Head over to his site and take a look at the diverse list here: Top 50 Star Wars Blogs

And make sure you Bookmark Mos Eisley Spaceport for past, present and future related STAR WARS news and articles: Mos Eisley Spaceport

Mos Eisley Spaceport (@MosEisleySpace) on Twitter

CLASSIC IMAGE: A PLACE OF TIME AND SECRETS

Mixing old world architecture with the best of modern technology, its data banks holding a millennia of information, the immense Jedi Archive, under the watchful and helpful eye of Madame Jocasta Nu and her Padawans, is quite the visual sight to behold- another triumphant and interesting visual image from EPISODE II.

GOODBYE, DREWE HENLEY...

Presumably one of the key pilot leaders responsible for the success of the Rebels first space ship-to-ship conflict against the Empire, Red Leader (later known as Garven Dreis) would go on to lead the eventual against-all-odds battle to destroy the gargantuan battle station known as the Death Star. Though he perished at the skilled hands of Darth Vader, the man he once saw fly the skies as Anakin Skywalker, he did at least recognise the potential of the young boy who succeeded in his leadership stead: Luke Skywalker!

STAR WARS AFICIONADO was sorry to hear of the recent sad passing of popular film and TV actor Drewe Henley, the man who brought Red Leader to such interesting and heroic life despite only a specific section of on-screen appearance time.

EPISODE VII: THE FURTHER ADVENTURES...

Striking first issue cover art by Esad Ribic for the upcoming MARVEL adaptation of THE FORCE AWAKENS.

EPISODE VII latest news:

Return to Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Marvel's New Adaptation - Cover Reveal! | StarWars.com
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Deleted Scenes Teaser | StarWars.com
http://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/28/oscars-2016-supercut
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-ray Documentary Teaser - YouTube
'Star Wars': Harrison Ford Weighs In On Han Solo's 'Force Awakens' Fate - Hollywood Reporter
Star Wars' Oscar Isaac reads Alec Guinness letter | EW.com
'Star Wars' Casting Director in BAFTA Honor - Hollywood Reporter

BB-8 joins the esteemed ranks of the UK STAR WARS exhibition at Madame Tussauds, London.

Star Wars' John Boyega described as ''priceless'' after sharing time and lightsaber skills with 5-year-old brain tumour sufferer - Mirror Online
Behind the Scenes Secrets of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Video - ABC News
J.J. Abrams explains why he won't direct another 'Star Wars' film | EW.com
Leia's Past Haunts Her in New Star Wars: Bloodline Posters - IGN
Chewbacca and Surprise Guest from a Galaxy Far, Far Away - YouTube

EPISODE VIII latest news:

Warwick Davis takes a break from filming Star Wars 8 in Dubrovnik | Daily Mail Online
Billie Lourd Will Return For 'Star Wars Episode 8'

Another of Rian Johnson's teasing behind the scene Twitters for EPISODE VIII.

Star Wars VIII cast seen hiding under umbrellas on location in Croatia | Daily Mail Online
A Laura Dern Star Wars: Episode VIII sequence description? – Making Star Wars

BEHIND THE SCENES: WHEN POD RACERS GATHER!

Twenty-one years on from his original adventure in an adventure making the first STAR WARS in Tunisia, George Lucas and his new Prequel production team return to that country to film critical sequences for EPISODE I set once more on Tatooine: notably the exciting and much loved Pod Race.

EPISODE VII: DESTINATION: DARK SIDE!

Discovering the crash-landed Millennium Falcon in the wastelands of Starkiller Base, Kylo Ren readies himself for the next test in his ascension to the Dark Side, and its still untapped powers, in this deleted scene from the upcoming Blu-ray/DVD release of THE FORCE AWAKENS in April 2016.

Pics and info on the deleted scenes: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’: Exclusive first look at deleted scenes | | EW.com

Ren in the Falcon cockpit. Official poster for the Blu-ray deleted scenes.

Deleted scenes trailer: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Deleted Scenes Teaser | StarWars.com

IT WAS FORTY YEARS AGO TODAY...

Droids, humans and Jawas gather together in the desert heat of Tunisia, a location masquerading as the binary sun orbiting world of Tatooine- as the first complex, bizarre and incredible day's filming on THE STAR WARS begins, against an immense Jawa Sandcrawler prop scaffold. Today, 22nd March, 2016, its the 40th Anniversary! And see where we are now...

More on this incredible day in film history:

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: LAUNCHING THE LEGEND. PIC ONE: 'STAR WARS' 1976

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: BEHIND THE SCENES: AT THE HOMESTEAD

OUT NOW! 'STAR WARS GALAXY: THE ORIGINAL TOPPS TRADING CARD SERIES'

Yoda's enduring appeal is perfectly captured by Joseph Smith - gracing the cover of STAR WARS GALAXY: THE ORIGINAL TOPPS TRADING CARD SERIES book, out now from ABRAMS.

Steve Ditko, George Perez, Gil Kane, Jack Kirby, Moebius, Gene Colan, Dave Gibbons, Walt Simonson- a powerhouse of international game-changing artist names whose creativity and incredible talent have shone throughout the pages of comic and graphic novel history across fifty years. Unparalleled icons whom, if assembled in any one arena linked to their industry, would surely be sensational enough, but when such pioneers come together to celebrate, discover and enjoy the rich and diverse heritage and universe established by George Lucas's original STAR WARS Trilogy, then that's something even more alluring and fascinating - as witnessed within the incredible collection comprising STAR WARS GALAXY- the superb early to mid-nineties card series from the industry giant TOPPS. Singular contributions that would become so popular and strikingly showcased, and as a unified collection importantly helping the franchise back into a re-energised state with the eventual return to the big screen, and beyond, from 1997 onwards.

WATCHMAN legend Dave Gibbon's take on the Tatooine droid capture.

Romantic and exciting art for the chasm swing by Zina Saunders.

An intriguing vision of a helmet removed Boba Fett, from Dan Brereton.

Gary Gerani, one of the key masterminds behind the prior success of the beloved STAR WARS photo bubblegum cards series for TOPPS back in the seventies and eighties, returns with those other artistic pioneers of ABRAMS BOOKS/ABRAMS COMIC ART to take us behind the scenes of a changing industry that would see the company launching itself with vigour into the nineties- cards this time round specially designed to appeal beyond the school playgrounds, drug store and newsagents purchasers, and more to the demands of super fans and collectors, providing images lavishly printed within striking thematic devices to make them even more desirable and unique, alongside information and profiles a little bit more detailed than the early days. Cards brought to life with individual style and colourful beauty, as each artist (many of whom would offer their talents without request for this rewarding enterprise), including many then rising stars, happily revealed their own precious take on a classic scene, character or event from EPISODEs IV to VI, or boldly explored their own alternate fresh moments and perspectives, to surprise and delight fans- many examples of which have since gone into illustrative history and pop culture beyond their original task of expanding the realms of STAR WARS. There are also fine returns to the illustrated dominion of Jedi, Sith and Empire from key figures who had helped launch and cement the saga into the comics medium from 1976 to 1980: Howard Chaykin, the responsible and striking illustrator giving us an epic taster of the original film's artistic and genre potential before it even went into cinemas to dazzle the world, and the man who made the adaption of the subsequent MARVEL COMICS sequel of The Empire Strikes Back such a respected classic: Al Williamson. The book comes to a close with a fine Afterword from another magician of the pen and brush stroke - a true giant who has contributed delicious and atmospheric poster art for every film in the saga so far: Drew Struzan, illuminating us with subtly strong and stirring words on the pieces showcased here. Words which will certainly linger in the mind after reading.

Princess Leia takes Wicket the Ewok for a fun speeder bike ride, courtesy of June Brigman.

The lethal Lumiya wields her energy weapon, in this great image from Colleen Doran.

The book also shows us the various promotional materials for the three card sets, and reveals intriguing behind the scenes info.

AFICIONADO RATING: Another book (with bonus cards!) to treasure, capturing a unique era of STAR WARS history through the eyes, minds and artisanship of 170 artists - one whose fascinating and evocative pieces would truly set the gold standard for a decade or more to come. 4 out of 5.

Get the book here: Star Wars Galaxy (Topps): Amazon.co.uk: Gary Gerani: 9781419719134: Books

AFICIONADO previews: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: STAR WARS GALAXY THE ORIGINAL TOPPS TRADING CARD SERIES BOOK

THE CLONE WARS: TWISTED SISTER!

She was the Dark Side assassin with a thirst to destroy the Jedi, then, once abused and left for dead by her former master in Count Dooku, became the loner, the adept bounty hunter for hire, before finding an all-new purpose and love for one of the race she had once sworn to destroy. Asajj Ventress's arc across the span of THE CLONE WARS animated series and its spin-offs proved an extremely satisfying one for her creators and the worldwide fanbase, and now her final adventure, alongside the rogue Jedi Quinlan Vos, returns via UK paperback this month, courtesy of ARROW: Christie Golden's well received, fast paced tale of love, danger and redemption adapted from never-completed series episodes: Dark Disciple.

Check out our original review here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'DARK DISCIPLE'

Get hold of the book here: Star Wars: Dark Disciple: Amazon.co.uk: Christie Golden, Katie Lucas: 9781101884959: Books

EPISODE VII: MAN ON THE RUN!

He's been declared the traitor of the First Order, a title and charge of which he'll never be truly able to escape, but Finn, formerly FN-2187, has instead discovered a new and rewarding life as a key member of the bold and spreading Resistance against them, showing spirit, courage and loyalty to his new friends beyond anything he'd ever felt possible. And his adventure, his own path to a surly intriguing future, will continue on with EPISODE VIII.

Art by Steve Anderson for the TOPPS CARDS series.

Star Wars' John Boyega described as ''priceless'' after sharing time and lightsaber skills with 5-year-old brain tumour sufferer - Mirror Online

STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends its very best Birthday Greetings out today to John Boyega!

EPISODE VII: SALVAGE RUN!

Within the immense graveyard of dead ships littering the landscape - beachhead remnants from the all too incredible to comprehend Battle of Jakku - young Rey continues her daily scavenger work looking for debris and parts that will keep her alive and fed, in this wonderfully atmospheric moment from THE FORCE AWAKENS, using the kind of practical and CGI blending techniques that wouldn't have been quite so successful without the groundbreaking work that emerged from George Lucas's Prequel Trilogy...

BEHIND THE SCENES: PLANNING THE ACTION!

In the planning stages of EPISODE III's epic climactic duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin, George Lucas goes over the vast area of space in which the conflict will travel with Production Designer Gavin Bocquet -working out what will need to be built practically at the FOX Studios, Australia, and what will be accomplished via post production mattes and models.

BEHIND THE SCENES: BATTLE-READY HAMILL!

On the Sail Barge set in Yuma, Mark Hamill, holding his lightsaber, prepares to film another moment in the well-planned battle over the Sarlaac Pit, during April 1982, for RETURN OF THE JEDI.

THE CLONE WARS: BEYOND THE CONCEPT OF EVIL...

Possessed by the Dark Side, Ahsoka Tano goes on the rampage against her friends in Obi-Wan and Anakin, during an intense duel scene from the popular and revealing episode trilogy set within the mysterious spacial area of Mortis, a plot that was to have continued in THE CLONE WARS series before its premature end was suddenly initiated.

CLASSIC INDY: NO TIME FOR HORSE RUSTLING!

Indy needs to remind his good friend Sallah that securing some horses for his brother, to make up for his destroyed car from the Nazi's, is not a key part of their rescue mission of Henry Jones, in this fun scene from INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE!

Indiana Jones 5: John Rhys-Davies wants to return as Sallah

STAR WARS AFICIONADO was sad to hear of the recent passing of the legendary British cinematographer Douglas Slocombe, who gave the Classic Indy Trilogy such a stylish and colourful visual palette.

Douglas Slocombe Dead: ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ Cinematographer Dies | Variety

EPISODE VII: FORCE-FUL INCENTIVES!

Another explosive piece of character composition, focusing primarily on the new stars, for THE FORCE AWAKENS - this time a poster purportedly from Thailand. Whether its genuine or not, who knows, but I certainly feel its worthy of posting.

Latest LEGO adventure: LEGO Star Wars: The Resistance Rises - Poe to the Rescue - YouTube

More collected EPISODE VII news:

Oscars 2016: Year in Film supercut that opened Academy Awards released online | EW.com
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Comes to Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital | StarWars.com
MTV Movie Awards Nominations 2016 Full List | Variety
J.J. Abrams On Getting 'Star Wars' Blessing From George Lucas - YouTube
J.J. Abrams Explains Why Chewbacca Didn't Hug Leia At The End Of 'The Force Awakens' | The Star Wars Underworld
Goss.ie Chats To Daisy Ridley At Oscar Wilde Party - YouTube
EXCLUSIVE: Daisy Ridley Reveals the Toughest Secret to Keep on Set of 'Star Wars: The Force Awake… - YouTube
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill is ‘honoured’ to speak at Cambridge Union | Cambridge News
Mark Hamill | Highlights | Cambridge Union - YouTube
ILM on creating Star Wars special effects - BBC News

EPISODE VIII and other news:

Rian Johnson posts Star Wars: Episode VIII pic on Tumblr. – Making Star Wars Daisy Ridley Tells Us Everything She Knows About Star Wars: Episode VIII - MTV
Star Wars: Episode VIII scouted caves in Mexico for location shooting – Making Star Wars
EXCLUSIVE: Daisy Ridley On Working With 'Episode VIII' Director Rian Johnson and The Vibe on Set - YouTube
Mark Hamill could have just given away a huge Star Wars: Episode VIII spoiler | ShortList Magazine
Will They Shoot Episode VIII Scenes on Board this Ship? – starwarsdubrovnik
Luke Skywalker to appear in Dubrovnik? - The Dubrovnik Times
The Force is back in Kerry as Star Wars crew returns - RTÉ Ten
Irish film resurgence benefits cinema around the world | Variety
EXCLUSIVE: Filming Starts on Dubrovnik City Walls – starwarsdubrovnik
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO – Star Wars stuntman flies through the air in Dubrovnik - The Dubrovnik Times
Chewbacca to Appear in New Han Solo Movie

CLASSIC ART: IN THE HAND OF THE DARK SIDE!

Jack Kirby, the legendary visual co-creator of the incredible MARVEL COMICS universe, alongside that other icon in super-scribe Stan Lee, gave us so much incredible action, heroism and scary villainy across hundreds of colourful comic issues, capturing readers imaginations so fiercely, so the artist must surely have felt quite at home penning this sadly one-time-only piece of STAR WARS art, featuring the incredible galaxy-spanning conflict between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader (who was very much the Doctor Doom-esque villain of this particular franchise, in so many ways).

This great 1994 composition is one of the many fine pieces reproduced this March 15th, 2016, with the release of the next chapter in the ABRAMS book series chronicling the superb STAR WARS TOPPS photo card sets that would become so cherished: this time focusing on the diverse art magically brought to life for its three-year spanning STAR WARS GALAXY, in a lovely, right-size hardback once more compiled and charted by the enthusiastic original editor and writer for the linage: Gary Gerani.

Here's the book press release notes:

Ten years after the release of Return of the Jedi, the Topps Company reintro­duced the Star Wars universe to collectors with a series of trading cards. Illustrated by the biggest names in science fiction, fantasy, and comics—including Kyle Baker, Moebius, Jon J Muth, William Stout, and Walter Simonson—George Lucas’s galaxy is reinterpreted in each artist’s style, portraying favorite characters, re-creating classic moments, and even inventing new scenes the illustrators always wanted to see. These trading-card images became instant fan favorites and the benchmark for visual reinter­pretations of Star Wars to come. For the first time, this collection showcases the complete New Visions series; rare promotional images; an introduction and commentary by Gary Gerani; and an afterword by Drew Struzan, and cover art by Joseph Smith.

Featuring over 170 artists including Michael Allred, Sergro Aragonés, Simon Bisley, John Bolton, Bret Blevins, Timothy Bradstreet, Dan Brereton, June Brigman, J. Scott Campbell, Paul Chadwick, Howard Chaykin, Mark Chiarello, Gene Colan, Amanda Conner, Geof Darrow, Jack Davis, Steve Ditko, Colleen Doran, Dave Dorman, Steve Fastner, Bob Fingerman, Frank Kelly Freas, Rick Geary, Dave Gibbons, Keith Giffen, Jean "Moebius" Giraud, Mike Grell, Scott Hampton, Jeffrey Jones, Kelley Jones, Michael Kaluta, Gil Kane, Cam Kennedy, Karl Kesel, Sam Kieth, Jack Kirby, Ray Lago, Rich Larson, Jae Lee, John Paul Leon, Esteban Maroto, Michael Mignola, Ralph McQuarrie, Linda Medley, C. Scott Morse, Mike Avon Oeming, Jimmy Palmiotti, George Perez, John Pound, George Pratt, Joe Quesada, P. Craig Russell, Zina Saunders, Mark Schultz, Bill Sienkiewicz, Joseph Smith, John K. Snyder III, Jim Starlin, Ken Steacy, Brian Stelfreeze, Dave Stevens, Drew Struzan, Boris Vallejo, John Van Fleet, Charles Vess, Jill Thompson, Angelo Torres, Tim Truman, Al Williamson, Gahan Wilson, and more

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Gary Gerani is the creator, editor, and writer of hundreds of Topps trading card sets and the author of Topps’s Star Wars series. Gerani lives in Los Angeles.

The Topps Company, Inc., founded in 1938, is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of sports cards, entertainment products, and distinctive confectionery.

Get the book here: Star Wars Galaxy (Topps): Amazon.co.uk: Gary Gerani: 9781419719134: Books

Look out for the AFICIONADO review shortly.

EPISODE VII: "SOLO!"

He thought he and his new friends in Rey, Finn and BB-8 could slip in relatively unnoticed at Maz Kanata's place on Takodana, but the intergalactic bartender, fighter of evils and all-round spiritual alien is soon aware of that scoundrel Han Solo's presence, in this fun moment from THE FORCE AWAKENS!

Maz was originally conceived as being a space pirate, a line in the script deliberately referencing this and picked up by Lupita Nyong'o, but when the character evolved in the film's editing process, the idea was dropped. There was also an idea that she had Force-like magical powers, a scene of her showing that ability filmed but removed from the finished movie.

We're looking forward to finding out more about this great new character, her links to the Rebellion, and more of what she knows in general about the Force and the Jedi, possibly Yoda, for EPISODE VIII.