'SOLO': OUT NOW - THE OFFICIAL DK BOOK COLLECTION

He's used his natural born instincts and talented skill sets to escape a life of horror on his industrial homeworld of Corellia, now young hotshot space pilot and smuggler-to-be Han Solo has begun the trip of a lifetime - and launching a genuine baptism of fire - on his way to becoming one of the most celebrated and beloved icon heroes ever of the Star Wars universe!

Follow Han's first incredible journey- discover the new friends and alliance he makes, lethal new foes crossing his path, the incredible planets he visits, and the thrilling action he's perilously involved in - at movie theaters now in Solo: A Star Wars Story, and via these must-have informative, picture-packed, colourfully designed accompanying titles from stalwart franchise publishers DK BOOKS - out now in stores and online.

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY - THE OFFICIAL GUIDE

This essential visual guide to Solo: A Star Wars Story explores the world of young Han Solo in unparalleled detail. An authoritative companion to the latest Star Wars movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story The Official Guide features the fascinating planets, vehicles, and aliens that Han Solo encounters on his early adventures. Explore key characters, locations and props in captivating detail with extensive production photography and see the iconic Millennium Falcon as it's never been seen before, in an exclusive cross-section artwork by Richard Chasemore.

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Star-Story-Official-Guide/dp/0241301742/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0241301742&pd_rd_r=01884320-64dc-11e8-87de-9b23d242d827&pd_rd_w=sRq4k&pd_rd_wg=Gtd7x&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=3274180622111699416&pf_rd_r=420NX3Q87M6R8GEN3KJC&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=420NX3Q87M6R8GEN3KJC

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY - ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTION

This fun Han Solo sticker book contains more than 1000 colorful stickers, and is full of Star Wars facts from the new movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Kids will love joining young Han aboard the Millennium Falcon for many thrilling adventures. Solo: A Star Wars Story Ultimate Sticker Collection is illustrated with action-packed images from the movie, accompanied by fun, easy-to-read reference text. Join the heroes and villains as they plan missions, explore new planets, perform daring escapes, and pilot superfast starships.

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Story-Ultimate-Sticker-Collection/dp/0241301750/ref=pd_sim_14_9?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0241301750&pd_rd_r=451fba55-64dc-11e8-82e1-2babc8b47a5f&pd_rd_w=q1sUK&pd_rd_wg=cOdO7&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=3274180622111699416&pf_rd_r=WAQR4TD6M77ZQ0JZBJXJ&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=WAQR4TD6M77ZQ0JZBJXJ

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY - 'HAN ON THE RUN'

Young readers will love this Han Solo book, packed with characters and adventures from the new Star Wars movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Discover the new heroes, villains, aliens, droids, and vehicles from the movie, plus fan-favorites Han, Chewie, Lando, and the Millennium Falcon. Improve your reading skills while learning about the world of young Han Solo. Solo: A Star Wars Story Han on the Run is a Level 2 Reader packed with fun facts for kids who are beginning to read. It is part of an innovative DK series of leveled reading books that combine a highly visual approach with engaging non-fiction narratives.

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Star-Wars-Story-Han/dp/0241301548/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527776203&sr=1-1&keywords=HAN+ON+THE+RUN

'SOLO': IMPERIALS AT THE GATE!

Han thinks that the Empire isn't going to worry about that little incident of theft and rebellion that he and his comrades have instigated on Kessel. Wrong! Sure enough, an Imperial Star Destroyer and TIE fighter support are not what our soon-famous smuggler needs right now whilst trying to escape Kessel's legendary and fearsome The Maw, in a spectacular effects sequence, heightened by rousing John Powell/John Williams music, for Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Great art for the scene as rendered by Dan Mumford, that ultimately graced the unique subscriber's cover edition of EMPIRE magazine a month or so back.

https://www.starwars.com/news/designing-solo-a-star-wars-story-part-1-making-landos-millennium-falcon

'SOLO': OUT NOW - 'THE ART OF SOLO - A STAR WARS STORY'

The new custodian of the behind the scenes publishing flame for the modern Star Wars saga, Phil Szostak, re-teams with the ever-pioneering Abrams Books to deliver another stylish and truly gorgeous portfolio book of incredible and evocative conceptual and production art, this time for the newly released Solo: A Star Wars Story, presenting visual beauty, action and drama from across this well-crafted film's near four-year production cycle, via many sumptuous and spectacular spreads created by a diverse set of dedicated artists (including stalwarts Glyn Dillon, Iain McCaig, Matt Allsopp and James Clyne). It's a book that will definitely not leave your coffee table for months and months!

Here's the release info:

The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story reveals, for the first time, the design evolution of each new fantastical set, otherworldly machine, and unforgettable character in the film. Packed with hundreds of spectacular images, including production paintings, concept art and sketches, storyboards, and matte paintings, The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story is the definitive guide to the art of the film―and a must-have keepsake for fans.

Preview:
http://ew.com/movies/solo-star-wars-book-connections/amp/

Author talk:
https://www.starwars.com/news/art-of-solo-author-phil-szostak-interview

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1419727451/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i1?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=1419727451&pd_rd_r=c9b2dd79-6400-11e8-b106-7f5015b26594&pd_rd_w=e4WPX&pd_rd_wg=LJrrC&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=889NM9SM034RAJ67KAQG&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=187bec3b-0822-4044-bbe9-441718232b3f&pf_rd_i=desktop

'SOLO': NO TURNING BACK...

SPOILER ALERT!

Trust no one! Words to live by for the former scrum rat Qi'ra, after being separated from her young boyfriend Han Solo on Corellia, to face an ever harsher and punishing life ahead over the next three years, before their eventual, co-incidental reuniting. Ultimately, though, even the charms and admirable strength of Han's reckless personality and his enduring love for Qi'ra can't make or persuade her to abandon the old life she has endured, and erase her notorious past for a new journey that will surely prove just as precarious, if not more so. And especially not now that there's a wide hole in the leadership powerbase of the criminal organisation Crimson Dawn- a hole which she helped see-in with the death of her former employer, the harsh Dryden Vos. And a galactic power base that she can finally seize for herself...

Here's hoping that Emilia Clarke's unique 'femme fatale' of conflicted emotions returns for a future Star Wars film somewhere down the line, perhaps in the darker flavoured Benioff/Weiss film trilogy beginning its planning stages next year.

Qi'ra makes her first appearance in animated form for the new Forces of Destiny short:
https://www.starwars.com/news/5-highlights-from-star-wars-forces-of-destiny-triplecross

COMING SOON: 'THE STAR WARS ARCHIVES'

We've had many great behind the scenes books on the Classic Trilogy over four decades- the highlights surely the gorgeous Art of's of 1978, 80 and 83, and the astounding work by J. W. Rinzler from the last decade. Now comes something that looks set to rival them all in regards to bringing together the ultimate trip to the nostalgia well of the Lucasfilm Archives, via the lavish publishers of Taschen: The Star Wars Archives- 1977 - 1983.

Pricey this will be, for sure, but no doubt well worth it for the true die-hard fans.

Available December, 2018- more info here:
https://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/film/all/01170/facts.the_star_wars_archives_episodes_ivvi_19771983.htm

'SOLO': THINKING TWO STEPS AHEAD?

Though no longer a man of any fixed abode, always on the move looking for that next opportunity for financial gain - fortune and glory if you like, Tobias Beckett hopes his stay on the Millennium Falcon will prove a brief but successful one as it heads to Kessel, in this great posed shot of Woody Harrelson as the mentor-esque character to Han Solo, from the excellent Solo: A Star Wars Story, out now in cinemas...

EPISODE VIII: HIGH STAKES OPULENCE!

The wealthy elite of the galaxy- criminals in luxury clothes - gather at the Canto Bight casino, determined to have a great time at everybody else's expense and misery, in this image of alien/human diversity from The Last Jedi, out now on Blu-ray and DVD.

A best seller in hardback last year, the popular short story collection Canto Bight, featuring contributions from four acclaimed Star Wars novelists, now arrives in UK paperback from Arrow, bearing an all-new colourful cover now including the popular Fathier racing beasts.

More info on the book here:

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/episode-viii-greed-is-good.html

Get Canto Bight here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canto-Bight-Star-Wars-Journey/dp/1787460541/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527598939&sr=1-1&keywords=canto+bight&dpID=51PfpijEXSL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

OUT NOW: 'THE MOVIEMAKING MAGIC OF STAR WARS: CREATURES & ALIENS'

Whether seeing the original 1977 Star Wars at the cinemas, on TV, or another form of entertainment medium, who wasn't captivated by the film from the opening scenes, eh? And as the film's magic further unspooled, revealing so many more special moments to be cherished forever, who didn't equally love the wonderful and exotic sequence where we were introduced, through young Luke Skywalker's eyes, to the weird and wonderful creatures of all shapes and sizes occupying the scum and villainy drinking haunt, the Mos Eisley Cantina?

Ever since the incredible creature shop work initiated by the legendary make-up marvels Stuart Freeborn and Rick Baker, fans over the next forty years have been excited to see what new aliens and beasts (large or small) would be unveiled during the storytelling of subsequent ambitious sequels, prequels and standalones, in that universe created by George Lucas. Now, finally - and its amazing that nobody had truly done a special compilation like this before - comes a look at the best and most beloved of those creatures, alongside the mammoth inside story of how they were brought to cinematic life. ABRAMS BOOKS presents its lovely new franchise publishing gem: The Moviemaking Magic of STAR WARS: Creatures and Aliens, out now in stores and online, just in time for old and new devotees out there currently enjoying the visual imagination and stirring action unfolding on the big screen with Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Book trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MClS4K0Frag

And who could possibly resist that cover, and its super-cool showcase shot of a goggled Chewbacca!

Find out how the unique Jabba the Hutt from Return of the Jedi was created and operated.

More book details below:

Go behind-the-scenes of the biggest movie franchise of all time in this immersive and interactive book to see how favorite characters—Chewbacca, Yoda, Jabba and more—were created from concept to screen. This collectible book includes 20 special interactive elements, including six-page booklets, accordion folds, and flaps that reveal the magic behind the movie with concept sketches, molds, digital imagery and more! Fans will see how detailed sketches became lifelike creatures that breathe and ooze and roar. Through diagrams and photographs, readers will learn all about the different kind of effects, from puppetry to motion capture, that have made the alien beings seem as real as anything on earth. In their own words, hear stories of how creative, hardworking teams made the impossible possible, again and again.

Includes creatures and aliens from all 10 Star Wars films from A New Hope to Solo: A Star Wars Story.

With interviews, explanatory text, captions and Force Facts, The Moviemaking Magic of Star Wars: Creatures & Aliens is an excellent gift for Star Wars fans, collectors and film enthusiasts of every age!

As well as a look at those lovable fan favourites, the Porgs, from The Last Jedi.

STARWARS.COM book feature:
https://www.starwars.com/news/unmasking-the-moviemaking-magic-of-star-wars-creatures-and-aliens

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moviemaking-Magic-Star-Wars-Creatures/dp/1419728199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527521327&sr=8-1&keywords=star+wars+creatures+and+aliens

'SOLO': THE LANDO FACTOR!

Self-made galactic man! Lando Calrissian.

'Everything you've heard about me... is true.'

He's cleared his debts (especially to the underworld), he's not tied down to any kind of personal/business commitments, and it looks like the galaxy is for his taking, just as is its female population is for the smooth romancin' (be they human or alien, or even droid!). Yes, hot pilot of his beloved Millennium Falcon, Captain Lando Calrissian, makes his special debut in Solo: A Star Wars Story, in an excellent performance from Donald Glover that showcases all the character traits the popular high-caliber scoundrel will have by the Classic Trilogy era, as originally personified by Billy Dee Williams, most notably the relaxed and confident ego and manner. But also, vitally, the fact that prior to the events of Cloud City, Lando wasn't always so reliable and trustworthy as you think...

The card shark!

The cool coat!

The slick pilot!

Blaster man!

UK character poster for Lando.

Interview:
http://variety.com/2018/film/news/donald-glover-solo-a-star-wars-story-lando-ron-howard-atlanta-1202817926/

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/lando-calrissian-sexual-fluidity-solo-star-wars_us_5af77d59e4b00d7e4c1b37a9

'SOLO': OUT NOW IN CINEMAS - CHARACTER GUIDE

AFICIONADO hopes that readers are enjoying the exciting, full of surprises journey that is Solo: A Star Wars Story, out now in worldwide cinemas.

AFICIONADO review:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-aficionado-review.html

KOOL TV review:
https://kooltvblog.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/this-rogue-for-hire-solo-star-wars.html

Don't forget to check out our supreme coverage of this fun movie, and its characters, here:

The Millennium Falcon:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-millennium-falcon.html

Han Solo:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-alden-ehrenreich-as_25.html

Chewbacca:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/solo-introducing-chewbacca.html

Lando Calrissian:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/solo-smooth-criminal.html

L3-37:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-l3-37.html

Qi'ra:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/solo-introducing-qira.html

Tobias Beckett:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-tobias-beckett.html

Val:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-thandie-newton-as-val.html

Rio Durant:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-rio-durant.html

Enfys Nest:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-enfys-nest.html

Dryden Vos
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-paul-bettany-as-dryden.html

The Imperials:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-stormtroopers-return.html

Moloch:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/solo-introducing-moloch.html

'SOLO': INTRODUCING ALDEN EHRENREICH AS HAN SOLO!

A life less ordinary! Alden Ehrenreich as the new Han Solo!

He spent a lot of his childhood playing with the original KENNER Star Wars toys, now Alden Ehrenreich gets to play one of the franchise's ultimate heroes onscreen, and ride in practical toys made spectacularly real, like the Millennium Falcon, for the all-new Solo: A Star Wars Story, out now in cinemas worldwide. He's still a youngster in the industry, and yet Alden has worked with some of the finest and experienced names in the world of Hollywood directors, from the Coen Brothers, to Warren Beatty, to Francis Ford Coppola, and, in a twist of fate prior linked to the destiny of Harrison Ford, he'd also be 'discovered' by Spielberg and casting director and friend/adviser to Coppola and Lucas: Fred Roos!

First introduced as the new Solo at London's STAR WARS Celebration event in 2016.

Blazing in to battle on Kessel.

Having fun with Emilia Clarke at Cannes- May 2018.

Getting cues from Ron Howard on the Falcon cockpit set.

Filming in Italy with Joonas Suotamo as new buddy Chewbacca.

TOPPS promotional card.

Signed on for two more potential movies in the Lucas saga, the future looks brighter than ever for Alden, who certainly gives his all in this first outing, with talent and well-honed instincts shining through as Han, whilst importantly proving a satisfying successor to an impressed Ford.

Welcome to the Star Wars family, Alden!

Alden doing publicity for Variety magazine. Image: Robert Maxwell.

HAPPY FORTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY TO THE ORIGINAL 'STAR WARS'!

One of the early US adverts for Star Wars cinema release- art by Tom Jung. Note the original logo with the 'W'.

It was an undiminished joy watching multiple times the original Star Wars in the cinemas on its barnstorming release from 1977/78, and it continues to be an undiminished joy for millions and generations to watch and adore either via VHS, laserdisc, DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats, even with the many controversial changes/additions made to it. It's timeless, it's iconic, it's magical, it's unforgettable, remaining unbeaten as the legacy launch point to so, so much in our modern world of entertainment.

HAPPY FORTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY! to the original STAR WARS! 

'SOLO': NOW PLAYING IN THE UK!

New poster art by Steve Anderson.

Today, British cinemas and IMAX screens will be vitally alive with the new young adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca, alongside the ensuing sounds of adventure, excitement, and the jump to hyperspace! We hope audiences enjoy the film's great story, characters, fun, thrills and all-round sense of bravura as much as AFICIONADO does.

New clip - Han and Qi'ra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj0cvQHErwU

New TV spots/Disney behind the scenes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uskjb6N-aE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdIrCBdkH3U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qy6b4JaUIk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so97RDhdXvI

Cast talk: The Star Wars Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZlNQmBZ2rI

A very cool cover for the latest US edition of SciFi magazine.

Alden Ehrenreich:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gk2hUejb3A

Alden and Joonas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eiPV-XN9kA

Touching down in the US from 25th May, 2018.

Bettany and Clarke:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCC-emJql7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOmL0V7tG8c

Donald Glover: 

http://variety.com/2018/film/features/solo-a-star-wars-story-directors-reshoots-ron-howard-1202817841/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfZxyxM3QI

Thandie Newton:

http://deadline.com/video/thandie-newton-solo-movie-westworld-career-interview-actors-side-video/

Coming this August 2018: a new comic series for Tobias Beckett.

Ron Howard UK interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm02-GFewrI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grD_muCJlmY

A thumbs-up from Harrison Ford:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/movies/harrison-ford-gives-verdict-on-new-star-wars-spinoff-solo/ar-AAxFQQ1?ocid=spartandhp

Emilia Clarke on Good Morning America:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9Y2oK_RQ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnNF9i0o9f4

Behind the scenes of the film, for Variety. Cover image: Robert Maxwell.

Variety magazine - great coverage:

Behind the scenes of cover shoot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPFCTba8UMM

http://variety.com/2018/film/features/solo-a-star-wars-story-directors-reshoots-ron-howard-1202817841/

Latest Solo book release schedule
https://www.starwars.com/news/solo-a-star-wars-story-books-are-here-and-more-are-on-the-way

'SOLO': INTRODUCING THE MILLENNIUM FALCON!

The fastest ship in the galaxy: the Millennium Falcon!

She'll later be called 'garbage' and a 'bucket of bolts', but the Millennium Falcon of Solo: A Star Wars Story is in far better, nay immaculate, shape whilst looked after by its then custodian in gambler and smooth operator Lando Calrissian. Immaculate shape, that is, until she catches the attentions and desire of a certain rising star pilot called Han Solo, who'll literally take the snappy cargo freighter through all kinds of hell and back in the years to come.

The Falcon from above.

ILM concept reference model created by Alex Hutchings.

Stationed at an exotic gambling haven.

'Imperial entanglements!'

Speeding for survival!

Heading to an important destination.

'SOLO': THE AFICIONADO REVIEW!

NO SPOILERS!

With his fine filmmaking pedigree and a track record of crafting satisfying and diverse movies across all genres, alongside his prior friendship/historical ties to George Lucas, I had no fears that Ron Howard would deliver a solid and satisfying adventure in the STAR WARS universe. But Solo: A Star Wars Story is so much more than that- it's a genuine triumph and a job truly well done, extremely well done, by the director, his fine acting ensemble, and a superb behind the scenes group. Full of big-screen thrills, drama, danger, a swirl of romance, and BIG surprises and revelations, the film is a lovely counterpoint to the often grim events of 2017's The Last Jedi and 2016's Rogue One. Simply put, Solo is a lot of fun- a hyperspace jump full of it!

Woody Harrelson commented in a recent interview that he thought the Solo script was terrific, and it certainly is- the Kasdans deliver the storytelling goods: fast moving, full of great characters and incident, with a fine grasp on their favourite character of Han Solo and the genesis of his relationships with Chewbacca and Lando. Such exemplary material proves a great blueprint, but its enhanced through Howard's assured and confident camera lens, and via an equally stellar cast, all uniformly excellent throughout, of which up and coming Alden Ehrenreich is a fine prequel successor to Harrison Ford. Ford IS, and always will be, Han Solo, as producer Gary Kurtz once remarked in the seventies, but Ehrenreich captures the same likeable, reckless, endearing, mad and spirited qualities of the character, alongside more of a wounded soul with sorrowful eyes at the start of Solo's original journey from the absolute depths of the now legendary industrial world of Corellia. Donald Glover is a scene-stealer as the smooth yet gutsy Lando, in ways in which Billy Dee Williams will be proud, whilst Joonas Suotamo as Chewie is perfect, clearly working hard to make sure his interpretation of the Wookiee matches what Peter Mayhew once did- it still rankles AFICIONADO that Joonas's name was not properly given a credit on the singular movie character poster.

As expected, the effects and sound design are first rate, with John Powell's music fusing well with John Williams classic material and his new theme for Han. Plus so many great moments for Classic and Prequel fans to enjoy and spot in the movie- I loved the further referencing back to the classic Marvel comic books and Expanded Universe, now given official filmic reality. Above all else, Solo surely captures the beloved STAR WARS feel that the general public will appreciate, and especially die-hard fans who were more than a little upset by the developments of The Last Jedi. A sequel to Solo, continuing to link the pieces in towards A New Hope, would be great to have- let's hope this new anthology film's fun and warmth of heart tome finds its audience at the box office, and that Ron Howard continues his input with the franchise and the Millennium Falcon's crew somewhere, somehow.

Go see it!

AFICIONADO RATING: 4.5 out of 5

With thanks to Disney UK for the advance screening ticket.

'SOLO': THE STORMTROOPERS RETURN!

One of the Mimban-based Imperial Stormtroopers.

Where the Empire spreads its cruel dominion, so too comes the presence of the Imperial Stormtroopers. We've seen many iterations of them now, yet Solo: A Star Wars Story cleverly reveals new types of environmental fighting soldier that will surely keep the 501st fans entertained for years to come...

Imperial Range Troopers protect the Conyeyex transport on Vandor.

Mimban Stormtroopers endure the swamps.

A new variation of the speeder bike pilot.