AFICIONADO UPDATE: 'STAR WARS: YEAR BY YEAR - A VISUAL HISTORY' (2016)

Images: DK Books. © &TM 2016 LUCASFILM LTD.

The rise of the female heroine within the STAR WARS universe this past five years has certainly been the most noticeable aspect of the reinvigorated franchise since its inheritance by new Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, especially the creation of all-new sequel character of Jedi-to-be Rey, who captured the hearts and minds of fans so quickly, and the continuing evolution of animation series favourite Ahsoka Tano. Both striking ladies now take well deserved placings between Ralph McQuarrie's classic 1976 Vader Del Rey book cover art for the new edition of STAR WARS: YEAR BY YEAR - A VISUAL HISTORY, out now from DK BOOKS. New characters included, its incredible to see and read about how so much has happened with STAR WARS since 1977, of which this book is a timely reminder of how many generations of fans are more in love with the saga than ever as it approaches its intergalactic 40th Anniversary...

Here's a look back to our original review of the book in its 2010 incarnation, which still stands true to the overall tome: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: STAR WARS: YEAR BY YEAR

Kylo Ren makes his mark as the new sequel baddie, for the book's outside sleeve cover. Grandpa Vader is the back cover star.

As two gorgeous new concept art pieces from THE FORCE AWAKENS- Erik Tiemens and Iain McCaig's concept work for the epic lightsaber duel snow fight, and Doug Chiang's thrilling imagery for the TIE fighter chase of the Millennium Falcon across the Jakku spaceship graveyard - replace the book's previous prints, here's AFICIONADO's pick of the most noteworthy and standout parts of the expanded 2016 edition.

2010: Fans, critics and filmmakers come out to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, alongside the continuing success of the soon more adult and sophisticated THE CLONE WARS animated series.

2011: The launch of the new STAR TOURS ride with even more environments and characters than before, the return of wookiee hero Chewbacca in animated form, and the chart-busting Blu-ray release of the six films (albeit in further enhanced, love 'em or hate 'em Special Editions).

2012. The year STAR WARS made its transition towards The New Era. Image: © & TM 2016 LUCASFILM LTD.

2012: The arrival of the long gestating World War II movie RED TAILS, and the release of EPISODE I in 3D cinemas, giving the Prequel launcher additional staying power inside the all-time box office chart, show that George Lucas is busier than ever. Then comes the surprising news by Summer that he is retiring, and that control of the company is going to the safe and creative hands of Kathleen Kennedy. Following that, fans wonder what will happen next with the STAR WARS universe with the purchase of the company by Disney. As Lucasfilm undergoes intriguing structural changes and creative recruiting, as well as long term strategy formulation, the news is building that new theatrical STAR WARS movies are in the works...

2013: And so begins The New Era, as a huge wave of energy hits Lucasfilm and the STAR WARS franchise, via acclaimed fiction and the launch of new merchandise. THE CLONE WARS is sadly curtailed three seasons short of its planned run with Lucas's retirement, though the news is soon in that Disney has an all-new genre series planned, set between EPISODEs III and IV: STAR WARS REBELS. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await all the news thats fit to print on the upcoming EPISODE VII, excited by the prospect of incoming director J.J. Abrams finally signing up, and teamed alongside Classic Trilogy veteran Lawrence Kasdan, whose work on RETURN OF THE JEDI is also being celebrated within its 30th Anniversary.

2014: Nearly ten years on from the end of EPISODE III, the next untitled chapter of the franchise finally begins filming in April, as the first press call pic featuring its impressive cast, mixing old and new stars with some great new supporting actors, is unveiled worldwide. May sees the announcement of an all-new standalone movie, ROGUE ONE, helmed by Britster Gareth Edwards- when the film's central plot is later revealed at a CELEBRATION convention, fans go deservedly wild at the prospect of finally witnessing the stealing of the infamous Death Star plans. STAR WARS REBELS debuts and immediately makes a positive impression with younger fans, whist older fans see its long-term potential with the eventual return of Darth Vader.

2015: A true blitzkrieg of emotion, joy and wonder, as THE FORCE AWAKENS makes its indelible mark on worldwide cinemas audiences, helped by brilliant marketing, the return of the earlier six films to a new generation via digital HD and streaming, new plans for an ambitious STAR WARS site at Disneyland, and an American CELEBRATION event where fans are rabidly enthusiastic and soon blown away with the film's second trailer. The feeling of "we're home" has never felt stronger to so many. Meanwhile,with the world distracted by AWAKENS fever, the covert heroes of ROGUE ONE begin their equally covert filming in England.

2016: Its a STAR WARS universe bigger and brighter than ever, as fans applaud the majority of the creative decisions made by Kathleen Kennedy and her team in their handling of the old with the new, with ROGUE ONE about to be a wonderful Christmas present, and post production of EPISODE VII a sudden reality.

Get hold of STAR WARS: YEAR BY YEAR here: Star Wars Year by Year Updated Edition: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9780241232415: Books

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'ULTIMATE STAR WARS'

Know your enemy! Catch up on the villains of the saga in ULTIMATE STAR WARS. Images: DK BOOKS.

ULTIMATE STAR WARS

Compiled by Ryder Windham, Daniel Wallace, Adam Bray and Patricia Carr

Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY

Foreword by Anthony Daniels

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Ever since George Lucas incredible six-film saga came to its then completion in 2005, we’ve had many books large and small with the words “Ultimate” boldly declared in front of them, and many of them ending up being “close but no cigar” in living up to that declaration. Now, DK, already the kings for all-things STAR WARS publishing, for all ages and worldwide tastes, have finally come the closest yet in that mission statement, with this bold and bright, genuinely epic compilation, ton-weighing book- 320 pages of absolute heaven for any fan, and surely the greatest reference for any potential STAR WARS archivist of the officially approved live-action and animated series history.

Heavy enough to rival J. W. Rinzler’s earlier “Making of” books, long–term WARS veterans Daniel Wallace, and Ryder Windham, with the additional support of Patricia Barr and Adam Bray, can be justly proud of their endeavours – surely a year or two in the making. And they’re getting paid to do something they love! How envious can we all be, eh?!

Standout character spreads for Luke, Leia and R2.

Likely initiated as part of a massive and vital canon re-organizational effort from LUCASFILM, controversially shunning the beloved Expanded Universe it had initiated twenty years earlier whilst also getting things ready for the next six new STAR WARS movies ahead (bringing their own unique continuity), all corners of the archives have been thoroughly, exhaustively delved for ULTIMATE STAR WARS (the behind the scenes emailing alone between the compilers and LUCASFILM on content and research likely to have have been the equivalent of twenty times the content of this book!), with each section on characters, creatures, locations, technology, and vehicles presented in pleasing chronological order and properly, often beautifully, showcased. As well as effective character key points and mini-timelines, particularly successful are some wonderful key spreads that evoke the grandeur and beauty of the Light and Dark Sides of the Force, amidst some of the best printing for a DK STAR WARS book yet. A glorious tribute and celebration, of which a thousand-plus classic photographic images are well utilized. Keen photo fans should also watch out for the dozen or so rare or never before seen images additionally included.

As a welcome sideline from the fantasy, the book also has several brief spreads devoted to the vital behind the scenes aspects that would bring the saga and its incredible tapestry to celluloid and digital realisation. Plus a brief but witty foreword from STAR WARS most recognized international ambassador and protocol droid shell inhabitor, Anthony Daniels, reflecting on his often-surreal life in the fantasy juggernaut and its all-consuming aspects.

A class item from the get-go, what with its stylized B/W inside front and back covers and two stunning THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK photo cards, the complex politics, darkness and maneuverings of the Prequel Trilogy, to the gung-ho spirit and energy of the Classic Trilogy are firmly represented, as is the full integrating of THE CLONE WARS animated series (though sadly nothing from the Genndy Tartakovsky era), whose own set of characters and grand scale storytelling have proved just as important and popular as the live-action work, including important entries linked to its recently seen The Lost Missions episodes. Plus the new dawn of heroism and resistance with DISNEY’s first animated series in the universe, STAR WARS REBELS, also highlighted with its opening season, surely delighting the new and growing generational fan base it has rabidly inspired.

Disappointingly, though, there’s no real preview for THE FORCE AWAKENS, except for a few seen-them-all-before behind the scenes images. Would one exclusive sneak peek image inclusion really have spoilt anything?

A richly rewarding immersion into film and space fantasy legend, ULTIMATE STAR WARS is also a timely and necessary reminder of just how talented Lucas and his specially selected behind the scene teams were on the pioneering EPISODEs I-VI, how good the actors were at playing their roles, large or small, and, most importantly, a genuine indicator of how DISNEY really got this incredible and diverse cinematic franchise far cheaper than they should have!

AFICIONADO RATING: 9 out of 10

Get hold of ULTIMATE STAR WARS here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Star-Wars-DK/dp/0241007909/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1442401335&sr=1-1&keywords=ultimate+star+wars

With thanks to DORLING KINDERSLEY UK for its continued help and support.

TACTICS IN TERROR! THE 'IMPERIAL HANDBOOK' - COMING SOON TO THE UK...

They have supposedly brought order and peace to the universe from the ashes of the devastating Clone Wars, but in the process deliberately stripped planets of its peoples, technology and raw material to feed its burgeoning Imperial war machine. The First Galactic Empire's near twenty-year reign is no cause for joy or celebration to the people it supposedly protects, spreading its terror- enforced control and oppression across the stars like a virulent plague- its harsh and xenophobic ruling laws, decreed by the isolated and unchallenged Emperor Palpatine, initiated through thousands upon thousands of ambitious enforcers. The Empire's latest and ultimate information propaganda tool/doctrine compiled for its planetary and space command divisions will, surely, become not just a showcase for the continuance of Empire's evil means and the implementations of their long-term tactics/ ideologies. But should its valuable information fall into the wrong hands, it could also unintentionally become part of a unique and vital rallying call-to-arms by those pockets of isolated yet growing in strength resistance cells working against the odds in defying their rule of. Whoever holds this handbook in their hands may ultimately prove key to either the Empire's continuance or it's ultimate destruction!

Daniel Wallace's latest instalment in his detailed and acclaimed handbook series exploring key aspects of the STAR WARS universe- this one dedicated to the evil-doing of the Empire, and packed with a glittering array of fantastic illustrations, schematics and tactical illustration work via some of LUCAS BOOKS most accomplished artists (including Chris Trevas and Russell Walks) - is another must-have book for fans, arriving in the UK from 7th August, 2015.

You dare oppose us?! Art by Russell Walks.

Here's TITAN BOOKS publicity blurb:

Set in-world, Star Wars: The Imperial Handbook shares the knowledge of a newly promoted Commander in the Imperial Military, providing a comprehensive overview of the Imperial war machine.
 After the Battle of Endor, the guide fell into the hands of the Rebel Alliance who provide handwritten annotations. Writers and annotators include Emperor Palpatine, Admiral Yularen, Wedge Antilles, and Han Solo.

Star Wars: The Imperial Handbook Brings You Inside the Empire | StarWars.com

Get the book here: Titan Books - Star Wars - The Imperial Handbook - A Commander’s Guide - Daniel Wallace

STAR WARS: YEAR BY YEAR - A VISUAL CHRONICLE

If you haven't already got this exciting new book, published by DORLING KINDERSLEY, its certainly worth tracking down. Here's our review:

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: CLASSIC REVIEW: 'STAR WARS - YEAR BY YEAR'

And, for the younger fans, here's a link to reviews of three new THE CLONE WARS releases:

http://www.starwarsaficionado.com/clonewars2010books.html