THE (EVEN) WIDER UNIVERSE! THE NEW 'STAR WARS CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA' - OUT NOW!

The saga continues! Updated, expanded and out now: the STAR WARS CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA. Images: DK BOOKS.

In the widening history of STAR WARS, one thing is clear: no character has too large or too small a role to play in adding to the overall believability and detail of its incredible fantasy universe. From iconic heroes, or indeed iconic villains, to droids, aliens, and other bizarre non humanoid creatures, all that are presented prove fascinating to see and experience within the seven (so far) filmic adventures- a literal roll call of the thousands that make it pretty much transcend all other sci-fi and fantasy franchises in movie history.

Back in 2011, veteran STAR WARS scribe Simon Beecroft and DK BOOKS gamely began work charting the best, the brightest, the most popular and the rising stars of the saga with their handy-sized, full colour, attractively designed CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA. Since then, however, a lot - really, a lot! - has happened! Now, with the release on Blu-ray and DVD this month of THE FORCE AWAKENS, that special book gets the bright and shiny revision it deserves- still in the same welcome-all-ages, accessible format as before (full page profiles with data files, character and costume notes, plus classic scene imagery), but now blessed with an extended page count charting great new heroes for an exciting new age: orphan scavenger now Force awakened Jedi heroine, Rey, kind hearted and heroic First Order escapee FN-2187 (or "Finn"), daring and cocky Resistance pilot/leader Poe Dameron, the lovable one-of-a-kind ball that is droid BB-8, the vicious and patricide bringing Kylo Ren, and his First Order partners in the sneery General Hux and the shinily brutal Captain Phasma, as well as supporting characters of upcoming importance, like the enigmatic and mysterious alien bartender Maz Kanata. Intriguingly, and surely deliberately, only the shadowy and twisted Supreme Leader Snoke (pretty much kept a secret from all the other DK books so far linked to TFA), remains noticeably absent.

Our Classic Trilogy "legacy" heroes importantly crossing paths with these super newcomers (notably Han, Leia and Chewbacca) also receive fully warranted and updated profiles (though with the exception of the mythical Jedi "New Hope" Luke Skywalker- as with Snoke, his role and final visual appearance also having kept secret by the filmmakers, especially with his acting as the primary "Macguffin" for TFA). Other saga-crossing support stars getting a similar treatment include former Rebels now resisting Admiral ("It's a trap!") Ackbar and fighter pilot Nien Nunb. And let's not forget the wealth of supporting EPISODE VII characters bringing further freshness and interest, whose selections in this new compilation are even better than expected, especially character roles whose importance were sadly reduced during the film's final cut, like General Leia Organa's youthful aide killed on Hosnian Prime, Korr Sella, and other welcome shout outs: Wookiee liking Doctor Kalonia, crimson pirate Captain Ithano, and the Jakku desert world's only real law and order in Constable Zuvio, plus several others who can also be seen in exclusive deleted scenes on the Blu-ray.

Giving the book additional authorized weight as a worthy purchase, Beecroft is assisted by long-time STAR WARS continuity veteran Pablo Hidalgo, now such a vital part of the series storytelling team for both Lucasfilm and Disney, and whose fact-packed, treasure trove mind brings further depth and interest to the new sequels well-grounded storytelling foundations.

AFICIONADO RATING: Capturing the tone and spirit of this audience/fan pleasing new phase for the saga and its characters, yet carefully keeping all of the prior greatness of the George Lucas created universe intact in deserved symbiosis, DK BOOKS sterling work in entertaining and delighting STAR WARS fans continues with enthusiasm and distinction. Its going to be very interesting to see how the encyclopedia adapts and encapsulates the upcoming ROGUE ONE and EPISODE VIII during the next two years. 4 out of 5.

Get hold of it here: Star Wars Character Encyclopedia Updated Edition: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9780241232217: Books

Pablo Hidalgo Star Wars Character Encyclopedia Interview | StarWars.com

With thanks to DK BOOKS for their continued help.

'THE FORCE AWAKENS' WITH DORLING KINDERSLEY!

These are the books you're looking for!

The first official books linked to the spectacular events of THE FORCE AWAKENS have finally arrived in bookstores, with DK's titles stylishly leaping out from the starting gate- their VISUAL DICTIONARY surely being at the top of fandom's must-have list. LUCASFILM veteran and now key story development official Pablo Hidalgo provides the vital and surely challenging job of penning this all eyes primed book, and I have to say its been very well thought out and written, giving us all the info we need, and more, on the new movie, whilst crucially filling in the vital back story to so many characters, historical incidents, planets and technological changes forming such a crucial part of that massive, all-new-to-be-explored gap between RETURN OF THE JEDI and EPISODE VII, as well as cunningly giving us some potential plot points for EPISODE VIII if you know where to look! It's so detailed, there's easily ten years worth of build-up original novels, short stories and other spin-off material to be mined from just this movie! Alongside the always pleasing interior design standard to this beloved continuing series, the book has a superb selection of photographic material finally going beyond the standard 26 images or so that have been constantly printed in the media this last eight months, plus some intriguing deleted scene shots that we hope will make it to the Blu-ray in 2016.

AFICIONADO RATING: 5 out of 5

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9780241198919: Books

With THE FORCE AWAKENS pleasing fusion of old and new STAR WARS imagination and design comes the equally important INCREDIBLE CROSS-SECTIONS book, giving us a striking and prized look at the story's new and old vehicles, weaponry and technology that will become so important and part of the mythos for the next three films (and beyond). In all there are twelve art pieces: new ships showcased include Kylo Ren's vicious looking, bat-like command shuttle, the immense Finalizer Star Destroyer, the Resistance's B-wing-esque transport, scavenger heroine Rey's unique Jakku speeder, a mysterious freighter whose owner we won't yet spoil whilst the film is still in release, and a deleted scene enemy vehicle which you'll know when you see it, then wish it had made it to the final cut! And let's not forget the classic craft given a new lease of creative life: the tried and trusted Millennium Falcon, the lethal and more aerodynamic First Order TIE fighters and the Resistance's sterling X-wing fighter warhorses, especially dashing pilot Poe Dameron's unique craft, Black One. The book's artwork, from Kemp Remillard is superb (I truly envy his abilities!), Jason Fry's notes are, as usual (being a veteran STAR WARS wordsmith), accomplished and thoroughly informative, and the spreads of new still images from the film make me wish that someone out there in publishing land would do a large format type book devoted just to the on-set photography alone.

AFICIONADO RATING: 4 out of 5

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Incredible Cross Sections: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9780241201169: Books

Finally, for the younger fans, there's the ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTION book, full of things to do and film information for them to interact with, as great images, scenes and artwork are transformed to sticker form, importantly showcasing its quickly iconic new heroes (BB-8 being a particular standout!), boo-hiss villains, and the wonderful Legacy cast of 1977-1983, in a fun way that's just in time for delivery into Christmas stockings.

AFICIONADO RATING: 4 out of 5

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Ultimate Sticker Collection: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9781409336600: Books

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'STAR WARS REBELS - EPIC BATTLES' (BOOK)

The struggle for survival and rebellion, brought to life in STAR WARS REBELS: EPIC BATTLES. Images: DK BOOKS.

Our motley heroes leading a rebellious charge from their small sector of space in Lothal will soon look down into the darkest, deepest pool of hate and revenge when they encounter the fearsome Sith warrior, Darth Vader, as the all-new second season of Disney's hit animated adventure STAR WARS REBELS returns this October. And as we await the sounds of fury ahead- clashing lightsabers, screeching TIE fighters and zingingly connecting laser blasts- why not spend some quality catching up with the incredible conflicts, events, character meetings and alien environments uncovered within the first season of the acclaimed STAR WARS history-making series, as DORLING KINDERSLEY's info and picture-packed, all-new young readers edition Visual Guide, EPIC BATTLES, hits the book shops and online from 1st October, 2015.

A day in the life of Chopper the droid!

The mysteries of a long-abandoned Jedi Temple.

Going beyond the early minisodes and episodes covered in last year's opening series guidebook, EPIC BATTLES takes us up and away from the beleaguered Lothal, as our heroes lose some of the their early, erratic nature to become a firm fighting unit with the arrival of young Jedi-to-be Ezra Bridger, now being trained in the ways of the Force by his new mentor in Kanan Jarrus. Along the way, they'll fight the despicable and cruel servant of Vader, the corpse-faced Inquisitor and his unique mastery of a rotating lightsaber face, encounter mystery and enlightenment with the discovery of an old Jedi Temple and the vocal guidance of a certain frog-like wizard from far far away, make a fun alliance with that lovable rogue Lando Calrissian, have a memorable encounter with the always out of his depth C-3PO, once more partnered with the more rational and brave R2-D2, attempt to free a trapped Jedi from a seemingly escape-proof hellhole, and discover a new destiny and sense of unity joining forces with another section of the spirited, fledgling Rebel Alliance, along with the return of an old favourite from the modern animated STAR WARS universe, in their struggles against the cruel and despicable Grand Moff Tarkin, controller of the Outer Rim territories, above the deadly volcanic lava planet "where Jedi go to die": Mustafar!

Ahsoka lives!

Adam Bray, one of DK BOOKS finest STAR WARS historians, charts the adventures of the universe canon-concocted by the STAR WARS STORY GROUP with easy to read flair, giving us the lowdown on the many shocks and surprises (especially linked to young Ezra) now being revealed in the years set before A New Hope, whilst the selected imagery and inventive design work showcasing key action and story beats is as classy and gorgeous as ever.

The Empire's technological might strikes back!

But it isn't all just about Season One. There's a fine chunk of coverage for Season Two as well- its feature-length opener, The Siege of Lothal, with the return of the gracefully heroic, no longer undercover Ahsoka Tano, somehow survivor of the brutal ORDER 66, and the indomitable and foreboding Darth Vader- his unflinching, almost unstoppable attack on out heroes and their merging with the newly revealed rebel phalanx, being nicely represented, as is the first regular episode of the season after that- giving dedicated THE CLONE WARS fans more satisfaction with the return of the older but certainly not obsolete Captain Rex, alongside two of his equally cranky but cause renewed Clone Troopers, now living in deliberate isolation on the salty plains of Seelos. And if that wasn't enough, the book's chilling final spread gives us a fearsome up close and personal look at the next new formidable lightsaber-adept baddie bringing antagonism and danger to the REBELS universe: the Seventh Sister!

AFICIONADO RATING: The tension rises, the saga continues, with this super second book- colourful, striking and fun- just as the weekly series is to so many fans. 8 out of 10  

Get hold of STAR WARS REBELS: EPIC BATTLES here: Star Wars Rebels: The Epic Battle: The Visual Guide: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9780241198247: 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.

COMING TO THE 'STAR WARS' UNIVERSE IN 2015...

Stunning preview art for EPISODE VII, for Entertainment Weekly magazine, by Martin Ansin.

To say 2015 is going to be an exciting time for STAR WARS fans of all ages is surely an understatement! Here's just a small sneak peak of what will be catching AFICIONADO's specific attentions, as The Force Awakens...

EPISODE VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS (in cinemas worldwide from December 18th, 2015)

* Hopefully some new footage for February's US SUPERBOWL half-time entertainment/movie promos period, as well as selected behind the scenes footage at CELEBRATION in Los Angeles in April, plus footage and cast and crew attendance at SAN DIEGO COMIC CON in July; a second teaser trailer for May's STAR WARS DAY, and a final extended trailer and new character TV introduction spots by at least October/November.

* New EPISODE VII sneak peaks in all the UK film and sci-fi magazines. EMPIRE film magazine, which has a strong relationship with Abrams/Bad Robot and Disney/Lucasfilm, are bound to have special previews by summer-time and October. Continuing the tradition, the US VANITY FAIR and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY will likely do something special as well! Expect Daisy Ridley to be on the cover of VOGUE or ELLE by at least December.

* Expect several tie-in MARVEL comics featuring lead-ins to specific events and characters of EPISODE VII, plus the later adaptation of the film.

* John Williams surely stunning soundtrack, available by at least mid-December.

* Disney Theme Parks ride/material linked to the film, with new contributions (either voice work or specially shot footage) from its new younger heroes, notably John Boyega and Daisy Ridley.

* Official novelisation- rumoured to be penned by Alan Dean Foster.

* Massive three-wave set of trading cards rumoured from TOPPS, separate or alongside its new Masterwork series.

Rian Johnson will be directing EPISODE VIII.

EPISODE VIII: TITLE TBA

* Pre-production work, animatics and early special effects sequences will gather apace in the US and London from Summer onwards, with Rian Johnson on board for writing/directing duties. Luke and Leia will apparently continue to make vital contributions to VII and IX.

STAR WARS UNTITLED SPIN-OFF

* Commences shooting at Pinewood Studios around May, written by Gary Whitta, directed by Gareth Edwards. May involve a pre-EPISODE IV story about how the Rebels, using help from bounty hunters and other shady associates, win their first major victory against the Empire and capture the original Death Star plans.

OTHER CINEMATIC EVENTS

* EPISODE III gets a limited 3D release later in the year (US TBA), possibly followed by IV to VI in the format (US). The Classic Trilogy may get an additional non-3D theatrical release in the weeks of anticipation to EPISODE VII.

* Classic Trilogy to finally arrive unaltered, but restored in sound and picture quality, by November on manila Blu-ray, via DISNEY in special arrangement with LUCASFILM and FOX.

STAR WARS REBELS

* The continuation of Season One, beginning in the US on DISNEY XD and online from early January, featuring the vocal return of Frank Oz as Yoda, Billy Dee Williams, and a possible second Vader cameo. Complete Season DVD release expected by October.

* Season Two, beginning next September/October, with possible guest voices (for a flashback sequence?) from Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker and Ashley Eckstein as Ahsoka Tano. Plus some kind of linkages in and out of that year to EPISODE VII.

* A possible Obi-Wan TV special of some kind may be in the works- TBA.

OTHER BOOKS

* A mountain of EPISODE VII related books for readers young and old by November/December, including a novel tie-in (arriving after the film's release in cinemas), a storybook, several visual guides from DORLING KINDERSLEY (with a spread peek at new ships in next summer's Definitive Guidebook), plus a Making of, likely by J.W. Rinzler.

* At least two lavish new archive-related SW books from J.W. Rinzler/ LUCAS BOOKS spread through the year, with separate publicity features via STAR WARS INSIDER.

* Original novels: Luke Skywalker stars in Heir to the Jedi, Vader and Palpatine in Lords of the Sith, and Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Vos in Dark Disciple, all in the UK from Winter to Summer via CENTURY PUBLISHING.

OTHER COMICS

* MARVEL unleashes its new series of Classic Trilogy adventures in January, including separate Darth Vader and Princess Leia mini-series in February and March. It also continues its digitially recoloured reprints of classic past comic stories and film adaptations in physical and online form.

COMING SOON: 'STAR WARS IN 100 SCENES'

Light and dark fight for the universe in STAR WARS IN 100 SCENES. Images: LUCASFILM/DORLING KINDERSLEY.

Over the last ten years or so, there's rarely not been many a magazine feature or Internet site detailing what they think have been the most important and classic scenes from across the landmark six films (so far) of George Lucas's STAR WARS saga. Even STAR WARS AFICIONADO has its own regular plethora of "Classic Images" on display from time to time. But there's never been an official Lucasfilm book using this idea to truly encompass such a worthy endeavour of celebration and revelation. Until now, that is, with the arrival of Jason Fry and DORLING KINDERSLEY's lovely new tome STAR WARS IN 100 SCENES, coming this 1st September, 2014 in the UK, priced £14.99.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is caught in a lethal space trap in Duel in the Rings.

The shroud of the Sith has fallen, but Master Yoda fights on for the Force.

Exactly what it says on the tin, this is a charming book, particularly aimed at the STAR WARS newbies, about to experience the old and new characters and environments of EPISODE VII, whom surely have some fast-paced catching up to do by next Christmas. Presented in film order, and in the best DK infomatic style, each classic scene advances through the bigger picture of the overall saga, presented in easy to read but lavish spread form, featuring a main picture and small images with plot-packed info above and around it (including characters, locations, vehicles and weaponry), alongside key dialogue quotes and snippets of behind the scenes information. Visually notable, EPISODEs IV to VI use a combination of on set scene photographs (with the odd choice rarity thrown in) mixed with good quality screen captures.

Resurrection of evil, and the emergence of Darth Vader.

The temptation of Luke Skywalker, and a Dark Lord's Secret...

From the return of the Sith, to the fateful Order 66 and the immolation of Darth Vader, to the spirited heroism of Luke Skywalker and his friends on Tatooine, the Death Star and beyond, whatever your favourite films, or favourite specific trilogy, all the moments you could ask for are well represented within this terrific 208-page hardback time capsule, more than fulfilling its purpose in informing and entertaining its readers, reminding us, because we like it, why STAR WARS is still the greatest space fantasy saga ever realised for the big screen cinematic audience medium.

AFICIONADO RATING: A remarkable universe, and a modern fairy tale that continues to delight and spellbind the world. 4 out of 5

Get hold of STAR WARS IN 100 SCENES here: Star Wars In 100 Scenes: Amazon.co.uk: Dk: Books

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'STAR WARS REBELS - THE VISUAL GUIDE'

Children of the revolution! The young cast of STAR WARS: REBELS. All images: LUCASFILM/DISNEY/DORLING KINDERSLEY.

STAR WARS REBELS: THE VISUAL GUIDE

Written by Adam Bray

With a Foreword by Dave Filoni

Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY

Available in the UK from August 1^st, 2014. Price: £12.99

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Hera Syndulla, Sabine Wren, Chopper, Zeb Orelios…

Names that may seem unfamiliar now but ones that will soon become feared and hated by their enemies in the tyrannical Galactic Empire. Names whose spark will light an expansive, consuming touch paper to an eventual rebellion against evil, corruption and injustice in the dark times that have since enslaved a universe. The heroes, and villains, of the freshly minted STAR WARS REBELS animated series arrive this October on the worldwide Disney XD channel, of which enthused author Adam Bray, Lucas Books and the dedicated custodians of the STAR WARS visual history flame based at DORLING KINDERSLEY now bring soon-to-be enraptured younger readers an evocative and exciting Visual Guide to the hotly anticipated next phase of the STAR WARS legend on television.

▶ Star Wars Rebels: Full Trailer (Official) - YouTube

Specially designed to capture the adventurous spirit and galaxy traversing tone of that Original Trilogy which first exploded on to cinematic screens in 1977, set in the STAR WARS universe timeline five years before former farmboy Luke Skywalker changed the galaxy forever in destroying the behemoth Death Star space station, REBELS gives us a new young warrior to root for- Ezra Bridger. Almost the ultimate definition of a street urchin with a cocky but also vulnerable side to his nature, the isolated Ezra has survived on his wits, instincts and unusual latent abilities since he was very small on the far-off frontier world of Lothal. Talents for survival against an often harsh backdrop of oppression and violence that will lead him to uniquely joining a new “family” recognizing and helping him awaken his potential as a Jedi Knight-one of a rare breed seemingly exterminated from the universe for the most part by the evil Sith Lord duo of Emperor Palpatine and his ruthless servant, Darth Vader.

 

A new destiny awaits loner Ezra Bridger.

Ezra’s destiny, within this time frame of oppression dominated by dark-deeded spies, legions of same-faced Imperial Stormtroopers and their overall technological superiority in the suppression of peoples and worlds, soon emerges as a shining beacon to raw heroism, changed for the better alongside his new compatriots, who themselves change for the better in his company. A group of hardened, capable, quirky and very diverse resistance fighters from all corners of the universe, and of all shapes and sizes- a veritable STAR WARS version of Robin Hood and his Merry Men- led by pony-tailed Kanan Jarrus, soon out of hiding to reveal his own powerful status as a Jedi, now that he has witnessed Ezra’s future potential in the Force. Together, will they be powerful enough to defeat the Sith reign? 

 

Familiar Imperial technology returns to the saga.

Its tone established right from the hour-long opener, from then on its fast-paced action, humour and STAR WARS history-making/ icon celebrating all the way, as author Bray enlightens readers with this new/old universe, giving us the full lowdown on our rebel cadre- their backstories, capabilities and idiosyncrasies, alongside their intriguing weapons and technology, travelling the distant realms together from Lothal to Kessel in their unique Corellian-made, blockade running, armament-packed, TIE fighter battling ship, Ghost. Charting the journey so far, the book details some of the new and familiar faces on hand, plus some of the shady, other side of the coin partners Kanan and co. will have no choice but to ally themselves with in order to survive and fight on.

 

Touched by evil- the determined Inquisitor.

And then there’s the Empire, of whom Ezra and co. soon make an impact against, especially once Kanan’s Jedi skills are finally revealed after years of being deliberately hidden or subdued, soon putting them firmly in the targeting sights of the most sinister and dangerously effective forces in dedicated service to the Sith: notably the Utapau-born Inquisitor- intelligent, unpredictably cunning and, though not quite a Jedi, a truly demonic warrior certainly bearing the necessary lightsaber skills to take out anyone who stands in his way. Backed up by the dedicated human Agent Kallus, commanding his Stormtroopers with an in-the-thick-of-it fighting style, fearsome might and ambitious, unparalleled ruthlessness, evil has never been more prescient or generated more fear. One thing’s for sure, our heroes, and the viewing audience, are in for a thrill-packed, eventful ride from their building conflicts, of which this book is an exemplary primer- showing us the wonder and excitement that only the STAR WARS franchise can deliver. As REBELS boldly fuses the visuals and universes of EPISODEs III and IV together in all their rich detail, Bray opens the door to the pilot episode and then goes beyond it, examining several further future key episodes that look just as intriguing, his info-revealing text clear, concise and appealing, indicating a series that will likely grow ever-more depthful as it goes on. The colourful book’s designers, their love affair with STAR WARS happily contagious, additionally enhance the enterprise with beautiful spreads promoting standout key action and character moments that will surely become indelible over time within the overall franchise's modern canon status. In that galaxy far, far away, the wind to shake the stars is gathering momentum anew…

AFICIONADO RATING. The first phase of DISNEY’s inheritance of the STAR WARS franchise begins.Backed up with a worthy, part-nostalgic foreword to the series by co-creator Dave Filoni, who also previously help mastermind THE CLONE WARS to animated acclaim, this Visual Guide to the all-new STAR WARS REBELS, particularly designed for a more youthful reading style and viewing base, will surely be the first of many volumes! 3.5 out of 5

Get hold of the book here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Rebels-Visual-Guide/dp/1409353303/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406890309&sr=1-1&keywords=star+wars+rebels

▶ Interview with Adam Bray, author of Star Wars Rebels: The Visual Guide - YouTube

"There's one! Set for stun!"

Catch the new seven-minute preview for STAR WARS: REBELS here: ▶ First Look at Star Wars Rebels - YouTube