'STAR WARS' AT 45 - DANIELS OF THE DESERT!

Daniels checks the shooting script on the first day's filming.

For a singular day at least treated with care and respect by the behind the scenes crew and Tunisian extras within this physically limiting and painful costume, a youthful Anthony Daniels catches up with some of the script changes in a brief filming break on location for the original Star Wars, on the first principal photography day at the Nefta wastelands of Tunisia in March 1976. Having early trouble with the finished shooting script, Daniels additional lack of film experience at that time worries him- on the first shooting day it takes him three times before he can his dialogue about Vaporators correctly, though George Lucas isn't ultimately worried because he knows the actor's voice will need redubbing in post production.

With all the discomforts to come over the next five months of filming, Daniels would soon consider his weekly fee of £250 a paltry sum.

From that first unique day, who can forget the original first posed publicity images of Daniels as Threepio alongside Artoo Detoo on location in Tunisia. at the Lars Homestead? Think Artoo looks a bit different in the shots than he ultimately does in the film? Well, that's because the Artoo seen below would be the lightweight mock-up spare. moved about on piano wire, originally built for emergency use by Roger Christian (under instruction from Production Designer John Barry), just in case the remote controlled one, conceived and operated by UK Practical Effects Supervisor John Stears, broke down, which it ultimately and often did during the early days on location filming!

Scrap of Gold – Artoo’s Arms - YouTube

Daniels as Threepio alongside the piano wire-operated 'dummy' version of Artoo, on location in Tunisia for the film's early, now iconic, publicity images.

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'THE MOVIEMAKING MAGIC OF STAR WARS: SHIPS + BATTLES'

Following on from the success of their 2018 released examination of the saga's beloved creatures and aliens, Abrams Books for Young Readers releases the second of its highly-detailed, visually immersive Cinemagic books devoted to The Moviemaking Magic of Star Wars, this time focusing on the many ingenious and iconic Ships + Battles across the franchise's entire filmic landscape. New to the range author Landry Walker goes to town charting the incredible and inspiring behind the scenes developments and landmarks that would change the face of cinema and pop culture history forever, alongside many very rare images, storyboards and art pieces from the Lucasfilm Archive that are effectively showcased. The detailed tome even gets to include a brief, picture-focused sneak-peek at some memorable moments from the newly-released The Rise of Skywalker.

Here's the official book blurb:

Go behind the scenes on the Journey to The Rise of Skywalker in this interactive book to see how favorite vehicles from the Millennium Falcon to Imperial AT-ATs were created and used in legendary scenes like the Battles of Endor and Hoth

Go behind the scenes of the biggest movie franchise of all time in this immersive and interactive book to see how the most iconic vehicles in the galaxy from the Millennium Falcon to X-Wings and TIE fighters to AT-ATs and the Death Star were created and used in the films of the Star Wars saga. This collectible book includes special interactive elements, including six-page booklets, accordion folds, and flaps that reveal the magic behind the movies with concept sketches, molds, digital imagery and more! Plus, get a sneak peak at some of the vehicles from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker!

Get The Moviemaking Magic of Star Wars: Ships + Battles here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moviemaking-Magic-Star-Wars-Battles/dp/1419736337/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=star+wars+ships+and+battles&qid=1577547929&sr=8-1

Also available: The Moviemaking Magic of Star Wars: Creatures + Aliens:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moviemaking-Magic-Star-Wars-Creatures/dp/1419728199/ref=sr_1_1?crid=264OHIP15PJT3&keywords=moviemaking+magic+of+star+wars+creatures+%26+aliens&qid=1577884217&sprefix=moviemaking+magic+of+star+wars%2Caps%2C350&sr=8-1

OUT THIS WEEK IN UK PAPERBACK: 'THE LAST JEDI - A JUNIOR NOVEL'

Following on from his 2015 success in adapting the franchise re-launching The Force Awakens, Michael Kogge makes a sterling return in charting the further all-new adventures of our exciting band of STAR WARS sequel heroes to Junior Novels, with The Last Jedi, based on the story by writer/director Rian Johnson, and published by EGMONT just in time to accompany the film's UK Blu-ray/DVD release next week from LUCASFILM/DISNEY.

Kogge once more delivers the accomplished goods with this fast-paced read that features lots of deleted scenes given reality on the page (a lot of which can be found on the new blu-ray release), as well as crafting further insightful opportunities showcasing the expanded adventures of Jedi-to-be Rey, who gets more than she bargained for in meeting the enigmatic self-exiled legend Luke Skywalker, ex-Stormtrooper turned hero Finn's travels to an intergalactic casino world, and the new leader of the Resistance in bold X-wing pilot Poe Dameron, taking on the mantle of responsibility from his friend and leader in Leia Organa in fighting the brutal pursuit of the evil First Order, led by the antagonistic, power-hungry, adolescent psycho Kylo Ren. By the conclusion on the salt world of Crait, Kogge gives both Luke and Leia's characters a welcome sense of closure, for him as a mythic and inspirational Jedi, and her as the original leader of the Resistance. Other memorable fill-in-the blanks between sequences moments are well honed, and, unlike the film, we also finally discover what happened to that shady hacker known as 'DJ'!

Light rises to meet darkness once again, and the resultant conflict in novel form will thoroughly entertain readers old and new.

Get the book here (please note- the UK edition does NOT contain a colour photo section):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Last-Junior-Novel/dp/1405289228/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522771088&sr=8-1&keywords=the+last+jedi+junior+novel

Other important STAR WARS movie books from Egmont UK.

NEWS: THE NEXT TRILOGY AND LIVE-ACTION SERIES

As previously indicated, Kathleen Kennedy and LUCASFILM are planning the next wave of STAR WARS adventures beyond 2020, with new input from Rian Johnson. But just what is going on with that seemingly-in-limbo third Anthology movie?

http://www.starwars.com/news/rian-johnson-writer-director-of-star-wars-the-last-jedi-to-create-all-new-star-wars-trilogy

https://www.screendaily.com/news/disney-rian-johnson-plot-new-star-wars-trilogy/5124139.article

NEW 'STAR WARS' TITLES OUT MARCH '17 - FROM EGMONT

March 2017 is certainly a bumper month for UK STAR WARS fans to enjoy via those imaginative publishing greats at EGMONT. The new ADVENTURES IN WILD SPACE adventure, The Cold, as well as fan favourite novel AHSOKA, will keep the older readers happy. Now comes two titles for the younger fans to enjoy across the Easter holidays, and beyond!

STAR WARS: MAKE & DO

Learn how to draw your favourite Star Wars characters, create cool crafts, and design your own masterpieces in this incredible activity folder.

Follow the steps to sketch and colour Yoda, Darth Vader, R2-D2 and many more. Make a hairy Wookiee puppet and a papier mache stormtrooper helmet. Then use the sketchpad to bring your own ideas and drawings to life.

Includes stickers and templates to enhance your creations, this is the Star Wars activity book that no child should be without.

Look out for other Star Wars activity books:

Star Wars: Art Therapy

Star Wars: Dot to Dot

Star Wars: Colouring by Numbers

Star Wars: Galaxy of Colouring

Star Wars Art of Colouring: The Force Awakens

Get it here: Star Wars Make and Do: Amazon.co.uk: 9781405279970: Books

STAR WARS - ART OF COLOURING: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Relax, and let the creativity flow through you. Whether a skilled artist or an everyday dabbler of drawings and doodles, fans of all ages will enjoy the awesome new vehicles, locations, and characters from box office sensation, The Force Awakens. Colour in Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, BB-8 and many more in this beautifully illustrated book.

In The Force Awakens, Luke Skywalker has vanished. In his absence, the sinister first order has risen from the ashes of the Empire and will not rest until, Skywalker, the last Jedi has been destroyed.

Look out for other Star Wars activity books:

Star Wars: Dot-to-Dot

Star Wars: Galaxy of Colouring

Star Wars: Colouring by Numbers

Star Wars: Doodles

Get it here: Star Wars Art of Colouring The Force Awakens (Star Wars Colouring Book): Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm: 9781405285797: Books

NOW OPEN FOR SPECTACLE! THE LONDON 'STAR WARS IDENTITIES' EXHIBITION

Boba Fett and the Stormtroopers are your earliest point of entrance sights at the London STAR WARS IDENTITIES exhibition, open now.

Its one of the finest collections of STAR WARS props, art and behind the scenes information to be enjoyed (including several new pieces from THE FORCE AWAKENS), fused with an examination of our real-life human identities and the decision-making skill we all take that affect and shape our lives, as STAR WARS IDENTITIES: THE EXHIBITION, after a week of popular press and fan previews, fully opens to the the public and all fans from today, 18th October, 2016, at the popular London O2 Arena.

A fleet of original ILM models to savour!

If you're in the UK, and you have the chance to visit, do so-its well worth two hours of your time and fun for every age.

Preview feature: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'STAR WARS IDENTITIES' UK: WHAT TO EXPECT...

Tickets and official site: STAR WARS Identities | The O2
STAR WARS Identities FAQs | The O2

Star Wars Identities The Exhibition – Get to know the characters

FACEBOOK page: STAR WARS Identities - The Exhibition | Facebook

News: The Star Wars Identities exhibition opens in London with 200 items from original films | London - ITV News

Step into the Star Wars Identities exhibition - CNET

No lightsabers allowed as Star Wars exhibition lands in London | Film | The Guardian

Star Wars Identities probes the space saga's parts that Disney cannot reach | Film | The Guardian

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS: GALACTIC ATLAS'

A universe of heroes and villains explored in STAR WARS: GALACTIC ATLAS. Images: EGMONT and © and TM 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd.

EGMONT UK have released some beautiful STAR WARS books for fans of all ages to enjoy during the last eighteen months, but I think they may have outdone themselves with their latest release: the truly beautiful, ultra-detailed, highly-informative STAR WARS GALACTIC ATLAS, a wonderful visual fusing of the entire eight film (so far) saga's characters and far-ranging story/timeline (including the two animated series, a special all-new planet spread linked to the upcoming ROGUE ONE, and the now fully approved iteration of the post DISNEY era Expanded Universe) within a variety of key planetary locations and environments (from icon worlds like Yavin IV to Endor, Prequel favourites Naboo and Mandalore, plus the recently seen Jakku and Starkiller Base from THE FORCE AWAKENS), all explored and brought to striking life (across eighty unique pages) via the detailed eye and talent of artist Tim McDonagh.

Trailer: Star Wars: Galactic Atlas book trailer - YouTube

The galactic history events of the desert world of Tatooine are charted in one of many super spreads.

We've had STAR WARS related maps and timelines before in prior partworks and selected official books over the years, but certainly not like anything seen with this very special presentation. The GALACTIC ATLAS must surely be the definitive endeavour in the field and an essential purchase - especially for Christmas - that fans will be examining and enjoying for a long, long time to come.

Get the book here: Star Wars: Galactic Atlas: Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm, Tim McDonagh: 9781405279987: Books

'STAR WARS IDENTITIES' UK: WHAT TO EXPECT...

The eagerly awaited STAR WARS IDENTITIES exhibition/immersive experience launches at London's O2 Arena in just a few short weeks (from November 18th, 2016 to September 3rd, 2017), and here's a taster of what to visually expect, from when the show previously toured Canada during 2013. The exhibition has since been updated to include THE FORCE AWAKENS.

With thanks to Chris Baker for the images.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: STAR WARS IDENTITIES EXHIBITION

Classic Trilogy fighter pilot helmets.

Jedi and Sith costumes of the Old Republic.

An Imperial armada.

Padme Amidala's en vogue Prequel costuming.

Classic Trilogy icon costumes to savour.

A droid celebration from six films.

Han's chillin' out in Carbonite.

STAR WARS Identities - The Exhibition : extended TV spot - YouTube

Official website: Star Wars Identities The Exhibition – Get to know the characters

Facebook: STAR WARS Identities - The Exhibition | Facebook

Main site and book tickets: STAR WARS Identities | The O2

THE 'STAR WARS - IDENTITIES' EXHIBITION COMES TO LONDON. TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

From Jedi to Sith, experience STAR WARS IDENTITIES, now exhibiting in the UK! All images: © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.

It may not have gone from one side of the galaxy to another like Han Solo has, but the superb STAR WARS IDENTITIES exhibition, winning acclaim and sell-out popularity, has certainly begun an incredible journey from America, Canada, and Europe, now making its way across the shores to the saga's true filmmaking home, London, for the next year- uncannily perfect timing for the 40th Anniversary of this truly one-of-a-kind space fantasy franchise during 2017.

The atmosphere of Jabba the Hutt's Palace is recreated.

Witness the evolution of the Bounty Hunter Boba Fett and the Stormtroopers.

And though its an exhibition showcasing 200 of the greatest props, costumes, models, production notes and art from across the entire filmic saga created by George Lucas, as well as the pivotal new era of Lucasfilm with THE FORCE AWAKENS, IDENTITIES is also a welcome and powerful interactive exploration, and celebration, of the importance of the self: the personality, humanity and individuality we all have within us that makes us unique, yet also allows us to interact within family groups and life social structures. We'll see how our universe compares and follows that of our heroes and villains in their own key mythology. It should be quite a journey into the Force, from Tatooine and the Death Star, to beyond...

Rediscover the personal journey of light and dark experienced by Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader.

STAR WARS Identities - The Exhibition : extended TV spot - YouTube

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StarWarsID/

Check out the full STAR WARS IDENTITIES website here: Star Wars Identities The Exhibition – Get to know the characters

UK event sneak peek: STAR WARS Identities | The O2

From 18th November, 2016 to 3rd September, 2017, get tickets for the momentous O2 Arena staged exhibition, here: STAR WARS Identities Tickets London | The O2

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

OUT NOW FROM DK BOOKS: 'STAR WARS: YEAR BY YEAR' (REVISED EDITION)

What a difference six years can make in the STAR WARS franchise!

The lavish and thoroughly well researched STAR WARS: YEAR BY YEAR - A VISUAL HISTORY gets a welcome revision/expansion from DK Books and its elite authorship team headed by Pablo Hidalgo. Back in 2010, we had lots of Lucasfilm related things to enjoy: notably tons of merchandise, a celebration of 30 years of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, a CELEBRATION convention and the continuing high quality animated adventures of THE CLONE WARS. Now, with George Lucas's retirement and the new baptism of fire for his company via Kathleen Kennedy and DISNEY, the STAR WARS saga has become more popular and expansive than ever, what with animated successor STAR WARS REBELS, standalone films (like ROGUE ONE) and a box-office shattering new sequel trilogy (of which another successive set is apparently in early planning!) making their mark in continuous evolution, launching subsequent spin-offs of every size, shape and form, as well as history-in-the-making events galore to treasure as we approach the 40th Anniversary. See it all encapsulated and celebrated in this new tome, including a section on THE FORCE AWAKENS, within a striking new slipcase featuring Kylo Ren and Grandpappy Darth Vader.

Get the book here: Star Wars Year by Year Updated Edition: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9780241232415: Books

GOODBYE, KENNY BAKER...

You'll believe a droid can bleep, bloop. Kenny Baker with his iconic STAR WARS alter-ego: Artoo Detoo.

Though the legacy of the original STAR WARS is shining brighter than ever, one of its most memorable candles has sadly flickered out today, as the news comes to AFICIONADO that the man who indelibly brought to life, character, quirky humour, and even pathos, to the original R2-D2 shell of the Classic Trilogy, and for the opening films of the later Prequels, Kenny Baker, has passed on into the great unknown ahead of us, at the age of 83.

Kenny Baker, the Actor Who Brought R2-D2 to Life, Passes Away | StarWars.com
Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies age 83
Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies aged 81 - BBC News
Kenny Baker who portrayed Star Wars' R2-D2 is dead at 81 | Daily Mail Online
Kenny Baker, actor behind R2-D2, dies | Film | The Guardian
Kenny Baker Dead: ‘Star Wars’ R2-D2 Actor, Dies 83 | Variety
Kenny Baker dead: Star Wars' R2-D2 actor dies at 83 | EW.com
Mark Hamill and others pay tribute: Epicstream

Early days with George Lucas and John Barry working out the R2 shell and its mechanics.

Though they were never close friends off camera, there was no denying that Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker made on screen magic together as droid buddies Threepio and Artoo across two sagas.

At camera level watching filming at Elstree in 1976.

Squaring up to the legendary Mohamed Ali, no less!

Though he'd been prior involved in showbusiness to varying degrees, Baker, would be a rising star in the entertainment world by 1975, via the diminutive Mini Tones television and cabaret double act he shared with his friend and career partner in the also late, great Jack Purvis, and wasn't originally all that keen on playing a robot, nor operating its often very uncomfortable (at one point almost terminal-bringing) internal mechanics, for some strange, hard to fathom at the time science fiction film with overseas location lensing in Tunisia and at London's Elstree Studios. But the coercion of Production Designer John Barry and his team, the presence of Sir Alec Guinness as a key cast member, and the commitment of having Purvis doing additional character role work in the film, soon had him jumping aboard for an endeavour that nobody really had any high hopes about it being a huge success. Two years later and beyond, it was an altogether different story- Baker going on to enjoy a terrific, life-altering, world encapsulating career, carrying on his STAR WARS work and publicity whilst appearing in a diverse array of further entertainment projects, including TV comedy such as THE GOODIES and THE DAVE ALLEN SHOW, as well as acclaimed films like Terry Gilliam's zany and beloved family adventure TIME BANDITS, the colourful and exciting Sam Jones starring FLASH GORDON (which was filmed shortly after THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK at Elstree Studios), and cult favourite LABYRINTH.

On murky ground on the Dagobah set in 1979.

Always by Luke Skywalker's side in his X-wing.

A vital part of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK publicity tour.

On location as Paploo the Ewok for RETURN OF THE JEDI.

Back in the shell, and back in the Tunisian heat, for EPISODE I.

Always a friendly face at worldwide conventions, full of humour, anecdotes, cheeky charm, and loving the nightlife and a good seat at the bar, Kenny was much loved and respected by fans and filmmakers alike, and will be greatly missed by everyone in the STAR WARS community, of which he was such an important family member.

Official site: Kenny Baker | Actor Kenny Baker R2-D2

R2 D2 Actor 'Pleased' At News Of New Star Wars Films - YouTube
Kenny Baker interview - YouTube
R2-D2 builders wish Kenny Baker a happy birthday - YouTube

Always the fun centre of attention in Tunisia in 1976.

Making a visit to the EPISODE VII set, as an advisor, and for a photo shoot with R2.

R.I.P., Kenny, and thank you for the incredible mark you've made on film and genres history...

CELEBRATION 2017 clip tribute:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnYR-QM0zAU

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.