Battlestar Galactica Vault
Comprehensive Colonial compendium
Release Date: Out Now !
174 pages | Hardback Author: Paul Ruditis Publisher: Aurum Press
Covering both the 1978 series and the gritty 21st century reimagining ( as well as the various spin- offs), this worthwhile overview charts the history of that rag- tag fleet’s search for Earth, from producer Glen A Larson’s concept for a show called Adam’s Ark right up to the cancellation of Caprica.
Attractively illustrated, it draws heavily on concept art – including plenty of ’ 70s sketches by Ralph McQuarrie. There are some real treats here, like the Centurion designs which reveal a reptilian head hidden under that shiny helmet. Ten neat removable reproductions can be found tucked away in wallets on the inside covers.
Fans of the original may feel a little short- changed, given that author Paul Ruditis dashes through the story of its production in just 36 pages – though he does return to the era later on, in a rather heavy- going survey of the mythology of the Twelve Colonies. The use of double- spaced text throughout is also a little peculiar, and a few snaps of vintage merchandise might have added a fun factor.
Still, this is a book with its fair share of treasures, and the text makes good use of fresh – and often frank – interviews with latter- day producers Ronald D Moore and David Eick.
“Adama” is Hebrew for Earth, while “Kobol” is an anagram of Kolob, “the star closest to God” in the Mormon religion.
A classic Ralph McQuarrie Viper. A chimp called Evie was inside robotic dog Muffit.
