THE ART OF THE MANDALORIAN
Not many novels, so have some pretty pictures instead.
RELEASED OUT NOW! 256 pages | Hardback
Author Phil Szostak
Publisher Abrams
Ever since George Lucas hired Boeing industrial designer Ralph Mcquarrie to visualise the original Star Wars, the franchise has been making stars of its concept artists. The Mandalorian even showcases their work in its end credits. So it’s no surprise that this beautiful art book is a love letter to the craft.
While these season one illustrations predominantly appear in story order, narrative really isn’t the priority. There are pages devoted to the show’s origins and the making of each episode, but they’re too brief to take up much of your time – in fact, you find yourself wishing there was some chunkier prose to sink your teeth into, particularly on the subject of the show’s innovative digital sets.
That’s all forgivable, however, because this is a book where captions really come into their own. Having concept designers explain why they did what they did – whether they’re zeroing in on the Child’s look, or the aeroplane-inspired design of Mando’s ship, the Razor Crest – enhances artwork that’s already best in class. Because every single page of this book contains an illustration you’d happily cut out, shove in a frame and stick up on your wall – though it’d be a very pricy way to decorate your house… Richard Edwards
Director Dave Filoni’s note to help Amy Sedaris play mechanic Peli Motto was that she was like Danny Devito in Taxi.