The Art of Star Wars
Attack of the Clones
by Mark Cotta Vaz

Published by Del Rey

Scott's Rating:   4 out of 4

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This book gives a good look at much of the production artwork behind Attack of the Clones. This includes rejected designs, production paintings, animatics, early concepts of costumes, creatures, vehicles, and more. Highlights include the revelation that before Christopher Lee came along, the new Sith was going to be a female. We see early designs of Coruscant, Kamino, and Geonosis. It also includes an introduction by George Lucas.

Included in the book is the full original screenplay from the film by George Lucas and Jonathan Hales.

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Scott:

    I've always enjoyed the "Art of Star Wars" books, and this one is no exception. Mark Cotta Vaz does a great job of providing interesting and informative commentary, but he generally steps out of the way and lets the art speak for itself. The art ranges from full page spreads to thumbnails. All are appropriately credited and come with descriptive text.

While this book features the artwork of Episode I veterans like Iain McCaig and Doug Chiang, it also features stunning new pieces by Erik Tiemens, Ryan Church, Dermot Power, Edwin Natividad, and more. I was surprised to see just how influential Church and Tiemens were in the final look of the movie. Many of their paintings of the final battle on Geonosis and Coruscant look exactly like they do in the film. What's even more surprising is that many of their images were entirely digital.

Other highlights include the following:

- Mention that Padme's ship is designed after the Stealth Bomber.

- Zam Wesell's design was originally a prototype stormtrooper design.

- Dexter Jettster was designed after Mel from the TV show Alice.

- The Kaminoans were initially hybrids of the Close Encounters aliens.

- Concept paintings for the droid foundry inspired the addition of the entire action sequence there when reshoots were done.

- Lucas wanted the Acklay to be a cross between a velociraptor and a praying mantis.

This book would have been a great treat if it was just the art alone, but you get the added bonus of having the script included. It is highlighted with images from the animatics. It's a great resource. This book also comes in hardback and paperback options for the budget-minded fan.

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Scott:

    No gripes at all.

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Scott:

    Nothing to add.

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