Star Wars: Who's Who In The Galaxy

The galaxy is full of so many amazing heroes, villains, droids, aliens and creatures; it can be hard to keep them all straight! Thankfully, this delightful character storybook with simple text and illustrations guides readers through Episodes I-VIII by introducing all of the key players along the way.

Out today is the fun new book from Disney-Lucasfilm Press, Star Wars: Who's Who in the Galaxy: Character Storybook. Written by Ella Patrick (Solo: A Star Wars Story – Train Heist) it looks at some of the more notable characters from all the Star Wars saga films to date. Missing of course is the yet to be released Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker so look for a complete “Who’s who…” somewhere down the line.

The book is a combination of both character profiles and story-book esthetics, taking us on an elementary path through the saga covering most of the major events through pictorials and wonderful illustrations.

Starting with Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, we go all the way through to the shot of the Resistance aboard the Millennium Falcon at the end of Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. In between you get most of the top billed characters from all seven films including mega-stars Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, Darth Maul, Sheev Palpatine, Mace Windu, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess/General Leia Organa, Kylo Ren, Rey, Finn…you get the idea.

What’s also fun is that the book gives shootouts to some folks who don’t always get to share the glory including Shmi Skywalker, Zam Wesell, Beru and Owen, Greedo, Teedo, Bazine Netal, and DJ. On the flipside, what’s kind of odd is that although they picture some characters such as Boss Nass, Dr. Cornelius Evazan, and Ponda Baba, they don’t mention their names, Nass is particularly strange since he’s profiled artistically.

And I’m assuming because it’s a children book, they omit certain details like that fact that Anakin and Shmi were slaves, not “desert dwellers”, a euphemism to be sure.

While Patrick certainly succeeds in getting the point across, the real star of this book is the art done by the trio of Leigh Zieske, PowerStation, and Pilot Studio. Using bright colors, soft edges, and surprising detail, the characters and scenes are so beautifully illustrated that even Cornelius Evazan looks kind of handsome!

Zieske, who’s portfolio includes Ahsoka, Queen’s Shadow, and Most Wanted, has been doing great work as one of Lucasfilm Publishing’s go to graphic designers. And you’ll remember Pilot Studio from their stunning work at 2016’s Star Wars Celebration Europe where they designed the badge and poster art for the event.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and vibrant introduction to the Star Wars saga and its characters for your kids before the release of The Rise of Skywalker, this is a great book. With a list price of only $12.99 US and a wonderful hardcover jacket, it’s an inexpensive pick-up that will look great on your bookshelf as well.

Order your copy today by clicking HERE!

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