Published: November 26, 2019
Publisher: Insight Editions
Author: Samuel C. Spitale
Foreword: Phil Tippett
Format: Hardback (348 pages)
RRP: $75 US, £50 UK
The synopsis;
Sideshow Collectibles has been immortalizing fan-favorite Star Wars characters for over a decade with their extraordinary, one-of-a-kind sculptures. This deluxe book celebrates the artistry that goes into capturing the true essence of these iconic characters and the passion and devotion that brings them to life. Featuring never-before-seen pre-production artwork and exclusive insights from the sculpting and design teams on the creation of each piece as well as dynamic photography that illuminates the power of their work, this book is the ultimate celebration of Sideshow’s ongoing journey into the Star Wars galaxy.
The review;
Okay, anyone who knows me, knows that I am a HUGE fan of Sideshow Collectibles. Back in March 2019, I wrote an article about my experiences amassing my collection of 1:6 scale figures. To say this book has been high up on my acquisitions list is an understatement. I haven’t been able to acquire the book as soon as I would have liked, but must admit, it has been well worth the wait!
The cover is impressive and the imagery so lifelike it looks like it is taken directly from a screenshot of Return of the Jedi. The front cover shows Luke being pursued on a speeder bike through the forest of Endor and the rear cover shows Luke with his lightsaber in hand ready to cut down his pursuer.
When you first open the cover, the matt black pages are adorned with gold lines that shape a familiar pattern. The smile soon appeared when I realised that the lines depict the more than familiar lines that shape the hull of the Millennium Falcon. And from that moment, the book just oozes quality.
It covers every Star Wars range that Sideshow has produced between 2014 and 2019. This includes the 1:6 scale, premium format & legendary format figures, dioramas, life-size busts & figures, bronze sculptures, and artist series statues. Every item released during that 15-year period is lovingly documented in what I can only describe as a high-end catalogue and check list of their wares.
Two things really struck me about this book and one actually worries me. Firstly, the amount of releases Sideshow have given us in that period, but the worrying thought is this. How many of these I actually own and can’t display due to the sheer volume that I own!
The choice for Spitale to write this book works well. The text really does compliment the huge number of pictures within, giving little notes and comments about the development of most items. This is particularly well done for the highlight pieces which selects stand out pieces and takes a deeper look at them.
This book showcases just how good Sideshow’s work has been. It also reveals that they strive to perfect their releases by embracing and developing state of the techniques to take them to next level of accuracy.
In waxing lyrical and giving this book such a glowing review, it has got one major flaw. It has rekindled my love of collecting Sideshow. I am now the proud owner of my Mythos Obi-Wan 1:6 scale figure; AKA my grail figure! To sort of quote Obi-Wan himself when I clicked the mouse button to confirm my purchase “I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if my bank manager suddenly cried out in terror and was suddenly silenced.”
This is one of my favourite Star Wars related books that I own, and personally can’t wait to see where Sideshow take us next. I’m just hoping that this book doesn’t prove to be a very costly purchase for me!
Availability;
Star Wars: Collecting a Galaxy – The Art of Sideshow was released on November 26, 2019 and is published by Insight Editions. It is available from Amazon UK and US, all good bookstores, and online retailers.
