Published: April 28, 2020
Author: Daniel Wallace
Foreword: Dave Filoni
Cover: Kilian Plunkett
Formats: Hardback (208 pages); Deluxe Limited Edition (208 pages)
RRP: Hardback – $39.99; Deluxe Limited Edition – $99.99
The synopsis;
Hardback: An incredible hardcover amassing art and creator commentary chronicling four seasons of adventure in a galaxy far, far away!
In the early days of the rebellion, a tight-knit group of rebels from various backgrounds banded together against all odds to do their part in the larger mission of defeating the Galactic Empire, sparking hope across the galaxy.
The award-winning team from Lucasfilm Animation brought the beloved occupants of the Ghost into our homes five years ago, now, take a step behind-the-scenes to witness the journey from paper to screen with The Art of Star Wars Rebels. Featuring never-before-seen concept art and process pieces along with exclusive commentary from the creative team behind the show, Dark Horse Books and Lucasfilm proudly present the official look inside one of the galaxy’s most beloved shows.
Deluxe Limited Edition: This deluxe limited-edition package of The Art of Star Wars Rebels features a beautiful slipcase with illuminating lights and sound effects of igniting lightsabers when the case opens! This collection also includes a folio featuring an exclusive piece of art and a variant cover of the book to create a truly immersive experience that fans won’t want to miss!
In the early days of the rebellion, a tight-knit group of rebels from various backgrounds banded together against all odds to do their part in the larger mission of defeating the Galactic Empire, sparking hope across the galaxy.
The award-winning animation team of Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg, and Carrie Beck, along with the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation brought the beloved occupants of the Ghost into our homes four years ago, now, take a step behind-the-scenes to witness the journey from paper to screen with The Art of Star Wars Rebels. Featuring never-before-seen concept art and process pieces along with exclusive commentary from the creative team behind the show, Dark Horse Books and Lucasfilm proudly present the official look inside one of the galaxy’s most beloved shows.
The review;
When Dark Horse Books announced they were to release The Art of Star Wars: Rebels I got very excited. I loved the Rebels animated series and to get a book that also ticked the box for my love of concept art worked for me. Being a huge fan of Ralph McQuarrie’s work from an early age, this book was must have and it does not disappoint!
The cover illustration shows the Rebels ‘family’ by Kilian Plunkett. It’s a beautiful cover and there is just something about this image that evokes feelings of unity, love, compassion and family.
The foreword from Dave Filoni really develops the idea of family. I’ve already used that word a few times, but that is what I always felt about Rebels. Filoni explains that you don’t have to be blood relatives to treat each other like family. This runs parallels for me with some of my own friends who I see as family.
The first section is only 2 pages, called Early Development. This looks at original concepts for all the characters, including Zeb as an Ithorian (Hammerhead) and a Snivvian (Snaggletooth). There are some really cool ideas, but I feel the choices made for the series were correct.
Then we turn over for Season One: Spark of Rebellion. This chapter is then further broken down into sub-sections for Characters, Environments, Props and Vehicles. Each section drills down further into the development of every detail for each subject. Mixed with original McQuarrie sketches, 3D renderings, colour tests and that were used for reference when developing them
This format repeats itself for Season Two: Future of the Force, Season Three: The Fate of the Alliance and Season Four: One Giant Step Ahead. With each series it explains why characters appearances evolve, whether that be in looks or their costume.
Words are few and far between as there is just so much artwork crammed onto every page. But Wallace has been able to shoehorn some very interesting comments, notes and anecdotes alongside it.
This book is a must have for any fan of Star Wars concept art or the Rebels animated series. The only downside to this is that I only purchased the standard edition. The deluxe edition with light up lightsaber’s and presentation case looks absolutely stunning. This may even land in my collection if I can save some pennies over the coming months!
Availability;
The Art of Star Wars: Rebels was released on April 24, 2020 and published by Dark Horse Books. The hardback version retails at $39.99 and is available from all good high street bookstores and Amazon in the UK and US. The deluxe limited-edition version retails at $99.99 as is available from all good high street bookstores and Amazon in the UK and US.
