#ad: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Old-school printed books keep getting cheaper in the digital age, and this one is a goldmine for Star Wars fans.
I picked up a used copy of Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary for about five bucks, shipping included. Whether you are a casual fan or a hardcore one, it collects the characters, ships, droids and gear from the six original-era films in one thick reference book, including new cutaway views of R2-D2 and the fearsome Sarlacc.
- Huge range of characters, from Jango and Boba Fett to Mace Windu, Yoda and Queen Amidala
- Organized by episode, so it is easy to browse
- Close-up photos of real props, great for replica and prop collectors
- Very thick, with real depth and breadth
- It is a big, heavy book, not something you skim in one sitting
- Used copies may have some markings, like mine
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
What is inside the book
The book is split into an introduction plus sections for Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Each one is packed with characters, creatures, droids and ships, so you can look up who is who and what everything is called.
Flipping through, I found clones, Jango Fett and Boba Fett, Mace Windu, Yoda, droidekas, Chancellor Valorum and Queen Amidala, plus a section on how the clone troopers were grown. It is kind of like a LinkedIn for Star Wars: there are people in here I did not even know.
Cutaways and prop close-ups
The cover promises new cutaway views of R2-D2 and the Sarlacc, and there is a great shot of the Millennium Falcon. I even recognized a picture I remembered from a Star Wars book I had as a kid.
If you are one of the people who collects props and replicas, the close-ups are the best part. You get photos of real pieces like comlinks, and it is amazing to think about all the sets and props they built back in the day.
How big is it?
This is not a small book by any means. I was grabbing 10 to 15 pages at a time just to flip through it, and I was impressed by how much is in here.
It is the kind of thing that is perfect for geeking out over a long Midwest winter when you need something to do indoors.
Is it worth it?
For about five bucks used, absolutely. I am not sure it is still in print, but used copies are easy to find. If you love Star Wars, or have a kid who is getting into it, this is a fun way to dive into the details. And yes, true fans will correct you immediately if you ever call Jango Fett Boba Fett.
FAQ
Which movies does the Complete Visual Dictionary cover?
The copy I showed covers Episodes I through VI, with a section for each episode plus an introduction.
Does it include cutaway views?
Yes. The cover calls out new cutaway views of R2-D2 and the Sarlacc, and there are detailed spreads like the Millennium Falcon.
How much did you pay?
I bought mine used on Amazon for about $5, including shipping.
Is it good for prop collectors?
I think so. It has close-up photos of real props, such as the comlinks, which helps if you collect replicas.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
Leave a Reply