By Mike Avila

Titan Books

A lavish coffee table book covering the behind-the-scenes creation of Apple’s adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s science fiction classics.

This is the sort of book that Titan have covered the market with. Hardback, quality paper, over-sized, and packed with crystal clear reproductions of concept art, VFX photos and cast imagery. This is no way a criticism, rather a reassurance that this is a quality product.

Cannily released after the second season has completed its run means that we get copy and images that cover all 20 episodes, rather than being coy about spoilers. In addition to the impressive visuals, there are new interviews with showrunner David S. Goyer, stars Jared Harris (Hari Seldon), Lee Pace (Day), Lou Llobell (Gaal Dornick) and Laura Birn (Demerzel), along with producers, directors and other crew members.

We discover how the key to cracking the format was taking the series of books and stopping the story from feeling anthological, how gender-swapping of key roles was essential for a modern audience to engage, and the addition of the Cleonic Dynasty created the necessary antagonists.

Because the show relies on significant world building to bring Asimov’s vision to life, there are interviews with production designer Rory Cheyne and VFX supervisor Chris MacLean, supported with detailed sketches and schematics. And who knew that the show went as far as Prague, Canary Islands, Germany, Iceland and Malta?

In addition to seven character/actor biographies,  there’s a useful timeline, sections on the series’ many locales, vessels, creatures and a glossary.

Verdict: A detailed dive into the extensive world building of Apple’s Asimov adaptation. 8/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk