By Phil Szostak

Abrams Books, out now

A detailed look at the design process behind The Mandalorian’s second season.

Phil Szostak’s weighty, coffee table book excels on two levels – it’s jam-packed with gorgeous illustrations and contains detailed narrative on how and why decisions are made. It doesn’t just look good, it explains the supporting processes.

In the foreword by lead designer Doug Chiang, who celebrated his 16th year of designing for Star Wars with Mandalorian Season 2, he takes us behind the scenes of this vital stage in a production’s development. Supported by double/page spreads and hundreds of designs, you veer from ‘that would never have worked’ to ‘if only’. The guidelines established by George Lucas are simple: Design as if a child drew it.

Each of the series’ eight episodes is tackled chronologically, showcasing not only the main hero designs, but supporting characters too. To maintain the secret identity of the Jedi in The Rescue, character Plo Koon was drawn in the pre-production process and he appears here in action poses. And check out those gorgeous renderings of Bib the Hutt.

Verdict: If ever there was any doubt as to how early designs define a production, this volume delivers page after page of beautiful, iconic artwork. 9/10

Nick Joy

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