TFA-Incredible-Cross-Sections-coverWritten by Jason Fry, illustrated by Kemp Remillard

DK Books, out now

Inside the vehicles and more of the latest Star Wars movie…

With The Force Awakens now hitting home video, and the release of the trailer for Rogue One, interest in Star Wars is once again awakening, and now that fans have the ability to freeze frame and examine every inch of the new universe in immersive detail, it’s a good time to look at this guide that brings it all together.

The word “incredible” is definitely applicable to the detail in the cross-sections. They’re not simply cold renditions of the transports etc. – the opener, showing the Stormtrooper Transport, includes Captain Phasma overseeing her troops, while the text gives some insight into the new versions of the Stormtroopers (no longer the clone warriors of earlier films). A lot of the history of the 30 years between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens is revealed here, almost casually!

There’s much here that rewards close reading – for instance, the Millennium Falcon includes a note about the reason for there now being a galley on board Han Solo’s freighter – and a very useful size comparison chart. Add on a number of beautifully presented spreads featuring scenes from the film, and you’ve got a tie-in book that goes that necessary step beyond.

Verdict: A fascinating look beneath the surface of the new movie – in more ways than one. 9/10

Paul Simpson