making-of-legoBy Tracey Miller-Zarneke

DK, out now

Everything you could want to know about the creation of the latest Bat-blockbuster.

As you’d expect, DK have pulled out all the stops for this behind the scenes guide to the LEGO Batman Movie, with plenty there for those who enjoyed the film, as well as those who are interested in the creation of an animated feature.

Starting with a brief timeline that explains the various elements that go into the movie from conception to its big screen premiere, the book is then divided into three sections: locations, characters and (of prime importance given this is a Bat-flick), the vehicles.

Each is lavishly illustrated with scenes from the film accompanied by pre-production designs and paintings – some reproduced as full spreads in this coffee table-size book, allowing you to see the real attention to detail. There’s also plenty of input from the production design team – explaining, for example, why Arkham Asylum has so much beneath the ground. The character sections include plenty of Easter eggs, such as a spread showing how Alfred copes with the jobs within Wayne Manor when he only has LEGO minifigure hands, or the possibility of a more Batman-like Robin costume for Dick Grayson. The vehicles part acknowledges the sheer impossibility of some of the items – something that, of course, animation allows.

The text is concise and informative, putting all the pieces (or should that be bricks) together in a logical manner; the design likewise keeps the reader’s attention focused.

Verdict: A fascinating insight into the making of the film. 9/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk