By Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann

Titan Books, out now

An in-depth look at Star Trek: Discovery’s first two seasons, featuring pages of designs, behind-the-scenes photos and discussions with the creatives.

When Titan Books issue a new hardback Star Trek art book written by genre veterans Paula M Block and Terry J Erdmann you know you’re in safe hands, and this latest release, focusing on Discovery, doesn’t disappoint. Opening with a Foreword by co-creator Alex Kurtzman where he shares how as a youngster he would pore over the Enterprise’s blueprints and copies of Starlog magazine, you immediately feel a kinship with what’s to follow.

Kurtzman’s mantra was to make a TV show as spectacular as a motion picture, something that was demonstrated by the spectacular opening shot of the very first episode. As you’d hope, there’s a detailed overview of the design and execution of the opening credits and the titular ship, with a focus on the Engineering department and shuttlebay. What follows is a comprehensive dive into everything from the USS Shenzhou to the updated insignia badge and uniforms.

The Klingons understandably come under the microscope, looking at their new design, costumes, weapons and ships. The section on effects is particularly fascinating, with pages on the planetary backgrounds, the tardigrade and how the designers managed to sneak in some cool Easter eggs.

We discover how our favourite Kelpian, Saru, got his face and home, and there’s an opportunity to go on Black Alert with Section 31 – Leland’s stealth ship and their dark costumes are scrutinised. Throw in a discussion on the use of Brutalism and how the recreation of the Enterprise bridge required sourcing buttons from a fan, and you have an eclectic 200 pages.

Verdict: Beautifully illustrated, written by experts, and jam-packed with cool facts, it’s another winning Titan making-of volume. 9/10

 

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