‘Star Wars’ Book Focuses On ‘Essential Characters’

“Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Characters” by Daniel Wallace, illustrations by Mike Sutfin, 2002, Del Rey Books, $25.95, softbound, 221 pages: This neatly arranged book includes a pronunciation guide and a general time line for the “Star Wars” series, both of which are infinitely useful for anyone who doesn’t have a droid’s brain. This revised edition has been updated to include “The Phantom Menace,” “Attack of the Clones” and the new Jedi Order, and it has new color illustrations.
Each character included is given a one- to three-page spread with at least one portrait and plenty of information. After the character’s name is the name’s pronunciation and the character’s stats: species, sex, hair color (if any), eye color (or sensor color, in the case of droids), height and homeworld (if known). Heroes and villains are given equal billing, although more page space is offered those of whom more is known. For example, the somewhat enigmatic Darth Bane has only one page, while Chewbacca – the famous Wookiee from the original three films – has three.
One notable exception to this format is the Jedi Council Members, who appear together instead of being awarded their own pages. Ten of the more prominent members are given blurbs over the course of two and a half pages, and only seven members are drawn. They are not given descriptive stats such as eye or hair color, and it is not explained which characters the portraits represent. A similar exception is the grouping of the Jedi from the Battle of Geonosis. 
Characters from all of the “Star Wars” franchises are here, from those seen in the movies to those seen only in comic books or imagined in novels. The artwork is smooth, crisp and befitting of the “Star Wars” universe. The light and shadow the artist sometimes implements is becoming, and he understands how to make metals and jewels come to life. The color is rich and inviting as well.
At the end is an appendix of other notable characters, a few of whom get a head portrait. Some of these blurbs are very small – even as short as a single sentence – but at least the characters are included. Following the appendix is an extensive, and quite handy, bibliography. Each of the characters is listed again, with the initials of every publication, movie or special in which he or she (or it) has appeared. Even characters who have appeared only in “Star Wars” games are here, so if the reader has an unusual favorite, they are likely to find them in this book.
Lee’s take: An excellent source of information for Star Wars fans.
J.J.’s take: A good way to brush up on your favorite characters. 

LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol Tennessee. E-mail them at .