Review by C.J. Bunce

This is the way… to catch up on all you haven’t yet learned about The Mandalorian.  In addition to Abrams’ brilliant high-end, behind the scenes book of original concept art The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (reviewed here) and two volumes of Titan’s The Mandalorian: The Art & Imagery (discussed here), Titan has announced the next book of the series, The Mandalorian Guide to Season One.  Compared to Titan’s The Art & Imagery books, this shiny hardcover book is more of a souvenir book, like the annuals UK publishers create for bigger franchises.  You’ll find more than photographs–there’s discussions and interviews about the entire first season, including an episode guide.  And you can now pre-order it here at Amazon.

And lots of images of cool prop helmets.

A key differentiator from the other books on the series is a focus on characters, which you won’t see elsewhere.  The Mandalorian Guide to Season One showcases the lead heroes and villains as you’d expect plus Kuiil, IG-11, Cara Dune, Werner Herzog’s “Client,” and the enigmatic Armorer, who fans can at last see unmasked.  The book provides the kind of backstory that will introduce anyone not familiar with every Star Wars detail an entry point for the show, recounting the events leading up to the series and the expanded universe elements that became the key faction of characters–the Mandalorians.

But beware–the behind the scenes elements include how The Child (aka Baby Yoda) made it to the screen, and if you fell in love with the fellow you may not want to see the electrical innards–that trademark Star Wars behind the scenes magic–that made him possible.

Perhaps the most fun are the photographs and explanations behind the creation of IG-11, the large  creatures, and a big overview of the rest of the supporting characters.  Here’s a look inside:

This is the work of artists and designers that inspired the final production sets, costumes, and props, with works by Doug Chiang, Christian Alzmann, Ryan Church, Nick Gindraux, John Park, Jama Jurabaev, Erik Tiemens, Brian Matyas, Seth Engstrom, and Anton Grandert.

Pre-order The Mandalorian Guide to Season One now here at Amazon or ask about ordering it through your local comic shop.  It’s scheduled for release May 18, 2021.