Review by C.J. Bunce

Whether your first encounter with Mandalorian armor was via the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special animated feature, or receiving a free action figure in the mail for sending in five Kenner proofs of purchase, or seeing Jeremy Bulloch’s Boba Fett creep around in The Empire Strikes Back, or seeing Temuera Morrison’s Jango fight Obi-Wan in Attack of the Clones, you probably remember being taken aback by its interesting design and the mysterious character inhabiting it.  A new collection of interviews with creators and actors behind the Mandalorians of the Star Wars galaxy arrives in comic shops and bookstores in two weeks.  The Mandalorian Collection (available for pre-order now here at Amazon) is a souvenir hardcover compilation featuring Boba Fett, Jango Fett, Bo-Katan Kryze, Din Djarin, and The Armorer.  In a sleek hardcover full of photographs, it’s as nostalgic and as cool as it sounds.

Pulling from years of interviews from Star Wars Insider–the magazine for fans–readers will go back to the very beginning as animator Clive Smith discusses in detail working with George Lucas on the animated segment of the Star Wars Holiday Special featuring the all-new Lucas creation–Boba Fett (the discussion reminded this fan of Howard Chaykin recounting his harried meeting with Lucas to prepare the first Star Wars comic book adaptation in the same era).

Interviews feature Dave Filoni discussing bringing Mandalorians into The Clone Wars animated series, and Jon Favreau discussing the 21st century version of Mandos in his series The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.  Other sections of the book discuss taking on these key characters in the shadows from an actor’s perspective.  Katee Sackhoff discusses her animated character-turned live-action warrior, Bo-Katan Kryze, along with Emily Swallow’s leader The Armorer from The Mandalorian.

Going back even earlier are stories featuring New Zealanders–Temuera Morrison entering the Star Wars franchise for the first time as Jango Fett, along with Daniel Logan playing his son, the young Boba, in The Attack of the Clones.  Morrison was almost completely new to the Star Wars franchise, and Logan recounts a great story about meeting Christopher Lee on the set.

Probably the best piece features the late Jeremy Bulloch recounting stories of playing Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (he did not appreciate getting eaten by the Sarlacc).

How was the Darksaber first conceived by George Lucas and Dave Filoni?  Who was Bo-Katan’s important sister in Mandalorian mythology?  And how did a baby alien project the franchise lightyears ahead in popularity?

The Mandalorian Collection is packed with interesting content, including sidebar commentary and trivia tidbits.  Readers will find readers guides to both The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.  Arriving in bookstores March 5, 2024, order The Mandalorian Collection now here at Amazon for your favorite Star Wars fan.