Book Review: LEGO® Star Wars Visual Dictionary
Dorling Kindersley (DK) has launched an updated and expanded edition of the LEGO® Star Wars Visual Dictionary, first published in 2009.
Without opening the book you can see some differences. First of all the cover has changed from a plain white to a brilliant and attractive pearl silver. The main character on the cover of the first book was Darth Vader, but in this 2014 it has turned to Boba Fett. Even if he is an important part of the saga, I am not sure if he deserves the same protagonism like Darth Vader.
The exclusive minifigure of the book is, again, Luke SkyWalker, but it changes from the “Celebration” version, to a “Jedi dress” version with yellow head and hands. Probably some kids are still not aware that the first Star Wars minifigs were yellow, and this is a way to introduce them on that minifigures.
But let’s talk about content. This book is a complete guide to know which sets LEGO has launched all over the years, and an explanation of some of the most iconic sets and minifigs of that Universe.
First of all you can find a Timeline with all the sets sorted by year and Episode. This is very interesting because you can easily find what you are looking for. After this introduction there are 4 different chapters in chronological order:
1 - Prequel Trilogy and Clone Wars
2 - Original Trilogy and Expanded Universe
3 - Specialists Sets
4 - Beyond the Brick
In each chapter, there is an explanation of different topics like characters, single cruisers and fighters, concrete parts of the film or the typical sorting method: good guys and bad guys. Information provided is a mixture between information about the films and more concrete about LEGO sets and facts. This is, in my opinion, what makes this book interesting.
Chapters 3 and 4 are more focused to LEGO fans. You can find information about special sets and minifigures, and also how the designers work to design the sets. A small section dedicated to MOCs made by fans is a great addition.
The book is really colorful and compared to the first version, the chronological order of the chapters is better to understand the history. Pictures are really high quality and information is detailed and interesting not only for kids, but also for AFOLs and Star Wars fans.
A last surprise at the end of the book is what really add value to the book. There is a galley with all the Star Wars minifigures. And all means also the very special ones like the 24K gold C-3PO.
It is a great book to know how the mixture between the most famous space saga (sorry trekkies) and LEGO has been over the years.
Agreements: CEE Team for providing the book.
2084
