Words: Brody Rossiter
Twitter: @BrodyRossiter
THE STORMTROOPER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY
On the heels, or perhaps the intergalactic vapour trail, of the recent Star Wars: The Force Awakens announcements, Titan books present the Imperial Handbook: A Commander’s Guide. Presented as a recovered Imperial field-manual following the destruction of the first Death Star, this diminutive yet content rich book would prove a quirky and engaging addition to any Star Wars fan’s bookshelf.
The stamp of Titan Books’ trademark quality is once again present, as quality paper and gilt-edged pages canvas a dynamic mix of muted, intricate illustrations and immersive written content. In-between the black embossed covers, a ruthless compendium of the tactics and philosophies employed by imperial troops such as Stormtroopers and AT-AT pilots is laid out in all its carefully choreographed, menacing glory. Author Daniel Wallace has conjured a genuine sense that you shouldn’t be reading this classified content. Margin notes scribbled by Rebel icons such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia give a uniquely personable and engrossing dynamic to the book, dispelling The Empire’s hateful propaganda with sarcasm infused humour (Han Solo) and emotive pleas for defiance in the face of such overwhelming force (Princess Leia).
Whether combined with Titan Books’ other, equally impressive and lovingly conceived, Star Wars handbooks, or purchased as a standalone read, this compact addition to the universe’s vast lore is a definite victory for not just the Rebels but fans looking to gain a deeper insight into the cold-blooded yet militarily impressive mind-set of The Imperials. Despite originating from the furthest reaches of sci-fi fantasy this commander’s guide feels distinctly authentic, recover it from the battlefield as soon as you can.
FILM IN WORDS 