2014 Best Comic: Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir 4-issue mini series

Of all the single comic issue published this year, there were some good issues. We had the end runs for both Star Wars (2013) and Legacy vol 2, plus a number of great mini-series including Rebel Heist. But Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir stands out for several reasons. The first being that's it's a conclusion to the Maul arc from The Clone Wars TV series, the second is the masterful adaptation of those scripts by Jeremy Barlow, Juan Frigeri, & Mauro Vargas. Finally it is still considered canon, as it ties in with TCW and it's storylines. Along with the upcoming Dark Disciple novel from Christie Golden, this comic series will sure to be talked about as part of Star Wars lore for years to come.


2014 Best Collected TPB: The Star Wars

Spread out over last year and this one, The Star Wars provides a glimpse of what-might-have-been if George Lucas had worked from his initial draft. As a collected series, this book features beautiful Ralph McQuarrie-inspired art by Mike Meyhew while the story is adapted by Lucasfilm archivist extraordinare, JW Rinzler. Having The Star Wars complete, and able to read in one sitting is a must. Fans can then drift back into yesterday and experience one possible vision of the story that changed our galaxy.



2014 Honorable Mention: Dark Times Gallery Edition

It was tough to not include this oversized-hardcover in the roundup. Firstly, any hardcover collected comic series seems to feel somehow stronger, but add onto that the ability to go behind the creative process and see how writers and artists work is extraordinary. This book features the original un-inked pages by Doug Wheatley for the initial story arc on Dark Times (#1-5), coupled with the original written script page by Randy Stradley. The pairing allows the comic fan to read the script and see the artists interpretation of those words. A rarity, especially with Star Wars comics.



2014 Book Fiction: Star Wars: A New Dawn

John Jackson Miller's A New Dawn makes it's way to the top of a lite year in fiction. But it does so with the excitement and action that is Star Wars. Set just before the Star Wars: Rebels television show, this book kicks off the new era of Lucasfilm-blessed literature. Readers get a chance to see the initial meeting between Hera and Kanan as they explore a slightly more familiar part of the galaxy. This book sets the standard for all new fiction to follow!

2014 Fiction Honorable Mention: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight

While this may seem like a children's book, and it is written for children 6 - 8 years of age, don't let that deter you from getting a copy. Tony DiTerlizzi recaps the Original Trilogy with full page reproductions of Ralph McQuarrie art. This book feels like the Star Wars that so many of us grew up with. And with The Force Awakens coming at the end of 2015, what a great way to celebrate that feeling here in 2014!



2014 Book Non-Fiction: Star Wars Costumes: The Original Trilogy

Oversized coffee table book: check! Beautiful new photographs of Star Wars costumes: check! Behind-the-scene descriptions of the process: check! Star Wars Costumes, may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts! This book, is a more accessible version (in some ways) of Dressing A Galaxy, the deluxe costuming book from 2005, while showcasing a whole new side of the clothing of Star Wars. Whether you're a costumer looking for details on Lando's Cloud City cape, or just interested in some production stories about the making of these pieces, Star Wars Costumes is dressed to perfection!

2014 Non-Fiction Honorable Mention: Star Wars Art: Posters
Nine years after the Star Wars Poster Book, there have been lots more display pieces created showcasing the galaxy far, far away. This books collects them in as clear a way as possible, given the fact that most posters are three to four times it's size. A deluxe edition also provides fans with limited edition lithos of five of the more interesting and historic posters over the last 37 years.