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Star Wars: Best Of Star Wars Insider Vol. 1
The making of the Star Wars saga, as told by the cast and crew. Features content previously published in the official Star Wars Insider.
Each volume brings together a collection of the best of the official Star Wars Insidermagazine content, celebrating the complete Star Wars experience, from movies to books, videogames to comic books, and more! Featuring rare cast and crew interviews, and exclusive behind the scenes pictures, this is an essential read for Star Wars fans of all ages.
Each volume brings together a collection of the best of the official Star Wars Insidermagazine content, celebrating the complete Star Wars experience, from movies to books, videogames to comic books, and more! Featuring rare cast and crew interviews, and exclusive behind the scenes pictures, this is an essential read for Star Wars fans of all ages.
- GenresStar WarsNonfiction
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2015
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June 20, 2025I've long wanted to read the Star Wars Insider "best of" releases, but couldn't justify the price.s A Humble Bundle helped me overcome that hurdle! Some fascinating interviews... but not arranged in any real order or theme, which is disappointing. Overall, it's not something I can properly rate.
May 15, 2025
Wow, this is much more detailed than the Rogue One issue. My eyes were particularly glued during the transcript of the conversations that took place as Splinter of the Mind’s eye was being developed.
February 2, 2017
This contains a selection of interviews pulled from the many, many issues of Star Wars Insider. There's some really great stuff in here. Interviews with Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford from right before the original movie was released. The interview the Ralph McQuarrie is a highlight as well.
The piece I found most interesting was the transcript of a discussion between George Lucas and Alan Dean Foster. Foster was the author of Splinter of the Mind's Eye, the first Star Wars story that wasn't an adaptation of the film.
At the time of the discussion "A New Hope" had not yet been released, so Lucas was unsure if it would be a success. He was talking with Foster because he saw the book as an easy, cheap way to continue his story if the movie tanked and he couldn't make a sequel. They discuss things like killing off Leia and also finding a new villain. Lucas was unsure if Vader was a strong enough villain for the series. At that time James Earl Jones had not yet been called in to provide the voice for the character and transform him into the Vader we know today.
The piece I found most interesting was the transcript of a discussion between George Lucas and Alan Dean Foster. Foster was the author of Splinter of the Mind's Eye, the first Star Wars story that wasn't an adaptation of the film.
At the time of the discussion "A New Hope" had not yet been released, so Lucas was unsure if it would be a success. He was talking with Foster because he saw the book as an easy, cheap way to continue his story if the movie tanked and he couldn't make a sequel. They discuss things like killing off Leia and also finding a new villain. Lucas was unsure if Vader was a strong enough villain for the series. At that time James Earl Jones had not yet been called in to provide the voice for the character and transform him into the Vader we know today.
April 9, 2017
The "Best of" Star Wars Insider compiles what the editors thought to be the best featured article in each of the issues represented in the volume. My biggest gripe is that it is not in chronological order, so some references are made to previously written articles that are given later in the book. There does not even seem to be a reason as to why the given order was chosen. That is the ONLY reason for the star drop. Is it nitpicky? Yes, but if you're going to present the Best of something, then provide some order!
Start with the first issue and take one thing from every singe one. I'd be more intrigued that way, and not feel like everything was a mess. Fewer people have those earlier issues and it'd be interesting to watch the progression of Insider.
That being said, otherwise, it's a great compilation. Only one article per issue is chosen, and the cover of that issue is also displayed. This volume contains interviews and briefs with cast and crew over the years. I normally don't like interviews, and didn't even read them when I subscribed to Insider, but I'm glad to have this volume. I learned quite a bit about the people and the "Star Wars" experience, and smiled a lot.
One of the things I raelly liked is that there is a side bar with the issue number and publication months...and then, underneath, is a list of highlights from those months. These include releases of comics, movies, books, games, TV shows, and RPG companions.
~ I learned a bit of new information about Lucas and Guinness from the Hamill interview. I was also reminded that he was experienced in drama before SW!
~ I don't think I ever realized James Earl Jones was never credited in ANH or ESB. I feel bad for him!
~ I absolutely love that Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker were interviewed together!
~ Ralph McQuarrie was utterly fascinating. He had a very diversified background, including being in the Korea War. He explains how he influenced Lucas on character development and in turn, learned the art of matte paintings. I am so glad they included a lot of his artwork.
~ I didn't know Carrie Fisher worked on the PT scripts! That was a great blast from the past with an interview from 1977.
- The transcribed interview between George Lucas and Alan Dean Foster from 1976 was one of my favorite things to read. We learn how bad things looked just months before ANH was released, and how "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" was truly meant to be a sequel. I love that Foster has truly been on board from the start, even beyond being a ghost writer - I really do believe he was the perfect perfect person to write TFA for that reason. I can definitely see elements of later movies being discussed. The entire thing made me want to reread "Splinter."
Kyber crystals were mentioned!!
Chewie/Leia was almost a thing.
Roger Christian: I am amazed that he has perfect recollection of events >35 years ago. I love that he was a crew member Lucas trusted from 1977 to TPM and beyond. He helps us get a little more into Lucas' mind, especially with regards to target audience.
Joe Johnston: It's so nice of Lucas to have given Johnston paid sabbatical so that he could go to USC School of Cinematic Arts.
This interview was published in October 2012. In that month, Disney acquired Lucasfilm Ltd. I can't believe it's already been that long.
The interview itself was done just after ROTJ. Johnston played two Death Star troopers! I enjoyed reading how he took vague hints from Lucas and ran with them. Lucas was - no, IS - a real visionary. After ANH, he's been able to know almost exactly what his target audience will enjoy. Then Johnston took those skills and enhanced special effects in general on "Battlestar Galactica."
George Lucas & Howard Chaykin: This was about turning ANH into a Marvel comic series. This was FANTASTIC. Lucas truly did not want anyone fully controlling his baby (why, oh why, did he sell it to Disney?!) and worked side-by-side with Chaykin (and others, as the years have gone on. He even worked with TCW producers) to pull Marvel out of a slump before ANH was even released. The frame-to-frame conversation was utterly fascinating.
The layout for this transcript in "Star Wars Insider" was also great.
Rick McCallum: He not only worked on the PT, but also on special editions. He flat-out said every change, everything in general, was approved by Lucas and was even noted by Lucas before changes were even made. I'm glad McCallum doesn't get flak for that. Lucas KNEW that the PT was for the younger generation, and each subsequent episode grew with that generation.
Because Star Wars is so big, everyone is expected to do more in less time, and sometimes WITH less, which stretches the imagination.
Rob Coleman: I abhor TCW, so I went through this interview fast. Still, I took a bit from it. I found it interesting that the TCW animation team was so new that Coleman was training them to work/animate at his level even while they were working on the episodes. And I did enjoy learning a bit more of the episodic/animation process.
The Clone Wars Cast & Crew: It was neat to read their favorite parts of ESB for the 30th anniversary.
Warwick Davis: I love that he contributed to the August/September 2013 Insider for the ROTJ 30th anniversary! He gives some great and funny acting tips. "Expect your character to have no backstory...until the Expanded Universe creates it!"
And oh my goodness, Lucas knew even back in '83 that the stormtroopers were clones!
Harrison Ford: What a strange interview to read, from 1977. He truly has never liked interviews! He only gives detail when asked about his thoughts on others, including his own character. Most of his answers were short. I like that he's a Life Scout though.
Nilo Rodis-Jamero: He gives more on Lucas - the man is always tweaking something because he'll just accept things early. Nothing can be perfect, especially at this moment. After time, more practice, and maybe more resources, anyone can go back and edit the initial content.
Denis Lawson: It's weird that his voice wasn't used on-screen for Wedge. He's very nonchalant about his role, as Star Wars didn't do anything for him as an actor. I love that he gets surprised at the popularity of Wedge!
Peter Mayhew: This interview was too short. It's adorable that he keeps the Chewie things people give to him at conventions.
Vanessa Marshall: Nothing to see here.
Darth Vader: Victim or Villain?:
Several authors were interviewed for their thoughts on this question.
The fantastic/ones I like: Timothy Zahn, Aaron Allston, John Jackson Miller, Michael Reaves (I didn't know he worked on the "Droids" and "Ewoks" TV series!), Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff, Kevin Hearn, Ryder Windham, Joe Schreiber, and Jason Fry.
The blech: Christie Golden
The I have no clue who you are: Douglas Wheatley
- The answers to that question were very thought-provoking, overall. Reaves delved into the fact that Jedi were brought up with near-indifference. While I don't fully agree with him, his insights and reasoning make sense. Most of the authors agree that Anakin's actions were, ultimately, his own fault, and not just circumstance. I really didn't like Golden or Wheatley's responses.
- The answers to who is to blame were also, overall, interesting. Windham saying it's all George Lucas's fault was hilarious!
- The answers to Vader's redemption were fascinating. I absolutely LOVE Bohnhoff's response, as she brings it back to real life redemption and what it means to regret choices and be redeemed...and that redemption doesn't negate actions (which others also brought up). It was interesting that a few figured that Vader destroying Palpatine was another selfish and rash action - but if Lucas says redeemed, then so be it!
Start with the first issue and take one thing from every singe one. I'd be more intrigued that way, and not feel like everything was a mess. Fewer people have those earlier issues and it'd be interesting to watch the progression of Insider.
That being said, otherwise, it's a great compilation. Only one article per issue is chosen, and the cover of that issue is also displayed. This volume contains interviews and briefs with cast and crew over the years. I normally don't like interviews, and didn't even read them when I subscribed to Insider, but I'm glad to have this volume. I learned quite a bit about the people and the "Star Wars" experience, and smiled a lot.
One of the things I raelly liked is that there is a side bar with the issue number and publication months...and then, underneath, is a list of highlights from those months. These include releases of comics, movies, books, games, TV shows, and RPG companions.
~ I learned a bit of new information about Lucas and Guinness from the Hamill interview. I was also reminded that he was experienced in drama before SW!
~ I don't think I ever realized James Earl Jones was never credited in ANH or ESB. I feel bad for him!
~ I absolutely love that Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker were interviewed together!
~ Ralph McQuarrie was utterly fascinating. He had a very diversified background, including being in the Korea War. He explains how he influenced Lucas on character development and in turn, learned the art of matte paintings. I am so glad they included a lot of his artwork.
~ I didn't know Carrie Fisher worked on the PT scripts! That was a great blast from the past with an interview from 1977.
- The transcribed interview between George Lucas and Alan Dean Foster from 1976 was one of my favorite things to read. We learn how bad things looked just months before ANH was released, and how "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" was truly meant to be a sequel. I love that Foster has truly been on board from the start, even beyond being a ghost writer - I really do believe he was the perfect perfect person to write TFA for that reason. I can definitely see elements of later movies being discussed. The entire thing made me want to reread "Splinter."
Kyber crystals were mentioned!!
Chewie/Leia was almost a thing.
Roger Christian: I am amazed that he has perfect recollection of events >35 years ago. I love that he was a crew member Lucas trusted from 1977 to TPM and beyond. He helps us get a little more into Lucas' mind, especially with regards to target audience.
Joe Johnston: It's so nice of Lucas to have given Johnston paid sabbatical so that he could go to USC School of Cinematic Arts.
This interview was published in October 2012. In that month, Disney acquired Lucasfilm Ltd. I can't believe it's already been that long.
The interview itself was done just after ROTJ. Johnston played two Death Star troopers! I enjoyed reading how he took vague hints from Lucas and ran with them. Lucas was - no, IS - a real visionary. After ANH, he's been able to know almost exactly what his target audience will enjoy. Then Johnston took those skills and enhanced special effects in general on "Battlestar Galactica."
George Lucas & Howard Chaykin: This was about turning ANH into a Marvel comic series. This was FANTASTIC. Lucas truly did not want anyone fully controlling his baby (why, oh why, did he sell it to Disney?!) and worked side-by-side with Chaykin (and others, as the years have gone on. He even worked with TCW producers) to pull Marvel out of a slump before ANH was even released. The frame-to-frame conversation was utterly fascinating.
The layout for this transcript in "Star Wars Insider" was also great.
Rick McCallum: He not only worked on the PT, but also on special editions. He flat-out said every change, everything in general, was approved by Lucas and was even noted by Lucas before changes were even made. I'm glad McCallum doesn't get flak for that. Lucas KNEW that the PT was for the younger generation, and each subsequent episode grew with that generation.
Because Star Wars is so big, everyone is expected to do more in less time, and sometimes WITH less, which stretches the imagination.
Rob Coleman: I abhor TCW, so I went through this interview fast. Still, I took a bit from it. I found it interesting that the TCW animation team was so new that Coleman was training them to work/animate at his level even while they were working on the episodes. And I did enjoy learning a bit more of the episodic/animation process.
The Clone Wars Cast & Crew: It was neat to read their favorite parts of ESB for the 30th anniversary.
Warwick Davis: I love that he contributed to the August/September 2013 Insider for the ROTJ 30th anniversary! He gives some great and funny acting tips. "Expect your character to have no backstory...until the Expanded Universe creates it!"
And oh my goodness, Lucas knew even back in '83 that the stormtroopers were clones!
Harrison Ford: What a strange interview to read, from 1977. He truly has never liked interviews! He only gives detail when asked about his thoughts on others, including his own character. Most of his answers were short. I like that he's a Life Scout though.
Nilo Rodis-Jamero: He gives more on Lucas - the man is always tweaking something because he'll just accept things early. Nothing can be perfect, especially at this moment. After time, more practice, and maybe more resources, anyone can go back and edit the initial content.
Denis Lawson: It's weird that his voice wasn't used on-screen for Wedge. He's very nonchalant about his role, as Star Wars didn't do anything for him as an actor. I love that he gets surprised at the popularity of Wedge!
Peter Mayhew: This interview was too short. It's adorable that he keeps the Chewie things people give to him at conventions.
Vanessa Marshall: Nothing to see here.
Darth Vader: Victim or Villain?:
Several authors were interviewed for their thoughts on this question.
The fantastic/ones I like: Timothy Zahn, Aaron Allston, John Jackson Miller, Michael Reaves (I didn't know he worked on the "Droids" and "Ewoks" TV series!), Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff, Kevin Hearn, Ryder Windham, Joe Schreiber, and Jason Fry.
The blech: Christie Golden
The I have no clue who you are: Douglas Wheatley
- The answers to that question were very thought-provoking, overall. Reaves delved into the fact that Jedi were brought up with near-indifference. While I don't fully agree with him, his insights and reasoning make sense. Most of the authors agree that Anakin's actions were, ultimately, his own fault, and not just circumstance. I really didn't like Golden or Wheatley's responses.
- The answers to who is to blame were also, overall, interesting. Windham saying it's all George Lucas's fault was hilarious!
- The answers to Vader's redemption were fascinating. I absolutely LOVE Bohnhoff's response, as she brings it back to real life redemption and what it means to regret choices and be redeemed...and that redemption doesn't negate actions (which others also brought up). It was interesting that a few figured that Vader destroying Palpatine was another selfish and rash action - but if Lucas says redeemed, then so be it!
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