Firefly Encyclopedia Book Review
Summary: The Firefly Encyclopedia is a true celebration of this amazing yet short-lived sci-fi series
4
A celebration
From Titan Books comes the very impressive Firefly Encyclopedia that is a true celebration of this very underrated sci-fi series from the legendary Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Avengers). Although this futuristic space Wild West sci-fi series only lasted one season on TV between 2002 and 2003, it also spawned a film. However it unfortunately wasn’t embraced by the TV networks which is a shame as it was and still is, one of the best science fiction series of this era.
For the uninitiated which is revisited in the book, Firefly was set in 2517 and was set on board the ship called Serenity. The stories revolved around the nine people who call this ship home which really creates some compelling tales, drama and action. Furthermore, the series is set on the fringes of known space where mankind has colonised this region and after a civil war between two factions. Also this part of the galaxy is attempting to rebuild itself and just like the pioneers of the Wild West, Firefly has a similar vibe. The Captain of the ship was Sgt Malcolm Rogers (Nathan Fillion) who fought for the losing side as the Alliance now rule their territory with an iron fist.
Also joining Rogers is ragtag crew that include first mate Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres), her husband and pilot of the Serenity Wash (Alan Tudyk), companion Inara Serra (Morena Baccarin) who is a sex worker, mercenary Jayne Cobb (Adam Baldwin), ship mechanic Kaylee (Jewel Staite), surgeon Dr Simon Tam (Sean Maher), River Tam (Summer Glau), a child prodigy and Derrial Book (Ron Glass) who is a Christian Shepherd. Needless to say, there’s some great dynamics in this group and it’s fantastic that the creator of this book Monica Valentinelli has revisited this universe with some spectacular information and more importantly, amazing pictures from the franchise.
Like all books from the Titan books, the presentation of the Firefly Encyclopedia is flawless with exceptional images, great paper stock and more importantly, it is very well presented. So while there are pages dedicated to key characters, including support cast, there are ere sections from the script that go behind the scenes. The Firefly Encyclopedia is split into four books that includes;
- Book One – The Story of Firefly
Delve into the story of Firefly from all the episodes, the film and expanded histories of this universe - Book Two – Browncoats, Thieves & Purple Bellies
Go beyond the characters from interviews with the cast, including biographies on the characters plus equipment and weapons - Book Three – Wide known ‘Verse’
Expand your knowledge of the planets in the Firefly universe - Book Four – Script Excerpts & Analysis
See how the series was created with behind the scenes information and how they brought their ideas to life
Final Thoughts?
If you’re a fan of Firefly, this encyclopedia is a must have book that makes for the perfect coffee table book as you reminisce about this space Wild West drama as the crew of Firefly get involved in all sorts of problems and hijinx. So while Firefly does not exist in the world of the visual medium (not including comics or books), the Firefly Encyclopedia successfully celebrates on the characters, the themes and stories from in my opinion, the best darn sci-fi series around.
Gallery
Book Details
Title: Firefly Encyclopedia
Format: Hardback
Release Date: Nov 2018
Publisher: Titan Publishing Group
Distributor: New South Book
ISBN: 9781785655296
Pages: 256
Dimensions: 324x253mm
Price: $69.99AUD
Related Posts
PATTON OSWALT AND JORDAN BLUM PRESENT MARVEL UNFORGETTABLE STORIES →
Love Triangle Book Review →
STAN SAKAI’S NEW USAGI YOJIMBO SERIES TEN THOUSAND PLUMS MARKS PERIOD OF GROWTH FOR IMPRINT →
