Yesterday, on Star Wars Day, May the Fourth, there was rumor circulating Disney was going to take everything done after that takes place after Return of the Jedi and use a sort of “time shift” explanation to deem it all noncannon. If true, that would have been a very convoluted way to say…yeaah, we f*ed up. It was, in fact, just a rumor.

However, anyone who loves the original Star Wars Trilogy, and has an okay-ish relationship with the prequels, pretty much tries to ignore the new train wreck while maintaining their appreciation for Lucas’s original dreams.

Since today is Revenge of the Fifth, let’s take a look at some of the universe and creativity that always has existed in galaxy far far away, with three non-cringe Star Wars centric books for art and collectible lovers:

The Art of Star Wars Visions (2022)

I am including this one book featuring material from the dreaded Disney era, because some of the images in it are absolutely beautiful. With text by Zach Davidson this Dark Horse book features the art behind the original nine episodes of the the Star Wars Visions series, created by artists from around the world, as well as a colorful look at episode posters. This book is very manga and anime art style heavy, and that is one reason to appreciate it. The main reason to get this is for some fantastic images of the only badass character to come out of the series: The Ronin, created by Takashi Okazaki. The character was inspired by the love between of the rogue “Man With No Name” outlaw popular in both samurai and westerns. The characters in the story were also inspired by the manga masterpiece Lone Wolf and Cub. When you look at the artwork and isolated color of this, you think for just a second you were enjoying some pre-Disney extended universe lore. You don’t have to love the series to enjoy this book Honestly, season one was hit and miss story-wise, and season two was not enjoyable at all. Yet, giving credit where due, the art included in this book is worth it.

The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide by Terryl Whitlatch and Bob Carrau (2001)

Backing up more than 25 years to when Lucas was still in charge of his expanding universe, a bunch of elaborate world-building books were released. These included books on costuming, characters, locations, and more. It was an art lovers and aspiring filmmakers’ dreams. My favorite was one that reminded a sort of “bestiary” on the wildlife of the worlds. It is very easy reading, for both young readers and adults, with beautiful hand drawn and painted art. It is written if these worlds and creatures do exist, and you want to learn more about the size, habitat, lifespan and unique characteristics of these creatures. The cover is even bound to look and feel like the skin of a reptilian creature like dewback. It is a very pretty read, and fun to look through together as a family.

Yet, we need to go back to look at the original and best era of Star Wars, when it was still something amazing and new. Before it was overdone, destroyed, disrespected and reanimated:

Star Wars: The Original Topps Trading Card Series Volume One (2015)

Even though this book was released in 2015, it celebrates the OT era in the best possible way: with the original trading cards we all know and love. It is a simple collection of images of every single card from the original 1977 trading card series, front and back (where the nifty movie facts were written). It also features some of the old ads and promotions, including images of all the special trading cards found in Wonder Bread! The nostalgic dust jacket is even printed on the same weird waxy wrap as the old trading cards. As a bonus, it includes a pack of four replica card from the era. This is the Star Wars of my generation, and these are the characters who still hold up today. No matter how much they try to rewrite and replace them, the first Star Wars characters will endure.

Happy Revenge of the Fifth, and may the best of the Star Wars from our childhood, as well as the love of books and reading, be with us.