Star Wars Beyond the Films‘ Nathan P. Butler is now posting short, non-spoiler reviews for many new releases. Spoiler-filled discussion will often follow in the weeks or months thereafter on the podcast.
Rogue One: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity (paperback, 2016)
Last year, Disney Editions released Star Wars: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity and Relaxation, a hardback Art Therapy coloring book for all ages, though geared in its complexity a bit more toward adults, which I reviewed at the time.
This year, a follow-up has been released, Rogue One: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity. While not billed as an Art Therapy coloring book (or for relaxation for that matter), this is a very similar work focused entirely on the characters, technology, and situations from Rogue One. The price tag of $15.99 remains consistent with its predecessor, though the format is now paperback and smaller overall. (I am torn on whether to think that the original was underpriced or the current one is overpriced, given that one should usually see a noticeable price difference between hardbacks and paperbacks.)
As with many adult coloring books, this release includes a mixture of artistic forms, from character or technology images that could have been pulled from a guidebook to action scenes recreated for coloring to pages full of patterns made from symbols within or inspired by the film. Keep in mind, though, that this is a coloring book geared more toward adults than children, so the art includes a lot of fine details, things that an adult would perhaps handle better than a child.
The Verdict
Like Star Wars: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity and Relaxation, Rogue One: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity is not a product that everyone will find interesting, but one could argue that anyone could find the actual use of the book soothing. Those looking for something “different” or seeking actual Art Therapy through a psychologist will get the most mileage out of this product.
Recommended for: Those looking for an adult coloring book or a book to use with actual Art Therapy, those with artistic desire but few artistic skills, or those seeking art suitable for framing.
Not recommended for: Those looking for anything other than a coloring book. It is what it is, no more and no less.
Disney Lucasfilm Press provided a copy for review.
