This collector’s edition is a compilation of images and art from The Mandalorian: Season 2. Edited by Jonathan Wilkins with Oz Browne as art director; The Mandalorian Season 2: Collector’s Edition does not tell a story so much as remind readers of the events of the last season. Considering that Season 3 is currently airing on Disney+, this is a timely release indeed. The collector’s edition has no plot. Split into sections based on different aspects of the show; the book focuses on the titular Mandalorian and the Child. It also showcases the art behind the worlds, beasts and creatures, allies, the Empire, vehicles and ships, battle scenes, and other such novelties. It serves as an exclusive behind-the-scenes pass to the different elements that make Season 2 tick. Ultimately, the collector’s edition is a means of making some money along with refreshing people’s memories.
The Mandalorian Season 2: Collector’s Edition does not contain many spoilers, consisting mainly of stills with the occasional quote thrown in. It also has a myriad of different art styles. Some are just photos while others look like they were taken from posters. Other pieces appear drawn; comic book style, paintings, and even a few matte pictures fill the pages of this work. There is also what appears to be concept art. This might remind viewers of the same ones shown at the end of every episode of the show. Overall, this collector’s edition contains many different looks into the landscape of The Mandalorian.
As with the material the it’s based on, it features many images of Din and Grogu together. The show has a strong core. But frankly, in a book such as this, that core is less important than the adorableness factor. Seeing such a heavily armed man with a tiny baby sticking out of a sack will never fail to tug at the heartstrings. It also provides endless amusement, which this sort of book cannot capture well unfortunately. But it does help remind the viewer of Din’s numerous attempts at parenting. Hilarious indeed!
Under the allies section of this material are various other Mandalorians, most of them famous in their own right. While Season 1 focuses mainly on Din’s particular sect and the laws he has to follow underneath it; Season 2 reintroduces Mandalorians seen in the past. This book has many images dedicated to Bo-Katan and her companions, which are also Mandalorians. This is partially significant since Bo-Katan is a character originally from the animated show Clone Wars. Her crossover into live action marks an important step forward in her legacy. Sister to the queen of the Mandalors in Clone Wars; her presence here forces Din to contend with a Mandalorian code vastly different from his own.
Moff Gideon also appears in the book – mainly to remind the viewer that just like in the past, the Empire is still the enemy. He bears an energy sword important to the Mandalorians, which becomes part of the major conflict of Season 2. The scattered remains of the Empire and the shreds of the Jedi seem destined to clash forever, hashing and rehashing the same conflict endlessly. The Mandalorian stands out for its focus on a fairly ordinary man, however. Large scale events swirl around Din and Grogu. But ultimately, the show is about their relationship. It is more character driven than many Star Wars properties; a definite strength.
Craving for more Star Wars content post The Mandalorian Season 3? Want to learn more about the behind the scenes of the beloved Disney+ series? The Mandalorian Season 2: Collector’s Edition Vol. 1 is available for purchase on Amazon and Forbidden Planet. Have a favorite scene from Season 2? Currently watching Season 3? Tell us what you learned from this behind-the-scenes look into The Mandalorian Season 2 by dropping us a message on Instagram or Twitter!
