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STAR TREK: ALIENS AND
ARTEFACTS Surely one of the most memorable things about Star Trek is the many exotic alien races and their different appearances. This is the book that will tell you all you want to know about all four series’ aliens and many of the props. Delving back into the 60s it is amazing how simple the early props and make-up was – even today in this age of sophisticated special effects it is often the simplest ideas that work best. In the right hands a garden rake becomes a deadly spider and a block of wood a phaser. What about the thinking behind the creation of the alien races – learn what Disney film inspired Neelix, the origins of Data, what is inside a Tribble and why the Klingons replaced the Romulans as villains during the original series. Finally, why not have a go yourself next time you get invited to a fancy dress party or attend a ST conference – at the back of the book are instructions on making up as various characters and alien races Non-US residents will have to use rather more imagination here and different brands of makeup but then that will all add to the fun as you will get the chance to be like Michael Westmore, Wah Ming Chang and others whose job it is (or was) to create the characters and props that have found their way into TV and film history. It all makes fascinating reading and a great present for any SF fan. Does it spoil the enjoyment of the series? Never – it is not what the props are made of but the way they are used that makes the magic work. Finding out about the geniuses who have made it all come true is illuminating indeed. |