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I know, I know. It's very difficult to get an off-planet edition of this book. Intergalactic tradepaths get clogged for all sorts of reasons so you'll have to settle for the terrestrial edition of this book which looks at how Man's expanded into our local galaxy, seeing new planets, odd stellar attractions and the odd encounter with extra-terrestrial life-forms.

It's a shame that this is set in an alternative reality where the space programme continued apace after our first moon landings. The material in this book is taken from a series that has been running in the 'Heavy Metal' magazine since 1976 as a galactic version of 'National Geographic' showing what is going on in the big out-there and how mankind is moving out into the galaxy.
Surprisingly, everything is low key.

If you're looking to this book for space battles then go elsewhere. This reality is distinctively wide-spread with many hostile planets more due to their atmosphere and wildlife than their intelligent inhabitants. The sentient aliens are as nervous about us as we are about them.

The artwork carries well with Karl Kofed's text about these far-off places and although more inclined for the odd quick browse than a straight read-through, should have you enthralled for hours. I can see some influence of some of the more serious SF authors like Larry Niven in here on occasions.

I can see some of your thinking this book takes itself far too seriously for something that might otherwise be seen as a sly dig at 'National Geographic's format and it is certainly more of an acquired taste. However, those of you who like your SF harder than most, you'll probably enjoy having this book on your shelf to baffle visitors.

All pictures in this review (c) their respective artists and used with permission by Paper Tiger. Reproduction without permission strictly prohibited.

GF Willmetts