Empire Magazine – The Han Solo Encyclopedia – June 2018

Special Star Wars Magazine Supplement | Harrison Ford | Han Solo | Millennium Falcon | Imperial Stormtroopers

An original Empire Magazine special supplement from June 2018, titled "The Han Solo Encyclopedia", celebrating one of the most recognisable characters in the Star Wars universe.

This collectible publication offers an illustrated A–Z-style exploration of Han Solo, his adventures, his associates, his enemies and the wider galaxy of Star Wars.

Published around the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), the supplement looks back at Han Solo's established cinematic history while introducing readers to the character's wider background.

Featuring photographs, character profiles, spacecraft information and editorial commentary, this is an interesting addition to any Star Wars or Empire Magazine collection.

Publication Details

• Publication: Empire – The Han Solo Encyclopedia

• Date: June 2018

• Publisher: Bauer Media / Empire

• Type: Special magazine supplement

• Language: English

• Format: Illustrated, full-colour printed supplement

• Main subject: Han Solo and the Star Wars universe

• Featured actor: Harrison Ford

• Franchise: Star Wars

• Condition: Pre-owned – see detailed condition information

• SKU: 1582

Important: This is a special Empire Magazine supplement, not the standard monthly issue of Empire.

Front Cover – Harrison Ford as Han Solo

The front cover features a large, almost full-length photograph of Harrison Ford portraying Han Solo, dressed in his classic outfit from the original Star Wars trilogy.

Han Solo is shown wearing:

• His distinctive dark waistcoat.

• A cream-coloured, open-neck shirt.

• Dark trousers.

• His recognisable utility belt and leather blaster holster.

• A blaster pistol held in his right hand.

The image captures Han Solo's classic smuggler appearance, associated with the original Star Wars films.

The background features a muted blue-grey colour scheme with a subtle dotted pattern, creating a clean, modern science-fiction magazine design.

Across the middle is the prominent yellow headline:

"THE HAN SOLO ENCYCLOPEDIA"

The cover also describes the publication as:

"A Definitive A–Z of the Star Wars Galaxy's Loveable Scoundrel"

A further cover line reads:

"From Alderaan to Zuckuss, The Ultimate Rogues' Gallery"

The overall design is particularly appealing to collectors of original Star Wars film memorabilia and publications featuring Harrison Ford.

Inside the Supplement – Han Solo Retrospective

The photographed interior pages demonstrate that this is a substantial editorial supplement containing written articles, illustrated entries, character information and photographs.

Rather than simply reproducing publicity images, the publication explores Han Solo's place within the Star Wars universe.

Opening Feature – Han Solo and Princess Leia

One of the photographed opening pages features a large black-and-white image of Harrison Ford as Han Solo alongside Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa.

The photograph captures a memorable interaction between the characters aboard the Millennium Falcon, with spacecraft control panels and equipment visible in the background.

Beneath the photograph is a prominent yellow and black headline:

"YOU LIKE ME BECAUSE I'M A SCOUNDREL"

The accompanying introduction discusses Han Solo's enduring popularity, his roguish personality and his importance to the Star Wars story.

The editorial also refers to the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the opportunity to explore more of the character's background.

This opening feature is especially appealing to collectors interested in the relationship between Han Solo and Princess Leia, as well as the original Star Wars cast.

The Han Solo Encyclopedia – Illustrated A–Z Entries

The photographed interior spread demonstrates the publication's encyclopedia-style layout.

Individual subjects are presented with large decorative headings, film imagery, explanatory text and character information.

Hyperspace

A prominently featured entry is titled:

"HYPERSPACE"

The article discusses the fictional faster-than-light travel system used throughout Star Wars.

It explains the importance of hyperspace to Han Solo's adventures and the Millennium Falcon's reputation as one of the galaxy's fastest spacecraft.

The photographed page includes:

• A large stylised Hyperspace heading.

• A photograph of Han Solo inside a spacecraft cockpit.

• Text discussing hyperspace travel and navigation.

• References to the Millennium Falcon.

• Information about Han Solo's encounters with other characters.

The entry also features a separate blue information panel titled "Hydrospanner", describing a piece of equipment associated with spacecraft maintenance.

Imperial Stormtroopers

The facing page contains a prominent feature titled:

"IMPERIAL STORMTROOPERS"

This section includes a large colour photograph of several Imperial Stormtroopers wearing their distinctive white armour.

The soldiers are shown carrying blaster weapons against a pale outdoor background.

The article examines the Imperial soldiers and their connection to Han Solo's adventures.

Additional information panels include:

IG-88

An entry about the bounty-hunter droid, accompanied by a photograph of the mechanical character.

Imperial Stormtroopers

A yellow information panel containing further details about the Empire's armoured soldiers.

These pages are especially interesting for collectors who enjoy the technical details, supporting characters and background mythology of the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars Characters and Themes

The supplement's concept covers Han Solo and the wider Star Wars galaxy, with the photographed material confirming particular attention to:

Han Solo

The charismatic pilot, smuggler and eventual Rebel Alliance hero, originally portrayed by Harrison Ford.

Princess Leia Organa

Portrayed by Carrie Fisher, Leia is central to Han Solo's personal story and his involvement with the Rebel Alliance.

Luke Skywalker

The young Jedi whose adventures become closely connected with Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon.

Chewbacca

Han Solo's loyal Wookiee companion and co-pilot aboard the Millennium Falcon.

The Millennium Falcon

The famous Corellian freighter associated with Han Solo, Chewbacca and their adventures across the galaxy.

Imperial Stormtroopers

The armoured soldiers serving the Galactic Empire.

IG-88

A bounty-hunter droid from the Star Wars universe.

Hyperspace Travel

The fictional technology that allows spacecraft to travel between distant star systems.

The supplement's title and A–Z format suggest a wider range of subjects beyond those visible in the supplied photographs.

Editorial Design and Collector Interest

The publication uses a distinctive visual style, combining classic Star Wars photography with modern magazine typography.

Notable design elements include:

• Large black-and-white photographs of the original cast.

• Full-colour film stills and character images.

• Bold yellow, blue and black information panels.

• Oversized encyclopedia headings.

• Detailed explanatory articles.

• Technical and fictional-universe terminology.

• A clean, lightly patterned background.

• References to original Star Wars films and the 2018 Han Solo spin-off.

The photographed interior shows a mixture of nostalgia, film history and fictional-universe information, making the supplement suitable for both casual fans and dedicated Star Wars collectors.

Back Cover – Space Spectacular Advertisement

The back cover features a colourful advertisement for a live orchestral event titled:

"Space Spectacular"

Presented by Raymond Gubbay, the advertisement promotes a science-fiction-themed concert featuring the music of Hans Zimmer and John Williams.

The design uses a black background with a bright red border, colourful concert imagery and a view of Earth from space.

The advertisement references music from several popular science-fiction and adventure films, including:

• Star Wars

• Star Trek

• Superman

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

• Jurassic Park

• Independence Day

• Gladiator

• Inception

The event information advertises a performance at London's Royal Festival Hall on Saturday 2 June 2018.

This dated advertisement is another interesting period feature of the supplement.

Please note: The concert advertisement is printed on the back cover. No concert tickets are included.

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned condition – generally good, with visible signs of previous handling and storage.

The following observations are based on the actual photographs supplied.

Front Cover

• The main Harrison Ford photograph remains clear and attractive.

• The yellow cover lettering remains bright and legible.

• Some light surface marks and handling wear are visible.

• Slight wear and rubbing can be seen around the outer edges.

• The corners show minor softening and handling wear.

• The cover has a slight natural curve rather than lying completely flat.

• No obvious large tears are visible on the photographed front cover.

Spine and Binding

• The spine shows some light rubbing and handling wear.

• The publication opens normally in the supplied photographs.

• The visible pages appear securely attached.

• Some curvature is present around the centre fold.

• No obvious detached pages are shown.

Interior Pages

• The photographed pages retain good print quality.

• The black-and-white Han Solo and Princess Leia photograph remains clear.

• The Stormtrooper photographs and information panels retain good colour.

• Some minor page waviness and curvature are visible, particularly around the spine.

• Light handling wear may be present.

• No obvious major tears or significant staining are visible on the photographed pages.

Back Cover

• The red and black advertisement remains colourful and readable.

• Some light surface wear is visible.

• Minor rubbing and wear are present around the edges.

• The corners show slight handling wear.

• The back cover has a slight curve when laid flat.

Overall Condition Assessment

A generally well-presented pre-owned Empire supplement with minor signs of age, storage and handling.

It is not mint or brand new, and additional small imperfections may be present that are not fully visible in the photographs.

Please carefully examine all supplied photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Supplement Only

This listing is for the Empire Han Solo Encyclopedia printed supplement only.

The original accompanying issue of Empire Magazine is not included.

Any additional items that may originally have accompanied the magazine, including free gifts, promotional material, loose inserts or other extras, are no longer included.

No DVDs, Blu-rays, books, merchandise or other products are included.

Only the actual printed supplement shown in the photographs will be supplied.

Packaging and Delivery

We take care when packing collectible magazines and supplements to help protect them during transit.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international delivery.

Ideal For Collectors Of

• Star Wars memorabilia and publications.

• Han Solo and Harrison Ford.

• Original Star Wars trilogy collectibles.

• Empire Magazine special supplements.

• Princess Leia and Carrie Fisher.

• Millennium Falcon and Star Wars spacecraft.

• Imperial Stormtroopers and bounty hunters.

• Star Wars encyclopedias and reference publications.

• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).

• Science-fiction cinema and film-history magazines.

A distinctive Empire Magazine supplement celebrating the enduring popularity of Han Solo, featuring original-trilogy photography, encyclopedia-style articles and detailed information about the characters, technology and spacecraft of the Star Wars universe.

You will receive the actual pre-owned supplement pictured in the photographs.

SKU: 1582