Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series

Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series provides a comprehensive look at the 1973-1974 animated continuation of the original Star Trek television show. The book documents the production history, artistic development, and episode details of this unique chapter in Trek history. The guide features original artwork, animation cels, behind-the-scenes photographs and production documents that have not been widely seen before. It includes detailed breakdowns of all 22 episodes, with insights from the writers, artists, and voice actors who brought the series to life. Technical details about the animation process, character designs, and alien species are presented alongside interviews with key creative personnel. The book examines how the animated format allowed the creators to expand the Star Trek universe beyond what was possible with live action in the 1970s. This guide demonstrates how the animated series served as a bridge between the original series and later Star Trek productions, introducing concepts and alien races that would influence the franchise for decades. The creative freedom of animation enabled the show to explore new frontiers in science fiction storytelling.

Readers appreciate the comprehensive behind-the-scenes information, production details, and high-quality photos from the animated series. Many note the book fills a gap in Star Trek documentation, as the animated series received limited coverage in other publications. Positive mentions: - Detailed episode summaries - Previously unpublished artwork and design materials - Color references for animation cels - Information about voice actors and production staff Criticisms: - Price point ($30) considered high by some readers - Several note redundant information for longtime fans - Some wanted more concept art and original sketches Ratings: Amazon: 4.8/5 (161 reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (23 ratings) One reader called it "the definitive resource on TAS that fans have waited decades for." Another noted "this book gives the animated series the respect it deserves as a legitimate part of Star Trek canon." Some criticized the book's organization, with one reviewer stating "the layout could be more intuitive."

Star Trek: The Making of the Original Series by Gene Roddenberry This behind-the-scenes chronicle documents the production details, creative decisions, and technical aspects of Star Trek's first television series from 1966-1969.

Star Trek: Lost Scenes by David Tilotta and Curt McAloney The book presents rare production stills, deleted scenes, and restored images from Star Trek's original series with background information on their context and significance.

The Star Trek Sketchbook by Herbert F. Solow, Yvonne Fern The collection showcases original concept art, costume designs, and storyboards from the original Star Trek series with production notes and technical specifications.

The Art of Star Trek by Judith Reeves-Stevens, Garfield Reeves-Stevens This compilation catalogs the design evolution of Star Trek across multiple series through production artwork, props, and visual effects concepts.

Star Trek: A Cultural History by M. Keith Booker The text examines Star Trek's impact on television, science fiction, and popular culture through documentation of its production history and cultural significance.

🌟 The animated series featured the return of many Original Series actors to voice their characters, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley, marking the first time the main cast reunited after the show's cancellation. 🌟 The animation allowed Star Trek to explore more alien worlds and creatures that would have been impossible to create with 1970s live-action special effects, including a 32-foot-tall clone of Spock. 🌟 Dorothy Fontana, who wrote for the Original Series, served as story editor and associate producer for the animated series, helping maintain continuity with established Star Trek lore. 🌟 The animated series won Star Trek's first Emmy Award in 1975 for Outstanding Entertainment Children's Series, despite being written for a general audience rather than specifically for children. 🌟 Several elements introduced in the animated series later became canon in live-action Star Trek, including the recreation room (predecessor to the holodeck) and Lieutenant Arex, the first regular non-humanoid crew member.