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Recently published by Universe, an imprint of Rizzoli, and timed perfectly for the release of the new movie, Constructing Green Lantern does just that—or actually, the reverse: It deconstructs the new Martin Campbell film by showing both meticulously and spectacularly how it was made. Although the book’s subtitle is “From Page to Screen,” author Ozzy Inguano and designer Chris McDonnell’s lavish tome focuses much more on the latter than the former. Well, actually, it’s fairer to say that the book might be more fun for readers who have prior knowledge of secondary GL characters such as Killawog and the Guardians as well as such basics as the Hal Jordan origin tale and what a “construct” is. Then again, the film clearly covers this ground—and for the most part, so does the satisfying new DCU animated release Green Lantern: Emerald Knights.

After a too-brief intro from Geoff Johns—whose Green Lantern: Secret Origins is credited as the “most widely referenced book by the filmmakers”—Constructing Green Lantern presents its info in a series of bite-sized yet nourishing chapters. The reader is treated to endless behind-the-scenes images, reference photos of actors and study models , stunning concept art, detailed floorplans/blueprints, and an abundance of black-and-white storyboards.  At about 200 oversized pages for $35, this title might make a great purchase for libraries—especially those that aim to inspire the young comics or movie fans among its patrons to pursue a career in film production design.

But for the rest of us, there’s plenty of good stuff, too. After all, who knew that there were so many “Sinestro mustache options”?

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