Review of Supernatural: The Official Companion Season 1

by Rachel

Many thanks to Titan Books for sending me a copy of the book!

I pride myself on knowing a fair amount of information behind ‘Supernatural’; after all I need the knowledge for the website. So although I was looking forward to reading the Season 1 companion book I figured I would already know most of what it covered. I was pleasantly surprised. The book covers not only each episode but also some of the folklore, interviews with the people behind the programme and little snippets of information throughout.

We start with an introduction by Eric Kripke, the creator of ‘Supernatural’, in which he tells how he came up with the idea for the programme and the following culmination of crew and cast. Then beginning with the Pilot, the book gives a brief synopsis of each episode, followed by stories, memories, music featured and “Did You Know?” – little snippets of information in the corner of the page. ‘Devils Trap’, being the finale, is covered in depth. Pictures and quotes are also featured throughout, including some lovely glossy photos in the centre of the book.

Also featured throughout are insights into some of the folklore covered in the series. Although I did know these (through my site!), they also include how ‘Supernatural’ moulded each folklore to suit the show. I have to say it is great how Eric Kripke uses a lot of ‘real’ folklore, you feel part of the show finding out more about the myths and legends.

We then have information on each of the main characters in Season 1 – Sam, Dean, John, Mary and Meg. These are told by the actor or actress who plays that character, so Jared Padalecki talks about Sam, Jensen Ackles about Dean and so on. I liked this approach as we already feel we know the characters, especially Dean and Sam, so it was good to have an insight into the actors’ perspective. They even include the Impala, as it is a character in it’s own right!

We also get to meet the crew behind the show, from visual effects to costume designers, music composer to set designer. The author talked to each member of the crew so you get information you couldn’t usually get anywhere else.

The author then asks the cast and crew if they believe in the supernatural. It is quite interesting to discover who does and who is sceptical!

Then there is a section on the reaction to ‘Supernatural’, from the press to the fans.

As a bit of light-hearted fun, we finally have Sam’s “22 Reasons Not To Go On a Road Trip With My Brother”. Although quite amusing, I wasn’t too sure why they included this, it feels to me to have been thrown in to fill the book. Having said that, this is the only negative thing I can say!

Generally I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the Companion book, I liked the approach the author took and finding out more about the characters and the crew. If you haven't read up on the folklore in the program this is covered in a clear, no-jargon manner. I also enjoyed the making of each episode, how each one comes together with tales from crew members and the process of making an episode. I would definitely recommend this book to any Supernatural fan - a good Christmas present! - and I will be reading the Season 2 Companion when it is released April 2008!