Star Wars, Marilyn Monroe, Highlander and Us: brand-driven titles we loved at London Book Fair 2026

So that’s it: the doors have closed on the 2026 London Book Fair! And when they reopen in 368 days, it won’t be at Earls Court Olympia… The show is pulling up stakes, setting off east and putting down roots in Excel, Docklands. But before that happens, what licensed book titles did we love seeing this at this year’s show?

Highlander: The Original Screenplay – Titan Comics
“There can be only one!” That’s the fatalistic mantra – and tagline – of the 80s’ film sensation Highlander. But when it comes the number of screenplays the project saw before completion, it’s not at all fitting!

Indeed, the movie that reached screens in 1986 is said to be significantly different from Gregory Widen’s original, darker and more nuanced screenplay. There’s no need to take my word for it, though: Titan Comics is set to present a lavishly illustrated graphic novel based on the writer’s earlier vision…

Slated for release in November – to help celebrate the first movie’s 40th anniversary – Highlander: The Original Screenplay boasts an impressive team… Highlander writer Gregory Widen, and top comic artist Szymon Kudranski. The graphic novel is sure to re-awaken interest in the franchise ahead of the upcoming movie reboot starring Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe and Dave Bautista.

With 128 printed pages, this volume presents the Highlander story as it’s never been seen before! The tome features illustrated scenes from Widen’s original drafts which didn’t make it to the screen.

Star Wars Icons: Vader – Insight Editions
“This will be a day long remembered…” That Darth Vader quote will surely prove more true on July 7th this year than it did the day it was filmed 50 years earlier! That’s because it’s the date on which Insight Editions releases Star Wars Icons: Vader…

An absolutely massive work, Vader is the latest in the line of the publisher’s fan-favorite Star Wars books. Earlier titles include Star Wars: Jedi Artifacts, Star Wars: The Secrets of the Sith, Star Wars: The Lightsaber Collection, and Star Wars Icons: Han Solo. With that said, could any Star Wars title be more highly anticipated than a release around its most iconic character?

So what has author Anthony Breznican put between the covers? Star Wars Icons: Vader examines the character’s entire journey… From his development in early story drafts to Anakin Skywalker’s falling into a lava river and conversion to the dark side… Learning, burning, turning – and more!

Promising to give readers a comprehensive and revelatory look at the Sith Lord, the book covers Star Wars films, TV appearances, novels, comics, video games, and beyond. To say Insight Editions has created a treasure trove understates the case. This deluxe volume is clearly a labour of love. At 492 printed pages, it’s absolutely packed with content both rich and rare. This includes concept art, on-set photos, collectible inserts and exclusive interviews.

Marilyn Monroe 100 – ACC Art Books
“I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.” Moving from one icon to another, it might surprise readers to discover that 2026 marks the hundredth year since the birth of Marilyn Monroe. With that in mind, it was a pleasure to see a wall of copies of Marilyn Monroe 100 on the ACC Art Books stand at London Book Fair.

Already home to other Marilyn titles, ACC Art Books here gives us the only official publication to celebrate the centenary of the icon’s birth. Created in association with the Marilyn Monroe Estate itself, this is a stunning work. Sumptuous and engaging from the very start, it brings together specially curated sections of work by the many great photographers who collaborated with Monroe…

While André de Dienes, Joseph Jasgur and Bernard of Hollywood unveil early images of Norma Jeane, John Florea and Philippe Halsman showcase the aspiring actress’s publicity shots. Eve Arnold, Elliott Erwitt, Bruce Davidson and Henri Cartier-Bresson capture Marilyn on the sets of some of her most famous films. Meanwhile Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Sam Shaw, George Barris and Milton Greene offer a mix of beauty and candour.

Finally, Marilyn Monroe 100 ends with Bert Stern’s famous ‘Last Sitting’ – along with newly rediscovered images of Allan Grant’s Life magazine shoot published two days before the star’s untimely passing.

Complementing the extraordinary images are quotes attributed to Monroe herself. Elsewhere, you’ll find text by scholars and admirers that chronicles Monrie’s trailblazing life Contributing writers include designer Christian Siriano, cultural critic Rachel Syme, photographic preservationist David Wills and journalist Louie Conway.

Piece of Us – Insight Editions
“If you want to get crazy, we can get crazy!” Well, crazy is one way to describe Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking 2016 horror film, Us. Another is absolutely petrifying! Full of surreal, chilling and challenging imagery, Us galvanised Peele’s reputation as a uniquely interesting filmmaker.

Pieces of Us Is one of those stunningly bold books that aims to find a niche audience within a niche audience. It presents production insights, storyboards and behind-the-scenes detail from the film in magnificent quality. While it’s hard to picture quite who would forever have this sitting on the coffee table at home – Billy Langsworthy aside – Us fans will relish this glimpse at the man behind the curtain.

As always seems to be the case with licensed releases from Insight Editions, Pieces of Us is hefty and stunning. With 128 printed pages, the book boasts exclusive content – including interviews with Jordan Peele and other key creatives.