GOODBYE, KAZUHIKO SANO...

From last night up until mid-afternoon today my ISP was on the blink, so I've only just found out the sad news that 1983 RETURN OF THE JEDI poster illustrator/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC painter Kazuhiko Sano has passed away. His US poster work for JEDI (above) was a terrific composition and captured all the vital ingredients that would make this particular STAR WARS film -the spectacular conclusion of the saga-so popular both then and now...

He was also the talent behind one of the 1984 EWOK ADVENTURE posters, as well as numerous other STAR WARS related contribution pieces, like his work on the TOPPS CARDS MASTER VISIONS series from 1995.

In honour of Mister Sano's work, I think it would be great if LUCASFILM could perhaps put on their STARWARS.COM site some of his prior, and much liked in 1982/83 by Lucas, unseen art concepts for JEDI-at least five were done in all (B/W)- before the final poster was created, approved and released.

Our condolences to Mister Sano's friends and family. As a person and for his talents he will be greatly missed. The Force will be with him...always!

CLASSIC IMAGE: A PRINCESS AND A SCOUNDREL!

An early version of Roger Kastel's 1979/80 art for the homage GONE WITH THE WIND style poster of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Its a wonderful, timeless piece, and works beautifully in summing up the more sophisticated nature of the first STAR WARS sequel within its black and white reproduction.