Star Draws Star Wars expert JW Rinzler talks posters
Like the gorgeous posters above? They’re but two of the many abstract and lovely beauties on display in the fifth – and reportedly final – Star Wars Art book, Posters. From early- doors Ralph McQuarrie concept pieces to “propaganda” promos for Rebels itself, the volume gathers four decades’ worth of intergalactic wall art. There’s plenty to enjoy, including the one- sheet that started Drew Struzan’s long- standing association with the saga: the fake- weathered 1978 so- called “Circus” design ( produced with Charlie White II). “That’s George Lucas’s favourite,” reveals editor/ all- round SW authority JW Rinzler. “The original’s hanging in Skywalker Ranch, in perfect condition.”
Rinzler’s favourite is Tom Jung’s first iconic effort ( you know the one: Luke’s chest, Leia’s thighs, pop- eyed Threepio). “My second day here I had a meeting in the office where the original was hanging… the whole meeting, I couldn’t focus!”
And the most off- the- wall? “That Polish poster [ for Return Of The Jedi] with Darth Vader’s head exploding,” he laughs. “It’s hard to beat that one.”
Vader’s ( unexploded) bonce, he acknowledges, helped define the classic “people in the foreground, big head in the background” Star Wars style – a style whose influence spread across the cinematic galaxy. “Back in the day, posters were almost all painted,” he sighs. “I find it kind of sad that you go to cinemas now and it’s just photographs. Sometimes the most boring pictures imaginable.” Star Wars Art: Posters by Drew Struzan and Roger Kastel, from Abrams Books, RRP £ 25, is available to SFX readers at the special rate of £ 20, FREE P& P in the UK ( international P& P charges will apply). To order please call 01903 828503 and quote ref 50499.