"Star Wars" art: Movie posters of a galaxy far, far away
George Lucas' epic saga set in a galaxy far, far away has evoked spectacular illustrations to entice audiences - a tradition which continues with the latest "Star Wars" adventure, "The Force Awakens."
Pictured: A 1977 poster for "Star Wars" by illustrators Greg and Tim Hildebrandt (best known for their sumptuous depictions of the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien) and graphic designer Tom Jung.
By CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan
"Star Wars"
Comic book artist Howard Chaykin's 1976 poster artwork, in the style of Japanese manga, with logo by the film's conceptual artist Ralph McQuarrie.
"Star Wars"
A very teasing teaser poster for the first film's release.
"Star Wars"
Illustrator Tom Chantrell created this poster for the first film.
"Star Wars"
Tom Jung's design for this early "Star Wars" one-sheet. And no, Princess Leia is not left-handed.
"Star Wars"
Tom Jung created this horizontal artwork, which was also featured on the souvenir program.
"Star Wars"
Drew Struzan (one of the most acclaimed movie poster artists) and illustrator Charles White III created the artwork for this nostalgic poster that looks ripped from the walls of Tatooine.
"Star Wars"
This Italian poster takes some liberties with the physical attributes of the film's stars.
"The Empire Strikes Back"
A 1979 pencil sketch by illustrator Rogel Kastel ("Jaws") for "The Empire Strikes Back," with Han Solo and Princess Leia in the clinch, was heavily inspired by the poster for "Gone With the Wind."
"The Empire Strikes Back"
The final one-sheet. Artwork by Roger Kastel.
"The Empire Strikes Back"
Pulp art maestro Boris Vallejo, who first conjured the image of Conan the Barbarian, created this artwork for "The Empire Strikes Back."
"The Empire Strikes Back"
A one-sheet by Tom Jung.
"Revenge of the Jedi"
An early poster for Episode VI of the saga, when it was known by its original title, "Revenge of the Jedi." It was changed when someone realized that revenge is antithetical to the ways of the Jedi.
Reissue
A reissue poster for "Star Wars" announcing a trailer for "Revenge of the Jedi."
"Return of the Jedi"
The poster for "Return of the Jedi" by graphic artist Tim Reamer.
Special Edition
Drew Struzan's poster for the 1997 "Special Edition" of "Star Wars: A New Hope."
Special Edition
Drew Struzan's poster for the 1997 "Special Edition" of "The Empire Strikes Back."
Special Edition
Drew Struzan's poster for the 1997 "Special Edition" of "Return of the Jedi."
Fine Art
The "Star Wars" universe has inspired illustrators and movie fans to come up with their own visions of a galaxy far, far away. In 2010 artist Olly Moss created these striking limited-edition prints of Original Trilogy posters.
"The Phantom Menace"
Ellen Lee, Jim Ward and the firm New Wave Creative collaborated on this evocative teaser poster - showing young Anakin Skywalker with the shadow of Darth Vader - for the first prequel, "The Phantom Menace."
"The Phantom Menace"
Drew Struzan illustrated the one-sheet for "Episode I: The Phantom Menace."
"The Phantom Menace"
In 2012 "Episode I" was converted to 3-D and re-released, allowing poster elements to jump out at the viewer.
"Attack of the Clones"
A teaser for "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" by New Wave Creative.
"Attack of the Clones"
Drew Struzan illustrated the one-sheet for "Episode II: Attack of the Clones."
"Revenge of the Sith"
A striking teaser poster for "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith," from New Wave Creative.
"Revenge of the Sith"
The one-sheet for the final "prequel," "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith." Artwork by Drew Struzan.
"The Clone Wars"
mOcean and New Wave Creative's poster for the animated adventure, "The Clone Wars."
"The Force Awakens"
The official poster for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." (And where is Luke?)
"The Force Awakens"
Artist Dan Mumford's poster for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
"The Force Awakens"
Character art posters for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
"The Force Awakens"
A Chinese poster, depicting Kylo Ren, for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
rogue-one-poster-465
Poster for the standalone "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (2016), with its "Band of Brothers" crew of fighters led by Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones).
For more info:
"Star Wars Art: Posters," foreword by Drew Struzan, introduction by Roger Kastel (Abrams)