Thursday, 28 January 2021

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: THE VISUAL DEVELOPMENT OF 'MINCH YODA' - PART TWO



The look of Yoda continues to evolve, as seen in these important conceptual development images by Joe Johnston, the artist attempting to further lock down the impish quality of the character. Johnston's artwork for Yoda would be provided to Marvel Comics for advanced artist use by Al Williamson in their upcoming special paperback adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back (the character appearing near miniscule on the art panels when seen next to Luke), though a later Summer Special magazine edition, with a later print run by the time of the film's release (and the unveiling of the character proper), would see the Freeborn version of Yoda officially replacing it.



One of the early Yoda designs as seen in the 1980 Marvel Comics paperback adapting Empire. This was revised to the film Yoda for the later printed full size magazine edition.


Celebrating the work of Johnston, modern SW merchandisers Gentle Giant sculptors would release this limited edition version of Yoda that would be similar to his conceptual art.


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