FIGHTING BACK! CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS OF 'RETURN OF THE JEDI'!

Art by Kazuhiko Sano.

The Empire may truly have struck back with supreme nastiness against the Rebels in 1980, but 1983 was the time for our heroes to win the final battle for the galaxy away from the evil Emperor and his legions, whilst Luke Skywalker restored the name of the legendary Jedi Knights and would help see-in the birth of a New Republic.

It may be regarded as the weakest film of the Original Trilogy, but Return of the Jedi, celebrating its Fortieth Anniversary in 2023, is nonetheless hugely popular with fans of all ages for its epic action, strong core emotional drama, slimy monsters, superb model effects and a very happy ending (at least for now...)

Look out for Star Wars Aficionado's celebration of the classic across the year ahead...

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!