Showing posts with label TSUNEO SANDA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TSUNEO SANDA. Show all posts

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF 'THE FORCE AWAKENS'!

Art by Tsuneo Sanda.

It debuted to acclaim on its original release back in December 2015, but such positivity to The Force Awakens ten years on seems to have waned somewhat since the arrival of its subsequent sequels. A shame really, as this launch film for Disney/Lucasfilm's new sequel era of the franchise held so much promise and remains a finely crafted movie, with a strong script, fine direction and excellent casting for a new batch of heroes, despite its obvious remake elements linked to the original Star Wars. Like what happened with Daniel Craig's outstanding debut as James Bond 007, 2006's Casino Royale, perhaps the bar was just too high for subsequent films to match it in terms of quality storytelling and character development... 

But let's go back in time to that hopeful promised future of December 2015, and celebrate the then joyous return to a galaxy far, far away...

Happy Tenth Anniversary!





Tuesday, 17 October 2023

EPISODE III: SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL?


Darkness falls and a destiny of evil awaits the once 'hero without fear', Anakin Skywalker, as captured in this splendid and atmospherically charged art from Tsuneo Sanda linked to the devastating and tragic events befalling our once powerful Jedi of EPISODE III.

Tuesday, 27 September 2022

'ATTACK' AT 20: ENTER THE FETTS!

Art by Tsuneo Sanda

His investigations having led him to the mysterious Cloners of the Kamino water world, Obi-Wan Kenobi goes on to discover the identity of the armoured flying humanoid who killed Zam Wesell on Coruscant, the mysterious Jango Fett (played by Temuera Morrison, then winning acclaim onscreen for his intense performance in the art flick success Once Were Warriors), a bounty hunter in Mandalorian armour hired ten years previously for Clone Army genetics by an equally shady and unknown figure named 'Tyranus' through the Kaminoans - a secret initiation, supposedly for the Republic, taking place ten years earlier, and shortly after the unusual death of a former Jedi Council member Sifo-Dyas, a friend and confidante to the now leader of the Separatists, the former respected Jedi now known as Count Dooku! 

Jango Fett concept art by Doug Chiang.

With the rapidly developed Clone Army nearing its order quota, Jango Fett's considerable payment from the Kaminoans would also see his take a unique additional prize - a biologically created clone son to call his own and surely train in his own unique lifestyle and skill sets: Boba Fett (as played by Daniel Logan, in his first acting work).

They mystery and danger linked to the mysterious creation of the army, needed for a future war foreseen only by unknown forces, deepens for the overwhelmed Jedi and the now-influenced Galactic Senate in this complex section of the story arc whose ultimate motivations aren't fully explained until Order 66 and the later events of Revenge of the Sith.

Daniel Logan and Temuera Morrison in character for a posed publicity session.

“He (the classic saga’s Boba Fett) is a background character, but I needed a device, a bounty hunter to do things. That particular bounty hunter had become a rather popular character, and even though people were writing all kinds of things about where he came from, in my mind he was always connected to the Stormtroopers. I realized I could use Jango Fett as the Bounty Hunter (in EPISODE II), and he would be Boba’s father, and then it all fell into place.” 

George Lucas - the British Star Wars magazine Number 39 - July/ August 2002 

“Yes, he is the bad guy, but at the same time he’s also a dad and he loves his son. He is a bounty hunter, of course, so I guess he doesn’t see himself as being bad. I think I have one line in the film which sums it up: “I’m just a simple guy trying to make my way in the universe.” I kind of like that.” 

Temuera Morrison on Jango Fett - Total Film magazine - June 2002



Tuesday, 4 February 2020

CLASSIC ART: OF DUTY AND LOVE!


Her return to Coruscant to vote on the critical issue of the creation of a Grand Army is just the start of a galaxy-spanning adventure of love, intrigue and action for Senator Padme Amidala and her young Jedi protector in Anakin Skywalker, as the epic scale and doomed romance of the pair during the events of EPISODE II is beautifully rendered by Tsuneo Sanda.

Saturday, 21 April 2018

CLASSIC ART: ASPECTS OF A HEROINE!


Rey and Leia have the lion's share of attention these days when it comes to Star Wars female heroism, but let's not forget Padme Amidala of the Prequels- Senator, Queen, protector of Naboo and the Republic, and just as good with a blaster and blessed with a fiery spirit as her daughter will be.

Acclaimed artist Tsueno Sanda admirably captures the heroine's spirit and Natalie Portman's beauty across three innovative films in this great art.

Sunday, 11 March 2018

CLASSIC ART: BINDING SAGAS!


We all have our favourite STAR WARS films, characters and moments, but let's admire the artistry of top artist Tsuneo Sanda and his skill in bringing three epic trilogies of heroes and villains - and the legend of the Skywalker family - together for this lovely composition.

Thursday, 19 October 2017

CLASSIC ART: BALANCE PHILOSOPHISER!


The subtle power and strong nobility of Liam Neeson's Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn, from EPISODE I, shines through in this lovely art from regular artistic genius Tsuneo Sanda.

http://www.sandaworld.com/

Sunday, 25 December 2016

"HAPPY CHRISTMAS!" FROM STAR WARS AFICIONADO


Keeping with the ROGUE ONE theme whilst celebrating the Festive Season, the superlative Tsuneo Sanda strikes back (forgive the pun!) with this terrific art!

SANDAWORLD.COM | The Art of TSUNEO SANDA

Let us also continue to send the most positive of vibes and best wishes out that we can to Carrie Fisher and her loved ones at this time...

STAR WARS AFICIONADO wishes all its worldwide readers a Merry Xmas and a prosperous 2017!


Monday, 5 December 2016

'RAIDERS' AT 35: THE QUEST BEGINS!


Our 35th anniversary celebration of Indiana Jones incredible landmark adventure with RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK comes to an end today via this gorgeous art from Tsuneo Sanda, showing our hero at his best, and the dangerous and cliffhanger laden quest he's soon a vital part of.

SANDAWORLD.COM | The Art of TSUNEO SANDA

Meanwhile our hero's adventures live on in lively animation until his eventual cinematic return:

Watch The Animated Indiana Jones Movie

Thursday, 9 June 2016

CLASSIC ART: LIGHT WILL TRIUMPH!


The end of the first (but middle) trilogy of the filmed STAR WARS saga is celebrated in this second piece from the supreme Japanese artist Tsuneo Sanda, as the "Return" of the Jedi is seen in with the lit brilliance of Luke's green lightsaber blade, surrounded by his best friends within the living Force and those departed beyond it...

SANDAWORLD.COM | The Art of TSUNEO SANDA


And don't forget to explore RETURN OF THE JEDI's origins as REVENGE OF THE JEDI here:
STAR WARS AFICIONADO ARCHIVE - 'REVENGE OF THE JEDI'

Monday, 16 May 2016

HAPPY FOURTEENTH BIRTHDAY, 'ATTACK OF THE CLONES'!


A mysterious clone producing planet and its secretly initiated army is revealed, a bounty hunter is discovered and fought, and a forbidden love begins, as the splendid Tsuneo Sanda cover art to the second issue of DARK HORSE COMIC's epic EPISODE II adaptation arrived during 2002.

John Williams Across The Stars (Star Wars Episode II) - YouTube

John Williams scores Star Wars Episode 2 - YouTube

Thursday, 10 March 2016

CLASSIC ART: THE GEONOSIS CONVERGENCE!


The dangers intensify for the Jedi and our young Prequel heroes, as the true colours of Count Dooku are revealed and the perils of the Geonosian Arena begin, in this great cover art by Tsuneo Sanda for DARK HORSE COMICS hugely successful adaptation of EPISODE II, from 2002.


Tuesday, 19 May 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 'REVENGE OF THE SITH'!


The diverse and intriguing characters of the final episode of the Prequel Trilogy, Revenge of the Sith, make for another striking and colorful composite from that inspiring talent Tsuneo Sanda, with the troubled Padme Amidala taking firm centre stage. This image has now apparently become available on apparel as part of the Her Universe STAR WARS clothing collection.

Celebrating its milestone Tenth Anniversary, EPISODE III, the most popular of the Prequels, looks set to endure for a long time to come...


Saturday, 4 April 2015

CLASSIC ART: A UNIVERSE OF DRAMA AND CONFLICT


Tsuneo Sanda brings the character, drama and action fabrics of the two STAR WARS universes together in this superlative piece. We can't wait to see what he does next artistically seeing in the new Trilogy of films, and beyond...

FACEBOOK PAGE: (1) Star Wars Artist Tsuneo Sanda

Saturday, 10 January 2015

THE 'SITH' AT 10: "EVIL IS EVERYWHERE..."


Keeping the dark flavour of EMPIRE's 35th, another classic STAR WARS movie of evil rising and destructive chaos ensuing, the top prequel REVENGE OF THE SITH, originally planned (in 2005) as the finale to George Lucas's six-film intent, celebrates its landmark Tenth Anniversary this year. And where has the time gone!?

AFICIONADO's first celebration entry showcases Japanese SW artist icon Tsuneo Sanda's supreme cover art for the Dark Horse Comics adaptation/compilation of the film from its original release- certainly putting all the film's most successful elements together in a striking and worthy collective.

SANDAWORLD.COM | STAR WARS ORIGINAL ART PAINTING BY TSUNEO SANDA

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

CLASSIC ART: BAND OF HEROES!


Packed with characters old and new, RETURN OF THE JEDI's epic universe of Rebel heroes, human and alien, is beautifully celebrated, around the distinctive and pivotal turning of Darth Vader back to the light side of The Force, with this fine piece of art from acclaimed STAR WARS regular Tsuneo Sanda.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO can't wait to see what he'll be doing next with the Sequel Trilogy and spin-off movies...

SANDAWORLD.COM | STAR WARS ORIGINAL ART PAINTING BY TSUNEO SANDA

Thursday, 19 December 2013

CLASSIC ART: TIME OF THE SKYWALKERs...


Tsuneo Sanda's run of gorgeous STAR WARS artwork continues with this piece devoted to the Skywalker family clan from across both distinctive Trilogies, figure-headed by an EPISODE II Padme Amidala. Looking forward to seeing what Mister Sanda brings to the artistic table with the upcoming EPISODEs VII to IX!

SANDAWORLD.COM | STAR WARS ORIGINAL ART PAINTING BY TSUNEO SANDA

Friday, 7 June 2013

CLASSIC ART: LOVE, WAR AND CLONES!


I adore Tsuneo Sanda's STAR WARS work - beautifully composed and coloured, with some terrific likenesses of our heroes and villains, alongside the incredible planets, technology and weaponry of the saga- and can't wait to see what amazing art he will generate with the first of the new sequels in 2015.

In the meantime, here's a terrific piece he did linked to EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES, which truly captures the vast scope of he middle film of the Prequel Trilogy.

Sunday, 17 February 2013

CLASSIC ART: EPISODE I's NEW ERA OF HEROES


One of the finest artists of the STAR WARS generation, Tsuneo Sanda's artistic skills are shown to their fullest with this superb artwork celebrating EPISODE I, capturing the visual wonder, excitement and memorable characters-past and new- of the worldwide, billion dollar box office success.

Monday, 8 October 2012

CLASSIC ART: BALANCING THE FORCE..


Tsuneo Sanda brings us another classic and beautiful piece of art with this EPISODE III showcase showing the flip sides of good and evil from the Prequel Trilogy, most notably highlighting that friendly smile from the twisted and murderous Daddy Warbucks version of the STAR WARS saga: Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, aka Darth Sidious!