Greg Hildebrandt, artist of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, has died at the age of 85.

One of sci-fi’s all-time greats has passed away. Artist Greg Hildebrandt, known for his iconic work on Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel and Magic: EncounterHe died on Thursday at the age of 85. He and his twin brother Tim, who died in 2006, were a powerhouse duo – Brothers Hildebrandt – until they decided to pursue solo careers in 1981.

The duo is perhaps best known for their original “Style B” poster (above). star Wars In 1977. Released in the UK (“Style A” by Tom Jung was the original US poster), the art shows Luke Skywalker raising his lightsaber high above his head as King Arthur wields Excalibur. He’s flanked by an exploding Princess Leia, with C-3PO and R2-D2 looking back. Darth Vader’s imposing mask looks down on them in the background amid a sea of ​​stars, the Death Star and fighters.

As for Luke and Leia’s notable lack of resemblance to Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, neither the Hildebrandt brothers nor Jung had access to the actors’ photos. So, they created images of familiar heroes that might have been ripped from the covers of 1970s fantasy books. (Still rad, if not screen-accurate.) Hildebrandt’s poster was used in the UK until January 1978, when it was replaced by Tom Chantrell’s “Style C” poster, featuring the original cast.

The brothers are also closely associated with the series The Lord of the Rings calendars. Decades before Peter Jackson brought the films to life (even before the 1978 animated version), their art – which drew on their influence from classic Disney films – was the most prominent sighting of Tolkien’s epic for many readers of the 1970s fantasy.

Among Hildebrandt’s many projects were Marvel and DC comics, illustrations for Wizards of the Coast (Magic: Encounter and Harry Potter), magazines Omni, Heavy Metal again Amazing Storiesalbum art for Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Black Sabbath and a long list of book covers.

Hildebrandt also fought for freedom through his artistic gifts. After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, he contributed illustrations to the Operation USA comic book series for an anthology benefit. Proceeds were donated to Ukrainian refugee relief efforts. Explaining his decision, he wrote, “Any project I can lend my art to that will disrupt Putin is a project I will join with all my heart, soul and mind.”