Greg Hildebrandt: An Iconic Artist Who Defined Sci-Fi and Fantasy
The realm of science fiction and fantasy mourned the loss of one of its most distinguished artists on Thursday, as Greg Hildebrandt passed away at 85. Renowned for his innovative contributions to Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel, and Magic: The Gathering, Hildebrandt’s artistic legacy has made a profound impact on popular culture. Together with his twin brother Tim, the duo—widely recognized as the Brothers Hildebrandt—produced some of the most unforgettable and significant artwork in the field.
In this piece, we’ll delve into Greg Hildebrandt’s life and legacy, highlight his most notable works, and examine the enduring influence he’s had on the fantasy and science fiction genres.
The Brothers Hildebrandt: An Extraordinary Pair
The Formative Years
Born in 1939, Greg and Tim Hildebrandt rapidly established themselves as forces in the realm of fantasy art. Their initial creations were deeply inspired by classic Disney movies, a source that would eventually contribute to their distinctive style. The brothers kicked off their careers in the 1960s, engaging in a range of projects, including book covers, calendars, and illustrations.
The Legendary Star Wars Poster
Among the most celebrated works of the Brothers Hildebrandt is the “Style B” poster for the original Star Wars film released in 1977. This UK-released poster became a legendary part of Star Wars lore. The art depicts Luke Skywalker valiantly lifting his lightsaber like King Arthur’s Excalibur, with Princess Leia beside him, while C-3PO and R2-D2 appear in the background. Darth Vader ominously stands over the scene, with the Death Star and starfighters visible in the backdrop.
Interestingly, neither Greg nor Tim had access to photographs of the actors Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher while creating the poster. Consequently, the figures in the artwork do not closely resemble the actual cast, as they opted for generic heroic images reminiscent of 1970s fantasy book covers. Nevertheless, the poster remains a cherished piece of Star Wars memorabilia.
The Lord of the Rings Calendars
Prior to Peter Jackson’s cinematic adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, the Brothers Hildebrandt provided some of the most iconic visual interpretations of Middle-earth. Their series of The Lord of the Rings calendars during the 1970s became essential for fantasy enthusiasts, presenting a vivid and imaginative rendering of Tolkien’s grand narrative.
The brothers’ artistry was significantly influenced by their admiration for classic Disney films, which is apparent in the bright colors and enchanting landscapes they illustrated. For many fans, the Hildebrandt calendars represented the definitive visualization of The Lord of the Rings before the movies were produced.
Greg Hildebrandt’s Individual Career
Marvel, Magic: The Gathering, and Beyond
In 1981, the Brothers Hildebrandt chose to pursue individual careers. Greg Hildebrandt continued to explore a variety of projects, such as comics for Marvel and DC, illustrations for Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering and Harry Potter, and album covers for bands like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Black Sabbath.
Hildebrandt’s artwork for Magic: The Gathering is particularly noteworthy, as the game surged in popularity throughout the 1990s. His illustrations played a significant role in establishing the visual aesthetic of the game, and his cards remain highly coveted by collectors.
Contributions to Periodicals and Books
In addition to his comics and gaming work, Hildebrandt also provided illustrations for magazines like Omni, Heavy Metal, and Amazing Stories. His artwork adorned the covers of numerous books, solidifying his reputation as one of the most prolific and influential fantasy artists of his era.
A Legacy of Activism
Supporting Ukraine Through Creativity
Alongside his artistic triumphs, Greg Hildebrandt was a dedicated activist. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he utilized his artistic skills to aid Ukrainian refugee relief initiatives. He contributed illustrations to Operation USA’s benefit anthology comic book series, with proceeds directed toward assisting those affected by the crisis.
Hildebrandt expressed his motivation for joining the project, stating, “Any initiative that I can support through my art to counter Putin is a cause I will wholeheartedly embrace.” His commitment to leveraging his art for a greater purpose reflects his character and his belief in the transformative power of creativity.
Conclusion
The passing of Greg Hildebrandt signifies the conclusion of a significant chapter in the world of fantasy and science fiction art. From his iconic Star Wars poster to his work on The Lord of the Rings calendars and Magic: The Gathering, Hildebrandt’s contributions have shaped our perception of some of the most cherished narratives in pop culture. His legacy will persist through his art, inspiring generations of artists and fans.
As we commemorate Greg Hildebrandt, we honor not only his artistic legacy but also his dedication to using his talents for altruistic purposes. His work will continue to inspire and engage audiences for years to come.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions About Greg Hildebrandt and His Work
Q: What is Greg Hildebrandt known for?
A: Greg Hildebrandt is widely recognized for his creation of the “Style B” Star Wars poster, his illustrations for The Lord of the Rings calendars, and his involvement with Magic: The Gathering. He also illustrated comics for Marvel and DC and provided album art for bands like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Q: Why didn’t the characters in the Star Wars poster look like the actors?
A: Greg and Tim Hildebrandt, while crafting the “Style B” Star Wars poster, lacked access to images of the actors Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. Consequently, they utilized generic hero depictions typical of 1970s fantasy art.
Q: What other projects were undertaken by Hildebrandt?
A: Beyond Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, Greg Hildebrandt worked on Marvel and DC comics, illustrated for Magic: The Gathering, and contributed to publications like Omni and Heavy Metal. He also designed album art for bands like Black Sabbath and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Q: In what way did Hildebrandt support Ukraine?
A: Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Greg Hildebrandt contributed illustrations to Operation USA’s benefit anthology comic book series, with profits aiding Ukrainian refugee relief efforts. He was determined to use his art in support of important causes.
Q: Did Greg Hildebrandt undertake any solo projects?
A: Yes, after 1981, Greg Hildebrandt engaged in a solo career, exploring a diverse array of projects that included comics, book covers, and illustrations for Magic: The Gathering. He maintained a prolific output throughout his life.
Q: How did Disney influence Hildebrandt’s artistry?
A: Greg and Tim Hildebrandt drew significant inspiration from classic Disney films, a factor evident in the vibrant colors and whimsical landscapes they created in their work. This influence can be seen in their illustrations for The Lord of the Rings calendars and other fantasy-related projects.
Q: What was Greg Hildebrandt’s contribution to Magic: The Gathering?
A: Greg Hildebrandt illustrated numerous cards for Magic: The Gathering, playing a vital role in shaping the game’s visual style. His artwork continues to be highly valued by fans and collectors.