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Tony Herman and the Creation of the Star Wars Posters, 1977-1986

Percy Bysshe Shelley

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Published in Star Wars (1977 1986) #22 Tony Herman

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Tony Herman was an American artist who is best known for his work on the original Star Wars trilogy posters. His iconic designs helped to shape the visual identity of the franchise and have become some of the most recognizable images in film history.

Star Wars (1977-1986) #22

by Tony Herman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	63901 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	17 pages

Herman was born in New York City in 1943. He studied art at the Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts. After graduating, he worked as a freelance illustrator for a variety of clients, including magazines, book publishers, and advertising agencies.

In 1977, Herman was approached by Lucasfilm to create the poster for the original Star Wars film. He was given a brief synopsis of the film and a few stills, and he was asked to come up with a design that would capture the excitement and adventure of the story.

Herman's first Star Wars poster featured a silhouetted image of the Millennium Falcon against a backdrop of stars. The poster was a huge success, and it helped to generate excitement for the film. Herman went on to create posters for the next two films in the original trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).

Herman's Star Wars posters are characterized by their bold colors and dynamic compositions. He often used silhouettes and negative space to create a sense of mystery and suspense. His posters also feature a strong sense of movement, which reflects the fast-paced action of the films.

Herman's Star Wars posters have been widely praised for their artistry and their ability to capture the spirit of the films. They have been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, and they remain some of the most popular and collectible Star Wars items.

In addition to his work on Star Wars, Herman also created posters for a variety of other films, including The Road Warrior (1981),Conan the Barbarian (1982),and The Goonies (1985). He also worked as a production designer on the films The Last Starfighter (1984) and Howard the Duck (1986).

Herman died in 2017 at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.

Tony Herman's Star Wars Posters

Legacy

Tony Herman's Star Wars posters are a testament to his skill as an artist and his understanding of the franchise. His work helped to shape the visual identity of Star Wars and has inspired generations of fans. Herman's posters remain some of the most iconic and beloved images in film history.

Star Wars (1977-1986) #22

by Tony Herman

5 out of 5