My Back Pages, Part IV

Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker & Leia Organa by Dan Cheeseman copying Jeffrey Brown

So far in this series, we've mostly focussed on art inspired by DC Comics and there's plenty more of that to come! With this in mind, I thought it was time for a break in which we can take a look at another staple of my drawing career, Star Wars.

Luke Skywalker, by Dan Cheeseman copying Dave Seeley

I got into Star Wars in the 90's, watching the original trilogy on VHS. I remember The Special Editions' theatrical release in 1997 alongside a big merchandising push and Star Wars Tazos appearing in packets of Walkers crisps. The next year, as I played Rogue Squadron on the N64, the buzz for Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace began. When it released in 1999, I went to see it twice in theatres, collected the character busts from Kelloggs cereals and got very excited about the very first Lego Star Wars sets, some of which I still have.

Luminara Unduli, by Dan Cheeseman copying Christina Chung

Star Wars is one of those fictional universes that sparks the imagination and can be a sandbox for all kinds of storytelling. Personally, I've enjoyed most of the projects to come out of it over the years, including the sequels, the animations, the comics, the novels (especially the High Republic) and the video games. Some projects didn't do much for me (e.g. Skeleton Crew and Star Wars Resistance) but I would never yuck anyone's yum. Unfortunately, these days a lot of people get their Star Wars opinions from angry little men online who are desperate for attention. I don't engage with all that; I just block them and move on.

Kylo Ren, by Dan Cheeseman copying Louis Wulwick

Princess Leia & the Dianoga, by Dan Cheeseman copying Karen Hallion

Darth Vader, by Dan Cheeseman copying Salvador Larroca

Weeteef Cyu-Bee, by Dan Cheeseman copying Tim McDonagh

Khaleesh Warrior, by Dan Cheeseman copying Tim McDonagh

Kylo Ren, by Dan Cheeseman copying Mike Mitchell

In 2016 and 2023, I attended Star Wars Celebration, the franchise's official convention. Its always far too oversubscribed, and therefore packed with sweaty Jedi, but the attractions and the sense of community are wonderful.

Darth Rey, by Dan Cheeseman copying Rory Kurtz

Rey Skywalker, by Dan Cheeseman copying Jen Bartel

Rey Skywalker, by Dan Cheeseman copying Karen Hallion

Rey Skywalker, by Dan Cheeseman copying Mike Mitchell

Princess Leia by Dan Cheeseman copying Arthur Adams

Ahsoka Tano, by Dan Cheeseman copying Karen Hallion

Chewbacca, by Dan Cheeseman copying Mike Mitchell

I hope you've enjoyed this little sojourn in a galaxy far, far away. When I've finished sharing all the copying I did at the beginning of my drawing journey, I'll have plenty of Star Wars original pieces to show you. But for now, may the Force be with you.👋