Greg Hildebrandt, a celebrated name in the world of fantasy and science fiction art, has passed away at the age of 85. Known for his stunning illustrations for Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel, and DC Comics, Greg left an indelible mark on the art world. His work, spanning movie posters, trading cards, calendars, and comic covers, has inspired generations of fans and artists alike.
Hildebrandt passed away in Denville, New Jersey. According to his son, Greg Jr., the artist had been dealing with complications from a heart medication for the past five months. Hildebrandt’s talent and dedication to his craft, however, never waned. His artwork continued to reflect his passion and imagination until his last days.
A Legendary Career with His Twin Brother
Born in Detroit on January 23, 1939, Greg and his twin brother, Tim, shared a passion for art from a young age. Growing up in a household where creativity was encouraged, they started drawing comics at just six years old. Their mother played a major role in nurturing their imaginations, emphasizing that creativity was the most valuable gift they had. After attending a short art course at Meinzinger Art School, the Hildebrandt brothers began their professional journey in 1959, producing art for an industrial film company, where they learned to combine live-action and animation.
In 1963, the brothers moved to New York and worked on a series of documentary films for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, focusing on themes like world hunger. They also provided art for Sheen’s weekly TV show, Life Is Worth Living. It wasn’t long before their artistic style and skill caught the attention of major publishing and entertainment companies.
Bringing The Lord of the Rings to Life
The Hildebrandt brothers’ breakthrough came in the mid-1970s with their collaboration on a series of The Lord of the Rings calendars for Ballantine Books. The calendars, which were published from 1976 to 1978, featured vibrant, dramatic scenes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved trilogy. These illustrations were created through a unique collaborative process. Tim would begin a concept with rough sketches, Greg would add his ideas, and together they would create the final design. They even conducted photoshoots with models and costumes to capture the intricate details of Tolkien’s world. Working side by side, the two would bring their fantasy vision to life, often sitting across from each other and painting on the same canvas.
The calendars became a massive hit, solidifying the Hildebrandts’ reputation in the world of fantasy art and opening doors to new projects, including the one that would become one of their most famous works.
Creating the Iconic Star Wars Poster
In 1977, Greg and Tim received a call from 20th Century Fox to design an alternate movie poster for Star Wars — later known as the “Style B” poster for the UK release. With no official photos or stills to work from, the brothers relied on their creativity and their first-hand knowledge of sci-fi design. In just 36 hours, they completed the first version of the poster, which did not originally include the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. Greg’s then-wife, Diana Stankowski, posed as Princess Leia for the iconic layout.
After director George Lucas requested a few adjustments, the final version was sent off, capturing the imagination of fans across the world. Their portrayal of Star Wars characters became iconic, and the Hildebrandts’ poster remains a collector’s favorite to this day.
Solo Projects and Continued Success
Following their joint success with The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, Greg and Tim decided to pursue individual projects. Greg illustrated his own book, Greg Hildebrandt’s Favorite Fairy Tales, in 1984, where he reimagined classic stories like The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Dracula, and Phantom of the Opera. He also created cover art for Heavy Metal magazine and worked on various fantasy and horror classics.
In the 1990s, the Hildebrandt brothers reunited for a significant project: the 1994 Marvel Masterpieces trading card set. This 158-card collection featured fan-favorite heroes and villains from the Marvel Universe, and it quickly became a hit among comic and trading card enthusiasts. The Hildebrandts’ bold and intricate depictions of characters like Deadpool, Captain America, and Thor solidified their status in the comic book world.
Greg’s Artistic Legacy in Music
Greg’s talents were not limited to visual storytelling. His artwork extended into the world of music, where he designed the cover art for the 1981 Black Sabbath album Mob Rules. He later became the exclusive artist for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, creating album covers, tour programs, and merchandise. His final commercial artwork will appear in the program for the band’s upcoming winter tour, a fitting tribute to his lifelong commitment to fantasy and creativity.
Passion for Vintage Art with American Beauties
In 1999, Greg explored a different artistic style with his American Beauties series, a collection of 1940s and 1950s-style pin-up paintings. Inspired by classic American imagery, he portrayed women in retro clothing and settings, celebrating a nostalgic period in American history. This series allowed him to experiment with new themes and artistic techniques, while also showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Remembering Greg Hildebrandt
Greg Hildebrandt leaves behind a legacy filled with iconic characters, vibrant fantasy worlds, and memorable artwork. His work was characterized by a unique attention to detail and a lifelong commitment to “getting it right,” as his family described him. From Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings to Marvel comics and fantasy calendars, his art continues to inspire countless fans and artists around the world.
Greg is survived by his wife, Jean Scrocco, who was also his agent for many years; his son, Greg Jr.; his daughter, Mary; daughter-in-law Jane; son-in-law David; and his beloved kittens Bonnie, Clyde, Katie, and Charlie. His family remembers him as a consummate professional, whose creativity and dedication to art were unwavering.
For fans and collectors, Greg Hildebrandt’s work represents not just extraordinary talent but also the magic of storytelling. His illustrations have left an enduring impact on the fantasy and comic book worlds, capturing the imaginations of fans and artists for decades. His passing marks the end of an era, but his art will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
