Here's a look at some of the new cards completed by Star Wars artist David Rabbitte.
"Any Star Wars trading card collector should be familiar with the original three Galaxy sets from back in the '90s which were very successful, so to bring this set back is exciting in itself," Rabbitte says. "One of the differences this time is sketch cards have been inserted and I think there were a lot of artists drooling to be a part of it because of its popularity. Plus we got to draw almost anything from the Star Wars world, from the movies and Expanded Universe, which I think made it a lot of fun for everybody. I know I did!"
Instead of falling back on the typical faves of fans, Rabbitte decided to also pay homage to concept art and book covers. "I did a series of cards inspired by the early character designs of Ralph McQuarrie," Rabbitte says. "One is of the stormtrooper with a lightsaber which is probably my favorite. I also did concept versions of Boba Fett, Hoth Snowtrooper, Han Solo, to name a few. Another favorite I did was of Luke from Splinter of the Mind's Eye. I just loved that book so I had to do at least one."
Rabbitte uses a variety of artistic mediums to get an unique portrait each time. "I used to do watercolors only but now my color cards have become more finished with every set I do," Rabbitte explains. "Now it's a mix of watercolor, acrylic, gouache and color pencil. I couldn't do all of them in color so some are just in pencil. I did do a few cards for the Target exclusives that were more loose done mainly in watercolor."
"I really enjoyed being part of this set," Rabbitte says. "As an artist it's great not to feel restricted to one particular theme or movie as I can let my imagination go free. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Galaxy V!"
Star Wars Galaxy IV are already available primarily in hobby and comic shops.
Read about more news on the Topps Star Wars Blog. Stay tuned to Starwars.com and Topps.com for further details.
