'Guardians of the Galaxy' Concept Art by Anthony Francisco

 Baby Groot and Groot

 The Collector's slave girl Karina

An early Korath Concept

Sakaraan Pilot

Orloni (Gaming Table Critter) Concepts

 

The Kyln Prison

Via Anthony Francisco Art

and his Monsters and Stuff Blog

"What a Piece of Junk!" - Today in Star Wars VII Set Photos

Today's "leaked" Star Wars VII set photos from TMZ feature several large set pieces under construction - including our beloved Millennium Falcon, X-Wings, and a closer look at the previously revealed Space Swine of Unusual Size.

Here's a cool thing of note - fans are spotting direct references in the new sets 

to Ralph McQuarrie's original Classic Trilogy concept art.

Like yesterday's Tatooine dessert arch...

 (Image via the official Ralph McQuarrie FB Page)

...and Toy Photographer Avanaut spotted this X-Wing reference today.

Time to get out all those ''Making of " Star Wars books and start looking for more!

Tatooine Dreams & Giant Swine - 1st Star Wars VII Set Photos

 TMZ released a big batch of  "leaked" Star Wars: Episode VII Abu Dhabi location set photos today. 

There's nothing Spoilery - the shots mostly feature candids of extras in typical Tatooine attire, familiar space junk 

set pieces, and one very cool and impressively sized practical effects creature - so it's a good chance they 

were officially "leaked" to peek our fan interests. And it worked!

And..shortly after the set photos hit...

 Lucasfilm announced that Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie have joined the cast!

Above images via DailyMailOnline

Full original set of images at TMZ

“Here’s Where the Fun Begins” STAR WARS Turns 37 Today!

STAR WARS premiered on May 25th in 1977 - thirty-seven years ago today - and next 

December we'll get to see what the future holds for beloved Galaxy Far, Far Away.

 Meanwhile here are just a few images of the vintage original- behind the scenes, promo photos, and comic art. 

I never tire of looking at these BTS shots - it reminds how I discovered my love of film-making, special effects, & costume design by constantly pouring through my old Making of Star Wars books, and reading mags like Starlog back in the day.

 Promo photos

 Unused Concept Poster Art

 Teaser Poster

 Marvel Star Wars Issue #1

(Marvel - The Empire Strikes Back)

 Teaser art poster, Marvel Comic covers, and comic pin-up all by Howard Chaykin

JJ Abrams & Pal - Star Wars VII Abu Dhabi Set/Contest Video

Screencaps via Club Jade and Geek Tyrant

A new Star Wars denizen gets a casual reveal as J.J. Abrams gives a first glimpse of the Episode VII set 

in Abu Dhabi - and announces an contest in partnership with UNICEF for a walk-on part in the film.

The Gorn Gets a Major Makeover in the New Star Trek Game.

While the classic Gorn has his Retro charm - I guess he had to get a sleeker update to appear in the

JJ Abrams Star Trek-verse Game. I do like the individuality of the various dinosaur inspired lizard men, 

it's cool look for game enemies, but I'm not sure they'd work in a movie.

Plus it probably wise at this point to move the Gorn's look further away from his Star Wars cousin - Bossk.

Dark Elves of The Dark World & Malekith - Thor 2 Set Photos

First look at the Thor sequel's new villain Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) and his army.

More photos at Comic Book Movie - here and here