George Lucas Heading to Comic-Con for First Time Ever

The king of the nerds is finally coming to Comic-Con.

George Lucas, who played a significant role in shaping contemporary fandoms through his ‘Star Wars’ films, will be making his debut at San Diego Comic-Con, participating in his inaugural panel.

Lucas is set to have Guillermo del Toro, filmmaker, and Doug Chiang, artist who worked on the ‘Star Wars’ prequels, join him for a panel discussion. This talk will delve into the influence of visual storytelling and give attendees a glimpse at the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

On Sunday, Queen Latifah, a multiple award-winning actress and musician (Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe), will be leading a discussion panel in Hall H, the large and historic venue situated within the San Diego Convention Center.

The group of artists will chat about how storytelling through artwork impacts our community, as they follow the universal human urge to sketch, create animations, and breathe life into tales spanning thousands of years.

David Glanzer, the chief communications and strategy officer of Comic-Con, expressed tremendous excitement as they announced George Lucas’s first-ever visit to Comic-Con. Back in the day, around half a century ago, ‘Star Wars’ made one of its initial public showings at our convention, accompanied by a booth displaying Howard Chaykin’s now iconic ‘Star Wars’ poster as a promotional item.

As a devoted admirer, it’s incredibly thrilling for me to witness George Lucas coming back into the limelight with the unveiling of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. His lifelong commitment to crafting visual narratives and immersive universes resonates profoundly within us and our community. The museum’s objective to honor narrative art in its myriad forms mirrors exactly what Comic-Con has stood for from its inception.

This return feels like a complete circle, bringing together two passions that have captivated and inspired countless individuals over the years.

Star Wars has always had connections with Comic Cons, dating back to their beginnings; however, it’s surprising that George Lucas, its creator, hasn’t personally visited this “geek haven.” Instead, he often delegates appearances to creative personnel or individuals responsible for fan engagement.

In 1976, a Star Wars panel took place a year prior to the release of the first movie. The attendees at this event were Roy Thomas, the writer for the upcoming Star Wars comic published by Marvel, and artist Chaykin.

Numerous discussions about various Star Wars topics have taken place, but few generated significant headlines. One notable exception occurred in 2004 when Lucasfilm announced “Revenge of the Sith” as the title for “Star Wars: Episode III.” Another intriguing moment happened in 2015 when Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill appeared together to give a sneak peek at “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” although this took place during Disney’s era, with Lucas no longer involved.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my excitement for the Lucas Museum, a marvel dedicated to the art of illustrated storytelling, transcending through time, cultures, and various media forms. The museum promises an extraordinary collection graced by masters like Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judy Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish.

Moreover, the museum will offer special showcases for comic artists, featuring legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb. Additionally, it will honor photographers like Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange, whose works have left indelible marks on the world of visual storytelling.

The museum additionally holds the Lucas Archive, a collection that includes sets, props, sketches, and clothing pieces used in Lucas’s movie-making ventures.

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The museum also keeps the Lucas Archive, filled with items like models, drawings, costumes, and props from Lucas’s film career.

Lucas and Mellody Hobson jointly founded a museum that’s planned to be situated in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park. The anticipated opening date for this museum is 2026.

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2025-07-11 20:24