I walked into the sprawling Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center, a momentous step into history, as the iconic mind behind Star Wars, George Lucas, graced Comic-Con for the very first time. This much-loved arts gathering owes a significant part of its fame to his tales and inventions.
On Sundays, the convention typically features its main event either on Friday or Saturday. However, this particular Sunday’s panel was the biggest ever, as reported by sources, demonstrating the remarkable influence of Lucas.
A multitude of people spent hours queuing, echoing “Lucas, Lucas!” throughout their wait, before erupting into a frenzied standing ovation as the filmmaker made his entrance, introduced by multi-talented artist Queen Latifah. He then seated himself alongside filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Star Wars’ production designer Doug Chiang on stage.
Should the 6,500-attendee crowd have been displeased due to his lack of mention about Star Wars or Indiana Jones, this was not evident as repeated shouts of “I love you, George!” and visible lightsaber waving echoed through the air multiple times.
At the conclusion of his presentation entirely focused on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Lucas received a standing ovation as he departed. Accompanying him were museum board member and fellow art collector del Toro, along with Chiang. Their purpose was not only to offer a sneak peek at the museum but also to advocate for the significance and authenticity of narrative art, encompassing comic book art, as a fundamental means of expression.
In a passionate speech at Hall H, I shared my vision for my museum – a sanctuary dedicated to the creative expressions of the people. I traced my journey back to college days when, with limited resources, I started accumulating comic book art. As fortune smiled upon me, my collection grew exponentially and today it boasts over 40,000 pieces!
Del Toro expressed that what truly captivates him, what feels enchanting, isn’t just a person and their accumulation, but rather a succession of visual narratives. We find ourselves at a crucial juncture where one thing that seems to be fading away is our past.
He noted that this is commemorating a well-loved, passionate, and articulate episode from our collective visual history. The museum honors this as well.
A multimedia exhibit showcased the unique, non-rectangular interior of the museum, with Latifah emphasizing this fact, and also displayed previews of artworks set to join the collection.
A selection of comic covers, including the debut of Adam Strange in Mystery in Space, the original Flash Gordon strip, a Tales from the Crypt cover from the 1950s, strips for Peanuts and Garfield, artwork by artists such as Brian Bolland, Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy), Robert Crumb (underground cartoonist), Windsor McKay, Moebius, as well as pieces from Astro Boy and Scrooge McDuck. Additionally, you’ll find images created by renowned artists like Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, and Frida Kahlo.
Additionally, you’ll find concept art and storyboards from both “Star Wars” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” created by Ralph McQuarrie and Jim Steranko, alongside actual prop replicas of starships and speeders featured in various “Star Wars” films, within this museum.
Chiang pointed out that comic art, specifically, had often been overlooked and considered less significant. He expressed that it wasn’t given the respect it deserved, and when he was younger, people would tell him, “You’ll eventually grow out of it.
He expressed his relief and emphasized that a key advantage of narrative art lies in its focus on storytelling. In other words, he stated that the tale takes precedence over the artistic aspects.”
“He was relieved to have done so, and went on to highlight that what makes narrative art powerful is its emphasis on story. He put it simply: stories come before art.
Lucas consistently emphasized the notion that storytelling in art plays a significant role in fostering communal bonds and shared belief systems.
Del Toro additionally touched upon profound and philosophical ideas, distinguishing between artwork created for storytelling or myth creation and artwork used for propagandistic purposes.
As a fellow enthusiast, I’d like to share this thought: “Legends are for everyone, manipulative messages are confined to a select few.” Legends bind us together, while propaganda creates divisions among us.
The museum, which has had its opening pushed back several times, is slated to open in 2026.
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2025-07-27 23:55