StarWars.com chats with the artist Super Sucklord who curated the die-cut sketch cards for both Galaxy 4 and 5 sets from Topps.
What sets these die-cuts cards apart from the rest of the Galaxy 5 set?
The approach. The regular sketch cards are more traditional, if you will. Classic fantasy realism, comic and cartoon art, but not very boundary pushing. The directive for the die cuts was to go "alternative." We have people doing abstract art, graffiti, parody drawings of Star Wars figures. It's more interpretive than representational.
You curated the awesome die-cut set from Galaxy 4, what makes the Galaxy 5 set different?
A few things. One is the shapes. Last time it was Darth Vader and a stormtrooper. Now it's Darth Maul and a clone trooper. The Maul is an interesting form to work on with the little horn nubs popping out. Some of the artists did some creative things with them. Second is the caliber of the work. The last set was nice, but a lot was somewhat simple pencil and ink. This time we have a lot more color and multimedia -- full-on mini paintings.
Who are the artists that participated in this set?
Adriean Koleric (ITEM/Thinkitem), Angie Dutchess, Anthony Ausgang, Appro Nation (Ashley Hawkins/Simeon Lipman), Auxpeer, Bill McMullen, Brian Flynn, Buff Monster, Burt Banger, Colin Walton, Collin David, Dangeruss, DevilRobots, Gothic Hangman, Hariken, Hiroshi Namiki, Ilanena, Jared Deal, Jason Adams, Jason Atomic, Jesse Hernandez, Kano, King AbNoN (Doom XL/Billy Roids), Kosbe, Le Merde (Mike Kelly), Len Bellinger, Michael Leavitt, Mio Murakami, Mr. Den, Plasticgod, Rolo Ledesma (Elite Gudz), Russell Walks, Skull Toys, Suckadelic, Touma, Tulip and Uamou.
Why do you think fans and collectors will love these cards?
They are a fresh look at Star Wars that nobody has seen before. Plus they are very scarce. Artists only did 25-50 cards each. For completists who need it all and love the thrill of the hunt, this is it.
How can fans get their hands on these awesome cards?
The hard way is to buy boxes and boxes of Topps Star Wars Galaxy 5 cards and hope a few die cuts pop up. Or haunt eBay and compete with the vultures out there, or make me an offer I can't refuse. I'm sitting on all the artist returns.
Any additional comments?
Just want to thank Topps and Lucasfilm for letting this happen. We had a lot of freedom to do whatever we wanted and it brought a lot of fresh blood into the Star Wars art game.
Star Wars Galaxy 5 cards are available primarily in hobby and comics shops. Stay tuned to StarWars.com and Topps.com for further details.
