A new record in the universe star Wars has caught the attention of collectors and fans alike: The original half-sheet painting created by Tom Jung in 1977 sold for $3.875 millionas reported Popular Science.
This transaction made the piece the most expensive piece of memorabilia ever associated with the saga, displacing other iconic items such as the lightsaber used on screen Darth Vader.
This work was auctioned by Heritage Auctions It belongs to the rare half-sheet format, characterized by its horizontal orientation and printing on thicker paper, intended for cinema lobbies in the 1970s.
The limited availability and specificity of the format are one of the main reasons for the high value achieved, according to experts interviewed Popular Science.
The uniqueness of Jung’s paintings also lies in their visual and historical impact. For a large part of the public, it was their first contact with the universe he created George Lucasas the art was used in print advertising starting in early May 1977, several weeks before the theatrical release.
Visual symbols that would define the franchise were established within the box: the dominant presence of Vader, the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, Chewbacca – recognizable in the details – and the faces of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker. A nod to the fans can be seen in Luke, Chewbacca and Han Solo’s walk to the medal ceremony, which foreshadows a milestone in the film that is still unknown this year.
Popular Science highlights that the image conceived by Jung became the visual reference for Star Wars beyond the recording, later appearing on the covers of official broadcasts, large-format billboards and numerous graphic publications during the film’s original release.
The record-breaking auction comes at a time of great global interest in Star Wars collectibles. Recently the Darth Vader’s lightsaberthe only one whose authenticity has been proven through use on screen was sold by $3.64 million at a Los Angeles Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction and topped the rankings until he was surpassed by Jung’s Half Sheet.
The market continues to offer authentic “Holy Grails” related to the saga. In 2023, Heritage Auctions awarded for $3.1 million A Original 50 centimeter X-Wing modelfound in the model maker’s garage Greg Jain and used in the final battle of the film.
In the toy sector, Vlix figure – was produced in very small numbers after the series was discontinued star Wars: Droids and the sale of its molds to the Brazilian Glasslite – was appreciated between $5,000 and $50,000 thanks to his mysterious journey.
He funny Star Wars #1 from Marvelpublished in July 1977 and created by Roy Thomas next to the artist Howard Chaykinmaintains its place among the most sought-after specimens in the galactic collection, with prices varying between $2,500 and $11,500depending on the state of preservation.
This is one of the strangest objects Krayt Dragonbone – when seen C-3PO Travel through the desert Tatooine– are actually props from a movie Disney reused during filming. After being released in Tunisia, they were discovered in 1995 by an archaeologist and universe enthusiast star Wars They still search and trade for fragments, whose values vary $150 to $1,800.
By making Tom Jung’s painting the most valuable souvenir ever star Wars, Popular Science underlines its role as the first image of the universe of the saga and as a definitive visual reference that would define the identity of star Wars on various platforms during its original premiere.
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