The world lost a visionary artist and storyteller with the passing of Greg Hildebrandt, who left us on Halloween at the age of 85. Known for his extraordinary contributions to fantasy art, comic illustration, and pop culture, Greg’s work has left an indelible mark on generations of fans and creatives alike.
Born on January 23, 1939, Greg Hildebrandt grew up with boundless curiosity and imagination, often shared with his twin brother, Tim. Together, the Hildebrandt Brothers became renowned for their collaboration on the 1977 poster for Star Wars: A New Hope. This now-iconic piece captured the epic scope of George Lucas’s universe and remains beloved by fans worldwide. This success catapulted them into the realm of fantasy art and solidified their place as household names.
Throughout his career, Greg’s work graced the covers of numerous books, including the cherished 1976–1978 illustrated Lord of the Rings calendar series. His interpretations of Tolkien’s Middle-earth showcased his keen eye for detail and ability to convey wonder and drama with vivid, fantastical realism. As a solo artist, Greg continued to push the boundaries of fantasy illustration, creating memorable imagery that shaped the genre.
Beyond his contributions to book covers, posters, and calendars, Greg ventured into the world of Marvel and DC Comics, bringing superheroes to life in ways that fused his painterly style with dynamic, action-packed narratives. His work in the 1990s for Marvel Masterpieces trading cards remains a beloved touchstone for comic collectors, bringing fan-favorite characters into a new, meticulously detailed light.
As the co-founder of Spiderweb Art Gallery, Greg provided a platform for original fantasy and comic art, empowering other artists to share their visions with the world. Greg’s dedication to his craft and his unyielding passion for storytelling through art continues to inspire those who knew him personally and those who grew up admiring his art.
Greg Hildebrandt’s legacy is one of magic and wonder. His work will continue to enchant fans and aspiring artists for generations to come. He is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans, all of whom are grateful for the worlds he so vividly brought to life.
A message from Jean was posted on Facebook…
The light has gone out in my life. At 12:36 pm this afternoon the love of my life, my best friend and soulmate passed away. Greg was 85 years young. He was the sweetest man I ever knew. We worked together for 45 years. We lived together for 33 of those years. We had a beautiful life we were blessed. Greg has been fighting for 5 months to regain his ability to breathe after a serious side effect of a heart medication. He fought very hard to win this battle but in the end he was just too weak. He passed away peacefully in my arms. He knew he was safe and he was loved and he will be missed terribly. I cannot imagine my life without him. He was my guy, yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. You are my heart and it is broken! Jean
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