Celebrating Star Wars Day: The Journey Behind Lucas Wars Comic

May 4th is a special day for fans around the world as it marks Star Wars Day. This year, to commemorate this iconic franchise, directors Takashi Yamazaki and Shinji Higuchi delve into the fascinating history of Star Wars through the lens of the comic "Lucas Wars." The engaging discussion is available on the Kinejun YouTube channel, titled "Ore-tachi no Star Wars" (Our Star Wars).

Yamazaki, renowned for winning the Academy Award for Visual Effects with "Godzilla-1.0," and Higuchi, known for his Netflix release "Shinkansen Daibakuha" (Shinkansen: The Great Explosion), both share a deep appreciation for Star Wars—with memorable experiences as teenagers witnessing its groundbreaking debut in 1978 Japan. For Yamazaki in particular, Star Wars served as the catalyst for his pursuit of a career in filmmaking.

The YouTube series paints a vivid picture of their connection to the franchise. The chemistry between the two directors is evident as they passionately discuss their love for the series, exchange anecdotes about their work experiences in the industry, and analyze the remarkable qualities that define Star Wars.

Higuchi mentions how he initially preferred Japan's own "Message from Space" over Star Wars, sparking playful banter about movie preferences, while Yamazaki emphasizes his unwavering commitment to accept any work related to SW. The camaraderie they share is palpable, setting the tone for an interesting dialogue.

As they discuss the insanity of creating iconic scenes, they are particularly impressed by the illustrations by artist Ralph McQuarrie, which exemplified Lucas' vision for the Star Wars universe at its inception. Yamazaki and Higuchi highlight the brilliance of Lucas and his team, including John Dykstra and Joe Johnston. The discussion portrays the challenges and triumphs faced during the production of the visual effects, along with the heroes behind the scenes who revolutionized the industry.

Higuchi reflects on the three months of trial and error during the London shoot, emphasizing a humorous side of the production that included creating just two shots before Lucas returned. Yet these two shots became a pivotal part of the VFX history for Star Wars and helped pave the way for pre-visualization techniques in filmmaking.

The path to completing Star Wars wasn’t smooth sailing. The directors recount the studio’s skepticism and the creative obstacles they faced while producing a film that would become a cultural phenomenon. One of the pivotal moments discussed is the collaboration with composer John Williams, with Yamazaki sharing how the music recording sessions brought joy while Higuchi felt there could still be improvements to be made—showing their differing perspectives.

What stands out the most in this conversation is the triumphant success of Star Wars despite early critiques. Yamazaki humorously remarks on how the initial screenings led to harsh reviews, yet upon release, it became a historic blockbuster. Higuchi adds that the change in roles, where Lucas' co-producer Gary Kurtz departed, highlighted the importance of diversity in viewpoints within a successful project, serving as a lesson to future creators.

Both directors express a strong desire to see "Lucas Wars" adapted into film, hinting at its immense potential and essential nature for any true Star Wars fan. With Yamazaki stating it is a must-have book for fans, and Higuchi expressing a lasting commitment to its value, the promotional aspects of the conversation, including a special campaign for signed editions of the comic, further reflect the excitement surrounding this work.

In conclusion, "Lucas Wars" is currently available for purchase on Amazon and Kinejun's Online Shop, where it can also be found in digital format. The synergy between the comic and the YouTube series adds depth to the understanding of Star Wars, and it is sure to rekindle the passion of fans both old and new, especially with the unique bonus offers available for a limited time. Be sure to check out the archive of "Our Star Wars" to delve into the enchanting journey of this iconic franchise.