Greg Hildebrandt, a renowned artist known for his work on major franchises like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, has passed away. He and his twin brother were known as the Brothers Hildebrandt until beginning separate careers. Their notable works include the 'Style B' Star Wars poster for UK audiences. Hildebrandt's extensive portfolio spans comics, calendars, and illustrations for various publications. Recently, he contributed to a comic book series supporting Ukrainian refugee relief efforts.

**For entertainment and media companies:** You're losing a valuable asset in the fantasy and sci-fi illustration world. Hildebrandt's unique style drove fan engagement and merchandise sales. Consider how you'll fill this creative gap. **For comic book publishers:** The loss impacts your ability to leverage Hildebrandt's name recognition for special editions or variant covers. You'll need to find new ways to create buzz and drive collectors' interest. **For art directors:** You're facing a shrinking pool of iconic artists from the golden age of hand-drawn illustration. This may push you to embrace digital artists or emerging talents to maintain visual appeal in your projects.

**For licensing and merchandising teams:** Expect increased demand for Hildebrandt's existing works. You'll need to navigate copyright issues carefully when considering posthumous releases or reprints. **For auction houses and art galleries:** Prepare for a surge in interest in Hildebrandt's original artwork. You'll likely see higher valuations and more frequent appearances of his pieces in major sales. **For pop culture historians:** You'll have an opportunity to reassess Hildebrandt's impact on visual storytelling. Consider how his work influenced current artists and shaped audience expectations in fantasy and sci-fi genres.