Iconic Star Wars concept artist visits Rainbow Comics

Aug. 16, 2019

Rainbow Comics, Cards & Collectibles welcomed an under-the-radar pop-culture legend Thursday when Colin Cantwell, the artist behind many of Star Wars’ classic ships, arrived for a meet-and-greet.

Cantwell designed all the ships that flew in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” including the original Millennium Falcon, the Death Star, TIE fighters and more. He also worked on visual effects for “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “War Games.”

 

Before the event started at 5 p.m., there was already a large crowd of people inside the store waiting to meet with Cantwell. Sierra Dall, Cantwell’s partner for 21 years, said it means a lot to them to meet his fans.

“We had no idea so many people were influenced by his work,” Dall said. “People have said to us that they got into their careers because of him. He loves meeting people and gets excited about it.”

Dall said she and Cantwell tour all over the country visiting other comic book stores like Rainbow.

In addition to the the meet-and-greet, Dall also set up a table with Cantwell’s original sketches and concept art from “Star Wars.”

Members of the Star Wars 501st Legion also attended the event, dressed in licensed “Star Wars” costumes.

Dave McElroy, an owner of Rainbow, said events like this set apart the store as a premier destination for local fans entrenched in “nerd culture.”

“It’s an event that our customers and their lifestyle and interests really support,” McElroy said. “Sioux Falls is really a comic book and geek town. We try to have great events like this that are an extension of that comic book lifestyle.”

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Iconic Star Wars concept artist visits Rainbow Comics

Rainbow Comics, Cards and Collectibles welcomed an under-the-radar pop-culture legend Thursday when Colin Cantwell, the artist behind many of Star Wars’ classic ships, arrived for a meet-and-greet.

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