Inspired by the Dark Side of the Force: Darth Vader Variations
- By Robert Bowen
- Posted in Inspiration
- 13 comments
For over thirty years one iconic villain has reigned in the dark corners of so many hearts mdash; and not just of those who proudly parade beneath the banner of sci-fi junkies. Darth Vader has transcended the page and screen to live on in ways most characters will never achieve; but then again, most characters do not have command over the power of the force like the dark Sith Lord does. So when you are looking for a dose of inspiration from the darker areas of the imagination, turning to the artwork inspired by the face of the dark side is a fantastic way to go.
Darth Vader at Iwo Jima by: hitokirivader – before he shaped the future, Lord Vader was playing his part in shaping the past of the human race.
For generations, fans have been taking their love of this character and exploring it across artistic mediums to share with the fan base and beyond. Below is a showcase of some choice pieces from the mountains of Vader related fan art that fill the cyberspace vaults.
If you are a fan of this mythic figure then you have certainly come to the right place to get your fix of Vader’s looming artistic aura. If you are not a fan, then by the time you get to the bottom of these showcased images, you just might become one. . .
Digital Art
We have divided the images into a couple of categories for you today. The first is very much in keeping with the futuristic theme of the verse from which this character was wrought. In the following category, Darth Vader gets a retouch from some talented digital artists who have fixed their eye on this dark figure from the sci-fi side of the scene.
Darth Vader by: kidnotorious & commanderlewis
Darth Vader Special Cover by: anjum
Darth Vader has a Posse by: 1NNU3NDO
Darth Vader – Star Wars by: FlowComa
Darth Vader Widescreen by: DanMed – available as a wallpaper
Lord Darth Vader by: frogmachine
Darth Vader – Death Star by: Shadrak – available as a wallpaper
Typographic Darth Vader by: Bakageta-Koto
Darth Vader Unmasked by: HeroforPain
Jonboy’s Vader by: Jonboy007007, Andrewchun, & pochrzas
Star Wars – Darth Vader and Co. by: jamga
Lord Vader StarWars by: Thuddleston
SW: The Will of Darth Vader 55 by: Brian Koschak, Dan Parsons, & Michael E. Wiggam
the Birth of Darth Vader by: avimdesign
Vader by: LastDarkAutumn – available as a wallpaper
Traditional Art
In this section of the post we have scoured through the DA gallery to find a number of traditional artists who have turned their artistic eyes and talents towards the villain who stands tall among Hollywood’s most beloved baddies. Translating this tech-driven most prodigious villain in more low-tech presentations work wonderfully for refilling your wells of inspiration.
Darth Vader Painting by: golfiscool
Darth Vader – Luke Skywalker by: greatart4jeff
Darth Vader Unmasked by: pokefreak123
Vader Re-Imagined
Now we arrive at the final section of the showcase, Vader re-imagined which is a bit different. Here we look at some pieces where the artists have taken this iconic figure and have re-imagined him; crafting new and exciting variations of the Sith Lord.
Steampunk Vader by: Caveatscoti
Darth Vader Sugar Skull by: strongstuff
Master Darth Vaderuki by: kizer180
Darth Vader Nendoroid by: aLDoDarK
Steampunk Darth Vader by: simjoy
Zombie Darth Vader by: DoomCMYK
Alternate Darth Vader by: Movindus
Steam Wars Darth Vader by: sillof
Consider Some of Our Previous Posts
- The Legacy of Polish Poster Design is another great source for inspiration of a different vein.
- Finding Inspiration in Uncommon Sources: 12 Places to Look helps you seek out some other places to look when you need a little inspiration.
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About the Author
Robert Bowen is an emerging author, celebrated podcaster and poet, and most recently the co-founder and imaginative co-contributor of the creative design and blogging duo at the Arbenting and Dead Wings Designs.
jahoo, 05 November 2010
Great collection! I always love Characters design in Star Wars especially those from the dark side.
Dainis Graveris, 05 November 2010
Some I have seen before, but most are new to me. Darth Vader never fails to inspire the dark side in every designer. No pun intended. *laughs* I really enjoyed this collection of wonderful arts, very inspiring! Hoping for more to come!
anna, 05 November 2010
i dont love Star Wars ) but this characters are really great!!
Michael Beckwith, 05 November 2010
No Dark Helmet illustrations :( Spaceballs, while a cult movie, does not get the love it deserves.
Rob Bowen, 05 November 2010
As a huge Spaceballs fan myself, I almost did stick one or two in there, but in the end, I thought against it. :( Now I know that I would have at least had one other person on my side. lol
paul, 08 November 2010
Make that 2 more people. “You have the ring, and I see your Schwartz is as big as mine. Now let’s see how well you handle it. ” lol great post though!
julio, 05 November 2010
Amazing Post! great idea.
Evan Skuthorpe web designer, 05 November 2010
love them. amazing stuff.
Rob Bowen, 05 November 2010
Thanks for the comments. Everyone’s darkside could use a little inspiration sometimes! :)
Dan P, 06 November 2010
This post could also be titled
Darth: an exploration in shininess.
Scott, 07 November 2010
I’m not much of a Star Wars fan but Darth Vader is clearly the coolest character in the film(s). Thanks for the collection.
Red, 08 November 2010
Cool collection, thanks!
Laura Hogarth, 08 November 2010
Here’s another great one by the graffiti artist Temper:
http://www.temper-bmc.com/displayArt.php?grp=1&cat=3&id=87