#mikevilardi

[jadecrusades]

Preliminary Character Sketches by Mike Vilardi. 1992.

Artist Mike Vilardi was kind enough to share his preliminary character sketches of Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, and the Noghri, in preparation for his Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook illustrations for West End Games.

“I did some sketches to help me develop Mara’s look, which I felt should reflect her strength while still allowing for vulnerability and a touch of weariness/inner conflict. It was an honor to have a hand in the development of her look, adding to her personality and "fleshing-her-out," so to speak. It’s truly awesome to be an adult and be able to play in a universe that held me spellbound as a kid.” 

[jadecrusades]

Illustration by Mike Vilardi. “Dark Force Rising Sourcebook.” April, 1993.

Mara Jade reuniting with Grand Admiral Thrawn has long been my favorite scene from Timothy Zahn’s “Dark Force Rising.” I don’t think I’ve read the passage in over a decade at this point, but was shocked to realize I remembered the dialogue verbatim.

"We met once, during the public dedication of the new Assemblage wing of the Imperial Palace on Coruscant. At that ceremony the Emperor introduced me to you as Lianna, one of his favorite dancers. Later, during the more private ceremony that followed, he revealed to you my true identity."

"And what was that private ceremony?"

"Your secret promotion to the rank of Grand Admiral."

Thrawn pursed his lips, his eyes never leaving her face. "You wore a white dress to both ceremonies," he said. "Aside from the sash, the dress had only one decoration. Do you recall what that decoration was?"

Mara had to think back. "It was a small shouldersculp," she said slowly. "Left shoulder. A Xyquine design, as I remember."

"It was indeed." Thrawn reached to his control board, touched a switch; and abruptly, the room was filled with holos of shouldersculps on ornate pillars. "The one you wore is somewhere in this room. Find it."

Mara swallowed, turning slowly as she looked around. She'd had literally hundreds of fancy dresses for her cover role as a member of the Emperor's entourage. To remember one particular shouldersculp out of all that...

She shook her head, trying to clear away the unpleasant buzzing sensation that hovered deep in her mind. She'd had an excellent memory once, one which the Emperor's training had made even better. Focusing her thoughts, fighting upstream against the disquieting aura of this place, she concentrated...

"That's it," she said, pointing to a delicate filigree of gold and blue.

Thrawn's expression didn't change, but he seemed to relax a little in his seat. "Welcome back, Emperor's Hand." He touched the switch a second time, and the art gallery vanished. "You've been a long time in returning."

[jadecrusades]

Illustration by Mike Vilardi. “Dark Force Rising Sourcebook.” April, 1993.

I’ve always enjoyed Mara’s introduction to Wedge Antilles in Timothy Zahn’s “Dark Force Rising.”

“Mara ran a quick eye over him. From his build and general manner…"B-wing pilot?" she hazarded.

"X-wing," he corrected her. "I've got to get back before my convoy finishes loading. Want me to give you an escort out of here?"

"Thanks, but no," she said, resisting the urge to say something sarcastic.”

[jadecrusades]

Illustration by Mike Vilardi. “Dark Force Rising Sourcebook.” April, 1993.

Beloved Star Wars artist Mike Vilardi’s take on Talon Karrde and Mara Jade. Vilardi’s depictions of Mara in the “Dark Force Rising Sourcebook” would be the first iterations of what would become Mara’s green “Lightside Outfit”: thick side braid, asymmetrical shoulder spaulders, large brooch, and long sleeved.

Years ago, I asked Vilardi if he’d modeled Mara’s appearances after anyone, to which he replied, “I don't mean to disappoint everyone here, but my depictions of Mara were based solely on the sketchy illustrations done of her in the West End Games Heir to the Empire Sourcebook. I found that Allen Nunis’ depictions of Mara were loose enough to allow me room to somewhat re-define her look.”