Recommended music: James Horner – The Nelwyns No. 2
From the archives today, we’re still celebrating the Magic of Willow with this Willow (Junior Novel)!
My copy of the Willow novelization has been well-loved. Adapting the 275-page novel down to just 125 pages aimed at readers aged 10-14, this version could be skimmed through quickly by young readers following the film’s launch.
My favorite thing about this book is the cover art. Most of the recognizable Willow movie poster art was done by John Alvin. He had previously done artwork for several Ron Howard and George Lucas films of the 1980s. His Willow art covered practically every version of the posters seen at theaters. It was also featured on the eventual VHS and the regular novelization, etc. While it is wonderful art, the junior novelization seen here was painted by Michael Pangrazio.
Pangrazio already had quite the Lucas connection. He provided matte paintings used for Empire Strikes Back (Hoth) and Return of the Jedi, and even had an appearance as an extra in Empire as a Rebel pilot. He later won a Visual Effects Emmy for The Ewok Adventure.
The Willow film turns 37 years old next week. I figure there’ll be a new Willow item from my collection to share here for the rest of the month. Happy 37 years to the Magic of Willow!
Dale's Toys 