The Star Wars Universe has no shortage of legends attached to it. Most are seen in front of the camera. However, some work behind it, outside the spotlight. And that list goes well beyond George Lucas. 1996 Metallic Impressions Star Wars: The Art of Ralph McQuarrie is one such set. It’s not big but it does come with a premium build seldom seen in the 1990s.
1996 Metallic Impressions Star Wars: The Art of Ralph McQuarrie Checklist Details
Like other Star Wars sets from Metallic Impressions, The Art of Ralph McQuarrie came as a small factory set. Just 20 cards are on the checklist, each with pre-production and promotional paintings. These represent some of the earliest visual representations of what would eventually make their way to the big screen and into the greater cultural conscience.
All three of the original trilogy films are in the set. Fronts have one piece of art while backs have another. Write ups and context for each are given on the back as well, so there’s a good amount of information packed in as well.
Living up to the company’s name, every card is metal. They’re heavy, there’s embossing and each comes framed. Basically, they can survive just about anything.
Sets come packaged in a tin along with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The print run is 12,000 sets.
When looking for cards today, it’s much more common to find full sets than singles. Do to the nature and size of the release, this shouldn’t be surprising.
Metallic Impressions did a handful of Star Wars mini sets in the mid 1990s, based on both the film and side projects like the Dark Empire comics.
1996 Metallic Impressions Star Wars: The Art of Ralph McQuarrie Checklist
Click on the links to shop for cards on eBay or to check current market values.
Set size: 20 cards
Cards per box: 20
Shop for 1996 Metallic Impressions Star Wars: The Art of Ralph McQuarrie sets on eBay.
Base Set Checklist
20 cards.
Buy on eBay:
1 Star Wars Poster Concept
2 C-3PO and R2-D2
3 Faceoff
4 Darth Vader and Luke’s Lightsaber Duel
5 Imperial Stormtrooper with Lightsaber
6 Escaping the Jawa Sandcrawler
7 Luke and the Twin Suns of Tatooine
8 Falcon in a City in the Clouds Hangar
9 Death Star Interior
10 Y-wing Fighters – Early Concept
11 Imperial Walkers Attack Tauntaun Rider
12 Millennium Falcon Escapes Space Slug
13 Luke and Yoda
14 TIE Fighter Approaches a City in the Clouds
15 Confrontation in the Carbon-Freezing Chamber
16 The Droids Seek Jabba
17 Luke in Jabba’s Lair
18 Rebels Plot Attack
19 Dark Lord’s Arrival
20 Emperor’s Throne Room
