STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) - William Plumb Collection: Framed Hand-Drawn John Byrne Yoda Sketch - A framed sketch of Yoda hand-drawn by comic artist John Byrne at the 1982 San Diego Comic-Con. Byrne created covers for two Star Wars comics as well as an illustration for a Topps trading card released as part of its Star Wars Galaxy Series 2 line in 1994.

This sketch of Yoda saying "Force home!," likely a reference to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which was released that year, comes from the personal collection of William Plumb. It is rendered in graphite, dated "San Diego 1982," and signed on paper by Byrne. The sketch comes mounted behind glass in a metal-backed frame with a hanging hook on the reverse. The paper exhibits minor creasing and the frame exhibits some punctures on the reverse. Dimensions: 17" x 15" x 3" (43.25 cm x 38 cm x 7.75 cm)

Sold without copyright; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

For the last four decades, William Plumb has been at the forefront of Star Wars and science fiction original art collecting. He was a pioneer in searching for artwork for his collection and began contacting artists to inquire about their works in the mid 1980s. Over time he developed personal relationships with many renowned artists including Ralph McQuarrie, Drew Struzan, Lawrence Noble, and Dave Dorman. In 1986, Plumb organized the "Space Fantasy & Reality Art Expo" at the Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest, California, to benefit the handicapped. The event was supported by contributions from Plumb's artist friends and even Lucasfilm - all of whom loaned materials to Plumb for the display.

It was through these personal relationships that Plumb acquired many of the finest pieces in his collection. Throughout the years, Plumb organized or appeared at countless other events and shows, where he proudly displayed his collection and discussed his passion for Star Wars original art with both artists and fans. In 1996, Plumb hosted a panel at San Diego Comic Con on collecting Star Wars artwork specifically. In 2001, he and a small group of fellow collectors commissioned Lawrence Noble to produce the now-famous "Bronze Yoda." Plumb's bronze Yoda statue was perennially displayed at The California State Fair for fans to see and enjoy.

Propstore is pleased and honored to offer these fantastic lots from Plumb's collection, including Noble's matching number Artist Proofs of the bronze Yoda and Darth Vader statues, sketches and paintings from McQuarrie, Struzan, Noble, Dorman, Kazu Sano, Tim Hildebrandt, John Gampert, Ken Barr, Vincent Di Fate, and many more.

Estimate: $1,000 - 2,000

Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, March 13th. The auction will begin at 9:00AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Tuesday, March 12th or Thursday, March 14th.