Starwars.com reports on the following sad news:

"Comics and illustration legend Al Williamson passed away yesterday at age 79. Williamson was renowned for his fantasy and adventure illustration, having started in the comics industry in the 1950s. Among his celebrated works are illustrations in Weird Science and Weird Fantasy for EC Comics, Warren Publishing's Creepy and Eerie magazines, and the newspaper strip Secret Agent X-9.

Williamson may be best known to Star Wars fans through his work in the early comics publishing of the 1980s. Partnered with inker Carlos Garzon, Williamson brought new vividness, detail and flair to the monthly Star Wars title from Marvel Comics starting with the six-issue adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back. Though Williamson did not remain the regular artist for the title, he would return to it on occasion with memorable installments -- such as issue #50's "The Crimson Forever", issue #98, and the four-part Return of the Jedi adaptation."


Click here for the full article. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Williamson's friends and family.