With a heavy heart I pass along news that illustrater and heavyweight kaiju artist Noriyoshi Ohrai has passed away. Responsible for two eras of Godzilla poster artwork, Ultraman and famous for his international Star Wars pieces, Ohrai's illustrations enhanced what "epic" could look like.
Mr. Ohrai died of pneumonia at a hospital in Kunitomi, Miyazaki. He was 72.
Before the Heisei Godzilla series made it to North American shores, young fans were entranced by Ohari's romanticized interpretations of the films. It would hardly be an exaggeration to say his work sparked great hype and a need to see the 1990s Godzilla movies. Ohrai would continue his tradition of mythic, monumental images for select Millennium Godzilla films.
Below you can view high quality, choice selections of Ohari's work, including his highly acclaimed Star Wars work.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Ohrai's family, friends and loved ones for their tremendous loss.
Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)
Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)
Ultraman Powered (1995)
Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000)
Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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Sources:
Crunchyroll
