Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

Rest In Peace John Alvin, one of the great poster artists of our time

first by DickDonuts	Feb 10th, 2008 02:56:07 AM
and sad.
2nd by nonewideasforfilms	Feb 10th, 2008 02:58:07 AM

I FARTED! by BonerDonor	Feb 10th, 2008 02:58:13 AM
blade runner bitch!
First by FlyinHawaiian	Feb 10th, 2008 03:03:52 AM
And second and third and fourth. On to the article: This is sad news, he had a unique talent.
Wow- what a body of work! by Flim Springfield	Feb 10th, 2008 03:09:13 AM
That's an impressive legacy.
Like a lot of people... by Cagliostro	Feb 10th, 2008 03:19:49 AM
I had no idea that he had done so much. I still prefer his Blade Runner to the Drew Struzan one . Wish they would've left it on the DVD covers for the new editions.
What an inspiring artist by mr_lopez	Feb 10th, 2008 03:19:53 AM
His art is timeless and beautiful. Rest in peace Mr. Alvin.
So he pretty much made every poster known to man. by Mike_D	Feb 10th, 2008 03:20:16 AM
nice.
wow. what a legacy! by mansep	Feb 10th, 2008 03:29:49 AM
glad to be able to put a name to all those great posters... amazing they were alll done by one man. inspirational
Artwork that made you want to see the film. by Uncapie	Feb 10th, 2008 03:32:30 AM
Inspiring, fun, creative. Sad to see one of the great ones leave us.
How many dreams were dreamed? by Experiment 626	Feb 10th, 2008 03:38:59 AM
All I can say is that as a youth my friends and I had our walls decked with the likes of E.T., Blade Runner, Alien and Legend posters. They were the things that dreams were made of, as we imagined the possibilities before us. This is an era of poster that will be sadly missed. It was that E.T. poster that set me off on believing I could pursue a career of writing and imagining - all the doors opened for me that year. John Alvin is a sad loss for movies fans, and we're lucky to have had him. His art is history, as is his legacy. God's speed.
Peace to Mr. Alvin by Dingbatty	Feb 10th, 2008 03:41:59 AM
Creating iconic imagery is a huge accomplishment.
A loss of a great talent! by Boris Baddenov	Feb 10th, 2008 04:01:09 AM
I knew about the great movie-poster artwork of Drew Struzan, but was clueless about John Alvin -- until I saw the examples of his work here -- and was swept back into a huge nostalgic mood of what makes movies great. John Alvin was a wonderfully expressive artist.
ALLLLVIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNN!!!!!!!!! ! by BonerDonor	Feb 10th, 2008 04:05:21 AM
spaceballs bitch!
Those are some iconic images by Mr Spork	Feb 10th, 2008 04:10:24 AM
It's shame to connect a name to them this way.
A real great loss this. Very sad news. by alucardvsdracula	Feb 10th, 2008 04:10:57 AM
Christ who hasn't had one of his movie posters on their wall? Films just won't be the same without him.
It's a shame by Mr Spork	Feb 10th, 2008 04:11:11 AM

Great works. R.I.P. by Stalkeye	Feb 10th, 2008 04:14:58 AM

R.I.P by ironic_name	Feb 10th, 2008 04:17:08 AM

An amazing man. by Bones	Feb 10th, 2008 04:24:16 AM
John was a huge inspiration my whole life. To me, growing up there were four Iconic movie poster artists: Bob Peak, Richard Amsel, Drew Struzen and John Alvin. I have been a fan of his work all my life and particularly of his iconic usage of hands in his posters. You see this in evidence in his E.T., Gremlins, Aladdin, Alien, Blade Runner, Legend posters. But it was his composition and color that always grabbed me by the throat...and that slickness that dominated eighties poster art, different than Amsel or Struzen. There was a theatricality to his work that set it apart. I was inspired by his work when I began my Star Wars Celebration IV print for last year's convention, where I finally met him. Trying to make an homage to the first Star Wars film is daunting, since so many images have been done and they are almost all montage images, with multiple images and scales overlapping. I was thinking of various images and designs and John's Blade Runner was in my mind with Darth Vader standing in for Deckard and similar rays of light behind his head. The night before the show, as some of us were setting up, John was walking around looking at the work of the mostly younger guys in the show. He was more than gracious and very kind--and full of encouragement for all us "kids". He got a big kick out of my small pseudo-tribute to him in my print and took it as the compliment I meant it as. Throughout the show, I kept bumping into him either at his booth or as he escaped into the artists alley usually with encouragement and a laugh. As he was making his final pass through the show he gave me a pat on the back and a handshake and told me once again to keep it up and that it was "good stuff". How often does one of your heroes tell you that? I only met him at the one show, but I am so grateful to have met him in person. To have spent some time with him and Drew Struzan at the same show was incredible. To be accepted as a peer was astounding. Thank you for all your support and inspiration, John. I miss you already. Jeff Carlisle www.jeffcarlisle.com
Wow. That's pretty much my Childhood up there... by EvilGeek1	Feb 10th, 2008 04:30:50 AM
Sorry to see you go John. You created some of the most iconic images I and many others have ever seen in cinema. Rest in Peace buddy.
Now this guy could paint! by BenBraddock	Feb 10th, 2008 04:42:58 AM
Versatile's the word.. a great talent, well used - way to go, Mr.Alvin.
Mother, Jugs & Speed by i kick tits	Feb 10th, 2008 04:58:59 AM
This is the first time I've ever heard of this movie. A title like that normally would have just made me chuckle to myself for a moment, but after that I would have never thought of it as long as I lived. But there is something about that poster that makes me want to see it immediately. I don't know what it is about it but the moment I finish this sentence I am going straight to Netflix and ordering it.
man by Uncle_Pooch	Feb 10th, 2008 04:59:58 AM
im....this takes it outta me man
and Mother Jugggs by Uncle_Pooch	Feb 10th, 2008 05:01:05 AM
is awesome
An unknown icon... by Sledge Hammer	Feb 10th, 2008 05:08:24 AM
...it's a shame that his name wasn't more widely known, but his art, which includes some of the most iconic film related work of all time, will thankfully live on and be appreciated for generations to come. Rest in peace sir, you've more than earnt it.
Good night, Mr. Alvin by DennisMM	Feb 10th, 2008 05:43:28 AM
Before today I'd read his name, I think, but certainly not as often as Amsel or Struzan. Today I saw just a small sample of what he created and was very much surprised by how many of the definitive geek films of the '80s featured his work. There is a fine collection of posters by Mr. Alvin at http://www.impawards.com/desig ners/john_alvin.html I saw the poster for "Ironweed" for the first time in many years. He had Streep and Nicholson, two of the most respected performers ever to work in movies. They were dressed-down to look broke and desperate. Nicholson had graying stubble. Streep had stress lines and the dead skin of a drunk. Strong, strong visual elements to work with. Alvin painted their characters in a kiss - but in shadows and obscured by Nicholson's hat brim so neither's face is visible. That is risk-taking. That is genius. Good night, Mr. Alvin.
sorry, forgot the poster link by DennisMM	Feb 10th, 2008 05:45:14 AM
The "Ironweed" poster http://www.impawards.com/1987/ ironweed.html
damn impressive, will be missed by couP	Feb 10th, 2008 06:03:54 AM

Wow, most of those posters are burned in my brain, by NomoredirtyjokespleaseweareYanks	Feb 10th, 2008 06:14:20 AM
all those other images sure were amazing as well. I've had a framed Darkman poster for years ands it's one of my favorite things.
Great stuff there. by Gamerra_Presley	Feb 10th, 2008 06:47:39 AM
You know, never gave much thought to the guys who make these things-too bad. He obviously was at the top of his game and then some for ages. I liked the Disney stuff.
Interesting how hands dominate so many of his posters by Piltdown Joey	Feb 10th, 2008 07:18:04 AM

Ain't it suck news by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Feb 10th, 2008 07:31:41 AM
I never knew the name of the artist who did all these. Better later than never. His work was amazing.
Check it out, he did the WALL-E poster by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Feb 10th, 2008 07:32:42 AM
before he died. It's the one right below Red Dawn.
So would a poster artist with his legacy be featured in 2008 Aca by Chishu_Ryu	Feb 10th, 2008 07:33:51 AM
And if so, I wonder what his clap-o-meter will register? (I always feel sorry for the poor blokes whom no one has ever heard of get like one or two claps and a few crickets chirping, who are then followed by a Stanley Kubrick-type who suddenly gets thunderous applause...poor blokes...)
:) by Chishu_Ryu	Feb 10th, 2008 07:37:20 AM
above post in reference to the Academy Awards obituary video montage
Knew what you meant Chishu_Ryu but by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Feb 10th, 2008 07:44:12 AM
I don't think he'll be in. You, me, and everyone else in the world know his posters, but how many of us never knew the name of the artist. I don't even know what he looks like. You know they'll be whooping and hollering for Ledger. I'm glad it was accidental, and not a deliberate overdose. Like I said way back when, a friend of ours ODed accidentally on prescription migraine meds. It was just a freak accident.
Wow... by 5minutes	Feb 10th, 2008 07:47:11 AM
It says something when some of this guy's posters were better than the movies they advertised.
So Many Awful Movies by Mrs. Harry Knowles	Feb 10th, 2008 07:49:38 AM
Does Spielberg's "genius" status apply to his works as a producer?
Man, he sure loved white sparkling light... by theycallmemrglass	Feb 10th, 2008 07:50:21 AM
...and he is a master of it. adds magic to every poster. RIP, JA, your posters will live forever because quite simply, they are awesome.
I never get the whole clapping at the obits bit... by Sledge Hammer	Feb 10th, 2008 07:56:45 AM
...I mean let's face it, most of the idiots in the audience are probably just clapping themselves everytime they recognise one of the names that pops up, and when they don't know someone, nada, silence. Call me crazy, but clapping someone's death bow always seemed pretty fucking tasteless to me, and turning an obits segment into a popularity contest even more so.
Great art by SpencerTrilby	Feb 10th, 2008 08:21:16 AM
I knew almost every image but not the artist behind. Rest in peace Sir.
R.I.P. by DocPazuzu	Feb 10th, 2008 08:32:22 AM
Another great passes on, bringing a golden era closer to its inevitable end. I still have that great Darkman poster framed on my wall.
The best poster is def mother jugs & speed by mmaddox3	Feb 10th, 2008 08:55:13 AM
but in all seriousness, this really blows, he ws clearly amongst the best that ever lived. Rest in peace.
Great to put the name to the work by spud mcspud	Feb 10th, 2008 09:21:53 AM
I had no idea who this man was, and now I do. His art dominates my childhood and my formative years - posters I've had hung on my wall for over 20 years, all down to him. He's an unsung legend, and now he'll be sorely missed. Rest In Peace, and thanks for the great, great art. Thanks to your work, I'm 14 forever.
Wow, I remember actually watching Solar Babies by moondoggy2u	Feb 10th, 2008 09:36:20 AM
Anyone else remember seeing that film?
sledge hammer by ironic_name	Feb 10th, 2008 09:38:47 AM
good point. that batman returns poster is great.
He was awesome by Gungan Slayer	Feb 10th, 2008 10:10:33 AM
alvin is probably the most famous unknown poster artist out there. He's made tons of posters that people know about, but few know who he was. Those Disney ones are stunning. I mean, just pure awesomeness. I can't stand how studios today basically take the photoshop route today with their posters, in hopes of plastering the film's poster with a photos of the hot stars in the film. Sigh. Alvin will be missed.
Amazing by henrydalton	Feb 10th, 2008 10:14:12 AM
Never knew that one man was responsible for so many iconic images and memories. And I'm glad that I (and so many others) have found that out so we can truly appreciate it, even if it is by way of it being a legacy rather than a portfolio. RIP.
Not into the air brushy style by FlickaPoo	Feb 10th, 2008 10:15:42 AM

Some of the posters are a lot better than the films. by Rev. Slappy	Feb 10th, 2008 10:16:56 AM
That Arachniphobia poster is great, and the movie is awful.
Too bad by moviemaniac-7	Feb 10th, 2008 10:24:46 AM
The posters speak for themselves. RIP.
End of an era by wilsonfisk89	Feb 10th, 2008 10:28:17 AM
Much prefer his emotionally charged, poetic artwork to much of today's designs
i kick tits, re: Mother, Jugs & Speed by KnightShift	Feb 10th, 2008 10:30:14 AM
That is one of THE FUNNIEST movies ever. I mean, Bill Cosby and Harvey Keitel and Racquel Welch in an ambulance... 'nuff said.
The imagery of my childhood... by R H S C	Feb 10th, 2008 10:30:54 AM
and a lot of those posters are better than the films. Any posters we can say that about now?
Lost Boys poster.... by Quake II	Feb 10th, 2008 10:34:06 AM
I had that over my bed in high school. I thought it was a photograph. The guy was truly a legend. Never realized the same man did all those posters.
This one guy... by LordEnigma	Feb 10th, 2008 10:41:26 AM
created the lingering images in poster form for countless movies that I love. It's sort of awe inspiring the work he has done. Godspeed to him and may he rest in peace.
Blade Runner Original 1-Sheet by aboriginal	Feb 10th, 2008 10:58:15 AM
proudly hangs on my wall
Brought back many fond memories..... by closeencounter	Feb 10th, 2008 11:00:50 AM
Truly a great artist. R.O.P. Mr. Alvin.
Empire of the Sun... by Karl Hungus	Feb 10th, 2008 11:01:14 AM
...is probably my favorite John Alvin poster. Simple but incredibly powerful. R.I.P.
He pretty much... by Frank Black	Feb 10th, 2008 11:03:11 AM
Defined the way we saw movies for the 80's (in terms of the images we associated with them) and though his passing is sad, those iconic and wonderful representations will last forever.
That Beauty and the Beast one by MrTrilby	Feb 10th, 2008 11:07:38 AM
is breathtaking.
damn by wash	Feb 10th, 2008 11:19:25 AM
Never knew he did the Phantom of The Paradise one.
Those are some classics by newc0253	Feb 10th, 2008 11:20:53 AM
esp Blade Runner and the Lost Boys. RIP sir, RIP.
moondoggy2u, I remember seein the ad by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Feb 10th, 2008 11:44:13 AM
and realizing that movie was going to suck. Having said that the poster is the best silk purse you can make from a sow's ear. One thing to remember as well is that almost all, and maybe all of these posters were made before Photoshop came into existence.
Some of the most memorable one-sheets of all time. by SkinJob69	Feb 10th, 2008 11:48:18 AM
Certainly a career to be proud of. Even "Mother,Jugs & Speed" (wtf on that one) was decent!
Unsung Heroes at Academy Awards by derej	Feb 10th, 2008 11:49:50 AM
Its mind boggling that an industry awards show that attempts to recognize all the many facets of movie-making and entertainment design overlooks talented artists and illustrators like John Alvin. Illustrators, entertainment artists and entertainment designers are integral to the movie making process these days--not to mention their work in paving the way back in the day. Looking at the incredible, whimsical and thoughtful work in Alvin's posters reminds me of all the other talented artists who remain unsung. An obit in the Los Angeles Times mentions that Alvin attended Art Center College of Design. After a quick search it seems that Art Center alone has contributed heavily to the multi-faceted world of entertainment. Multiply that by the hundreds of other schools from which illustrators, artists and filmmakers graduate from and the self-congratulatory industry might get an accurate picture of how posters like Alvin's contribute so greatly to their success. John Alvin
Quite a legacy by Forsakyn	Feb 10th, 2008 11:58:37 AM
He sure created some fantastic posters - a very nice sense of adventure to them.
I remember Mother, Juggs and Speed- by Gamerra_Presley	Feb 10th, 2008 12:06:33 PM
-dang. Never knew it was Keitel in it, though-it's been awhile. Isn't JR Ewing in there too someplace? Anyways-this guy was obviously great at what he did.
Some classic posters by proper	Feb 10th, 2008 12:15:30 PM
Thats a very strong body of work.Condolences to his family..............
Only iconic if you grew up in the 80's by WhoDis	Feb 10th, 2008 12:19:48 PM
Man, they just don't make movie posters like that anymore. Everything today is put together by 14 year olds who downloaded Photoshop and a few plug-ins illegally, L0L3rZ1111!!!!.
Those are some awesome posters... by Zardoz	Feb 10th, 2008 12:33:03 PM
and some of the the worst movies! But JA didn't have anything to do with that! I've got Blade Runner hanging on my wall. I think he was talking about making that poster on the new Blade Runner DVD, right? E.T. is an iconic poster and I've always loved the Young Frankenstein one. (Boy, Mel Brooks sure loved him, too!) I always thought the poster for Lost Boys was just a photo! I never realized someone painted it. Amazing! And the best thing about Willow and Leviathan was the posters! A great artist for a great art form has passed, may he rest in peace...
Damn. by CatVutt	Feb 10th, 2008 01:16:45 PM
Fantastic body of work. So many instantly recognizable pieces. That's talent. RIP indeed.
Beauty and the Beast is the best by kuldan	Feb 10th, 2008 01:28:25 PM
That poster is something that should be hung on every movie-lover's wall. "Hook" is also a damn cool one, as well.
Holy crap, that HOOK poster was a PAINTING?! by D.Vader	Feb 10th, 2008 01:30:22 PM
All these years I thought it was a closeup photo of the prop. But a painting? Seriously? I STILL can't tell. There's no way! And photoshopped posters today suck. Bring back painted posters!
This guy was Astonishing! by Proman1984	Feb 10th, 2008 01:51:59 PM
What a terrible loss!
WOLVERINEEEEEEES!!!!!! by Xiphos	Feb 10th, 2008 01:57:00 PM
RIP
RIP by the son of John	Feb 10th, 2008 01:58:23 PM
John Alvin Thank you for your beutuful work. Ben
The Blade Runner post alone... by Moonwatcher	Feb 10th, 2008 02:03:45 PM
would be enough to get him into the Poster Hall of Fame. He even makes the lousy movies look attractive. Sorry to find out this way who was behind all the wonderful icons, but at least we can now put a name to them all.
Lost Boys by Bouncy X	Feb 10th, 2008 02:13:27 PM
i assume he was also a photographer because thats like the only poster in this list here that isnt a painting/drawing and is the actual actors.
Lost Boys....ummm 2 lol by Bouncy X	Feb 10th, 2008 02:18:00 PM
you know, in ALL these years i never realized Feldman is nowhere in that poster. considering how big a part he plays thats pretty surprising.
The current photoshop trend makes me want to kill bunnies. by Nosferatu Jones	Feb 10th, 2008 02:37:29 PM
Right now, movie poster illustration is a dead art, thanks to the lazy abomination that is PhotoShop. Most movie posters these days make me want to vomit into my popcorn bucket.
Beautiful posters by Evil Hobbit	Feb 10th, 2008 02:53:00 PM
Some of the best up there, I love the Disney once like Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The simplicity of a single scene gives them such a strong and iconic appearance. I love it.
Wow... what an amazing artist by Darth Thoth	Feb 10th, 2008 03:25:33 PM
I'm almost in shock after looking at all those classic posters and knowing how much they contributed in experience of each of those films. God bless his soul and family. Great tribute by BizarroClark and thanks for posting it AICN. Truly this man's work will never be forgotten.
Alvin and the Solar Babies by Jonah Echo	Feb 10th, 2008 04:05:59 PM
Alvin was a great artist, and I recall seeing so much of his work plastered outside the theaters and inside the video rental stores back in the 80s. That was one of my favorite things about the mall-catching all that great artwork, that was almost always better than the actual movies. I'd have to say it was stuff like Alvin's work that inspired me to become an artist moreso than classical works. I gained a greater appreciation for all of that later, but I think my current track can be traced back to geeking out over stuff like this. Look at that Leviathan poster! I remember how terrible that actual movie was. 80s churned out alot of giant aquatic crap movies. Recall the poster for Deep Star Six? A half eaten diving suit rising out of the water? Again, a giant turd of the movie. I think Ill even skip talking about Lords of the Deep. My favorite of the above posters that isnt E.T. or Bladerunner is probably that Gremlins poster. How mysterious and cool is that? On the otherhand, its funny how sparse the Solarbabies poster is, like even he couldnt come up with something cool for it. I just recall the black kid roller-breakdancing with the little alien strobelight. Uggh.
wow what a archive by red ezra	Feb 10th, 2008 04:12:57 PM
RIP
Bouncy X... by Bones	Feb 10th, 2008 05:10:34 PM
The Lost Boys poster needed to be designed, the colors chosen, the photo elements composed and then tweaked. Then he went over the entire image and did subtle color washes, painted in the details, painted out some of the unneeded details and generally tightened the image. Consider it the non-photoshop early version of modern movie posters, but done like a rock poster. There is actually a LOT of hand crafted art in the image. Just an FYI...
Alvin was a master- Rest In Peace by finky089	Feb 10th, 2008 05:23:04 PM
I have never seen that Goonies one-sheet he did until now. kick. ass.
The Blade Runner poster... by otm shank	Feb 10th, 2008 06:29:23 PM
is one of my favorites of all time. I've had it hanging on my wall forever, and I never even knew who made it. R.I.P sir.
You never knew who drew it? by skywalkerfamily	Feb 10th, 2008 06:39:26 PM
Is there not a signature at the bottom of the poster?
Wow by decfx	Feb 10th, 2008 06:49:12 PM
You mean the Inner Space poster is a painting? lol
Bouncy X by Briannicus	Feb 10th, 2008 07:10:27 PM
Feldman's at the bottom of the poster, next to the cart with the corpse.
That's some gorgeous stuff right there by Funketeer	Feb 10th, 2008 07:53:41 PM
Too bad we waited for him to die to look at it all. Posters don't do much for me now but back in the 80s and 90s I'd always spend a few minutes looking at the coming attraction posters before going into the theater. It's too bad we don't get more painted posters because these do more to excite me than the photoshopped stuff we get today.
RIP John by XoanonTORN	Feb 10th, 2008 08:45:50 PM
I interviewed John about a year ago for his LOTR work. Sad to say I still haven't edited it and put it online..I will try to get that out there this week. This is really sad news, he was really enthusiastic about film, his work in Hollywood, but especially about his new work doing special film related pieces. He had big plans...its sad to see him go way too soon.
Holy cow by Phimseto	Feb 10th, 2008 08:59:38 PM
That was basically a slideshow through my childhood. Before the internet, those posters were the key to getting me interested in seeing films. As mediocre as "Hook" was, I remember being completely excited for the film because every time I saw that poster, I would think of all the great possibilities. Of course, that's what the posters are supposed to do and for my era, John Alvin was obviously one of the best. Godspeed.
Wow, the story title lives up to the content for once by hamster factor	Feb 10th, 2008 09:37:40 PM
He really was one of the best - my personal favorites: Beauty and the Beast and Princess Bride.
Goddamn I loved that ST: VI poster by zillabeast	Feb 10th, 2008 10:08:11 PM
RIP good sir.
Wow by CherryValance	Feb 10th, 2008 10:35:32 PM
This is something I never think about. I'm not really a poster collector, but seeing all of these, it's amazing how someone you've never really heard of has had that much of an impression on your life. Those images are ingrained in so many people's psyches, including my own. He will definitely be missed. John Alvin, I didn't know I knew you. Thanks. RIP.
Holy shit... by blindambition238	Feb 10th, 2008 10:46:47 PM
I've never seen that Alien poster before but it totally jumped out at me. Freaking baddass.
Nice tribute by Hikaru Ichijo	Feb 10th, 2008 10:50:28 PM
a mini-trip back to my childhood. What a shitty Sunday!
Posters are a beautiful by JBouganim1	Feb 10th, 2008 11:00:56 PM

Wow by Series7	Feb 10th, 2008 11:09:05 PM
After just looking though that collection, makes me realize how crappy most movie posters are today. Thanks to the Mist for making me realize that movie poster making is an art. And too bad I never knew anything about it till now.
Beauty & the Beast? NO way by GrendelGrendelGrendel	Feb 10th, 2008 11:16:00 PM
Everyone knows that Brian McEntee, Art director of Beauty and the Beast, designed that poster of the Beast and Belle dancing, NOT john alvin. There are more than a few other incorrectly attributed posters listed here as well.
I'd buy a book of his work by The Skeptical	Feb 10th, 2008 11:35:32 PM
Is such a thing possible? or is the copyright situation too complicated. I'd love to have that on the cardboard box I use as a coffee table.
this guy was no joke by ClockWorker	Feb 10th, 2008 11:48:44 PM
the ARACHNAPHOBIA one was awsome. the original pressings of these posters are going to be very valuable. I would love to have all of those hanging on my wall.
met him once by PBoy	Feb 11th, 2008 01:42:23 AM
Some how and don't ask me how, but an ex-girlfriend of mine, while trying to impress me, got him in her living room. I think they were family friends. Anyway, He showed me a bunch of stuff and looked at my work and inspired me to go to art school. He was a great guy. Totally nice and super talented. He will be missed.
Some great artworks there by Motoko Kusanagi	Feb 11th, 2008 01:56:49 AM
but I never really liked that one for ALIEN. R.I.P. John Alvin!
Now all we have left is floating heads... by themikejonas	Feb 11th, 2008 02:06:24 AM
...that Trajan font, and the Red Bold Arial for wacky comedies.
He was rare in so much as he was both by half vader	Feb 11th, 2008 02:11:48 AM
an accomplished graphic designer AND illustrator. That's actually fairly rare. I like the E.T. one for the cheeky take on creation of Adam. And the Colour Purple one is really iconic. Actually I think I like the super graphic ones even more than the airbrushed ones. I wonder what the brief on the candy-coloured Alien one was? Lost boys is a great example of a strong (airbrushed/retouched) photo and strong colour styling (I don't think he designed the logotype it was a woman designer but please someone correct me if my lousy memory is wrong). And my God - no little man running with a gun at the bottom on any of 'em!
Actually you got the Colour Purple one free by half vader	Feb 11th, 2008 02:14:34 AM
with the soundtrack album. That was cool, and it was a great album. Can't remember the film so well though. Didn't Oprah get an Oscar or something?
Neither Alvin nor Ledger would be in the upcoming Oscars by half vader	Feb 11th, 2008 02:23:44 AM
nor Scheider as they all died this year, and these Oscars are for 07.
That Alien poster.... by Primus	Feb 11th, 2008 03:01:41 AM
...was that really in theaters? I've never seen it before, and I thought they would have tried to keep the monster a secret. Amazing portfolio of work though, what a man.
horrible day... by Muldoon	Feb 11th, 2008 03:45:25 AM
this man made pieces of art. thanks for posting these
Alien by Bouncy X	Feb 11th, 2008 07:10:37 AM
it was probably used after the movie's release. you know how many movies try and hide their monsters in all the previews and such before release, and then once its out and doing well, we see it/them in all their glory. the most recent example of this is Cloverfield, you can now see the full monster in some tv spots. I do recognize that Alien poster though, it must have been used for a comic or novelization or something.
All those posters kick ass by Abominable Snowcone	Feb 11th, 2008 07:19:40 AM
Nice work, Mr. Alvin, and thank you.
I don't think the Alien one was for the theaters. by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Feb 11th, 2008 07:34:22 AM
Remember the theatrical one was like a split egg with a little glow coming from it. The tag line was "In space no one can hear you scream."
Incredible how ONE GUY... by mr_sinister7381	Feb 11th, 2008 07:54:59 AM
is responsible for so many iconic images. When I think of those movies I see those posters. Unbelievable. RIP poster-dude.
The Alien poster was for... by Jonah Echo	Feb 11th, 2008 08:44:25 AM
a re-release of the film, which would have been after the initial mystery filled release with the glowing egg. After that, it would have been used to play up the iconic monster design. And, yea for showcasing the alien, thats a cool poster. Love the Red Dawn one too. Makes me want to rewatch that flick.
Red Dawn was the first PG-13 by Abominable Snowcone	Feb 11th, 2008 09:31:19 AM
I saw at the theater. I think it was the first PG-13 film released in the states. Wolverines!!
Wow! by Billy Batts	Feb 11th, 2008 09:43:12 AM
I had NO idea he was responsible for all those iconic images. Makes you long for the days of real artists with an eye for composition, atmosphere and design...as opposed to the Photoshop hack jobs that pass for movie posters these days.
Wasn't Dreamscape first PG-13? by Jonah Echo	Feb 11th, 2008 09:48:17 AM
I had always thought that, but honestly not for sure. That was another fave from my childhood, with a cool poster that while something of a Indy ripoff, still managed to cram a ton of stuff from the movie in there and make it appealing. I'm not sure if that was Alvin or not. Ill have to pull out the dvd case and check.
Holy &*^$ by rutgerman	Feb 11th, 2008 10:01:27 AM
I did NOT know this man did ALL these iconic posters. The 3 for Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast and Little Mermaid have been in my head for years. ET? Cocoon? Oh, man...I had NO IDEA. This man created artwork that allowed us to dream about what would await us in the future. Sigh...depressed now. He will be missed.
The Pest by Doc Manhattan	Feb 11th, 2008 10:31:27 AM
Now THAT'S a movie poster.
Wow! Thank'ee kindly BizzaroClark and Quint. by morGoth	Feb 11th, 2008 11:25:21 AM
Simply stunning body of work! I just got the Bladerunner edition for Christmas so that cover is still fresh. Such beautiful and iconic work. RIP John Alvin and thank you for bringing such beauty and art into this world. Your work will be loved and remembered forever.
RIP by macgruder	Feb 11th, 2008 11:25:44 AM
His work was amazing, looking at the breadth of his art leaves me in awe, theres nothing like the hand drawn covers of the 80's that he did, I wish this style made a comeback but I wouldnt be sad if his art style dies with him, he was a true genius when it came to posters.
Ah.. every movie poster ever... thats all you had to say by modlight	Feb 11th, 2008 01:32:56 PM
Wow, what a talent. Not only that but you can see how much art, and knowledge of composition and color went into posters in the era before photoshop and Trajan. That being said. The Alien poster would've massively ruined the mystery behind that movie.
First PG-13 by finky089	Feb 11th, 2008 01:34:41 PM
I thought Temple Of Doom was the first to recieve this rating. If not, then it was ToD that caused them to create it.
Red Dawn was the first film released with a PG-13 by Bones	Feb 11th, 2008 01:48:57 PM
Gremlins, Dreamscape, Temple of Doom and a few others are what finally caused the rating. And since then, movies have been marketed squarely at that rating, basically destroying the PG and G ratings in the process. You might not remember this, but Star Trek: The Motion Picture was rated G and it would be considered a PG rated film now.
What a talented man by WeinerPenis	Feb 11th, 2008 02:25:31 PM
Those posters are absolutely gorgeous. If his family is reading this, thank you on behalf of film fans everywhere. Posters this beautiful actually affect the way in which we experience a film. And he did it as well as anyone ever has. Thank you John!
Yes, Red Dawn was the first PG-13 released. by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Feb 11th, 2008 02:49:20 PM
I never saw Dreamscape until years later, but I think the eyeball soup in the Temple, or whatever it was, and lot of Gremlin stuff, like the microwaved and blended gremlins probably had something to do with it.
Yea, it was Red Dawn by Jonah Echo	Feb 11th, 2008 03:14:05 PM
IMDB says Dreamscape was second, a few weeks after this film came out. Also, if you google john alvin you'll find some more of his work, including some fantasy stuff for some projects I wasn't familar with. Also, theres a much better Pinocchio poster to his name than the one above.
Alien and Hook by Doctor Phibes	Feb 11th, 2008 04:11:42 PM
I absolutely love that Alien poster. I have never seen it before. I do remember that poster for Hook though and how you knew exactly what to expect without any titles, catch phrases, or text of any kind. Rest In Peace.
Best of the best by Sackratte	Feb 11th, 2008 05:37:31 PM
He did all the remarkable posters of my favourite movies! This stuff inspired me to become an artist myself.
That's some fine work up there... by Edward_nygma	Feb 11th, 2008 06:26:21 PM
... That Alien poster is fucking awesome. Rest in peace Mr A.
Yep, he rocked. by alienindisguise	Feb 11th, 2008 06:30:49 PM
Looks like Drew Struzan may be the last of the traditional poster artists still working.
The new Bladerunner cut DOES use his art by half vader	Feb 11th, 2008 09:50:18 PM
Some editions use his, some Struzan's.
Did he do the "Cobra" poster? by half vader	Feb 11th, 2008 09:52:01 PM
It seems like his airbrushy stuff from memory. I can't find that link to his gallery, sorry.
D.Vader by half vader	Feb 11th, 2008 09:57:21 PM
Uh, they use photographic reference you know. Not taking anything away from the art (I do poster art myself), but yeah. It's very much a part of that whole Batman/Hook/Dick Tracy "icon" teaser era. Which I loved.
Wow. I'm back! by BigBlackDude	Feb 11th, 2008 10:46:00 PM
I'm just happy i can still sign in after three weeks with no computer. Oh yeah, RIP bro. You were a true artist.
The disappearance of poster art by half vader	Feb 12th, 2008 12:16:23 AM
The one thing about going to digital downloads that happened with music and will eventually happen with movies is losing great artwork. A screenrez pic just isn't the same. Sure going from records to CDs was great for many reasons and LDs to DVDs was too but the loss of album cover art and poster art is a shame. Even cinema poster art has been marginalised to the point where the only creative stuff is on the 'teaser' posters which don't seem to 'count' according to the studios (as when it comes to the 'official' poster they wuss out with the lame photoshop heads over the running guy with the gun and preferably in duotone). I know the size of a DVD case is a bit wasteful in so much as it doesn't really need to be bigger than a CD but at least it maintained the basic proportions of 1-ehset art. I love the quality of Blu-ray but the in-between size of the case is an abomination! Not 1-sheet size, not album art size, but a bastard of both. It's terrible when it comes to the art on the cover. I know they can re-jig to fit with photoshop but that's not my point. They're just really ugly proportions. I know this thread is waning but I just thought it was appropriate in respect to John Alvin's passing.
RIP dear sir by MGTHEDJ	Feb 12th, 2008 01:38:12 AM
I too spent many minutes in the theatre after a movie looking at all the posters. I remember seeing that Gremlins poster, wondering what that movie was all about. The Blade Runner one-sheet is sooo iconic. I agree, that one alone gets him immortality. I hope the next Indy film has something as appropriate. Godspeed Mr. Alvin.----m

Talkbacks

Rest In Peace John Alvin, one of the great poster artists of our time

User login

Quick Talkback

Talkbacks