Official Star Wars artist Spencer Brinkerhoff III not only made this awesome print of Han and Greedo in the Cantina for his limited-edition Celebration Japan print called “Sorry About the Mess,” but he went a step further to make this cool animation of his art in action!
VIDEO: Sorry About the Mess
I briefly chatted with Spencer to find out what inspired him to create both the print and the animation.
What made you decide to pay tribute to that scene with Han and Greedo for your art piece for Celebration Japan?
When I first started to plan out my Celebration Japan print I was thinking of doing the Trash Compactor scene. I’ve always thought it was great the way that Han and Luke were dressed up in the stormtrooper armor. I was telling a friend about it and he said, “What about Han and Greedo?” I remember the whole debate about who shot first and the wonderful creatures and characters in that scene and I knew it was the one I wanted to do.
So who do you think shot first?
Who shot first. You’re absolutely correct. 
I have a button that I got from San Diego ComicCon in 2006 that clearly states Han Shot First. I’ll be wearing it in Japan.
What are you excited most about attending Celebration Japan?
I lived in Japan for two years WAY back from 1994-1996. I fell in love with the culture and the people and am so excited to be back there. Everybody that I knew in Japan knew that I wanted to be an artist. It’s great to be going back as a Lucasfilm artist with an official print at the VERY first Star Wars Celebration in Japan on the 30th anniversary of A New Hope.
Anything else you want fans to know about your print?
I really wanted my print to have a cinematic feel to it. When I got it all put together, I saw in the artist agreement that Lucasfilm would be interested in the original work that the print was to be made from. I decided to add emphasis to the cinematic feel by seperating the characters onto different layers and putting them in a shadow box, similar to the way the traditional animation stand worked to create a multiplane effect. I’m really happy with the way that it turned out. It’s like a big Star Wars fish tank!
Read more about Spencer’s print and animation here:
Studios B3
Tags: Art, Celebration Japan
Great print, enjoyed the flash animation – HAN SHOT FIRST!
Thanks for the post and for the comment.
Exactly. True fans know that Han Shot First! If you don’t believe Han to be ruthless…just check out his hatred of his own Cousin in the Legacy books. Nice flash video.
Just added it to Lightsabre, and laughed out loud at how cool it is.
Thought it was a shame that the Cantina music couldn’t be used, but having watched it a couple of times I kind of prefer the music that’s in there.
Great stuff Spencer, really liked that and we’d love to interview you on Lightsabre if you ever find the time!
You couldnt give him permission to use the cantina song. It would have made it so much better.