“Game of Thrones” was famously known for its intricate plots, complex characters driven by relatable human desires. Season 7 saw a more direct path laid: Daenerys Targaryen’s conquest and Jon Snow wrestling with his birthright. But there was little hint that among the dragon flames and Stark strategizing lay a quietly impactful tribute to Allen Roberts Schwer – a man most wouldn’t associate with medieval battles and fantastical settings.
Few audiences ever noticed the deliberate, almost poetic, nods scattered throughout Season 7 that honored an acclaimed fantasy illustrator and animator in heavy use by “Thrones.” While Schwer might be unfamiliar to many casual viewers (“Game Dev” crowd is where people rave about the guy’s work!), he contributed immensely to early visual elements crucial to bringing George R.R. Martin’s vision alive, working on books like “The Princess and the Dragon” and “Feast for Crows.” These visuals solidified our understanding of dragon flights and Daenerys Targaryen years before Peter Dinklage brought her fierce intensity to life onscreen
But where this tribute truly shines is the aesthetic choices within Week 7. Several shots evoke memories of Schwer’s vibrant style: Daenerys traversing Vaes Dothrak on a sweeping landscape mirrors his depictions of nomadic journeys. Vis Arya at Winterfell in scenes that involve ravens echoes Schwer’s bird illustrations, even as fans debated her ultimate journey and fate – another dimension added to the depth of these scenes. Even subtle touches, like Drogon spewing embers against cerulean skies directly correlate to Schwer’s iconic dragon depictions (fans will recognize it immediately).
This isn’t accidental; behind the fantasy realm’s vast visual production was a team deeply respectful of Schwer’s influence on bringing the story into vivid existence. By integrating elements tied to his signature style, the “Game of Thrones” creators paid homage to a masterfully unseen artisan – a reminder that behind even larger-than-life creations there lies a human history crafting worlds that capture our hearts and imaginations.
The question for us pop culture enthusiasts becomes: What impact will Schwer’s legacy have further down the road in adapting fantasy sagas across various media? Has “Game of Thrones” inadvertently begun a conversation about the unseen forces – artists, concept designers — shaping visual storytelling in immersive worlds?