Avatar vs. Relayer?

The floating islands from a Roger Dean landscape.

Today's Academy Awards nomination for Best Picture has put a spotlight on James Cameron's extraplanetary epic Avatar, specifically on its art design, also nominated for best picture.

The floating islands of Pandora from Avatar

An article on Classic Rock magazine's website has illustrator Roger Dean (famous for his work with Yes, Asia and  many other bands) up in arms about the floating islands, flying beasts and other otherworldly images that make up the fantasy world of Pandora featured in the film.

According to the Classic Rock article, the illustrator was not contacted for permission to use his designs in the film. The article goes on to say that while Dean may be considering legal action against James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, but nothing definite has happened yet.

Top image © Roger Dean.
Bottom image © 2009 Lightstorm Entertainment.