CLASSIC ART: TRENCH RUN HERO!

To say that Ralph McQuarrie's conceptual artistry on the STAR WARS Classic Trilogy was influencing beyond it to the worlds of sci-fi/fantasy and pop culture in general would be a massive understatement. In fact, his related work on various merchandise projects would also prove equally iconic, such as this great X-wing fighter promotional art for a US home computer game circa 1988. This lovely piece, amongst so many, will surely be within the ultimate assembly of all his STAR WARS work, courtesy of ABRAMS BOOKS, for their definitive, two-book set dedicated to the man, his work, and the saga, arrives at the end of the month, and will surely prove to be one of their most acclaimed and important releases both as a STAR WARS project and art book celebration...

More info: Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie (Hardcover) | ABRAMS

Get the the book here: Star Wars Art: Ralph Mcquarrie: Amazon.co.uk: Ralph McQuarrie, Brandon Alinger, Wade Lageose, David Mandel: 9781419717932: Books

BEHIND THE SCENES: IMPERIAL SUNBATHER!

A member of the London-based Shepperton Design Studios, responsible for the original film's stormtrooper-related costume constructions, models one of their then newly built and intimidating looking TIE fighter pilot heads, of which only fourteen were apparently built in the long run, during the very hot Summer of '76.

Original Stormtrooper- Accept No Compromises
'A worthless bit of plastic': Fiona Bruce fails to feel the force of Star Wars helmet worth £50k! | Daily Mail Online

For more behind the scenes information,anecdotes and rare imagery on the creation of the now iconic costumes of the Classic Trilogy, from heroes to villains, check out Brandon Alinger's lavish new book on the subject, STAR WARS COSTUMES: THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY, out now from TITAN BOOKS. Here's the publishing blurb:

Who can forget the first time they saw Darth Vader with his black cape and mask? The white hard-body suit of the stormtroopers? Or Leia’s outfit as Jabba’s slave? These costumes–like so many that adorned the characters of that galaxy far, far away–have become iconic. For the first time, the Lucasfilm Archives has unpacked the original costumes to be revealed in breathtaking detail.

Featuring all-new photography, Star Wars Costumes: The Original Trilogy affords both new and longtime Star Wars fans the opportunity to examine the stormtrooper armor and discover how it changed from movie to movie; explore Boba Fett’s suit and inspect the rarely seen details of his blaster and jetpack; compare the helmets and jumpsuits of the rebel fighters; and study the details of the Hoth fighter uniforms.

This lavish large-format book not only showcases high-quality photography of each costume, it also pairs these stunning images with original sketches, behind-the-scenes photographs, production notes, and stories.

Get it here: Star Wars - Costumes: Amazon.co.uk: Brandon Alinger, J. W. Rinzler: Books

And look out for AFICIONADO's review of the book in the not too distant future.

CLASSIC CHEWBACCA: THE BOWCASTER

Continuing our celebration of our favourite Wookiee's return to the STAR WARS saga with THE CLONE WARS, here's a great behind the scenes reference image of the Bowcaster, the distinctive crossbow/laser weapon hybrid which Chewbacca has but ultimately doesn't use in the first STAR WARS, though he soon proves an excellent shot with it in a very cool moment from RETURN OF THE JEDI, skillfully taking down an accelerating Speeder Bike pilot within the forests of Endor.

The Bowcaster was an adapted weapon (a Horton crossbow) by the original STAR WARS Set Decorator Roger Christian, rented in 1976 - the one and only weapon held by the famous weapons rental company Baptys, was also used in the subsequent sequels, and even for the infamous Holiday Special.

Up Close with ORIGINAL Star Wars Props! | Chewbaccas's Bowcaster, Luke's Medal of Yavin, & more! - YouTube

Brandon Alinger of Prop Store with the prop weapon which made a fortune in auction in 2025.