CLASSIC IMAGE: THE CULT OF VADER!

No matter how long or short his on-screen appearance was to be, everybody was eagerly awaiting the return of Darth Vader to close out the Prequel Trilogy with EPISODE III, of which his death skull visage was a firm part of the film's advance publicity, as seen here with this very cool cover to the US Rollling Stone magazine back in 2005, featuring related articles that explored all aspects of the Dark Lord's return and enduring popularity.

CLASSIC IMAGE: FAST TARGET!

Once more proving himself an excellent shot with a bowcaster, Chewbacca efficiently disposes of an escaping Speeder Bike pilot during a very cool moment from Return of the Jedi, when we finally get to see the wookiee use the weapon onscreen properly (having barely seen him shoot a Mynock previously, during The Empire Strikes Back).

With thanks to Ian Trussler for the image.

CLASSIC ART: OF DUTY AND LOVE!

Her return to Coruscant to vote on the critical issue of the creation of a Grand Army is just the start of a galaxy-spanning adventure of love, intrigue and action for Senator Padme Amidala and her young Jedi protector in Anakin Skywalker, as the epic scale and doomed romance of the pair during the events of EPISODE II is beautifully rendered by Tsuneo Sanda.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: COLOURS IN DARKNESS!

The momentous Fortieth Anniversary celebrations for The Empire Strikes Back will surely kick off soon across all the official Star Wars platforms, hopefully showcasing old and new gems linked to our favourite, much-beloved sequel movie, likes this great poster concept art by acclaimed Japanese artist Noriyoshi Ohrai.

BEHIND THE SCENES: A BOY'S FASCINATION...

Ever fascinated with the worlds of film-making and Star Wars, young Jake Lloyd clearly had a blast working on EPISODE I, seen here in the desert of Tunisia with a background street prop worker droid during filming of the Mos Espa scenes during mid-1997.

In recent years, Jake has been through some tough personal life/health struggles, for which we at Star Wars Aficionado send our best wishes and support to him and his family for better times ahead...

http://www.jedinews.co.uk/film-music-tv/articles/jake-lloyd-update-and-statement-from-family/

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE LONELY WALK...

His mentor Obi-Wan is seemingly dead, and Han and Chewie are departing the crazy rebels with their reward loot. Luke's new family seems to have broken up around him as he and his droids make a lonely walk towards his new fighter within the immense Yavin IV base, in this rare B/W image from the original Star Wars. Note the cardboard cutout of the X-wing fighter in the background and the partial scale Y-wing fighter prop.

EPISODE IX: PRYDE BEFORE THE FALL!

In command of the Emperor's enormous fleet of Star Destroyers at Exegol, the evil Allegiant General Pryde is given surprising news on the Resistance's attack plans against them, in this critical scene from The Rise of Skywalker.

EPISODE IX: DARK REY!

Luke had that classic encounter with 'himself' deep in the cave of Dagobah, now our sequel heroine gets a disturbing look at her own potential dark future, as captured in this great artwork by Rory Kurtz, which came as an art card poster with last year's EMPIRE film magazine covering The Rise of Skywalker.

EPISODE IX: FRACTURED, NO MORE!

Renewing his determination to find and turn Rey to his side, and destroy the troublesome Resistance in the process, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, alongside his knights' followers, is witness to the rebuilding of his once smashed status symbol helmet, in another memorable scene from The Rise of Skywalker.

EPISODE IX: AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP!

They've been together to endure some very dangerous missions for both the Rebellion and the Resistance. Now, Artoo and Threepio must sadly uncouple as the latter begins his important new task with Rey and the others, but not before telling Artoo what good friends he and the Astro-Droid have been all these years, in a sweet little scene from The Rise of Skywalker.