Though the first time I saw the "Star Wars" trilogy was decades ago, the imagery certainly still resonates in my head, even while I watch (and rewatch, and rewatch…) the trailers for the globally anticipated "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Though George Lucas is credited as the creator and driving force behind the trilogy, it’s the essential illustrations of conceptual designer Ralph McQuarrie that give strength to the fictional universe (and the Force).
READ MORE: Watch: New Teaser Trailer And Images For ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’
Commissioned by Lucas, McQuarrie worked on all three of the original films, not to mention that he came up with the idea for Darth Vader to wear a breathing mask (so he could breathe in space, naturally) and the designs for Chewbacca, C3PO, and R2D2. Take a look at some of these paramount illustrations below, and find out why McQuarrie is a Jedi in his own right.