© Abrams Books, 2016(C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.

There is no doubt that Ralph McQuarrie’s sublime art was fundamental in shaping the success of Star Wars, and enriching the galaxy far, far away. For years his work has been archived and championed, but a new book is collecting some of his best (and some of his rarest) Star Wars art in a lavish volume, and we’ve got an exclusive look inside.




Out today from Abrams Books, Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie is a comprehensive guide to the artists incredible body of work for Star Wars—containing unpublished interviews, insight from colleagues, and two thousand illustrations across two hardcover volumes, encased in a box featuring McQuarrie’s iconic early concept art of C-3PO and R2-D2 on Tatooine.


The art, some being reprinted for the very first time, includes covers McQuarrie’s concept work from the original Star Wars trilogy and beyond—portfolio work, matte paintings, merchandise art and even his famous Lucasfilm company cards. It’s an unprecedented tribute to his place in the Star Wars saga, and now you can see some of the art included inside, making its debut here on io9. Don’t forget to click the magnifier in the corner of each image to enlarge it!

Concept sketch, Snowtrooper commander helmet from Empire Strikes Back. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization

Portfolio illustration, space battle from Return of the Jedi. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization

Concept sketch, Wookiee planet treetops from Empire Strikes Back. McQuarrie’s notes show he envisioned the treetop canopy as densely packed, so as to create an almost solid material. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization


Illustration, Lucasfilm moving card, September 1979. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization

Concept sketches, Darth Vader. The helmet sketch has been printed frequently in the past, but only from a photographic transparency – the photograph caused the helmet and chest to appear softer than the faceplate, and the helmet appeared distorted. It is accurately reproduced here for the first time. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization


Production illustration, Emperor’s throne from Return of the Jedi. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization

Concept sketches, Ewoks from Return of the Jedi. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization


Matte painting, Tatooine, circa early April 1976. This painting was seen at least twice in A New Hope, including the opening shot. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization

Production illustration, Had Abbadon pyramids from Return of the Jedi. Had Abbadon was one of the early names considered for Coruscant. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization


Illustration, Micro Machines Action Fleet Death Star Playset. © Abrams Books, 2016 (C) 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. And TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization

Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie is available now, for $250.