by: Jay Carlson

We’ve had the pleasure of sharing some great pieces of concept art over the past twelve months from the making of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. There are literally thousands more pieces that went into the making of the film that not too many people have seen.

The official Star Wars website has announced that we’ll all be able to get a look at much more art from behind the curtain when they release The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on December 18^th. I’ve heard that December 18^th will serve as something of a Force Friday part 2, in which all the merchandise deemed too spoilerific will finally be unleashed, which makes sense as the film will hit theaters that day as well.

We’ve all analyzed and marveled at the brief looks that we’ve gotten through footage and merchandise, thus far. I can’t wait for everything to be out there for us all to discuss and debate and ponder. It’s hard to believe we’re so close to seeing the original cast in an all-new Star Wars film!

You can preorder The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens HERE.

Official Release:

Kylo Ren. Finn. Rey. Jakku. BB-8. How did this new generation of memorable Star Wars characters, worlds, and creatures come to life? A stunning new book, TheArt of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will tell that story.

The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, written by Phil Szostak, is a portal that takes you from the earliest gathering of artists and production designers at Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco to the fever pitch of production at Pinewood Studios to the conclusion of postproduction at Industrial Light & Magic. Arriving in stores on December 18, the same day that Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters, it takes fans deep inside the evolution of the film. Exclusive interviews with the entire creative team also provide a detailed look at what it took to bring director J. J. Abrams’ vision to life, while the unused “blue sky” concept art offers glimpses into roads not traveled.

Bursting with hundreds of beautiful works of art that include production paintings, concept sketches, storyboards, blueprints, and matte paintings, The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will delight both Star Wars fans and film enthusiasts for years to come.

Enjoy this special first look at the cover — featuring the mysterious Kylo Ren in a painting by legendary Star Wars concept artist Doug Chiang.