"Star Wars" characters have reached iconic status

"Star Wars" characters have reached iconic status with the many fans who love the adventures from a galaxy far, far away. The characters capture our hearts and imaginations by taking on local legends from pirates to noble knights. George Lucas' trilogy of movies and prequels create a wondrous universe of fans' dreams with light saber battles between the Jedi and the evil Sith Lords and spaceship fights in the stars. Halloween costume parties are never the same once the starships flew across the sky back in 1977. Characters from "Star Wars" universe show what movie magic is all about as fans fill sci fi conventions with their variations of these icons.

Luke Skywalker.

Mark Hamill plays the country boy turned fighter pilot who goes on an adventure of a lifetime in "Star Wars." His character goes through more changes than puberty when he meets with Obi Wan Kenobi and journeys to become a Jedi. The young man learns over the course of the original trilogy about his true origins that effects his ultimate destiney.

Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Alec Guinness embodied one of cinema's most famous sages as the man who taught Anakin and Luke Skywalker the ways of the Force. His classic utterance of the line "May the Force be with you" has been quoted more than Shakespeare in reference to wishing someone good luck. Ewan McGregor took the reigns to play the legendary Jedi master in his youth in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy that told how Anakin Sywalker turned to the dark side.

Darth Vader.

The most evil and tragic character in the "Star Wars" mythos is the scourge of the galaxy and served Emperor Palpatine. More actors played his role in numerous movies other than James Bond, with Dave Prowse (in costume), James Earl Jones (voice), Sebastian Shaw (Darth Vader unmasked), Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader as a boy) and Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker as a young Jedi and Darth Vader) all playing parts. No one can deny his place as one of movies all time bad guys.

Han Solo.

One of Harrison Ford's famous roles brings the pirate's spirit to the galaxy far,far away in the original "Star Wars" movies. His romance with Luke Skywalker's sister makes for great drama and light-hearted moments amongst the lasers and lightsaber battles. Just don't get any fan started on who shot first, Han Solo or Greedo!

Princess Leia.

A lady never took any smack from anyone, especially looking face-to-face with Darth Vader in the first "Star Wars" movie. It's no surprise a space pirate like Han Solo was the only one to be able to handle this intergalactic firecracker. Her slave attire in the clutches of Jabba the Hutt is often imitated at sci fi conventions and by celebs like Adrianne Curry and Olivia Munn.