Just two months ahead of 2025’s Star Wars Celebration in Japan, the franchise has unveiled a new look at its event-exclusive art – and it’s absolutely stunning. Star Wars has a long-running tradition of having artists create unique pieces based on characters, projects, themes, and more from the galaxy far, far away, and those created for this year’s event in Japan are awe-inspiring. Many of them focus on fan-favorite characters, shows, and movies, many of which are enhanced with elements of Japanese art and culture.
They’re gorgeous to the extent of making me sad, if only because it’s very unlikely that I’ll ever be able to get my hands on them. That kind of profound emotional reaction to these pieces of art only further proves just how incredible they really are. From characters who debuted in 2024 to those who have been a part of the galaxy ever since its inception, here are 10 Star Wars Celebration-exclusive artworks I totally wish I could add to my collection (via StarWars.com, in no particular order).
10
“Overwhelming Odds”
Artist: Jonathan Beistline
This specific artwork is inspired by the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, and it sees the iconic heroes and villains of that movie illustrated together in a way that pays perfect tribute to this fan-favorite Star Wars movie. What I find profound about this particular composition is the placement of Anakin; rather than sitting with the Jedi heroes at the bottom, he stands at Count Dooku’s side, acting as dark foreshadowing for him taking the place of Palpatine’s former apprentice.
Beistline told StarWars.com that the goal of this specific artwork was to symbolize “the impending defeat of the Jedi” through the use of its “symmetrical, pyramidal composition,” which “mirrors the opposing army of the Republic against the Separatist forces with Palpatine bridging the middle as the grand orchestrator of both sides.” Beistline certainly accomplishes that goal in this piece, which does a harrowingly gorgeous job of portraying the Clone Wars’ dark truths.
9
“Peace Is A Lie”
Artist: Candice Dailey
This piece gives the spotlight to Manny Jacinto’s Sith Lord from The Acolyte, The Stranger. Given everything that’s happened with The Acolyte‘s cancelation and more, it makes me endlessly joyful to see him receiving some official support and appreciation from Star Wars itself and its artists. The Stranger stands as imposing as ever in the setting of The Acolyte episode 5 “Night,” wielding his two red lightsaber blades as he fearlessly faces down the Jedi.
For Candice Dailey, as said to StarWars.com, the inspiration behind this piece comes from “Night” itself, specifically because it has “one of the coolest fight sequences Star Wars fans have been blessed with in live action.” Dailey hoped that this art would “capture a little bit of the calm yet confident nature of the Stranger and the drama brought on by the atmosphere and red light from his sabers.” That mission has certainly been accomplished here.
8
“Heroes Broken, Destiny Changed”
Artist: Danny Haas
“Heroes Broken, Destiny Changed” makes Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 5 its centerpiece, focusing on not only the characters we often follow throughout the animated series, but also the return of Darth Maul and his brother, Savage Opress. Also spotted by Savage are the Mauldalorians, the members of the Mandalorian Death Watch who remained loyal to Maul once he took the throne of Mandalore. This art is an absolutely stunning and faithful tribute to The Clone Wars’ iconic style.
On why The Clone Wars season 5 was chosen specifically for this piece, Haas told StarWars.com that it has “always been one of my favorite seasons and I wanted to pull from the stories of that season that would ultimately change the course of so many of our characters.” It’s a favorite of Haas’ for good reason; The Clone Wars season 5 features not only Maul’s takeover of Mandalore and establishment of his own criminal network, but also Ahsoka Tano’s departure from the Jedi Order.
7
“Vader”
Artist: Malcolm Tween
This “Vader” artwork by Malcolm Tween really embraces the eerie and mysterious nature of Darth Vader, at least to those who would have only heard whispers about him. The fog wrapping around him as he stands beneath the Imperial shuttle makes him appear like an ominous shadow, as if he is impending doom personified. The glow of his lightsaber in its midst only further gives this chilling impression.
Tween absolutely succeeded in creating that towering effect, symbolizing the power of Vader that exceeded even his own silhouette from afar.
Speaking about the artwork, Tween shared with StarWars.com that the goal was “to create an atmospheric and slightly abstract image, with the towering silhouette of the shuttle defining the space, and its shape almost mirroring Vader himself.” Tween absolutely succeeded in creating that towering effect, symbolizing the power of Vader that exceeded even his own silhouette from afar. It’s a gorgeous artwork that feels perfectly lived-in.
6
“Freighters Of Fortune”
Artist: Chris Trevas
“Freighters of Fortune” puts some of Star Wars’ most beloved pilots and spaceships on full display, most notably Han Solo, Hera Syndulla, and Luthen Rael. Their ships, or freighters, are right there in the spotlight with them, notably being the Millennium Falcon, the Ghost, and the Fondor Haulcraft, respectively – in addition to the Outrider. The style of this art takes me right back to some of Star Wars’ most classic original pieces of art, ringing the perfect kind of nostalgic bell inside my mind.
Chris Trevas shared with StarWars.com that the Millennium Falcon “has been a lifelong pᴀssion of mine,” and, as such, “its storied history and iconic silhouette have captured my imagination since childhood.” Trevas has even been able to create some of the official materials that explore the Falcon‘s interior, which led to the desire to pay tribute to the Falcon in addition to various other similar ships. “Each of these vessels carries its own history and character, defined by the bold captains who helm them,” Trevas stated.
5
“Anakin’s Path”
Artist: Tsuneo Sanda
In “Anakin’s Path,” Tsuneo Sanda uses one of Star Wars’ most beloved and tragic heroes as a centerpiece, along with his famed lightsaber hilt. This artwork, for me, evokes the famous comparison of Anakin with Alexander Cabanel’s “The Fallen Angel,” using Anakin’s eyes to symbolize the dark path he was unfortunately destined for. To do so in this way, with his lightsaber hilt showcasing that dark foreshadowing, is both stunning and powerful.
Sanda was very intentional with this choice. In the artwork that’s “based on the theme of why Anakin turned to the dark side,” Sanda believes that “this image clearly expresses the point of Anakin’s heart by stacking a lightsaber, a symbol of power staring at Anakin,” something that Anakin “relied too much on” and ultimately misunderstood. Sanda does a breathtaking job of symbolizing that here, resulting in quite a masterpiece.
4
“The Daimyo Of Mos Espa”
Artist: Brad Hudson
It’s such a breath of fresh air to see more appreciation for The Book of Boba Fett, something that this artwork, “The Daimyo of Mos Espa,” accomplishes with grace. Taking inspiration from Japanese manga, “The Daimyo of Mos Espa” gives a special spotlight to the тιтular hero and villains (some turned allies) of The Book of Boba Fett, particularly Cad Bane and Black Krrsantan. The style is very fitting for all three of these characters, reminiscent of a comic book cover in the best way.
That’s because it’s directly inspired by comics, as said by Brad Hudson to StarWars.com. “My work for the 2025 Celebration is inspired by The Book of Boba Fett and by Fett’s first appearance in Marvel Comics,” Hudson revealed. “Boba debuted in Star Wars issue #42.” Hudson went on to describe how the coloring system, box placement, and more all function as tributes to Japanese manga, making it as nostalgic and authentic as possible.
3
“Darkness On Umbara”
Artist: Joe Hogan
Personally, my favorite of this year’s artwork for Star Wars Celebration is a faithful tribute to one of my own favorite arcs in The Clone Wars, “Darkness on Umbara.” This 4-episode arc sees Captain Rex, ARC trooper Fives, and more clones from the 501st Legion’s Torrent Company facing one of their darkest and most twisted trials yet as they’re placed under Jedi General Pong Krell’s command. This artwork faithfully captures not just that sense of constant danger, but also the lingering darkness of Umbara itself.
My love for this arc is reflected in Joe Hogan’s piece because it’s also one of Hogan’s own favorites. Speaking about this artwork to StarWars.com, Hogan states that the Umbara arc is “some of the most compelling Star Wars content we clone trooper fans have ever received” – and Hogan couldn’t be more correct. With this piece, Hogan “wanted to capture some of the chaos our clone heroes faced during their time on Umbara.” Hogan even shares that a sinister enemy lurks in the depths of this very piece.
2
“A Hero’s Journey”
Artist: Traci Easterday
Ahsoka Tano is one of Star Wars’ best characters, and she’s a fan-favorite for a reason. Ahsoka earned her place there after a turbulent start among fans, and she now has what is arguably one of Star Wars’ best stories to date. This artwork pays perfect tribute to the life of Ahsoka thus far, depicting her from her days as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan during the Clone Wars to her transformation into Ahsoka the White in Ahsoka – all while remaining faithful to their respective art styles.
Each detail Easterday added, including Ahsoka’s poses and the various graphics, had to do with Ahsoka’s values.
This kind of homage is exactly what Traci Easterday set out to accomplish with this piece, as shared with StarWars.com. “Rarely do we get to see a character from the first moments of their life, through to adulthood, with all of the joy and trauma and heartbreak and growth along the way,” Easterday shared. “[Ahsoka] remained steadfast, resilient, compᴀssionate, and empathetic, always standing for what is right, and refusing to turn her back on those in need.” Each detail Easterday added, including Ahsoka’s poses and the various graphics, had to do with Ahsoka’s values.
1
“Your Path You Must Decide”
Artist: Tricia Benson
Though there is an abundance of other incredible artwork included for Star Wars Celebration, it’s “Your Path You Must Decide” that rounds out my personal favorites. It offers a profound reflection of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi journey in Star Wars, from being the student of Yoda on Dagobah to being the Jedi Master of Grogu on Ossus. The student thus becomes the master, and the contrast between the dark atmosphere on Dagobah and the bright sunlight of Ossus makes this even more stunning to me.
This lighting choice, however, had to do with much more than just the planets’ atmospheres, according to Tricia Benson. “I have painted both scenes in tones representing two of the different colors of Luke’s lightsabers,” Benson told StarWars.com. “Blue on the left, when he was still in training and using the lightsaber of his father, and green on the right, after he had crafted his own green lightsaber on his path to becoming a Jedi.” It’s a beautiful sentiment for a piece centered on Star Wars‘ most beloved hero, and a wonderful representation of all this incredible art.
