"What a Piece of Junk!" - Today in Star Wars VII Set Photos

Today's "leaked" Star Wars VII set photos from TMZ feature several large set pieces under construction - including our beloved Millennium Falcon, X-Wings, and a closer look at the previously revealed Space Swine of Unusual Size.

Here's a cool thing of note - fans are spotting direct references in the new sets 

to Ralph McQuarrie's original Classic Trilogy concept art.

Like yesterday's Tatooine dessert arch...

 (Image via the official Ralph McQuarrie FB Page)

...and Toy Photographer Avanaut spotted this X-Wing reference today.

Time to get out all those ''Making of " Star Wars books and start looking for more!

Dark Horse's Concept Comic 'The Star Wars' Preview Art

Preview panels from Dark Horse Comics just announced "The Star Wars" Comic. 

It's a really creative and neat alternate Star Wars idea - the story is based on George Lucas's very 

early script draft and the iconic character concept designs of Ralph McQuarrie. Looks cool so far!

The beloved Ralph McQuarrie concept designs.

This is How it All Began...Thanks Mr. McQuarrie. Rest Well.

Ralph McQuarrie's beautiful conceptual art not only sold the movie to 20th Century Fox execs 

back in the day; but has been continually used in promotions and merchandising up to this moment. 

McQuarrie's imagery is often more iconic than the actual film stills (despite the expected 

changes in characters and designs) as it always recalls that essential magical aspect of 

Star Wars - the promise of adventure and worlds never seen before, the promise of something...epic.

Ralph McQuarrie - June 13, 1929 - March 3, 2012