Awesome Illustrated Star Wars Character Card Countdown

When someone counts down to draw their 30 favorite Star Wars characters and gets through Darth Vader by number 26, you know you're dealing with an enthusiast of discriminating tastes. Artist Ben Balistreri performed such a feat during his marathon draw session, which observers of Star Wars Day and participants in Star Wars Uncut are sure to appreciate.

Balistreri was inspired after seeing the Electronic Cerebrectomy blog count down through 30 beloved characters from George Lucas' sci-fi universe, and by the time he was done his own roster included such memorable faces as Zuckuss, 2-1B, Boushh and Bossk. You may be surprised to learn who his top selection turns out to be, but even if you aren't you'll likely agree that this guy deserves to have a hand in whatever the next Star Wars animated project is.

It's no secret that a disproportionate number of Balistreri's picks come from the wretched hive of scum and villainy that is Mos Eisley, but you can't really hold that against him, given the colorful nature of its patrons. It takes a special kind of artist to make Walrus Man look like he could fit into an episode of "Ren and Stimpy," though, and his full gallery demonstrates his labor of love.

See a selection of our favorites after the jump.