star wars 4

Both the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire would agree that these renditions of our favorite Star Wars characters are the perfect way to welcome 2016.

The epic Star Wars universe is filled with different elements that people can connect with in their everyday lives. Whether it’s the characters, the science-fiction setting, or the never-ending battle of good versus evil, there is something about it that resonates with people. Hong Kong artist Tik Ka, who specializes in the combination of traditional Chinese culture with adorable baby faces, took the characters Star Wars fans love and infused them with Chinese traditions to create something new but still instantly recognizable.

▼ Darth Maul looks just like an ancient demon practicing the ways of the dark side of the Force. The B1 battle droid, though, is just adorable.

▼ It’s the simple details that make this so perfect, like giving the Chinese guardian dog two different colored eyes to simulate Darth Vader’s breastplate.

▼ These Stormtroopers look more like they want to find enlightenment than serve the Empire.

▼ C-3P0 & R2-D2 look just as lost as when they first arrive on Tatooine.

▼ We would definitely take this pair if we had to infiltrate the Death Star and rescue Princess Leia.

▼ Like an ancient Chinese sage, Obi-Wan looks extremely wise and at one with everything around him.

▼ Luke Skywalker looks impressive decorated with the rebel insignia and designs from ancient China.

▼ Yoda proves you’re never too old to learn as he reads a scroll with the words “the Force” in Chinese.

▼ Boba Fett following the “no disintegrations” order reluctantly.

▼ This is now the only way we want to see slave Leia and Jabba the Hutt. Somehow Jabba is adorable.

▼ A glimpse of what is to come with Rey and BB-8.

Every single piece of art is paired with a different Chinese New Year’s greeting that is wishing for the good fortune of family, continued success in business, or hopes for others to stay safe and healthy. Tik Ka would love to print these pieces as posters or to put them onto the traditional red pockets or red envelopes that people give to each other at Chinese New Year’s.

▼ “I find your lack of Lord Vader disturbing.”

star wars 5Flickr/Loren Javier (1, 2, 3) edited by RocketNews24

We would love to see more characters completed in this style, especially if the new movie turns out to be a hit. If you like Tik Ka’s work, you can find more of his beautiful art on his Facebook page.  Let him know that the RocketForce led you there.

Top image: Facebook/Tik Ka 迪嘉 edited by RocketNews24