Star Wars stamps and contest

Fifteen new 41-cent Star Wars stamps by artist Drew Struzan were unveiled yesterday at Mann's (formerly Grauman's) Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, where the first Star Wars movie opened nearly 30 years ago.

Shown above in a USPS photo, from left, Darth Maul, Lucas Licensing President Howard Roffman, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Letter Carrier Neosia Morris, Princess Leia, USPS Stamp Services Manager David Failor and R2-D2.

The stamps feature images from all six movies in the Star Wars saga: Luke Skywalker; Han Solo and Chewbacca; Princess Leia Organa with R2-D2; C-3PO; Yoda; Queen Padmé Amidala; Obi-Wan Kenobi as seen in Episodes IV through VI; Anakin Skywalker battling Obi-Wan Kenobi; Darth Vader; Emperor Palpatine; Darth Maul; Imperial Stormtroopers; Boba Fett; the Millennium Falcon; and an X-wing fighter.

The back of the stamp sheet includes extensive text describing the dramatic roles that each featured character or vehicle plays in the Star Wars saga.

Of the 15 images on the Star Wars stamp sheet, the Postal Service is inviting the public to vote on its favorite. The stamp receiving the most votes will be honored with the issuance of a single stamp, which will be for sale later this summer.

Voting for the most popular Star Wars stamp will take place online through May 23.The winning stamp will be announced at the first-day-of-issue ceremony for the sheetlet on May 25 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

To vote, click here.