Darth Vader, the giant villian of Star Wars, is indeed a formidable figure with earnings exceeding $1.3 billion during 2002. He is also the highest earning character of the Star Wars saga.
In the latest of the Star Wars series, the hero Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala even while his teacher's investigation of a separatist assassination attempt leads to the discovery of a secret clone army.
Despite dismal reviews, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, managed to make over $648 million at the box office, and the money from action figures, videogames and merchandise keeps pouring in.
The third and final instalment -- Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith, is slated for a May 2005 opening. The Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace, grossed $431 million in the United States.
Darth Vader is followed by his storm troopers.
Photograph: Stephen Morton/Getty News Images
Also see: The Tata Legacy