Description: By Jacob Ogles In Indianapolis recently, Star Wars creator George Lucas was asked what advice he has for some of his biggest fans. His answer -- don't let the franchise entirely consume your life. "At least that's what they say to fans at Star Trek conventions," Lucas said with a smile, adding: "I know Star Wars fans aren't like that." But that's not true. Ooooh no. Lovers of the Star Wars saga are far, far and away some of the most fervent supporters of any franchise. From giant toy collections to people who've changed their name to Darth Vader, Star Wars has taken over fans' lives in many different ways. Shane Turgeon, for example, spent many hours under the needle finding ways to pay permanent homage to his favorite movies. He has renderings of Darth Vader and a band of stormtroopers tattooed on his calf. "Star Wars has been a major part of my life for 27 years and nothing will ever change that," he said. "Even if someday I stop watching the films, it will never change that it was a part of who I was." Realizing he was far from alone, Turgeon set up a website where others with bodily allusions to the Force share their art. Other fans have channeled their enthusiasm into different kinds of bodies instead. Engineer Jerry Greene spent more than $15,000 building an R2-D9 robot clone. Greene has watched and re-watched the films many times, dissecting every movement of the rolling droids, looking to re-enact every robotic motion and get an edge on his buddies in the R2 Builders Club. "For me it's about making something that looks cool, and is immediately recognized as something from the movie," he said. Fan Stephen Bracha hasn't invested in as much aluminum, but has dropped a pretty penny on plastic gear. Curator of an online Star Wars toy museum, Bracha said he has enough Star Wars figures to fill two rooms of his Southern California home. "I like knickknacks," Bracha said. "That is how I have made myself feel closer to the whole hype of Star Wars. It is exciting to hunt around for that one figure that you can't seem to find." His best find so far -- a Bib Fortuna wearing a red coat that cost Bracha $4,000. For Shawn Crosby, it isn't enough to buy toys. A freelance prop and toy designer from Los Angeles, Crosby refurbished his car as a rebel Starfighter. Crosby said Star Wars played a big role in his decision to pursue a career in movies, and when he decided to customize his car, homage to the resistance seemed appropriate. The remade Honda Del Sol, dubbed the H-Wing, is modeled after an A-Wing seen in Return of the Jedi, Crosby said. "It has become something people remember when they see it," Crosby said. "I am always getting people who say, 'I saw your car driving downtown the other day,' or, 'I sat in your car at a corporate charity event.

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• Collectibles

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