USA Today features an article on Star Wars, and why Darth Vader is so popular:

Vader is the antagonist of creator George Lucas' six-film series, which has made about $3.5 billion in theaters worldwide. Nearly three times that has been spent on Star Wars merchandise, including scores of Vader action figures.

With fans already lined up to see the film and other Star Wars devotees gathering at the Indianapolis Convention Center this weekend for Star Wars Celebration III, Vader remains, as Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi calls him, a master of evil.

Perhaps the most popular attraction at the Celebration, beyond Lucas himself, is David Prowse, who first donned the black quilted leather and fiberglass Vader costume in 1976 to stalk Lucas' first three Star Wars films.

Prowse, 6-foot-7 and a former bodybuilder and English weightlifting champion, chose the dark side when Lucas asked whether he'd rather play Chewbacca or Vader.

Hit the link above to read more. Thanks to Tim for the alert.