With the December release date of Star Wars: The Force Awakens drawing ever closer, the original designs for Boba Fett by Captain America: The First Avenger director Joe Johnston are enjoying renewed popularity online.

As Bob Fett fan site The Dented Helmet notes, Johnston -- then a concept artist -- helped create multiple designs for the fan-favorite character alongside his colleague Ralph McQuarrie. Although these pieces are by no means new or undiscovered, buzz surrounding the new Star Wars trilogy seems to have boosted the images' traffic.

This early concept art isn't the only thing that's spurred talk about Boba Fett.  Rumors of a solo film starring the bounty hunter have circulated since February 2013, although there hasn't much word about it since June, when it was suggested the standalone movie would take inspiration from expanded universe material.

Check out some of Johnston's early Boba Fett designs below, and more at The Dented Helmet.

J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrives Dec. 18.