Has any man in American — with the exception of the comic-book-lovin’ President Obama — spread as much geeky goodwill as Stephen Colbert? Whether he’s defending Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ trisaber, discussing Gamergate with blogger and critic Anita Sarkeesian, or explaining why he’s the only man worthy of brandishing Captain America’s shield, Colbert has flown his nerd flag high and wide throughout all nine years of The Colbert Report. But before the show concludes its run next week, on December 18th — and Colbert takes his new position as host of CBS’ Late Show when David Letterman retires next year — the mighty Stephen has taken the time to give one last burst of joyous fan love via The Colbert Report to J.R.R. Tolkien, portraying the author’s beloved Gandalf, Legolas, and Bilbo on the covers of this week’s Entertainment Weekly (which hits newsstands tomorrow). The issue also features Colbert’s interview with Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson. Here’s a video of the funnyman getting into costume and makeup for this tribute to the third and final film in Jackson’s Hobbit adaptation, The Battle of the Five Armies, opening this Friday, December 12th.

Who knew Gandalf was such a fan of chai lattes? Here’s a closer look at all three of the covers, each devoted to a different character portrayed by Colbert.

I like what Colbert does with Bilbo, catching him in the midst of ring-induced mania, halfway to Gollumville. But what do you folks think? Let us know below!