Congratulations to these 25 Hyperspace members!
On September 7, 1985, long before the world would enjoy the weekly adventures of The Clone Wars, fans got their first dose of a regular Star Wars animated series -- scratch that, two animated series: Droids and Ewoks! In celebration of today's 25th anniversary, we're sending 25 full sets of the 1980s Droids comic books (a total of eight issues per set) to 25 randomly-selected Hyperspace members!
bc122
kushankudye
pj1988
paulv21
Jedi Dajuan
11-8
chewietitan
Lorien2001
jedistargirl23
DrWurzel
Jedi_Master_Duke
tricke805a
deboise
stipes
TI6718
Chris-Wan Kenobi
naomi1225
batman3101
Jasim
"lightsaberfan"
TAZ1098
MKMSR
ruggaber2001
Derek
Grand Admiral Victor J'Tal
Not up to speed on Droids and Ewoks? Don't worry, we've got a few features planned today to help fill you in. Meanwhile, we've asked some fans familiar with the Droids and Ewoks animated universe why they feel it endures among animation aficionados and especially collectors:
"I've always loved Droids because of the wonderful designs. The episodes are filled with details and the worlds are populated by archetypical characters that fit right into the Star Wars Saga." — Tim Veekhoven (StarWars.com blogger "Sompeetalay")
"Droids and Ewoks gave us a look at what was going on in the galaxy beyond the front lines of the war: Speeder racing, gangsters, pirates, the oppression of the Empire on backwater worlds, as well as the strange creatures and courageous adventures of the Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor. These series truly are classics." — Jim Cole (Droids&Ewoks.com;)
"Since the Droids and Ewoks toys were at the very end of the original Kenner Star Wars line, they consist of some of the best sculpts and most colorful examples from the line. Many fans never got them as kids and were completely unaware they existed. Couple that with their relative scarcity and that caused interest to skyrocket." — Duncan Jenkins, co-author of Gus and Duncan's Comprehensive Guide to Star Wars Collectibles
"I think there are several things that the shows do -- the animation is amazing and they are fun to watch. They're also a great way to introduce young kids to the Star Wars universe." — James Gallo, Droids and Ewoks collector
"The high quality of the action figures planned for the 2nd series Droids and Ewoks lines coupled with the novelty of unproduced items from the series have given these a certain mystique among collectors." — Gus Lopez, co-author of Gus and Duncan's Comprehensive Guide to Star Wars Collectibles
"When you consider that an entire generation of kids were raised, and thusly, influenced as adults by the 1980s cartoon series/toy commercials, it's a given that the Droids and Ewoks series would have a lasting impression on the original fans. There's something about the Droids and Ewoks cartoons that makes me want to build a fort out of some chairs and blankets, be surrounded by my G.I. Joe toys and eat a big bowl of Froot Loops. Who wouldn't want to feel like that again?" — Shane Turgeon, author of The Force in the Flesh
"The Ewoks and Star Wars Droids Adventure Hour saved my life. No, it did. With no more films on the horizon and no third Ewok feature in sight, the Ewoks and Droids animated shows gave a nine-year-old hope. Waking up to watch Artoo, C-3PO, Wicket, Teebo, and Kneesaa on a Saturday morning was like being with friends...with family. And it was through these two series (albeit short-lived) that I watched the Star Wars "Universe" actually expand...continuing the serial, episodic type of story-telling that invigorated George. There were no boundaries! 'They CAN keep making Star Wars,' I would marvel! As a nine-year-old I could not attest to the technical quality of the show, but they had a profound effect on my imagination (they actually jump-started my interest in animation). Then sadly, one Fall they were gone...and almost forgotten. Until years later, in the dark days of 'Wars fandom, I came across VHS bootlegs in a dingy box beneath a Trek dealer's table. I could not believe my eyes. The dealer happily parted with the cassettes for 20 dollars all the while questioning my sanity. Who was he to cast aspersions? A holy grail had been attained! I'll admit that I look fondest upon my first viewing of the show -- pajama-ed, glued to the TV, and munching on a bowl of cereal (C-3POs perhaps) -- but Ewoks and Droids did their job. They kept STAR WARS alive when it needed it most." — Kyle Newman, director of Fanboys
Stay tuned for more coverage and some rare gems from Droids and Ewoks to come today!
