The Force Will Be With You, Always

/

Those words, spoken by Obi-Wan Kenobi such a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, still resonate—today in particular. Happy May Fourth, everybody! Today is also known as Star Wars Day, so let’s reflect on those words by the wise Jedi Knight and talk about what they mean to all of us.

First, let’s start with the main picture below. My old pal and fellow BSG fan, Garry King, sent me this photo to commemorate today’s festivities. You may have read our earlier BrickNerd article on his massive Imperial Star Destroyer. Episode IV: A New Hope is where it all began for me.

I was in first grade, and life was never the same after. I probably ended up seeing Star Wars twelve times, first with a friend and his parents, then with more friends and my parents… you get the idea. All of us continued to lie about having seen it, just to have another shot at going. It was a massive conspiracy. Theaters, drive-ins, whatever. We couldn’t get enough.

Star Wars was also the movie that basically created merchandizing: toys, games, lunchboxes, nose hair trimmers—you name it! But unfortunately, none of it was ready when the movie came out—the horror! But, hey, wait a second, what about LEGO?!?!

Jonathan Walker, and millions of like-minded kids, figured, “Why wait, or spend the money? I’ll just make it out of the LEGO I already have!” In 1980 when this fine example of a Snow Speeder was created, LEGO parts were limited not only in variety but often in their quantity. Plus, some of us still had qualms about taking apart our massive Classic Space bases, sprawling towns, or majestic yellow Castles.

But build we did, compelled by some kind of unseen… force. Hours of trial and error, swiping parts from other builds and perfecting our own sound effects as we swooshed them around the house. There was barely time to eat!

So that’s my trip down memory lane for Star Wars Day 2021. Feel free to share your LEGO Star Wars memory in the comments below. Maybe we’ll hear from someone born in THIS century!

Did you build any Star Wars creations before LEGO made official sets? What are your Star Wars memories? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Do you want to help BrickNerd continue publishing articles like this one? Become a patron to show your support, get early access, exclusive swag and more.