I think Disney's The Little Mermaid started the absolute furor of "Disney Princess Fever," but she was hardly the first. We already had Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and others. Ariel really resonated with people. And, what's not to love? A spunky, red-haired cutie with scene-stealing sidekicks and a fish tail quite literally identifying audiences with an all-too-relatable "fish out of water" situation.
Beauty and the Beast brought us the beautiful Belle, in addition to making us believe a teapot could sing and dance. Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan - what more could a multi-billion-dollar entertainment powerhouse ask for? Much more, as the case would be. When Disney joined forces (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) with Lucasfilm, a would-be Disney Princess to beat all Disney Princesses fell right into its mouse-eared lap!
I, of course, am referring to Princess Leia Organa from the ill-fated Alderaan. A feisty princess who isn't afraid to get her tiara a little tarnished and fight the good fight for the might of what's right! She already has the Princess requisites built in. The aforementioned lost home world. A trifling evil parent (Darth Vader, hello!), and a soft spot in her heart for cocky, swashbuckling, do-good bad boy, Han Solo. I rest my case.
The thought occurred to me while reading Marvel's fantastic new Princess Leia comic book, written by Mark Waid, with drop-dead gorgeous art by Terry Dodson. So, what are you waiting for, Disney? May the princess force be with us, and make a Princess Leia-driven animated feature!