For me, though, it's less about the announcements and more about the experience. We can all talk Star Wars online any day of the year, and we do, but there's something more to May the 4th. People around the world share their love, artwork, stories, collections, and anything Wars related to the masses, and on this one day we really sit back and reflect on what an enormous impact these films have had on our lives over the past 36 years. How many other franchises can say they have their own holiday? Heck, I get almost as many "Happy Star Wars Day" posts on May the 4th as I do birthday wishes on Facebook! Even from those who aren't all that familiar with the franchise at all.
And, in 2013, I think our Star Wars fandom is greater than ever. With millions of fans ranging from the old school trilogy fanatics to the younger generation first introduced to the universe through Clone Wars on the Cartoon Network, and technology giving more people a voice in their fandom with podcasts like RebelForce Radio and Full of Sith, we have become a Force more powerful than anyone could possibly imagine.
Remember when we got enough signatures to have the President build an actual Death Star?
Yeah, we did that . . . because we're passionate.
Star Wars Day isn't just about embracing what we consider the greatest films to grace the silver screen. It's about looking back on the journey we've taken for almost four decades, the relationships we've forged though our love of the series, and all the exciting moments to look forward to in the future.
So, sit back, grab your Star Wars Blu-rays, a cold glass of Blue Milk (or Jawa Juice if the mood strikes you), and hold those lightsabers high!
May the fourth be with you from all of us at Fanboy Comics!