When I was a kid back in the wild, lawless 70's I had my share of Star Wars toys. I had my favorites: Luke, Vader, R2...but for some reason I really enjoyed playing with the Chewbacca figure. It was strange because I didn't really feel that strongly about the character in the movie. I never thought about it too much at the time, but as the years wore on it started to gnaw at me.
What was it about the Chewbacca action figure that caught my interest? The bandolier? The pouch? The weird crossbow weapon he carried? Those baby blue eyes?
It came to mind today and I think I've finally worked it out once and for all:
I think it's because the Chewbacca figure looks like it's made out of chocolate.
Seriously, look at it.
The colour, the imprecise moulding, the shiny texture: Tell me if you didn't know what that was and it was wrapped in foil you wouldn't try to eat it.
When I was a kid, I loved the hell out of chocolate, and we didn't get a lot of it except at Halloween and Easter. Because it was such a rare commodity in my life I may have had a predisposition to be drawn to things that looked like they were made of chocolate.
This could be a whole new sideline for Lucasfilm, come to think of it: On a birthday, annicersary or other occasion, who wouldn't want celebrate with a delicious Choco-Bacca? I personally don't want to go another minute without one.
