The poor lad’s mind is blown.

Continuing on from the « previous 2 strips: we see young Jack emerge from the cinema in December 1977 – after seeing STAR WARS!

The Viewing and the Trip Home

I actually have no memory of emerging from the cinema in 1977 – and to be honest, my memories of sitting there watching the film are fuzzy too. I remember how exciting it was to take my seat, for this much talked-about film. Aware that it was my first solo cinema trip, feeling the added excitement of the 20th Century Fox logo and fanfare blasting out at me – those drums! – but the rest of it is a broken up blur. Maybe that’s what it’s like waking up the morning after taking a load of drugs? “Yeah! It was so good – that I can’t really remember much of it.”

I don’t recall the drive home with my dad either! I doubt that I sat in unblinking, stunned silence – but rather – raved on and on about the film in my dad’s ear for the full 20 minutes.

Getting it on Paper

What I do remember – absolutely clearly – was grabbing pencil and paper the second I got through the door of our house and throwing myself to my knees on the living room floor to make my first drawing of the film.

Star Wars was accorded the great honour of being drawn in pencil rather than the usual Biro or felt-tip pens. It was obviously what I thought proper artists did. You can see that first picture below! It’s interesting that I chose that prison-break scene first. I’m guessing that I loved the suspense of the rescue attempt, the fact that the two heroes were wearing enemy ‘uniforms’ – an oft-used device in WW2 films and comics, and – to George Lucas’ great credit – I loved the loveable, great, furry Chewbacca character! He knew kids would love him. Many adult fans these days can’t stand Chewie – which really surprised me. But maybe he’s just too cutesy and improbable for adults now. I mean, let’s face it, I can’t stand Jar-Jar Binks and any of those muppety characters in Return of the Jedi. You can read more about the drawing here on StarWarsAge9.com »

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** Stay Groovy, all you 1970s kids! **

– John White