INTERVIEW: It’s time to build your favorite ‘Star Wars’ droids
Builders rejoice! The Star Wars universe can now be built from scratch by both diehard fans and newcomers to the franchise. In the new book, Star Wars Builders: Droids, from Silver Dolphin Books, fanboys and fangirls can use the 33 model pieces provided to build some of the most famous droids from the Star Wars movies, including C-3PO, R2-D2 and BB-8.
The book is the creation of author Cole Horton, who also sprinkles in interesting and informative details about Star Wars droids.
Horton s a 20th century historian and longtime member of the Star Wars community, according to his official biography. He graduated with a degree in history from Indiana University and has served as historian for StarWars.com and Marvel Comics Augmented Reality App. He has also been a regular contributor to Star Wars Celebrations, where he has been an event coordinator, panel moderator and lecturer. Horton is active in the Star Wars fan community as an R2 builder, member of the 501st Legion and occasional collector. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife Jennifer.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Horton about the new Droids book. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
When did you first get interested in Star Wars?
I discovered Star Wars as a kid but not through the films. The first thing that drew me in was the toys. Soon, I found myself wanting to learn more about those toys and began to hunt down VHS copies of the original films. Not knowing any better, I actually watched them out of order! Even still, I [became] totally engrossed in the world of Star Wars and have never grown out of it.
How did you get attached to the Droids book project?
I got involved with the Droids book thanks to the editor, Delia Greve. I first met Delia at San Diego Comic Con years ago through some mutual friends who work on Star Wars projects. Since then, I had contributed to the official Star Wars website and a number of books. Along the way, I carved out an expertise in droids having written about them in other books. Aside from writing about droids, I have built two life-size astromechs, which comes in particularly handy when writing about the subject.
Who do you see as the target audience for the books?
While the writing is appropriate for kids, I always try to include information that is interesting for fans of all ages and backgrounds. I approach every book knowing that it could be someone’s very first Star Wars book. I also know that huge fans will also pick it up, so I include information for those readers as well.
What do you believe the fan takeaway is after reading these books? What is learned?
A big takeaway is that there is a fantastic diversity of droids in the Star Wars galaxy. While many people know R2-D2 or C-3PO, this gives you a much better understanding of the other types of robots that come from a variety of places and serve a wide range of purposes.
What is so special about being part of the Star Wars fandom?
For me, the most special part about Star Wars fandom is how it brings people together. I love meeting parents or family members who share Star Wars with the younger generation. Now 40 years after the first Star Wars film came out, it still has the power to connect people. As fans, we all ‘speak’ Star Wars. I love talking about that galaxy far, far away and sharing it with anyone who will listen!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Star Wars Builders: Droids is now available from Silver Dolphin Books. Click here for more information. Check out Hollywood Soapbox’s interviews with the authors of Star Wars Builders: Starfighters and Star Wars Even More Crochet.
