2017 marks 40 years of your favorite local comic book store, Austin Books & Comics! In celebration of this, we’ll be having some new features over the next few weeks and months.


Today happens to be May 25th, which in addition to being in the middle of Austin Books & Comics’ 40th year, it’s also the 40th anniversary of one of the most influential, important to popular culture, and greatest sci-fi fantasy epics of all time, STAR WARS!

There’s no question to Star Wars’ influence on cinema, whether it’s the distinct style of storytelling, the mashup of fantasy and sci-fi tropes, use of classic heroic archetypes (the most famous being Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey”), and just the distinct sense of adventure. From noble knights taking on one last mission, to dark lords hunting their prey across the galaxy, to selfish rogues discovering a sense of purpose, to humble farmers being thrust into greatness, Star Wars has inspired generations of fans.

Not only that, but by creating what was essentially an homage to the sci-fi adventure serials of his youth, George Lucas has inspired storytellers to share their tales of thrills and adventure. Filmmakers such as Ridley Scott (Alien), Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira), James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), Joss Whedon (Firefly, Serenity), and countless more cite Star Wars as a direct influence on their filmmaking style. Whether it’s the grungy, worn-in halls of the Nostromo in Alien, the colorful alien hub of Knowhere in Guardians of the Galaxy, or the small band of rebels fighting against an oppressive regime in space in Serenity, Star Wars is easily one of the most influential films of our time, and with every new film, TV show, book, comic, video game, and more, grows and inspires more and more fans.

Here’s to 40 years of adventure in that galaxy far, far away, and to many, many more.

What’s your favorite part of the Star Wars canon? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Posted May 25, 2017

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