I will be rounding everything up over the next few days (and months thanks to NDA's) from the fair itself but to start I thought a brief overview of why I think this relationship is so vital to all the mediums concerned.
To start with I have to blame George Lucas for costing my parents an absolute fortune. After watching Return of the Jedi (not everyone's favourite Star Wars but I loved it). I badgered my poor Mum and Dad to start buying me action figures. I think my first was Wicket Wystri Warwick complete with Orange hood and a spear. My collection grew from there to obscene proportions until finally my Mum gave my entire collection away (one of the darkest days of my life). However coming through this emotional turmoil relatively unscathed has given me an opportunity to look at why the physical manifestation of a visual product can instil so much desire and want from children of all ages. What I mean by the wordy statement above is the key to why I love this trans media world we live, ...the physical manifestation of a visual product.. |
As I wandered the aisles of Olympia I was reminded of all this. The thrill of transforming Optimus Prime for the first time while trying to recreate the transforming sound effect (give it a try now it will put a smile on your face), the wonder of Lego as it grew from random bricks all the way up to Technics and of course the sheer volume of Star Wars toys available to buy. Toys give us the chance to own small pieces of the franchises we love and should be embraced by kids along with their Sackboy and Mario related gaming experiences. Likewise for adults the ability to pick up a toy and play has a certain nostalgia that can not be beaten.
The mixed medium relationship seems to be growing from strength to strength on today's evidence and that means it will be a future filled with happy kids of all ages and this makes me smile like a Chesire Cat.