Since 1977, the Star Wars franchise has grown to include numerous sequels, prequels, one-shots, comic books, video games, animated series, and so much more. In 1985, drawing on the popularity of C-3PO and R2-D2, an animated series following the exploits of these iconic droids was released. Do you know what series this was? 

Star Wars: Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO originally ran on ABC between September 7, 1985 and June 7, 1986. The series was set in the 19-year gap between the rise of the Empire in Revenge of the Sith, and the events of A New Hope. During this time, the droid duo tackled gangsters, criminals, pirates, Boba Fett, IG-88, the Galactic Empire, and various other threats. Over the course of the series, the droids found themselves working under four new masters and facing difficult situations as a result. The series usually followed the same pattern of the droids meeting their new masters in an accidental way, before eventually being forced to leave their masters for one reason or another.

The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO featured Anthony Daniels as C-3PO; Don Francks as Jann Tosh, Boba Fett, and Kybo Ren-Cha; Winston Rekert as Sise Fromm and Mungo Baobab; Graeme Campbell as Proto One, Admiral Terrinald Screed, and Lord Toda; Peter MacNeill as Jord Dusat; Taborah Johnson as Jessica Meade; John Stocker as Vlix Oncard, Greej, Zatec-Cha, and Sollag; Rob Cowan as Thall Joben; Dan Hennessey as Jord Dusat, Uncle Gundy, Jyn Obah, Vinga, Yorpa, and Governor Koong; Cree Summer as Princess Gerin; Jan Austin as Auren Yomm; Long John Baldry as Great Heep; Lesleh Donaldson as Kea Moll; Chris Wiggins as Mon Julpa; and Stephen Ouimette as the narrator. 

Marvel’s Star Comics imprint later released a bimonthly comic book series, Star Wars: Droids, based on the animated series in 1986. Dark Horse Comics published their own Star Wars: Droids in 1994, followed by a one-shot entitled Star Wars: Droids – The Protocol Offensive in 1997. Along with the comic book series, the cartoon also inspired a line of action figures, ship models, and other items. You have the chance to bring such collectibles home as Hake’s Americana & Collectibles Auction #222 will feature choice pieces from the Star Wars Collection of Russell Branton. This auction opens on October 24, 2017 and closes November 14-16.  

To browse further selections from this upcoming auction, visit hakes.com.