People really, really like stuff with Darth Vader's face on it - and according to Lucasfilm, they like Vader merchandise more than any other character in the Star Wars saga. Slap Vader on the side of a mug, and you've got yourself a deal, right? Better yet, make Vader's head into a mug that you can actually drink out of, and... well, you gotta have one of those! Using Darth Vader as a merchandising tool has long been one of Lucasfilm's biggest money makers. Star Wars merchandise has amassed over $27 billion in profits since the original picture was released in 1977 -which is insane - and a good chunk comes care of the Dark Lord's visage. So what weird Darth Vader merchandise can you buy? How about a toaster in the shape of Darth Vader's head that burns images of his helmet and the Star Wars logo into the bread? Or a blanket with Vader knitted into it that costs - wait for it - $250? When you consider that Vader is the most profitable character of all, his likeness alone has brought billions of dollars into George Lucas' pocket. Not bad for a Sith.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
