"Dum Dum Dum Da Da Dum Da Da Dum..."

"Was that pitchy dawg?"

When it came time for "D", I knew that Darth Vader was my choice immediately. I could have gone through several Darth's, but I am trying to limit myself to the films and not the EU.

I have always been a fan of the bad guys and not just for Star Wars. I always tell friends that there would not be any heroes without the villains. Who cannot like the charm and dark humor of Hanibal Lechter? Or the sophistication of Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty?

From his first appearance on screen, you know you are in for trouble. In "A New Hope", he shows no mercy in wiping out enemies for information. By ESB, he is ruthless and eliminates his own men for mistakes. With ROTJ, he is willing to even take down his own son!

I remember going to opening day of "Empire" with my cousin. We went to an afternoon matinee and I think a couple others were in the theater. How times have changed!

Afterwards we went to a department store (Dillards I think) to meet the Dark Lord of the Sith. I waited for about an hour or so in line to get to the front. I guess I was nervous so I flubbed up my question and asked if "Luke was his father?" and he replied "no, I am Luke's father!" I probably spoiled it for several people around me, but did not know any better back then. I am pretty sure that he was the guy that was doing promotional appearances for Lucasfilm back then.

Vader was my first Kenner figure. I went through a couple over the years as his cape had a tendency to tear. I think I used a Band-Aid once to repair it.

His popularity continues to this day as one of the most iconic figures in pop culture and film. I have focused my collection to almost exclusively his likeness with the Lego maquette being my current favorite piece.

So don't be a Vader hater and long live the Dark Side!

Honorable mentions - Darth Maul, Darth Sidious, Darth Tyrranus, Dexter, Dengar, Dagobah, and Death Star.

----Judging by the photo, you can assume that Elmo will not be "E"