Not so sure about this given how common magic swords are in myth and fantasy long before Star Wars. Star Wars is borrowing from a much older trope of the magic sword having various symbolism of inherited power, sanction from a higher power, nobility, technology, strength, balance, justice or any combination of the above throughout mythology. I always thought it referenced stuff like Excalibur, Galatine, Kusanagi, Mistilteinn etc with 'a weapon from a more civilised age'. Agree on depictions of a 'light/power/energy sword' post Star Wars though.
Transformers also literally had TIE fighter and light saber noises as sound fx.
In the 1986 film Optimus Prime and Megatron suddenly sprout never-before-seen energy weapons for a hand-to-hand duel too, despite one's signature weapon being a massive rifle and the other one both having a massive arm cannon and literally being a gun :D Given that Transformers regularly gain and lose the ability to fly or manouver in space on a whim, it's probably the least egregious fantasy tech in the series I suppose.
I think quite obviously the promotion of swords in Masters of the Universe and Thundercats came from Luke Skywalker and his lightsaber.
Also He-Man and She-Ra being brother and sister was based on the idea of Luke and Leia being estranged brother and sister as well.
I think you're mis-remembering something there. The energy weapon duel is from the 2nd episode of the TV series, while (IIRC) the battle from the movie is just a straight-up slugfest.
I don't know if it's an homage as much as it's just that George Lucas figured out that using lasers instead of bullets makes violence suitable for children and everyone jumped on that.The GI Joe cartoon using lasers instead of bullets is a clear homage to Star Wars.
That whole movie took a lot of influence from Star Wars both in story and visuals. The pitch for Unicron was probably "What if Deathstar but Transformer"
You're quite right, I've merged loads of bits in my memory. Particularly this bit from 2.47 of this clip from the film when Megatron pulls a lightsabre is what I was thinking of, but yeah I've merged it in my head with that energy weapon duel you mention from early in the cartoon series too. Also both of them do go for their ranged weapons when they get the chance, so I've done them dirty there :D
I think a lot of high-combat cartoons like Mask and TF did that to get around the censors re. blood etc too. The neon-bright colours and sound effects were attractive and totally influenced by SW though.The GI Joe cartoon using lasers instead of bullets is a clear homage to Star Wars.
I must watch that, I've only seen the TF one so far
Good shout! Along with his space wizard mentor too :D I loved this cartoon as a kid. Along with UlyssesJayce and the Wheeled Warriors was also influenced by Star Wars.
Jayce is a bit like Luke, Herc is a cocky pilot reminiscent of Han, and Oon is a bumbling robot like C3PO/R2D2.
Great show and episode talking about the origin and action figure wars that SW started.
You sure that wasn't just to get around the TV ratings considering it was a kids show?The GI Joe cartoon using lasers instead of bullets is a clear homage to Star Wars.
Ah of course, good memory! Does this make Grimlock Chewie? :D
Speaking of Transformers the Movie, Arcee's helmet is definitely influenced by Princess Leia's hairstyle in A New Hope.
Mind blown.The funny thing is it it looks to take inspiration both from Leia's hair and the Xwing pilot helmet
And now I'm down the rabbit hole of old 70s and 80s sci fi cartoons on youtube I loved as a kid. Herculoids, that was another classic HB one. Those were the days...
spoiler that,Ulysses 31 definitely lifted the light sabre from Star Wars.
Huh, also just learned this:
Edit: Uhh, epilepsy warning I guess!
Especially with the visor:The funny thing is it it looks to take inspiration both from Leia's hair and the Xwing pilot helmet
There was an entire Muppet Babies Star Wars episode too, and it appeared constantly throughout the show (Gonzo was obsessed).
The Aeneid is such a Star Wars clone (/s)
