Star Wars created modern movie merchandising. Before the original 1977 blockbuster was released, the idea of selling film tie-in merchandise was largely limited to books and magazines--certainly not toys, let alone food or clothes. But the legacy of George Lucas`s classic is such that much of a movie`s success can be directly tied into the number of toys, books, burgers, soda, and assorted plastic trinkets that can be shifted alongside theater tickets.No other film franchise since has produced a wider range of branded merchandise, and inevitably, some of what has been available over the decades has been somewhat unusual, to say the least. So let`s take a look at some of the strangest items ever to carry a Star Wars logo.... Wampa RugThe Wampa might be a fearsome Tauntaun-slaughtering ice beast, but he also makes for a comfy rug. After a long day patrolling the snow plains of Hoth, you can kick back and relax on the `high-quality synthetic fur, plush pillow head and fearsome claws.` Just don`t tell Mark Hamill, who doesn`t approve of mistreating Wampas. R2-D2 AquariumR2-D2 can do many things--he`s a maintenance droid, co-pilot, waiter, and Death Star plan smuggler. It turns out he`s also a great fishtank. Yes, you can buy an R2 aquarium. It holds 6.6 liters of water and comes with waterproof foliage that will provide your fish with a suitably relaxing aquatic environment. And if that wasn`t enough, R2`s eye is in fact a reverse-periscope that allows you to keep a close watch on your fish! Star Wars Fishing EquipmentFor those Star Wars fans who prefer to eat fish rather than watch them, there is also this handy fishing kit. The contents include a tackle box, lightsaber rod, and a Darth Vader `fun net.` Because if there`s one thing you associate with Vader, itīs fun, right? C-3PO Tape DispenserLet`s face it, C-3PO is probably the most sensible, well-organized character in the franchise, so if you`re going to sell Star Wars stationary, he`s the droid ...
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