Original Artwork Series for Sonic Land Speeder R2-D2 Clicker

This series presents an interesting look into the design and production of the R2-D2 shaped clicker that came with JC Penny's 1978 exclusive Sonic Controlled Land Speeder. The toy itself operated at the sound of a loud click supplied by the R2-D2 shaped clicker when a blue button was pressed in which pushed against a metal spring. Yes, the clicking sound is very abrasive. The above photo shows early sketches of the sticker that would wrap around the clicker that was designed to mimic R2-D2's body. The paper it was drawn in pencil on is quite fragile and has discolored over the years after being stored on top of a photograph-like representation of what the black line art would look like. The above photo shows the hand-drawn black art in a 1:1 ratio of the clicker sticker (the production clicker on the right is shown for compasison). Light blue drafting pencil was used as a guide for the art likely done in black artist's pen. White out is used in some areas to cover any errors. The text about Hong Kong and the copyright used on the art is cut out and pasted to the piece. A clear overlay was taped above the artwork to show the die overlay, or where the edges of the sticker would be cut. The above photocopy (using crude 1978 technology) was made of the black art and die overlay together with notations about it written in red and black pen. Notes about the "Made in Hong Kong" line and its orientation are noted by two different designers who wrote on it. Notes on the side as well feature orders for film positives shot at different scales. Lastly, clear overlays of the shape and size of the die used to cut the sticker, the black line artwork and different colors to be used in printing the sticker were assembled. A different overlay is noted for each color: dark blue, light blue and gray with notes on the pantones. Each appear to have been corrected and produced by hand with some ink spots and razor blade marks shown. This overlay could then be used to produce the color printing used on the sticker. Pre-production pieces from Kenner's original Star Wars releases rarely turn up, let alone entire series from concept to final artwork. The number of pieces in this series offer an interesting insight into some of the first vehicles produced by Kenner and how intensive the design process on some were, even for an annoying sounding R2-D2 clicker.

Description by:	Steve York
Photo:	Steve York
From the collection of:	Steve York
Country:	United States
Film:	A New Hope
Licensee:	Kenner
Year:	1978
Category:	Prototypes / Product Artwork

All information © 2014 Star Wars Collectors Archive