Building a Life-Sized AT-AT Is an Idea That (Literally) Has Legs
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?There are some days where the beauty of the Internet humbles me. Today is definitely one of those days. That’s because I just learned of Oklahoma City-based Star Wars fanatic Mike Koehler’s plan to cure society’s ills by building a full-scale reproduction of an AT-AT. In his manifesto, Koehler isn’t exactly clear on the specifics of how the construction of the popular Imperial Walker will improve life for us all. But he does say that “The AT-AT would become an instant monument of America’s obsession with popular culture and our ability to be awesome.” And everyone wants to be awesome, right? Currently, the AT-AT for America website has an appeal to President Obama for funding and a PayPal link that visitors can donate to. (There’s also the requisite Twitter account). No word yet on how much it’ll actually cost to make Koehler’s dream come true, or how long it would take to actually build the damn thing. The motto for this project is “If America can put a man on the Moon, we can bring a little bit of Hoth to the Earth.” With such an inspired ideology in place, the practical construction concerns should work themselves right out.
About The Author
Chris Cummins is a pop culture writer and Archie comics historian who has contributed to The Robot's Voice, Den of Geek US, Philebrity, Geekadelphia, Uproxx, and Unicorn Booty. He is the co-producer and co-host of Nerd Nite Philadelphia, and is regularly involved in producing and hosting New York Super Week events. In 2014, Chris began Sci-Fi Explosion, a mix of live performance, trivia and funny clips celebrating the weirdest in science fiction that regularly travels around the United States. He wrote the introductions to the compilations Archie's Favorite Comics From The Vault and (with Paul Castiglia) Archie's Favorite High School Stories. You can find Chris on Twitter at @bionicbigfoot and @scifiexplosion.