The Phantom Menace's 25th Anniversary Pins from BoxLunch are nostalgic gems

In May of 1999, we had never seen a podrace or heard a debate in the Senate. Our experience with Jedi Masters was limited to a crazy old hermit named Ben Kenobi and Yoda, who took to the screen with backward syntax and an interest in raiding Luke Skywalker's lunchbox. Perhaps most importantly, we knew that Anakin Skywalker was the true name of Darth Vader, but we had never met the love of his life.

The Phantom Menace was labeled as Episode I of Star Wars and, as the movies that had captured the imagination of millions for twenty-two years had begun with Episode IV, anticipation was high. Vanity Fair's February 1999 cover declared, "The Force is Back At Last!" and waiting in line for tickets to midnight showings became a point of pride.

With the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace approaching, BoxLunch has released images of two commemorative pins, via Disney Pin Blog. Let's talk about why they work.

"What Do You Mean, Naked?"

First off, the line is the OG C-3PO. The voice and heart of a protocol droid fluent in six million forms of communication is provided by Anthony Daniels for the films from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker, and we met him as Anakin's pet project and "real pal" as a part of the future Jedi's never-before-seen home.

Threepio doesn't look like the fussy gold android who was an annoyance to a smuggler and a god to the Ewoks, but this pin is a great representation of the saga's starting line.

"Your Honor, I Am Queen Amidala."

As important as it was to hear that the slave boy watching the shop in Mos Espa was named Anakin, one of the most crucial character arcs of the movie was that of a winsome handmaiden named Padme. Natalie Portman vacillated between solemn loyalty and friendly curiosity throughout the struggle to liberate Naboo from the Trade Federation.

Padme Amidala's dual role as right-hand handmaiden and Queen Amidala herself is one of the highlights of The Phantom Menace's far-seeing narrative. As an observer on Tatooine, she asks frequent questions, but she is building the framework of a friendship with the courageous slave who came to her group's rescue on more than one occasion. Star Wars fans waited 20 years to meet the woman who loved Anakin. The pin depicts her as a powerful yet vulnerable leader and is a great representation of her importance.

These pins are perfect for the upcoming theatrical re-release of Episode I or any day at a Disney park, so visit BoxLunch's site to get yours now.