As the Star Wars franchise is set to move into its 40th year of existence, and once more dominates the box office and TV screen, there is one glaring absence: Kea Moll.

Kea Moll was the star of the first arc of the animated Droids TV show, which ran for one season in 1985. The show followed the adventures of C-3PO and R2-D2 before the events of A New Hope (Episode IV), filling in the gap between the prequel and original trilogies. Kea essentially served as the show’s “Leia” character for 1/3 of its run; a brash and capable Rebel freedom fighter and pilot who befriends our protagonists. 

As the Star Wars brand tries to show a wider diversity of characters and embrace heroines in major roles, it should not forget one of its first. Kea was as strong a female character as you were going to find in an ‘80s cartoon show. She was the one who did the fighting and flying. She was considered important enough to be one of only *two* action figures of human female characters released during the vintage era. Long before Rebels introduced us to Hera and Rogue One introduced us to Jyn, Droids had given us Kea.

Today, she is a celebrated icon of the fan community, and yet has been erased from all modern Star Wars offerings. Newer characters have appeared to take her place in the spotlight. Her contributions to the Star Wars brand and the Rebellion against the Empire have been ignored by subsequent books, shows and films. She has been relegated "Legends" status and is no longer part of official continuity.

But all of that can change. Kea Moll is perfectly situated to be reintroduced to continuity, by adding her to a Star Wars TV or film property. The Walt Disney Company and LFL can show fans that they haven't forgotten the roots of the Star Wars brand. That they recognize and appreciate the characters introduced in the Dark Times between Episodes III and IV. That the childhoods of fans matter. That the Walt Disney Company cares about the heroines of the Star Wars saga and that positive representations of women should be celebrated, not ignored.

Kea Moll has always been one of the most fascinating stars of that galaxy far, far away.  And it's time to let her shine again.