How ORIGAMI YODA Saved Star Wars

Origami Yoda was my favorite book series when I was a kid - and I suspect that's the case for lots of other people, too. Today we're reminiscing about what made these books so great - and talking about the bygone community of "SuperFolders" on Tom Angleberger's website that made it so special!
Patreon: www.patreon.com/houstoncoley
Twitter: artwithinpod
Listen to my podcast: artwithin.substack.com
Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/artwithin
Substack Blog: houstonproductions1.substack.com/
TeePublic Merch: tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
.......

[@Angleberger]

Houston!! And all the commenters!!! Thank you all so much! What a great feeling to hear that you guys haven't forgotten the books! Means everything to me! May the Force be with you!

[@garrito1016]

Thank you for creating such an amazing series, you definitely made my and so many other’s childhoods so much better!

[@lachlanrussell18]

The man himself! Thank you for your series, it was a massive part of my childhood

[@TheToxic35]

Ayy he saw it!

[@houston-coley]

The legend is here! So glad you saw this, Tom. Thanks for being such an encourager for so many creative people.

[@chandlerl2189]

Thank you so much for these books! They really made my childhood!

[@parley78]

These books taught me that if you wet your pants, then you can cover it up by getting the rest of your pants soaked with water. I still use that advice to this day.

[@suds289]

Bru

[@jenniferfarmer4020]

So did i... But not now!

[@toastedclubsandwich]

So basically if you accidentally fuck your brother you can cover it up by fucking your cousin and his friends too. I used that advice when I was 16 and my big brother got me pregnant. My parents would've freaked out if they found out the baby was his but thanks to this advice they couldn't find out who the father was if you gave them 100 guesses.

[@drod5799]

That was some stooky advice

[@kaboomkp]

This happened on my 22nd birthday, years after the books had come out but I still fondly remember that exact scene in the book and it made me cover myself in water. I remember people asking why I was wet and I just said “sink splatter” and nobody cared.

[@houston-coley]

Another random fun fact about Origami Yoda: one of the characters in the series, Mike, has the last name "Coley" because of me! When he wrote the sequel, Tom Angleberger decided to use last names from all the SuperFolders on his blog. At 12 years old, it was the coolest thing to me. I hope you're well, Tom! For any other Origami Yoda fans: do you remember any of the origami you folded back in the day? What was your favorite book in the series? Join the Patreon Community here: www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531

[@JediMasterIsaac]

Probably the first one. But I haven’t read them in a long time.

[@DalekBricks]

they're all amazing, but Emperor Pickletine Rides the Bus is still my favorite for how well it was able to wrap up the series

[@jenniferfarmer4020]

Princess labelmaker❤️

[@karlismymiddlename]

That’s amazing

[@GDSStudios]

Met Tom at the book signing he did for Jabba the Puppet. He had like a whole show he did for the kids, and when he found out I was a Superfolder he invited me up to help him fold a giant origami Yoda. He then put the giant Yoda over my head. Fun guy.

[@cumaproto9466]

Wait that was you in that picture on Tom's website?

[@StoryStreet]

I remember seeing these in the book fair catalogs a lot when I was a kid but, not being a huge Star Wars fan, never actually read them. Cool to see there was a such a thriving community around them, though.

[@Two-Man-Production]

This reminds me of the Jedi Academy books and Darth Vader’s Little Princess

[@jeremycurle6880]

i loved jedi academy when i was a kid

[@braedenfullam7936]

These books and this man's faith in kids and creativity was such an inspiration to me in elementary and middle school, and I still think about it today. Now that I'm older than the characters in the books, I can look back and identify with them even more, which is beautiful because they were so personal to me years ago. Especially the more that all the kids around Dwight learn to appreciate, respect, and ultimately embrace his weirdness, as well as Dwight be so forgiving and such an awesome friend. I remember once in third grade, we were doing this fun project for economics where the class would make products to sell, and then use fake currency to buy them. I made several Star Wars origami finger puppets, including the doodle-gami people, which were made of blank pieces of paper that you could draw your face on. No one bought any of my stuff, and it totally bummed me out as a third grader. But looking back on it, I adore how much this book series was able to inspire my creativity so much that I wanted to make art to show a whole community. My aspirations have changed over the years, from wanting to be an author, to an animator, to a storyboard artist and tv show creator, but my dreams were influenced by books and communities like this. I remember I would run to our family computer after school every day to see what the latest origami creation on the super folder site was. I was actually a super folder at one point, but I immediately forgot my login so that sucked. But I've even sent letters (paper ones) to Tom Angleberger, saying how much I loved his books and even a drawing I made of several of the hand puppets from the series. I've done that to plenty of authors. Some never wrote back, some just sent the paper equivalent of an answering machine, but a few, like Tom, responded personally! He drew a picture of Dwight and Yoda on a postcard with Yoda saying "slow I am, but awesome you are! P.S. Great drawings!" I still have that postcard hanging up on my wall. So, thank you, Tom. Thank you for the encouragement and love you gave to me and all the weird artsy kids out there through your books and community. You've been a role model to me for a long time, and I'll always remember the lessons your characters and creativity taught me about art and community.

[@craigwilliams3788]

As one of the superfolders who worked with SF EvilJawa and SF JC on the Origami Yoda EU, I can say without a doubt that the Origami Yoda series changed my life. It inspired me to learn how to draw cartoons and indulge in my passion for art. Thank you Houston for making this video, and thank you Tom for making such an amazing book series!

[@DalekBricks]

Absolutely ADORE these books, they definitely shaped my childhood and I remember reading them over and over in elementary and middle school. Amazing breakdown!

[@iwanttobelieve2]

I never got into the books, which looking back now is really a shame, they sound great. I liked how you perfectly encapsulated why the the internet of the early days, was so alluring. I remember the creator of hey Arnold was very amicable on his Tumblr answering questions and featuring a lot of fan work which was such an awesome thing back in my early teens

[@meatbeat7990]

this book series was actually the introduction of me to Star Wars i agree that the interactivity was the best part-all the instructions in the back and the doodles here and there, plus the whole label sticker thing that was introduced, so much nostalgia man

[@QuietKnightt]

What a throwback! I loved this series so much so, that in 6th grade we had to do a “How-To” project and I did “How to Make an Origami Yoda” as my project. I still have that same Origami Yoda I did for the presentation in my room somewhere.

[@mrrossi464]

I did a presentation on how to breathe and got a 100

[@BizarreSummer]

You were that kid!!! I remember seeing that photo of you from the website so many years ago! I met Tom once around Art 2D2 in NYC and he was honestly such a fun and wholesome guy. I was horrifyingly nervous to talk to him but he was so cool and chill. He even let me help him fold the giant toda at the event and it was such a fun time. Super happy I got to meet him before the series ended and I would love to meet him again. Thank you for the years of fun Tom!

[@LegoMelonz15]

I’m so glad someone remembers these pretty good books :D

[@brechtian802]

God this video is such a huge shot of nostalgia for me. Thank you Houston.

[@SuperFolderCentral]

I’ve been waiting for this video since you announced it a couple years ago! This is the account for the old Expanded Universe site that’s actually still running! Really awesome video man, keep up the good work.

[@ragnello_]

They should totally make a D+ series

[@gupoll]

Nah, 6 movies. But then again, Disney isn’t the best at rebooting children’s books except like the first 3 live action Diary Of A Wimpy Kid books

[@theraymunator]

While I unfortunately could not formally be a part of the Origami Yoda fandom, the books still made a big impact on me. I was basically the weird kid just like Dwight, and the book taught me a bit about how to get people to understand and like you. Me and my friends also loved the Pencil Wars game from Darth Paper. It was probably the thing we played the most besides soccer and spinning tops.

[@shaggyholmes1150]

Was a huge fan of these books back when i was in 4th grade and middle school, didn't have alot of internet access at that time, so all i ever really had were my books, feel like i missed out on the community since i got the first 4 books and and folded *everything*

[@AlrightProductions]

Wow man, what a great video! The Origami Yoda series means so much to so many people and this was a great way to express it. Also thanks for the shout-out to the old school web series we made, although I can't take full credit for it. SuperFolders like OscarU and JC actually put it together, I just played Tommy. But I did start the Expanded Universe site with JC where readers could submit their own stories set in the Origami Yoda world, and in fact I'm still in touch with JC and the other "mods" to this day! I also sent this video to Tom himself because I think it's such a good representation of how the series impacted so many kids around the world. Great work man, I look forward to seeing more videos soon.

[@JediMasterIsaac]

I remember reading the first 3 in middle school. I didn’t get around to any after those. (Though I would like to someday.)

[@megaladon5897]

I was just going through some of my old stuff when I found my collection of these books. These books were why I loved to read as kid. I remember my neighbor was going college and he loaned me a box of his old stuff from when he was a kid. In it was a copy of Darth Paper Strikes Back. I started reading it and even though I was missing some massive plot holes because I hadn’t read the first book, I loved it. It wasn’t too long before I pooled some money together and bought all the books in the series to that point. I was always ready when they came out. Then I finished Emperor Pickletine and when I went on the computer to see if Tom was going to make another book I was sad to see that this really was the end. I probably shed a tear if I’m being honest. After that I lost my love for reading until last night when I found my collection. I stayed up until 2am, reading Emperor Pickletine (my favorite one in the series). I can confirm after reading that book that this series is timeless. Thank you Tom, you made my childhood.

[@Josh-sn7en]

I remember reading this book as a kid even bought the book where I could make my own puppets. This is bringing back so many memories

[@diegomakesvideos6409]

You just unlocked such an obscure nostalgic memory from my childhood

[@tastypotato9272]

This is funny cuz I was just talking about this with a few friends not too long ago. I knew it wasn't just some weird fever dream

[@waffleguy6457]

I can read the entire series in a day but my library only allows me to check out one at a time

[@againstitself2625]

I think about these a lot just randomly. I was never super into the series, but my little brother loved them and had every book.

[@boneshoes.]

Houston I haven’t even watched the video yet, I love you for this

[@jeremycurle6880]

origami yoda is super nostalgic for me

[@bigmike8302]

Me and my friend spent a year of school obsessed with these books, one of my best memories

[@leogreenfield4999]

I've been on an Origami Yoda binge almost 10 years later. This series means so much to me. I remember when I finished Pickletine as an 11 year old, trying to put together the pieces to figure out exactly what's going on. As an amateur screenwriter...maybe I'll take a crack at writing an adaptation of the series. I really think it could be a brilliant PG show. That said, it's a pretty hard series to translate into TV, mostly because of its structure and style. It's a lot of internal monologue and unreliable narration. Obviously, that's what gives the books their charm, but it wouldn't work as well through the medium of television. I'll give it a shot.

[@johnaplin9848]

This was one of my favorite books next to diary of a wimpy kid and the captain underpants books

[@movieforceofficial]

I used to love these books! I remember JC (one of the showrunners) allowed me to audition for the series' second season but that season never came to fruition.

[@thenerddistrict27]

I love those books! I still have them all on my shelf. I gotta read them again sometime. I remember getting each book as it was coming out and I would pretty much read them all the way through immediately, and I would constantly be checking the blog and youtube to see if anyone made instructions for a new character to fold.

[@verticalfish]

I used to be part of this online community back in 6th grade with like 20 11-12 year olds who somehow all met online all had their own weebly blogs where they'd all comment on each others posts and link to each others pages and start their own contests and games all based around Origami Yoda. It was, like you, the first community I had ever been a part of online (maybe even at all), and despite how embarrassing it is to look back on, I can't help but feel this immense joy reminiscing on it and the book series. I definitely wasn't the most popular or well liked kid at school, but reading these books gave me characters to relate to and that community was Kellens and Lances and Quavondos and Harveys. I don't know what I'm exactly trying to say with this comment other than these books meant the world to me and shaped me as a person and I'm so glad that somebody's finally made a video on them and shares the same sentiment as me. (I also think these books and the Jedi Academy books might have been my first real exposure to Star Wars other than clips of the movies I had seen at my cousins' house.)

[@lucpiquette5039]

this was a great video, i just re-read the whole series today after cleaning my room. It still holds up.

[@GrumpySylveon]

dude i love these books. big part of my elementary school

[@TheToxic35]

This was an amazing video Houston. Thank you for reminding me of this amazing series that made me feel far less alone in middle school.

[@superherofan198]

Another great video Houston! Your videos are the best. I love your passion towards movies and the topics you talk about!

[@kellencrittenden7058]

These were my books in middle school too! Nobody ever got to see my origami MASTERPIECES though . . .🙄😂

[@misosoupcup]

Omg this took me back! This series was so fun and great video!

[@jenniferfarmer4020]

Totally needs that Disney + show

[@shrekpuffmelloman5593]

I’m not crying, you’re crying

[@jacobangelo]

loved this series 🥲 read these books all the time when i was younger

[@dylanhansen6580]

Man I haven’t read these books in ages but I have really fond memories reading them and making my own origami Star Wars characters. Cool to know there was an online community. Wish I knew about it back then because I totally would’ve been a part of it.

[@juliansfilmmaker]

i swear we have the same childhood

[@Burgnut]

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who remembers this. I remember the books inspired me to make origami finger puppets of random characters all the time. To the point where the teachers in my classroom would get pissed at me for not paying attention. Great books to look back on, and great job on the video man. Keep up the good work.

[@botermb6559]

Great video I loved this series of books I should read though them again soon

[@mannyplayz3091]

This book is so cool that I named my dog tater tot

[@chandlerl2189]

Yes. Fondly. I've replaced most of my childhood books on my shelf with newer ones...but these still remain and will forever. I was close to tears when I read the last book and realized there wouldn't be any more.

[@WaywardRailroad]

These books were my entire world in middle school! I don’t know what my life would be like without them!

[@isabellabirsinger3680]

I completely forgot this existed!! I loved that book, thanks for bringing back the memories!

[@ThePonderer]

These were a little after my time, but my students love these!

[@qualityart4004]

These books were the best thanks for reminding me of that

[@ehak1907]

I love those books

[@nickwebster1980]

Damn... I'm trying to get my 10 year old brother to start on them, and I come across this. Love the series so much!

[@TheLegoBrosAnimates64]

Shoot, I was going to make a video about this!

[@houston-coley]

you should still do it!!

[@TheLegoBrosAnimates64]

@@houston-coley Oh um, thanks for the encouragement!

[@coolryanfilms7396]

Completely forgot about these books despite loving them when I was little

[@oscarlopezserrano2633]

THIS BOOK SERIES IS A CERTIFIED HOOD CLASSIC

[@Rengoku_fan]

I still read this series. Its still good

[@Underscorezeus]

I was just thinking about these books the other day

[@capriso2159]

Disney plus show would be epic

[@parley78]

You absolute hero. Thank you.

[@justinjstanley2215]

Stooky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@yash_kapoor]

Man I loved these books as a kid. Even made origami yoda

[@titanproductions48]

My childhood has returned…

[@ilikemovies22]

I DO REMEMBER!!!

[@BananaHammocks]

today i was looking for my harry potter books and i came across my old copy of the origami yoda. i picked it up and read the back had a couple internal memories and then put it down. first time ive seen the book in 5+ years, i didnt say it out loud and i get recommended this video 1 hour later when i get on youtube. craziest coincidence of all time or the vaccine allowed youtube to see through my own eyes

[@liamfitzgerald1400]

Yes. Yes, I do.

[@minerpvpgaming2160]

The clone wars show

[@hughglenwright]

Bro this books SLAPPED

[@ThatWrestlingHound]

I remember getting the Darth Vader one at a book fair. I haven’t read it but i will now thx! Lol

[@NunyaMcBusiness]

#ThanksTom

[@josephivenegas]

Fun times. Good books.

[@josephivenegas]

Also Horton Halfpot. Loved that book.

[@michellescott6321]

This is my mom's account my name's Preston hey bro was just wondering if u knew the quickest way i could become a background actor (extra) ? Was really wanting to be one but don't really know how this whole acting thing works

[@Isuckatvideogames210]

These books were the best in elementary school

[@garfieldfan925]

Stooky.

[@moshie61]

It's distracting me that it looks like you are either holding a BBC or a figurine of "Dark Helmet" (which is strangely appropriate)😂