Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider franchise – Honorary Oakley
As if there was ever any doubt as to who our initial Honorary Oakley would be (written way back in March 2004). As this is a gaming site we’ve gone for the woman who really started it all on a huge scale for the female presence in the gaming realm. Sure there were female characters prior to Lara BUT none have had such a huge cultural impact as the character of Lady Croft. She’s transcended the boundaries of gaming, literature and film.
Here’s a brief look….
Lara Croft’s Character Background:
Lara had an unfortunate childhood having lost her mother soon after her birth (on the 14th of February 1968, Valentine’s Day), and her father, Lord Henshingly Croft was killed by Manfred Powell of the Illuminati on the 15th of May, 1985 when she was only seven years of age. When flying back from a Swiss finishing school Lara’s plane crashed over the Alps. Lara (who was the only survivor) was able to hold out against incredible odds. These facets of the young Lara’s early years gave her strong resolve and character.
In the movie version of Tomb Raider, Lara Croft was played by American Actress Angelina Jolie who we think was the best choice for the role (or perhaps Rhona Mitra, an original Croft model, now actor). She brought the character of Lara to life giving her a strong, intelligent and kick ass personality. Although the movie wasn’t the best script wise, nobody could have played Lara better and demonstrated why Lara Croft is a cultural icon.
The Tomb Raider series of games kicked off with the first Tomb Raider and almost immediately became one of the best selling games of all time. It captured the imagination of both male and female gamers and its blend of puzzle solving and adventure spawned more games of this genre. The Tomb Raider games series will always remain a bench mark in the gaming world and Lara Croft will forever be one of the most influential game characters of all time.
As well as being a games and movie character, Lara has inspired merchandising that includes: Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Books, Annuals, Toys, Action Figures, Jewelry, Clothing and more. All of this for a female character who originated in the subcultural realm of gaming which is male dominated.
Lara Croft we salute you!
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