MaxSeven Asked: In woodworking, why is there such an obsession with hand planes?

Of all hand tools, I have noticed that there is an inordinate amount of interest in hand planes. Websites exist that are entirely devoted to hand planes, including the collecting of them, making your own, reviews, etc. There are plane makers that create planes costing thousands of dollars. Wood hobbyists are always talking about planes. So what gives? What is so special about a hand plane? Why not a hand saw, hammer, chisel or drill?