The Clone Emperor

The Costume Reference Library entries are well considered, but not infallible. CRL’s in the 501st Legion should be viewed as guides. Not as hard rules, and certainly not the only answer for a costume’s canon construction. Consider that years after the end of the Legacy War comics the appearance of Darth Talon’s character is still evolving. I hope that both costumer and (where applicable) 501st Membership staff alike continue to research an update their understanding of costumes and costume details. Alexandra, I had not commented on your thread before because the posts were still in the experimental stage. But I must tell you now I am impressed with the dedication you are putting in your make up tests, costume pieces and props. I admire dedication such as this. It is the difference between wearing a costume and becoming the character. Be well, Thomas

Good afternoon, Your recreation is exemplary. If you do apply for this costume to be added to the 501st roster, please ask your GML to request a new subcategory under DZ, Bodyguard: Sinya (Denizens of the Empire.) You have my full support and if asked, I will happily sponsor your GML’s request to the LMO team for approval. Bully on you.

Good afternoon, Keeping up a build thread with reference images on The Flagship Eclipse would be a great start. (Be sure to get your own screen caps front and back. Do not limit yourself to what is available on the Internet.) Notifying the Detachment staff of your intention to seek 501st approval of a New-to-the-Legion costume is strongly advisable. Nightsisters fall under the super category SL. Currently there is a sub category for Nightsister; Karis If the sub category has not yet been established, you will need to submit under the super category and inform your GML that if approved, your costume will require the creation of a new subcategory. Be well, Thomas

Good morning, And good call on the reference matching. I am happy to see productive criticism taken in the spirit offered and put into action. When you are ready, and if you like, I will be happy to review your suit in detail with the notion of giving you Detachment sponsorship for Legion Inclusion. As I see it, the DL's role in membership is one of support, reference, and quality control. Approval of a costume new to the Legion is meant to be granted by the Legion Membership Officer(s) and activated by the appropriate GML. Also, please know that I will not be supporting the notion that a CRL is required to approve a costume. I was the Legion Membership Officer presiding over the creation of the CRL and I requested DL’s to focus only on units that had representation of five or more approved costume examples from which to establish a standard. I believe that expecting an individual representing a new to the Legion costume to provide a full CRL work up is an unwarranted burden. (It is also an honour, but only if the individual chooses to participate.) It makes me very proud to see a GML take their role seriously, vetting a candidate before LMO review with their own research. I await to see how your work takes to painting. Some of Darth Malgus’s armour is metallic, other parts have a sheen. There is room for some interpretation, but the material qualities need to be considered when comparing reference. In any case, I am very excited for your work. I feel it is inspirational. Be well, Thomas

While still a latex casting, I painted this version of my mask by finger with Rubber Mask Paint. I feel the result was much more believable. Still my ultimate goal is to resculpt The Dark Prince and cast his Falleen countenance in silicon. Be well

Rebel Legion Star Wars Celebration VI Sketch Card Set Preview The Rebel Legion has a sketch card set in production for the Star Wars Celebration VI convention in Orlando, FL this August. All portraits are based on RL members. I believe there are a dozen artists contributing to this set with 200 pieces divided per availability. The proceeds from the sets, available only to RL members (I am pushing for a second run opened to 501st as well) and the original art will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. These ten cards are my contribution. 01. Justin Johnstone as Dark Jedi Yun, One with the Force 1981–2008 02. Michaela De Bruce as Shaak Ti, 03. Mary Alice as Padmé, Clone Wars animated series dress 04. Monique Renée as Tennel Ka, 05. Marcela as Celeste Morne, 06. Martina as Imperial Knight, 07. Brita as Padawan Asajj Ventress, 08. Bill as Jedi General Rahm Kota, 09. Casandra as Queen Amidala, Return to Naboo Dress 10. Sandy as Padmé, The Lake Dress I chose folk whose work and commitment inspires me and who I feel make significant contributions to the costuming community. It is by no means a complete list. Be well, Thomas

Darth Nilhilus's polka dot briefs; Like polka-dotted briefs worn under the canon robes, the Hasbro figure's added “action” feature hair, would never be seen. If one was inclined to give the slightest care about Darth Nihilus's character, the dreads would be dismissed out of hand. (This Sith Lord is unique in that Darth Nihilus is a wraith with no physical form under his garments.) But if you just like knowing you have a kewl wig on under the costume, to show off at non-canon/non-501st events--after parties are one example--be sure to get the polka dot briefs to match. Seriously, have fun.

Good evening, Sir Bill, The jaw will be fixed in place. This has been designed as a sculpture. Progress from third week June 2012; I had wanted to use a fan-made kit for the thermal detonators on the full-sized helmet to reference the 501st costuming community. However, as tyme wore on without response from various boards I realized I would simply need to make them myself. They were fun to make after all. Despite having to fabricate the majority of this helmet, I am striving to use as much of the original clone trooper lid as possible. Here I used a heat gun to reshape the vent on the back of the original helmet and affix it to the original helmet's forehead. Together these become the bottom of the back of the HRG Trooper helmet. If it is not apparent already, I have purposely been shooting the same side and angle of the piece so as to best demonstrate progress. It is moments like this that I can envision having my weekends back. I do love the process. Be well, Thomas HRG Photo Set on Flickr

Thank you for the feedback. It is appreciated. Progress from last week; Here I use tape and a circle template to layout hours more work for myself. I had too because the Voice told me so. (There are tymes that I question the nature of the Voice's intent.) Round two. My first attempt to rout out the “Death Star” lighting was unsatisfactory. For this attempt I filled in the previous attempt, and prepared the area a new with the elipses in 1/16" of craft foam. Here I have added a new layer of Microlite filler and sanded it smooth to the same thickness as the elipses. ”Death Star hallway lighting" patterning solved and clone trooper "horn" reproduced to mimic spine. I have learned much by arriving at this point. Be well, Thomas HRG Photo Set on Flickr

Making pink snow. Over and over I reshaped the main body of the helmet. It is now one foot shorter than when I started. I suppose I could have taken measurement from my maquette and scales up, but I prefer to feel the shape arrive. There is a long way to go yet. I look forward to it. In preparation for colour scheme options, I have the maquette in a uniform white. I very much appreciate the way the uniform colour brings out the piece's details. More soon. HRG Photo Set on Flickr

Thank you, I have some additional progress images to share; 501st and EFX's 2012 "As You Wish" Artist Charity Helmet Project at Star Wars Celebration VI. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation. Progress images from the weekend; This will be big. But not this big. I estimate I will shave this block down to 40-30% of its current mass. Working at full scale afforded me an opportunity to try out the shop's Japanese Razorsaw. I have concluded that I need a Japanese Razorsaw in my life. After several years of shaving away deli slices from my project, shop professional Jon Olimb took pity on me and offered the use of his cordless skill saw (with built-in project light and ammo counter.) ¿Who would have guessed that so many tools were missing from my life? HRG Photo Set on Flickr Be well, Thomas Spanos

Regardless of perceived character recognition, work calibre commands respect.

Good morning, On the topic of project updates; HRG Trooper Maquette, final master The next image represents the progress of the maquette for my full scale contribution to the 501st and EFX's 2012 "As You Wish" Artist Charity Helmet Project at Star Wars Celebration VI. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation. The full size helmet is progressing at a pace that is almost predictable. And though I have worked out much of the proportions and placement of elements with the maquette, new challenges arise in addressing the full scale. My task at this stage of the project is two fold; 1. To make the audience believe the recognizable elements from different characters really were designed to go together. 2. To subtly tweak the form of each element to elevate a degree of fear when viewing. I was mildly surprised and greatly delighted with artist Scott Zambelli requested reference images of the helmet in progress to include in his 501st Sketch Cards, part of a larger collection of SW artist work to be displayed at SW Celebration VI. I love seeing artists work with and inspiring one another in chain reaction fashion. HRG Photo Set on Flickr Be well, Thomas Spanos

The answer is simple, really. I costume for myself. If I am going to spend from one to six years sculpting armour and prosthetic from scratch, I am doing so for my pleasure. Many folk will not know or share the same interest in character I have. By the tyme I complete a suit, the character may be killed off and well out of the public mind. (But I will tell you something, when I suit up, that character comes back to life.) Keep in mind, that obscurity is a relative term. Star Wars has been out for thirty years and though most folk reading this live and breathe the mythology, your fellow on the street is going to have a hard tyme identifying a TIE pilot. Ask a kid today and there's a better chance of correctly identifying Asajj Ventress than an Imperial Gunner. Regardless if folk know the character, they can still appreciate a good costume. Naturally, there will be those who scoff at the best made, most screen accurate SW bounty hunter costume, simply because they cannot understand the compulsion. I don't bother to try to explain my passion to those who don't really want to understand. To do so is not a good use of my tyme. But for those who are curious, I simply say “This is what I like to do.” Be well, Thomas (I also do it for the shorties.)

Good afternoon, SW Celebration IV in Los Angeles saw the first SW helmet project in 2007; 66 Artists used raw Masterpiece Replica Vader helmets as their canvas to create original interpretations of the theme. SW Celebration V hosted the TK Project in Orlando, FL; This tyme around Stormtrooper buckets were re-envisioned with proceeds benefitting the Make-A-Wish foundation. At Star Wars Celebration VI, Orlando Florida, the project will be returning under the title; As You Wish. The As You Wish project will be featuring Clonetrooper helmets donated by eFX. I am making a helmet for this show. My concept is a recreation of H.R. Giger's Alien, as made from the parts of Star Wars; I have made a maquette to help visualize the full sized helmet as I work; The full sized helmet will be large; Please visit the As You Wish helmet project community on FB for updates; As You Wish Helmet Project Community To keep up on my progress visit; HRG Trooer Be well, Thomas

Greetings, What follows is a bit detailed, and over the internet may be misconstrued as a criticism. It is not. I am writing to reaffirm the standards for this costume and the vetting of references as used in the 501st. I would like to remind those concerned with replicating costumes for 501st use that fan art is NOT a viable reference. Please remember to research the origins of all reference material before you apply effort into replicating a costume and its accessories for 501st review. For instance, this render was produced by an individual working for Activation years ago for the port of the game to other systems. This is to be considered the authoritative reference for the character. (Note the severed left hand.) This image is a fan's doll dress up program and should not be used for determining costume details. (The arrangement of the Darth Traya's robe is meisleading here as it assumes Traya's outfit is the same as her alter ego's Kreia. It is not. Deviant Art user suelita; This is artist Chris Trevas interpretation of Darth Nihilus's sabre; It was later accepted as canon for the Champions of the Force version of Darth Nihilus and reproduced by fans; Darth Traya's lightsabre was the type 1 KOTOR sabre. (In all of KOTOR there were only three lightsabre models.) This is the same sabre as used by KOTOR villans Darth Revan, Darth Nihilus (Not to be confused with COTF Nihilus,) and Visas Marr. (Darth Malak used the type 2 KOTOR sabre. I have not researched Darth Sion, but it would be easy enough to determine via video cut scene.) This is a fan image on from Deviant Art by DromCZ: Fan art need not be dismissed out of hand, but must be regarded with caution. What looks fine for a personal homage image may not be a true replication of the source character. Forsooth, sabres for EU characters have traditionally had a bit of flexibility in the 501st. During my administration, it was only required that EU character costumes not use the sabres of established movie-canon characters in canon events, such as their membership photo. Personal Note; I am glad to see you working on Darth Traya, Lord Zannah and I look forward to your completed suit. Be well, Thomas

I don't believe ego was a defining character of the Imperial Knights. Of the named Imperial Knights in the Legacy story lines, only Antares and Sigel had issues with hubris. Antares was redeemed and Sigel perished. The other knights were defined by their level-headedness. A sandtrooper is not an Imperial Knight. I think it is much more tenable argument to liken and Imperial Knight's armour to an Imperial Guard. Shining examples of the Empire. Still, an Imperial Knight does see battle action: While I would avoid going into blast marks and Dewback spit-up on the armour of the most capable units the Empire has to offer, weathering similar to known reference should be passable for a well constructed Imperial Knight costume. Be well, Thomas

double post error

Greetings, I think this thread needs more images. After my armour; Bill, red is a tricky colour for skin to take well. You might consider a black border to keep it tight. Be well, Thomas

On a day with less bumping into things with his head. Also of interest; There was publicity stunt/ flash mob in Times Square, this month in which Darth Malgus stole the show; It was very cool to see what this character might look like fully realized as a fan costume. There appears to be more going on here than painting the head. Dare I say it, I believe this individual is wearing a full head appliance.

An image to share from last weekend; This represents many hours of my costume work. I am a fan of the Star Wars Expanded Universe. I am also a part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe. I love how that works out. Photo/costume change marathon; With my friend Nathaniel Fremont behind the lens and four hours of daylight, we shot each these costumes, one after the other, in my backyard, even as the weather turned. (Note the rain drops on some of the suits.) Pictured; Imperial Knight Ganner Krieg DURGE Darth Bane The Clone Emperor Prince Xizor It has been a long, wonderful, learning experience. And I intend to go much further.

Servus Christian, Just curious ¿Why did you created a second thread for this when the existing thread had the same points hammered out over a year ago? Imperial Knight Standards Discussion, (Mar 2010) It all goes toward good work, so please don't take this as criticism. Perhaps the threads should simply be merged. Be well, Thomas

Now that Dark Horse has begun to promote issue 2, I can share this image; Dave himself shot this reference image in April, 2011. The blaster is the master build from my DURGE construction. Be well, Thomas

The primary reference for A'Sharad Hett as a qualifying villain character for 501st inclusion is a few panels from Star Wars Legacy 16; Claws of the Dragon. I referred to this comic in hand when called to discuss the character with our LXO, Mark Haskell. This comic, drawn by Jan Duursema, displays a consistent look for the character, with head dress matching canon ANH Tusken Raiders. As I am not costuming the character, I do not have scans of this handy. However, I do suggest anyone interested in honing A'Sharad Hett to scan these references and share them here on The Flagship Eclipse's gallery. Note; appearances of the character before Star Wars Legacy 16; Claws of the Dragon may not be admissible as the character had been working with Jedi. A'Sharad's first appearance, where he stood along side his father organizing Tusken defenses against the advance of militant Tattooine settlers may be the subject of furture 501st discussion;

Suggestion to Tags: If you look at references for A'Sharad Hett, or any other Tusken Raider, you'll notice the head wrap does not go between the "eyes." Instead it goes over the eyes. Yours goes around the eyes; I think you could make the suit more menacing and at the same tyme more accurate with a bit of a rewrap. Be well, Thomas