NEWSLETTER

It’s a little known fact but the Australian branch of the Star Wars costume fan organisation is a steadily growing force. They call themselves the 501st Legion or, more affectionately, ‘Vader’s Fist’.

Not limiting themselves to a self-indulgent fanzine, the group operates as a not for profit organisation that works primarily with seriously and terminally ill children. The group’s aims are to contribute to the local community through charity and volunteer work while celebrating everything that is the Dark Side. Their mission slogan is ‘Bad Guys Doing Good’ and they have attracted thousands of members worldwide since Star Wars fanatic Al Johnson started the whole thing over a decade ago in the US.

Although not officially sponsored by or affiliated with Star Wars creator George Lucas, they have been granted authorisation to replicate the Imperial costumes under the agreement that a) no profit is made through their use and that b) the troopers adhere to a strict code of professional conduct during trooping events. George Lucas is now an honorary member and this ongoing ‘unofficial’ relationship has seen the 501st Legion name incorporated into official Star Wars material including books, toys and video games. Can you even imagine how excited that makes these dudes?

We decided to go and meet some of the everyday men behind the masks and find out what it takes to become a member of ‘Vader’s Fist’ and to find out what the neighbours think of the grown men dressed up in five thousand dollar space suits living next door.

Vice: Name, age and occupation? 

Troy: Troy ‘Destroyer’ Henderson. I’m 32 and work as an electrician.

How long have you been part of the 501st Legion? 

Just over 12 months now.

So what’s with your Star Wars fascination?

I’ve had a few of the movie posters for a number of years, but I only really started my collection of statues and prop replicas in the last two years. I really like the helmets and I’m working on getting one of each Imperial helmet from the original trilogy. So far I have one of each main Trooper type: a Stormtrooper, Snowtrooper and a Scout Trooper.

LANGLO WEST
More photos from our Storm Trooper shoot can be seen at www.langlowest.com and on the official 501st Terra Australis Garrison website, www.501tag.com.

SHANE PRIEST / Darth Vader: 36 years old, Facilities Manager at Mercedes Benz

TO BE CONTINUED:
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