501st Legion
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The 501st Legion is an international fan-based organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate replicas of Imperial Stormtrooper armor, Imperial officer uniforms, Clone Troopers and other villains and nefarious characters from the Star Wars universe. Members of the 501st Legion make appearances at casual, promotional, and charitable events, often at the request of Lucasfilm's Fan Relations department. Formed by South Carolina residents Albin Johnson and Tom Crews in 1997, the group boasts more than 5500 active members in 47 countries as of January 1, 2012.
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[edit] Background
Based initially on the white-armored troops stationed aboard the Death Star, the 501st Legion quickly expanded to encompass many other canon trooper variations, Sith Lords, bounty hunters and other villains from the Star Wars saga. Custom creations are not eligible for membership, and all applicants are reviewed prior to approval in the 501st member database.
As a tribute to the dedicated group of fans, the blue clone troopers led into the Jedi Temple by Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith were officially designated as the 501st Legion, with the nickname "Vader's Fist" due to his exclusive use of the unit. Although not mentioned in the film itself, all of the licensed support material and merchandising for the film make this reference, including Hasbro's 501st Legion action figures, the DK Publishing Star Wars Visual Dictionary books, and the Star Wars: Battlefront II game (the story-driven campaign mode of Battlefront II even expanded the role of the 501st Legion to the main fighting force in almost every battle in the "Clone Wars" and "Galactic Civil War" eras of Star Wars, from the Battle of Geonosis to the Battle of Hoth). There are also references to the 501st in other Expanded Universe material including novelizations and the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars feature film (2008) and television series.
[edit] Requirements
The armor worn by the 501st is generally constructed and distributed by fans, and is made from materials such as ABS plastic, vinyl, resin or fiberglass. As the actual costumes worn by the 501st are often not licensed Lucasfilm products, George Lucas has sought legal action on those who sell armor openly and for personal gain. However, Lucasfilm Ltd. has sanctioned the Legion's use of the costumes providing that the participants do not seek a financial profit, and that they represent the franchise in a positive and respectful manner. The Legion does not charge for its services or appearances, however event hosts are encouraged to make donations to a charity in the Legion's name in lieu of compensation.
Fundamental conditions of Legion membership require applicants to be at least 18 years of age and have documented ownership of at least one qualifying professional-quality costume. At formal events, members typically appear to have walked off the screen when portraying characters. At informal events (such as local science fiction conventions), members often display their creativity with interesting genre mash-ups of their costumes.
[edit] Appearances
Members of the 501st Legion frequently attend fandom's larger conventions including Dragon Con, San Diego Comic-Con and Megacon among other Sci-fi conventions where they often host a fan table or booth where the public can learn more about the Legion, see costumes and props on display, and speak directly with members.
Musician and comedian "Weird Al" Yankovic has invited members of the 501st Legion on stage during performances of his Star Wars-themed songs "Yoda" and "The Saga Begins", recruiting members of local garrisons while on tour. In appreciation, the 501st inducted Yankovic as a "Friend of the Legion", in September 2007.[1]
[edit] Charitable Works
Charity and fundraising are a part of the group's mission and continue to be a rallying point for its members. The Legion helped raise more than $5.5 million US in the year 2011 through appearances and fundraising activities such as charity auctions.
[edit] Notable Members
Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch joined the 501st Legion with ID number BH-5211 in his own Boba Fett costume in November 2009 and has 'trooped' with local members as part of the 501st UK Garrison.
Star Wars actor Jay Laga'aia joined the 501st Legion with ID number TK-6352 in his own Imperial Stormtrooper costume in May 2009 citing a desire to be one of the troops among the 501st Terror Australis Garrison.
Star Wars artist Matt Busch joined the 501st Legion with ID number TK-3477 in his own Imperial Stormtrooper costume in October 2008 after a long relationship with the 501st Great Lakes Garrison.
In 2005, George Lucas accepted an honorary membership from the organization. More than 200 501st Legion members and representatives of the Rebel Legion marched in the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade, where George Lucas served as the Grand Marshal.
Since the Legion's moniker is Vader's Fist, the group's honorary leader is David Prowse, the lead actor who physically portrayed Darth Vader in the original trilogy.
Weird Al Yankovic was named a "Friend of the Legion," in 2007. Yankovic often invites local 501st members to perform on stage with him during his song "The Saga Begins."
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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