Jar Jar ROCKS!

A while back, I received a PM from Elith Dupar from The Nordic Base -- I’m slowly becoming the “David Hasselhoff” of Nordic Base, having posted more blogs based there -- about a newly added costume that I find absolutely brilliant: Jar Jar Binks!  I can hear the collective groan by many of you, over the internet, but the truth is: “messa LOVE Jar Jar Binks” -- and the idea of a Jar Jar Binks costumer.

photo courtesy of The Rebel Legion

Elith Dupar had recently spoken to the person(s) behind the costume, and while they want to remain anonymous, she has offered to give some background on this unique Rebel Legion costume.  The guys behind the Jar Jar Binks costume are known for being true wizards in the world of costuming; often helping other members put together their costumes and props.  The reason why they decided to make the Jar Jar Binks costume was actually because they had the perfect person to wear it: e_frog just recently joined The Rebel Legion and the Jar Jar Binks is his first costume.  She describes him (e_frog) as: fun, friendly and great with the kids; which makes him the perfect type to play Jar jar Binks!

“It was by far the most popular costume this year at Model Expo in Helsinki, and the children absolutely LOVED him,” said Elith Dupar.  “The only similar reaction to a costume is with Darth Vader.”

Jar Jar Binks is the Rebel Legion’s “rock star” equivalent of Darth Vader? I believe it!

Part of the appeal for a Jar Jar Binks costume (in my opinion) is due to the fact that it’s something unique – both for the kids and the other Star Wars costumers.  According to Elith Dupar, she was debuting a new Padme costume at the event which had taken on a EPISODE I theme.  Having a Jar Jar Binks worked great for everybody – both the public and members of both Rebel Legion and 501st.  She also explained that kids at her event were thrilled to see Jar Jar walking around with all the other Star Wars characters.

Elith Dupar asked the person who made the costume about challenges, and he told her that the biggest problem he experienced was that the spray paint bottle actually exploded while painting the body! (which sounds like the type of “little bity accidenty” Jar Jar would have ;) )  Otherwise, he said that building Jar Jar had been a basic prop and costume making process and it all went very well and as planned.

Messa LOVE a Frostie!

Last weekend, we got a glimpse of what the folks from Nordic Base had – as the Columbus Clippers put together a make-shift Jar Jar costume (worn by one of their mascot interns) for some of the in-stadium team promotions.  While the Clippers’ Jar Jar wasn’t nearly as movie accurate as what e_frog has, it did get some positive reactions from the crowd – and caught our attention as well.

Here's hoping to see more Jar Jar Binks costumers in The Rebel Legion!

Motor City Comic Con

As I mentioned in a recent AWRI blog, Motor City Comic Con has become one of the signature events for Great Lakes Base; and possibly the largest comic book convention in the region!

On Friday, Great Lakes Base inducted Corey Dee Williams, Stephen Costantino and local Star Wars artist Matt Busch.  If that wasn’t enough Star Wars for you – also attending were: Rebel Legion Honorary Members Rena Owen, Billy Dee Williams and Sam Witwer.  That is a TON of Rebel Legion top-brass to roll out the welcome wagon for.

photo courtesy of Snips92

Thankfully we’re Great Lakes Base -- “It’s what we do!”

 This year, we partnered up with Great Lakes Garrison and R2-Builders to try something different in terms of setting up our “official” information tables.  Because there is so much cross-over between the groups, and it’s difficult to ask people to give up hours of their time – sitting behind one or more tables, when all your friends are standing around in costume anyways taking pictures (our costumes are the best promotional asset we have anyways!) – we pushed the tables back and encouraged members to be more interactive with guests wanting to learn more about all the groups.  

We also had “Mumford the Tauntaun” waiting to have his picture taken; and who can resist a photo with a life-size tauntaun -- honestly?

photo curtesy of  Thomas Spanos

Sunday has become known as “Rebel Legion Day” at Motor City Con -- in part because Saturday has SO MUCH Star Wars-themed programming organized by Great Lakes Garrison (Droid Hunts, kids costume contests, a daily “Star Wars Parade” of characters from ALL the groups) that it all can’t be done in ONE day -- but also because Sunday has become the day when GLB members from as far as Ohio can drive up (for the day) and call in some RL reinforcements.  This year, we came up with a theme for Sunday known as “Motor City Comic Con Jedi Funfest!”  Members were encouraged to wear their Jedi costumes; and we got a really big turnout!  VIDEO: MCCC Sunday "Star Wars Parade"

Sam Witwer even stopped by the GLB table to join in a couple pictures with us.  Then, he spotted “Mumford the Tauntaun” … and HERE WE GO!

Motor City Comic Con 2012 "Mission Photos"

And now... WE RIDE!

Overall, Motor City Comic Con was a HUGE success for Great Lakes Base.  In a year when a lot of people are trying to save up for Celebration VI, and therefore travel plans for trooping have to be limited; this was one of those weekends that was NOT to be missed!  Things should quiet down around here for the Memorial Day Weekend; then we get right back in action.

All Wings Report In!

Columbus Clippers

The Columbus Clippers are the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, as well as back-to-back International League Champions!  This past weekend was the first ever "Star Wars Night" at Huntington Park, as the Clippers welcomed Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison to "use the Force" against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.

photo courtesy of Snips92

As I had mentioned in a previous post, "Star Wars Night" promotions are becoming increasingly popular with minor league sports teams across the country; and the Columbus Clippers promotional team has been taking notes!  In addition to having us interacting with fans as they entered Huntington Park, the Clippers took the field to an awesome video presentation (full of action scenes from KOTR and The Force Unleashed II trailers) and special player photos (Clippers = Jedi) (Yankees = Empire) on the jumbotron when they came to bat.

Another "Star Wars Night" tradition has become the throwing of the 1st pitch. In the past, we've had Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca fire one across the plate -- to the cheers of the crowd -- but wouldn't you know it... Darth Vader "chopped" Luke's hand, right as he was ready to throw the ball; and made the throw himself! VIDEO: Columbus Clippers - Luke vs Vader opening pitch

Between innings, our guys took part in several of the Clippers' regular promotions: First inning, several of us joined the Clippers Crew and kids in "The Chicken Dance" -- I'm almost afraid to see any video from that! Later in the Third Inning, BrianKenobi helped a young boy with raking the infield near 3rd Base -- you can take the "farmboy" out of the desert... but you can't take the desert out of the farmboy!  Fifth Inning, Drazhar and Col-Mas (disguised as a TIE Pilot) raced tired down the 1st and 3rd Base lines -- you bet the jedi won!  Sixth Inning was when "the Dark Side" began to take over, as Darth Vader interfered with the outcome of the Hot Dog Races.

Columbus Clippers - Star Wars Night "Mission Photos"

Krash meets Krash

Unfortunately, the Yankees scored three in the 9th inning off Chris Ray to secure a 8-6 win. But not all hope was lost, as there were post-game fireworks to the music from... some kinda sci-fi movie, can't imagine what? ;)

Great Lakes Base would like to thank The Columbus Clippers organization and the fans for an amazing night!

On a more personal note, it was on this night that I can truly say that "I discovered myself." NO... really, the Columbus Clippers mascot is also named "Krash."  Actually, we've crossed paths at other events in Columbus -- the Autism Speaks walk at Ohio State University -- but being on "Jedi" Krash's home field too good to pass up getting a picture together!

Some of us had to leave early -- not as early as we should have -- because the next morning we had to be up early take make it in time for the last day of Motor City Comic Con 2012 (as mentioned in my last blog).  See ya'll in the morning!

The Force is strong in this family

This past weekend, Great Lakes Base welcomed several Star Wars media guest to Motor City Comic Con.  Among those scheduled to appear at what has become the signature convention in our region were: Sam Witwer, Deep Roy, Rena Owen and Billy Dee Williams.  Joining this cast of characters from "a galaxy far, far away" was Corey Dee Williams (son of Billy Dee Williams) and Stephen Costantino.

photos courtesy of
Corey Dee Williams

"It was a real honor to be included and invited to join my father at Motor City Comic Con.  Our experience at Motor City was particularly special... not only was it a great opportunity for us to spend time together, but after many years we were reunited with my friend Stephen Costantino -- who worked on Jedi with us," said Corey Dee Williams.

In fact, during their Q/A session on Sunday, Billy Dee Williams talked with great pride about being able to tour conventions with his son... as well as Stephen; whom Mr. Williams described as something of a surrogate son.  That sentiment was clearly evident by everyone who visited the Williams and Costantino tables for photos, autographs and simply welcome them to Great Lakes Base; for them -- this was a family reunion.

When asked asked how he felt about joining his father within the worldwide community of Star Wars -- Corey Dee explained, "when we went to the desert to participate in the production of Return Of The Jedi many years ago, I never imagined it would come to anything like this!  Star Wars continues to span generations, and Lando Calrissian is a significant part of my father's legacy.  It was truly an unforgettable experience for me."

Rebel Legion
Honorary Member Induction

On Friday, a welcome committee from Great Lakes Base -- led by Chris Blackstock/Lumpy -- presented Corey Dee and Stephen Costantino with Honorary Member plaques on behalf of The Rebel Legion; for their work on ROTJ.  Corey Dee later described the experience as, "I would have to say I was quite surprised when you guys showed up and presented us with honorary memberships!  I think it's a great privlage to be part of a group with so much enthusiasm! Many of the costumes were some of the best I've seen, and the attention to detail extraordinary!"

We'll have more on Motor City Comic Con weekend in upcoming posts.  In the meantime, AWRI is off to Columbus for a baseball game with some other guy named "Krash?"

Weird Al Yankovic

"A long, long time ago.... in a galaxy far away, Naboo was under an attack."

That's the opening line of "The Saga Begins" -- the Star Wars parody song by "Weird Al" Yankovic, who is currently on his "Weird Al Yankovic Live! - The Alpocalypse Tour."  Last weekend, the tour made a stop at Detroit's historic FOX Theather.  

As most of you already know, Yankovic is known for his songs that make light of popular culture; often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts.  Yankovic has sold more than 12 million albums, recorded more than 150 parody and original songs and has performed more than 1,000 live shows.  Star Wars has featured in several of Weird Al's hit songs including: "Yoda" and "The Saga Begins."  This is where Weird Al has -- for years -- invited member of 501st and The Rebel Legion to join him on stage with his Jedi-dressed musicians for what has become one of his signature songs.

Before the concert, Lumpy presented the "Friend of the Rebellion" honorary membership to "Weird Al" Yankovic on behalf of The Rebel Legion.  The Friend of the Rebellion honorary title can be presented to any media celebrity -- NOT affiliated with Lucasfilm Ltd./Star Wars -- who associate themselves with the heroes of Star Wars.  You can watch back-stage footage from  "Weird Al" Rebel Legion induction ceremony.

Lumpy explains, "While we were backstage at the Fox Theatre, we saw that many of the performers (and some VERY big names!!) had signed the walls.  So not to be outdone, Chewie is now immortalized with a signature at the Fox Theatre - ON THE CEILING!!!! (along with the Brazilian stilt waker troop who was there before)"

After the presentation, "Weird Al" and his band played before a packed house at FOX Theater - with Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison backing him up during  "The Saga Begins."

Congratulations "Weird Al" Yankovic on becoming part of The Rebel Legion family.  Hopefully, we'll see more Rebel Legion members on stage with you in future concerts. Meanwhile, you and your band keep rocking those jedi costumes and consider becoming FULL members of The Rebel Legion by saying...

"... soon I'm going to be a Jedi!"

Toledo Mud Hens

You may have noticed a trend by minor league sports teams across the country hosting Star Wars-themed promotional events.  Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison recently added Fifth Third Field in Toledo to our list of ballparks visited -- as the Toledo Mud Hens hosted their first-ever "Star Wars Night" promotion against the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Lumpy explains how playing Chewbacca is much like being called up to "the show!"

photo courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens

"After throwing out the first pitch (which was a strike right down the heart of the plate by the way!!) the player that caught the ball asked ME to autograph the ball for HIM!" Lumpy continued, "He gave it to a kid in the crowd so some kid left the Mudhens game with an autographed Chewbacca ball!!"

Toledo Mud Hens - "Star Wars Night" video recap

Most of the evening was spent over by the team's photo backdrop, where fans were lined up for most of the game to get a picture with some of the Star Wars characters.  Would you believe that the Mud Hens' PR team ended up having to cut off the line for overcrowding concerns -- what is this: a George Lucas Q/A at Celebration VI or something?  That is amazing if you think about it and just goes to show we need to do MORE events in the NW corner of Ohio more often.  Trust me, we're working on that!

Toledo Mud Hens "Mission Photos"

*photos and video courtesy of Toledo Mud Hens baseball organization (thanks guys!)

Unfortunately, the Mud Hens lost 5-2 and while the post-game fireworks and stadium full of lightsabers was some consolation, the good news is that the Mud Hens are currently holding onto 2nd place in the International League (West) standing.

And for those of you wondering... the Toledo baseball Mud Hens goes all the way back to 1896, when the team played at Bay View Park.  The surrounding marshland was frequented by these strange birds, officially known as: American Coot (Fulica americana).  The abundance of Mud Hens near the park inspired the nickname.  The baseball Mud Hens are also famously known for being the favorite baaseball team of Jamie Farr -- a Toledo native -- who played Max Klinger in the classic "M*A*S*H" TV series; both of whom were devoted Mud Hens fans. 

Carol and John's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

Ok, so Friday night... we just wrapped up an event at Brunswick Library, time to go home right? WRONG, because it's 8:00pm on the night before FREE COMIC BOOK DAY -- and there's only one place in Cleveland Ohio to be on FCBD Eve... Carol and John's Comic Book Shop!

Free Comic Book Day is a promotional event -- started back in 2002 -- by the North American comic book industry to help promote literacy and "draw" new readers to local independent comic book stores.  Traditionally, on the first Saturday in May (which includes 12:01 Friday night/Sat morning) comic book fans are treated with a series of limited-edition comic books from many of the leading comic book publishers. This year's FCBD lineup included a Star Wars/Han Solo meets Serenity/Mal Reynolds double issue, Transformers (Generation One) relaunch and several comics related to the release of the "Avengers" movie.

Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison have been trooping at Carol and John's for years, and this year Mando Mercs made their first appearance the FCBD midnight release party.  Basically, our job is to walk the line (yes, there is a line -- nearly around the block) greeting fans waiting for midnight to pick out their FCBD comics; comic books that will be available EVERYWHERE (in the morning) for FREE!  You can follow Carol and John's Comic Book Shop on their website: http://www.cnjcomics.com  As always, thanks to Carol Cazzarin and John Dudas and everyone at Carol and John's Comic Book Shop -- including "Head of Security" Winston (the cat) -- for another awesome FCBD.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY "Mission Report" photos

We did have small teams of Great Lakes Base members at other FCBD events, the following morning in both Ohio and Michigan. As you can imagine, this weekend tends to be one of our busiest of the year in terms of event requests and AWRI will try and bring you more in future blog posts.

Next issue: HOLY TOLEDO... it's time to play some baseball!

Brunswick Library

In the past few years, May 4th has become something of an unofficial national Star Wars holiday -- otherwise known as "May the 4th be with you!" (get it?)  This made last Friday the perfect day for the folks at Brunswick Library to welcome Great Lakes Base, Mando Mercs and Ohio Garrison to be part of a special Star Wars-themed program for the kids!

Brunswick Library is part of the Medina County Public Library system, and this was our first time trooping at this particular branch; but I promise you it won't be our last!  There were over 400 people registered for this "after hours" event; meaning the library was normally closed to the public by this time... and everyone walking in was there specifically for the Star Wars event.  The library itself has been completely remodeled and the children's section was filled with Star Wars games and crafts for the kids to play with.  Many kids came dressed in their own Star Wars costumes, while their parents took pictures of them with all their favorite Star Wars characters.  Later, kids got to play Star Wars trivia contests, practice using The Force to "levitate" small objects (balloons) and my personal favorite... Trooper Bowling!

In addition, many of the staff and librarians got into the spirit of things by making their own Star Wars costumes: many of them were so good... we should have signed them up for our forums from right there in the library!  Even our contact (Cindy) came up with her own R2-D2 costume as she walked around; it was just too adorable. :D  

When it was all said and done, everyone at Brunswick Library that evening had FUN and walked out saying "May the 4th be with you!"

Brunswick Library GLB "Mission Photos"

This was "Episode I" of what turned out to be a very busy 48 hours here at Great Lakes Base! Elsewhere, we've got Toledo Mud Hens baseball game, a midnight kickoff to FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, and later -- inducting "Weird Al" Yankovic into the Rebel Legion...