First off, these guys have the coolest uniforms of ANY organization you'll ever encounter on Planet Earth. They're the Central Valley Garrison of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers (and Sandtroopers, and Royal Guard, and Bounty Hunters, and other great Star Wars characters). The entire 501st numbers 2500+ members spanning 21 countries, but they're more than a costuming fan club with "movie realistic" duds. They're a non-profit organization who participate in charity events, children's hospital visits, fundraisers, conventions, and much more.

Recently SJ Fanboy had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Chu-Lin, CO, Public Relations/Events officer for the CVG.

What do you think of the just announced title for Star Wars Episode 3 The Revenge of the Sith?

At first, I thought it was a joke or a marketing gimmick to throw people off. When I realized that LucasFilm Ltd. (LFL) had decided on a title, I thought it sounded kind of corny at first. In comparison to the last set of Star Wars trilogy films, it makes sense for now. With Return of the Jedi, you have the rekindling of the jedi spirit as Luke becomes a jedi knight and brings back his father back to the side of good.

You just got back from the San Diego Comic-Con. How was it for you and the 501st?

In the three years attending this convention, this year proved the busiest. Back in 2002, the convention had around 68,000 people. While it will take a few months for the convention to get an official total, the department heads project 85,000 in possible attendance. For myself, I go to work as a volunteer staff member for Comic-Con's programming department along with being a costumer. As a staff member, I get an inside look on how the convention operates along with working in a solid team of volunteers. So while my time proved limited, I did have a chance to costume with members of the 501st and other costumers.

For myself, costuming provides the opportunity to play a character for my own enjoyment or to entertain others. To bring some comfort to families, some of us in the 501st and Rebel Legion (hero Star Wars costumers) visited the San Diego Children's Health Center to visit children and their families.

Another highlight involved the 501st march. An impressive scene for me in the original Star Wars films involves when Emperor Palpatine arrives on the new Death Star. Movie viewers see a huge procession of various troops. These marches that the 501st does at major functions like conventions helps bring that kind of imagery to life for the public.

For the 501st Legion as a whole, the convention proved a great success. Further developing its relationship with LFL, the Legion participated in key official events like the Star Wars fan film awards and the Star Wars Spectacular with Lucasfilm’s Director of fan relations Steve Sansweet. The 501st Legion also stationed themselves around various locations within the Star Wars Pavilion to entertain convention attendees. All in all, the 501st Legion's participation in Comic-con definitely helped to further bolster our identity as a premiere costuming club.

How did the 501st get started?

Albin Johnson and Tom Crews formed the Legion back in 1997 after an opening of the Star Wars special edition films. The images got published on a website and fans from all over the world forward their images as well. Based on the idea that the Imperials exist within in a military background, the founders developed the club around that type of structure. Just as soldiers receive serial numbers, costumers receive a specific TK-number that they can choose. The club has exploded with chapters all over the globe.

How much time and money does it take to build an authentic looking stormtrooper outfit?

Depending on how much time one spends and how much expertise one has, it can take a couple of days to a few weeks. As a lot of fans have developed their suits, so a lot of reference material exists to help new builders.

You guys do a lot of work within the community. For example visiting children in hospitals. What has been the most rewarding experience for you and the 501st?

To see a child's eyes light up has always proven the most rewarding. Especially with the hospital visits, I appreciate that the 501st Legion has ability to hopefully make someone's day a little better.

Do you ever get condescending people who tell you to stop wearing your stormtrooper suit and act your age?

My associates and I have heard these types of comments. With a science fiction fan, the public has the impression of a nerdy guy living in his parent's basement. Most of the members in my chapter are responsible adults with a spouse and children who have their own homes. I view what we do as a hobby that is no different from fishing or woodworking. What our group does involve research, time and effort. Just as other people can enjoy someone's catch or finished product, I would believe the same positive thoughts can be applied with our costumes.

Say a person in Stockton wants to join the 501st. How would they go about doing it? And do you have any members from San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties?

If someone wants to join the 501st, they want to go to the 501st Legion website at www.501st.com and follow the link "Join Us" on the homepage. You want to refer to the gallery page on the same site to locate one's nearest local Garrison, one would be assigned. A garrison or chapter contact would inform someone once his or her membership has been approved.

The Central California Garrison or chapter does encompass San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.

What is your opinion of the prequels and what are your hopes (and fears) for Episode 3?

The prequels truly represent the story that George Lucas wishes. I only hope that Episode 3 ties up certain threads. Only time will tell.

If you had to live with Jabba the Hutt or a tribe of Ewoks for a week, whose house would you be heading to?

I would probably go with the Ewoks. While I dress as a biker scout, the Ewoks would hopefully prove more approachable and trust worthier than an intergalactic gangster like Jabba Hutt.