SerpApi.Org
There's no such thing as being too short to don Star Wars stormtrooper armor in the 501st Legion, but your costume better be on point.
The big picture: About 13,000 people from across the world and 120 San Diegans are members of the 501st Legion, a special club where you dress up as stormtroopers, TIE fighter pilots, imperial officers and, of course, Darth Vader.
- But there are strict regulations for how your costume looks, and you must pass inspection by your costumed peers before you can officially join the ranks.
Driving the news: This Dark Side Legion is prepping for their annual storming of the rebel base also known as Comic-Con.
- They'll be there to show people the power of the Dark Side (aka a table where they recruit new members).
- There's also a photo shoot, a panel discussion and a scavenger hunt.
- Plus they pass out stormtrooper trading cards.
Beyond Comic-Con, the garrison members spend their time disturbing the force at charity events, 5K walks, or anywhere else their presence is requested.
- They just can't attend commercial events without Disney's permission.
By the numbers: In San Diego's local club, the Imperial Sands Garrison, some members have up to 12 different costumes, Commanding Officer Jamie Tobitt told Axios.
- A set of armor can cost $1,500 to $2,000 to assemble (though you can also get away with cheaper character options for a few hundred dollars).
- Plus there's constant repair of breaking parts.
How it works: The club gets together monthly for armor parties where they work on becoming battle-ready.
- "There are certain tips and tricks when you're building your costume that it's nice to have somebody else around who has done it before," he said.
Case in point: Say you're working on your "Stormtrooper - Heavy Weapons Trooper" outfit.
- The regulations say that on your helmet, the traps (trapezoids on the dome) and tears (areas beneath the corners of eye lenses) must be gray.
- But the rear traps and tears must have vertical black lines.
- At an armor party, a more experienced stormtrooper might be able to help you with that.
Fun fact: The costumes are so good that Disney has used 501st members in "The Book of Boba Fett" and "Mandalorian" TV shows, Tobitt said.
- Tobitt has a TIE fighter pilot costume, but he's recently assembled a Darth Vader outfit with pieces sourced from across the world.
So why dress like the Dark Side?
- "The costumes are just very cool," Tobitt said.
