I like concept art. To me, it's the most authentic EU material there is since it's from the minds that developed the look of the movies themselves. Naturally, I'm thrilled to see the McQuarrie Stormmtrooper being produced, I just hope I can get my hands on one (or a dozen).

But there's more than just throwaway costume designs to be had. There are set designs that would make great playsets, and vehicles that would make terrific small ship designs. Then there's the concept duck:



I need this duck in my concept collection, right next to a Concept Vader and Concept Chewie. But I digress...

Anyone else around here prefer the notion of Hasbro using concept art rather than letting their designers try to top those who created the Star Wars Universe in the first place?

I just perused a new feature on the Cantina Aliens at the Official Site. Click here to check it out!

My mouth is watering for more Cantina figures, especially those Tonnika Twins. Some very interesting background information there, especially for the uninitiated. A great resource and highly recommended.

Hypothetical situation:

From the NewYorkPost:

...Lucas, a pioneer in digital motion picture technology, apparently insists on using the emerging format in the next and possibly final installment of the Indiana Jones saga. Best buddy Steven Speilberg, who directed the first three top-grossing films, has been quoted as being adamantly opposed to the new computer-friendly medium, saying he prefers the "magic" of traditional film. However, Lucas owns the property and has decided to direct the next Indy flick himself without Spielberg's involvement.

A spokesperson for Lucas said, "This is an effects heavy script under a very tight deadline. In order to slip through this limited window of opportunity in a timely manner, Mr. Lucas feels digital image capture is the way to go." Spielberg's camp only replied, "This wouldn't be the first time [Spielberg] didn't direct one of his sequels." Neither Lucas nor Spielberg have commented on the rift.

In another development, a source close to Harrison Ford has stated the leading man has misgivings about Lucas' directing abilities and may bow out of the production altogether, leaving Lucas to recast the role of Indiana Jones. Perhaps a prequel trilogy, Mr. Lucas?

Okay, this would suck. But what if George decided to direct Indy IV himself. Assume Ford bites the bullet and stays with the production. Everything else goes as planned, the only difference is that George is directing it. Would you still run to theatres to see it? Wait for home video? Or disown the fourth movie altogether as apocryphal and cherish what we already have?

Is it possible George can direct Indiana Jones better than Star Wars?

Just thought I'd swing by and check out the place. JediMAC was nice enough to give me a personal invitation, which is always flattering. It's like being invited to a party.

For those unfamiliar with me (which might be more than a few since I've been accused of being private   ), here's some background:

- Picked up a black crayon when I was two to draw - not color - in my Batman coloring book. Haven't stopped drawing yet and Batman's still my favorite fictional character.

- Saw Star Wars in 1977 when I was ten; love at first sight. Been collecting the 3 3/4" line ever since.

- Married, two kids, dog, renting a big house but looking to own and probably relocate.

- Worked for West End Games for two years, helping to develop the Expanded Universe (yes, some of that is my fault). As a designer, I worked on various ship designs and also illustrated a Topps trading card for their Star Wars Galaxy II set.

- Currently I'm an art director with CSS Industries, a Star Wars licensee that manufactures Star Wars Valentines for kids. It sounds silly but it's virtually identical to the demographic Hasbro goes after and has gotten me beyond the gates at Skywalker Ranch, so I can't complain. The company also has the dubious distinction of owning Illusive Concepts (the folks who brought us the life-size Han in Carbonite collectible) and Don Post Studios (a venerable Star Wars licensee until Paper Magic purchased them shortly before Episode II hit).

- On the 'net, I'm MisterPL, a nickname given to me by my colleagues. (Sometimes my son even calls me that.) I've been through the CSW/RS/GH transition, having been roaming nomadically through forums like Yakface's Realm (pre-porn era, of course) and SSG. You'll see me stirring the pot at the Official Site from time to time, but I usually stick to GH and RS for news.

- Random opinions: Stikfas are God's gift to customizers. The Lord of the Rings is Toy Biz's best line ever. Art Asylum is truly screwing up the Star Trek license, though its Minimates line has me hooked. And DC Direct is FINALLY putting out some first-class super hero figures with mass-market appeal and I'm loving every minute of it.

- "Post sober." That's been my online motto forever. It stems from too many encounters with Jekyll & Hyde posters. One day they're civil and fun, the next they're flaming you while typing with their elbows. It has recently been brought to my attention that "post sober" actually means "drunk," but I love the irony so much I think I'll keep it.

There, I hope that's enough info to tide people over. Thanks again for the invite. I'll be around.

- John

(PS - Han's coat is blue.)