I have it on good authority via Clone Intelligence units that Qymaen jai Sheelal himself (the Kaleesh warlord who later becomes the cyborg Separatist commander General Grievous in Revenge of the Sith) and his fearsome counterpart Ronderu will be appearing at Celebration IV in Los Angeles next week.

The costumes for these Expanded Universe characters, which will be worn by friends of mine attending the event, were designed and inspired by this artwork for the Star Wars Insider #86 feature article "The Story of General Grievous" written by Star Wars author Abel Peņa and illustrated by yours truly. Of course, my artwork for Qymaen was influenced by the work of ILM artist Warren Fu who not only designed Grievous for Episode III but also established the visual design of the pre-cyborg version of the character for his Star Wars Visionaries story published in 2005 by Dark Horse Comics.

Here's a sneak peek at the actual costumes which can be seen in the upcoming Celebration IV Costume Pageant featured on the Petree Stage from 4 - 6pm on Friday May 25th -

Qymaen Mask View 1

Qymaen Mask View 1

Ronderu Mask

Ronderu Costume View 1

Ronderu Costume View 2

Ronderu Costume View 3

The attention to detail in these costumes and the sculpting work on the actual masks is nothing short of amazing. I wish these costumers the best of luck in the pageant and hope they receive an incredible reception for their hard work at the show. Make sure you bring your cameras too!

In more art imitates life imitates art news, another die-hard costumer and 501st Legion member was inspired to create the modified ARC trooper armor I designed for the Aurodium Sword mercenary leader, Muzzle, in my artwork for the Star Wars Insider #89 feature article "Underworld: A Galaxy of Scum and Villainy" (also written by Abel and Star Wars author Ryan Kaufman) which can be seen right here.

What makes this a mututally flattering experience is that I first actually designed the Muzzle character and his pose from this photo reference I took of Legion member Skip Curley (TC- 100 from the Southern Outpost) in his original ARC trooper costume that he wore during the premiere weekend of Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination in Columbus, Ohio in June 2006. Skip then modified and repainted his armor to match the look of Muzzle's armor after the artwork was published in Insider. He even got the Aurodium Sword insignia detail spot on.

Here's a look at Skip's incredible work for the Muzzle costume -

Muzzle Helmet

Muzzle Costume View 1

Muzzle Costume View 2

Muzzle Costume View 3

Muzzle Costume View 4

Muzzle Costume View 5

As a Star Wars artist, it's an incredible thrill to see characters you've designed for the Expanded Universe come to life through the talented skills of costumers and die-hard Star Wars fans like these. Not since I received my Kai Justiss custom action figure from another fan have I been more honored and excited to see these characters like Ronderu and Muzzle (and Ailyn Vel too) I've helped bring to life exist in three dimensions
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Speaking of Kai Justiss, you'll be able to meet the real life inspiration for the character and fellow Star Wars artist, Justin Chung, at the World Famous Comics.com booth *this weekend* at the Motor City Comic-Con in Novi, Michigan. We'll both sketching and selling artwork at our tables from Friday May 18th to Sunday May 20th and appearing with Doug Wangler, the model for Expanded Universe Jedi Quinlan Vos.

Other Star Wars guests appearing at the show include Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), artist Dave Dorman and the 501st and Rebel Legion.

If you're in the area this weekend definitely stop by the Rock Financial Showplace and say hi since there will be plenty of fun to be had with so many comic book creators and celebrity guests attending along with contests, costumes, panels and enough comic books and toys to fill a space cruiser!

And feel free to check out my Star Wars artwork for this event's free souvenir program cover at the convention website or at my official website right here.
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I was recently commissioned to create the badge artwork for the 501st Droid Hunt which is one of the many fan-driven events at Celebration IV.

Here's info from Star Wars.com -

It is up to you to safeguard your droid but how long until the Empire catches up to you? Come to the 501st Legion booth on Friday May 25th to pick up your free official Droid Hunt Badge while supplies last. If the Imperial forces of the 501st Legion find you wearing your badge on Saturday May 26th, you will be entered into a drawing to win some cool prizes including the grand prize, a rare Episode III Obi-Wan Kenobi "Artist Proof" Lightsaber donated by Master Replicas. The Droid Hunt is your chance to play the part of a Rebel sympathizer, and have a little fun with the Imperials. Check the 501st Legion booth on Sunday May 27th to see if you are a winner! The Celebration IV Droid Hunt is proudly sponsored by Del Rey Books, publisher of Star Wars: Death Star by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry available October 16, 2007.

For a rundown on the other fan-driven events at Celebration IV be sure to check out this Star Wars.com update.

And special thanks to Cris and Kim Knight and Dean Plantamura of the 501st Legion for giving me the honor to participate with my artwork for the Droid Hunt at CIV. Thanks guys!
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Also, just giving another heads up for everyone that I am still taking reserve requests for my Celebration IV Limited Edition Print artwork (limit 2 per person) prior to the show if you email me directly at joe@joecorroney.com or through my Myspace and type CELEBRATION 4 PRINT in the subject line. Each signed and numbered edition of the artwork measures at 18" x 24" and will cost $50 and I will be accepting payment at the show. The artwork will be available for sale to all fans and everyone that attends the event and there will be *no limit* to how many copies you can purchase in person. I will be taking reserve requests up until May 22nd.

For more information on reserving my new CIV Star Wars artwork for pick up from me in the Art Show at the event check out my News page at my official site or my Myspace page.

CIV Art Show hours -

Thurs 05/24 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fri 05/25 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sat 05/26 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sun 05/27 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Mon 05/28 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

I'm really looking forward to Celebration IV and seeing many of you at the show next week! I hope everyone travels safely to L.A. and watch out for the Kaleesh when you get there

~J

Joe Corroney.com
Drawing in the Empire/MySpace