Star Wars Author Steven Gerber born on September 20th, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri passes away on February 10th, 2008. He died in Las Vegas Nevada. For those of you who have heard of it, Gerber was an the Author of Tatooine Sojourn, and also a famous American Comic book writer. He was notable for creating “Howard the Duck,” but he also did many other comics including several Marvel comics as well. For those of you have haven’t heard of him, or Tatooine Sojourn then here is this that might help.

Tatooine Sojourn:

( sorry the quality isn’t any good, it just loaded that way)

Published by Los Angeles Times Syndicate. It was only published in the U.S, and Canadian Newspapers. It is available in the Webstrips section of Hyperspace, and collected by the Classic Star Wars, The Early Adventures 4. It was written of course, by Steven Gerber, and drawn by Russ Manning. The Illustrator was Ray Murtagh, and it was published on September 10th, to November 5th, 1979. To see more follow this link: The Tatooine Sojourn.)

After corresponding with fellow youthful comics fans Roy Tomas and Jerry Bails, and starting one of the first comics fanzines, Headline, at age 13 or 14. Gerber went to college at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, the University of Missouri, and St. Louis University, where he finished his communications degree and also some post-graduate work.

He then soon began to work as a copywriter for a St. Louis advertising agency. During this time he wrote short stories, some of which, such as “And the Birds Hummed Dirges”, later appeared in Crazy Magazine during his stint as editor.

Some time in the early 1972, Gerber asked Thomas, by this time the Marvel editor-in-chief, about writing comics; Thomas sent him a writer’s test — six pages of a Daredevil car-chase scene drawn by Gene Colan — which Gerber passed. He then accepted a position as an associate editor and writer at Marvel Comics for $125 a week — $25 less than at the ad agency — and $13 a page for writing. Thomas said in 2007,

Steve and I had been in touch, off and on. …I [eventually] got a letter from Steve saying, in essence, ‘Help! I’m going crazy in this advertising job’. … So I thought, ‘Gee, he’d be a good person to get up here, so if he wants to make a change, let’s give it a try’. He was brought in to be an assistant editor on staff. That didn’t work our so well, because for whatever reason … he had trouble staying awake. At the time, he wasn’t a staff kind of person, at least in terms of what Marvel needed, but he was a real good writer and did some interesting things….”

Steve Gerber penned stories for title’s some such as daredevil, and Sub-Mariner. Gerber was said to have had a unique voice in his writings. He has also scripted Man-Thing, which is about a swamp monster empath, Omega the unknown, which explored the strange link between a cosmic superhero and a boy, and Howard the Duck, which artist Val Mayerik and Steve Gerber created as a throwaway character in the Man-Thing story. Then later Gerber and Artist Gene Colan teamed up to make Howard the Duck syndicate comic strip. Gerber recalled this:

“We had some problems with the Howard newspaper strip, which led to problems with the Howard book, which ultimately led to the lawsuit. Marvel wouldn’t pay the artist to draw it. Gene Colan and I were supposed to get a percentage of the syndicate’s take for the strip. The problem was, the money came in 90 days, 120 days, six months — I don’t remember how long exactly — after the strips were published. So, essentially, the artist was working for nothing up until that time, and no artist can afford to do that. [In comparison with Stan Lee and John Romita‘s Spider-Man comic strip,] Stan, as publisher of Marvel, had a regular salary coming in, and John Romita, I believe, was also on staff at the time. They didn’t have quite the same problem.”

It was said that Gerber was noted for “memorable supporting or guest characters who would become cult favorites in their own right. Among his best known are Everyman Richard Rory, who has appeared off and on in most of the Gerber books, and the Foolkiller, a psychopathic vigilante who inspired several different individuals to adopt his identity over the years and acquired his own 10-issue limited series in 1990.” Gerber was also responsible for the creation of the “Silver Samurai during his Daredevil run, and the female Red Guardian when writing Defenders.”

Then sometime in 1979 Gerber left Marvel, and launched a lengthy legal battle for control of Howard the Duck, and during the late 1970s and 1980s he did some work for DC Comics, and and for independent comic companies. One of his first major works was Stewart the Rat, which was away from marvel and done for Eclipse Comics, with art done by Gene Colan and Tom Palmer. Then finally in1982 he teamed with Jack Kirby at Eclipse to create Destroyer Duck, which was a comic which raised funds for his court case and Kirby’s similar legal battles against Marvel. Gerber and Marvel reached a settlement in the case.

Later in his life he still completed many more comics. He many at first for Marvel. Then he did Void Indigo for the Epic Comics imprint in 1983 and The Legion of Night and Suburban Jersey Ninja She-Devils in 1990) and DC (including A. Bizarro and Nevada for the Vertigo imprint in 1998). Then Returning briefly to Marvel, he had a 12-issue run on The Sensational She-Hulk, a three-issue run on Cloak and Dagger, had Hawkeye get shot and wear a new armored costume designed by Tony Stark in Avengers Spotlight, and wrote two issues of Toxic Crusaders, all for Marvel. During this time he also did a serial in Marvel Comics Presents featuring Poison, a character he created in The Evolutionary War crossover.

He also wrote the two-issue Freddy Krueger’s A Nightmare on Elm Street which delved into the backstory of the character with a depth the films never displayed. Plus he even partnered up with Beth Woods to write the episode “Contagion”, which was an episode of the syndicated television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Gerber worked in television animation, working as story editor on the animated TV series The Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Dungeons & Dragons; created Thundarr the Barbarian; and shared a 1998 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class — Animated Program, for the WB program The New Batman/Superman Adventures.

His the Berlin Wall episode of The Puppy’s New Adventures was heavily censored to prettify East Berlin, resulting in Gerber’s mock-slogan “ABC Standards and Practices… Protecting Your Children With Lies”. He also wrote the pilot episode of the animated TV series Mister T. He was also one of the founders of the Malibu Comics Ultraverse, co-creating Exiles and creating Sludge. For Image, he co-created The Cybernary with Nick Manabat and disbanded Codename: Strykeforce (in their crossover with Cyberforce, in which Gerber showed the impossibility of one leader leading two teams with any effectiveness).

In addition to guest-writing Pitt. In 2002 he created a new Howard the Duck miniseries for Marvel’s MAX line. For DC he then created Hard Time, which outlasted the short-lived imprint DC Focus

In 2005, when Marvel Comics sponsored a vote on which of four unused characters to revive, Gerber asked his fans to vote against Wundarr the Aquarian. ( a supporting character he had created in Fear and Marvel Two-in-One.) Wundarr took second after Death’s Head. He stated numerous times on his blog and elsewhere on the web his opinion that no one should write another’s characters without the creator’s endorsement. He himself endorsed the 2000s Foolkiller series,starring a character he had created in Man-Thing.

Later, Gerber wrote the Helmet of Fate: Zauriel one-shot and continued writing the Doctor Fate strip in the Countdown to Mystery limited series for DC Comics up to the time of his death, working on stories in the hospital.

Then in 2007, Gerber was suddenly diagnosed with an early stage of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and was eventually hospitalized, but while continuing to work. He had gotten onto the waiting list for a transplant at UCLA Medical Center. Sadly though, On February 10, 2008, Gerber died in a Las Vegas hospital from complications stemming from his condition. At the time of his death, Gerber was separated from wife Margo Macleod, and a daughter, Samantha Voll.

During his life he recieved awards such as recognition for his work in comics with several awards and nominations. He was nominated for several Shazam Awards, including for Best Writer in both the Dramatic and Humor Divisions in 1974. He was inspiration to the Marvel Universe character named Stewart Caldwell, who was a TV writer who later became “Thundersword.”

Here are just some of his collections of writings,

• Essential Daredevil Vol. 4, Marvel
• Essential Defenders Vol. 2, Marvel
• Essential Defenders Vol. 3, Marvel
• Essential Howard the Duck Vol. 1, Marvel
• Essential Man-Thing Vol. 1, Marvel
• Essential Marvel Horror Vol. 1, Marvel
• Essential Marvel Two-in-One Vol. 1, Marvel
• Essential Tales of the Zombie Vol. 1, Marvel
• Giant-Size Marvel, Marvel
• Hard Time: 50 to Life, DC
• Howard the Duck (MAX), Marvel
• Nevada, DC
• Omega the Unknown Classic, Marvel
• Stewart the Rat (with Gene Colan and Tom Palmer) About Comics, 48 pgs

While Steve Gerber may have passed on, his work will still live on throughout all his fans lives. He did a few things for Star Wars, but also did many more things for others too. He was a fantastic Comic Book writer and his works will probably become very rare in the near future. May we honor Steve Gerber, and the many works he has created for the world, and may he never be forgotten.

Article Links:

• Wookieepedia-Steve Gerber
• Wikipedia-Steve Gerber
  
• Wookieepedia Tatooine Sojourn

For more poeple associated with Star Wars like Mark Haigh-Hutchinson,who was a member of development staff of several Star Wars videogames, and also a project leader for Star Wars: Rogue Squadron and Shadows of the Empire, then follow this link:

Wookieepedia Main Page

Or if you want to see the article for Mark Haigh-Hutchinson then follow this link:

Mark Haigh-Hutchinson-Wookieepedia

The first in what I hope is a series; “View from the Top” will see me going around a few of our illustrious leaders to find out more about them, what they do, and what they think. My first interviewee is 2nd Lieutenant Denethor, Executive Officer of the Navy wing Phoenix.  

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Hello Denethor. First of all, let me first thank you agreeing to this interview, I know your time is precious. On behalf of the VE Today, welcome.

I’m more than happy to be doing this, so don’t worry about taking up my time, it’s perfectly fine.

Let’s start off with a little introduction: some people may only know you as 2nd Lieutenant Denethor, Corvette Captain and member of the Navy Task Force Alpha, can you fill in the blanks for us?

Well, I’ve been with the Navy for over six years now. I started off in Aegis Squadron then was approached by two other members, one of which was our beloved Arturus, to found Nazgul squadron as a Flight Leader. If I remember correctly, as it was 6 years ago, I believe that I even gave the squadron its name, so I’m happy to see that it’s one of the squadrons that are still active. In those 6 years I was forced to go into retirement/reserves a few times because of Real-Life. But upon those returns I was a Flight Leader in Kaph and Venom squadrons, and Squadron Commander of Kaph and Polaris squadrons. I retired for about a year, and then returned this last time to become Corvette Captain, and most of you know the rest.

A very impressive history, but why did you stop wanting to be part of a Squadron? How does writing as a pilot differ from that as a ship captain?

Well, when I came back this time I knew that I wouldn’t really have the time to commit as a squad commander or flight leader, and I knew that it would be even more odd to come back to being a flight member, because it had literally been years since I’d been that. Fortunately I had come back at a time when the high command was thinking about starting the task force, and it kind of fell into place from there.

Now, you have recently been made the Executive Officer for Phoenix wing, which is the main fighter wing for the VE Navy. Shazam of course is the current Commander of the wing, how do you feel about your promotion?

When I had first talked to Shazam about a job with him, it was in the Naval Academy, but that organization had so many promising members and he didn’t feel that he had the space for me, so he approached me with the Wing XO position. I had never really thought about it before, but when it was put in front of me, I was immediately attracted to it. I’m very honored that Shazam feels that I am a good candidate for the XO position, and then in the future the WC position.

What are your duties currently as the WXO? What sort of things have you been doing since your appointment?

Well, as most of you know, I sent out messages to every member trying to get their feel on their own positions and the Navy itself. Shaz felt that since I’d been gone so long, that I needed to start getting to know some of the “regular” guys who I most likely had never met, or only knew slightly from before I left. This obviously was a good idea, and I was happy to do it. The other thing that we’ve both wanted to work on is getting the quality and quantity of posts on stories up, and I’m seeing that getting better already.

Excellentt. Now as I understand it, you will eventually be taking over as commander of the wing, as our beloved Shazam wishes to retire. How to you feel about that?

I actually didn’t know that I was to be taking over when Shazam first talked to me. He had asked how I would feel with a WC position, but I automatically thought that it was to be of a second wing, that the Navy was picking up members and we would need another one. I actually found out I would be taking over when I read the meeting notes from the meeting that announced my position. It’s going to be sad to see him go, since I’ve known him the entirety of his career (he used to be my XO in Kaph), but it’s obviously something that we’re all going to have to deal with and keep moving from, and I’m honored that he feels that I would be a good replacement.

I’m sure you’ll do a good job. When you do become wing commander, what are your plans? Is there anything you wish to change/improve?

I honestly have not noticed a whole lot that needs to be changed; Shazam has done a stellar job with it. My current plans are to have some more competitions, both in writing and gaming (hopefully the boys at LucasArts will decide to give us Navy boys some more game platforms in the future). But right now my biggest concern is activity and the quality of posts. Some of the new guys just need to be taught the proper length and quality of a story post, and I hope to utilize SC’s and FL’s to help train them. (As has always been the case. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone; we’ve all been there as newbs)

Of course. When taking up the role of wing commander, you’ll have more involvement in creating the stories for the navy – will this deter you from participating in them? Do your current duties get in the way of your commitment to the task force?

I certainly hope that they won’t. In the future I wish to use my ship as a coordinating point during the battles, an HQ of sorts. I fully intend to remain active with the TFA, but it would obviously have to take a back burner to my duties as WC.

What is your view on the current state of the Navy? Obviously there aren’t as many people as in the Army, but do you think we have it pretty good anyway? Would you like to see more squadrons up?

From what I’ve noticed, the quality of the Navy is at one of its bests since I’ve been a member, like I said, my only qualms are with story quality, and activity (and by activity, I suppose I mean membership).

And finally, do you have any aspirations after Wing Commander? Will we be interviewing ‘Real Admiral Denethor’ someday?

Certainly everyone sees them self as “Rear Admiral” or “Grand Admiral”, but right now I just don’t see that as my future. Would I like to possibly be on the NHC some day? Yes, but what my position would be is any man’s guess and dream. I’m happy where I’m headed right now, and if the higher ups feel that I’m better in a stronger leadership role, then I’m obviously not going to argue. I’ve been here six years, and while my trek could be a slow one when compared to Riel Fury and Japheth (who both came in around the same time I did), I’m happy with it, and can see myself here at least another 6 years.

Well, once again thank you for the interview. On behalf of our readers let me just congratulate you on your appointment, and we look forward to seeing your work in the future.

Thank you, and I hope that I won’t disappoint. 

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Stay tuned for more updates from “View from the Top”.

“If I could sum it up in a word, I’d say ‘magic.’ John is able to put a magical and ethereal essence into his paintings.” ―Julian Montoya, director of international marketing for Fox Home entertainment.

Born sometime in 1948, John became a very successful Artist for Star Wars fans around the world. He was an illustrator who worked on multiple Star Wars book covers, posters video covers, and apparently over 120 separate movie campaigns. He died Wednesday, February 6th 2008, from a Heart Attack, His family and friends were grief stricken. He had many friends who like his family simply adored him and his artworks. John did many artworks for Star Wars books, posters movies, etc.

He was 59 when he past away so unexpectedly. He was considered the pre-eminent movie campaign artist of the past 35 years, Alvin’s career began in 1974 with his creation of the iconic movie poster for Mel Brook’s “Blazing Saddles”.

He most recently contributed many design ideas for the campaign for Walt Disney Studio’s “Enchanted.” In a career that encompassed multiple projects for directors like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Blake Edwards, Mel Brooks and Ridley Scott. He was considered by many studios as the go-to artist for movie poster and campaign art. John Alvin said that his work “created the promise of a great experience” and in that he never failed.

I think he really lived up to that statement to till the day he died. He was a great man as well. John Alvin was married, his wife’s name was Andrea, had recently relocated to New York’s Hudson Valley from Los Angeles in order to be closer to their daughter. He only had one child named Farah, a Broadway actress. John Alvin said that as a child he eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Sunday paper so that he could peruse the ads for the new movies playing at the local theaters.

He was enamored with the magic of film at an early age and would create art inspired largely by his love of film. Those passions led him to the Art Center College of Design where he actually met his wife, Andrea (also a student at Art Center) from which he graduated in the early 1970s. Even Walt Disney had many great things to say about him,

His work inspires us,” say the Disney marketing execs. “Alvin brings emotion into his artwork that can only be captured in an illustration. We call it ‘Alvinizing’.”

Alvin acquired a full array of artist’s skills and techniques as a student of the distinguished Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. Soon thereafter, in 1974, he got his chance to put his love of entertainment art and his artist training to work by creating the campaign art for Mel Brook’s Blazing Saddles.

He has developed and maintained a very loyal following among collectors of cinema art, making his original art and signed reproductions much wanted and revered pieces of movie memorabilia. Truly, John Alvin belongs to a very special and very short list of cinema art masters whose works have become icons in Hollywood’s rich and colorful history.

John was featured in the Star Wars insider 27, in an article titled “The Art of John Alvin Promises the Magic that Lucasfilm Movies Deliver.” He also appeared at the Celebration IV Art show in May 2007. He did many works for many books, some including the Jedi Academy Trilogy, Queen in Disguise, plus more. A quote from a Star Wars expanded Universe article states this:
“Theater audiences were lining up around the block night after night and Darth Vader appeared on the cover of Time magazine,” Alvin recalls. “The impact on my life is reflected in the impact on my art and Star Wars has been a key part of my career since then. It still is and will be for a long time.”

Alvin’s first poster was a picture of some of the most famous droids, you could probably guess who they are but I am still going to tell you. The poster depicts the two droids R2-D2, and his companion C-3PO as musicians. A quote from the man John himself, “The Star Wars Concert poster has become very rare and quite collectible.”

Another known collectible poster that Alvin created that is also rare and very favored among his fans is a “wide banner-like poster celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Star Wars made in 1987.

A poster From the Star Wars Celebration IV John created is this:

(Site Source, http://www.starwars.com/community/event/celebration/news20070323.html)

A Star Wars Expanded Universe article also has a statement from Alivan about his 10th Anniversary poster as well:

“Using the tagline ‘The first ten years’ on my Tenth Anniversary Star Wars poster was my idea. It seemed more uplifting and promising to commemorate the first ten as though there would be no future limit and, so far there hasn’t been. In the poster, I also wanted to reflect the broad expanse of the widescreen cinematic vision we all saw in a theater,” Alvin adds. “As most posters are vertical, I thought the anniversary piece should remind us of the movie experience and hence, the horizontal format. I wanted fans to be carried along again as Luke is compelled by great forces to recognize and embrace his destiny. We see what he sees as though he is saluting the very saga we see displayed within the larger-than-life title.”

He also made a series of paintings he called “The Force Influence.”

As Destiny Unfolds:

Johns words on this poster are these:

“Obi-Wan is the means by which Luke is drawn toward his own destiny and as the Jedi Knight’s tale comes to a physical end, he must point ‘the new hope’ in the right direction if there is ever to be peace in the galaxy,” Alvin explains. “He profoundly influences Luke by what he says to him and when he says it. I wanted to show respect for the great character of Obi-Wan and at the same time, pay homage to Sir Alec Guinnesswho so brilliantly portrayed him.

“Kenobi’s presence is grand, full of wisdom and larger than life,” Alvin continues. “He dominates the scene and yet he enfolds and cradles the innocent farm boy Luke — for all intents and purposes, a lost youth with no direction or goal. Yoda’s magnificent and enduring influence on Obi-Wan is gently suggested by the ghosted image of the Jedi Master in the sky. I wanted to set a mood of somber purpose and yet one of great affection and regard. Of all my work, this is one of my favorites.”

Another poster titled “Like Father Like Son,” was also created in the Force Influence Series.

Again Alvin’s words on this particular poster are these:

“I thought that there are few more profound relationships than that of father and son in life and this is especially true of the Star War saga,” Alvin explains. “Like any long time fan, I was captivated by Boba Fett and I thought it interesting to pose him at rest and full of potential violence. I like to think that the fire behind him depicts the gruesome end of yet another bounty. Look at the tip of his flame thrower. It’s very hot as though he was making good use of it and he has now turned to us and we should be fearful.

“Promoting our fear is the lethal legacy Boba Fett brings with his considerable skills, and this heritage is shown in the proactive and very dangerous posture of his father, the legendary Jango Fett,” Alvin continues. “It’s as though Boba wants us to know that he is the logical extension of his father and everything we fear about him, we do so with good reason. I wanted to portray the Fett lineage to reflect of the powerful hold these characters have had on all of us from the instant George Lucas put them on screen.”

(Picture from http://www.starwars.com/eu/explore/profile/f20041014/indexp3.html)

Alvin wanted to portray many characters like Queen Amidala, Princess Leia Organa, Chewy, Jabba the Hutt, Han Solo, Anakin Skywalker, although I am sure he already has in one way or another.

John didn’t just do Star Wars Artwork, he did artwork for many other things too. These are just some stated on his site but it goes to show that he was a man of many talents,

Captain Jack Sparrow,

Not Quite sure what this one is, but its a good one though,

(Source, http://johnalvin.com/)

He did works for Walt Disney too, John Alvin is said to have been chosen by Disney for works on The Lion King. He even did some works for Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, and Lord of the Rings too. He was a world wide known Artist that millions revere. None of his works will ever be matched.

On his fan-site (http://www.johnalvinart.com/) was a list of list of movie campaigns and posters worked on by John Alvin:

• Anchor Bay Ent – Tai-Pan
• Arthur II
• Artisan Ent – The Fabulous Baker Boys
• Buena Vista Home Ent – Earnest Scared Stupid
• Buena Vista Home Ent – Mr. Destiny
• Columbia Tristar – Bite The Bullit
• Columbia Tristar – By The Sword
• Columbia Tristar – Hanover Street
• Columbia Tristar – Hook
• Columbia Tristar – Lawrence Of Arabia
• Columbia Tristar – Old Gringo
• Columbia Tristar – Flatliners
• Disney – Aladdin
• Disney – Aladdin (European)
• Disney – Aladdin (Japanese)
• Disney – Arachnophobia
• Disney – Beauty And The Beast
• Disney – Big Wednesday
• Disney – Hercules (Japanese)
• Disney – Mulan ( Japanese)
• Disney – Newsies
• Disney – Pinocchio
• Disney – Rescuers Down Under
• Disney – Shipwrecked
• Disney – Snow White
• Disney – Tall Tale
• Disney – The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (European)
• Disney – The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Japanese)
• Disney – The Lion King
• Disney – The Little Mermaid
• Disney – The Three Muskateers
• Fox Home Ent – Mother, Jugs, And Speed
• Fox Home Ent – Raw Deal
• Fox Home Ent – The Verdict
• Fox Home Ent – Thumbelina
• Fox Home Entertainment -Dying Young
• Image Ent – Short Circuit
• Image Ent – The Twilight Zone
• Lisa
• Metro Goldwyn Mayer – Rainman
• Metro Goldwyn Mayer -Texasville
• Mgm – Betrayed
• Mgm – City Slickers
• Mgm – Fritz The Cat
• Mgm – Leviathan
• Mgm – Losin’ It
• Mgm – Rancho Deluxe
• Mgm – Red Dawn
• Mgm – Running Scared
• Mgm – Solarbabies
• Mgm – Spaceballs
• Mgm – The Princess Bride
• Mgm – Young Frankenstein
• Nickel Ride
• North
• Paramount Home Video – Star Trek Vi: The Undiscovered Country
• Paramount Studios – The Golden Child
• Royal Flash
• Serial
• Sherlock Holmes Smarter Brother
• Smile
• Twentieth Century Fox – Phantom Of The Paradise
• Twentieth Century Fox – Star Wars: The Concerts
• Twentieth Century Fox – The Turning Point
• Twentieth Century Fox – Star Wars 10th Anniversary
• Twentieth Century Fox -Project X
• Twentieth Century Fox -Rhinestone
• Twentieth Century Fox Silent Movie
• Twentieth Century Fox -Willow
• Twentieth Century Fox – Alien (15th Anniversary)
• Twentieth Century Fox – High Anxiety
• Twentieth Century Fox -History Of The World Part 1
• Twentieth Century Fox -Cocoon
• Twentieth Century Fox -Cocoon The Return
• Twentieth Century Fox -Conrack
• Umvd – Legend
• Umvd – Melvin And Howard
• Universal Studios – Always
• Universal Studios – Cape Fear
• Universal Studios – Darkman
• Universal Studios – E.T.
• Universal Studios – E.T. (Advance)
• Universal Studios – E.T. (Re-Release)
• Universal Studios – The Milagro Beanfield War
• Vestron Video – Ironweed
• Warner Home Video – Cats Don’t Dance
• Warner Home Video – Empire Of The Sun
• Warner Home Video – My Favorite Year
• Warner Home Video – S.O.B.
• Warner Home Video – Christopher Columbus: The Discovery
• Warner Home Video – Joe Vs. The Volcano
• Warner Home Video – Gremlins
• Warner Home Video – Innerspace
• Warner Home Video – Victor/Victoria
• Warner Studio – Mosquito Coast
• Warner Studio – That’s Dancing!
• Warner Studio – The Color Purple
• Warner Studios – 10
• Warner Studios – Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
• Warner Studios – Batman Returns
• Warner Studios – Blade Runner
• Warner Studios – Blazing Saddles
• Warner Studios – Cobra
• Warner Studios – Deal Of The Century
• Warner Studios – Innocent Blood
• Warner Studios – New Jack City
• Warner Studios – Pee Wee’s Big Adventure
• Warner Studios – Quest For Camelot
• Warner Studios – Spies Like Us
• Warner Studios – The Frisco Kid
• Warner Studios – The Goonies
• Warner Studios – The Lost Boys
• Warner Studios – The Nutcracker Prince
• Warner Studios – Under Siege (European)

As you can see John completed many, many works throughout his life, some you may have heard of, others maybe not. If you didn’t know about some of those on that list, well know you do. I know millions appreciated Johns works whether they be Family, Friends, Employers, Fans, etc.
John lived a long, and no doubt a very worthy and fun life. John is a hero to many, a friend, and idol, and many other things no doubt. John Alvin will never be forgotten by anybody so long as Star Wars survives. Let us never forget everything he did for the world no matter who we are.

John Alvin was a man of many talents, Art probably being only just one of them. John said many things, here is just another one. John Alvin the Legendary Star Wars Artist may be dead, even confirmed by Lucas Arts, but he will be missed. Our respects and wishes go with him tonight. May he rest in peace, and his family be at peace.

• StarWars.com profile of John with lots of quotes
  “When working on any image relative to the Star Wars saga, all I have to remember is how I felt when I first saw the Rebel Blockade Runner overtaken by the Imperial Star Destroyer in the opening of Episode IV,” Alvin explains. “From that moment on, I was forever a part of the Star Wars universe. “

Article Links:

• www.johnalvin.com
• www.johnalvinart.com
• starwars.wikia.com/wiki/John_Alvin
• www.starwars.com-John Alvin
• Celebration IV Poster
• There may be more links, but these were the main ones, besides google

Here is a round-up of the latest HoloNet Headlines that have broken out in the past few days:

Vectra

A Naval Academy recruit was killed in a live fire exercise in the space around Abrea.

The institution’s in-house training squadron known as “Sting Squadron” were practising flight v flight combat tactics when a malfunction caused one pilots shields to fail.

He was being pursued by an “attacker” at the time. The other recruit fired upon the stricken craft without realising what was going on, and the TIE fighter was destroyed, killing the pilot.

The pilot has been identified as Theo Wallace, a 22-year-old man from Tadath. His father expressed his sorrow in a press interview earlier today, but did not lay the blame on the Academy.

Naval High Command has commented that they will be launching an investigation into the matter as soon as possible.

Rheagent

The Provisional Government in the Rheagent system is considering a blanket ban on weapons within the Asve, the Capital city of the world of Cepany.

Crime involving weapons are at an all time high within the capital, officials warned, and they feel that a ban would help clamp down on the troubles.

Armed robbery and murder have the highest crime rates in the capital. Last week an inspector from the PGR was shot outside of the Administration building, which instigated this call for a ban.

Only the local Stormtrooper detachment – the 33^rd Cepany “Creepers” – would be allowed to bear arms.

Protests have been held across the city, with protesters claiming that every citizen deserves the right to bear arms, especially in such an unstable environment.

The issue is currently being debated in the courts, and a ruling is expected within the next few days.

Sian

A new virus has swept through the ranks of the Stormtooper Corps on Tadath.

While the virus is not lethal to humans, Twi’lekks have proven to be susceptible to the mutation, along with Zabracks.

No-one has yet died, however infected species have come down with severe colds, and in some cases bowel disorders.

Health and Safety officials have called for an immediate inspection of the facilities, and Doctors are working hard on finding a cure for the outbreak.

Yesterday the marks the day for the launching of the new satellites by the space program called ISOA, or the “Intergalactic Space Observation Association.” They are an old but very important space program that has circled the universe for centuries observing everything they can. To them it is a big deal to observe space, its unlimited sources of life, and just about anything about space and such.

Many things we know about space today are because of the ISOA and their uncanny abilities for finding rare and very useful information. The ISOA has launched the satellite, or rather 20 different satellites to circle the universe for the next century. The ISOA have several rather big bases all across the universe, and several space stations some which are also mobile. As stated before, the ISOA gather thousands of terra-bytes of data in only one year. The data they gather happens to include some things such as anything related to space, its living/non-living beings, etc.

Last year they launched the new UPS, or Universal Positioning System, which has out dated any thing like it. UPS is made up of millions of rather small satellites and planetary satellite bases which work much like Earth’s own GPS system. The only differences are among the fact that it covers most of the universe instead. It has been a revolution for any pilot that has been able to acquire it for no longer will they be lost in the cold oblivions of space.

These new satellites will not only attribute to the UPS, but also gather massive amounts of data as well as many other very useful things too. Each one is auto-controlled by the main ISOA base. Data is collected by these satellites and then relayed all the way back to the ISOA main base, then distributed to all the other bases across the universe. We can not disclose the location, or rather locations of these bases for most are unknown, and the few we do know help us out quite a bit, and it would be a great loss to lose them.

Intergalactic medicine has been revolutionized because of the ISOA, so has technology, resources of all kinds, life all over the universe, as well as many more things that have also forever been changed because of this organization. Anything put out by the ISOA is usually heavily guarded and always highly revered by many. The projects put out by the ISOA have always been able to help many numerously.

The project has taken an estimated 150 billion credits to do, and has been building up to this point for just over a decade. These satellites have very high and dangerous security features for those of you who get any cute ideas. These satellites have been equipped with nano-technology to self-repair themselves, and such. The Empire has put some credits of their own into this massive project so that they too can have access to some of these gargantuan satellites.

The President of the ISOA made a quick statement at the unveiling today at the unveiling after celebration as well: “I as the President of the ISOA am getting old. But to know that a project that I have overseen has once again been completed, especially one on such a massive scale, well it has been a pleasure. May future generations be able to prosper from this project, and let us hope we ourselves also benefit as well.”

The President of the ISOA did not stick around long after his speech, but at least he gave one. These past few years it has been reported that the president has been quite ill, and he may not be around these next few years. It has been a tradition that when the president dies, his vice president will take his place, so there is no worry on how or if they will get a new president though.

These satellites will hopefully enlighten all future generations, but it may be hard when some people have actually taken to destroying these multi-million dollar satellites. Since the unveiling of the satellites, and the launch, 3 of these massive monuments have been destroyed. This puts the lost credits still piling quite high, so to counteract this extra measures have been applied because of these profane acts. But there is no telling even with all these precautions whether or not these great satellites will still be safe.

When the thought of these satellites actually being destroyed ran through the Presidents mind, he then sent out his own private navy, which isn’t quite as big as the empires though. But several planets and solar systems have offered up their own troops to contribute to the mighty cause and its protection to make the protection for these satellites that much better. One thing is for sure, nobody knows who is doing the destroying, but they will indefinitely be punished.

The satellites normally are able to take a full scale, high quality hologram recording of anything around them which includes potentially dangerous foes. But even the fact that the three satellites were blown up, should not have stopped the CPU’s ,and the other most critical components of the satellites from being lost in the explosions for they have been encased in several hundreds of pounds of the strongest metal the ISOA has access to. Plus after the blast a homing device goes off to alert the ISOA that the encased components are floating around in space.

Right after the destruction of any of these satellites, it is standard procedure that a highly specialized team would dispatch from the ISOA to recover the data. It also just so happens that inside would also be the hologram recording of the destroyers for use of evidence in a galactic court. Strangely the homing device went off, but when the team went to recover the data from the satellites, the encased shells from all three satellites were gone. This was strange, but even so after the first time it happened they simply dismissed it. But when it happened a second and third time, the alert went out, and investigations began.

Currently many are investigating this issue so that those who are responsible will be apprehended and dealt with by the galactic court of law. Little is still known, but the info is however growing at a fairly steady pace. Officials hope that within a few days or even weeks enough information will be known to put any responsible for the destruction of these gigantic satellites are put behind electro-laser bars in a galactic prison.
We hope that no more of these great monuments of space will be destroyed, but only time will tell. Wishing the President of the ISOA the best wishes,and the investigations being put out, this concludes the article.

Stunning reports show a devastating attack on Vega Minor, a small but significant planet just on the outskirts of the empire. It supplies much of the galaxies metallic ores for the building of ships, buildings, and just about anything else our galaxy uses for metal. We still have no idea why the Republic would do such a thing when they themselves are supplied get one fourth of their supplies by the Vegans. This is a huge movement for the republicans and only time can tell how this can really affect our galaxy.

Reports are showing that the Vegans are in turmoil trying to repair what little they have. Local planets around Vega Minor are sending the Vegans supplies and help, but it may not be enough. Vega Minor is a small planet, about the size of t the Milky War galaxy’s planet Mars. Vega Minor is a planet with very little usable land. Instead the Vegans found extremely rich metals on what little land usable on Vega Minor, so they built massive robot controlled mines to get the rich minerals, ores and such.

Where do the Vegans live? Well they have built structures much like the cloud cities on Bespin. The air on Vega Minor is toxic to everyone but the Vegans who have adapted to the planets harsh conditions. The rest of the planet is covered in molten lava, though the bodies of lava are far enough away from the mines that the ground is cool enough to walk on though.

Vega minor is now in ruins, most the air-cities are now disintegrated in the lava. Few cities managed to stay air born, but half did not. Only just over a fourth the population of the Vegans was killed. Those who were not killed escaped from their cities in time. Only less than a third of the mines were destroyed, but the damage had been done. Vega Minors government is and has lost billions of credits, but they are rapidly trying to regain what ever they can.

More reports lead to suspicion of a new separatist group that may be forming up inside the Republic itself. In the Republics own reports shows that a separatist group is indeed forming, and that they are showing radical activity. For now this group is definitely nothing for the Empire to worry about, the new group is the Republics worries not ours. However the Vegans are indeed something for us to worry about.

Somewhat recent studies have shown that much of the empires metal resources come from the Vegans, not directly of course but still the resources originate from Vega Minor. This could affect the empire quite a bit in the very near future, but we can always try to gather resources from other systems and planets, just maybe with a higher import price. The Separatists even took all the resources from the mines before they destroyed them.

Vegan air forces were finally able to get the Separatists out, but not in time to save most of their air structures or mines. Local authorities are however investigating the attack that surprised everyone so far. They want to be able to find out this new group and if possible they want to exterminate this new group before it gets any more cute ideas. If this new group that calls themselves Separatist X, who will son be classified as galactic terrorists if they do not cease their radical behavior.

Republicans say themselves they are tired of the new group who has vandalized much of their buildings. The group is not growing as fast as it was, and its growth has slowed down quite a bit. But the fact remains that it is a fairly large organization. This takes us back to the empire wanting to investigate the group themselves, and if needed take down this Separatist X.

They have never been reported to have done anything as radical as this attack, and some fear that maybe they will get out of hand. But once again they are still not too much of a threat to an empire. But the question still remains; will they do anything like this again? If they do, who will they dare to attack? Will they grow to be a larger organization? If they do attack how might it affect us and the rest of the galaxy?

These questions have been in hot debate for days now, and nobody is any closer to the truth than the rest of us. One thing has become certain: recently recovered intelligence reveals that another planet may be in danger. Certainly Separatist X has gotten some what larger, and of how will another attack on another planet affect us? If they attack another important planet like Vega Minor, then how exactly that will affect the empire.

Already prices in metallic resources have risen significantly, and can everybody afford another attack. Planets that have agreed to help the Vegans are slowly wiping themselves out as they continue to supply such a needy planet. Vega Minor may be small, but it has a fairly vast population, and the air-cities were not just grown on hypo genetic trees you know.

So what can we do? Well at this moment maybe nothing, except maybe try to find this groups base, investigate, or even just bring them down. No they are not a direct threat to the empire, but they are a threat in a ways. By taking out one planet that definitely is needed by the empire, they sure can affect us indirectly, but surely. We need to try and prevent this group from spreading and growing, and definitely from attacking again.

While authorities do not have names or places yet, the organization does hold some power over the planet Estillar X. It is an icy planet that holds colds so extreme extensive care must be taken, as well as specialized gear as well. This clue allows authorities to do a minor and quick scan to most cargo ships, just in case they might be smuggling this gear. Finding these ships could lead to a big break through in the case.

All in all this can be a very serious matter, and also a matter with very little significance to the empire, at least for now. So as we go about our lives, lets remember this new Separatist X, and hopefully take them down.

Citizens throughout the Vast Empire have come together this week to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Third Outer Rim War, a conflict that cost the Empire dearly and one that shall never be forgotten. Shorter than most wars, the third battle for the Outer Rim, which was localised in the Subterrel sector lasted only two months, but it was a bloody 2 months. The Imperial coalition lost over 2 million lives in total, and as many wounded. Most of these lives were lost when the planet of Teyeong was re-taken from Imperial forces. Several VET reporters were also killed in this battle.

The main confrontations were between Imperial and Rebel factions; however a third faction soon entered war, hell bent on claiming the area for their own dark desires. These mysterious invaders are known only as the “Sith”, and little is known about who they are, what they want, or what they do. Anonymous reports sent to this paper have hinted at links between the Sith, the Jedi, and a rumoured “Order” that exists within the VE. Unfortunately we can confirm none of this, and so must sit back and pray that the brave men and women who were lost in the war didn’t die in vain, or at the behest of some secret agenda.

As the name suggests, there had been two previous wars in that sector, but the Vast Empire didn’t get involved until this conflict, answering the call to arms from its valued allies amongst the other splinter factions.

The week’s Remembrances started with a minutes silence at noon to mark the first day of the conflict, with another one scheduled later in the week to honour the Second battle of Teyeong, where so many servicemen and women were killed. The intervening time will be filled with a multitude of honour parades, and solemn services by local parishioners. Ceremonies will also be held to honour the living heroes of the war. Commander Shodon, captain of the ISD Suspense will receive especial accreditation for his actions at the Derxes route, a battle that saw the Imperial Coalition firmly routed from the sector. This will be broadcasted live on the Holonet.

Grand Moff Kadann has announced that the day marking the Imperial rout from the sector will be claimed a public holiday, dubbed “Derxes Day”, and no-one is obliged to work that day.

We here at VET will honour our fallen comrades by reciting a motto that we believe sums up the Vast Empire, and all who serve in it:

Loyalty, Honour, Courage.