French photographer Cedric Delsaux sees a different setting for the Star Wars saga when he looks through the lens-a post-apocalyptic wasteland full of ruined buildings and bleak landscapes.

It’s the kind of place that seems perfect for devotees of the Dark Side, a world which leaves most droids feeling a bit lost. Here’s a bit on how this photo series came to be:

In his series ‘The Dark Lens’, Delsaux first set out to highlight the decay of the post-apocalyptic modern world, but found the landscapes too plain.

That was when he incorporated notable scenes and characters from Star Wars, with the help of CGI maestro Pierrick Gueneugue, bringing to life two distant worlds.

We’ve featured the works of Cedric Delsaux here on Neatorama  over the years (Link and Link), and now he’s back because his series The Dark Lens has been put together in a book, which features a forward by George Lucas (link).

What an interesting way to put a spin on a sub-genre and sci-fi series which are in danger of becoming an artistic cliche. And I quite like the idea of Darth Vader lording over the reconstruction of a massive skyscraper (Death Star Towers, maybe?), while Jabba the Hut is holed up in some rat infested slums, conducting his dirty business from the shadows.

Link  –via DesignTAXI

Costume retailer HalloweenCostumes.com recently held a contest for variations on Darth Vader’s iconic helmet. This feathery one wasn’t among the winners, but I think it’s the cutest. Who could resist obeying his every command?

Winners and Other Contestants -via The Mary Sue

Dann Matthews is right. Darth Vader and Don Draper have a lot in common, such as a mysterious past and the ability to force-choke people at ten paces.

-via Popped Culture

This beautiful papercraft Darth Vader imitates the Christian icons of Byzantine art. It was made by the Spanish designer Lubolo. The best part of the project is the video at the link which shows how Lubolo made it. If you’ve ever wondered how three-dimensional papercraft images are made, the video will give you a great demonstration.

Link -via Technabob

He’s more tableware now than man. Alain Bellino sculpted this Darth Vader bust out of old pieces of metal, including silver spoons for the eyes and cabinet hinges on the mask.

Link -via Technabob

Darth Vader directs a flashmob choir at Algonquin College. The Television Broadcasting students organized this with the help of the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir to lighten the mood during finals.

Please note: Lord Vader is not enrolled or on faculty at Algonquin.

-via Buzzfeed

He-Man’s days are numbered now that he faces a far more dangerous foe. Ryan Renders made this bust for a charity auction. And since we all know that Skeletor is a generous fellow, he’d appreciate the gesture.

Link -via Kotaku

James Earl Jones provided the voice of Darth Vader in the original trilogy. In an interview with BBC News, Jones asserted that George Lucas’s first choice for that role was Orson Welles. But Lucas reasoned that Welles’s voice was too well-known.

The tragedy is that Bobcat Goldthwait was too young provide his voice. Surely he would have been the ideal Vader.

What other actors do you think would have been good in the role of Darth Vader?

Link (warning: auto-sound) -via blastr | Images: BBC, IMDb

This Star Wars-themed Christmas tree has gone to the Dark Side. I believe the only light is the light saber! This picture is just begging for puns, which you can find in the reddit thread. Link -via @johncfarrier

Who can hold a candle to the Grinch in evilness? Darth Vader, that’s who! This mashup of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Return of the Jedi is the latest from OneMinuteGalactica. -via Buzzfeed

Darth Vader — or, as I strongly suspect, a man impersonating Darth Vader — walked into the mayor’s office in Odessa, Ukraine last week. He cited a law that granted free land to any citizen who wished to claim it. Vader indicated that he planned to build some sort of spaceport or base and submitted an application. They gave him the usual bureaucratic run-around:

“The application has been registered and will be considered,” a spokeswoman for the mayor’s office told Reuters.

“We are not on the dark side, we are light-side people,” she added.

Link -via Flavorwire

Princess Leia, say it ain’t so -he may be hardcore, but he’s not only evil, he’s also your father! Well, it still looks pretty darn awesome either way.

Link

At this point, you have to be pretty young to not know what happens in the Star Wars saga. That said, this contains spoilers. Faris is four years old, and here he sees The Empire Strikes Back for the first time. The camera captures his surprise at the twist. -via Metafilter

This cartoon, that Geeks Are Sexy rightfully titled “You’re A Skywalker, Not A Street Walker,” just goes to show how everyone’s adolescent years are pretty much the same -even Princesses.

Link Via Geeks Are Sexy

Hopefully he is voiced by James Earl Jones instead of Christian Bale. Or Kevin Conroy, who was the best Batman of them all.

Link -via Geekologie | Photo: Unknown

Previously: Bat Vader

In the new Blu-ray version of Return of the Jedi, Darth Vader cries out “No!” as he kills the Emperor. CineWeekly thinks this is the new Wilhelm scream, and therefore added it to many classic movies, from Casablanca to Dumb and Dumber.

-via The Mary Sue

Through the eyes of Robbi Rodriguez, pop culture icons such as Doctor Who, Darth Vader and the Rocketeer are imbued with frenetic energy, rendered in pen and ink with  jagged outlines and a roughness which is counterbalanced by sharp, smooth detail. Take your eyeballs on a tour of the pic gallery posted on ComicsAlliance, then head to Robbi’s website for more ocular delights!

Link -via ComicsAlliance

You cannot resist the power of the Steamy Side. This steampunk mask made by Michael Salerno “represents the Imperial aspirations of the European powers in the 19th Century.”

Link -via Bit Rebels | Previously: Steampunk Darth Vader Mask

To promote the newly-opened Star Tours at Disneyland, Darth Vader himself came to check it out. The problem? It wasn’t quiiiiite ready. What’s a Sith Lord to do? Explore the park, obviously.

You can also see lots of sweet extended cuts:
Darth at the Sword in the Stone
Darth watches a parade
Darth on the tea cups
Darth walks through Sleeping Beauty Castle
Darth at a dance party

Link via Disney Parks Blog

Japanese sushi chef Oki showed us his latest creation, Darth Vader made out of carrots! Never has the Sith Lord looked so yummily crunchy: Link - via Between the Pages

I just got back from Comic Con today and while there were tons of people dressed as Darth Vader and a few artistically painted Vader helmets, there was nothing like this wonderful disco ball or the Darth Vader gas mask featured on this great Oddee article. If there was, I might have ended up spending even more money on things I don’t need.

Link

Darth Vader USB Hub - $44.95

Is the force not with you when it comes to available USB ports?  You need the Darth Vader USB Hub from the NeatoShop.  This 4-port USB Hub, shaped like Darth Vader’s helmet, makes breathing sounds when you plug in a USB device.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more frighteningly fabulous Computer Gadgets.

Link

One thing’s for sure, Liam Brazier’s lack of curvey lines certainly does not disturb the Sith Lord. Check out more of his uniquely angular illustrations here: Link (don’t miss the Cave Man one!)

See also: Neat Star Wars stuff from the NeatoShop

No! Don’t give George Lucas any ideas!

Actually, though, this would be an improvement over the prequels. So, yeah: go with a My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic crossover.

You can view other wonderful Vader birthday cakes at the link. Link -via Geekosystem

Nothing like a cold blueberry Darth Vader pop or a strawberries and cream Marilyn Monroe-sicle to quench your thirst on a hot summer day, is there? Created by a Russian company called Stoyn, these treats also come in Mario (tequila sunrise), a graffiti can (bubble gum), Donald Duck (banana chocolate), Mickey Mouse (mango) and poet Vladimir Mayakovsky (cranberry vodka).

Link via Laughing Squid

Have you been searching the galaxy and galaxies far, far away for the perfect keychain? You need the Darth Vader LEGO Star Wars Key Light from the NeatoShop. Darth Vader’s movable arms and legs makes dancing around the Dark Lord so much fun.  This is an impressive, most impressive, keyring.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fantastic Star Wars Items.

Link

Are you a Star Wars fanatic in need of a new flashlight?  Behold the Star Wars Lightsaber Flashlight (Darth Vader) from the NeatoShop.  This fabulous red LED flashlight has lightsaber sound effects when you turn it on/off.  Get one of these flashlights and a light source force will always be with you!  Star Wars Lightsaber Flashlight (Anakin Skywalker) is also available.

Be sure to check out all the fabulous Star Wars items available at the NeatoShop.

Link

The Galactic Empire Times, which looks suspiciously like the New York Times, has a breaking story.

CORUSCANT — Obi-Wan Kenobi, the mastermind of some of the most devastating attacks on the Galactic Empire and the most hunted man in the galaxy, was killed in a firefight with Imperial forces near Alderaan, Darth Vader announced on Sunday.

In a late-night appearance in the East Room of the Imperial Palace, Lord Vader declared that “justice has been done” as he disclosed that agents of the Imperial Army and stormtroopers of the 501st Legion had finally cornered Kenobi, one of the leaders of the Jedi rebellion, who had eluded the Empire for nearly two decades. Imperial officials said Kenobi resisted and was cut down by Lord Vader’s own lightsaber. He was later dumped out of an airlock.

There’s much more. The ads and comments are priceless. Link -via reddit

Imagine an ice cream truck rolling into your neighborhood playing that tune -wouldn’t you run to it as fast as you can? Admiral Snackbar, indeed! This is an advertisement for Star Wars Popsicles, one of many April Fool’s Day items from Think Geek. Link

Darth Vader Talking Dashboard Driver – $9.95

Do you have trouble coming up with things to say when someone cuts you off? Do you wish you could be cool like Darth Vader? The Darth Vader Talking Dashboard Driver from the NeatoShop is for you!  Sit back and let Darth do all the talking (or heavy breathing).  Umm….but you will have to still drive the car.  Sorry, he can’t do everything for you. Some things you still have to do for yourself.

This item is also the perfect desk accessory.

Be sure you check out the NeatoShop for more Star Wars fun!

Darth Vader Talking Plush – $25.95

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Try cuddling up with the Darth Vader Talking Plush from the NeatoShop. Nothing soothes the nerves like the heavy breathing of the Sith Lord.  Who knew the Dark Side could be so comforting and cute!

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more Star Wars fun!

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2011/03/01/darth-vader-talking-plush/feed/ 0 http://www.neatorama.com/2011/01/03/the-sith-lord-on-vacation/ http://www.neatorama.com/2011/01/03/the-sith-lord-on-vacation/#comments Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:13:28 +0000 Alex http://www.neatorama.com/2011/01/03/the-sith-lord-on-vacation/
Image: abell [Flickr]

In this vinyl collectible "Lord on Vacation" by Abell Octovan and Surya Sunburn, the Sith Lord will surely come back from his vacation all rested and ready to be disturbed in someone’s lack of faith.

Link

Cthulhu Wacky Wobbler - $12.95

In his house at R'lyeh, wacky Cthulhu wobbler waits dreaming ... to be given as cool Christmas gift. If you've got a sci-fi lover in your family, look no further than this Gift Guide for Sci-Fi Lovers from the NeatoShop:

Darth Vader Cookie Jar	TARDIS Ice Bucket	Zombie Brain Gelatin Mold
I Want To Believe, the Alien Version	Stormtrooper Zombie Bobblehead	Matt Busch's Zombie Posters

I Heart Sci-Fi T-Shirt - $11.95 (also available as sweatshirt & hoodie)

Link: Gift Guide for Sci-Fi Lovers

When Ethan cut a paper snowflake that faintly resembled a Storm Trooper, his mother took the idea and ran with it. The result is this Darth Vader snowflake and another with Bobba Fett and a Clone Trooper. Link -Thanks, David!

David Johns created a portrait of Darth Vader using the script of Star Wars as his medium. At the link, you can zoom in to see what’s written in different parts of the image.

Link via Geekologie

Om nom nom nom … who knew that joining the Dark Side would be this yummy? Here’s what the Sith Lord uses to keep all those cookies: the Darth Vader Cookie Jar from the NeatoShop. Each limited-edition cookie jar is hand-painted (with proper application of The Force, undoubtedly), so get yours before they’re all gone.

Link | More Star Wars Items from the NeatoShop

See also: Come to the Dark Side, We Have Cookies T-Shirt

Even the Dark Side takes a break every now and then, and Darth Vader’s choice of getaway is Hawai’i! Jill Ulander caught a series of photographs of the Dark Lord kicking back on the Big Island. Link -via Buzzfeed

How can you improve the iconic Imperial March theme from Star Wars? Just add a little Beethoven! Here’s Richard Grayson playing (and improvising the way only Richard Grayson can) the Darth Vader theme in classical piano: Hit play or go to Link [YouTube] – via Topless Robot

The “How It Should Have Ended” series tackles the weird disconnect from reality most of us noticed in the Star Wars saga. Put yourself in Darth Vader’s place and see what really should have happened in the movie The Empire Strikes Back at Geeks Are Sexy. Link

Remember the “surprised kitty” video (below) that made it around the Internet a few months ago? It shows a kitten playing with a human in fairly superior kitten cuteness. YouTube user CapnPeteStraw offers this parody, featuring an adorable baby Darth Vader. (via GearFuse)

If you are a Star Wars fan, a Tai Chi practitioner and you need to demonstrate your skills as an animator, why not combine all three in to one?  That is exactly what animation student John Francis Leo has done here in something of a labor of love – and the results are a hypnotically compelling animation.  Darth Vader takes you (and a couple of thousand stormtroopers) through the 42-form paces of Tai Chi. 

No need to worry if you are a beginner. If you are going to learn, learn from a master. Our in house expert Mister Darth Vader (DV to his friends, as seen on Oprah and Ellen) will take you through your paces and reveal to you the secrets of Tai Chi. After all – the word chi in Chinese means life-force and it is the energy created by all living beings in the universe. Use the Force!

Link

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by taliesyn30.

Joseph Senior photoshopped Hello Kitty into a variety of pop culture crossover / mashup. Can’t beat the Darth Kitty with a ribbon bow helmet! Toysrevil has more: Link – via The Jailbreak

Darth Vader Unmasked MIMOBOT USB Flash Drive - $29.95

Just landed at the NeatoShop from a galaxy far, far away are the Star Wars MIMOBOT USB Flash Drives. From Darth Vader to Darth Maul, Yoda to Wampa, there are no cooler protector of you digital data than these Star Wars licensed drives.

R2-D2 Star Wars MIMOBOT USB Flash Drive - $29.95

Yoda	Stormtrooper	Wicket the Ewok

Link: Star Wars MIMOBOT Flash Drives | Back to School | Computer Gadgets

Just landed at the NeatoShop from a Galaxy far, far away are some really nifty 4" Star Wars Talking Plush Keychains. Featuring your favorite cast of characters, from Darth to Yoda to Artoo and Chewie: Link

The scene shows Darth Vader calling to his son to join the Dark Side and Luke Skywalker working on his lightsaber before taking on Jabba the Hutt.

Link [embedded YouTube clip]

That’s it, Neatoramanauts! We’ve joined the Evil Empire the minute we got this Darth Vader coffee mug for the NeatoShop. After all, who could refuse such impeccably worded request?

Link

Link [embedded YouTube - did you catch the land speeder in the background?]

If you’ve ever had to look for pens, pencils and other small little things floating around in your bag, you need these Yummy Pockets from the NeatoShop. They’re zippered pouches shaped like hot dog (above), pita, money, tacos, slices of pizza and more.

I’ve got one in my bag – that’s where I keep the Ibuprofen for all the headaches Neatorama gives me every day!

Link | More Yummy Pockets | More Neat Back to School Stuff

If taking directions from Mr. T on your Tom Tom GPS navigation system is doesn’t pity the fool enough for you, you can choose the Dark Side. Here’s an ad from Tom Tom, featuring Darth Vader.

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by oezicomix.

Anthropologist Michael Rakowitz has an upcoming exhibit at the Tate Museum in London. In it, he proposes that Saddam Hussein may have consciously or unconsciously been influenced by Western science fiction, particularly Star Wars. In New Scientist, Jessica Griggs writes:

You may have heard that when US troops stormed one of Saddam’s palaces they stumbled across lurid posters by fantasy artist Rowena Morrill. But did you know that she’s a close friend of Boris Vallejo, the artist who drew the iconic poster for The Empire Strikes Back depicting Darth Vader with two lightsabres crossed over his head?

Does the poster’s image sound familiar? It is remarkably similar to Saddam’s Hands of Victory monument commemorating Iraq’s victory over Iran. The arch in central Baghdad consists of two bronze casts of Saddam’s forearms holding two 43-metre-long crossed steel swords melted down from the weapons of slain Iraqis; the helmets of vanquished Iranians litter the base of the hands.

On inauguration day in 1989, Saddam rode through the arches on a white horse, declaring “The worst condition is to pass under a sword which is not one’s own or to be forced down a path which is not willed by him”.

Could this all be coincidence? Perhaps, but you’ll be convinced otherwise once you’ve read about Saddam’s private militia’s uniform. Before his son, Uday, handed over control of the Fedayeen Sadaam (translation: “Saddam’s Men of Sacrifice”) to his younger brother he wanted to give his father something to remember his work by. So he presented Saddam with their new uniform: black shirt, black trousers and a ski-mask over which a strikingly Darth Vader-esque helmet was placed.

Link via Technabob | Exhibition Information | Images: New Scientist