Star Wars Guests
The Great Lakes Garrison Will Attend the Grand Rapids Comic-Con
Hall A, Booth A-12
The Great Lakes Garrison is a subdivision of the 501st Legion, the premier Imperial Star Wars costuming group in the world. GLG operates in the state of Michigan and was originally a part of the venerable Midwest Garrison as “Michigan Squad,” and then separated into a full-fledged Garrison in December of 2007.
Since then, the GLG has contributed significantly to the greater 501st and Star Wars communities. The annual Motor City Comic-Con is a signature event in which the GLG participates. GLG members served a central role in TrooperFest of 2009 and 2011. GLG members have also gone on to serve in various command and administrative roles at the Legion level for the 501st, as well as the 501st’s partner organization, the Rebel Legion.
The members of the Great Lakes Garrison will be available to pose for pictures. Make sure to stop by their informational booth at the show. Their website is here.
Mandalorian Mercs Visiting Grand Rapids Comic-Con!
Hall A, Booth A-13
Founded in 2007 by Tom Hutchens, Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club (MMCC) has quickly grown to be one of the largest global Star Wars™ fan organizations. Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club is a registered 501(c)(4) non-profit within the USA, with several chapters in
countries around the world.
Mandalorian Mercs is a truly unique organization as it encourages membership applicants to focus on adding their personal and distincitive creative individualiy as opposed to limiting them based soely on visual accuracies from the Star Wars™ films, books, comics, video games, and other media. The MMCC is an inclusive and friendly club, following the Mandalorian way of “Clans” or family units and a clans’ ability to adopt anyone who wishes to be a Mandalorian.
The Mandalorian Mercs, in true homage to the characters they portray, have changed and adapted over the years to support the growing amounts of people interested in Mandalorian costuming. In 2011 Mandalorian Mercs was recognized by LucasFilm LTD. as the “Elite Mandalorian Costuming Organization.” In 2014 Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club became a registered 501(c)(4) non-profit, and expanded the mission of its charity fund “Little Warrior International” to continue bringing hope to underprivileged children and families in need around the world.
The Mandalorian Mercs Costuming Club set the standards of Mandalorian costuming based on canon movie references (Boba and Jango Fett) as well as canonical comic-book references, book references, television shows and computer games. Our Costume Requirement Lists (CRLs) allow us to be more customized with our costumes, however, there is a minimum standard that must be reached; every Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club member is encouraged to strive for improvement.
Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members, staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
The Michigan chapter (clan) of the Mandalorian Mercs was founded in 2010 under the name of Suumpir’ade by five very determined Michigan mandos. Through their dedication and care, the clan, now named Tra’cor, has proudly supported Michigan events, Michigan charities, and Michigan people. It has grown and spread across the state, bringing a little bit of Star Wars to the great lakes state.
R2-D2 Builders Club Attending Grand Rapids Comic-Con
Hall A, Booth A-12
The R2-D2 Builders Club will be making a special guest appearance at the Grand Rapids Comic-Con!
Their R2-D2 units are wonderful replica of the iconic characters from the Star Wars franchise. He is also fully functional, including movement, dome motions, and even sound! Make sure to bring your camera and get some pictures with R2-D2 as he roams around the show. He is sure to be a favorite among the kids at the event.
Don’t fear fans, for there will be far more droids at the Grand Rapids Comic-Con than R2-D2. The Builders Club also has created other Star Wars robots including BB-8, Chopper from ‘Star Wars Rebels”, and a few other creative entities.
Make sure to check out their display and get a picture with a roaming droid!