While Star Wars fans across the globe are undoubtedly familiar with the work of the 501st Legion, they may not be as familiar with the "lighter side" of the costuming community - the Rebel Legion.

See the following story posted by Bonnie Burton over on the official site:

"Wookiees, Jawas, Jedi, Rebel Pilots, Princesses -- oh my! While the 501st Legion members represent the dark side, it's the Rebel Legion who dress up as everyone's favorite characters on the flipside of the Force. This extensive group gathers together to create, build and improve on their costumes while also raising money for charities.

Rebel Legion Mos Espa Base Commanding Officer Matthew Hofmann chats with StarWars.com about the origins of the Rebel Legion, their charity work, and why it's so much fun to dress up like one of the good guys (and gals)."

How did the Rebel Legion start? What's the history of the organization?

"In 2000, the idea was floated out there in the 501st to have a sort of Rebel supporter section on the site. When that idea was ultimately turned down, a guy named Tony Troxell started emailing Rebel costumers that he knew, and then he and another guy named Richard Fairbrother started to form the Rebel Legion late in that year. Not unlike the Alliance in the original trilogy, the early group of costumers sort of worked in secret and started to form Rebel bases that matched up with the 501st garrisons at the time.

Shortly after that, RebelLegion.com went live early in 2001, with Dragon*Con later that year being the first official outing of the group. Although founded in the United States, the Legion has grown to become the international organization it is today, encompassing nations worldwide and becoming the premier Rebel costuming group in the Star Wars community."


Click HERE for the rest of the interview.

Great work Bonnie!