Return of Vader

Earlier this week, some of the customized Darth Vader helmets from The Vader Project started to appear around L.A. Three at the Golden Apple comic shop, two more at Munkey King (both on Melrose) and about eight at Royal/T Cafe during the Culver City Artwalk.

These were some of the first signs that The Vader Project is returning to L.A. for one final time. For about one week only they will all be on display, just before they go up for auction on July 10 at Freeman's Auction House in Philadelphia, PA. All 100 customized Darth Vader helmets will be on display at 6812 Melrose Avenue., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Open daily from Noon-6pm, June 12-20. There will be an Opening Night Party on Friday, June 11 from 6-10pm. Then on Saturday, June 12 at 2pm a catalog signing with over 20 of the participating artists.

The auction catalog just came out over the weekend. I got mine from the JapanLA Pop Up Shop, in Hollywood, on Sunday. They had a signing with 3 of the artists that contributed their talents to this project: Mr. Toast (Dan Goodsell), Buffmonster and Gary Baseman. Cost for the book was $40. Over 200 pages with all 100 helmets beautifully photographed, a brief history of the project and small artist bios.

I got the chance to see this when the Star Wars Celebration was in L.A. back in 2007 and there over 50 helmets at that time. It's amazing to see them in person because you can see all the details. I am definitely going to make out there Saturday to get my catalog signed and to see the other 50 I missed.

More info. on this and the auction can be found at www.thevaderproject.com.