The Rebellion in Star Wars is supported by art, public visual displays, and symbolic messaging. Some of the most impactful and memorable art spark as an individual act of defiance, like Sabine Wren’s airbrushed starbird graffiti tags that eventually were formalized into the Rebel Alliance Symbol. The shapes and colors take on important meaning and can even evolve into a mobilizing rallying cry.
There are examples throughout the films, animated shows, live-action series, comics, and novels. These stories and symbolism influence and inspire the fandom, some to the point of even memorializing ideals permanently on their skin.
Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 will once again empower fans, through the tattoo pavilion orchestrated by Marc Draven and his Ink Fusion Tattoo Empire company, to add an ultimate keepsake and shareable message through body art.
“It means I’m doing SOMETHING right,” Draven noted with a “LOL” via email. “Keep in mind, there was no rule book for tattooing at comic cons or entertainment shows when I started 15 years ago. I started this format on my own and trial by fire!”
Fortunately, it appears to have been Stormtrooper fire because Draven, who fell in love with The Empire Strikes Back at the theater in 1980 as a 7-year-old, has not only survived but flourished while providing this artistic experience at pop culture conventions. His database of international artists has reached more than 200 individuals with unique styles to draw from depending on the specific event or location.
The entrepreneur, artist, and toy collector’s leading international entertainment and comic con tattoo program are scheduled to boast 29 artists, all officially licensed by Lucasfilm Ltd., to tattoo at Celebration Anaheim 2022. There will also be a Star Wars Celebration tattoo competition on Sunday, May 29, for those who collected their favorite piece years ago or are still waiting to add that newest inked gem during the days leading up to the judging in sunny Southern California.
Draven, who has tattooed Star Wars film actors Alan Tudyk (K-2SO) and Ray Parks (Darth Maul) also provided an advanced warning that there is always room for surprises at the competition—“You never know who’s going to show up!”
Who knows, maybe even The Modifier (aka Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner from The Book of Boba Fett) could have a pop-up mod parlor and really amp up the offerings with cybernetic augmentation? If it’s an option there’s a good chance Draven has already done the research and planning as he keeps offering an exciting, safe, and sterile body art experience, “When the Worlds of Tattooing and Pop Culture Collide.”
Important Notes: To reserve a tattoo appointment at Celebration in advance of the show, select the artist you’re interested in reserving with to find out how to get in touch with them. To receive a tattoo and/or compete in the Star Wars Celebration Tattoo Show, you must have a valid ticket to Celebration.
- RH Disney (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 80 Pages - 05/03/2022 (Publication Date) - Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
