Dark Empire - The movie

[@SpikeyTortoise]

If you’d like more animations, best way to support me is by sharing this around! I have many more stories I’d love to bring to life with animation!

[@TheMandalorianFanChannel]

This is the way 👍👍👍

[@richardkinkead7823]

Really awesome work. Followed you from the beginning. Very cool to see how you progressed. Animation really reminds me of that 70's movie, Wizards. Well done.

[@spodermoninat-shirt883]

I’ll definitely be joining your Patreon!!! Need more indie animation on KZbin

[@cheyennealvis8284]

Guys PLEASE share this with StarWarsTheory and CriticalDrinker and AngryJoe. Long live the Rebellion

[@GDZLLLVR-zr9rq]

amazing work man! the movie is great I can't wait to see more from your project that's been a passion of yours for over 6 years.

[@thorngburg402]

That Lando voice actor is FANTASTIC

[@epicnoresh]

Billy dee Williams Himself

[@Fardawg]

The voices are from the Dark Empire audio drama from 1994. That is Billy Dee Williams.

[@pdr5009]

@@Fardawg Oh hahaha. That makes sense. I couldn't believe how good it was.

[@tenchimyo]

​@@Fardawgthanks! Seems like that should be in the post description-

[@rayrezek]

@@tenchimyo If you haven't listened to the Audiobooks of the Dark Emp 1, Dark Emp 2, and Empire's End... You should :)

[@mrsundaymovies]

This is incredible

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Appreciate it!

[@daschwah]

DANANANANA NANANANANIT

[@BestBassTabs]

Did you know the original title of Star Wars was Blue Harvest?

[@jc7997aj]

​@@BestBassTabs yes. Yes, we all knew.

[@cable7152]

You guys have to do a review for this on your channel, this is amazing.

[@DarthKieduss]

As a teen, I could only imagine how this could be filmed... You made a 31 year old man feel like a kid again... Thank you, Master. *bows*

[@m3lapelazpendejoyoutubemarica1]

40 year old: You are still a kido My mom: Rookies

[@aaronhowell3414]

Same here

[@leespiderpod]

You are a kid, this made a 52 year old happy too 😂

[@kevinhunt1202]

I’m 38 and thinking the same thing😂🤦‍♂️

[@kevinhunt1202]

U weren’t even old enough to see ep 123 when they came out lol

[@AtrolusSpartanV84]

I love this! I feel like I’m watching old 1960’s Saturday morning cartoons like Johnny Quest.

[@Logan-cu9di]

This is where the fun begins

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Thanks!

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

It is in Fan Animations we must put our trust. The Force is strong with this.

[@bloodrunsclear]

I didn’t think anyone could recover the long lost ‘Star Wars’ feel at this point, but this brought me all the way back to the glory days ❤

[@eobardthawne1549]

Ewoks? Droids? No! This, THIS, is the kind of Star Wars series we wanted back in the 80s!

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Droids was a pretty great show, big inspiration for the look in goin for

[@treystephens6166]

George Lucas wanted to sell toys.

[@darthlucasfuu]

Oh come on, Droids and Ewoks were really cool shows too Lol

[@eobardthawne1549]

@@SpikeyTortoise I kind of got more of a Christmas Special Animated Sequence vibe... AWESOME JOB!!

[@SiriusZiriux]

@@SpikeyTortoiseI noticed where the Inspiration for Your Animation Style came from The SECOND I Saw 3PO

[@117crap]

Finally good Star Wars. This feels like reuniting with an old friend after 20 years apart.

[@kampflieder]

True

[@paulmartin6419]

Star Wars hasn’t been good since the 80’s.

[@disturbedfan0717]

Really happy to see the Expanded Universe still has life thanks to projects like yours! It's been awesome following this fan film's creation!

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Thank you!

[@JayDEE-i8g]

Remind me of the Christmas Special Boba Fett animation style but in a good way

[@HispanicattheDisco0367]

When I clicked on the thumbnail, I expected some satirical/spoof-like material. Instead I was greeted with the dramatized books on tape I used to listen to as a kid. This sent me back to what Star Wars used to be. Dark Empire, Crimson Empire, Tales of the Jedi, the Kyle Katarn trilogy... Please keep up the awesome work and May the Force Be With You!

[@Jonsweatshirt]

Someone give this man the budget of an avatar movie!!! I loved every second of this and need more ASAP!!!

[@ebbhead20]

This animation style is like the old Star Wars holiday special meets Ralph Bakshi and it's very nostalgic. 😊

[@Bem_flanc]

Holiday Speecial meets Ralph Bakshi meets Gendy Tartakovsky. Truly amazing, made me feel like Star Wars used to before the dark times...

[@iancowan3527]

Bakshi meets TV Funhouse... With damn good voice work!

[@TonyArjona]

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein ...

[@SuperWorldeater]

AMAZING! You did the impossible! You captured the essence of Cam Kennedy's magnificent artwork, while at the same time making the overall vision your own!

[@cable7152]

Best Star Wars content since the original trilogy, Rogue One. Mando season 1 and 2, and Andor.

[@jayconant3816]

When I read this book back in the day I wanted dark empire movies so bad ,dark empire story line will always be the true sequels

[@DIEGhostfish]

I just realize dthe audio's from the Audiodrama. No wonder it was so good! RIP John Cygan, he may be most known for Canderous Ordo, but he was *fantastic* as Luke and Ulic too!

[@swancman]

The first five minutes, alone, are better than the Disney Sequel Trilogy. Great job with the animations and voice acting!

[@JayDEE-i8g]

Voice acting is via audio drama from 90s

[@alexanderleach3365]

IMpressive, most impressive.

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Thanks!

[@alexanderleach3365]

@@SpikeyTortoise you're welcome

[@hansmeyer7225]

The animations are way better than in StarTrek TAS in my humble opinion. (Modern technology really comes in handy) The 3D spaceship animations with the comic textures look so cool. The voice actors did a really great job. This is an astonishing piece of work! I love it! 😅

[@harrisondansie9542]

I will always keep coming back to this project. Dark Empire’s art style is so distinct that is seems impossible to capture in animation, and yet you’ve done so! I pity those who haven’t yet come across your work, they’re missing out!

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Couldn't agree more!

[@juliuszhorst8083]

I see a lot of visual influences from Holiday Special cartoon, Droids and Clone Wars miniseries.

[@meowco69]

​@@juliuszhorst8083Also Heavy Metal and Bakshi's rotoscoping

[@dustydaboi]

I love the combination of the art from the comics, the holiday special, Droids, and Ewoks and yall own style! This is the perfect love letter to Star Wars fans!

[@SithAesthetics]

Love Dark Empire, the designs are amazing.

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Appreciate it!

[@YCY1821]

Animation is hard and isn't appreciated as much as it should be. Continue adapting one of the best Star Wars stories of all time.

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Appreciate it

[@todde.204]

Just one more thing to gush about, the music for this is exceptional. Bravo to the composer, really outstanding work.

[@MattyStoked]

Mate, this is incredible. Dark Empire is still my favourite Star Wars comic - Cam Kennedy's work is absolutely iconic. I like that you've taken your own path with this. And this is a triumphant achievement. Phenomenal work!

[@jhantor_lars]

This work is amazing! The best sequel of the trilogy. A great job, with nostalgia for the animations of the Holiday Special and Droids. I eagerly await more episodes!

[@malfeitor1349]

I’m 44 and remember when this originally came out as a graphic novel. I still have them and re-read them from time to time. You’ve done an amazing job and wanted to praise you for it!

[@ScubaGorilla]

Thank you for this! My favorite EU story of all time. The animation and color palettes take great inspiration from the comics!and the voices are so on point! 1000/10 can't say enough good things about this! Please continue!

[@Fardawg]

The voices are from the Dark Empire audio drama from 1994.

[@martinfiedler4317]

Thanks for keeping the memory of the good old Expanded Universe alive!

[@arcasa73]

I see much love in the making. Thanks for share... the sequel that must be (obviously, along with the Thrawn trilogy)...

[@WR3ND]

Thanks for keeping the story alive for the real fans.

[@pashaofstuttgart]

As a SW fan, this is a very appreciated labor of love! Thank you for making this. It reminded me of when I first read the comic circa 1994!

[@Zarathusta]

Wow, this made my day. Love how the scenes are taken right from the pages of the comic. Especially when we get that first close up of Luke's face. I remember reading this as a youth and thinking "Wow, he's so much more than the farm boy he used to be." Funny enough, this was actually my introduction into the Expanded Universe. I admit to having watched an older sibling play Dark Forces on his PC just long enough to realize I wasn't getting a turn, but in terms of my own personal active exploration, this is where I became an EU diehard fan. Thanks for bringing that experience to life with this animation, I hope you keep up the work!

[@THX-1184]

I thought I was done with Star Wars! I can't believe how excited this makes me feel.

[@Viewfromthewater]

Loved the animation and the story! Looking forward to more from you. This was much better than what we got from Disney.

[@andegon]

I’m not very well and I’m so happy that I lived to see this , as I child I read dark empire and as many others I dreamed of this movie one day , what we got is more then enough compared to what Disney did to our dreams

[@BrianRenardDavis]

What’s The Issue. Hope You Get Better

[@ayuvir]

This is huge. Thank you so much for doing this and I hope we'll be seeing the next part soon.

[@unsolicited577]

Outstanding! This makes me want to break out the comics I have in storage. Well done!

[@Hylanvahr]

I really hope Star Wars Theory sees this, adores and loves it, and helps it blow up past 1 million views. This is by far better than most of what Disney has produced in the last 12 years. Proof that Legends never die! Thank you so much for all of your incredibly hard work and I really hope to see more soon!

[@jtrapp651]

he will, i have no doubt

[@starwarsnerd100]

Lol who gives a shit what Star Wars Theory thinks

[@Hylanvahr]

@@starwarsnerd100 Anyone who wants to gain exposure for their Star Wars content and millions of Star Wars fans all over the world.

[@starwarsnerd100]

@@Hylanvahr He could have billions of subscribers and I wouldn't care, he's a shit channel with shitty takes. There are much better ways to go viral than getting featured by that hack.

[@82jp]

Holy crap, im just a few min in and it's giving major christmas special boba fett cartoon vibes. I LOVE THIS

[@wjec1970]

This is PROPER Star Wars! Brilliant!

[@charlessomerset9754]

I could tell you were learning as you went. The characters in the beginning looked crude, almost comical, especially Han. But by the middle they all looked great. As an old SW fan who saw the original in 1977 when I was 12, it's great to see something like this. Keep it up.

[@spodermoninat-shirt883]

Woo! Love seeing indie animators on KZbin, I’ll be joining your Patreon!

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Thank you! Every patron member is deeply appreciated, helps keep the lights on over here!

[@marklechman2225]

This is what I wanted from Disney. This feels like Star Wars to me. I absolutely love it.

[@Brejan]

You could say Palpatine was... re-ANIMATED.

[@JayDEE-i8g]

...... some how.......

[@bigtomboye]

😂You win! 🏆 🎉

[@hectorp885]

I have this exact story on a 4 cassette box set. I loved hearing my cassettes over and over again. Now I can actually see what this movie would have looked like. Thank you. Cannot wait to see your version of Part 2 of this adventure.

[@GlidingZephyr]

The character models and voices are all convincing. I used to read through the old novels multiple times, but at this point those have nearly become lost media. I'm glad someone is keeping them alive!

[@Fardawg]

The voices are from the Dark Empire audio drama from 1994.

[@generalkota6190]

Increadible! Half an hour and its better than thr sequals we got!

[@cyborgparrot1996]

I love how the animation/art-style is inspired by Nelvana's Star Wars Cartoons, with a sprinkling of Tartakovsky's Clone Wars series.

[@christophertorak8301]

Among other things, the 'rubbery' droids are definitely a throwback & homage to the Nelvana cartoons (Star Wars Special, Droids) . Kind of silly to see as an adult, but the nostalgia it provokes is just too much!

[@nathanmuckensturm1530]

Nice to discover the backstory of that last Rogue Squadron mission

[@deforeestwright2469]

Thank you so so much. This is my favorite Star Wars story of all time.

[@dml3532]

Amazing job, congratulations and thank u for sharing. This is truly a new hope. May the Force be with you, always!!!

[@ericchung3177]

Wow you can really see the progress made with the animation through this, it's actually really impressive how much you managed to improve.

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Thanks! That’s a big part of why I felt like posting this

[@rumplestiltskon]

This made me feel like I was in a movie theater watching the latest Star Wars movie! Well done and thank you!

[@animatorFan74]

Still a far superior Emperor Palpatine intro and explanation than Rise of Skywalker can ever hope for. How is this even better than Rise of Skywalker....? Ooooh that's right, it's made by people who actually give a crap about the source material. Fantastic work here..... well done. :)

[@ms.skeletor]

Oh my god??? The voice acting is wonderful all across the board, but that Lando voice? That sounds just like the real deal!

[@Hello-bi1pm]

It is, Billy D voiced Lando in Dark Empire audiodrama

[@ms.skeletor]

@@Hello-bi1pm That’s so cool!!!

[@Fardawg]

The voices are from the 1994 Dark Empire audio drama.

[@brycevo]

I love that it's animated like the Holiday Special

[@tastywinner2848]

If I recall correctly, this book had a mixed reception back in the day for some of the same reasons as Rise of Skywalker, but I tell you this; watching this animation is like a dream come true, my friend. One thing I'm always hoping for is a show about Luke, Leia and Han like we got with Anakin and Obi-Wan in The Clone Wars and I really feel like I'm getting that with this wonderful video. I love the inspired animation you and/or your team decided on and I didn't mind the story myself once I first read the book. Truly, thank you for this wonderful piece of media I get to enjoy and share with my friends. Give me a patreon link and I'll be sure to show some more gratitude next paycheck. Amazing work.

[@frozenowl6388]

This is an amazing work, a labour of love! I'd given up on Star Wars after what Disney has done with it, but then you've given me… a new hope.

[@s.5242]

You have made the best fan film of all time and honestly it's better than what Disney is putting out for the most part. Thank you for creating this. I've been following you for years now and i can't believe the journey is over. This series blew me away from the first episode. It made me feel like a kid watching a saturday morning cartoon. Thank you again for giving us all this gift.

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you’ll stick around for all the new content even though it won’t be starwars related

[@LLTBBPYOABC]

Is this version cut down compared to the individual episodes? Planning on watching this tonight

[@Dan-bb5mz]

Ohh man, comic brought to life in animation! Yeeehoooo! Didn't want it to end! This is the kind of stuff that should have been adapted into the big screen.

[@AB1138-]

Wow, how did I catch this almost immediately!!! Great work!!!!

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Thank you!

[@PrivateEye10]

I still don't know what to think of the fact of using the emperors design resembling that awful movie, but I can safely say this at least brings a smile to my fan loving heart... I hope you can make the other parts one day...

[@christophertorak8301]

And the eys… those simple black eyes with the black strokes for eyebrows… instantly transported me: they can't not be anything else but based on the vintage action figures.

[@ravager2001]

I’m a canon boy, through and through, but I’m not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth, this is great! Thanks for providing more visual Star Wars media, and please make more, canon or Legends!

[@STB-jh7od]

Looking forward to next chapter.

[@77bh]

This is honestly one of the best Star Wars fan films on KZbin and effortlessly captures the soul of SW storytelling, which is insanely hard for fan films to do in my opinion. Super excited to see more of your work!!!!

[@Enzo_Matrix92]

I literally listened to the entire audiodrama about a month ago at work. Glad you finished this.

[@BrodieVickers-tk9sd]

In my experience. When creators upload this sort of thing, especially when it's unfinished, that usually means there isn't going to be any more. I'm glad that's not the case here👍Will go on supporting you my guy!

[@bobbymauro3721]

Wow! Just Wow!! Thank you!! Just thank you for the goosebumps! Every EU novel must be made asap! It’s even got a Heavy Metal vibe to it too! I love it! MTFBWY

[@michaelwilson2497]

Great job. The character look is goofy, but it's made with a love of Star Wars that's very deep apparently. Great job. 👍

[@ssapp72]

THANK YOU!!!! Hope Disney doesn’t stomp on this and destroy it out of envy.

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Well it’s here and exists, pretty sure Disney doesn’t care about an unfinished fan film

[@andreaso8886]

WHYYY!!!! Why didn't we get this from Disney? This is wonderfull work. Thank you for sharing. And a special thanks to the voiceactors. They are beyond good. Fantastic

[@mattbusch]

Wow! Super impressive amount of work! Dark Empire is the best SW comic series ever! :)

[@jackkintsel7605]

SO GOOD! Star Wars as it is meant to be! Thanks for all your Hard work getting this labor of love to tha real fans!

[@franciscorodas5200]

Im from Ecuador, and i follow you since the first episode, for me this is canon, no the other bull….t this is like star wars really is. Thank u so much

[@jaywill1028]

I recognized the audio from the radio drama. I just found my cassettes for Dark Empire 1&2. This was brilliant! Thank you for doing it and sharing. It’s so appreciated.

[@TH3M4G1CM4Nx]

The voice actor doing Lando is amazing! 10/10

[@SpikeyTortoise]

That’s Billy Dee himself

[@TH3M4G1CM4Nx]

@@SpikeyTortoise wow!

[@PaulMetheny-vv6zn]

From Houston, TX.🇨🇱🤠 Sharing with EVERYBODY... Absolutely incredible creation you have here....

[@MrHeuristics]

This is amazing. It reminds me of Heavy Metal in which different acts are animated by different artists. The character style changes are super cool. The natural progression in the production quality was really cool to see- the last few minutes are primetime broadcast ready. Still, nothing beats that wookie strut at 7:03. Jaxxon T. Tumperakki is also rad 25:45

[@GLakesDivingCompany]

When Luke shows up and the Dark Side theme played it sent a chill down my spine. Dark Empire was my first Dark Horse Star Wars graphic novel I got as a kid. I read that thing over and over until the binding fell apart. This is beautiful work brought a tear to my eye with nostalgic joy. So well done thank you MTFBWY

[@wizards-themagicalconcert5048]

So happy to see you released this , I couldn't believe it ! Thanks for hanging in their and creating this masterpiece ! Just love it ! Better then most of what Disney is doing ! True Star Wars ,and amazing style ! Cheers mate !

[@SpikeyTortoise]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@TenchiBushi]

I love it! I have Dark Empire and Dark Empire 2 in graphic novel! I picked it up back in the 90s. Dark Horse had the best Star Wars comics.

[@RurouniKalainGaming]

This is incredible. You should be proud. Well done.

[@RurouniKalainGaming]

17:25 Dude, this hits hard on so any levels we'll done. That raspy "Leia..." Dang. 20:45 How dare you make me think there is stuff on my screen, dang those dots, hahaha.

[@retsz]

I thought the KZbin algorithm was supposed to “know what you want better than you know.” That’s total BS because if it did both my recommended feed and sub feed would have been nothing but this video 9 hours ago when it first dropped until i finally watched it. Been waiting for this. It’s possible that this is the first Star Wars content I’ve actually been excited to sit down and watch in years. Thanks much for this, brother. I know it had to be a crazy amount of work for you to make. I am very much grateful

[@javierinfante4222]

Amazing!!!!! I love it!!! Thank you for your effort. I shared with my local Star Wars groups.

[@RelaxedFunction]

Two thumbs up! I absolutely love this! The unique style of the animation and use of ! This such a wonderfully fresh approach to telling this story color ! Please make more you have a subscriber, and a fan!

[@Djkosign]

This was great! This feels so connected! I feel like George Lucas had a hand in this! Thank you this was such a treat

[@KrawmKruach]

This was better than it had anybright to be, legends cannon is the best cannon. Lando VA sounds just like Billy Dee Williams, great job. No wonder it sounds like billy dee, its him from the audio books.

[@Blazbaros]

Fantastic work, one of my favourite tales. Love that you merged some of the Droids cartoon designs with that of the comic, really fun to see :D

[@tosweetdelight]

This is awesome - brings back good memories, of a long time ago and far, far away... when SW was good.

[@davistalhone9482]

This feels more like Star Wars than anything Disney has ever put out. Kudos!

[@efrem1226]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@7grand-dad900]

Thank you so much for bringing this to life, my friend. My roommate and I are freaking the fuck out over how good this looks. Keep up the great work, we’ll all be awaiting your grand return. May the force be with you, always.

[@davidalangay1186]

This animation was amazing! It had a Heavy Metal Movie feel to it and it fit perfectly! Great job!

[@SteelDragon1986-i8k]

Wow it gives me comic book art vibes and just wow as a Star Wars fan thank you

[@CitizenValve]

This is freaking awesome! This is what we should have gotten in episode 7!!!