Prototype Boba Fett Inspired “Proto Scum” Pin
Black Series Rebels: If you are a Star Wars fan and have not been living under a rock since June of 2017, it’s a show that needs no introduction. We are so confident of it that we are willing to end the first paragraph right now. Just like this.
For everyone else, Black Series Rebels is a weekly comedic talk show hosted by self-proclaimed sweaty Star Wars nerds Alex Backes and Stephen Ellis. Both share a background in comedy and acting, which should be of zero surprise to anyone who has seen the show. If you haven’t checked them out yet, their first episode is a great place to start. Not only does it set the tone for what’s to come, but it’s also packed with hilarious stories and insight on what makes these guys tick. Alex’s rant about Dexter Jettster alone is worth the price of admission.
Their weekly show aside, Black Series Rebels are perhaps just as well known for their collectible Action Pins. Inspired by vintage Kenner Star Wars action figures, each pin is designed by friend of the show Cody Williams of Yetis and Friends, and cleverly named by Alex. As luck would have it, they saw fit to design a prototype Boba Fett-inspired pin named “Proto Scum”, which was initially handed out at their first ever live show at A Shop Called Quest in downtown Los Angeles, and later available online. Needless to say, we bought a couple.
As if the pins weren’t cool enough, the “Proto Scum” design even made an appearance on a skateboard deck. Exactly two were made: one has become a fixture on the Black Series Rebels set, and by happy chance the second is now under the care of prototype Boba Fett cosplayer @harding29 who won this one-of-a-kind collectible in an online giveaway.
Despite a busy schedule of recording shows, prepping for their first ever San Diego Comic-Con appearance (which we narrowly missed due to a conflicting coverage schedule), and general everyday life stuff that comes from being an internet superstar, Alex was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions of our own. Brace yourself for a fun read, and thanks again Alex!
We’d like to start with the same first question that you like to ask your guests: What is your first memory of Star Wars?
I vividly remember watching it at my “Grammy’s” house. I was sitting on the floor eating microwaved potato chips. If you haven’t done that before, you’re welcome.
How long have you and Steve known each other, and how did you meet?
We met in 2007 at The Second City LA. We were in the conservatory studying to be funny. Clearly I passed. Steve was held back.
What is something interesting about you that most Black Series Rebels fans are probably not aware of?
Steve and I actually bonded over San Jose Sharks hockey at first. We are both from the San Francisco Bay Area. It wasn’t until later that we both learned that we are super sweaty Star Wars nerds.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of preparing for each show?
Probably “family dinner” before. We catch up and just loosen up. It’s always nice to remember that this should be fun and silly. We are not putting on a Star Wars “60 minutes”, although that sounds tight.
And the most challenging?
Being excited EVERY single week, even when nothing happened.
You first introduced your Action Pins in 2017. How did it all start?
We were super into pins and needed to do something that could help ease production costs. Despite how it might look, our show does cost money to produce! HAHA! We talked about doing a “Farm Boy” pin inspired by the old Kenner figure. People responded so positively to it that we just kind of kept going.
Cody Williams is one of my best friends from High School. I work with him on all of my projects. He is the only reason those pins are awesome. I just name them!
And speaking of which, how do you come up with the names for each pin? And which pin was the most fun to name?
Not to pat myself on the back, but I think the names come from a deep understanding of Star Wars. The little things about each character that are iconic, quirky, or funny.
The hardest was “Admiral Appetizer”. I was trying to be too clever with it. The answer was so obvious. I also love trying to make a name that can be used in many ways for the different versions of the characters. Farm Boy, Naive Boy, Hero Boy, Grumpy Man… You get the idea.
So of course, we need to ask about Proto Scum. Of all the possible Star Wars characters out there, how did you end up with a prototype Boba Fett-inspired design?
The Kenner Boba Fett figure is so iconic and cool. It had to be done. Once we finished the first twelve 1978 figures, we always knew he would be first. Plus we were sick of being asked! Haha!
We wanted to do something fun for our first live show as a free pin, so we took the classic Kenner design and just made it white. Pin variants are a particularly easy process, so it just made sense.
How did the pin design make the jump onto skateboard decks, and why did you only make two??
We want those to be special for giveaways and live shows. We are not a merch company. We are a free podcast and YouTube talk show. All of the merch just helps us break even. It’s like our version of fan art. The decks are the ultimate fan chaser!
Aside from spreading the good news of hot potato chips, what is your dream goal for Black Series Rebels?
Create an online Star Wars community for anyone that doesn’t take it too seriously. If you do, that’s fine too. We just want to have fun and help others have fun along the way.
About Black Series Rebels
Available on YouTube, iTunes and Google Play. Black Series Rebels is weekly talk show show with accompanying podcast, featuring: news, reviews, and interviews with fans from around the galaxy. Hosted by Alex Backes and Stephen Ellis.
Black Series Rebels is accessible to all types of fans, from the super sweaty nerds to the casual closet collector. Join them every week to help get your much needed dose of Star Wars geekdom.