SadTrooper

Not sure if its the done thing, but thought I would introduce myself properly, I’m Mark — though online I’ve gone by Sadgoth for about 30 years. Don’t worry, I’m not actually sad…long story that beer helps with...

 

I’m 56, and my lifelong Star Wars obsession started when I saw A New Hope at the cinema. My youngest daughter (13) is now a full-blown Star Wars superfan too. Between us, we’ve watched the films so many times that even the droids would roll their eyes. We’ve tackled nearly every series as well — except Visions, which neither of us could quite “see” the point of...sorry, full of Dad jokes...

 

That family binge-watching reignited my old dream of owning a Stormtrooper outfit. Cue me discovering the 501st (very late to the party, I know) and realizing you all do amazing charity work. Suddenly my midlife crisis had a purpose, lol

 

About a year ago I started my research and this Autumn I took the plunge and invested in an RS Prop Masters costume. I visited their showroom in Stockport, got measured, and returned to be kitted up. The team were brilliant and made the trips so very worthwhile and they made me feel at home, even though I looked like I was a kid in a candy store

 

Meanwhile, my daughter is desperate to join in, but she’s still too young. So I’m currently 3D printing and painting her first Mando costume based on her own design. I’ve learned more about printing and painting than I ever expected, and she’s counting down the days until she can strut around Comic-Con like she owns the galaxy. Fingers crossed it’s ready for Festival of the Force in January 2026 otherwise she might just wear it half-finished and call it “battle damage.” My wife has still to come to terms with all of this, the house now has Star Wars zones where previously she had pictures hanging...

 

Beyond Star Wars, when I’m not suiting up, I’m a senior manager at a parcel company, where I’ve worked for 37 years. That means I’ve travelled to just about every city in the UK, so if you’ve ever had a parcel delayed, sorry, that may have been my fault. I work in projects and support numerous diversity groups in the business together with championing change and mentoring young managers of the future. Home is Worthing, right on the seafront, which is great… except when the seagulls think my lunch is theirs.

 

I also help organize Wave Gotik Treffen in Leipzig a week long gothic festival with over 30,000 attendees. Next year will be my 24th time there, which means I’ve spent more time in Leipzig than many...see more at www.sadgoth.com

 

Not sure if there are any unofficial meetups, but if anyone’s in the Worthing/Brighton area then I’m always up for a beer or two. Looking forward to meeting many of you soon once I’ve been officially inducted and can stop introducing myself like a job interview gone rogue...right that is me