Evaluating Non Academic Periodicals

Blättermann, Marcus. "The Designs of Star Wars, 10 reasons why they are awesome". March 17, 2010 .

“The Designs of Star Wars, 10 reasons why they are awesome” is the title of an article written by Marcus Blättermann. It was first published on essenmitsosse.de, which is probably a personal blog, September, the 24th 2008.

The article can be classified as presenting both current information and historical context. First, I consider it as historical information because the saga Star Wars is over now and the details given by the author concern the special effect used for the first star wars i.e. 4, 5 and 6 in the 70s. This information hasn’t changed in the last 30 years and will not change in the next 10 years so it will stay as historical resources. However, I also consider it as current information since it deals with techniques of visual and special effects that are topical matters. ) the article tends to glorify the technology used in Star Wars and then the success of the saga that is venerated by millions of people. This success was possible thanks to the visual effects produced by the Industrial Light and Magic founded by George Lucas.

Since the title is “The Designs of Star Wars 10 reasons why they are awesome”, it seems that the article has a persuasive side. Moreover, the use of why implies that the text has a convincing, persuasive connotation. Nevertheless, the main purpose of it is to present the designs of Star Wars by describing and analyzing them which is informing. Furthermore, the author did not come up with this information and description by himself, but he based his description and his analysis on industrial light and magic data. Since the company is the one that created Star Wars visual effects, the author is reporting their work and the information they published to build his analysis. Also, the article summarizes a great number of techniques of special visual effects that became legends among the fans later, like the Lightsabers, Darth Vader’s armor, the creatures like Chewbacca, Jabba the Hutt and the droid R2 D2. It also shows the inspiration of some designs from existing things like the helmet of Darth Vader and the blasters. The article spreads over all these design and give an accurate explanation of their uses and their meanings. It is very useful and according to the author it “can teach you about good concept-art.”

Blättermann wrote: “Star Wars didn’t just become famous for its story or special-effects. The role of its groundbreaking designs shouldn’t be underestimated. Here are 10 reasons why the concept arts are masterpieces and what they can teach you about good concept-art.” Then he went through Star Wars innovations and all that made its success by leaning on Industrial Light and Magic’s (ILM) information. Even though it is not an academic source, it is very organized and especially has strong bases (ILM informations). Consequently, the non academic article is a success that shows the different technologies used in Star Wars.