As you’ve seen, the new website and some of the merchandise have very distinctive designs that many people have noted draw a strong connection to the Belgian comics. Since it is our 10th anniversary, I wanted to create something special—something a bit fun and different. This also involves a crossover theme.

After building numerous approved costumes—currently 66 between the 501st and Rebel Legion—I started experimenting with crossover costumes. I recently finished a Terran Empire Mandalorian costume for my son. I completed a Ghostbusters Mandalorian for myself. It has been a lot of fun and has allowed me to reconnect with aspects of my creativity that I may have forgotten over the years. Solving problems for my own costumes has been liberating and enjoyable. This is the essence I wanted to convey through the website, the merchandise, and our 10th-anniversary logo—all created by Kento Kassai from the Japanese Garrison. He has been incredible to work with in bringing these characters to life and enabling me to use them creatively.

At the 2023 Celebration in London, I debuted the first iteration of a crossover between Captain Haddock and Han Solo, aptly named “Captain Haddock Solo.” As someone who travels, speaks multiple languages, and tries to be open-minded—much like Tintin—I have always been inspired by these characters. Captain Haddock, despite his rough exterior and constant annoyance, possesses a huge heart and is always there to help his friends. I wanted to capture that essence in my character. I believe both Han Solo and Captain Haddock have something valuable to share, and I have been refining this character over the years. This inspiration guided the graphics and designs we created for this year and will likely continue to do so.