Hey, Disney and Joe Corroney

posted in: Star Wars | 136

I was looking through the Imperial Handbook at a store the other day.

Fairly anodyne book, some decent illustrations but mostly forgettable. But imagine my surprise when I leafed through some sections about the Imperial fleet:

Now, these looked a little familiar:

Based on the book, the artist responsible for these “illustrations” is Joe Corroney (@Joe_Corroney, https://twitter.com/Joe_Corroney)

So, I’ll be honest. I’m a bit annoyed. Someone takes some of my renders, desaturates them, gives them a background alpha and sells them off to Lucasfilm.

  1. What the hell?
  2. Disney, you paid Joe commercial rates for this?
  3. That’s not an Executor, for the love of all that is holy.
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Gilad Pellaeon
Gilad Pellaeon
11 months ago

I have no idea how they think executor and assertor is one kriffin’ thing…

A Chiss advisor
A Chiss advisor
1 year ago

the image they used for the executor is the assertor SSD

Lord Plutralias
Lord Plutralias
2 years ago

Why has nobody proposed a purely open source, decentralised, Star Wars replacement yet? A completely new universe, parody of Star Wars, but different enough to not beholden to some community-destroying billion dollar company? There are so many displaced Star Wars fans with no home right now. I really think a decentralised fictional universe similar to Star Wars would skyrocket! And people could submit their own assets to be canonised into the universe, where the fans vote in online polls to whether it is accepted. This way it opens the way for billion $$ companies to still be a part of it, but they are COMPLETELY beholden to their fan base. If they make shit that nobody likes, it isn’t voted to be included into the cannon bible.

I’m gonna get started on a website to try and kick this off. Will update everyone when done, and will try to get some prominent figures within the SW community on-board.

Nick
Nick
3 years ago

Shameless bastards. They blatantly stole Fractal’s art.

Jango Fett
Jango Fett
3 years ago

#shame on disney

Darth Nick
Darth Nick
3 years ago

So late to this party, lol, but sorry they did it to you again Fractal. 🙁 The Assertor/Executor screw-up made me giggle though. 😀 Yes, you should be acknowledged/credited as creator of these great masterpieces. Though your fans will always know who’s hard work and dedication this really was. 🙂 Did you ever hear anymore back from this?

Dan
Dan
3 years ago

Wow, so Eckhartsladder was right. I’m pretty sure that’s just Disney being lazy and trying to take all the good credit for themselves. #Shame on Disney

croccifixio
croccifixio
3 years ago

lots do it apple among them obviously no space ships so much but apple google amazon facebook all have been caught doing it so protect your work simple as that otherwise you allow yourself to get screwed. I dont see you having much recourse

Colcutz
Colcutz
4 years ago

LIKE Eckhartsladder said, It’s not necessarily Disney or Lucasfilm that were responsible. It was probably one of their licensees.

Colcutz
Colcutz
4 years ago

LIKE Ask said, It’s not necessarily Disney or Lucasfilm. It’s probably the licensees that did this.

Merak
Merak
4 years ago

Oh man I just got the boxed set that includes the Imperial Handbook. As I read through it I across the ‘Executor’ in that page and… Stopped. That’s not the Imperial Star Destroyer, I tell myself. I’ve seen this ship before, it is familiar…

I’m sorry, man. Feel like I owe you some money now.

Nick
Nick
4 years ago

Guys. Eckharts’ Ladder on youtube has caught Marvel Comics stealing from fan designs. Watch each other’s backs.

ShadyQuestionmarkGuy
ShadyQuestionmarkGuy
3 years ago
Reply to  Nick

Saw his video, it’s crazy how blatant it is and how lazy they are

Kosh
Kosh
4 years ago

New Executor retcon design confirmed.

Resurgent Class Battlecruiser
Resurgent Class Battlecruiser
3 years ago
Reply to  Kosh

No that is his assertor modal

Ron
Ron
4 years ago

Thats just sad. Shame on you Disney!

Hiccaries
Hiccaries
4 years ago

Disney stealing peoples stuff is not something new.

Chuthulu
Chuthulu
3 years ago
Reply to  Hiccaries

yeah , and they would propaply acouse him of stealing the models if he were to complain.
#DISNEYSUCKS

Nick
Nick
2 years ago
Reply to  Chuthulu

Good point. They’re just corrupt enough to try something like that. I have nothing but hatred towards Disney.

Chris Bartus
Chris Bartus
4 years ago

Given that Disney has paid you as well, I’m honestly curious what their response will be. Sorry, man.

SuperTemplar
SuperTemplar
4 years ago

Wow just wow, I’ve always loved your work, in fact it is one of the reasons I started working on a mod for EAW community (of which I try my best to give proper credit to those who worked hard to make the models) but to see this hard work disregarded (or maybe accidentally done but not fixed) is just disheartening. I was genuinely angry when I read this post, please don’t stop sharing your amazing skill! It always brings happy feelings to see our dream ships artistically brought to life, what you do is just amazing. 😀

Green Knight
Green Knight
4 years ago

OMG! Didn’t even TRY to make it non-obvious. Someone send this dude to Kessel…

gorkmalork
gorkmalork
4 years ago
Reply to  Fractalsponge

Fair ’nuff. I was aware of those rather vaster-scale fan-model projects one fellow posted on the SDN thread, but wasn’t sure if the profit factor WRT Shapeways made any difference to you. Granted, the effort involved for even miniature templates certainly outstrips Corroney’s.

Nomada_Firefox
4 years ago

Another insult to the intelligence from the UE fans. Disney has a goal, destroy everything.

Anonymous
Anonymous
4 years ago
Reply to  Nomada_Firefox

Well, considering how “infamous” you are in a negative light amongst the modding community; that’s probably the most intelligent thing you’ve ever said.

Nomada_Firefox
4 years ago

Another insult from Disney to the fans from the UE. They have a goal, destroy everything.

Don't Worry About It
Don't Worry About It
4 years ago

I hope the issue resolves in your favor, I’ve enjoyed your work and hate for this to have happened.

Tate Waldron
Tate Waldron
4 years ago

Spam the fool with emails here: mailto:joe@joecorroney.com

Alec Polatis
Alec Polatis
2 years ago
Reply to  Tate Waldron

Fortunately, two wrongs do NOT make a right. Imagine how much worse off the world would be if they did.

Legends
Legends
4 years ago

Is your art patented?

Legends
Legends
4 years ago

My friend you need to get a lawyer and sue it is the best thing you can do

Tom
Tom
4 years ago

Ok first
WHAT THEY DID IS DISGUSTING
second
HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT AN EXECUTOR IS
third
Im sorry to see this cant you go to court with something like this? Since its your render that was basicly stolen?

Ignatius John Chia
Ignatius John Chia
5 years ago

Fractal, really sorry these shits happen.

1. Its sick that Disney & its fully owned subsidiary, Lucasfilm Ltd., where the creation of Star Wars was structured under a corporate ownership under George Lucas then before being sold, now represented in this book by:
a. Executive Director: J.W. Rinzler,
b. Art Director: Troy Alders,
c. Keeper of the Holocron: Leland Chee (huh???),
could all get it grossly wrong that Joe Corroney did these illustrations without 1st verifying them as his or not.

2. Its even sicker above 3 persons from Lucasfilm Ltd., daring to post their names & titles as credited, could even get it so blatantly wrong that your creation, the Assertor-Class is an Executor-Class Super Star Destroyer when in the canon Star Wars main films (not spin offs or cartoons), The Empire Strikes Back & Return Of The Jedi, there were several mentions & clips of the Executor which was clear as day or space night for all to see that its a skinny elongated ship vs the Assertor which is slightly shorter but much thicker in volume & power. It really goes to show what kind of “passionate talents” Disney & its fully owned subsidiary, Lucasfilm Ltd., hires & pays salaries to. Not surprised if some die hard fans lash out at & single out these “wannabes”.

Anyways, really love your creations and even those canon ships you rendered & hope justice serves itself in a world where its sorely lacking. A fan.

Allen Seholm
Allen Seholm
5 years ago

Fractal, somwhere on your models nowadays, you need to hide in the greebles (so it can only be seen at a certain angle, when the pipes line up), something like: FUMOUSE or something. Possibly a bit more humorous/abstract than that, but would be a nice way to get the last laugh if they ever pull this again.

Dru
Dru
5 years ago

Sorry this happened to you again Fractal. Love your work. This is one of the reasons why I am not buying any Star Wars books anymore.

Jacob
Jacob
5 years ago

sad

Richard Ched
Richard Ched
5 years ago

The First Order AT-ST and the Resistance Bunker Buster were also stolen fan designs from the IMPS Fan Film Part 1. I remember getting an ISD model kit 2 years ago with an image of your ISD CGI Model on it’s Box cover.

Rex steel
Rex steel
5 years ago

Think of the bright side at least fractal can sue for infringement of his property

mEAHH!!!
mEAHH!!!
5 years ago

Wow this is just sad, but saying it is Corroney’s work is…pretty bad. You could be fined for that

Pierce
Pierce
5 years ago

The saddest part is disney fans would find a way to try and defend this

theodore udell burtin
theodore udell burtin
5 years ago

the fact that they are using your art is one thing, but to say your work is someone else’s, that’s insane, you should bring this to court, copyright is not okay even if you post your art online, at least here, we know who made it and who to hire when we want something like this done

Darth Revan
Darth Revan
5 years ago

Its copyright infringement then!

Adam J. Kruszynski
Adam J. Kruszynski
5 years ago

I’m fairly certain this book was published five years ago. Guessing no one noticed Corroney did this until now

Connor
Connor
5 years ago

That is a Asseter. Fractal, what if Lucasfilm cam to you and asked you to use it? How would this situation go?

Astrid Wells
Astrid Wells
5 years ago

I’m legitimately surprised it took this long for them to rip you off. I’m sorry it happened to you.

Astrid Wells
Astrid Wells
5 years ago
Reply to  Fractalsponge

Dear I’m positive it makes it worse. My apologies.

theodore udell burtin
theodore udell burtin
5 years ago
Reply to  Astrid Wells

this is nothing short of disrespectful to him

locus
locus
5 years ago

now i’m going to be honest i’m suprised this didn’t happen soon with disney taking credit for things they they don’t own. i’m still pissed they did it though.

Anon
Anon
5 years ago

Those mouse-screwing bastards! They stole your artwork!!!

Pollock
Pollock
5 years ago

I would love if we could move around in a small space with your designs so we can view the total beauty.

KurdtLives
KurdtLives
5 years ago

It’s dumb that they didn’t credit you, especially since you’ve done work for Lucasfilm just a few years ago. They might own it all but you made it.

anon
anon
5 years ago

I understand that Fractal is quite acquainted or friends with EvilleJedi, there are concerns this same Joe ripped off things from the EAW community for Rebel Files, namely;

the Torpedo Sphere, it looks a lot like Eville’s model:comment image/revision/latest?cb=20180722152039

and the asteroid dreadnought:
https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Asteroid_Dreadnoughtcomment image?width=812&height=594

Either that or weird coincidences again, is it possible Eville could see this? Taking models from modders might be too crazy to be true, but you never know.

anon
anon
5 years ago
Reply to  anon

i forgot to include what i think is Eville’s torpedo sphere, note how the black plating of these is practically not found on the original artwork of the torpedo sphere

https://www.moddb.com/mods/sins-of-a-galactic-empire/images/model-rehaul-torpedo-sphere

Eric Otness
Eric Otness
5 years ago
Reply to  Fractalsponge

Well, if it is indeed true that this Joe guy did indeed plagiarize EvilleJedi’s renders, that’s most likely even more grounds for a lawsuit. At least Fractalsponge’s renders technically are under Disney/Lucasfilm’s ownership thanks largely to The Essential Guide to Warfare. Unless I’m mistaken, I don’t think Lucasfilm, pre-or-post Disney acquisition, ever reached out to EvilleJedi for the use of his renders.

anon
anon
5 years ago
Reply to  Eric Otness

Eville confirmed this in Eckharts most recent video, theyre one and the same.

Benderisgreat
Benderisgreat
5 years ago
Reply to  anon

That first thing is the Sky Fortress from Drakengard:

comment image/revision/latest?cb=20180222234709

It has a checkerboard drawn all over it, but the clam shape and angle are the same, flopped.

anon
anon
5 years ago
Reply to  Benderisgreat

no idea what you’re talking about tbh

Sierra
Sierra
5 years ago

If you haven’t already, contact the publisher and Lucasfilm, and then seek legal counsel. Never let anyone get away with copyright violations for free; it only emboldens future thieves.

Rebel Jedaii
Rebel Jedaii
5 years ago

Unfortunately Disney does this all the time. The similarities between Simba the White Lion and The Lion King are highly suspicious I’ve heard. They run right over the little guy however they feel like. I’m really appalled Joe Corroney didn’t object though. Professional Courtesy ALONE should have made him give you credit! He wouldn’t like it done to him, so why do it to others?

And getting the ship wrong is incredibly sloppy of them. The Executor was IN the MOVIE. How do they even miss something so blatant!

Taghmata Omnissiah
Taghmata Omnissiah
5 years ago
Reply to  Fractalsponge

Oh my Ansel, you just poke the “Disney Hate Club” with that statement. ;D

PhantomFury
PhantomFury
5 years ago
Reply to  Rebel Jedaii

The Lion King example is different though. It wasn’t Kimba recolored, it’s a fully animated and complete work that shared many story similarities.

TheEpicDude
TheEpicDude
5 years ago

what a stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder!!!

jonathan
jonathan
5 years ago

not surprised by this at this point. im sure there is some legal course. its really the only way to make them check in the future.

Arbiter
Arbiter
5 years ago

wow, just wow…

Ragnrok
Ragnrok
5 years ago

That is some bullshit. Wtf Disney and Joe c. Fractal, as a star wars fan who is critical of Disney anyway, I’m mad for you. You should def sue them if you can cuz you will win. This is literally Disney slapping anyone involved in or a fan of, the pre-disney star wars work, in the face. I’m not gonna lie I’m pretty angry myself and I’m not even you Fractal.

Taghmata Omnissiah
Taghmata Omnissiah
5 years ago
Reply to  Ragnrok

Why you rant about Disney. They are not publisher of this book and that dude is not an employe of Disney. Both editors of book are also not from Disney.

Eric Otness
Eric Otness
5 years ago

Well, technically, Disney by owning the Lucasfilm LTD as one of their subsidiaries thanks to Lucas selling it to get out of tax hikes he begged the president to enact for whatever reason is in fact the publisher of the book.

Taghmata Omnissiah
Taghmata Omnissiah
5 years ago
Reply to  Eric Otness

They own it as company but in “data” of publication we can clearly see who is a producer of that book, who manufacture it, who is the lead editor from both producer (becker&mayer!) and license giver (Lucasfilm LTD) side. Who is the art director and what is pretty important who is the Keeper of the Holocron. Persons know by name that are responsible for this book, it’s lore correctness and art. They fuck up their job, they let slip error with Executor and they are responsible for not checking the background of art used in the book.

Now, I know that “Disany Hate club” is popular now, you are with the “Club” or you are enemy of the “Club”. But blaming for every fuck up the overall Mouse as some omnipotent thing and not the company’s and persons that are BEFORE EYES CLEAR AS SUN WRITTEN IN THAT BLOOD BOOK! Is just… idiotic. We perfectly know who is responsible for that and it’s not some mythical Mouse. They are: Rinzler as lead editor, Alders as art editor, chee as Keeper and Corroney as thief.

Not some fraking Mouse.

Take your shoot “Disney Hate Club” in minuses, not a single F will be given.

gorkmalork
gorkmalork
5 years ago

I’m really not liking some of the trends Disney’s sequels & nu-expanded universe have established, but your point WRT keeping focus on the correct *individuals* here is entirely legit.