There is something very pure about the fan film. Made for sake of fandom, they often provide a different angle to what is on offer from the original. This is clearly demonstrated by Paul Johnson and his Star Wars animated short called TIE Fighter.

The story was drawn and animated over four years’ worth of weekends by Johnson, and the style is reminiscent of 80s anime such as Robotech. What we like is the fact that it shows a battle from the Empire’s point of view, following three TIE Fighter pilots as they face off against the Rebel Alliance.

Much like those 80s anime, you also have a soundtrack that features some squealing guitars, as provided by Zakir Rahman on his track Interdictor.

Johnson asks for no donations, nor any help on a Kickstarter campaign, all he requires to show your appreciation for his work is to “give someone at your workplace, uni, school or whatever a random bar of chocolate or can or [of] Coke or something.” Paul, we will definitely do so. Click below for the trailer and the awesome poster art.