New Podcast: Episode 364: Star Wars Action News Reads Day in Roseville
Last Saturday was the first annual Star Wars Reads Day, an event promoted by Del Rey and Lucasfilm to promote literacy in general, and the reading of Star Wars books in particular. Over 1,000 libraries and book stores across the country took part, with kits provided by Del Rey giving kids activities and crafts, and promoting Star Wars. Marjorie and Arnie of Star Wars Action News trekked to Roseville, MN for one of these events at Barnes & Noble with guests Troy Denning, John Jackson Miller, and Dan Wallace. On this episode of the podcast, they recap the events and share their hopes for next year’s event to make it even better!
And with Star Wars Reads day what better book is there than the Star Wars Essential Reader’s Companion to introduce new readers to the Star Wars Expanded Universe? Star Wars Action News Book Club Liaison Brock provides an in-depth review of this new book on this show.
With a recap of finds at the Toy Man Toy Show in St. Louis and the Fallcon convention in Roseville, new finds at Toys R Us, a die-cast C-3PO, and more, it’s on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN364.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: For Your Eyes Only by Ian Fleming – Part 3
Brock is back finishing his reviews of Ian Fleming’s James Bond short stories collected in the book For Your Eyes Only. As part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Brock as he reads and reviews the titular short story of the collection–For Your Eyes Only.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN048-Bond10-ForYourEyesOnly.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 363: Pablo Hidalgo’s Essential Companion
On October 6, 2012 is the first Star Wars Reads day. Across the country bookstores will be hosting events celebrating Star Wars books, both fiction and nonfiction. Many stores are having Star Wars authors speak and autograph books, including the Barnes and Noble in Roseville, MN where Star Wars Action News hosts Marjorie and Arnie will be going to see authors Troy Denning, Daniel Wallace, and John Jackson Miller.
With Star Wars Reads day being the biggest thing for Star Wars fans since Celebration VI, it is the perfect time for the release of Pablo Hidalgo’s Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion. With Star Wars fiction predating the Star Wars films themselves, and with a constant stream of expanded universe novels coming for over twenty years, The Essential Reader’s Companion provides summaries, trivia, and artwork for over 100 Star Wars adult novels, plus many more junior novels and comics besides!
On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Arnie sits down with Pablo to discuss the inception of this new book and how it can be used by Star Wars readers of all experience levels–from those who’ve just read their first novel to the experienced reader who’s consumed every book released!
And also on this week’s show, Star Wars fans and Disney fans alike go crazy for Disney’s Vinylmation figures. Exclusive to the Disney theme parks, the second series of Vinylmations was released in August, simultaneous with Star Wars Celebration VI. Events were held on both coasts, at Disney World in Orlando, and Disneyland in California, and Podcast Enhancer Berent’s significant other Carmilla attended Disneyland to get a set of these figures! On this week’s podcast, listen to hear their impressions of this new series, and how you can win a full set of these figures from Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN363.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: For Your Eyes Only by Ian Fleming – Part 2
Brock is back continuing his reviews of Ian Fleming’s James Bond short stories collected in the book For Your Eyes Only. As part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Brock as he reads and reviews the next two short stories Risico and From a View to a Kill.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN047-Bond09-RisicoAndView.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 362: He’s Alive…And In Perfect Hibernation
Star Wars Celebration VI is almost a month behind us, but the memories are still fresh, as are the collectibles! From coast to coast Celebration attendees are receiving their Disney Carbon Freeze Me statues! Marjorie and Arnie got theirs in the mail last week, so listen to this week’s hands-on review of these truly one-of-a-kind collectibles! They’ll tell you if it would be worth a Disney trip if these return to the theme parks.
Also on this week’s show, your Star Wars Action News hosts review a couple of high end Star Wars items, including Sideshow’s one-sixth scale Greedo figure, and Gentle Giant’s Emperor Palpatine Return of the Jedi mini-bust.
With a discussion of the Vintage Droid Factory set and a segment from Republic Forces Radio Network’s Johnathan updating you on the lastest toys in stores and online, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN362.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: For Your Eyes Only by Ian Fleming – Part 1
In addition to the successful novel series, Ian Fleming also wrote several short stories telling tales of the British Agent. As part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Brock as he reads and reviews two short stories from Fleming’s For Your Eyes Only short story collection — The Hildebrand Rarity and Quantum of Solace.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN046-Bond08-HoldebrandQOS.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Goldfinger by Ian Fleming
Goldfinger, the third James Bond film, is often seen as the quintessential Bond movie–the one where all the elements came together to form the James Bond formula. But in print, Goldfinger was Fleming’s seventh novel, the British agent is investigating smuggler and game cheat Auric Goldfinger. Similar in many ways to its theatrical part, Stuart reviews the original novel and compares it to the big screen counterpart. As part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Stuart as he reads and reviews Goldfinger.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN045-Bond07-Goldfinger.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 361: Celebration VI Memories
With so much anticipation it’s hard to believe Star Wars Celebration VI is over, but with all the good times come good memories! On this week’s Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie listen to recounts of some of the best times people had at Star Wars Celebration VI, from meeting celebrities to shopping to making friends to just partying, you shared your thoughts on this episode of the podcast.
Then Jerry comes with an unusual Vintage Viewpoint, looking at Celebration VI from the perspective of a vintage collector. From Celebration VI store items that harkened back to days of OT to some of the rare items seen on the show floor, Jerry recaps it all.
With a store report on new exclusive items hitting shelves and more, it’s all in this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN361.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Dr. No by Ian Fleming
Most people were introduced to James Bond in Dr. No, the first Bond feature film. However, Dr. No was Ian Fleming’s sixth Bond novel, picking up after the author had seemingly killed the super-spy in the previous book. Much like the film, Dr. No is working with Russians to disrupt American rocket tests. But is the truism that the book is always better the case, or No? As part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Stuart as he reads and reviews Dr. No.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN044-Bond06-DrNo.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 360 Part 5: It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Celebration
On Sunday night Star Wars Celebration was winding down, but the Collectors’ Social Area still had hundreds of people pouring through trying to complete their Star Tots collection! Marjorie, Arnie, Berent, Jay, and Steve were all there handing out Star Tots but as the line grew longer the Star Wars Action News team took a break to reflect on the end of Star Wars Celebration VI. In this final episode of Celebration coverage, Marjorie, Arnie, Berent, Steve, and Scott from Tulsa reflect on the high points of C6, discuss Celebration Europe 2 in Germany, the release of both Episodes II and III in 3-D in 2013, and the SWAG they got and missed.
Listen to this episode of Star Wars Action News, then share YOUR thoughts on Celebration. If you attended, what did you love? What did you see? Who did you meet? If you didn’t attend, will you be attending Celebration Europe 2? Are you excited by the expedited release of the prequels? What did you think of Detours? Let us know at 415-508-JEDI or send an MP3 to show@swactionnews.com
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN360E.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Republic Forces Radio Network Celebration VI Clone Wars Coverage
Clone Wars may still be on summer vacation, but at Star Wars Celebration VI the Wars raged on, and Republic Forces Radio Network hosts Jerry, Johnathan, and Arnie were there! From an early Season 5 premiere to something totally new called Young Jedi, listen for the report on Clone Wars from C6!
This episode has very light spoilers for both Young Jedi and The Clone Wars Season 5 premiere. If you want to know absolutely nothing about the plots of these episodes, hold off on listening. However no major spoilers are revealed, saving those for when these episodes are shown on television.
Listen Now: http://www.republicforces.com/Podcasts/RFRNC6.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: From Russia With Love by Ian Fleming
Bond has stopped several evil plots in his first four novels, and now the Russian General of SMERSH wants revenge for Bond’s meddling. They not only want to kill Bond but first they need to ruin his reputation. With two henchmen sent to do the deed, Bond is facing his biggest challenge yet! As part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Stuart as he reads and reviews From Russia With Love.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN043-Bond05-FromRussiaWithLove.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 360 Part 4: On the Floor with Chris Gore
On Sunday Star Wars Celebration VI started to wind down, but Marjorie and Arnie were still going strong. Marjorie had her new tattoo, Arnie had a number of purchases, and they were recording all about it at The Force United booth! But this podcast ended up being Podcrashed by Chris Gore. Chris was covering Celebration for StarWars.com and he sits down with Star Wars Action News to discuss his fandom of Star Wars, what he’s enjoyed at Celebration, and the crazy things that happened at the 501st party at the Grotto!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN360D.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 360 Part 3: Live from Celebration VI, Saturday Afternoon
Celebration VI was underway, George Lucas was taking a Detour on stage, but Marjorie, Arnie, and a number of Star Wars Action News listeners were still having fun in the Star Wars Collectors’ Social Area Saturday at noon! Listen to the second live podcast from the show where the Star Wars Action News hosts discuss being frozen in Carbonite, the bounty of items found at the Social Area Swap Meet and Social Friday night, Marjorie’s impending new tattoo, and more! Plus we have an interview with the voice of Star Wars fiction, Marc Thompson who performed the audiobook editions of the Thrawn Trilogy of novels, the Legacy of the Force and Fate of the Jedi series, and many more!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN360C.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 360 Part 2: Partying with Yakface and Star Wars Action News
Thursday at Star Wars Celebration VI was the night of the Star Wars Action News/Yakface party. An edible Jabba attended, as did Slave Leia to flip the roles and eat the Hutt! Prizes were handed out, death sticks were consumed, and Jerry got to talk to several of the attendees about their expectations for Star Wars Celebration VI and their first day experiences. So join the party and listen now!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN360B.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 360 Part 1: Live from Celebration VI Friday, Thinking Geek with Mark McKenna
At Star Wars Celebration VI Marjorie, Arnie, and Steve the Ginger Prince recorded a live show in the Collectors’ Social Area, and were joined by guests from Think Geek and Star Wars artist Mark McKenna! They discuss the latest reveals from the Hasbro Star Wars panel, shopping on the show floor, and give their impressions of the con!
Note: There was a shorted wire for the first couple minutes of this show making Steve’s audio hard to hear and some popping sounds that were minimized as much as possible during editing. As this was a live performance “the show must go on” while technicians worked to resolve the problem. The audio problems are resolved by 4 minutes into the show. So if you hear noises during the beginning, thank you for your patience, and know the first couple minutes are not indicative of the entire show’s audio quality.ouple minutes of this show making Steve’s audio hard to hear and some popping sounds that were minimized as much as possible during editing. As this was a live performance “the show must go on” while technicians worked to resolve the problem. The audio problems are resolved by 4 minutes into the show. So if you hear noises during the beginning, thank you for your patience, and know the first couple minutes are not indicative of the entire show’s audio quality.
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN360A.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Diamonds are Forever by Ian Fleming
In Bond’s fourth literary outing, the spy has to come to the states to take on a group of American gangsters. If that sounds beneath Bond, he agrees with you in this book! With very little resemblance to the theatrical adaptation, Diamonds Are Forever takes Bond undercover as a diamond smuggler. As part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Stuart as he reads and reviews Diamonds are Forever.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN042-Bond04-DiamondsAreForever.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 359: The Star Wars Celebration VI Pre-Game Show
Even before the end of Star Wars Celebration V fans were starting to look forward to the next time they could get together with friends, Star Wars fans, from around the world. That’s because no other event or convention offers the programming, the exclusives, the events, and the excitement Star Wars fans find at Star Wars Celebration. And this week it’s finally here–Star Wars Celebration VI!
Marjorie, Arnie, and the Star Wars Action News team will be covering the event from the Clone Wars Season 5 premiere to the events in the Collecting Track, the store exclusives, the autograph area, and more! And on this episode of Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie run down the highlights of the event for collectors. From the Collectors’ Social Area to the Swap Meet, the Diorama Workshop, the Celebration Store, the Art Show, and more, we give you a high level prep for Star Wars Celebration VI!
Whether you listen while flying or driving to Celebration, or just sitting home wanting to know what’s happening at the con, it’s all in this episode of the Star Wars Action News podcast! We hope to see you at the show!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN359.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Moonraker by Ian Fleming
Moonraker, the James Bond film, is a black mark on 007’s film history–a shameless Star Wars rip-off that takes Bond to the final frontier. But in the original Ian Flemming novel, Moonraker is a much more Earthbound tale pitting Bond against Drax, a nuclear arms manufacturer. As part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Stuart as he reads and reviews Moonraker.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN041-Bond03-Moonraker.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 358: Celebration VI and Chicago Comic-Con
2012’s Convention season is ending not with a whimper but with a bang! Star Wars Celebration VI starts in 10 days, but last weekend was also Wizard World’s Chicago Comic-Con, and on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast Marjorie and Arnie run down both.
First, the Celebration VI panel schedule has finally been released, and Marjorie and Arnie discuss some of the panels they will be hosting, as well as panels in the Celebration VI Collector’s Social Area. With limited edition free collectibles, opportunities to meet the faces behind some of the most popular Star Wars collecting web sites, and more, listen to find out how to not miss out at C6!
Also, Diorama Workshop head Frank D’iorio comes on the show to update listeners on what attendees will be building at C6, and what collectibles and souvenirs will be available at the diorama workshop area.
Then Marjorie, Arnie, Brock, and Johnathan went to Wizard World Chicago. Listen in to find out about the toys, collectibles, and celebrities that attended this Midwestern event.
With a book review of X-Wing: Mercy Kill by Brock and Vintage figures being sold individually online, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN358.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming
James Bond versus Mister Big, the Voodoo Baron of Death. This fight is a classic part of the Bond movie franchise, but while it was the eighth Bond film it was actually the second Bond story written by Ian Flemming, released in 1954. Now as part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Stuart as he reads and reviews Live and Let Die.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN040-Bond02-LiveAndLetDie.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 357: Add to Cart
Celebration is in two weeks, and for collectors the time to prepare your shopping lists has come! The store list has been revealed, and pre-orders are being taken by Acme Archives and Gentle Giant. From T-Shirts to statues to jumbo figures, magnets, and more! On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Marjorie and Arnie run down the list.
But is there any better collectible than a free one? Tickets for the Yakface/Star Wars Action News Celebration 6 party are almost sold out! With tons of door prizes, from the SDCC exclusive Carbon Freeze figure set, FX Lightsaber, Mimoco Thumb Drives, Diamond Select collectibles, Sideshow 12-inch figures, and so much more to win! Plus everyone who attends the party gets an exclusive shirt with art by Mark McKenna. Get your tickets before they sell out at http://www.swactionnews.com/C6/party.htm
With a review of Gentle Giant exclusive mini-busts, back to school notebooks, and a reveal about some panels in the Celebration 6 Collecting Track, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN357.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
James Bond first appeared not in Dr. No, but in Casino Royale, Ian Fleming’s novel about a British spy on a mission to beat a Russian in a game of cards that has life or death stakes. Now as part of James Bond’s 50th Anniversary, the podcast Now Playing is reviewing all of the James Bond films and we at Books & Nachos are looking at all of Fleming’s original Bond novels and short stories. In this episode, join Stuart as he reads Fleming’s first Bond work.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN039-Bond01-CasinoRoyale.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Death Dealt the Hand by John E. Bailor
When special agent Trevor Byrne investigates the hasty approval of an experimental AIDS cure, he uncovers a plot by genetics lab DNAY to unleash a deadly toxin on the world. With millions of lives at stake, and time running out, can Trevor stop DNAY before it’s too late? Listen to the latest Books & Nachos podcast to hear Steve review this thriller novel.
Review copy provided courtesy of the author.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN038.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 356: Year of the Astomech
Celebration VI is coming fast! Less than a month away! Have you got your party to the Star Wars Action News/Yakface party? The tickets are almost sold out, and all attendees get snacks, drinks, an exclusive Star Wars T-Shirt with art by Mark McKenna, and a chance to win some great prizes! On this week’s Star Wars Action News, we talk to Mark about his Celebration VI exclusive art print, featuring Darth Talon and Aayla Secura, as well as his comic background and the party T-Shirt!
Also on this week’s show we run down some of the most limited and most coveted exclusives that are coming at Star Wars Celebration VI. From Disney Vinylmation figures to Boba Fett bust banks to trading cards given out one per day each day of the con, listen to start making your shopping list for Celebration!
With Disney being at Celebration one of the biggest questions is if they will bring Droid Factory with them. That conversation began again this weekend as Droid Factory made its long-awaited return to Disneyworld! Listen as Star Wars Action News forum member Christian, “Darth Corgi”, recounts his adventure of building all 24 droids, and find out how you can get yours.
With Steve “The Gingerprince” reporting from the MCM Expo in Manchester, a look at Wizard World Chicago, and more, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN356.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 355: Cast & Crew
Gus Lopez and Duncan Jenkins’ first two books on Star Wars collectibles have been comprehensive, fact-filled tomes about Star Wars collectibles, both mass market and prototypes. But for their third book, they go even more rare, looking at collectible items only made available to the cast and crew of the Star Wars films and TV shows. On this week’s Star Wars Action News, Duncan and Gus join Arnie and Marjorie to talk about the new book, and give tips on how you can obtain cast and crew items in your own collection!
Also this week, Marjorie and Arnie bring you BREAKING NEWS on what may be the single most limited collectible at Celebration VI!
With reflections on another San Diego Comic-Con International gone by, online availability of the Carbon Freeze exclusive set from Hasbro, and your voicemails, it’s all this and more on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN355.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 354: San Diego Comic-Con 2012 — Return of the Droid
San Diego Comic-Con International is over and all that remains are the credit card balances. Over the convention Star Wars was in full effect, with Friday still being considered Star Wars Day with several panels from Hasbro, Del Rey, Dark Horse, Gentle Giant, Sideshow Collectibles, and more, and Star Wars Action News is here to recap the biggest reveals over this past weekend.
In addition to the news from the panels, on this week’s podcast you can hear exclusive interviews with Hasbro’s Star Wars Brand Team, eFX Collectibles, Kotobukiya, Hallmark, and Gentle Giant to talk about their upcoming releases and Celebration 6 exclusive plans.
And don’t forget, while the world’s largest Sci-Fi con is behind us, the world’s largest Star Wars convention is still to come at Star Wars Celebration VI! Listen in for news about the Yakface/Star Wars Action News party at C6, and get your tickets today at http://www.swactionnews.com/C6/party.htm
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN354.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 353: Collecting Is For Fun!
San Diego Comic-Con International is but a couple days away, but so many exclusives have already been sold! From Sideshow’s Bith band members to the one-sixth scale Commander Fox, plus even Hasbro is in on the action sending preview copies of their Cloud City Carbon Freezing Chamber figure set to select fan collecting sites. On this week’s Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie run down the latest San Diego Comic Con news, including your last chance to sign up for the Star Wars Fan Breakfast Friday morning! Plus they tell how you can submit a question to be asked by Star Wars Action News during their exclusive Hasbro interview at Comic-Con!
Also this week, Jerry is back with another Vintage Viewpoint. With all the talk of Droid Factory in the modern line, Jerry tells an old-timer’s view of what Droid Factory really is!
With new Target Exclusive figures, new un-articulated Battle Packs, a UK report from The Gingerprince, and a report from the St. Louis Toy Man Toy Show, it’s a jam-packed Star Wars Action News for you to listen to while in line for Hall H!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN353.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
Fan Fiction Recognized by Random House at San Diego Comic-Con
Random House Audio Invites Fan Fiction Authors to Record Their Stories at Comic-Con International in San Diego
One story will be selected by RH Audio producers to be recorded professionally and streamed online
NEW YORK, NY (July 2, 2012)—At this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, CA, Random House Audio will be recreating an audiobook studio right on the convention floor–inviting authors of fan fiction to record a sample of their work for a chance to have their story recorded and released as a digital audiobook.
Stories from the following fandoms are eligible for the contest:
- Star Wars®
- The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Aspiring authors (who must be legal residents of the U.S. and 18 years or older) can sign up for a time slot to record their five-minute sample during the convention, July 12-15 at the San Diego Convention Center. Random House Audio producers will listen to the entries (no mashups, please) and select one to be professionally recorded and mixed by Random House Audio for streaming at www.randomhouseaudio.com. The grand prize winner and five runner-ups will have clips from their stories featured on the Random House Audio weekly podcast.
Sessions will be available Thursday through Saturday, July 12-14, from 10am-12pm and 1pm to 4pm at the Random House Audio booth #1515. Registration for morning slots is open now through July 10 at www.randomhouseaudio.com, and afternoon slots will be available for same-day sign ups beginning at 9am the first day of the con on a first-come, first-served basis.
Don’t see your fandom included on the list above? Sunday, July 15 is Open Mic Day! Fans of other series will get their chance to record their stories as well from 11am to 3pm and enter to win a collection of audiobooks.
Even if you’re not a writer, be sure to stop by the Random House Audio booth (#1515) for exclusive Comic-Con giveaways, including buttons, posters, headphones and mini microphone recorders.
For complete contest rules, click here.
New Podcast: Episode 352: Collect What You Love
Everyone has a “holy grail” of collecting. For some it’s a mint-on-card Yakface, for some the dirty version of the C-3PO trading card, but for Nathan P. Butler it was the collected, out of print, Star Wars newspaper strip collection. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Nathan joins us to tell about the years spent seeking out this book, and gives us a hands-on review!
Also on this week’s podcast, Marjorie and Arnie run down the Star Wars Day events at San Diego Comic Con International, discuss two Scout Trooper exclusives to the convention, and other new Star Wars items that went up for preorder this past week.
With a discussion of another Hasbro figure price increase and two new Sideshow items that will cost a Premium, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN352.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 351: SDCC Exclusives and Inclusives
For Star Wars fans the countdown to Star Wars Celebration VI (and the Star Wars Action News/Yakface party the evening of the 23rd) is in the final stages, as less than two months from now the largest gathering of Star Wars fans will happen once again in Orlando. But for the presenters and collectible manufacturers, before they can focus on Celebration there is San Diego Comic-Con, the world’s largest Sci-Fi and Comics convention. This past week has been rife with exclusive announcements and preorders from companies like Kotobukiya, Gentle Giant, Sideshow, and Hallmark, and on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast Marjorie and Arnie run down all that news as well as the first bit of Celebration VI exclusive news to come from Yodasnews.com
Also on this week’s podcast, new figures have hit stores! Listen as Marjorie and Arnie review the latest figures from the Clone Wars and Star Wars Vintage Collection lines!
Finally, listen to hear news on two great convention events. First, at San Diego Comic Con comes the second annual Star Wars Fan Breakfast! Being held at the Edgewater Grill 7:30 a.m. on Friday, July 13th, walking distance from San Diego Comic Con, there will be prizes from Sideshow Collectibles as well as other Star Wars fans with whom to kick off what has traditionally been “Star Wars Day” at the con! You just pay for what you order off the menu, so RSVP now to fanbreakfast@swactionnews.com
Then at Star Wars Celebration VI, tickets are going fast for the Star Wars Action News/Yakface party. With a free, exclusive T-Shirt, door prizes, food, fun, and more, get your tickets now at http://swactionnews.com/C6/party.htm
With news of upcoming exclusive Hasbro figures and more, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN351.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 350: Scourge of the Collector
It’s been an interesting week to be a Star Wars collector. Some report new figure finds at Wal Mart and Target, others can’t find anything but The Phantom Menace wave. Preorders of the Mandalorian Assault Transport were cancelled, but new San Diego Comic Con and Celebration VI exclusives were teased. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Marjorie and Arnie look at these developments and what it means to be a Star Wars toy collector in 2012.
Also on this week’s podcast, Brock joins us with a review of the Star Wars novel Scourge. From Jeff Grubb, an author with a Star Wars background bringing us his first Star Wars novel, this adaptation of a story from the Star Wars Role Playing Game has some fans buzzing. Listen to Brock’s review to find out why!
And with Star Wars Celebration VI coming ever closer, announcements are continuing to flow. Listen to hear about the reveal of 10 exclusive art prints, and Diorama Workshop head Frank Diorio tells you some of his plans for a diorama twice as large as the one at Celebration V, and how you can help make it a reality! Plus, don’t forget to get your tickets now for the Yakface/Star Wars Action News party at Star Wars Celebration VI, with a FREE exclusive T-Shirt, food, drinks fun, friends, and music, it’s a time not to be missed!
All this and more on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN350.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore
Spoiler Alert! This podcast discusses many key elements of Batman: The Killing Joke.
The Killing Joke, published in 1988, was a hit among comic fans but when Tim Burton praised the Alan Moore penned comic while doing press for Batman in 1989 it went mainstream. Now, almost twenty-five years later, Moore’s story of the Joker giving Commissioner Gordon one bad day continues to be analyzed, discussed, and cited as one of the best examples of the superhero comic.
Now, inspired by Now Playing Podcast’s Batman movie retrospective series, the dynamic duo of Arnie and Jakob continue reviewing these seminal Batman stories, Arnie having never read the story before this review, and Jakob a long time fan.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN037.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 349: $600 of Meh
Star Wars collectibles may be coming in a trickle, but the news is fast and furious, and on this week’s Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie have a round-up of the hottest Star Wars toys and tchotkes. From iPhone cases to ice cube trays to SDCC exclusives, it’s all on this week’s podcast along with another UK report from Steve the Gingerprice from Collectormania 18!
Also this week, your hosts review a trio of statues that recently shipped. First two statues from Gentle Giant’s cantina series, Blue Snaggletooth and Greedo! Both were put up for sale last month with May the 4th, and Marjorie and Arnie have them in hand. How were the final production versions? Listen to find out! Plus an in-depth review of Sideshow’s Premium Format Han Solo in Carbonite. The Star Wars Action News hosts were underwhelmed with the Premium Format Stormtrooper, and their first Han in Carbonite was damaged in transit. Now that a replacement has arrived, listen in to see if you should try to score this bounty for yourself!
Plus do you have your tickets for the Star Wars Action News/Yakface party at Star Wars Celebration VI? Tickets are already 1/3 sold out! Hear an update on this and some Celebration exclusives on this week’s podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN349.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 348: Toys from the Amazon
Figures are starting to trickle back into stores, with new figures being reported found at Wal-Mart, Target, and Toys R Us. But as reported on last week’s podcast, the quickest, most reliable way to get some new figures at close to retail were to order them from Amazon.com. Arnie and Marjorie ordered a handful of new Star Wars Vintage figures from Amazon including Dr. Evizan, the 501st clone, and Arc Trooper Commander to have some openers. Listen to this week’s show to find out about Amazon’s shipping methods, as well as in-depth reviews of these figures loose to gauge their articulation and how they look at 360 degrees!
Also on this week’s podcast, Marjorie and Arnie play your voicemails including a tale of a trip to the Skywalker Ranch, a deal on Star Wars popcorn poppers, and when toys from Five Below aren’t a bargain. All on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN348.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
H.G. Wells saw the future of modern warfare when he imagined meteor showers bringing bellicose Martian tripods down upon unsuspecting Victorian England.
Stuart In LA has known The War of the Worlds through its many offshoots – the infamous 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast, the 1953 Hollywood disaster movie, the 1980’s syndicated TV show, and the Tom Cruise/Steven Spielberg remake currently being reviewed for special donors at NowPlayingPodcast.com. But he’s never read the 19th Century original novel until now. Listen and find out if he thinks the source material still stands as a pillar of the science fiction genre.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN036.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Batman: Year One by Frank Miller
Spoiler Alert! This podcast discusses many key elements of Batman: Year One and Batman: Year Two.
After DC had a Crisis on Infinite Earths it was time to revisit and revamp the origins of many of their core superheroes, including the Batman. Written by Frank Miller one year after his acclaimed The Dark Knight Returns series, Year One looks at both Batman and Commissioner Gordon during their first year fighting crime in Gotham City. This arc provided a grounded take on the Batman origin, and would inspire the movies Batman Begins and Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, as well as having its own feature-length direct-to-DVD movie adaptation.
Now, inspired by Now Playing Podcast’s Batman movie retrospective series, the dynamic duo of Arnie and Jakob continue reviewing these seminal Batman stories, Arnie having never read the series before this review, and Jakob a long time fan of the series. And they also take a brief look at the follow-up comic series, Batman: Year Two
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN035.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet by William Kotzwinkle
Steven Spielberg swore he’d never film a follow-up to his most popular and personal work – the 1982 sci-fi fantasy E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. But in 1985, the director did grant children’s author William Kotzwinkle approval to publish an account of what happened to the adorable alien being after he left Elliott on Earth. As a companion to the current NowPlayingPodcast.com special donation podcast, Stuart In LA reviews E.T: THE BOOK OF THE GREEN PLANET and takes in the wonders of a never-before-depicted home world. Will Stuart be over the moon about getting a second adventure with his childhood idol, or does a failure to “be good” earn the sequel a glowing middle finger? Listen and find out!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN034.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 347: The Price Match Mind Trick
The figures are out there. They are not easy to find, they are not plentiful, but if you hit the stores often enough, if you’re lucky enough, if the Force is with you, new Star Wars vintage collection figures are in stores to be bought. And not just action figures, new Star Wars Titanium vehicles are hitting stores, plus even more Star Wars toys are on closeout for the bargain hunters out there.
On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Arnie and Marjorie run down a number of recent store finds, from $10 Battle Packs and Deluxe Figures at Tuesday Morning to half off figure sales to a K-Mart markdown that you won’t B-lieve! And also on this week’s show, they review the Wave 12 Vintage Collection Star Wars figures that they received this past week from Brian’s Toys.
With a UK store and convention report from Steve The Gingerprince, and a price match showdown at Wal Mart, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN347.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
Spoiler Alert! This podcast discusses many key elements of The Dark Knight Returns and The Dark Knight Strikes Again.
Batman was a campy comic character best known for his 1960s TV series and the Batdance until 1986 when Frank Miller reinvented the character in The Dark Knight Returns, a 4-issue limited comic series telling the tale of an older, retired Batman in an alternate version of the DC universe. Now, inspired by Now Playing Podcast’s Batman movie retrospective series, the dynamic duo of Arnie and Jakob review this seminal comic series, Arnie having never read the series before this review, and Jakob a long time fan of the series. And they also take a brief look at Frank Miller’s sequel comic series, The Dark Knight Strikes Back.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN033.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 346: Party On, Luke!
Marjorie and Arnie are back in the Sithsonian this week with another Star Wars Action News podcast, and they bring tidings from the Pacific Northwest…tidings, and toys that is! Thanks to the Star Wars collectors of SARLACC a number of unique and rare Star Wars items were seen, from Star Wars pinball machines to arcade games, bootleg items, and more, including a tour of Gus Lopez’s impressive array of Star Wars props and prototypes. On this week’s podcast they run down what store no Star Wars fan in the Pacific Northwest should miss!
And from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic Southeast, the new Disney World Build-A-Droid exclusives have been the buzz of many collectors since debuting during the first Star Wars Weekend of 2012. Dan Curto has gotten the first batch and joins us to provide a hands-on review in shared coverage of the event!
Finally, on the show you will find details about the Yakface/Star Wars Action News party at Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando! The third such party at Celebration is a great way to meet other fans and friends to connect with throughout the entire celebration, and Star Wars Action News and Yakface are happy to once again be hosting the event! Listen to this week’s show for details!
With a recap of May the 4th Madness, new items from Gentle Giant, Sideshow, and more, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN346.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Aliens: Female War
As a companion to the current NowPlayingPodcast.com ALIEN
donation drive, Stuart In LA takes fans of the franchise into the
extended universe of the comic books and novels that serve as an
alternative sequel to the James Cameron film ALIENS.
Now Ripley will get her revenge as the series concludes in a four
issue color comic book entitled EARTH WAR, later novelized as FEMALE
WAR. Will the plan to capture a telepathic alien Super Queen lead to
the extinction of all xenomorphs on Earth? And how exactly did our
sci-fi heroine get home after diving into the lead works of ALIEN 3?
Listen and find out!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN032.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 345: Disney Dreams and ACME Give-aways
This week, Dan and Jerry are back to discuss all that is happening–or perhaps NOT happening at store shelves. Even though the “brick and mortars” are quiet, there is a lot of on-line news this week. Gentle Giant put three new pre-orders up and there’s sure to be something for everybody: a jumbo vintage figure, a deluxe mini-bust, and a deluxe statue. Also, news of a highly-anticipated Clone Wars battle pack hit and in the spirit of Republic Forces Radio Network; Jerry & Dan discuss the 35-second teaser trailer for Season 5.
But the highlight of this week’s show: our very own holocron enhancer, Berent, brings us an interview with artist William Silvers who was at the ACME Archives art exhibit at Disneyland this past week. Mr. Silvers was even kind enough to autograph a print, “The Kessel Run”, for a lucky listener.
But there’s more Disney fun to be had this week including the Build-a-Droid pieces that will be available at Tatooine Traders and you can hear what Jerry and Dan think about the “Carbon Freeze Me” promotion there as well. All this and a UK Store Report from Phil on this week’s episode of Star Wars Action News.
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN345.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Aliens: Nightmare Asylum by Steve Perry
As a companion to the current NowPlayingPodcast.com ALIEN donation drive, Stuart In LA takes fans of the franchise into the extended universe of the comic books and novels that serve as an alternative sequel to the James Cameron film ALIENS.The retrospective continues with second installment NIGHTMARE ASYLUM – a four issue color comic book later adapted into a novel by Steve Perry. Hicks and Newt escape an Earth overrun by aliens only to find themselves enlisted in an experimental military outfit where xenomorphs are bred to be super soldiers. Plus Ripley returns to the series with her own ideas on winning the war. Listen to Stuart sound off about all of this and more!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN031.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Aliens: Earth Hive by Steve Perry
As
a companion to the current NowPlayingPodcast.com ALIEN donation drive,
Stuart In LA takes fans of the franchise into the extended
universe of the comic books and novels that serve as an alternative sequel
to the James Cameron film
ALIENS.
The retrospective kicks
off with graphic novel ALIENS: OUTBREAK and prose
novel ALIENS: EARTH HIVE – companion works that chronicle the way HR Geiger’s fearsome extra-terrestrial overruns a
planet. Have the authors and illustrators conceived of a more
deserving destiny for Hicks and Newt in print than they received on
film? And what does the series look like without Ripley? Join Stuart now to find
out!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN030.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 344: Decade of the Clones
We are rapidly approaching the tenth anniversary of the second Star Wars prequel film–Attack of the Clones. With the proto-stormtroopers, the emergence of a new Sith Lord, and Boba fett’s father Jango, this movie was built up to with all the hype that came with the Star Wars prequels. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast Marjorie and Arnie look back at the Episode II hoopla, from the Saga Collection of figures’ midnight release to Star Wars Celebration II in Indianapolis, as well as their own personal connection to this prequel.
Also on this week’s podcast, the third try was the charm for Sideshow’s Premium Format Stormtrooper. After two damaged pieces, Marjorie and Arnie have gotten a complete piece of this Sideshow collectible. With its portrayal of the faceless troops of the Imperial Army, is this something you should add to your collection? Listen to find out!
With Nathan P. Butler’s final entry in his look back at the Hasbro comic figure packs, Brock’s review of The Essential Guide to Warfare, a new line of statues from Sideshow Collectibles, and 25 new astromech figures, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Acton News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN344.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 343: Heavy Metal Star Wars
While pictures online of the next wave of Vintage, Movie Heroes, and Clone Wars figures appear on Star Wars collecting sites, the stores themselves are still lacking in new Star Wars toys. But just because the latest wave of figures isn’t there doesn’t mean there’s nothing to buy! On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Marjorie and Arnie recount their multi-city toy run and play your voicemails. Listen to find out where to get discounts on Legos, exclusive Hasbro toys, Gentle Giant busts, and more!
Also on this week’s show, Marjorie looks at a unique high-end Etsy seller of custom Star Wars artworks using scrap metal. These expensive steampunk renditions of classic Star Wars characters and vehicles are a unique way to show a love for Star Wars.
Plus a rundown of Steve Sansweet’s Ultimate Action Figure Collection, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN343.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 342: C2E2 ’12
Kicking off the con season this week Marjorie and Arnie headed to the windy city for C2E2 to check out the art, the autographs, and the shopping. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast they are joined by fellow C2E2 attendees Chris and Sarah to talk about the figures they found and the other collectibles on the C2E2 showroom floor! Plus Arnie has an interview with Zach Oat from Diamond Select Toys discussing their quarter-scale figures, their bust banks, and some upcoming convention exclusives!
Also on this week’s show, Brock returns to review the last book of the Fate of the Jedi series. It’s been a prolonged series with several delays. With Apocalypse capping off the series, is it worth picking up? Listen to Brock’s review to find out!
With a discussion of Star Wars T-Shirts, Bradford Exchange dioramas, and more, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN342.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 341: Love at First click
Marjorie and Arnie are back behind the mic on Star Wars Action News, and they’ve brought with them new Star Wars collecting news and reviews. On this week’s podcast, they review two exclusive Gentle Giant mini-busts, the 2011 Collector’s Guild exclusive Commander Fox and the 2012 WonderCon exclusive Yoda with 3-D glasses. With limited production runs are these two busts worth featuring in your collection? Listen to find out!
Also on this week’s show, your Star Wars Action News hosts run down early shots of Hasbro’s next wave of vintage figures, wave 2 of Movie Heroes figures, and foreign Phantom Menace 3-D promotional items. With Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination touring news, new items from Acme Archives and Sideshow Collectibles, and a Star Wars dance, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN341.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 340: The Collectors’ Podcast
As Star Wars toys continue to trickle in across the country, new product has starting showing up in stores. Wal-Mart’s cancelled wave of Clone Wars DVD 2-packs are now appearing at discount stores, and the Wal-Mart “Discover the Force” exclusive Qui-Gon Jinn Ultimate FX Lightsaber, LEGO mini-sets, Easter Vaders, and more. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast we run down the latest finds, including where you can get unpunched Vintage Collection figures by the wheel barrel for $5 per figure!
For a special Star Wars Action News report, Steve Sansweet joins us to discuss his latest purchases at Rancho Obi-Wan, including an item that can truly unlock your collection’s potential, and a discussion of those odd bootleg stormtroopers that have been spotted in China.
Despite a long hiatus, Hasbro is back for a new Q&A session, plus, we take another look at the Blu-ray deleted scene wave of figures, and listen to your voicemails. It’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN340.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 339: Toy Savings Like Darth Maul — Half Off!
Star Wars sales continue as the ramp up for Easter hits its peak; both Toys R Us and Target are both having half-off sales on Star Wars this week. On the latest Star Wars Action News podcast Marjorie and Arnie run down the sales, including how to maximize your Fighter Pods purchase, and where you can get an Ultimate Force F/X lightsaber for $10 shipped!
Also on this week’s podcast your Star Wars Action News hosts look at the latest online offerings, from large items, like Sideshow Collectibles’ life-sized Darth Malgus statue, to small items, such as Gentle Giant’s Wondercon exclusive Yoda mini-bust.
With Nathan continuing his series of comic pack reports, Steve reporting in with a toy find in the UK, and Marjorie tells how the Star Wars marketing machine shaped a very large purchase, all on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN339.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 338: James Luceno the Wise
Maybe not since Heir to the Empire has a Star Wars Expanded Universe been as hotly anticipated as James Luceno’s Darth Plagueis. Since Revenge of the Sith hit theaters Star Wars ans have wondered how much of Palpatine’s tale of his former master was true. Could Plagueis stop people from dying? Did he pass on the knowledge to Palpatine? And, most importantly, did Plagueis cause the creation of Anakin Skywalker? But after appearing on Del Rey’s Star Wars book list for release in 2008 the book was pulled by Lucasfilm.
Now, four years after it’s originally scheduled release, James Luceno and Lucasfilm have given us Darth Plagueis and answered those many questions…from a certain point of view. On this week’s Star Wars Action News James Luceno talks to Arnie about what transpired to get this novel released, George Lucas’ direct involvement in the story, how The Clone Wars reviving Darth Maul impacted his story, and whether or not Plageous really did create The Chosen One. Read the book, then come to get all the backstory and Luceno’s own interpretation of the events hinted at by the novel.
With Star Wars eye shadow, more deleted scenes figures hitting pegs, and an Ultimate Lego R2-D2, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN338.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 337: Lego Toy Man
This past Sunday the Toy Man Toy Show was held in St. Louis and Marjorie and Arnie were on hand to report, and to shop! On this week’s podcast they discuss the new vintage and vintage vintage items they found at the con, including a Return of the Jedi pop-up book and a deleted scene Luke Skywalker figure.
But their find of the show were two custom items made by a local craftsman–giant sized Lego Star Wars statues! Fully articulated with removable helmets, listen to hear all about these figures and how you can get some of these for your collection!
With a store report, a 3-D phantom menace book and the Uncle Milton Darth Maul room light, all this and more on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN337.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 336: In Memory of Ralph McQuarrie
This past weekend a light went out in the universe as Ralph McQuarrie passed away at the age of 82. The concept artist of the original trilogy, the artist took Lucas’ words and created visions of a galaxy far, far away that would inspire generations of artists to come. It is to the memory of this great visionary that Marjorie, Arnie, and the crew of Star Wars Action News dedicate our latest podcast. He will be missed. Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie review the latest wave of Vintage figures–the deleted scene wave featuring Luke, Leia, Lando, Cracken, and a Mon Calamari A-Wing pilot. With a discussion on the ethics of figure hiding, new store discounts, and more, it’s all in this week’s Star Wars Action News Podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN336.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: My Incredible Life as the Hulk by Lou Ferrigno
Despite three feature films and fifty years of comics, to many people the words “The Incredible Hulk” recall a vivid memory of Lou Ferrigno fully made up in green body paint. The role that made the bodybuilder famous, The Hulk has always been a part of Ferrigno’s life. As a young child, Ferrigno was inspired to bodybuild by the Hulk in comics, and in the Marvel movies Ferrigno provides the voice of the green giant. But in 2003, to tie into his cameo appearance in Ang Lee’s Hulk film, Ferrigno’s autobiography tells of how he got the role of Hulk, retelling tales from all five seasons and the three reunion movies, and his life after Hulk.
Listen to Arnie’s review of Lou’s autobiography now, then head to to hear Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob review all of the Incredible Hulk movies, including Ferrigno’s TV movies!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN029.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Episode 335: Cereal Killer
When The Phantom Menace was released in 1999 the food tie-ins were omnipresent. From Kentucky Fried Chicken to Taco Bell to Pepsi to Doritos you could almost have an entire (albeit unhealthy) diet of Star Wars branded foods. While the 3-D rerelease is a bit more subdued, there are still a number of Star Wars food tie-in collectibles in your local grocery store. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Marjorie and Arnie run down several Star Wars food items, including cereal pack-in pens and posters, gummy candies, Easter candy lightsabers, and many more! Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie play some of your reviews of the Star Wars 3-D rerelease. From across the US and even internationally, listen to hear if othe rstar Wars fans’ 3-D experiences mirrored your own, and then Arnie and Marjorie update you on the future of 3-D Star Wars both in theaters and in home video. With an update on store sales and new Vintage and exclusive Star Wars toys, and a Star Wars minis update from the hosts of the Star Wars Miniverse, it’s all this week on Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN335.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 334: A Certain Cincinnati Point of View
When Arnie and Marjorie decide to spend a little extra time in New York after tirelessly covering Toy Fair 2012, the B-Team from Cincinnati take the reins! Jerry and Dan are back to discuss their thoughts on Phantom Menace 3D, Hasbro’s Toy Fair announcements, and some other news that surfaced this past week. Hear what they think of the new Ewok and X-Wing figure packs as well as the look of the Star Wars line 2013. Was Yoda a good choice or should Hasbro have started a tradition of using characters that are introduced and killed off in the same movie? But, that’s not all, Brock from the Star Wars Action New Book Club is back to review the Darth Maul short stories and we have Steve the Ginergerprince’s 2012 debut with his UK report.
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN334.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 333B: Toy Fair 2012 Day 2: From the Javits Center
Sunday Toy Fair International 2012 kicked off officially and Marjorie and Arnie were there before the show even opened, taking pictures of new Star Wars collectibles and toys that will be on shelves in 2012. On this episode of the Star Wars Action News podcast, listen to their reports as they walk the floor, telling of new collectibles from Funko, Rubies, Fantasy Flight Games, and Look 3-D, makers of the Pod Racer 3-D glasses who tipped us off on what 3-D glasses they may be making for the rerelease of Attack of the Clones!
Plus on this issue there are tons of interviews with Star Wars toy companies. Listen as we talk to represenatives from Lego, Uncle Milton, Kotobukiya, Top Trumps, Jazwares, and Screenlife, the makers of the new and very fun looking Star Wars Scene It DVD game!
All this, and some clarification of Saturday’s Hasbro news on this second part of Star Wars Action News’ Toy Fair coverage!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN333B.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Hannibal Rising
Prepare the Chianti and fava beans. Books and Nachos is having a month long meal with author Thomas Harris and his seminal creation Dr. Hannibal Lecter. As a companion podcast to the current movie review series over at NowPlayingPodcast.com, Stuart In LA is cracking the spines on the four novels that inspired the five films to feature the caged cannibal.
The 2006 novel Hannibal Rising delves into the memory palace of Lecter’s mind to unlock the secret traumas that drive his thirst for vengeance and human flesh. Can this blunt little tool dissect our favorite serial killer, or will the prequel leave a bad taste in readers’ mouths? Join Stuart for the final conversation in this series to find out!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN028.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Hannibal
Prepare the Chianti and fava beans. Books and Nachos is having a month long meal with author Thomas Harris and his seminal creation Dr. Hannibal Lecter. As a companion podcast to the current movie review series over at NowPlayingPodcast.com, Stuart In LA is cracking the spines on the four novels that inspired the five films to feature the caged cannibal.
It took more than a decade for writer Thomas Harris to cook up Hannibal – the sprawling 1999 novel that finds Lecter evading capture in Italy to reunite with disillusioned FBI agent Clarice Starling in America. Does our notorious antihero get his just desserts, or is this unconventional love story too hard to swallow? Join Stuart now to find out!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN027.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Who Goes There?
SomeTHING awoke in our collective imagination when science fiction writer John W Campbell posed the question “Who Goes There?” in his 1938 novella about a chameleon space invader discovered beneath the Antarctic ice. The classic tale of intergalactic deception has paranoid themes and horrific imagery that continues to replicate on film: The Thing From Another World (1951), John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982), and today’s new The Thing prequel.
As a companion to the current NowPlayingPodcast.com donation drive movie review series, Stuart In LA performs an autopsy on this unique literary specimen to try and provide a satisfying answer to Campbell’s eternal query: Who Goes There?
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN026.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Silence of the Lambs
Prepare the Chianti and fava beans. Books and Nachos is having a month long meal with author Thomas Harris and his seminal creation Dr. Hannibal Lecter. As a companion podcast to the current movie review series over at NowPlayingPodcast.com, Stuart In LA is cracking the spines on the four novels that inspired the five films to feature the caged cannibal.
Before he was winning Oscars and chewing up the silver screen, Hannibal Lecter appeared in the 1988 novel The Silence of The Lambs to help a female FBI trainee catch a woman-skinning psycho. Join Stuart as he ponders the ways a woman’s touch changes our notorious antihero, even as he hatches his bloody escape plan.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN025.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Red Dragon
Prepare the Chianti and fava beans. Books and Nachos is having a month long meal with author Thomas Harris and his seminal creation Dr. Hannibal Lecter. As a companion podcast to the current movie review series over at NowPlayingPodcast.com, Stuart In LA is cracking the spines on the four novels that inspired the five films to feature the caged cannibal.
Our first course of Lecter is Red Dragon, the 1981 crime novel that introduced the iconic serial killer to the world and serves as the source material for both the 1986 Michael Mann film MANHUNTER and 2002 Brett Ratner effort RED DRAGON. Join Stuart as he gets inside Lecter’s head to analyze what makes the psycho shrink pit an idolizing new mass murderer against the profiler who put him behind bars.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN024.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Jaws The Revenge by Hank Searls
Under the best of circumstances, novelizations of films add a bit of depth to a screenplay, but anyone who’s seen the film Jaws: The Revenge knows these are not the best of circumstances. As a companion to Now Playing’s Jaws Movie Review podcast series, Stuart in L.A. is here to review the novelization of this much-maligned film. While author Hank Searls certainly had an unenviable task turning this screenplay about a shark seeing revenge against the Brody family, was his conversion from script to prose a positive one, or did it go belly up? Join Stuart as he details this novel’s differences from the film, and describes if it’s better or worse!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN023.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Healers and Hunters (WARS: The Battle of Phobos – Earthers, Part 1 of 3) by Nathan P. Butler
In 2004 Decipher Trading Cards launched the WARS Card Game, a game based on their previous Star Wars TCG. With a background story written in part by Michael Stackpole and John Howe, WARS was immediately embraced by gamers, yet not successful enough to continue making card sets beyond 2005.
However the story behind the WARS universe continues now with this first Novella, Healers and Hunters by Nathan P. Butler.
As most people have likely never heard of WARS, is it a worthy read? Listen as Arnie fills in the uninitiated on the WARS universe and reviews this book.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN022.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Jaws by Peter Benchley
You’ve seen the movie, but have you read the bestselling book of Jaws? While many things are similar, the differences may surprise you! In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of the Jaws movies, Stuart is back on Books & Nachos exploring the source material that inspired the original summer blockbuster movie!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN021.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: The Adjustment Team
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at “The Adjustment Team”, the short story from 1954 that inspired the Matt Damon/Emily Blunt romance THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN020.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: The Golden Man
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at “The Golden Man”, the short story from 1953 that inspired the Nicholas Cage action thriller NEXT.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN019.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: A Scanner Darkly by Philip K Dick
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at “A Scanner Darkly”, the 1977 novel that inspired the psychedelic Keanu Reeves/Richard Linklater animation movie.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN018.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Paycheck by Philip K Dick
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at “Paycheck”, the short story from 1953 that inspired the Ben Affleck/John Woo action movie.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN017.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Minority Report by Philip K Dick
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at “The Minority Report”, the 1956 novella that inspired the Tom Cruise/Steven Spielberg blockbuster.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN016.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Impostor by Philip K Dick
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at “Impostor”, the 1953 short story that inspired a Gary Sinise/Vincent D’Onofrio action-mystery.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN015.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Second Variety by Philip K Dick
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at “Second Variety”, the 1953 novella that inspired the Peter Weller midnight movie SCREAMERS.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN014.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: We Can Remember It For You Wholesale by Philip K. Dick
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale”, the short story from 1966 that inspired the Arnold Schwartzeneggar/Paul Verhoeven action movie TOTAL RECALL.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN013.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
In partnership with Now Playing’s retrospective of all Philip K Dick screen adaptations, Books & Nachos explores the source material that inspired the movies and transformed the science fiction genre for a whole generation of readers.
This week Stuart takes a look at seminal 1968 novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, the dystopian detective novel that gave birth to the Harrison Ford/Ridley Scott classic BLADE RUNNER.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN012.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: An Interview with David Morrell
Finishing our series looking back at the Rambo novels and novelizations, Arnie sits down with author David Morrell. Morrell wrote First Blood over a decade before Stallone embodied the character onscreen, and then Morrell returned to Rambo by novelizing the screenplays for the first two film sequels.
Now David Morrell opens up about why he chose to adapt someone else’s story for his character, his thoughts on the films and the Rambo cartoon series, and tell us about how Rambo has influenced his career.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN011.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Rambo 3 by David Morrell
This week on Books & Nachos, we look at Rambo 3, written by David Morrell, author of the original Rambo novel First Blood. The film was a financial disappointment and almost killed the Rambo film franchise, but was the book our worst literary nightmare, or could Morrell save this plotline from the torture? Listen to find out! Then come back to booksandnachos.com next week as Arnie sits down with David Morrell to discuss all three Rambo novels!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN010.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Rambo – First Blood Part 2 by David Morrell
Rambo made his first appearance in 1972 in David Morrell’s novel First Blood, which was then adapted into a film. The film was a huge success, and so a sequel was made written by James Cameron and Sylvester Stallone. As movie novelizations are big business a novel was commissioned. None of this is shocking until you look closely at the cover–Rambo’s original creator, David Morrell, returned to write the novelization of his character in a story in which he had no input. This is a very unique situation, and since our partner podcast Now Playing is reviewing all the Rambo films we felt this movie novelization would be worth a look. Listen to find out if we were right!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN009.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: First Blood by David Morell
Books & Nachos’ sister podcast, Now Playing, is spending November reviewing all of the Rambo films, so Books & Nachos decided to look back at Rambo’s origin in David Morell’s 1972 classic novel First Blood. How does the book compare to the legend? Listen to Arnie’s review to find out, then come back later this month as Arnie interviews David Morell about Rambo!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN008.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: George Lucas’s Blockbusting edited by Alex Ben Block and Lucy Autrey Wilson
George Lucas’s Blockbusting may sound like a book chronicling George Lucas’ rise to box office dominance, first through his Star Wars films, and then through Indiana Jones and the other movies he’s been a part of; however, this book is actually a cultural and financial look at movies through history, including what Lucas and the editors deemed the 300 “Blockbuster” movies from 1913 through 2005. On this episode of Books & Nachos, Arnie interviews Alex Ben Block to discuss how the included films were selected, and then reviews this book to see if it deserves a place on your bookshelf!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN007.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Under the Dome by Stephen King
Stephen King’s latest work, Under the Dome, is his third longest novel to date, bested in page count only by his classic works The Stand and It. Does this new novel, about a small Maine town cut off from the rest of the world by an unseen force, meet the standards of those books? Listen to find out in this totally spoiler-free review! (Note: There is a spoiler-ish conversation AFTER the review regarding one of the book’s larger plot twists but you will have plenty of warning so you can listen to the review and still remain totally spoiler-free).
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN006.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Indiana Jones and the Army of the Dead by Steve Perry
Indiana Jones is back! With the revival of the Indiana Jones franchise in 2008 with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, now the original novelized adventures of Indy continue as well with Indiana Jones and the Army of the Dead. Taking place between the 3rd and 4th Indiana Jones movies we get to see our hero back in action. But as Crystal Skull did not appease many fans of the franchise, will the book fare better? Listen to our review, and find out how you can win a copy of Indiana Jones and the Army of the Dead!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN005.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: No Doors No Windows by Joe Schreiber
It’s a house that has no right angles, walls meeting floors at curves, and may just be haunted in Joe Screiber’s latest horror novel “No Doors No Windows.” Books and Nachos will tell you if this book will have you clawing the walls in fear.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN004.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Infected by Scott Sigler
Avid podcaster Scott Sigler has become a novelist. Now his novels are the subject of a podcast. Is that recursive, ironic, or just a coincidence? Either way, here we review his 2008 novel Infected, which began as the podcast novel Infection in 2006. With Halloween around the corner, is this the answer to your need for scares? We’ll tell you on Books and Nachos!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN003.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Iron Man: Femmes Fatales by Robert Greenberger
He Is…IRON MAN. This novelized version of the Marvel Comics superhero pits him against international terrorist group HYDRA headed by the mysterious Madame Hydra. With the success of the 2008 film this book is sure to get some attention, and we review it for you here on Books and Nachos!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN002.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: A Walk Through the Book of Matthew Youth Style
On this episode, we review the devotional guide A Walk Through the Book of Matthew Youth Style by Pastor Jamie Estes, including an interview with the author.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN001.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
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