Hasbro Q&A — HasLab Sail Barge (and Yakface!) Update
From Left to Right, Steve Evans, Mark Boudreaux, and Joe Ninivaggi
Today Star Wars Action News was privileged to be one of only three fan sites participating in a Q&A with the Star Wars Brand Team at Hasbro. The topic was, of course, their current crowdfunding project for the Khetanna — Jabba the Hutt’s Sail Barge playset that measures 4-feet long.
Participating in the conversation were our long-time friends from Hasbro: Steve Evans (Design Director for Star Wars toys), Mark Boudreaux (Senior Principal Designer for Star Wars toys), and Joe Ninivaggi (Director, Global Brand Strategy & Marketing – Star Wars).
The conversation revealed some new information about the current campaign, and also had a nice video tour of the newly painted Sail Barge.
You can read the transcript of the interview below, but the high points are:
- The Yakface figure included with the Khetanna, on the Power of the Force card with the silver coin, will have the lowest production run of any modern Star Wars figure (assuming the Barge’s numbers don’t end dramatically above 5,000)
- If you live in the US or Canada the crowdfunding is the only way you will ever be able to buy the Barge. If the Barge is backed then Hasbro will make a small quantity of Barges available, but only for those living outside of the US and Canada.
- The paint on the barge took over 200 man-hours. (The design of the barge took over “one thousand” Mark half-joked.)
- The team is looking at only one Star Wars HasLab project per year. HasLab will do multiple projects per year, but the others will be for Marvel, Transformers, and My Little Pony.
- This is the team’s first crowdfunding effort and they’re using it as a learning experience. Future HasLab projects will take current feedback into account regarding payment plans, cost of items, duration of the campaign, etc.
- The Barge is incredibly cool with so many details that can only be seen close-up, including a sink faucet in the galley and a retractable microphone in Jabba’s dais.
- If the Barge is funded the Hasbro team is looking at producing an updated Jabba the Hutt figure with an improved paint application and perhaps facial sculpting from their previous efforts.
Below is an rundown of the conversation.
The team started with a run-down of the Entertainment Weekly reveal of the painted Sail Barge, and the inclusion of the Power of the Force Yakface figure. Steve said the paint job was “200 man and woman hours” of work, to which Mark added “And that’s just to paint it. Not including the work that’s been done since… another 1,000 hours there.” They also noted a pick-up in orders since yesterday’s news, but they still need almost 1,800 orders in 12 days.
Then the Q&A Began
Question: What is your ideal rate for Star Wars campaigns? One per year, two per year, etc?
Answer: Joe said HasLab will likely have multiple initiatives per year across Transformers, My Little Pony, and Marvel, but they are starting with only one Star Wars initiative per year “and take it from there.”
Q: Why was a payment option not made available for the Barge as other companies do for items of similar price.
A: Joe replied, “I think this will answer a number of questions but this is our first time doing this. We’re learning a lot on this. HasbroToyShop, which, of course, is our partner that allows us to sell directly to fans, they’re set up a certain way and we went out with this particular model. There’s always opportunity to learn in the future, we’ve definitely seen that come up as a request and something that would hopefully make the product more accessible to all fans.”
Q: At Toy Fair Steve told Star Wars Action News that if the Barge is funded then there may be opportunities for it to be sold other methods. And on the HasLab FAQ it states “We reserve the rights to make the products (or similar versions of the products) available at other sources, such as online stores and retail locations, but such availability is not guaranteed.”
But in an Instagram post on March 19 Hasbro said the Barge would not be available via traditional retail outlets.
Can you clarify these statements? Is it possible the Barge will be available at retail if it is funded?
A: Steve clarified that if you live in the US and Canada then backing at HasbroLab.com is the only way you will be able to purchase the barge. There are no plans to take this to retail in the US and Canada. However, since only US and Canada can purchase from HasbroLab.com then, if the Barge hits its 5,000 orders, they would make an additional, limited quantity available to international buyers only.
Q: People say there’s not enough time to budget for a $500 item in the time of the Barge. In the future can we get a bit more notice?
Steve said they are getting insights daily and have learned a lot going for future projects like this. Their team read studies indicating 45 days is the optimal time for crowdfunding* and that longer campaigns have lower success rates. For future crowdfunding campaigns they will look at “everything” and see how to adjust timing.
(Note: In my own research I’ve read campaigns over 30 days have a lower success rate. Either way, Steve’s point is valid. -Arnie)
Q: Perhaps in the future could Hasbro announce the campaign at Toy Fair, but launch it at San Diego Comic-Con so collectors have a few months to save up, not just 45 days.
A: Joe said that is a good idea and they may look at doing that next time. They added that projects do not get much more ambitious in terms of size and price than the Sail Barge. They’ve wanted to do it for decades. But they know that price points for future items don’t always have to be this expensive.
Q: The Jabba on display in the published Sail Barge photos looks like the Toys R Us exclusive from a few years ago. Is it an old Jabba or is it a new Jabba?
Mark clarified that Jabba is the same sculpt that came with the Jabba/Rancor set, but they wanted to make a special Jabba for the barge so they’re looking at enhancing his deco. The photos released show more weathering on the body and highlights to the face than the Jabba/Rancor set had. They’ll be looking at techniques, either photo-real or more traditional techniques, to make this new Jabba noticeably different from the older version.
Q: Can Slave Leia be rereleased to pose in the Barge
A: Steve said for characters that enhance the Barge, they’re doing Yakface and Skiff Guard. They’ll look at other background characters from these scenes if the Barge is successful. As for Slave Leia–no plans but they’ll look at it.
Q: If the Barge meets its goal of 5,000, but not much higher, will this carded Yakface with the coin have the lowest production run of any modern Hasbro Star Wars figure?
A: Steve gave an emphatic “yes”. Historically Hasbro does not give production numbers for its products, but Steve compared the Yakface to their San Diego Comic-Con exclusives. For that convention he said they produce more than 5,000 of the exclusives (“not a lot more, but more”).
Steve added that Yakface on the Power of the Force card will not only be a “physical rarity” but also an “emotional rarity” given how Yakface and Blue Snaggletooth are the holy grails to many vintage Star Wars figure collectors.
Q: How will Hasbro handle broken/missing parts, and keep backers informed of progress?
A: Steve said for broken parts the usual Hasbro policy to contact Customer Service applies.
But Joe went on to say that the packaging team has been challenged to make the box secure. Additionally, they hope for the box to have nice presentation, including perhaps trays that slide out when packaged. They hope to make the experience of the unboxing as cool as the item itself. They feel presentation is really important with this, so it needs more than just printed inserts. “This is a vintage item, after all, and we want to make sure to present it,” Mark said.
In regards to communication with buyers, Joe said “It’s not everyday you buy something for $500 and don’t get it for a year afterwards.” As such, if the project is successful, the Hasbro team plans to take backers on a behind-the-scenes journey, keeping them updated with the inner workings of Hasbro on how the Barge is made and shipped.
Q: Will there be tape on the Vintage box?
A: The team asked what we would be interested in, and unanimously the sites requested no tape on the Vintage box, just a flap-fold, and tape the shipping carton.
There was also discussion if the Yakface will be shipped inside the same box as the Barge. Steve said they don’t know for sure–currently it is in the box but that could change.
Q: With less than two weeks away from the end of the campaign, with about 1800 orders needed, what is the mood at Hasbro? How has this impacted you emotionally?
A: Steve said, “We’re on the edge of our seats. The trajectory is what we expected. It spikes, levels off, and spikes in the end.” He said that the released pictures of the painted Sail Barge helped make it real for some people, and adding the exclusive Yakface also helped.
They all agreed the campaign is emotionally draining. “It’s taken up a lot of our time personally and we have invested ourselves greatly on something that doesn’t yet exist,” Steve said. “I feel confident because it’s a great project but it’s up to the fans.”
“You don’t want to see a grown man cry,” Mark added on as the interview came to an end.
Then we were treated to a video tour of the painted Sail Barge and the Hasbro team pointed out many features that have not had much attention from fans:
- The jail in the lower level has a sliding metal door to differentiate from the wood. The Barge will come with two metal chains of different sizes to put different character sizes (perhaps a human and a Wookiee?) in the jail.
- In the galley they wanted to “set a tone for the interiors” and then let fans embellish and fill it out to what they felt their fantasy for Jabba would be. The Barge has a kitchen counter, a couple sinks, faucet, and Chupas hanging from the wall in the back, setting the stage for how fans might like to complete their diorama. That’s one of the reasons they wanted to go with the Sail Barge: it’s awesome to start with, they said. Very iconic, a great movie beat with lots of characters involved, so they wanted something that could really push dioramas to the next level and interact with a lot of your characters both new and old.
And they have some “Work in progress” images of painting that will be coming soon.
- Next to the galley is the armory. Axes are mounted to the wall as decoration. They also have some horn racks on the back wall where you can hang your blasters, staffs, etc. and there’s a table in the back where you can repair your weapons.
There are a couple staffs in the model photographs that were released, but those are not included with the barge. You will need to supply your own weapons and staffs. The axes on the wall are permanently attached decoration.
- Moving into the lounge it’s more about comfort. A lot of wooden surfaces, wooden walls, wooden floors. There are opening and closing shutters on either side, as well as the dais which you can move back and forth a bit to adjust the floor plan.
- You can actually pull the microphone out of the control panel on Jabba’s dias. It’s attached to a cable and for production they’re going to increase the length of the cable so you can have a C-3PO figure hold it.
- One question they had was about foot pegs. They talked about it and, other than 2 foot pegs on the platform on the deck cannon, they’ve elected to not include foot pegs in the vehicle itself. They didn’t want to disrupt the aesthetics by putting traditional foot pegs and they didn’t want to limit character placement.
- They have the rancor trophy mounted to the wall, Ishi Tib heads, a Gammorrean Guard head, and Jabba’s mural mounted to the wall. They wanted to include all the details seen in the film and then let you embellish with your own accessories.
- There is a side hatch with a larger port where the Weequay can come out to surprise Luke (it’s larger as the barge isn’t QUITE to scale with 3.75 in figures).
- They worked closely with Lucasfilm for all the details on the cockpit. They went to the archives and looked at all the reference photos, and also went into the vault to get any inspiration they might need to include other details.
- There is a corridor so a figure can walk from the Cockpit all through the ship.
- There will also be a trap door in the deck above that goes down into the jail. A button on the side will allow you to activate the trap door. “Gotta have some fun right? It can’t be all serious display stuff,” Steve said.
- They’re making a subtle revision to the rail so if you have a Vism with a cannon open stock it will be able to fit onto the rail.
- The sails would be removable so if you wanted to open the deck up for play it’s easy to do. The sails will stay in tact but you’re able to lift them off!
And with that Steve concluded the interview saying “Thank you for all your support. Fingers crossed, trust in the force, #BacktheYak, #BacktheBarge!”
If you want to order, the campaign is open until April 3, 2018. You can back the project now at HasbroLab.com
You can see newly released photos of the Barge and its accessories in the gallery below!
Star Wars Toy Sales Down as “Movie Fatigue” Sets In
Are you suffering from “Movie Tie-In Fatigue?”
Per a Bloomberg article, Star Wars toy sales are down. Specifically adult collectors are still buying (but, judging by some “fan” sites, they’re complaining the entire time they shop); however, kids have less interest in the Star Wars toys.
The article states: “While ‘Star Wars’ was still the top-selling toy line during the nine-week holiday period, sales fell from 2016 and the brand lost its No. 1 position for the year…This was despite “Last Jedi” being the top-grossing film released in the U.S. last year “
The most telling quotes? “Adult collectors, who grew up with the brand, are still buying a lot of merchandise when the toys come out, but demand dies down afterward… That doesn’t bode well for Hasbro, which has the main “Star Wars” toy partnership, or Jakks Pacific Inc., which has a secondary license. ”
What do you think? Is the problem fatigue? Is a new movie per year too much? Is it the types of toys offered? Why do YOU think sales are down? Let us know in the comments!
IMAX, 4k, Ring the Death Knell for 3D
by Arnie Carvalho
Did James Cameron wait too long for his Avatar sequels? It seems that by the time Avatar 2 is released (optimistically scheduled for 2020) the 3D format utilized by that 2009 original may be a thing of the past.
IMAX Announces 2D “Preference”
IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond announced this week that the company will be reducing the number of 3D screenings on their high-priced, large format projectors and screens. He cited a “clear preference” from North American audiences for 2D films.
This statement of direction does not signal an abrupt shift. IMAX’s most recent release, Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, was filmed and released only in 2D. (Nolan has a history of disliking the 3D format, refusing Warner Bros’ requrest for his Dark Knight films to be released in the format which commands a higher ticket price.) Before that, the 3D post-converted Spider-Man: Homecoming was shown on IMAX screens in a combination of 2D and 3D presentation. This is a change from even a year ago when most IMAX viewings required the audience to don a pair of special, plastic glasses.
This follows a recent history of movie-goers intentionally choosing 2D presentation and falling 3D ticket sales.
Home Video Flattens Out
It’s not only in theaters that 3D is dying. Movie viewers also have shown a preference for the 2D picture in their homes. In 2010, riding off Avatar’s success, High Definition Blu-Ray discs started shipping in 3D formats (the first of which was Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs). 3D features were included on all high-end 1080p televisions and home projectors.
However, with the recent advances in 4k resolution, 3D has become a feature of the past. Over the past few years television manufacturers like Sony and LG have phased out 3D capabilities on most of their 4k televisions. With their 2016 models LG only offered 3D on their curved television sets; in 2017 3D was removed altogether. Likewise 4k home projectors are removing support for 3D, with only Sony offering true 4k projectors that are backwards-compatible with the 3D Blu-Ray format.
Indeed, there is no established standard for 4k home video content to be displayed in 3D; currently movie buyers must choose between the higher resolution or the greater depth in their films.
Is this a win for consumers?
These changes follow the standard market practice of meeting consumer demand.
The 3D format has long been rife with viewer complaints. In addition to being forced to wear glasses to watch 3D content, be it in theaters or at home, many viewers could not appreciate the added dimension. Per vision insurance company VSP, 5% of the population cannot percieve 3D, and another 25% have trouble perceiving 3D images. Another 25% or more have complained of headaches, eye strain, and eye fatigue from current 3D digital projection.
These complaints have gotten many people to buy special “2D Glasses” which allow them to see (non IMAX) 3D films in 2D format. (Now Playing Podcast host Marjorie can vouch for these glasses’ effectiveness.)
Many theater-goers also complained about the unreliable quality of 3D in films, much due to the post-conversion process many studios use to save money. The vast majority of 3D films were post-converted–in 2017 only Transformers: The Last Knight was shot natively in the 3D format. On Now Playing Podcast we have complained about lackluster 3D in Spider-Man: Homecoming, War for the Planet of the Apes, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and other movies.
Hollywood studios fought this trend. Many studios intentionally limited 2D availability of films, including 2012’s Prometheus, in order to reap higher profits from the inflated ticket prices.
Will this hurt studios?
Yet despite these consumer complaints, studios have continued to push the 3D format, which commands higher ticket prices. As movie budgets continue to expand, the higher priced 3D tickets, IMAX tickets, and other “premium” theater experiences have bolstered studio bottom lines. More, the 3D Blu-Rays sell for $30 or more, while their 2D counterparts are often half that. (Of note, the higher-resolution 4k Blu-Ray discs are often priced equal to, or higher than, their 3D counterparts.)
While the 3D Post Conversion can add $10 million or more to a film’s cost, the increased revenue often offsets that. Many older films, including Jurassic Park and Top Gun were post-converted and re-released to theaters to grab their studios a quick buck.
Yet this switch back to 2D may not bring cheaper ticket prices. AMC Theaters charges the same for 2D and 3D IMAX screenings. It’s possible theaters may raise all ticket prices to current 3D prices to help offset these losses. Also, studios and theater chains have discussed having “event movie” pricing, where tickets cost more for big-budget blockbusters with or without “premium” gimmicks like 3D.
No change for animation?
The movie format that has generated the greatest 3D success is kids’ fare and computer-animated movies, such as LEGO Batman and Moana. As these films are entirely computer-generated the 3D is more ingrained in their development. The effects are better, and the audience for those films are primarily younger and not yet burnt-out by the format. While Gelfond made no specific mention of animated films staying in 3D, it is likely these will remain in that format for years to come.
Modern 3D History
The modern 3D era was brought in by Cameron in two waves. In 2003 the first modern, digital 3D film was his IMAX documentary Ghosts of the Abyss. The format had a slow growth over the next six years, mostly as a gimmick in kids films including Spy Kids and The Polar Express.
The change to 3D was a clumsy one. Superman Returns and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix both had select scenes converted to IMAX 3D–requiring customers to don and remove
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_3D_films_(2005_onwards)
glasses through the films.
Modern 3D came into its own in 2009. By that time the 3D cameras required had come down in price. Horror films (which had heavily relied on 3D in the ’80s) got into the game with My Bloody Valentine 3D and The Final Destination. Animated films premiered in the format, including Coraline, Monsters vs. Aliens, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
But Cameron ushered in a new age with the 3D film Avatar. Somewhat bolstered by 3D and IMAX ticket prices, Avatar became the top-grossing film of all-time. This created a 3D “gold rush” among studios, exponentially increasing the quantity of 3D films produced.
This growth continued until 2011, when 63 3D movies were released. Growth then leveled off through 2015, when the number of films started to decline.
With these changes to home video and IMAX formats, it is likely 3D films may return to their pre-Avatar numbers.
What do we lose, besides depth?
I’m no great fan of 3D. However, as a movie-goer who prefers to see the movie as the director intended, I’m slightly upset by the loss of the 3D home format. Every movie I’ve purchased since 2010 has been in 3D, if available. I was especially happy with the Transformers films which not only were released in 3D but also changed to the IMAX aspect ratio for their home video releases.
I remember growing up watching movies like Friday the 13th Part III, Jaws 3-D, Emmanuelle 4, and Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare on video. All three films had 3D components in theaters which translated poorly to television. The moments of “I can tell that should be 3D” worsened each viewing experience.
I recently purchased my first 4k TV and had to go through great pains to find one that would continue to support my 3D Blu-Ray discs. It seems in the next five years any movie with great 3D, such as Avatar, Tron: Legacy, and X-Men: Apocalypse will only be seen in their flattened versions.
Even movies filmed in 2D, such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 had effects sequences specifically designed in 3D to showcase the technology.
Home movie viewers will lose the ability to view many movies from the past decade as they were intended to be seen.
Final Thought
But overall, I believe 3D is a gimmick that more than ran its course. I applaud IMAX for choosing consumers over studios, and I hope that filmmakers now focus on plot and character depth, instead of manufactured depth on the screen.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments!
Star Wars Collecting Sites Join Forces for Star Wars Celebration Patch Giveaway
Star Wars Collecting Fan Sites and Podcasts have again combined Forces at 2017’s Star Wars Celebration Orlando!
Visit the Celebration Collecting Track Social Lounge (Room W305) to meet the faces behind top Star Wars collecting sites and receive and get exclusive swag!
Jedi Business (JediBusiness.com), Jedi News (JediNews.co.uk), Jedi Temple Archives (JediTempleArchives.com), Star Wars Action News (SWActionNews.com), and This Week in Star Wars (ThisWeekInStarWars.com) each will be on hand to greet fellow collectors, and during their slots they will be giving out one piece of a six-part patch set featuring vintage Star Wars action figures.
The 6th patch is being given away by the Celebration Collecting Track Social Lounge itself. These patches will be randomly given away through the Collecting Track social media. Participants in the Collecting Track’s Collection Re-Collections: Your Star Wars Story video project will also receive this 6th patch piece. Details on this program are at http://bit.ly/2nN9Lpf
Collect all 6 patches to assemble a puzzle featuring all 12 characters from the first wave of Kenner figures released nearly 40 years ago!
The Scheduled Meet-And-Greet times are below. The first 300 people at each Meet-And-Greet are guaranteed that site’s patch. Plus, for those who miss out on the meet-and-greets, the sites will be randomly giving away 10 patches each day to Celebration attendees. Follow the sites on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for details how to win!
Episode 489: Rogue Group – A Rogue One Discussion
The very first Star Wars standalone movie has arrived. Without the Skywalkers and the Jedi, how does Rogue One stack up compared to the “saga” films?
On this show Arnie and Marjorie are joined by several members of the Star Wars Action News Team: Steve, Brock, Daryl, Andrew, and Jerry. Plus we have special guests Eddie from the Action Figure Blues podcast, and Chris and Sarah. They go through the new characters in the film, how it changes their view of the Original Trilogy, and which toys the film made them want to buy!
And also on this show Brock gives a spoiler-free, in-depth review of the Rogue One prequel novel Catalyst by James Luceno!
So join these Rogues on their mission to review the new film!
Then head to NowPlayingPodcast.com for Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob’s in-depth review of the movie!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/zikxpd/SWAN489-RogueOneRoundtable.mp3
Episode 488: The Star Wars Holiday Sale & Gift Guide 2016
Happy Thanksgiving, Star Wars Action News listeners! And welcome to our 12th Annual Holiday Shopping Guide!In this issue Marjorie and Arnie run down all the major Black Friday toy sales. Find out where to get Black Series figures, video games, Star Wars themed glasses and gifts, and other toys with the biggest savings! Then follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the best online Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!Then the hosts, aided by the entire Star Wars Action News team, run down the best Star Wars themed gifts for 2016. With prices from $5 to $800, there’s something for fans of all ages and interests! What are the must have collectibles this year? Join us to find out!All this and a 2016 Toys For Tots Challenge in this issue of Star Wars Action News!Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/3f3e58/SWAN489.mp3
Episode 487: Troops in Black
Stores are stocking up for holiday shoppers, and a good portion of their shelf space is devoted to Star Wars: Rogue One toys! While they have been out for a bit over a month some of the first wave of figures are still elusive.
On this episode of Star Wars Action News join Arnie, Marjorie, and Scott from Tulsa as they give in-depth reviews on the Black Series 6-Inch Rogue One figures. Plus a look at Amazon’s exclusive Shadow Trooper Helmet — all in this spooky Halloween episode!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/b5deaj/SWAN487.mp3
Episode 486: New York Comic Con 2016!
In just a few years New York Comic Con has become one of the top three most important conventions for collectors. Each year the number of exhibitors grow, now including Sideshow and Hot Toys, Kotobukiya, Sphero, Air Hogs, Hallmark, Beast Kingdom and more! And Hasbro isn’t on the show floor, but they use the event to reveal new toys as well.
For all the Star Wars news out of NYCC join Arnie, Marjorie, and Daryl for this podcast. Watch exclusive interviews with Hasbro, Tantrum Cases, and Kotobukiya (along with their Celebration ’17 exclusives!). Plus a booth tour of Sideshow and Hot Toys, and news from so many other collectible lines!
Plus a review of the new Star Wars novel Ahsoka, it’s all in this feature-length episode of Star Wars Action News! (and available in both full video and audio versions!)
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/tjy9wb/SWAN486.mp3
Original Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Ghostbusters Production Materials to be Auctioned
Prop Store – one of the world’s leading film and TV memorabilia companies is to hold an exclusive online auction of puppets, models, artwork and production materials from the career of animator Phil Tippett. The veteran effects artist and filmmaker worked on some of the most beloved films of all-time, including the original Star Wars trilogy, Dragonslayer, Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom, the Robocop films, Jurassic Park, Starship Troopers, and countless others.
Over 400 lots of historic memorabilia will go on sale in the exclusive online auction, which begins on Monday October 10th. Bidding for all items will be open until the auction closes on Friday October 21st. Many of the lots will be sold without reserve. Bidding is possible from anywhere in the world, and global shipping is available.
Phil Tippett’s professional career began as a stop-motion animator in the 1970s before being hired by George Lucas to produce the Millennium Falcon chess-game sequence for Star Wars. Tippett stayed on with ILM for several years, notably animating the Tauntauns for The Empire Strikes Back and developing “go-motion” technology for the memorable dragon Vermithrax in Dragonslayer. Tippett founded Tippett Studio in 1984 and went on to produce or supervise visual effects for Robocop, Jurassic Park, Starship Troopers, and numerous other titles. Tippett Studio continues to provide visual effects services for many projects, with Phil directing and supervising projects in addition to working on his passion project—MAD GOD.
Some of the notable items collectors and fans can bid for include:
- Trash Compactor Monster from Star Wars: A New Hope – Estimate $50,000 – 70,000
- Hand-drawn Holochess Character Sketches by Phil Tippett from Star Wars: A New Hope – sold without reserve
- ‘Duros’ Cantina Mask from Star Wars: A New Hope – Estimate $50,000 – 70,000
- Washington Square Ghost Puppet from Ghostbusters 2 – Estimate $3,000 – 5,000
- Ford Explorer Animatics Model from Jurassic Park – Estimate $3,000 – 5,000
- Robocop Costume from Robocop 2 – Estimate $30,000 – 50,000
- Warrior Bug Maquette with Tippett Studios crate from Starship Troopers – Estimate $5,000 – 7,000
- Eborsisk Monster Maquette from Willow – Estimate $2,000 – 3,000
- Screenplay with Phil Tippett’s Handwritten Story Notes from Jurassic Park – sold without reserve
- Tauntaun handwritten animation notes by Phil Tippett from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – sold without reserve
Brandon Alinger, Prop Store COO, commented on the upcoming auction: “We’re very proud to be handling this collection of materials from Phil Tippett’s amazing career in the film industry. In addition to the props, costumes, models and maquettes there is a vast collection of artwork and archival materials, many of which have never been seen before. If you’re a collector or a fan of the films Phil Tippett has been part of, this auction presents a wonderful chance to get a glimpse behind the curtain and become a caretaker of a small piece of film history.”
Phil Tippett said of the auction: “It’s been a lot of fun to take another look at these materials, some of which I haven’t seen for years. I’m glad that fans will have a chance to get them, and I hope they’ll enjoy them and look after the materials for the future. ”
The auction begins at 9:00AM PST on Monday, October 10th, with the first lots closing at 9:00AM PST on Friday, October 21st. Bids can be placed online via the Prop Store website at: http://propstoreauction.com/
Episode 485: Rogue Friday Around the World!
Last Friday the Rogue One toys were released! Well, officially any way…they had been showing up on store shelves worldwide for weeks before the official street date. But, like for The Force Awakens, these Rogue One toys were celebrated with a midnight release at Toys R Us and Walmart stores. Plus exclusive figures at Target, Walmart, K-Mart, Toys R Us, and more.
On this episode of Star Wars Action News, Arnie and Marjorie recount their Midnight Madness shopping, and are joined by collectors in California, England, and Australia to see how the experiences were in other areas as well!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/8c2yjk/SWAN485.mp3
Go Rogue! Order Your Star Wars Rogue One Toys Online Now!
Why go out late on a work/school night, stand in the cold, and brave the crowds only to be met by disappointment when the guy in front of you takes the last Deathtrooper Black Series figure?
There is another way–order online! Entertainment Earth just put up all the new Rogue One toys for order–and here’s a directory for each!
LEGO
LEGO Star Wars 75121 Constraction Imperial Death Trooper
LEGO Star Wars 75120 Constraction K-2SO
LEGO Star Wars 75119 Constraction Sergeant Jyn Erso
LEGO Star Wars 75152 Imperial Assault Hovertank
LEGO Star Wars 75153 AT-ST Walker
LEGO Star Wars 75154 TIE Striker
LEGO Star Wars 75155 Rebel U-Wing Fighter
LEGO Star Wars 75156 Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle
Hasbro Black Series 6-Inch Figures
Star Wars The Black Series Jyn Erso 6-Inch Action Figure
Star Wars The Black Series Cassian Andor Action Figure
Star Wars The Black Series K-2SO 6-Inch Action Figure
Star Wars Black Series Death Trooper 6-Inch Action Figure
Star Wars The Black Series Kylo Ren Unmasked 6-Inch Figure
Star Wars Rogue One 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure 2-Packs Wave 1
Star Wars The Black Series 6-Inch Action Figures Wave 7 Case
Hasbro 3.75-inch Figures
Star Wars Rogue One Sergeant Jyn Erso (Eadu) Action Figure
Star Wars Rogue One K-2SO Action Figure
Star Wars Rebels Kanan Jarrus (Stormtrooper Disguise) Figure
Star Wars Rogue One Imperial Ground Crew Action Figure
Star Wars Rogue One Rebels Sabine Wren Action Figure
Star Wars Rogue One Nerf Sergeant Jyn Erso Deluxe Blaster
Star Wars Rogue One Nerf Imperial Death Trooper Blaster
Star Wars Rogue One Nerf Glowstrike Darts
Star Wars Rogue One 3 3/4-Inch Action Figures Wave 1 Case
Funko POP! Figures
Star Wars Rogue One Jyn Erso Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One Captain Cassian Andor Pop! Vinyl
Star Wars Rogue One K-2SO Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One Chirrut Imwe Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One Baze Malbus Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One Director Orson Krennic Pop! Vinyl
Star Wars Rogue One Scarif Stormtrooper Pop! Vinyl
Star Wars Rogue One Imperial Death Trooper Pop! Vinyl
Star Wars Rogue One Darth Vader Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One C2-B5 Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Jakks Pacific Big Figs
Star Wars Rogue One 20-Inch Action Figure Wave 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One 20-Inch Action Figure Wave 2 Case
Star Wars Rogue One 20-Inch Action Figure Wave 2 Case
Star Wars Rogue One 31-Inch Stormtrooper Action Figure
Star Wars Rogue One 31-Inch Death Trooper Action Figure
Hasbro Galactic Heroes
Star Wars Galactic Heroes Rivals Jedi vs. Sith Set
Hasbro Ships and Vehicles
Star Wars Rogue One Class I Vehicles Wave 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hero Electronic Action Figures Wave 1
Star Wars Rogue One Class II Vehicles Wave 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Value Vehicles Wave 1
Role Play Toys and Masks
Star Wars Rogue One Deluxe Class I Vehicles Wave 1
Star Wars Rogue One Masks Wave 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Extendable Lightsabers Wave 3
Star Wars Rogue One Extendable Lightsabers Wave 3 Revision 1
Star Wars Rogue One Extendable Lightsabers Wave 3 Revision 2
Star Wars Rogue One Imperial Death Trooper Mask
Star Wars Stormtrooper Voice-Changer Helmet Prop Replica
Star Wars Rogue One Captain Cassian Andor Nerf Blaster
Star Wars Rogue One Spin-Action Lightsaber
Star Wars Rogue One Blast Tech Lightsaber
Star Wars Electronic Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet
Star Wars Rogue One Extendable Lightsabers Wave 3 Revision 3
Star Wars Rogue One Electronic Lightsabers Wave 4 Case
Micro Machine Sets
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines Death Star Playset
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines DX Vehicles Wave 4 Case
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines DX Vehicles Wave 4 Set
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines 3-Packs Wave 5
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines 3-Packs Wave 5 Set
Titanium Ships and Helmets
Star Wars: The Black Series Die-Cast Metal Vehicles Wave 5
Star Wars: The Black Series Die-Cast Metal Vehicles Wave 6
Board Games
Star Wars Edition Monopoly Open and Play Game
Star Wars Trivial Pursuit Game
Star Wars Operation Game
Star Wars Trouble Game
Hot Wheels
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 2 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 3 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 4 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 5 Case
Star Wars Rogue 1 Hot Wheels Char. Car 2-Pack 2016 Mix 1
Star Wars Rogue 1 Hot Wheels Char. Car 2-Pack 2016 Mix 2
Star Wars Rogue 1 Hot Wheels Char. Car 2-Pack 2016 Mix 3
Star Wars Rogue 1 Hot Wheels Char. Car 2-Pack 2016 Mix 4
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Starships Mix 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Starships Mix 2 Case
Hasbro Interactech Figures
Star Wars Rogue One Electronic Stormtrooper Action Figure
Other Toys
Star Wars: The Force Awakens RC Radio Control BB-8 Droid
Star Wars Rogue One Rebel U-Wing Fighter Vehicle
Star Wars Rogue One Rip N Go BB-8 Beeping and Moving Droid
Star Wars Rogue One TIE Striker Vehicle
Star Wars TFA Hero Series 12-Inch Action Figures Wave 6 Case
Star Wars Play-Doh AT-AT Attack Can Heads Set
Housewares
Star Wars: Rogue One 16 oz. Laser Decal Glass 2-Pack
Star Wars: Rogue One 18 oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Star Wars: Rogue One Large Tin Tote
Star Wars: Rogue 1 20 oz. Ceramic Mug
Hasbro Announces Star Wars Rogue One Exclusive Toys for 2016
Hasbro’s new Star Wars toys, tying into the new movie Rogue One, will hit store shelves on Sep 30th. Today Hasbro announced what exclusive toys will be released the 30th or after.
Read on for the full press release and the photos of the items:
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY RETAILER EXCLUSIVES
STAR WARS SMART R2-D2
(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $99.99/Available: Fall 2016)
Bring home your very own astromech droid with this programmable and interactive R2-D2! Download the accompanying app to control R2-D2’s movements and actions. Listen as R2-D2 responds to your voice with expressive droid sound effects, and watch as R2-D2 shakes in fear of DARTH VADER. The SMART R2-D2 even recognizes music and dances along to the lyrics of your favorite songs. Requires 4 AA batteries, not included. App is available for free on iOS and Android devices. Available exclusively at Walmart.
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-Inch JYN ERSO (Mountain Base)
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Suggested Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2016)
A skilled warrior in the Rebel Alliance, JYN ERSO is on a mission to destroy the Death Star! This collectible 6-inch figure features extensive articulation and detail, including a new poncho and hat as seen in the film. Fans can connect an additional STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES figure with diorama base to create the ultimate collection. Each sold separately. Available exclusively at Kmart.
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES SHADOW TROOPER HELMET
(Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Suggested Retail Price: $79.99/Available: Fall 2016)
Disguise your voice like the shadow warrior from ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY! Intimidate the Rebel Alliance with mirrored lenses and an exclusive black SHADOW TROOPER deco. Press the button to activate voice-changing technology for several seconds, allowing for hands-free play! Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included. Available exclusively at Amazon.
STAR WARS NERF CAPTAIN CASSIAN ANDOR BLASTER
(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Suggested Retail Price: $79.99/Available: Fall 2016)
Gear up for battle against the Galactic Empire with a customizable blaster for almost any mission! When the battle escalates, attach the scope, stock, or barrel for enhanced precision and targeting. Features exclusive blue deco and 6-dart clip with 12 glow-in-the-dark darts for nighttime operations. Available exclusively at Target.
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Suggested Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 2016)
An elite soldier for the Galactic Empire, this impressive 6-inch scale IMPERIAL HOVERTANK PILOT figure features articulated movement and true-to-story detail. Recreate battles from ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY with exclusive army building unit and new pilot character class. Available exclusively at Toys “R” Us.
Episode 484: Hasbro Star Wars Figures? There’s an App for that.
Next week Star Wars will again descend upon stores across the world. Sep 30 is this year’s designated date for Rogue One toys, housewares, and more to be released. Some are hitting shelves now, but come Sep 30 everyone will have access to figures of Jyn Erso, the Deathtrooper, and more!
On this episode of Star Wars Action News the team gathers to discuss their anticipation for the toys, the new movie, and so much more. LEGO, Hot Toys, Disney Elite figures, and, of course, Hasbro Toys!
Build your anticipation for this toy release with this episode of Star Wars Action News!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/cddicu/SWAN484.mp3
Episode 483: ICE — Collecting to the Extreme!
Over Labor Day weekend a group of Star Wars collectors from across the globe gathered in the Washington DC area for an International Collector’s Event–or ICE. Items were sold and traded, collections were put on display, and friends swapped stories. All while traveling through Virginia and Maryland visiting a dozen Star Wars collections!
Marjorie and Arnie were on-hand to see these impressive displays and talk to some of the other attendees. So kick back and enjoy this extra-cool episode of Star Wars Action News!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/34q7j3/SWAN483.mp3
Amazon puts Star Wars: Rogue One figures up for pre-order
Didn’t expect this today! Amazon.com has put up for order a ton of new Hasbro figure for Rogue one! Plus other new figures that will be shipping around this new major toy release
Up now is
- Black Series 6-inch Figures
- Princess Leia
- Shark Leader
- Shark Trooper (Yellow)
- Tertiary Hero Droid
- Seal Seer
- AT-ACT Driver
- Seal Weaponizer
- Sabine
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (From A New Hope – confirmation the SDCC figure will be released regularly, without the extra accessories)
- and, the best, Darth Vader
Also up for order is the new, big, AT-ACT vehicle!
So if you want to get your orders secured, head to Amazon now!
Thanks to JediTempleArchives.com’s Facebook Page for the heads up on this!
NOW LIVE – Hasbro’s SDCC 2016 Exclusive Toys
Up for order right now are Hasbro’s 2016 San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive toys!
If you want them, read the rest of this article later. Go now to Hasbro’s order page and try to get yours!
Hasbro updated their Hasbro Toy Shop site in the early hours of Aug 9, 2016 listing all the SDCC exclusive toys that are now available. They listed them as “Out of Stock” so orders were held until the allotted time. Many of our listeners let us know they thought they had missed out on this sale and have already gone to eBay.
But now the items are online! Up for sale are:
Star Wars:
Black Series 6-Inch Obi-Wan Kenobi PackSold Out at 10:22 am CSTBlack Series 6-Inch Kylo Ren PackSold Out at 10:49 am CSTBlack Series 6-Inch Sergeant Jyn Erso PackSold Out at 10:10 am CST
Marvel:
- The Collector’s Vault 3.75-inch Legends Figure Set (with Howard the Duck!!)
The Raft 6-inch Legends Figure SetSold Out at 12:50pm CST
Transformers
- Generations Titans Return Titan Force Set
- Generation Titans Return Titan Class Fortress Maximus (Convention Edition)
- Evolution Soundwave (Convention Exclusive Featuring Tablet Mode)
Other
- My Little Pony DIscord and Fluttershy Set
- Micronauts Comic Con Set
- Visionaries: Knight of the Magical Light Mighty Muggs
- Magic the Gathering 20166 SDCC Exclusive Set
- Yo-Kai Watch Jewelnyan
So hurry to Hasbro Toy Shop and get your orders in fast! Some of these products (Magic the Gathering, all 3 Star Wars figures, and the 6-Inch Marvel Legends set for sure) won’t last long!
Good Luck
Episode 482: SDCC Exclusives — Thumbs Up!
San Diego Comic-Con has come and gone, but the desire for exclusives lives on! Yesterday Hasbro Toy Shop put up for order their three Star Wars Black Series 6-Inch 2016 exclusives: Jyn Erso, Unmasked Kylo Ren, and A New Hope Obi-Wan Kenobi with talking holographic Leia! They were all gone in under an hour.
Are these figures worth the trouble it took to get them? Or the eBay prices? Join Arnie and Marjorie on this week’s show for in-depth reviews of all three Hasbro SDCC 2016 exclusives!
With a bonus review of Funko’s SDCC exclusive BB-8 with “Thumbs Up” lighter, and a look at the new Star Wars novel Aftermath: Life Debt, all this and much more is in this week’s new podcast!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/ufzjie/swan482.mp3
Episode 481: Star Wars Collectibles at San Diego Comic-Con 2016
San Diego Comic-Con was last weekend, and Star Wars was everywhere! From announcements on books and comics to toys and collectibles, the Star Wars Action News team was there to bring you the highlights!
On this full video episode, Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Marvelicious Toys’ host Justin to talk about all the exclusives, the Hasbro reveals, and more.
Watch this episode for exclusive interviews with eFX Collectibles, Kotobukiya, Gentle Giant and Hasbro! Plus a tour of the floor and look at items by Beast Kingdom, Funko, and more!
And check out our photo galleries to see hundreds of pictures from the convention!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/99gbx8/SWAN481-edited_audio.mp3
Episode 480: Celebrating Star Wars in Eurorpe, 2016!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/feed/fi2c7q/SWAN480.mp3
Episode 479: We Collect Eternal…Shiny and Chrome!
Star Wars fans around the world — rejoice! In the next 2 weeks comes Star Wars Celebration Europe and San Diego Comic-Con! The news will be coming quickly about new toys and collectibles, as well as information on Episode VIII, Rogue One, and Rebels! And the Star Wars Action News team is going to be at both conventions covering it all.
Join the hosts this episode for the ultimate SDCC shopping guide. From exclusive Hasbro Black Series figures to Chewbacca watches to car decals–Arnie and Marjorie run down and rate the numerous Star Wars collectibles only available at the show!
And Steve “The Gingerprince” joins in to share his excitement for this weekend’s Celebration Europe 3! With an exclusive Black Series Kylo Ren figure, a bevy of Original Trilogy stars signing autographs, and more, Steve preps you for the event.
With a review of the Kotobukiya Art-FX+ Captain Phasma and a Vintage Viewpoint reviewing Topps’ new Empire Strieks Back trading card book, it’s all in this extended Star Wars Action News podcast!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/tfgum6/SWAN479.mp3
Episode 478: House of Cards
Highly detailed, highly articulated Star Wars 3.75-inch figures are the mainstay of many fans’ collections. The news that The Force Awakens would only see a handful of these Black Series figures, and that they would be Walmart exclusives, made fans worry if these new toys would be obtainable. The third wave, with versions of Han Solo, General Leia, and Captain Phasma from The Force Awakens, has been elusive and fetched north of $40 per figure on eBay. But now, finally, the dam has broken and these figures are showing up coast to coast–including in the Star Wars Action News studio! On this week’s show hear a review of these latest figures and see if they’re worth more toy runs!
Yet while the Black Series 3.75-inch figures have been elusive, the main line of figures, with five points of articulation, are available at every store. Fans were divided on these detailed, but hard-to-pose figures. Now, enter Kozy–a figure customizer who has created cardbacks that elevate these figures from average to epic! He joins the Star Wars Action News hosts to talk about these cards and his inspiration for making them.
With a look at upcoming exclusives for San Diego Comic-Con International and Celebration Europe, new online sales, and much more, it’s all in this Wampa-sized episode of Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/vzvbsi/SWAN478.mp3
Episode 477: To the Maz
She’s the most intriguing new alien introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. She somehow has the lightsaber Luke lost on Bespin. She knows of the Force. She has a crush on the galaxy’s favorite Wookiee. She’s Maz Kanata — and if you want her in action figure form you have to buy the Takodana Encounter figure 4-pack. On this episode of Star Wars Action News, hear a review of that set to see if it’s worth hunting for!
Also on this show, last week ticket sales began for the eighth Star Wars Celebration in the United States, this time back in Orlando! Listen as Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Jake Stevens from From 4-Lom to Zuckuss as they look ahead to next year’s biggest Star Wars party.
With two new premium format figures from Sideshow, a real-life Star Wars hologram, and more information about this year’s Star Wars Celebration in London, it’s all in this brand new Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/ei63wd/SWAN477.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow Collectibles Exclusive First Order Stormtrooper Premium Format Statue
Attention troop builders and first order fans, Sideshow Collectibles has just put up for pre-order their Premium Format First Order Stormtrooper statue
This screen accurate collectible features the sleekly designed armor and helmet of the most feared fighting force in the Galaxy and also wields his blaster rifle. Plus there is a Sideshow Exclusive version that comes equipped with an SE-44C Blaster Pistol and thigh holster display option.
So hurry and get your order in now at Sideshow.
Episode 476: You Don’t Know the Moistness of the Dark Side
May the 4th has come and gone, but for many the credit card hangover still remains. There were new releases from Disney, Sideshow, Gentle Giant, Hot Toys, plus sales at LEGO and more! Biggest of all, the next Star Wars Celebration convention was confirmed! On this week’s podcast Marjorie and Arnie are joined by Ryan and Amy from Star Wars Collecting Cosmos. The four look back on the highs, lows, and purchases of May the 4th, 2016!
Also on this week’s show, Brock reviews the new Star Wars novel BLOODLINE. Taking place between Episode VI and VII, this book had direct input from Lucasfilm to help shape the universe for Episode VIII. Join Brock to find out if this is a must read for you.
With a review of the S.H. Figuarts Captain Phasma, a Darth Vader Humidifier, and a run-down of the perks of being a Jedi Knight or Master, it’s all in this week’s new podcast!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/7bjrp8/SWAN476.mp3
Episode 475: May the 4th Comes Earlier Every Year
New Black Series figures are hitting shelves — but are they the last new 6-inch Star Wars toys we’ll see until fall? On this week’s Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie are joined by Marvelicious Toys podcast host Justin as they discuss the immediate future of the line. They also review the two new waves showing up in stores now, with new figures including Jango Fett, FN-2187, The Force Awakens style Han Solo, and A New Hope version of Tattooine Luke Skywalker!
Also on this week’s show, the hosts went to Indiana Comic-Con with special guests Ray Park and Ian McDiarmid. Join them, and their guest Daryl, as they discuss the convention–and the collectibles found there!
With a run-down of all the May the 4th day Star Wars specials known so far and more, it’s all in this oversized episode of Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/5jiq3n/SWAN475.mp3
Star Wars Action News Ep 474: We’re Down To buy Figuarts!
Star Wars action figure collectors have a wealth of options. Whereas once we had only Kenner/Hasbro action figures, these days there are options in every scale and price point. One of those new figure lines is Bandai’s S.H. Figuarts 6-inch line. The price is double that of a Hasbro 6-inch figure, but is it worth it? On this episode of Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie give an in-depth review of the S.H. Figuarts First Order Stormtrooper, and tell you if it’s worth the price they paid!
Support Star Wars Action News with their new Podbean Campaign!
- Black Series 2016 Wave 2 Revision 1 – Ships in 24 hours!
- Black Series Snowtrooper Set of 4 – Perfect for Troop Builders!
- Black Series Captain Phasma – ships in 24 hours
- Medicom Mafex Phasma, C-3PO and BB-8
Other Show Links
- Exclusive Rey Figures showing up at K-Mart stores
- Walgreens exclusive POPs showing up too
- Elite Boba Fett Prototype Armor found in Italy
- New Rogue One Star Wars Packaging
- Rogue 1 Force Friday toys – Rumors by JediNews
Episode 474: We’re Down To buy Figuarts
Star Wars action figure collectors have a wealth of options. Whereas once we had only Kenner/Hasbro action figures, these days there are options in every scale and price point. One of those new figure lines is Bandai’s S.H. Figuarts 6-inch line. The price is double that of a Hasbro 6-inch figure, but is it worth it? On this episode of Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie give an in-depth review of the S.H. Figuarts First Order Stormtrooper, and tell you if it’s worth the price they paid!
And also on this week’s show, the hosts review Kotobukiya’s Art-FX+ First Order Stormtrooper statue 2-pack. Listen in to find out why this may be a statue collection you want to troop build!
With a complete run down of all US Blu-ray releases of The Force Awakens, news of an upcoming prototype Elite Series figure, and the latest rumors for 2016’s Force Friday event, it’s all on this Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/x5qgzc/SWAN474.mp3
In Memory of Erik Bauersfeld
| 2016 is turning into a terrible year in terms of the passing of some celebrity icons but for me, as sad as the losses of Bowie and Rickman were, it’s been news of some of the lesser known names that have been more affecting. Less than ten days into the year I was terribly upset to learn of the death of Angus Scrimm, as any fan of the Phantasm film series will verify, one of the finest horror actors ever to grace the big screen. Last week the untimely parting of Garry Shandling caught me completely off guard, as a Brit he was my gateway to American comedy and a man who never failed to make me laugh. Today I woke to the deeply sad news that a favorite son of the galaxy far, far away, Erik Bauersfeld, the voice behind Admiral Ackbar had died at the grand age of 93.Bauersfeld was already in the employ of Lucasfilm on a radio project when sound guru Ben Burtt asked him to read for parts in the sequels to the 1977 blockbuster. A little known fact is that he could have been the voice of Yoda but it wasn’t to be and I for one and am glad that fate took the path it did. Rumor has it that Bauersfeld was shown a picture of Ackbar and instantly came up with the character voice that we all know and love today. Would internet memes be the same without “It’s a trap!” (let’s be honest you read that in the voice didn’t you?)
Bauersfeld recorded all Ackbar’s dialogue in an hour and then went on to record all Bib Fortuna’s dialogue in half the time, such was his vocal talent. I don’t know the reasoning behind the omission but I always considered it a crime that Erik received no on screen credit for providing two of the most iconic voices in the saga. “This will begin to make things right” was the opening line as the Force Awakened last year and even though most people agree this was JJ’s dig at the maker, it could be applied to credit finally received for Bauersfeld whose name made it on to the big screen as he revived his most well-known character for what we now know was the last time. I for one was the happiest man alive when I heard Erik was going to voice the Admiral once again and whilst most men cried at that Solo scene, the word ‘oscillator’ brought tears of happiness to my eyes. |
 Steve’s shrine to Admiral Ackbar, Erik Bauersfeld’s iconic voice role |
| I was lucky enough to meet Erik last year when attending London Film & Comic Con. He looked every bit of his 93 years and, as always happens when meeting elderly actors at conventions, I experienced mixed feelings about asking him for his autograph. Whilst really excited to be meeting a hero, it was such a struggle for him to engage with me on a meaningful level, a part of me would have much rather have him not waste his time with this fanboy and go and sit in the comfy chair he deserved. I’m so glad he did give me his time though, he spent 5 minutes with me and my wife, and they’re five minutes I won’t ever forget. As he signed my 10×8” promo photograph uttering the famous line as he wrote it, he took great pride in ensuring that I knew he was Admiral Ackbar and not the other Mon Calamari pictured, it took a couple of hours to wipe the smile off my face.Since seeing Return of the Jedi in 1983 the character of Admiral Ackbar has been my favourite of the Star Wars saga, I like to think I was the Admiral’s biggest fan before it was cool and have a shrine dedicated in his honour. As an alien who made it to the top of a human dominated organisation, he’s a proud and fearless commander who visibly takes no joy in the demise of the enemy, it’s my daily aim to be as competent and humble as he. The sad news of Erik’s passing might well mean that Ackbar never gets his promotion to Grand Admiral.
On behalf of all Star Wars fans everywhere, thank you for your work Erik. |
 Erik Bauersfeld at London Film & Comic Con, 2015 |
Episode 473: Blu Rey
Tomorrow The Force Awakens arrives on Blu-Ray — the first new
live-action Star Wars home release in 11 years. There are a handful of
exclusive versions and many tie-in sales. Prep for your Tuesday shopping
by joining Arnie and Marjorie to find out which version is right for
you!
Plus tomorrow also marks the rerelease of the Disney Store
exclusive Elite figures — including a new Boba Fett! Find out how you
can score these figures that have commanded top dollar on eBay.
With a report from Wizard World Chicago, a review of the latest Funko
Smuggler’s Bounty box, and more, it’s all in this new episode of Star
Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/aamrge/swan473.mp3
Win THE FORCE AWAKENS on Digital from Star Wars Action News and Vudu!
The Star Wars Action News Podcast and Vudu have teamed up to give away 5 Digital copies of The Force Awakens!
These copies will be given out one per day, starting 3/31 and ending 4/4.
It just takes two quick steps to Enter:
- Follow Star Wars Action News on PodBean. (If you don’t have a PodBean account you will need to sign up for a free one)
- E-mail show@swactionnews.com your PodBean user name.
Already follow us on PodBean? You only have to do step 2!
From the pool of entries, one winner will be chosen each day. The sooner you enter, the more chances you have to win! Entrants on 3/31 have 5 chances, one per day. Those who enter 4/1 have 4 chances, etc.
Winners will be sent their codes through a reply to their e-mail.
Enter today and good luck!
Episode 472: Having a Blaster at C2E2 2016
This past weekend was C2E2 in Chicago. Marjorie, Arnie, and Daryl were there checking out the panels and all the booths at the con. Join them on this episode as they report on their hunts for items like Bandai Movie Realization figures, S.H. Figuarts Stormtroopers, Hasbro Black Series, and more! Plus they highlight some special Artist’s Alley finds.
Also on this episode, Jerry is back with another Vintage Viewpoint. He looks at the classic Stormtrooper Blaster toy, and reveals its surprising Batman tie!
Finally Andrew is back with two new Hot Toys — A New Hope Luke and Stormtrooper Luke Skywalker. Does he like these Lukes? Join him to find out in this new Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/8h9qrm/SWAN472.mp3
Episode 471: Hot Toys — Assemble the Troops!
While most of us spent Force Friday, 2015 standing outside our local toy stores, Hot Toys collectors were making tough choices. Up for pre-order that day were the first wave of figures for The Force Awakens — and there were lots of them! More pre-orders followed, and now Hot Toys fans are rewarded by a legion of figures showing up on their doorsteps. In this episode Andrew assembles his ranks of Hot Toys First Order Stormtroopers. How different are they, and were they worth the price? Join him to find out!
Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie review Wave 3 of the Star Wars Black Series 6-inch figures, with a First Order TIE Fighter Pilot and a Resistance Trooper. Plus they also run down all the news regarding The Force Awakens Blu-Ray releases!
All this and a report from Wizard World Cleveland in this latest episode of Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/m4yjia/SWAN471.mp3
Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Digital HD April 1, Blu-Ray April 5. Exclusive editions Announced!
Arriving early on Digital HD April 1, 2016
Bring it home on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on April 5, 2016
Including new in-depth bonus offering fans the chance to experience more
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is coming to Video On Demand on April 1, 2016 and Blu-Ray and DVD on April 5, 2016. It is also coming to Disney Movies Anywhere, which allows you to redeem a code and access the digital movie on iTunes, Vudu, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft Web Services.
More, there will be several retailer exclusives for The Force Awakens. Pre-orders are up now — click the store name to go to the pre-order page.
- TARGET – The Target Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with exclusive packaging and an added 20 minutes of bonus content, including never-before-seen interviews with Daisy Ridley and John Boyega and a deeper look at the movie’s costumes and weaponry
- WALMART – The Walmart Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with exclusive BB-8 packaging and an exclusive Star Wars Galactic Connexions trading disc
- BEST BUY – The Best Buy Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-ray Combo Pack features exclusive SteelBook Packaging
The full press release is below:
BURBANK, Calif. (March 3, 2016)—Star Wars: The Force Awakens shattered box office records upon its debut to become the cinematic event of a generation with over $926 million domestic and $2.05 billion worldwide. As announced this morning by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Iger at The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the epic movie will be available to own early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on April 1, and coming home on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on April 5.
Discover the complete story behind the making of Star Wars: The Force Awakens with in-depth documentary and bonus material that will take fans on an exciting journey behind the scenes. Secrets will be revealed through extensive footage, never-before-seen deleted scenes, and exclusive interviews with the actors and filmmakers. Bonus features include*:
- Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey – For the first time, discover the complete story behind the making of The Force Awakens, revealed through in-depth footage and exclusive interviews with the actors and filmmakers in this feature documentary.
- The Story Awakens: The Table Read – Cast members familiar and new reflect on the memorable day they all first came together to read the movie’s script.
- Building BB-8 – See how the filmmakers brought the newest droid to the screen, creating an instant fan favorite in the Star Wars
- Crafting Creatures – Watch movie magic as the filmmakers bring a cast of new creatures to life.
- Blueprint of a Battle: The Snow Fight – Go deeper into the epic, climactic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren.
- John Williams: The Seventh Symphony – The legendary composer shares personal insights of his work on Star Wars and The Force Awakens.
- ILM: The Visual Magic of The Force – An insider’s look into the remarkable digital artistry of the movie’s visual effects.
- Force For Change – Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. See how the Star Wars: Force for Change initiative has united Star Wars fans all over the globe to help others.
- Plus Deleted Scenes
* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
Star Wars: The Force Awakens saw the eagerly anticipated reteaming of original Star Wars stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, along with Anthony Daniels, the only actor to have been in all seven Star Wars films, and Peter Mayhew. The returning cast was joined by newcomer Daisy Ridley, who beat out fierce competition to take the principal role of Rey; BAFTA Rising Star Award winner John Boyega (Attack the Block, Imperial Dreams) as reluctant stormtrooper Finn; Emmy® nominee Adam Driver (Lincoln, Girls) as the villainous Kylo Ren, and Golden Globe® winner Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis, The Bourne Legacy) as Resistance pilot Poe Dameron.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt. Lucasfilm president and eight-time Academy Award® nominee Kathleen Kennedy and J.J. Abrams, along with his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, are the film’s producers.
Having established a musical legacy with his iconic scores for the previous six films in the Star Wars Saga, acclaimed composer John Williams returned to score Star Wars: The Force Awakens, ultimately garnering his 50th Oscar® nomination for it.
DISC SPECIFICATIONS:
FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 136 min.
RATING: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF
ASPECT RATIO: Blu-ray Feature Film = 2.40:1
DVD Feature Film = 2.40:1
AUDIO: Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
DVD = English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio Language Tracks
LANGUAGES: English, French & Spanish
SUBTITLES: English SDH, French & Spanish
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarWarsMovies
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWars
Website: http://www.starwars.com/the-force-awakens/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/StarWarsMovies
ABOUT STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS:
Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars returns to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is written by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt.
ABOUT LUCASFILM LTD.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company’s activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.
Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
…/3
ABOUT DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE (DMA):
Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) is an engaging and family-friendly cloud-based digital movie service that makes it simple to buy your favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies once and watch them anywhere. With DMA you can explore Disney’s library of over 450 eligible digital movies, discover hours of new and exclusive short-form content, and watch your digital movies from the comfort of the living room or across multiple mobile devices. Using the free DMA apps and website, you can connect your DMA account with participating providers including iTunes, Amazon Video, VUDU, Microsoft Movies and TV and Google Play and unlock access to your eligible movie collections across platforms and devices – iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV/Airplay, Amazon’s Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Microsoft Movies and TV service on Windows and Microsoft Xbox devices, Android mobile and tablet devices and Android TV, Chromecast and the Roku® platform. In addition, you can redeem Digital Copy codes found in Disney, Pixar and Marvel Blu-rays and DVDs, as well as earn Disney Movie Rewards points with every digital purchase.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.
# # #
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates.© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
IN-HOME MEDIA CONTACTS:
NATIONAL: Maria Barraza REGIONAL: Gabrielle Bilicki
Maria.Barraza@Disney.com Gabrielle.Bilicki@Disney.com
818-560-4068 818-560-4069
Star Wars: The Force Awakens to be 3-Disc Blu-ray Set
is coming to Blu-ray, and there may be more secrets inside!
According to the specs listed on Blu-ray.com The Force Awakens will have 2 Blu-ray discs and 1 DVD. The movie itself is on one Blu-ray as well as the DVD. Contents on the other Blu-ray disc are as yet unknown.
Additionally, the set is listed as coming with an iTunes Digital Copy as well as a Google Play Digital Copy. No other bonus features have been announced.
There is no release date given, but the iTunes digital release date is rumored at March 15, with rentals available April 5. If the pattern holds with Disney’s other home video releases, the Blu-ray should be released in mid-April.
Pre-Order the disc now at Amazon.com to get it on release day!
Episode 470: Toy Fair 2016 Pt 2 – Kotobukiya, Funko and More from Javitz
Toy Fair International is over, and Star Wars Action News is here to wrap-up all the news collectors care about!
In this episode Marjorie and Arnie recap their Javitz booth visits. They spoke with Dan from Kotobukiya about their upcoming Art-FX+ statues and housewares goods. Funko reveals new POPs, and hints at upcoming Hikari Sofubi characters. Revell shows off new models and teases their Rogue One offerings. Plus several others!
And also this show you can hear Hasbro’s Star Wars Brand Presentation. Our previous episode ran down the reveals, but now you can hear the full presentation straight from Hasbro’s team!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/63q3jp/SWAN470.mp3
Win a Sixth-Scale Boba Fett Figure from Sideshow Collectibles and Star Wars Action News!
As announced on the first episode of Star Wars Action News’ Toy Fair 2016 coverage — Star Wars Action News and Sideshow Collectibles are teaming up to give away this sixth-scale Boba Fett figure!
The contest starts Sunday, February 14th and goes through February 29th. You can enter up to three times:
- Facebook – Like Star Wars Action News’ Facebook Page, and like and comment on the contest post. In your comment, tag your Facebook friend you’d trust to help you capture your bounty!
Want to win this Sideshow Collectibles Boba Fett Sixth Scale figure? LIKE Star Wars Action News on Facebook, Like this…
Posted by Star Wars Action News on Sunday, 14 February 2016
- Twitter – Follow Star Wars Action News’ Twitter feed, and retweet our contest entry tweet.
Win a @collectsideshow Boba Fett! Follow @swactionnews and RT this post to enter. Full rules https://t.co/gGmyE6MKed pic.twitter.com/pknStdFX2A
— swactionnews (@swactionnews) February 15, 2016
- Podbean – Follow Star Wars Action News on Podbean
You can enter once on each site, and up to three times total. Then from all eligible entries, a winner will be randomly chosen and announced on the March 7th episode of Star Wars Action News.
The prize will be shipped to you directly from Sideshow Collectibles.
This contest is open to fans worldwide! US winners ship free. International winners (including EU regions) will be responsible for shipping, as well as VAT, duties or import fees on the shipment of their prize. Due to customs requirements, the prize will need to be assigned a value of at least US$1. (If we do not then your customs office may elect to charge you the retail worth of your item.) Further, some countries outside of the U.S. do not have reliable mail services. In the event that a prize has been stolen or mishandled during shipment to an international destination, Sideshow may not be able to replace the specific item(s).
Enter today and good luck!
Episode 469: Toy Fair 2016 Pt 1 – LEGO, Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, and more!
Marjorie and Arnie are in New York City to bring you the latest news from Toy Fair International 2016! And if that’s not enough — they’re also giving away a Sideshow Collectibles 12-inch Boba Fett figure!
In this first part of their coverage, join them as they discuss all the latest reveals from Hasbro’s Toy Fair presentation. Hasbro displayed two new Sabine figures from Rebels, A New Hope Luke and Leia in the 6-inch Series, and more 6-inch Black Series figures. Plus they revealed news about their upcoming summer convention exclusives, for both Celebration Europe and San Diego Comic-Con! Join in to catch up on the news!
Also in this first episode the hosts run down all the new sets revealed by LEGO, and they are Hoth! Hoth! Hoth! Arnie saw the new Ultimate Collector Set Hoth diorama first hand. Listen in to find out if it’s the best new set on display, or if the new X-Wing, Carbon Freezing Chamber, or other sets stole the show!
With a thumbs-up BB-8 from Jakks Pacific and more, it’s all in this first Toy Fair 2016 episode of Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN469.mp3
Episode 468: Turning Japanese
Toy Fair International is just 5 days away! This weekend Hasbro, LEGO, Kotobukiya, and so many more companies will reveal their 2016 Star Wars line-up. But will there be much to show? On this week’s Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie prepare for the coverage and tell you what has already leaked out!
And one of the big reveals at Toy Fair last year was the Tamshii Nations Movie Realization Star Wars line featuring Darth Vader and Stormtroopers as Japanese samurai. On this show we review the newest release in that line — the Ronin Boba Fett!
With a look at new ceramic Star Wars dinnerware, a new Hot Toys figure aimed right at gamers, and much more, it’s all in this new Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN468.mp3
Episode 467: In Space…No One Can Hear You Troop
Star Wars Action News is back with its first regular show of 2016, and it’s a Hot one! Marjorie and Arnie are joined by Hot Toys addict Andrew to review two of that company’s Movie Masterpiece Series Star Wars figures. First, the three look at the Star Wars Celebration Anaheim exclusive Spacetrooper figure. It’s still available on their site — should you order it?
Then Andrew talks about his biggest Hot Toys purchase, the quarter scale Boba Fett. This 18-inch Mandalorian carries a hefty bounty. Listen to find out if he’s worth a lot to Andrew!
With Brock reviewing Alan Dean Foster’s The Force Awakens novelization, a run-down on new figures hitting stores, and a cuddly Valentine’s Day bouquet, it’s all in this brand new episode of Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN467.mp3
Star Wars Episode VIII Release Date Pushed Back
Lucasfilm has announced that Star Wars Episode VIII has been delayed.
Originally scheduled to open May 26, 2017, the new release date is December 15, 2017.
The full press release is below.
Is this an attempt to recreate the nearly $2 billion earned by Episode VII: The Force Awakens? Does Disney not want Star Wars to compete with their other profitable space series — Guardians of the Galaxy? (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 opens May 5, 2017.) Or did director Rian Johnson need more time to finish the film?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Star Wars: Episode VIII to Open December 15, 2017
The release date for the next film in the saga is confirmed.
Today, Disney and Lucasfilm announced that Star Wars: Episode VIII, originally scheduled for release in summer 2017, will now debut on December 15, 2017.
The move follows the extraordinary success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which was the first Star Wars movie to premiere outside the traditional summer blockbuster window and smashed numerous records, including biggest domestic and global debuts of all time as well as the biggest domestic second and third weekends, en route to becoming the highest grossing domestic release of all time with over $861.3 million and the third biggest global release ever with $1,886.7 billion.
Written and directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: Episode VIII is currently in preproduction and will begin principal photography in London next month. Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman will produce and J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski will executive produce. Stay tuned for exciting updates in the coming weeks.
Episode 466: 2015 Star Wars Collectors’ Year in Review
For Star Wars collectors 2015 started in a famine and ended in a feast — with plenty of highs and lows along the way! We look back at the Star Wars Celebration: Anaheim reveals, the convention exclusives, and all the action figures, mini-busts, import figures, and high-end collectibles. Plus the bottled water, the oranges, the cereals, and all the other tie-ins!
So listen now as Arnie and Marjorie are joined by other Star Wars Action News team members and friends and look back on the year that was…and the next year to come!
Then come to our forums to talk about The Force Awakens. We have threads for both the spoiler-filled and spoiler-free conversations!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN466.mp3
What’s on tap for Now Playing Podcast in 2016
Looking ahead to what will be the ninth year of Now Playing Podcast, I don’t know how you top 2015. In terms of franchises — Fast & Furious, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Mad Max, Star Wars — I’m not sure you can get any bigger. But, thanks to Hollywood, there’s never been a better time to be a franchise-focused podcast, and so the show will go on!
So, listeners will hear more Marvel, DC, and Star Wars in 2016, for sure. There are even Star Trek and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sequels to look forward to. But the Now Playing Podcast calendar is constantly in motion, so here’s a peak at what you’ll definitely hear in the coming months.
January: The Grindhouse Universe
Machete don’t podcast. But Now Playing does!
After taking listeners inside 2007’s Grindhouse experience, Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob will get even bloodier with two characters spawned from the film’s faux trailers: Machete and Hobo With a Shotgun. The former stars the great Danny Trejo, who finally got to headline his own film in 2010, and returned for a sequel, Machete Kills.
While not a runaway success, the first Machete was well received and, as this article correctly points out, was “tailor-made for the current political climate.” The sequel, released three years later, was not as well received, and that’s about all I’ll say about it. Oh, it had Mel Gibson as a villain.
The idea for Hobo With a Shotgun came from another Grindhouse trailer, but one you would have only seen if you saw the film in Canada. The feature length Hobo stars Rutget Hauer, who you might remember from 1992’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or possibly some other films.
January-February: Listener Requests
Our heroes, ladies and gentlemen.
Things will get really interesting in late January. That’s when we’ll hear reviews of listener requests made during 2015’s Kickstarter campaign to fund the show’s first book, “Underrated Movies We Recommend.” Listeners who supported the book at a certain level had the option to choose a film for the hosts to review, and the first one to be covered is 1987’s Masters of the Universe. It’s been almost 30 years and they still haven’t gotten a new He-Man movie made, so this is all we’ve got to hang onto folks. Just Dolph Lundgren and Courtney Cox and the lady who played Bruce Willis’ cheating wife in The Last Boy Scout as Teela. It’s a treasured memory, to some people.
If you’re looking to do some extra research before the Now Playing review, I recommend checking out Electric Boogaloo: the Wild Untold Story of Cannon Films. Cannon is the company that made the film, and Electric Boogaloo is a great behind-the-scenes documentary for film industry buffs. It’s on Netflix now, as is Masters of the Universe, coincidentally.
On the heels of He-Man, Now Playing will take up another listener request, a review of 1997’s Japanese anime epic Princess Mononoke.
February: Pool, Dead.
It’s the part I was born to play baby!
The first Marvel character to make it to the screen in 2016 is not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if he were it’s unlikely Disney would allow him to exist in a hard R film. Ryan Reynolds takes his fourth turn in a superhero flick with the part he was born to play — and played a version of in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but the less said about that one the better.
February-March: DC Heroes Return
This happened.
The first really big retrospective of 2016 will feature a cadre of characters that aren’t connected in the same cinematic universe, but they’re all part of Now Playing’s ongoing DC Comics series. Listeners can look forward to hearing the hosts talk Stardust, American Splendor, and the animated Gen 13; as well as the 2003 adaptation of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and the highly requested review of Zack Snyder’s Watchmen, which leads into the release of his Man of Steel follow up, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Also featured in this retrospective is a real treat for DC Comics fans, a review of 1979’s live-action Legends of the Superheroes TV specials. Decades before the CW made quality DC shows (and I’m hoping for more of the same from Legends of Tomorrow), NBC took Adam West and Burt Ward – more than a decade removed from Batman – and gave them headlining gigs in shows that also featured appearances by Green Lantern, Sinestro, Solomon Grundy, The Huntress, The Flash, Hawkman, and somebody named Ghetto Man, according to Wikipedia. Alas, two of DC’s biggest superheroes were missing from the lineup, because they were busy starring in blockbuster films and on CBS.
If you don’t know what Legends of the Superheroes is, just watch the intro on YouTube. The whole concept has a Star Wars Holiday Special feel about it, and I can’t wait to hear how this thing came about.
So that covers the first few months of Now Playing Podcast in 2016, and that’s just on the air. I can’t forget to mention that behind the scenes the hosts are furiously finishing their work on “Underrated Movies We Recommend.” It’s set to ship in the second quarter, and you can pre-order it now at the Now Playing Podcast website.
Maybe 2016 will be Now Playing’s biggest year after all.
Episode 465: The Fans Awaken
SPOILER WARNING: This podcast has an in-depth discussion of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The toys, the movie, the books, are all fair game.
Nothing shakes up Star Wars collecting more than a new property. Every movie and TV series brings new figure lines, vehicles, and more. In the case of The Force Awakens we even got water and produce!
Fans have been collecting Force Awakens figures on blind faith ever since Force Friday in early September. For over three months we’ve speculated — why doesn’t the Finn figure come with a lightsaber? Who is Constable Zuvvio?
But now the film has awoken fans across the globe!
And on this episode of Star Wars Action News, the first part of our 2015 year-in-review coverage, Marjorie and Arnie are joined by many friends to discuss the new film Join them to find out how the movie impacted them…and their collections!
Then come to our forums to talk about The Force Awakens. We have threads for both the spoiler-filled and spoiler-free conversations!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN465.mp3
Episode 464: Rey Bans
There’s been an awakening…have you felt it? As The Force Awakens hits theaters, Star Wars Action News reporter Justin awakened the Disney empire with his Walmart store find — a new 3.75-inch Rey figure!
It was the figure find heard across the world! Some claimed the figure was a spoiler, others started their own hunts, and Disney and Lucasfilm started sending takedown notices. What’s all the hullabaloo about? And was the figure worth the trouble it caused? Justin joins Arnie and Marjorie on this show to tell the tale!
Also on this week’s show, Arnie, Marjorie, and Justin report on the latest store finds and online exclusives. With figure multi-pack exclusives at Toys R Us and Kohls, and a Disney exclusive Boba Fett that’s commanding a huge bounty, join the hosts for all the news.
With an in depth look at the new Star Wars Topps Trading Cards book and more, The Force Awakens on Star Wars Action News!
We want your pictures! Share your Force Awakens theater photos on the Star Wars Action News Facebook page!
Then come to our forums to talk about The Force Awakens. We have threads for both the spoiler-filled and spoiler-free conversations!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN464.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Exclusive Iron an Mk XXVI (Gamma) and Jakku Stormtroopers
Remember: Sign-ups for the Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys Secret Santa Gift Exchanges end today! Sign up now!
Sideshow Collectibles has just put up for order two brand new Hot Toys figures! Both are the highly sought after Movie Promo Edition exclusives!
First, the Iron Man 3 House Party Protocol continues with the newest armor — the Iron Man Mk XXVI — Gamma Armor. This heavy construction suit allows Tony to resist extreme temperatures and devastating electrical surges. And it gets its name for its ability to withstand Gamma Radiation (guess Banner could have used one of these).
The figure stands over 13-inches tall, has over 30 points of articulation, and LEG-lit eyes and rectangular arc reactor on the chest. Plus there are spring-loaded Pneumatic Hammers that light up, and articulated air flaps and waist armor.
Order the Iron Man MK XXVI Now
Next, in the Star Wars line, comes the First Order Jakku Stormtrooper. This white armored troop will be on big screens in 2 weeks, but you can pre-order him now! The usual First Order Stormtrooper armor is augmented with a heavy artillery vest, a detachable survival backpack, a blaster rifle with an extended stock, and a special Jakku-themed desert figure stand!
The Jakku First Order Stormtrooper is almost 12-inches tall. It has over 30 points of articulation and 8 interchangable hands.
Order the Jakku First Order Stormtrooper Now
Pl
us yesterday Sideshow also put up for order their own sixth scale Boba Fett figure. Shipping early in 2016, this 12-inch figure has over 30 points of articulation and an absolute ton of weapons and accessories, including
- Fabric flight suit and vest with Durapast armor plates
- Cape
- Belt with pouches
- Honor sash
- Blaster pistol holster
- Rocket pack
- Blaster pistol
- EE-3 Mark I carbine blaster
- Knee pads
- Survival knife
- Sonic beam weapon
- Anti-Security blade
- Rocket pack adjustment tool
- Right and left gauntlets
- Braided Wookie scalps
- Interchangeable hands including:
– Right/Left fists
– Right/Left C-grip hands
– Right/Left trigger hands
Order the Sideshow 12-Inch Boba Fett now
And finally, for those who want an even bigger Boba, Sideshow and ThinkGeek are giving away a life-sized Boba Fett statue. Be sure to get your entry in now!
Win a Life-Size Boba Fett Figure from Sideshow and ThinkGeek
Star Wars Fans Get a Chance to Win the
Biggest Bounty in the Galaxy!
Sideshow and ThinkGeek raise the stakes
with their Boba Fett Life-Size Figure Giveaway!
Thousand Oaks, CA– Launching November 20th, Sideshow and ThinkGeek are offering Star Wars fans the chance to own a life-size figure of the most dangerous bounty hunter in the galaxy – Boba Fett!
Towering over 6’ tall on a light up, grate themed base, this Boba Fett figure is decked out in a screen accurate, hand-tailored replica of his Mandalorian armor, cape and weapons. With a retail value of almost $8,000.00, this figure would be the ultimate addition to any Star Wars fan household!
But wait, the bounties continue with ThinkGeek awesomeness in the form of Imperial and Rebel runner-up prize packs from their extensive online catalog and valued at over $500 each.
The Rebel prize pack includes an R2-D2 suitcase, Millennium Falcon rug, Rebel friends cookie cutters, SMS headphones, Yoda plush backpack, and much more! The Imperial prize pack incudes a Vader suitcase, Darth Vader toaster, Death Star rug, Boba Fett wall décor, SMS headphones with a Darth Vader theme, and more!
This ultimate Star Wars Giveaway will close January 2, 2016 and the winners will be announced on January 13, 2016 at Sideshow.com!
No need to plot a rescue from the Sarlacc pit to get your hands on this infamous hunter. Your chance to win is just an email away through the link below.
Enter to win this great prize now!
Episode 463: 2015 Holiday Gift & Black Friday Guide
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Star Wars Action News community!
While your uncle gets drunk and your sister yells about football we give you our 11th annual Holiday Gift Guide. What do you get for the Star Wars collector who has everything? Or what should those in your life buy for you? Marjorie and Arnie, along with guest host Andrew, have dozens of gift ideas here in this show. From stocking stuffers to action figures to life sized statues, the whole range is in this guide!
Plus the Black Friday sales are about to start. As early as 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning stores are starting their deep discounts for the holiday season. Are there any Star Wars sales worth braving the crowds? Listen to find out!
And be sure you get, and give, a Star Wars themed gift this year! Our annual Sithmas gift exhange registration is open. Sign up before Dec 2 to join in this fun Secret Santa type fun. Find out all the details and sign up now.
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN463.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Ralph McQuarrie Boba Fett Statue
Sideshow Collectibles’ 18.5-inch Concept Boba Fett statue is up for pre-order!
Ralph McQuarrie’s conceptual drawings and paintings were instrumental in bringing George Lucas’ epic space saga to the big screen, envisioning the vast worlds of fantastic heroes, villains, vehicles and aliens that would come to be known as Star Wars!
Inspired by Ralph McQuarrie’s pre-production artwork for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Sideshow Collectibles is proud to present Boba Fett!
One of the first new characters to be designed for The Empire Strikes Back, Boba Fett originally began as a super trooper, with a striking aesthetic inspired primarily by Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers. As McQuarrie worked closely alongside Star Wars Art Director Joe Johnston, the character evolved into the ruthless Mandalorian bounty hunter we know today. Capturing the spirit of these early explorations, Fett appears in his original all-white armor with two unique helmet designs, leaping into action over a base inspired by the Slave I. Reviewing a broad spectrum of McQuarrie’s imaginative designs for Boba Fett, Sideshow’s artists have translated his iconic artwork in a brilliant homage to a Star Wars that is both familiar, yet never was.
Now you can own an 18-inch statue of this classic concept armor. Check it out now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Previous McQuarrie collectibles, like eFX’s McQuarrie Vader helmet and the Gentle Giant McQuarrie mini-busts have sold out fast and now command a premium. Don’t delay, order your statue now!
Episode 462: Phasma-tastic
As The Force Awakens draws closer we get new information, new trailers, and…new toys! With the Guavian Enforcer, Captain Phasma, Constable Zuvio and Poe Dameron the second wave of 6-inch Black Series figures is hitting stores now. On this episode of Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie review this new wave of figures–and try to guess how they fit into the new movie. And they also review the new KMart exclusive Kylo Ren – Starkiller Base Black Series figure.
Also on this week’s show, with tomorrow’s release of Battlefront the game, Brock joins us to look at the Star Wars: Battlefront novel Twilight Company. He also reviews the new audiobook adaptations for the young readers’ adaptations of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
With Berent’s report from Gentle Giant Days in Burbank, a rundown of new Star Wars merchandise hitting stores, and more, it’s all in this episode of Star Wars Action News!
Listen to this episode, then head to NowPlayingPodcast.com Nov 17 as they begin their review of the Star Wars prequels, leading up to their weekend of release review of The Force Awakens!
Adopt a Pegwarmer Day – Nov 21, 2015!
Once again Star Wars Action News is championing Toys For Tots with their Adopt a Pegwarmer Day! On November 21, 2015 go out and buy a new figure or toy and put it in the Toys For Tots bin, helping move stale Star Wars stock and helping give a child a happy holiday this year!
Plus the first 100 people to send a photo of you donating a Star Wars figure to Toys For Tots to @swactionnews on Twitter will get a Star Wars Action News 10th Anniversary patch!
So pick that pegwarmer today and make a child have a very happy holiday!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/venganzamedia/SWAN462.mp3
Episode 461: Star Wars the Flamethrower!
Only 50 days until The Force Awakens and Star Wars Action News hosts Marjorie and Arnie couldn’t be more excited. Tickets have been purchased, plans made, and the countdown is on.
But for collecting it may be easier to list the items that don’t have Star Wars tie-ins instead of those that do. Soup, bottled water, apples, coffee creamer, El Paso Tacos! On this week’s show the hosts sift through the plethora of items and tell you which are the cool ones to hunt for.
With new waves of Hasbro figures hitting shelves, Black Series exclusives from Walmart, Target, and K-Mart, and where you can find Wave 2 of the new Force Awakens figures, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Adopt a Pegwarmer Day – Nov 21, 2015!
Once again Star Wars Action News is championing Toys For Tots with their Adopt a Pegwarmer Day! On November 21, 2015 go out and buy a new figure or toy and put it in the Toys For Tots bin, helping move stale Star Wars stock and helping give a child a happy holiday this year!
Plus the first 100 people to send a photo of you donating a Star Wars figure to Toys For Tots to @swactionnews on Twitter will get a Star Wars Action News 10th Anniversary patch!
So pick that pegwarmer today and make a child have a very happy holiday!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/venganzamedia/SWAN461.mp3
This is ‘The Force Awakens’ trailer
“There were stories about what happened.”
“It’s true. All of it.”
The newest Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer just premiered and promptly blew us all away.
What can you say? It’s glorious, and it does a fantastic job of keeping us clueless with regard to the plot. No doubt everyone who wants to see it has seen it, but here’s the trailer one more time. And just below are some hi-res screen shots provided to Venganza Media by Lucasfilm and Disney. If you have a favorite shot from the trailer, come over to the Now Playing Podcast Facebook page and share it with the rest of us!
Courtesy: Disney
Courtesy: Disney
Courtesy: Disney
Courtesy: Disney
Courtesy: Disney
Courtesy: Disney
Courtesy: Disney
Episode 460: Han Hot First!
Hot Toys has shipped its half-witted, scruffy looking, nerf herder…and his walking carpet pal! That’s right, the first Hot Toys Star Wars figures ever announced — Han Solo and Chewbacca — have now shipped, and Andrew has them in hand! Listen to this episode to find out why one of them has become his favorite Hot Toys figure yet!
Also in this week’s episode, Arnie has come back from New York Comic-Con with tons of photos and news about Hasbro, Kotobukiya, and other Star Wars collectibles. Join him, Marjorie, and guest Matt Booker from JediNews.uk to find out all the news, and then listen to an exclusive Q&A with the Hasbro Brand Team. They revealed when stores will fully stock new figures only to Star Wars Action News!
With Brock looking at the new short stories in the Rise of the Empire novel collection, Steve running down his thoughts on the new Force Awakens 3.75-inch figures, and more, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/venganzamedia/SWAN460.mp3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 459: Fifty Shades of White
It’s been one month since Force Friday but the onslaught of new Star Wars products has not let up. From tie in items like vitamins to cereal to toothpaste to Pop Chips, Star Wars is on everything. And of course that means lots of new toys too!
On this episode of Star Wars Action News Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Andrew to look at some of the new Star Wars items in a head to head match.
First we put two BB-8s to the test — Hasbro’s Target Exclusive Remote Control BB-8 versus Sphero’s App Controlled BB-8. One is bigger, one is more expensive, but should you buy one, both, or neither?
Then we look at Disney’s new Elite line of 6.5-inch Die Cast action figures. They’re $5 more than Hasbro’s Black Series 6-inch, but every bit as in demand, selling out nationwide. On this show we put Disney’s Elite First Order Stormtrooper to the test against Hasbro’s Black Series counterpart.
Plus Brock joins us for a review of the novel Aftermath, we look at Hot Toys’ new Star Wars releases, and more on this episode of Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/venganzamedia/SWAN459.mp3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 458: Force Friday Rockin Eve!
There’s been an awakening…has your wallet felt it?
Last Friday was declared “Force Friday” by Lucasfilm — the day that hundreds of items would be revealed and released for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Hasbro figures big and small, Jakks Pacific gumbo figures, Micro Machines, LEGO sets, Disney Store exclusives, and so much more was unleashed upon fans in a global, coordinated 12:01 a.m. release.
But the biggest event happened at the Times Square Toys R Us. With a day full of events, a traveling Rancho Obi-Wan exhibit from Steve Sansweet, and hundreds of fans hungry for toys, the flagship Toys R Us was the center of activity — and Marjorie & Arnie were there to cover it!
On this episode of Star Wars Action News, join Marjorie & Arnie as they recount the events of Force Friday, including both before and after interviews with Steve Sansweet.
Then other Star Wars Action News team members report in with midwest toy releases, a report from the Disneyland exclusive ticketed toy release, and even a report from the UK on the release! All the hosts share their experiences, their purchases, and their frustrations in this episode of Star Wars Action News!
And after you watch, come to the Star Wars Action News forums and share your tale of Force Friday shopping!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/venganzamedia/SWAN458.mp3
Maximize your Force Friday With This Star Wars Collectible Checklist
On Friday, Sept 4 at 12:01 a.m. in your time zone Force Friday Begins!
This event is the worldwide launch of new Star Wars toys and collectibles for the upcoming film: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. New products from Hasbro, LEGO, Mattel, Funko, and others will be officially for sale in midnight store openings across the globe.
While Lucasfilm has been heavily promoting this event with YouTube tie-ins and events at Toys R Us in Times Square, they are less forthcoming with what new toys will be available. Only three days away from the massive shopping event most collectors only know what to expect on shelves through various leaks online.
Until now.
A coalition of Star Wars collectible fan sites have joined Forces to compile all known releases into the Star Wars Force Friday Shopping Checklist.
The sites that contributed to this list are Boba Fett Fan Club, Idle Hands, Jedi News, Jedi Temple Archives, Mint In Box, Star Wars Action News, Teekay-421, and Yakface.
So prepare for your Friday Shopping Spree, download the Star Wars Force Friday Shopping Checklist now!
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 457: Star Wars Action News 10th Anniversary from Wizard World Chicago
A long time ago…on a web site far, far away
Ten years ago, August 30, 2005, two Star Wars collectors released the world’s first podcast dedicated to Star Wars collecting: Star Wars Action News. From the Revenge of the Sith line through The Black Series, and even looking back at Vintage and 90s toys, Marjorie and Arnie have covered it all.
This episode celebrates the milestone, bringing in Star Wars Action News team members Arnie, Marjorie, Brock, Jerry, Daryl, Andrew, and others as they look forward to a new era of Star Wars collecting with The Force Unleashed!
Join them as they talk Wizard World Chicago, leaked images of The Force Awakens toys and figures, and their plans for next week’s Force Friday event!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/venganzamedia/SWAN457.mp3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 456: Finger Falcon
We are less than one month away from Force Friday – the day when an onslaught of new Star Wars toys, books, collectibles, and more will be released! On this week’s Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie look forward to the upcoming event and want your story from that night!
Also on this week’s show, the hosts review the new Star Wars line of die cast starships from Hot Wheels. With a mix of Original Trilogy, Prequel, Clone Wars, and Rebels ships, this line enters an already crowded area of miniature Star Wars vehicles. Listen to find out if these ships are the ones you should collect!
With a gaming report from 2015’s Gen Con, a review of some quality Star Wars ladies’ accessories, some deep discount Star Wars graphic novels and more, it’s all in this new episode of Star Wars Action News!
Plus, in 2 weeks Star Wars Action News turns 10! To celebrate, the crew is throwing a FREE party at Wizard World Chicago, Saturday Aug. 22. There will be tons of prizes donated by DorksideToys.com, Big Bad Toy Store, Kotobukiya, Diamond Select Toys, and others!
Plus there will be an exclusive T-Shirt, and an exclusive 10th Anniversary Star Wars Action News coin available only to attendees!
Find out all details and get your tickets now!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN456.MP3
Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys to Host Wizard World Bash in Chicago
Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys are hosting a party Aug. 22 at Wizard World Chicago — and you’re invited!
A long time ago… August 30, 2005, to be specific… Venganza Media, Inc. launched Star Wars Action News, the world’s first podcast dedicated to Star Wars collecting. In 2010 Venganza then began Marvelicious Toys, focusing on the toys, statues, and games based on the characters from the Marvel comics and movies.
Over the past 10 years both shows have evolved from podcasting pioneers to a major force in the industry and the collecting community, even producing the official podcast for Master Replicas, a Star Wars and Marvel licensee.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, fans are invited to join Star Wars Action News, Marvelicious Toys, and Now Playing Podcast hosts Arnie, Marjorie, Brock, Justin, Jerry, Daryl, Andrew, and more at the Star Wars Action News 10th anniversary bash during Wizard World Chicago. The party, also celebrating Marvelicious Toys’ 5th anniversary, will be hosted by the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. The event begins at 7:30 p.m., and will feature door prizes, appetizers, cake, and a cash bar.
Tickets are priced at $15 for children 12 and under, and $25-$75 for adults. Adult tickets include bonus exclusive collectibles ranging from T-shirts to the exclusive Star Wars Action News badge and lanyard, plus a collectible coin previously only available to those who work on the show.
In addition, all adult tickets enter you in the drawing for a huge selection of door prizes. Items have been provided by DorksideToys.com, Big Bad Toy Store, Kotobukiya, Hallmark, Venganza Media, and many more. Attendees can win items ranging from a Deadpool statue to entire waves of Star Wars figures, and more!
Get your tickets now and follow coverage of these milestones at VenganzaMedia.com and its affiliated podcasts!
About Venganza Media Inc.
Based in Springfield, Ill., Venganza Media Inc. is a multimedia production facility and home to the Venganza Media Podcasting Network.
Film fans and collectors worldwide know Venganza as the producer of Books & Nachos, Star Wars Action News, Marvelicious Toys, and the iTunes Top 10 movie review podcast Now Playing.
Since its formation in 2005, Venganza has delivered thousands of hours of entertainment to listeners, while its staff and fleet of contributors have established the company as a premier source for film reviews, celebrity interviews, and collecting news for audiences of all ages.
SDCC 2015 Exclusives Up For Order NOW at HasbroToyShop.com
Update 11am: The Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper is sold out; sold out in well under 10 minutes.
The Marvel Legends Dr. Strange set is also sold out.
Update 11:30 a.m.: The $9.99 Ant-Man Mini Action Figure is sold out. The Ant-Man 5 pack is still available.
Hasbro has put several of its San Diego Comic-Con toys up for order now at HasbroToyShop.com
Up for order right now are exclusives including:
- Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper
- Marvel Legends’ Dr. Strange Book of Vishanti 5 figure set with 6-inch scaled figures of:
- Dr. Strange (translucent blue astral projection version)
- Brother Voodoo
- Magik
- Hela
- Dormammu
- Hasbro’s Ant-Man figure pack with 5 figures:
- Giant-Man
- Hank Pym in lab coat
- Goliath
- Micro size Scott Lang Ant-Man
- Micro size Hank Pym Ant-Man
- Hasbro’s mini Ant-Man figure in “Matchbox” packaging
At San Diego Comic-Con there were few exclusives as sought after as those at Hasbro’s Toy Shop. On preview night people were assaulted and robbed while trying to get the Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper or the Magic: The Gathering set.
But no matter if you were at the con in the midst of the fray, or safe at home watching from afar, this online sale is a chance for you to get some of the exclusive Hasbro toys without paying eBay scalper fees (or being punched in the face).
So hurry to HasbroToyShop.com and good luck in scoring the exclusives you want!
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 455: Star Wars at Conventions From San Diego to London
The 2015 San Diego Comic-Con is gone, but not forgotten. In addition to the exclusive First Order Stormtrooper selling out faster than you can say “Blast it!”, the images of giant TIE Fighters, working R2-D2 robots, and McQuarrie art based statues still dance in our heads.
Last week you had a floor tour of the major booths at the con. Now join Marjorie and Arnie this week as they recap San Diego Comic-Con, including the companies with the best showings and the coolest items coming soon. They are also joined by resident Hot Toys expert Andrew to discuss that TIE Fighter and that even bigger Millennium Falcon, and Berent recounts his experience getting into the Star Wars panel at Hall H!
Also on this week’s show, Steve “The Gingerprince” reports in from a convention on the other side of the pond: London Film and Comic Con. He recounts his celebrity meetings and rare purchases at the con.
All this and Brock’s review of Dark Disciple in this week’s new Star Wars Action News!
Plus, next month Star Wars Action News turns 10! To celebrate, the crew is throwing a party at Wizard World Chicago, Saturday Aug. 22. There will be tons of prizes donated by DorksideToys.com, Big Bad Toy Store, Kotobukiya, Diamond Select Toys, and others!
Plus there will be an exclusive T-Shirt, and an exclusive 10th Anniversary Star Wars Action News coin available only to attendees!
Find out all details and get your tickets now!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN455.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 454: The Force is With SDCC 2015
Star Wars was back in a big way at San Diego Comic-Con 2015. Hasbro and Hot Toys competed for the most impressive TIE Fighter on the floor. eFX filled a booth with upcoming prop replicas–including a fully functional, life-sized R2-D2, and Gentle Giant couldn’t satiate the demand for both the Jumbo and mini-Bust versions of Boba Fett.
Marjorie and Arnie were there on the floor of the con the entire time, posting interviews, panels, and more to the Star Wars Action News YouTube channel. Now you can download their coverage to your iPhone and feel like you were there at the convention!
With an exclusive Hasbro Q&A, a look forward at offerings from Gentle Giant, a Hot Toys booth tour and so much more, it’s on this episode of Star Wars Action News.
For even more coverage, subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see the Hasbro Panel, the Star Wars Collectibles Panel, and the Star Wars Books panels in full!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN454.MP3
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Character Images Revealed on Mexican Collectible
We received an e-mail from RagingBully, sending in a photo that reveals new character reference photos from the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
The item is a Mexican Force Awakens Hot & Cold Beverage Container. On it is a clear image of new droid BB-8, as well as classic droids C-3PO and R2-D2.
C-3PO is clearly shown having a new brownish-red arm (similar to the color of the Battle Droids in Attack of the Clones).
Click the image for a full resolution shot, and thanks to Raging Bully for the information!
Hasbro’s Star Wars Fans’ Choice Poll — Round 2 Starts Now
Star Wars Action News’ participation in Hasbro’s 2015 Fans’ Choice action figure poll nears completion!
As announced Monday, Hasbro has started a new poll where Star Wars fans and collectors pick which figure is made for the company’s new 6-inch Black Series line of Star Wars figures.
Star Wars Action News was invited to poll their fans on which characters they wanted. Round 1 was a completely open nomination form, and over 70 different figures were nominated. Of all the figures requested, the single figure with the most nominations was Ackmena, the singing cantina owner from the notorious Star Wars Holiday Special. In a close second place was Brea Tonnika — a background character in the cantina from first Star Wars film.
The top 30 nominees have been taken into Round 2 of voting! Here each Star Wars fan chooses the one figure they want most in 6-inch plastic form. This second round of voting ends Monday, June 29th, and then the five characters with the most votes will be submitted to Hasbro.
The first 20 characters were picked from the first round of nominations:
| Ackmena |
| Brea Tonnika |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi (A New Hope) |
| Admiral Ackbar |
| ARC Trooper Commander Colt |
| Gamorrean Guard |
| Asajj Ventress (Dark Diciple) |
| Lumpy |
| Lando Calrissian (Jabba’s Skiff Guard) |
| Momaw Nadon |
| Grand Moff Tarkin (A New Hope) |
| Darth Maul (Robot Legs) |
| Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) |
| General Grievous (4-arms) |
| Ponda Baba |
| Mara Jade |
| Sabine |
| Ephant Mon |
| Republic Commando |
| Blue Snaggletooth |
The other 51 characters nominated received only 1 vote each, so the Star Wars Action News team, including podcast hosts Arnie and Marjorie Carvalho, reporters Brock, Johnathan Brenner, Justin Kozisek and Steve “The Ginger Prince” Nixon, video editor Andrew Harrison, and photo editors Jay Fazio and Curtis Stevenson. From the 51 chosen characters the panel selected 10 figures:
| Darth Talon |
| Darth Nihilus |
| Dexter Jettster |
| Jaxxon |
| Watto |
| Admiral Piett |
| Lobot |
| Yak Face |
| Grand Admiral Thrawn |
| Amanaman |
Which of these 30 characters is your top pick as a new Black Series 6-inch figure? Vote now in the Star Wars Action News forums!
Hasbro’s Star Wars Fans’ Choice Poll is Back — And Bigger Than Ever!
Once more, fans get to pick an upcoming character in the Star Wars line of figures.
Hasbro announced today that they are starting a new poll where Star Wars fans and collectors pick which figure is made. This time, however, the poll is not for the long-running 3.75-inch line of figures, but for Hasbro’s newer 6-inch Black Series figure line.
To make it even more exciting, all Star Wars characters are eligible (except those from the unreleased The Force Awakens movie). With that statement Hasbro has given fans perhaps their only chance to get a 6-inch action figure based on the Star Wars comics and novels that were removed from canon and put into the “Legends” category. Of course, all characters from the films, major or minor, would also be given consideration.
Hasbro has confirmed to Star Wars Action News any character is eligible, including the long-desired Tonnika Sisters from A New Hope, Vlix from the 80s Droids series, and even Lumpy and Ackmena (Bea Arthur) from The Star Wars Holiday Special!
Also of note: if the chosen character is from the Star Wars animated series Rebels or The Clone Wars the figure would be done in a realistic style consistent with the Black Series line’s look.
This year’s Fan’s Choice poll is being run by various Star Wars collecting sites, including Venganza Media’s own Star Wars Action News. Before June 30th each participating site will submit to Hasbro their Top 5 list, with the #1 character getting 6 points, the #2 character 5 points, #3 character 4 points, and so on.
From the compiled lists from all the sites the character with the highest number of points will be immortalized in plastic–and Hasbro will reveal which character was chosen during their San Diego Comic-Con panel on July 10th.
Star Wars Action News is handling this with two rounds of voting. First, they have opened a Figure Nomination thread in their forums. In that post fans can free-form enter any characters they want. That phase will be open until June 25th. Then on the 25th a second poll will be opened where each fan can vote on the one figure they want most. That poll will close on June 29th and the top five figures submitted to Hasbro on the 30th.
Begin your voting now! Head to the Star Wars Action News forums and nominate your favorite character for the Black Series 6-inch line!
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 453: The First Order
San Diego Comic-Con draws closer, and with that come even more reveals. From Lucasfilm’s Hall H panel on Friday to something even more exciting for collectors — the reveals of the first toys from Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens. Marjorie and Arnie run down this news, and rate your chances of scoring the SDCC exclusive Hasbro figure, on this week’s show!
Then Brock and Jerry join forces for a segment that’s both a book review and a segment for vintage collectors as they look back on the various books that help collectors of the early Star Wars toys.
With Darryl providing a review of the new Star Wars figures from S.H. Figuarts, Steve “The Gingerprince” reporting on the latest UK conventions, and a contest to win a custom melted Vader head, it’s all in this issue of Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN453.MP3
Star Wars Black Series IG-88, Boushh, and Cody – $16.09 ea!
Amazon has some amazing deals on the new Star Wars 6-Inch Black Series figures!  Commander Cody, IG-88 and Boushh Leia in stock at Amazon — $16.09 each! Get them before they’re gone!
Thanks to our friends at Jedi Temple Archives for the heads up!
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New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 452: Cuckoo for Koto Stuffs
Kotobukiya had one of the most stunning booth displays at Star Wars Celebration 2015. Their Art-FX+ display of dozens of Stormtroopers standing at the ready, with Royal Guards and Vader at the fore, was truly a spectacular sight to behold. They also continued to grow this line of tenth-scale statues with their celebration exclusive K-3PO and R3-A2 droid pack. Marjorie and Arnie review those new droids, as well as the Royal Guard Art-FX+ two-pack, in this episode of Star Wars Action News!
Also in this episode, a rundown of the recently announced SDCC exclusives, more news on finding the “cancelled” wave of Droid Factory figures, A New Hope for Hot Toys, and more — it’s all in this brand new Star Wars Action News show!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN452.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 451: Hot Toys Stormtroopers – Shiny and New
Hot Toys’ line of Movie Masterpiece 12-inch scale figures continues to grow. Luke and Leia have been teased, and recently they shipped their first non-exclusive figure: The Stormtrooper, soldindividually and in a two-pack. Andrew has them in hand and is here with an in-depth review.
Also in this week’s show is a discussion of the “cancelled” wave of Droid Factory figures that inexplicably appeared for sale at Go! Calendar stores across the country. Johnathan has them in hand and gives his thoughts, as well as a report of what he’s finding in stores.
With Brock reviewing Paul S Kemp’s new novel Lords of the Sith, Steve the Gingerprince giving a report from Star Wars Fan Fun Days, and Arnie and Marjorie recording live at Wizard World St. Louis, it’s all in this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN451.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 450: Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2015 Coverage Part 3 – Floor Tour & Wrap Up
Note: This podcast discusses details of The Force Awakens obtained from the second trailer and the props shown at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim.
It’s May 4th, the day fans designated “Star Wars day” and has been quickly co-opted by every Star Wars licensee to discount the items that don’t sell! But here is welcome relief from a deluge of 10% off codes — a new episode of Star Wars Action News!
In this, our final episode from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2015, Marjorie and Arnie record right from the show floor. Join them for booth tours of Sideshow, eFX Collectibles, the Celebration official store, and more!
Plus join Arnie as he talks action figures with the Hasbro Star Wars brand team. You submitted your questions and Arnie asks them!
With a group of fans giving their reactions to the new Force Awakens trailer moments after it was shown, and a recap on the convention as a whole, it’s all in this episode of Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN450.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 449: Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2015 Coverage Part 2 – Sunday Podcast All-Stars Live Show
Note: This podcast discusses details of The Force Awakens obtained from the second trailer and the props shown at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim.
Toys, panels, autographs, swap meets, trading, exclusive reveals and more — Star Wars Celebration Anaheim had so much to do that no one podcast can contain it all. So in this episode we get four!
Marjorie, Berent, and Arnie from Star Wars Action News, Matt Fox from This Week in Star Wars, Jason Luttrull and Ryan Beise from Galaxy of Toys, and Amy Sjoberg from Star Wars Collecting Cosmos came together for the biggest podcast of the convention!
Join the gang as they discuss Star Wars collecting at Celebration, The Force Awakens, and so much more!
If you missed Celebration this show will make you feel like you were there! If you attended the con, relive the experience, all with this mega-packed podcast!
Watch now, and then join us in a few days for even more coverage of Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2015!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN449.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 448: Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2015 Coverage Part 1 – Saturday Live Show
Note: This podcast discusses details of The Force Awakens obtained from the second trailer and the props shown at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim.
The seventh Star Wars Celebration convention was an explosion of fandom held in Anaheim, CA. With new trailers and teasers shown for the next two Star Wars films, a gaggle of celebrities, and tens of thousands of fans, the event captivated fans worldwide!
Now in the first part of Star Wars Action News’ coverage of the convention comes this recording of the Live Podcast recorded Saturday afternoon at Celebration! Marjorie and Arnie are joined by Star Wars Action News team members Daryl and Andrew to discuss the reveals, the exclusives, the lines, and more!
Watch now, and then join us in a few days for even more coverage of Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2015!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN448.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 447: Celebration SWAG-ger
In 3 days the world’s largest Star Wars party begins — Star Wars Celebration Anaheim! With attendance projected to be the largest of any Star Wars convention and overnights already planned for the J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy panel, it’s the single largest collection of Star Wars fans and collectors–and that means plenty of exclusives! From Kotobukiya to Gentle Giant to the official Celebration store–listen as Marjorie and Arnie run down the must buys!
But not all the collectibles are for sale–some are just given away! Yes, more than the official exclusives this seems to be the celebration of Star Wars SWAG! Patches, pins, buttons, toys, Star Tots, and so much more is just waiting to join your collection! The Star Wars Action News hosts discuss this–and preview the Star Wars Action News Celebration Anaheim SWAG–in this week’s episode!
With a store report by Johnathan, a discussion of the digital download releases of the Star Wars saga, and Jerry with a neo-Vintage Viewpoint, it’s plenty to keep you entertained in line while you wait to get in the con! So download this episode of Star Wars Action News now!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN447.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 446: Hot Toys — Out of the Shadows
Star Wars Celebration is just 2 weeks away–have you gotten in line yet? Star Wars Action News hosts Marjorie and Arnie will be there running the Collector’s Social Area, part of the official Celebration Collector’s Track of events! On this week’s podcast, they run down the exclusives announced so far for the convention, and tell you about the one event no Star Wars collector should miss–the Swap Meet Saturday night at 7pm.
Also on this week’s show Andrew joins the hosts to look at the first figure in a new line of Star Wars figures: Hot Toys’ Shadow Trooper. After many years of creating the single best figure line for Marvel movie fans Hot Toys has now come to the Galaxy Far, Far Away. They’ve put seven figures up for pre-order already, but the first to ship was the black-armored trooper. Watch this week’s show to see how this figure ranks, and if you have to add it to your collection!
All this and more in this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN446.MP3
Star Wars Episode VII: The Toys Awaken
Star Wars Action News forum member Niklab wrote in with an interesting find–the Target DCPI information for loads of Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys!
He has broken down the toys into categories based on descriptions, and you can find the item stock number, Target price, and more below!
Some observations:
1) The good news is Star Wars figures will continue to be in 3.75-inch scale! After Hasbro experimented with 2.5-inch figures for Guardians of the Galaxy and the current Avengers: Age of Ultron toy lines, Star Wars fans feared Hasbro may follow suit with the Episode VII line. But there are no signs of 2.5-inch toys and, in fact, there are even vehicle assortments in the 3.75-inch scale!
2) The 6-inch toy line will continue, which seemed a given with Hasbro’s push for that new scale of collector-oriented figure. Still, it is nice to have confirmation.
3) Though we will have 3.75-inch figures, odds are collectors spoiled by the super-articulated figures released between 2005 and 2013 will be disappointed. The Black Series 3.75-inch line has a MSRP of $9.99 and many Target stores sell them at $12.99 or above. To see these new 3.75-inch figures priced at $7.99 indicates they will likely have greatly reduced articulation (though perhaps more than 4 points, as these are more expensive than the current “Mission Series” figures).
From role-play toys to Micro Machines and Die Cast vehicles, there will be something for everyone to collect–and likely too much for any one person to afford!
Read on for all the details!
3.75″ FIGURE SYSTEM
3.75″ BASIC FIGURES
087-06-3658 SW E7 3.75 Single Fig
3.75″ SYSTEM VEHICLES
087-06-3662 E7 Class 1 Vehicle
087-06-3663 E7 Class 1 Dlx Vehicle
087-06-3664 Class II Vehicle
6″ FIGURE SYSTEM
087-06-3670 Black Series 6″
087-06-3696 SW Black series 6in Fig 2. 39.99$
12″ HERO SERIES FIGURE SYSTEM
087-06-3681 SW EP 7 Hero Series fig. 9.99$
087-06-3694 SW E7 Hero Series Fig 6. 49.99$
HERO MASHERS
087-06-3675 SW Hero Mashers.
087-06-3676 SW Hero Mashers Dlx. 14.99$
ROLE PLAY
087-06-3644 SW Extendable Lightsaber
087-06-3645 SW E7 Mask asst
087-06-3646 SW Villain Extendable Lightsaber 12.99$
087-06-3647 SW Nerf Foam Lightsaber
087-06-3648 SW Electronic Lightsaber
087-06-3649 SW Villain Electronic (mask) 34.99$
087-06-3650 SW Villain Dlx Lightsaber
087-06-3651 SW Alien Electronic Mask 29.99$
087-06-3652 SW Darth Vader Voice changing Helmet 34.99$
087-06-3653 SW Signature Lightsaber
087-06-3654 SW E7 Ammo Refill
087-06-3655 SW Villain Trooper Whit 12.99$
087-06-3656 SW Sidekick Alien Blaster 24.99$
087-06-3657 SW Villain Trooper Whit 39.99$
087-06-3672 Toy constrc SW 2
087-06-3674 SW EP II Yoda Lightsaber.
087-06-3695 SW choose yr destiny lightsaber. 49.99$
087-06-3697 SW E7 Darth Vader Lightsaber. 44.99$
MICRO MACHINES
087-06-3684 SW vehicle blind bag. 2.49$
087-06-3685 SW vehicle 3 pack.
087-06-3686 SW MM Dlx vehicle asst. 9.99$
087-06-3688 SW E7 MM Battle Set.
ASSORTED / UNIDENTIFIED
3659 – 3661 had no information, only prices.
3677-3680 no info
087-06-3668 Black Series Die Cast
087-06-3689 SW Collectable
087-06-3692 SW E7 RC Lead Hero Droid. 79.99$
087-06-3693 Furby E7 Sidekick Alien.
Star Wars Gaming Updates from GAMA 2015
The GAMA Trade Show is currently being held in Las Vegas and Fantasy Flight Games, the company that currently holds to rights to produce miniature, card, and roleplaying games within the milieu of the Star Wars franchise, provided some updates during their presentation at the event on March 27th.
They started off their presentation by making sure that everyone was aware that the dock workers’ strike on the west coast has greatly affected their ability to ship merchandise to retailers. Many companies have been hit hard by the port delays and it seems that Fantasy Flight Games was unable to escape them either. This would account for several of their products being delayed past their original expected shipping dates, including the Armada core game, along with its first wave of expansion packs and the next cycle of Force Packs for the Star Wars Living Card Game.
However, these delays appear to be abating as the company did update 
the shipping date for Force and Destiny: Beginner Game to April 2015. These RPG beginner boxes are a great way for players who are new to Fantasy Flight Games’ roleplaying mechanics to learn the ropes of playing a character in a pre-built story mission, or playing the game master who leads up to 4 other players in telling the story.
They also announced that the first wave of expansion packs for Imperial Assault will be available this week! For those of you who heard my report for Star Wars Action News about last year’s GenCon, you’ll know that this is probably the best Star Wars game I have ever played. And since Fantasy Flight Games announced yesterday that it was their largest release ever, I don’t think I’m alone in that. Personally, I cannot wait to add these Villain and Ally Packs to my collection further hone my skills in the game’s one-on-one skirmish mode.
Next, Fantasy Flight Games announced the second wave of Imperial Assault expansion packs that are set to ship this summer:
- Twin Shadows – $39.95
- C-3PO and R2-D2 – $14.95
- Kayn Somos – $9.95
- Boba Fett – $9.95
Twin Sha
dows is a great-looking boxed set, which includes 4 missions that can either be inserted into the core set’s larger campaign or played separately as a mini-campaign. It also includes 2 new hero figures, 2 new villain types (Heavy Stormtroopers and Tusken Raiders) along with a dozen new map tiles to play out the new missions on! And of course there are a slew of cards and tokens to round out the box.
As with the core game, Twin Shadows will introduce characters into the campaign that don’t get fleshed out figures within the box. Instead, you will need to rely on their 2D character tokens when they enter play. However, three new Hero and Villain packs will also be coming so you can have 3D versions of your favorite droids when fighting against the most fearsome Mandalorian in the galaxy. Boba Fett has his own allies too. Kay Somos is a Stormtrooper Commander (shoulder pauldron included) who can help add actions to the other troopers on your map.
The Armada core game is expected to be available at the end of this month with it’s own first wave of ships arriving shortly after. Fantasy Flight Games is really proud of this game and were apparently not content with just the core game and first wave of Rebel and Imperial ship expansions. Soon, we will be treated to Wave 2! Not much is known about these packs yet, but look for more information on these sets soon:
- Rogues and Villains – a large group of medium-sized ships that include the Falcon and Slave I
- Mon Calamari Cruiser
- Mon Calamari Frigate
- Imperial Raider – this is a ship designed by FFG and was first announced for their X-Wing game
All-in-all, some really exciting stuff here. And yes, they did officially confirm that they will be doing Episode 7 products, but obviously did not go into any detail. Hopefully we will get some glimpses of some new products next month at Star Wars Celebration, though I’m sure that information about The Force Awakens merchandise will be scarce until later this year. Nevertheless, this is a great time to be a Star Wars gamer.
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 445: Maximize Your Fun at Celebration With a Bottle of Water and a Plan
In less than one month the world’s largest Star Wars party takes place in Anaheim — Star Wars Celebration! There will be celebrities, exclusives, panels, vendors and more! There will also be lines, standing and waiting, rooms filled before you get in, and bottles of soda for almost $5 each.
On this week’s Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie help you prepare to get the most out of Celebration! At Celebration 5 and 6 they presented their panel A Bottle of Water and a Plan and now they bring it to the podcast so everyone can have the best time at Celebration!
And for this special show they are joined by other convention veterans, Jerry, Daryl, and Chris! All the panelists have been at multiple Star Wars Celebrations, as well as a combined hundreds of other conventions including San Diego Comic-Con! They even recorded this at Indiana Comic-Con this weekend! Save your feet with their tips!
Plus find out about the Star Wars Celebration Collectors’ Swap Meet, special exclusive Celebration patches and pins, and more! It’s all in this pre-Celebration episode of Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN445.MP3
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow Darth Vader Premium Format Figure
Sideshow Collectibles has put up for pre-order their latest 1/4 scale Premium Format Figure in the Star Wars line — Darth Vader.
Inspired by one of the most climactic duels in cinematic history, Darth Vader descends the steps of a Death Star themed base. With his light-up crimson lightsaber at the ready, the commanding villain is prepared to engage in mortal combat and claim victory for the Galactic Empire. Every detail of the Sith Lords costume, from his iconic helmet to his sweeping black cape, have been faithfully recreated as seen on screen in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
The figure stands 26.5-inches high with the giant base, and is the first time in nearly 10 years that Sideshow has offered the most iconic of all Star Wars characters. So place your order now at Sideshow Collectibles!
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 444: Keep Feeling Fabrikation
At Toy Fair International last week Funko was one of the few companies with lots of new Star Wars toys and collectibles on display. A rising Force in Star Wars collections, Funko has cornered the market on “cute” Star Wars figures. Last year they expanded that line to include Star Wars Fabrikations. They’re part action figure, part plushie, and all adorable. On this week’s Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie look at three figures in this line: Boba Fett, Chewbacca, and Yoda!
For more high end Star Wars collectors, the first Star Wars figure from Hot Toys is shipping soon–the Shadow Stormtrooper! To prepare, listen to a review of that other Hot Toys Star Wars figure–the Bespin Luke Skywalker. Done as part of Sideshow’s 1/6 scale figure line, this version of Luke was a partnership with Hot Toys and shows what fans can expect from the new company.
With a review of the new Star Wars novel Heir to the Jedi, a review of the Disney Store exclusive Empire Strikes Back figure set, Star Wars Celebration Anaheim announcements, and more, it’s all in this week’s Star Wars Action News show!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN444.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 443: Toy Fair 2015 Part 2 – Kotobukiya, Funko, and More from the Javits Center
Want to lift X-Wing starfighters with the power of your mind? Or proudly display figures showing Darth Vader as a feudal samurai? What about having a rubbery vinyl toy of a Wampa with blood spilled down his front? From new Celebration Anaheim exclusives to toys that boggle the mind, all that and more was revealed in New York City’s Javits Center during Toy Fair International 2015!
On this episode of Star Wars Action News join Marjorie and Arnie for a virtual tour around the booths of Toy Fair featuring Statues, Role Playing Games, toys, housewares and more! Find out about the funky new Funko collectibles including a rainbow Bossk! Then hear an exclusive interview with Kotobukiya’s Dan Lujan to find out about upcoming statues, including the fate of the female Stormtrooper Bishoujo.
The Force Awakens in 2012, but not for 10 more months, so find out all the Star Wars goodies coming before then in this Star Wars Action News show!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN443.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 442: Toy Fair 2015 Part 1 – Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, and LEGO
Star Wars Celebration, San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic-Con…when it comes to toy news they all pale compared to New York Toy Fair International. The show is where toy manufacturers reveal most of the toys that will ship throughout the year. The show is for the toy makers to sell to wholesalers and retailers, but press is let in and for collectors it becomes a preview of the year’s new Star Wars toys!
On the first part of the Star Wars Action News report from Toy Fair find out about all the announcements from some of the biggest Star Wars toy manufacturers–LEGO, Hasbro, and Jakks Pacific! With an exclusive interview with Hasbro’s Star Wars brand team and more, it’s all in this episode!
And check back next week for more interviews and news from Toy Fair!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN442.MP3
New Funko POP! Vinyl Exclusives Coming to Walgreens
This month saw the first Walgreens Marvel Comics exclusive figures in the Funko POP! Vinyl figure line. Now it looks Walgreens will be getting POP! Vinylu exclusives from another Disney licensee–Star Wars!
A Bothan spy contacted us this morning with information from the Walgreens stock system showing four upcoming items all listed as “POP! STAR WARS EXCLUSIVE”
This revelation is no surprise. At the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con International Walgreens announced 6-Inch figure exclusives–the first was Agent Venom in Hasbro’s Marvel Legends line. This was quickly followed by the Prototype Boba Fett in Hasbro’s Star Wars 6-inch Black Series figure line. That Funko would follow a similar pattern–release four Marvel POP! exclusives first, then four Star Wars POP! exclusives, makes sense.
The Walgreens exclusive Marvel POP! Vinyls are just now starting to appear in Walgreens stores. With both Black Outfit Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2099 packed 1 per case eBay prices have soared as high as $60. Star Wars collectors should brace themselves for similar short-packed figures.
More information on this will likely be revealed at Toy Fair International, taking place this coming weekend in New York City. Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys will both be covering the events, so be sure to follow them through social media for the latest updates on all Star Wars and Marvel toys!
Hasbro Not Responsible for Star Wars and Super Hero Action Figure Price Jump
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Action figure collectors across the country recently took to Facebook and Twitter to vent their frustration over the rising cost of action figures.
At Target, one of the three largest toy sellers in the US, action figure prices recently took a $3 jump. Hasbro’s Star Wars 3.75-inch Black Series figures as well as Hasbro’s 3.75-inch Marvel Infinite Series figures went from $9.99 to $12.99 at most Target locations, with some other stores going even as high as $15.29.
Collectors were worried that this price would soon be mirrored by other top toy sellers including Walmart and Toys ‘R’ Us.
We reached out to Hunter PR, the public relations firm which represents Hasbro, to ask about this price increase. When I asked if the Suggested Retail Price of the action figures was going up, the response was very clear: “The price change was instituded by the retailer and not at the manufacturer level.”
This was widely speculated to be the case as other action figures, including Mattel’s DC Multiverse line, had gone up in price as well. That being said, it is nice to have confirmation that the price of action figures, which has gone up 100% in the past 10 years, is not taking yet another manufacturer-instituted jump.
Now we can only wait and see if Target will reduce the price back to its previous level to stay competitive in the action figure market, or if the other toy retailers will raise prices to match Target’s newly increased profit margin.
Hear more about Star Wars action figure collecting on the Star Wars Action News podcast!
Marvel action figure collecting is covered biweekly on the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Uncle Milton to Release Holocron and new Force Trainer Toys
Uncle Milton, creator of the innovative Star Wars™ Science brand of toys, is getting ready to challenge aspiring Jedi in a different way. This time, Uncle Milton will be bringing the popular artificial intelligence game of knowledge, 20Q, into the world of Star Wars with the Jedi Holocron. Holocrons are artifacts that hold an indeterminable amount of knowledge, so what better way to bring the Holocron into our world, than with 20Q. Even better, Star Wars™ fans can be part of the creation of this new Star Wars™ Science Jedi Holocron! Just visit 20q.net, click on the Star Wars logo and follow the instructions. Think of any person, place, or thing based on all 6 Star Wars movies and TV series and 20Q will try and guess what you’re thinking. See if you can outsmart the Jedi Holocron! The more times you play, the smarter the artificial intelligence of the Jedi Holocron will become. Look for the Star Wars Science Jedi Holocron on store shelves beginning in Fall, 2015.
In addition, Uncle Milton is also releasing a new version of their very popular Star Wars Force Trainer.
In 2009, one of the most innovative Star Wars toys of all-time was launched–The Force Trainer. This incredible toy enabled fans of all ages to move and control an object with the power of their mind and quickly became a hit with Star Wars fans and the media worldwide. Just as the next generation of Star Wars movies is preparing to launch, Uncle Milton’s Star Wars Science brand is introducing The Force Trainer II: Hologram Experience. The Force Trainer II features new technology being unveiled at CES and gives Star Wars fans the opportunity to harness the power of their mind to move and control hologram images as they perform incredible Jedi feats from Star Wars movies.
With The Force Trainer II, you are the Jedi. Imagine that you could raise an X-wing from the Dagobah swamp just like Luke Skywalker, battle Darth Vader, or build your own lightsaber with just the power of your mind! These magical scenes are re-created through hologram images and a wireless headset with real brainwave sensors that read and interpret your levels of concentration. The more you focus, the more successful you are in moving and controlling the hologram image and successfully completing the Jedi challenge. The hologram images and Jedi challenges come through a companion app included with the purchase of the product and powered by the user’s tablet device which projects these holograms into the unique Jedi themed training base.
There are 10 different Jedi training levels through which fans can advance from Padawan to Jedi Knight to Jedi Master, with instruction and guidance from Jedi Master Yoda. Additional Jedi challenges will also be available for download on updated versions of the app as new Star Wars movies are released. The product is expected to hit retail stores in Fall 2015 with an estimated SRP of $119.99.
“We are very excited to unveil The Force Trainer II: Hologram Experience at CES,” said Ken Malouf, VP of Marketing & Product Management at Uncle Milton. “This toy captures the imagination of aspiring Jedi everywhere as they learn to use and control the power of their own concentration to activate fantastic Star Wars adventures. The combination of this advanced technology, compelling game play, and real science application makes for a truly unique product that fits the spirit of the Star Wars brand.”
Video: Marvel Comics’ Star Wars #1
As Star Wars makes its historic return to Marvel with the official release of Star Wars #1, hear from series writer Jason Aaron, series editor Jordan D. White, and Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso about the creation of this monumental new ongoing series.
STAR WARS #1 is available now in comic shops, on the Marvel Comics App and on Marvel.com
Voting Now Open for 2014 Poppies Toy and Collectible Awards
Voting is now open for the 2014 Poppies Awards.
Now in its seventh year, The Poppies is an awards program presented by MWCToys.com. Run by MWCToys owner Michael Crawford, the Poppies present awards to toy and collectible companies in such categories as Best Overall Company, Eddie Wires Award for Outstanding Paint, and Best Vehicle or Playset. Further categories for figures are broken down by gender to Best Male Figure and Best Female Figure and then further broken down by scale: Under 5-inches, 5-inches to 11-inches, 12-inches to 17-inches, and 18-inches and larger.
The awards are voted on by a panel of judges picked by Crawford. These judges represent collectible companies, media outlets, toy retailers, artists, and notable collectors. Included in the 2014 judging are former DC Comics creative leader Georg Brewer, Toynami design consultant Scott Tipton, Diamond Select Toys Marketing Supervisor Zach Oat, Yodasnews.com webmaster Mark Picirilli, Entertainment Earth merchandiser Adam Pawlus, MTV Geek writer Jason Stephens, and Marvelicious Toys and Star Wars Action News podcast host Arnie Carvalho. The full list of judges can be viewed at MWCToys.com.
In addition to the expert panel of judges, MWCToys.com also offers Peoples Picks awards which have open voting. The ballot is hosted at MWCToys.com
This years list of nominees in the Peoples Picks awards are:
Best Overall Company
- 3A
- ACI
- Asmus
- Bandai / Bandai Japan
- Bif Bang Pow
- DC Collectibles
- Diamond Select
- Enterbay
- Four Horsemen
- Funko
- Gentle Giant
- Hasbro
- Hot Toys
- Jakks
- Jazwares
- Kotobukiya
- LEGO
- Mattel
- McFarlane Toys
- Mezco
- NECA
- Playmates
- Sideshow
- ThreeZero
- Weta
Best Overall Line – High End
- Batman Black & White (DC Collectibles)
- Batman (All licenses) (Hot Toys)
- DC Bombshells (DC Collectibles)
- DC Comics (Sideshow)
- DC (all lines) (Hot Toys)
- Dr. Who (Big Chief)
- Gang’s Kingdom (DAM Toys)
- G.I. Joe (Sideshow)
- The Hobbit/LOTR (Weta)
- The Hobbit/LOTR (Gentle Giant)
- Lord of the Rings (Asmus)
- Marvel (all lines) (Hot Toys)
- Marvel (all lines) (Sideshow)
- Masterpiece HD (All lines) (Enterbay)
- Robocop (Hot Toys)
- Star Wars (Sideshow)
- Star Wars Jumbo Vintage (Gentle Giant)
- Walking Dead (Gentle Giant)
Best Overall Line – Low End
- Batman Designer Series (DC Collectibles)
- Batman Animated (TNBA etc.) (DC Collectibles)
- Breaking Bad (Mezco)
- DC Multiverse (Mattel)
- Game of Thrones (Dark Horse)
- Game of Thrones (Funko)
- Gothitropolis: Ravens (Four Horsemen)
- Magic The Gathering (Funko)
- Marvel Legends (Hasbro)
- Marvel Select (Diamond Select Toys)
- Masters of the Universe Classics (Mattel)
- Outer Space Men (Four Horsemen)
- Pacific Rim (NECA)
- Planet of the Apes (NECA)
- Plants vs Zombies (Diamond Select Toys)
- Pop! Vinyl Figures (Funko)
- ReAction (Funko)
- Simpsons Celebrity Series (NECA)
- Star Wars Black (Hasbro)
- Star Wars Diecast (Disney)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (playmates)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Kid Robot)
- Transformers (Hasbro)
- Twilight Zone (BifBangPow)
- Universal Monsters (Diamond Select Toys)
- Walking Dead (Mcfarlane)
- WWE (Mattel)
Eddie Wires Award for Outstanding Paint
- Azog on Warg (Weta)
- Batista, WWE (Mattel)
- Black Widow (Gentle Giant)
- Chomper/Engineer 2 pack, Plants vs Zombies (DST)
- Clonetrooper, 501st (Sideshow)
- Elder Predator (Hot Toys)
- Gorilla Soldier (NECA)
- Harley, Batman B/W (DC Collectibles)
- Iron Man MK42 DieCast (Hot Toys)
- Kerberos Panzer Jäger (Hot Toys)
- Knifehead BD, Pacific Rim (NECA)
- Marv Sin City (DST)
- Maurice POTA (NECA)
- Robocop (Hot Toys)
- Shao Khan (PCS)
- T-800 BD (Hot Toys)
- Tyreese (McFarlane)
- Viper Predator (NECA)
Best Male Figure 18″ and up
- Batman 1989 (NECA)
- Bruce Lee (Blitzway)
- Cherno Alpha, Pacific Rim (NECA)
- Dutch, Predator (NECA)
- Godzilla (Jakks)
- Han in Stormtrooper Outfit (Jakks)
- Joker (NECA)
- Master Chief (NECA)
- Mr. Bean (Enterbay)
- Robocop (Enterbay)
- T-1000 (Enterbay)
- War Machine MKII (Play Imaginitive)
Best Male Figure (12″ – 17″)
- Batman (comic version) (Sideshow)
- Chucky (Mezco)
- Darth Vader (Sideshow)
- Diamond 3, Gangs Kingdom (DAM Toys)
- Guritz, LOTR (Asmus)
- Harry Potter (Star Ace)
- Iron Man MK42 Die Cast (Hot Toys)
- Link (Medicom)
- Probe Droid (Sideshow)
- Robocop with Chair (Hot Toys)
- Sherlock Holmes (Big Chief)
- Star-Lord, GotG (Hot Toys)
- Superman, MoS (Hot Toys)
- Tyrion, Game of Thrones (ThreeZero)
Best Male Figure (5″ – 11″)
- Amazing Spider-man 2 Spidey (Hasbro)
- Batman 1989 (NECA)
- Batman, TNBA (DC Collectibles)
- Caesar DOTPOTA (NECA)
- Captain America Stealth Suit ML (Hasbro)
- Creature from the Black Lagoon (DST)
- Drogo, GoT (Funko)
- ED-209 (NECA)
- Falcon, Marvel Select (DST)
- Garruk Wildspeaker, Magic The Gathering (Funko)
- Glen, Walking Dead (McFarlane)
- Gorilla Soldier, POTA (NECA)
- Iron Patriot (S.H. Figuarts)
- Jedi Luke, SW Black (Hasbro)
- Jetfire, Transformers (Hasbro)
- Michelangelo, TMNT (Revoltech)
- Modulok, MOTUC (Mattel)
- Mummy (Mezco)
- Riddler, Batman Designer (DC Collectibles)
- Star-Lord, GotG ML (Hasbro)
- Tyreese, Walking Dead (McFarlane)
- Viper Predator (NECA)
Best Male Figure (under 5″)
- Adam Power, Power Lords (Four Horsemen)
- Alien, ReAction (Funko)
- Arctic B.A.T., G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Bowser, World of Nintendo
- Darth Vader #26, SW Black (Hasbro)
- Fighter’s Guild Akavari and Pony Guar (Symbiote)
- Gremlin, Twilight Zone (BifBangPow)
- Jack Asteroid, OSM (Four Horsemen)
- Jabba’s Skiff Guard, SW Black (Hasbro)
- Kane in Spacesuit, Alien ReAction (Funko)
- L’il Gotham Batman (DC Collectibles)
- Penguin, Multiverse (Mattel)
- Snake Eyes, Artic, G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Super Mario (S.H. Figuarts)
Best Female Figure (over 11″)
- Avea Trotter, Monster High (Mattel)
- Baroness, G.I. Joe (Sideshow)
- Black Widow, CA:WS (Hot Toys)
- Cammy, Street Fighter (Medicom)
- Catwoman, DC Comics (Sideshow)
- Crimson (Flirty Girl)
- Domino Lady (Phicen)
- Faraway Forest Elf, Barbie (Mattel)
- Harley, DC Comics (Sideshow)
- Hit Girl, Kick Ass 2, (Medicom)
- Maleficent (Hot Toys)
- Maleficent (Disney Signature Collection)
Best Female Figure (5″ – 11″)
- Alien Queen (NECA)
- April O’Neil TMNT (Playmates)
- Arcee, Transformers (Hasbro)
- Arya Stark, GoT (Funko)
- Arya Stark, GoT (Dark Horse)
- Black Cat, Spider-Man ML (Hasbro)
- Black Widow, CA:WS ML (Hasbro)
- Catwoman, animated (DC Collectibles)
- Daenerys, Got (Dark Horse)
- Daenerys, GoT (Funko)
- Gamora, GotG ML (Hasbro)
- Lilliana Vess, Magic (Funko)
- Lucy Lawless, Simpsons (NECA)
- Maggie, Walking Dead (McFarlane)
- Mermista, MOTUC (Mattel)
- Penny, Gremlins (NECA)
- Scorpia, MOTUC (Mattel)
- Venus, Sailor Moon (S.H. Figuarts)
- Windblade, Transformers (Hasbro)
- Zira, POTA (NECA)
Best Female Figure (under 5″)
Notes: The strong female represetation continues in the smaller scale. It’s particularly nice to see it’s not just Star Wars and Joe, although they have some strong nominees as well.
- Amy Pond, Dr. Who (Character Options)
- Baroness, G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Catwoman, DC Multiverse (Mattel)
- Harley, DC Multiverse (Mattel)
- Lady Jaye, G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Ripley, Alien ReAction (Funko)
- Samus Arun, Amiibo, (Nintendo)
- Talky Tina, TZ (BifBangPow)
- Terra Firma, OSM (Four Horsemen)
- Toryn Farr, Star Wars Black (Hasbro)
- Wasp, Marvel Infinite (Hasbro)
Best Build a Figure/Collect and Connect (any size or type):
- Green Goblin, Spider-Man ML (Hasbro)
- Groot, GotG ML (Hasbro)
- Jubilee, ML (Hasbro)
- Kalibak, DCU/Super Powers (Mattel)
- Mandroid, ML (Hasbro)
- Minicon Assault Team Centuritron, Transformers (Hasbro)
Best Vehicle or Playset
- Armory, Batman (Hot Toys)
- AT-DP, Star Wars, (Hasbro)
- Batbot, RC (Imaginext)
- Batmobile, Toy Toyko Red version (Funko)
- Battle Ram, MOTUC (Mattel)
- Battle Rover (Imaginext)
- Cobra Wolf, G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Dragon Castle (True Legends)
- Ecto-1, Ghostbusters, (Funko)
- High Flying Blimp, TMNT (Playmates)
- Inquisitor TIE Fighter, Star Wars (Hasbro)
- Iron Man 3 Hall of Armor, House Party (Hot Toys)
- Iron Man 3 Workshop Accessories (Hot Toys)
- Millenium Falcon, Star Wars Hero (Hasbro)
- Phantom, Star Wars Rebels (Hasbro)
- Serenity 1:250 scale cutaway (Qmx)
- Slave 1, Star Wars Die Cast (Disney)
- Speeder Bike, Star Wars Black (Hasbro)
- T-Tower, Teen Titans (Jazzwares)
- X-Wing Fighter, Star Wars (Hasbro)
- Z-line Billiard Breakout, TMNT (Playmates)
Best Statue
- Azog on Warg (Weta)
- Batman Arkham City (Kotobukiya)
- Black Widow (Gentle Giant)
- Black Widow PF (Sideshow)
- Chewbacca PF (Sideshow)
- Conan (ARH)
- Harley, DC Bombshells (DC Collectibles)
- Harley, Batman B/W (DC Collectibles)
- Harley PF (Sideshow)
- He-Man (Pop Culture Shock)
- Herman Munster (Tweeterhead)
- Judge Death (Pop Culture Shock)
- King Thror, Hobbit (Weta)
- Mojo (Bowen)
- Padme Amidala (Gentle Giant)
- Rick Grimes, Walking Dead comic (McFarlane)
- Shao Khan (Pop Culture Shock)
- Superman DC Comics PF (Sideshow)
- Warframe Excalibur (Symbiote)
- Wonder Woman ArtFX (Kotobukiya)
- Yoda Ilum, Star Wars (Gentle Giant)
Best Bust
- Alien Big Chap Legendary Scale (Sideshow)
- Azog (Gentle Giant)
- Goblin King (Gentle Giant)
- Iron Man MK42 Battle Damaged (Hot Toys)
- Jek Porkins, Star Wars (Gentle Giant)
- Panzerkommandant Jürgen (Quarantine)
- Rocket Raccoon (Gentle Giant)
- Ryu, Street Fighter Life Size (Pop Culture Shock)
- Scorpion, Life Size (Pop Culture Shock)
- Sophia Stalker, Walking Dead (Gentle Giant)
Best Designer/Vinyl
- Baby Dancing Groot (Funko)
- BeeBop, TMNT (Kid Robot)
- Chariv, Rise of the Beasts, Glyos (Onell)
- Dr. Who War Beast SDCC (Titan)
- Dr. Who War Doctor SDCC (Titan)
- Elder Scrolls Online Nord (Symbiote)
- GoGo Yubari, Kill Bill (Funko)
- Gus Fring, Dead Face, Breaking Bad (Funko)
- Judge Dredd Cosplay Penguin (Blind Mouse)
- Kiora Atua, Magic (Funko)
- Sharknado, Bloody (Funko)
- Shockwave, Transformers (Loyal Subjects)
- Splinter, TMNT (Loyal Subjects)
- Sun Dad Red (RealXHead)
- Super Crayboth, Glyos (Onell)
- Tezzeret, Magic (Funko)
- White Lantern Flash (Funko)
- Yubiosu (RealXHead)
Best Prop Replica
- Batman Returns Cowl (Hollywood Collectibles)
- Breaking Bad Teddy Bear (Mezco)
- Gremlins 2 Flasher (NECA)
- Infinity Gauntlet (Hasbro)
- Larry Talbot’s Cane, Wolfman (Factory Entertainment)
- Longclaw, GoT (Valyrian Steel)
- Monkey Brains Bowl, Indiana Jones
- Predator 1 Bio Mask (Sideshow)
- Ravenclaw Diadem, Harry Potter (Noble)
- Sonic Screwdriver, Dr. Who (Rubbertoe)
- Tomenosuke Blaster Pro Edition (Hollywood Collectibles)
- Walking Dead Jail Key (McFarlane)
Best Block Figures/Building Set Series
- DC/Marvel Superheroes (Lego)
- Halo (MegaBloks)
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Ionix)
- Legends of Chima (Lego)
- Lego Movie (LEGO)
- Plants Vs Zombies Minimates (DST)
- Simpsons (Lego)
- Spongebob (MegaBloks)
- Star Wars (Lego)
- Titanfall (K’Nex)
- Transformers (Kre-o)
- Walking Dead (McFarlane)
- WWE (C3)
Best Misc
- Caesar’s Bust/DVD Case (NECA)
- Disneyvision (Disney)
- Grimlock Stomp and Chomp (Hasbro)
- ReAction Figures (Funko)
- Star Wars Command (Hasbro)
- Titanfall Collector’s Edition
- TMNT Giant Size (Jakks)
Vote now for the Peoples Picks awards at MWCToys.com
Watch the latest episode of the Star Wars collecting show Star Wars Action News
Watch the latest episode of the Marvel Comics collectible show Marvelicious Toys
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 440: 2014 Year in Review Part 2 and 2015 in Preview
The Star Wars Action News Year-End shows conclude with this second part of the team’s roundtable discussion!
Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Steve “The Gingerprince”, Johnathan, Curtis, Daryl, Brock, Jay and Andrew to look back at the high-end collectibles that Force-d them to open their wallets! From Gentle Giant mini-busts to Sideshow Premium Format Figures and the new, high end sixth scale figure line from Hot Toys, it’s all discussed in this show!
Then the team puts 2014 to bed and looks forward to what 2015 Awakens. With the first new live-action Star Wars film in a decade coming this December, Rebels on television, and a new continuity for novels and comics, join them to hear what is in store!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN440.MP3
Do 100 Variant Covers Mean Free Copies of Marvel’s Star Wars #1?
Will Marvel’s Star Wars #1 end up as a free giveaway at comic stores and cons across the country?
Marvel does their incentive covers, such as “For every 150 copies of the base cover you order, you can also order 1 of this variant cover.” THIS is why Marvel’s Star Wars #1 has sold more than one million copies.
Understand, saying one million copies are sold does not mean one million fans bought it. It means stores, often small-business local comic shops, bought one million copies…and given that so much of it was for the over 100 variant and incentive covers that means stores are ordering boxes full of comics they may never sell.
I have no doubt the first Star Wars comic from Marvel in 30 years will sell very well. It will have a huge sell-through…but one million copies seems unrealistic in today’s comic book market. Star Wars author and comic historian John Jackson Miller reported at his site Comichron the last comic to have over a million copies ordered was likely Batman #500. For perspective, that was in 1993 just before the comic market collapsed.
I really suspect that retailers are going to end up sitting on thrones of unopened boxes of Star Wars #1. At cons, free comic day, and more, I think Star Wars fans will see these comics sitting out.
I’m not worried about local comic shops losing their shirts on this deal. The reason incentive and variant covers carry such a high price tag is because the stores factor in the cost of ordering so many extra comics that may never sell. From increased interest in the title at all, the headlines (such as this one) promoting its release, and the obscene number of variant covers, Star Wars #1 will sell well. This is great news for ailing local comic stores.
Yet I still envision the lost ark from Raiders surrounded by crates and crates of unsold copies of Marvel’s new Star Wars #1.
So if you really aren’t in a hurry and don’t care what cover you get of Marvel’s Star Wars #1…I’d suggest keep your wallets in your pocket and just wait. Deep discount at a MINIMUM; boxes of them for pennies on the cover price dollar. Maybe even stacks of freebees.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments.
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys 1/6 Scale Darth Vader
Hot Toys’ newest 1/6 scale Star Wars figure is up for pre-order now: Darth Vader.
Darth Vader is one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars saga and has frequently been regarded as one of the greatest villains in cinema history. Following the release of “The Circle is Now Complete’ teaser earlier last month, Star Wars fans have already been eagerly waiting for the official reveal of the Sith Lord!
And now Hot Toys is welcoming fans to the dark side and officially introduce the highly-detailed and amazingly-crafted Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope: 1/6th scale Darth Vader Collectible Figure complete with the Sith Lord’s iconic breathing sound effects and LED lighted functions!
The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope! It features a sophisticatedly-crafted Darth Vader armor and helmet, specially tailored suit, built-in sound effect function with Darth Vader’s breathing sound, LED-lighted lightsaber and belt, a finely-made Interrogator Droid, and a specially designed figure stand.
Embrace the dark side and add the infamous Dark Lord of the Sith to your Star Wars collection!
The figure comes with 9 interchangeable hands, a LED lit lightsaber, a special figure stand, and an Interrogator droid!
Continue your 1/6 Scale Hot Toys figure collection by ordering Darth Vader now from Sideshow Collectibles!
Is this an improvement over Sideshow’s own 1/6 scale Darth Vader? Let us know in the comments below!
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 439: 2014 Year in Review Part 1 – Hasbro Star Wars Toys
For Star Wars fans 2014 came in with a whimper but went out with a bang! From a year that started with few Star Wars figures to be found in either the 4 or 6-inch scales, it ended with Expanded Universe 6-Inch figures, new lines of 3.75-inch figures, and Star Wars fans everywhere trying to “get to da Chopper!”
Now in the first part of the Star Wars Action News year in review, the Star Wars Action News team looks back at 2014 from the point of view of a toy collector. Marjorie and Arnie are joined by several other collectors to rate the best and worst of Star Wars collecting this year!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN439.MP3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Quarter-Scale Boba Fett Figure
The ultimate bounty from Hot Toys is now available for Pre-Order – their Quarter Scale Return of the Jedi Boba Fett Figure.
In July Hot Toys announced they had obtained the rights to sell figures based on the Star Wars films. The only releases so far had been in their 1/6 scale (12-inch) Movie Masterpiece Series line. Boba Fett is the first release in their quarter-scale (18-inch) line of figures, bringing a level of quality, articulation, and accessories never before seen in Star Wars figures of this scale.
In terms of size, this figure matches a Sideshow Collectibles Premium Format Figure, or figures in Diamond Select Toys’ (now cancelled) quarter-scale figure line. But while the Sideshow “figure” is really a statue, and the Diamond Select Toys’ figure was a toy that did not attempt realistic likenesses and high articulation, Hot Toys is bringing the detail of their Movie Masterpiece figures to this giant size.
Standing nearly 18-inches tall (45cm to be exact), this Boba Fett figure has a helmet with an articulated rangefinder and extremely detailed Mandolorian armor designed to match the bounty hunter’s appearance in Return of the Jedi. Underneath that armor you’ll find over 30 points of articulation allowing a huge variety of poses. And more, you get seven interchangable hands for different gestures, and a huge number of accessories including two blaster rifles (regular and damaged), a survival knife, an anti-security blade, and more! Plus if you get the Special Edition (exclusively through Sideshow Collectibles) you also get a blaster sidearm with holster which Boba Fett has in Star Wars: Episode V Empire Strikes Back.
Don’t miss the chance to add the fearsome bounty hunter to your prized collection!
Find out all the details and pre-order now at Sideshow Collectibles!
New Podcast: Star Wars Action News Episode 438: Tarkin ‘Bout Toys
With a review of James Lucino’s new Star Wars novel Tarkin and Jerry looking back on books of yesteryear, and ThinkGeek plushes too, you’ll find all this and more in this Episode of Star Wars Action News!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
Relive the Original Marvel STAR WARS™ Adaptations With Remastered Graphic Novels in 2015!
Relive the Original Marvel STAR WARS™ Adaptations
With Remastered Graphic Novels in 2015!
Next year, the original Marvel Comic adaptations of the iconic Star Wars trilogy return for new, oversized graphic novels with remastered coloring! It all starts this May as the first original comic adaptation of the greatest space-fantasy film of all time is reborn for the modern age as STAR WARS™: EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE makes it’s triumphant return to comic shops!
Weeks before George Lucas’ first STAR WARS film hit theatres, Marvel gave eager fans their very first look at Luke Skywalker, boldly asking “Will he save the galaxy, or destroy it?” Over 30 years later, you know the answer, but that doesn’t spoil the excitement of reliving this now classic adaptation like you’ve never seen it before – including scenes that never made it to the silver screen! Written by Roy Thomas with art by Howard Chaykin, this iconic story has been remastered for the modern age all-new coloring by Chris Sotomayor.
“When Star Wars took the world by storm in 1977, Marvel Comics was right there with exciting comic adaptations and new stories set in a galaxy far, far away,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “With new Star Wars comics being published by Marvel in 2015, we’re proud to look back on this exciting remastered adaptation of the original film, with remastered adaptations of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi coming later in 2015.”
Debuting in an oversized hardcover format with sophisticated packaging and a new cover by famed artist Adi Granov, relive the original Marvel Comics adventure of Luke, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the villainous Darth Vader again – or for the very first time. It’s six against an entire galaxy – one that’s far, far away and a long time ago!
May the Force be with you, and in the mighty Marvel manner this May when the remastered STAR WARS™: EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE OGN HC comes to comic shops and bookstores in 2015!
For more on Star Wars please visit marvel.com and join in the conversation on Twitter with #StarWars. To experience Star Wars online, visit StarWars.com or follow Star Wars on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or YouTube.
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 438: Tarkin ‘Bout Toys
It’s been a long time since Star Wars action figure collectors could shop exclusively at their local brick-and-mortar stores to get the figures they wanted. Since the release of Hasbro’s The Vintage Collection in 2010 store supplies have been scarce. Now, however, that seems ready to change! Across the country collectors are finding new Black Series figures in both 3.75-inch and 6-inch lines, plus new Rebels and Mission Series figures too! On this episode of Star Wars Action News you can listen to find out which stores to hit to score full waves of new figures.
Also on this week’s show, Arnie and Marjorie discuss Hot Toys’ first exclusive release in their Star Wars Movie Masterpiece Series–the Shadow Stormtrooper. A repaint of their basic Stormtrooper figure, this release sold out in just a few hours at Sideshow Collectibles. What’s the fuss all about? Listen to find out!
With a review of James Lucino’s new Star Wars novel Tarkin and Jerry looking back on books of yesteryear, and ThinkGeek plushes too, you’ll find all this and more in this Episode of Star Wars Action News!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN438.MP3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys EXCLUSIVE Shadow Stormtrooper MMS Figure
Hot Toys collectors, fans of 12-Inch Star Wars figures, and troop builders, you can stop reading right now and just hurry to Sideshow Collectibles’ site to put in your order now for Hot Toys Exclusive 1/6th scale Shadow Trooper Figure!
If you’re still reading, I see you need some convincing.
The Hot Toys figures have started to take the Star Wars collecting community by storm(trooper) but here is their first exclusive release in the Star Wars Movie Masterpiece Series of figures. Hot Toys exclusives are notoriously hard to get. Distributors like Sideshow get a small number, if they get any at all! The prices on the secondary market have climbed over $1,000 for some of the Avengers exclusive figures, and I expect the Star Wars figures to have even higher demand.
This is the Shadow Trooper (also known as the Black Hole Stormtrooper for old-school Star Wars comics fans). It was first to be available at “Toy Soul 2014” in Hong Kong, but has been released already for pre-order by Sideshow. It is expected to ship in January.
The 1/6th scale Shadow Trooper Collectible Figure specially features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Shadow Trooper in Star Wars
– Body with over 30 points of articulations
– Specially applied gloss black painted armor with weathered effect
– Approximately 30 cm tall
– Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms
– One (1) pair of palms for holding weapons
– One (1) gesturing left palm
Costume:
– One (1) Shadow Trooper armor
– One (1) black under-suit
– One (1) Shadow Trooper belt with leather holster
– One (1) pair of black boots
Weapon:
– One (1) blaster rifle
Accessories:
– One (1) black pauldron
– Two (2) black belt pouches
– Specially designed figure stand with Shadow Trooper nameplate and Star Wars logo
Artists:
– Figure Painted by Lok Ho
– Figure Art Directed by JC. Hong
So check out the pictures, and now hurry to Sideshow and order yours!
The Force is Strong With Your New Look at STAR WARS™ #1
The Force is Strong With Your New Look at STAR WARS™ #1
New York, NY – December 5th, 2014 – Lucasfilm Ltd. and Marvel Entertainment are extremely proud to present your new look at the highly anticipated STAR WARS #1 – the blockbuster new ongoing series welcoming Star Wars™ back home to the House of Ideas! The all-star creative team of Jason Aaron (Thor, Original Sin), artist John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men) and colorist Laura Martin bring a galaxy far, far away to life like never before as the adventures of the Rebel Alliance continue following the events of Star Wars: A New Hope!
“Every story is about the characters, and we’ll focus on all the old favorites,” writer Jason Aaron tells Marvel.com “There will be big moments for everyone, from Han to R2-D2. But a major part of the narrative will be driven by Luke Skywalker and his journey of discovery, a journey that will decide the fate of the entire galaxy.”
Taking place immediately after the destruction of the first Death Star, join Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, R2-D2 and C-3PO as the Rebel Alliance attempts to liberate the galaxy from Darth Vader and the tyranny of the Empire! Created in close partnership with Lucasfilm, this new ongoing comic series will exist as part of the canon for the Star Wars Universe!
“If you’re not excited for Star Wars right now, you must be living under a rock!” says Star Wars Editor Jordan D. White. “All anyone is talking about is that awesome teaser…and it’s still a whole year before the movie comes out! Fortunately, we’ve been working overtime to bring you all-new adventures of the original Star Wars gang to satisfy everyone’s hunger for space adventure! Jason Aaron, Kieron Gillen, Mark Waid—these are some of the best writers in the comics industry, and they are sparing no expense to craft stories that live up to the classic series with the same feel and tone of the original. Combine them with the amazing artwork of John Cassaday, Salvador Larroca, and Terry Dodson—each one a serious Star Wars fan themselves—and trust me…these comics will be everything you could want from a Star Wars series.”
The world of Star Wars™ is set to make it’s triumphant return to Marvel beginning in January 2015, and now is your chance to jump on board the brand new series for one of the biggest launches of the year! Take your first step into a larger world when STAR WARS #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices this January!
For more on Star Wars please visit marvel.com and join in the conversation on Twitter with #StarWars. To experience Star Wars online, visit StarWars.com or follow Star Wars on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or YouTube.
STAR WARS #1 (NOV140709)
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Variant Covers by JOHN CASSADAY (NOV140711), BOB MCLEOD (NOV140712),
JOE QUESADA (NOV140714), ALEX ROSS (NOV140716), SARA PICHELLI (NOV140718), SKOTTIE YOUNG (NOV140719) and J. SCOTT CAMPBELL (NOV140710)
Party Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (NOV140720)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (NOV140721)
Movie Variant Also Available (NOV140713)
Quesada Sketch Variant, Ross Sketch Variant
and Christopher Party Sketch Variant Also Available
FOC – 12/08/14, On Sale 01/14/15
Star Wars Action News “Sithmas Exchange” Registry is Open
REGISTRATION OPENS FOR STAR WARS ACTION NEWS SITHMAS GIFT EXCHANGE
Annual event gives fans chance to have a Force-full holiday!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield, Ill – November 26, 2014 – Today Star Wars Action News, the premier podcast for Star Wars collectors, launched its annual “Sithmas” holiday gift exchange for listeners looking to send a lightsaber to a fellow fan or find a new Speeder Bike sitting on their doorstep.
Anyone who has ever participated in a “Secret Santa” gift exchange will be familiar with the Star Wars Action News formula; just register online to receive a gift from a fellow participant and you’ll be assigned to buy a gift for someone else taking part in the program.
“Star Wars Action News was founded on the idea of collectors helping collectors,” said creator and host Arnie Carvalho. “From original art to rare figures, the gifts represent the diversity of our audience, and to see people participating worldwide is such a treat.”
The “Sithmas Exchange” gives participants a chance to put together a “wish list” of favorite toy lines, characters, and other items they hope to receive, so the gift-giver isn’t left wandering the aisles of Toys ‘R Us or Target without a clue.
Minimum total gift cost is $20, although past events have seen listeners go above and beyond to gift the perfect Star Wars item to a fellow collector.
Those who wish to participate in the “Sithmas Exchange” can find rules, important shipping details, and a registration form on the Star Wars Action News website. Registration is open until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2014.
About Star Wars Action News
The Star Wars Action News podcast is dedicated to covering Star Wars collectibles of all shapes and sizes. From action figures to art to high-end statues, Star Wars Action News brings listeners biweekly news and reviews, as well as in-depth convention coverage and interviews with toy makers and celebrity collectors.
About Venganza Media Inc.
Based in Springfield, Ill., Venganza Media Inc. is a privately-owned multimedia production facility and home to the Venganza Media Podcasting Network. Film fans and collectors worldwide know Venganza as the producer of Star Wars Action News, Marvelicious Toys, and the company’s flagship program, Now Playing Podcast. Since its formation in 2005, Venganza has delivered thousands of hours of entertainment to listeners, while its staff and fleet of contributors have established the company as a premier source for film reviews, celebrity interviews, and collecting news for audiences of all ages.
Facebook: Star Wars Action News
Twitter: @SWActionNews
New Podcast: Episode 437: Black Friday Deals and 2014 Holiday Gift Guide
Want to know where to save big on Star Wars LEGOs, Blu Rays, and more this weekend? Then join Marjorie and Arnie for the 2014 Black Friday (and Thursday) shopping guide! While the Star Wars bargains are few, there are some choice items for those brave enough to face the lines and the crowds. Listen to this episode to find out what!
Then keep listening for the Star Wars Action News annual holiday gift guide! This year has gift ideas ranging from $3.00 to over $7,0000! No matter if you’re buying for young or old, man or woman, listen to find what to get the Star Wars collector who seems to already have everything!
And don’t forget to sign up for the Star Wars Action Sithmas Gift Exchange! Sign-ups end December 2nd. Get and give some Star Wars joy this season by joining this Secret Santa gift exchange! All the details are at http://www.swactionnews.com/Sithmas/
All this and more in this Episode of Star Wars Action News!
: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN437.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 436: Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys
George Lucas’ 1977 space fantasy Star Wars changed the way American audiences consumed films. More, though, it also changed the landscape for movie merchandising, with more money being made on toys, games, and collectibles than on the movies themselves. Now the documentary Plastic Galaxy looks back at the first generation of Star Wars toys, released between 1977 and 1985 from Kenner. Does this film capture the childhood magic of Star Wars figures, and can the documentary appeal to anyone not already obsessed with little plastic Stormtroopers? Find out in this special Now Playing/Star Wars Action News crossover podcast hosted by Marjorie, Arnie, and Jerry!
: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN436.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
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