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Archived News-July 2005
Week 2
| Friday July 15, 2005 | |
| Clone Wars Volume 2 Emmy Nomination | |
The Official Star Wars Site has announced that Star Wars: Clone Wars Volume 2 scored an Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or More). Chapters 21-25 were the episodes that led directly into the events of Revenge of the Sith, featuring the capture of Chancellor Palpatine and Anakin Skywalker's vision-quest on the planet of Nelvaan. Volume 1 won its nomination, so we will keep our fingers crossed for Volume 2. |
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| Thursday July 14, 2005 | |
| Sideshow Collectibles Resurrects 12-Inch Star Wars Action Figures | |
You may have noticed that there have not been any new 12-inch figures released for Episode III since the first wave appeared. Many fans have been complaining about the lack of quality in the 12-inch line for the past few years. Due to slipping sales, Hasbro had decided to let the line go and be discontinued. I have always preferred to get the 12-inch figures rather than the 3-inch figures because they don't come out as fast, they are harder to get, and they are fewer in number to collect. I was very disappointed to see the line fade away. Now there is a new hope! Westlake Village, CA - July 14th, 2005 - Sideshow Collectibles announced today the acquisition of the license to manufacture and distribute a line of 12-inch Star Wars action figures. Sideshow plans to provide details of the product line later in 2005 via www.SideshowCollectibles.com, but collectors can look forward to the new 12-inch figures hitting store shelves (and online) in mid 2006. "We are excited to expand our relationship with Lucasfilm, and to begin working with Hasbro," said Greg Anzalone, CEO of Sideshow Collectibles. "As dedicated fans of both the Star Wars saga and the previous Hasbro product, we aspire to bring a new level of detail and authenticity to the 12-inch figure category." Kenner, a division of Hasbro, first introduced 12-inch Star Wars figures in 1978. Hasbro reintroduced the format in 1996, producing updated versions of classic characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Vader. "Over the last 10 years, we've produced over 150 different 12-inch Star Wars figures," said Derryl DePriest, Hasbro's Director of Marketing for the Star Wars brand. "We have chosen Sideshow to carry the torch because they have an unparalleled reputation for producing quality limited edition 12-inch figures." Sideshow Collectibles announced the 12-inch figure license on the one-year anniversary of the premiere of Sideshow's first Star Wars offerings. Sideshow began solicitations for a line of high-end Premium Format 1/4 Scale Figures at the San Diego Comic-Con International show in July of 2004. More recently, Sideshow Collectibles announced a line of life-size Star Wars busts. "The 12-inch Star Wars line really complements our previous series of Star Wars collectibles. Our larger scale, high-end Star Wars offerings are perfect as centerpieces in any collection. They're museum quality representations of the most heroic and villainous characters, and they're BIG," says Tom Gilliland, Creative Director at Sideshow Collectibles. "The 12-inch line packs the same quality & detail into a smaller and more affordable package. This 12-inch series also enables us to go even broader in our character selection than we have gone previously. Fans of the previous Hasbro 12-inch figures will be excited by our character choices - our goal is to enhance, expand, and update the amazing collection that Hasbro has offered." "The alliance between Sideshow and Hasbro grew out of mutual respect within the two companies," said Casey Collins, Director of Domestic Licensing & Retail Marketing at Lucasfilm. "Designers at Sideshow were collecting Hasbro product, designers at Hasbro were collecting Sideshow product. Sideshow has a fresh and unique approach to the 12-inch collectible figure category - we recognized the potential in the relationship immediately." |
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| Thursday July 14, 2005 | |
| October 2005 Comics | |
The Official Star Wars Site has provided information about upcoming comics. As Comic-Con International begins in San Diego, Dark Horse Comics has news of their upcoming titles hitting stores later this Fall. Dissent in the ranks! Janek Sunber finds himself at odds -- and at gunpoint -- with his fellow officers over the treatment of Imperial prisoners. Hardly an auspicious start to his new assignment, and made all the worse because the internal conflict blinds the Imperials to the presence of Rebel infiltrators in their midst! But the biggest shock to Sunber -- and the Rebels -- is yet to come, from a most unexpected quarter! Allegiances are strained, identities are revealed, and a major strike against the Empire is in the offing. An issue that should not be missed! "The Wrong Side of the War" arc continues, with the third installment of a five-part story in Star Wars: Empire #38, featuring the talents of Welles Hartley, Davidé Fabbri, Christian Dalla Vecchia, with a cover by David Michael Beck. It is scheduled for release on October 5. On Wedge Antilles' home planet, Corellia, he and the other members of Rogue Squadron are all that stand between an unarmed populace and a terrorist attack by remnants of Palpatine's Imperial forces. Even the budding Jedi powers of Luke Skywalker won't be enough to tip the scales in the Rogues' favor, and to snatch victory from the jaws of this defeat may cost the life of one of their own! High-flying action with the most popular heroes of the Expanded Universe, in Star Wars: X-wing -- Rogue Leader #2 (of 3). This series features the work of writer Haden Blackman, illustrator Tomás Giorello and colorist Michael Atiyeh, with cover art by Gary Erskine. It is scheduled for release on October 19. A Clone Wars battle rages on the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. Victory is in sight for the armies of the Republic, led by Jedi Masters Yoda, Luminara Unduli, and Quinlan Vos, but none of them are aware that victory will lead to a betrayal that will change the galaxy forever. There is one chance to survive, and one course remaining to any who survive ... The fate of the Jedi Order is sealed, but a single Jedi may find a path to the future ... or to the grave. Star Wars: Republic #83 chronicles the second part of the three-part "The Hidden Enemy" storyline, covering events during and after Revenge of the Sith. It features the work of John Ostrander, Jan Duursema, Dan Parson and Brad Anderson. It is scheduled for release on October 26. Many on both sides of the Clone Wars have been wounded or killed. But the war has taken its toll on the survivors, too. Consumed by the belief that the Dark Jedi Asajj Ventress still lives, Obi-Wan Kenobi has temporarily forsaken his duties and recruited Anakin Skywalker in his desperate hunt for Ventress. But Anakin believes that Obi-Wan is chasing a ghost -- because he himself killed Ventress. And Anakin's doubts about his former Master's quest are not assuaged when, following the trail of the rumors of Ventress' existence, they walk into a trap set by their old enemies, the bounty hunter Durge and Count Dooku! Star Wars: Clone Wars Volume 7 -- When They Were Brothers is a 144-page trade paperback collection of the entire Star Wars: Obsession story arc, plus the 2005 Free Comic Book Day comic. It is scheduled for release on November 30, and features the work of Haden Blackman, Miles Lane, Brian Ching, Nicola Scott and Tomás Giorello. |
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| Thursday July 14, 2005 | |
| Don’t Buy From Holy “Crap” Toys!! | |
In May I registered with EBay to become a new user because I had some money to spend for my birthday. I had always been weary of the on-line auction, but may friends buy from the site daily with a ton of success. I finally decided after several years of debate to make the plunge. I had a horrible experience that I will share with you after some background. I decided to buy some 12”figures that I wanted. My first successful purchase was a set of Pit Droids and R2-A6 from the Episode I 12” collection. I was very pleased with the entire process, so I went back for more. My second purchase was for the 12" Star Wars Collector Series Grand Moff Tarkin and Imperial Gunner, a FAO SCHAWRZ Exclusive. Again, it was a great transaction and I was starting to enjoy myself and build some confidence in the EBay process. My third purchase was for the complete Star Wars Cantina Band (6 Band Members) from the 12" Star Wars Collector Series. This Wal-Mart exclusive featured DOOIKK NA’TS with Fizzz, ICKABEL with Fanfar, FIGRIN D’AN with Kloo Horn, TEDN with Fanfar, NALAN with Bandfill, and TECH with Ommni Box. It was fantastic! For my fourth experience on EBay, I purchased a 3” figure Star Wars Previews Exclusive Sandcrawler from Holy Crap Toys. I will come back to them in a minute. My fifth and final EBay purchase with the last of the birthday money was for a Chancellor Valorum & Coruscant Guard 12" figure. This was from the Episode I collection and was a Fan Club exclusive. I had another very pleasant experience. Now back to Holy Crap Toys. Before purchasing the Sandcrawler, I contacted the man in charge of Holy Crap Toys to see if this was a mint item in a mint box since I am a collector. He responded and said that it was a mint box or very close to mint. I purchased the Sandcrawler on May 11th. After several weeks of the item not coming, I e-mailed several times to try and get a status report. Nothing! After almost a month, I sent an e-mail that I was going to file a complaint and take it to the next level. Magically he contacts me to say he has been staring in a movie and been away. Yeah…whatever. I get the item a week later and it is very dirty as if it has been in a sand storm and the box is pretty well beat up! I would not call that mint or near mint! I tried to contact Holy Crap Toys again to let him know that I was completely dissatisfied and I had paid for insurance to prevent any damage. After asking what he was going to do to resolve the problem, I get nothing. Yet he is still selling other Previews Exclusive Sandcrawlers. All I wanted was a better one and not “Crap.” Yesterday, after more than 60 days trying to resolve this purchase I finally gave him negative feedback on EBay about my experience. He had never given me feedback on my immediate Pay Pal payment, and that should have been a clue. After he saw my negative feedback, he turns around and within 30 minutes posts negative feedback about me being a new EBay buyer that doesn’t know what to do and calls me a jerk! I now have a totally bad taste for the EBay thing. My recommendation to you is this… Never buy from Holy Crap Toys on EBay and never visit their lame website at http://www.holycraptoys.com. You will get “Crap” in merchandise, communication and service, hence the name! I should have known better than to use them or EBay. Don’t be fooled! If you have comments or a similar situation, please send me an e-mail. |
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| Wednesday July 13, 2005 | |
| Craig Burt's Purge Scourge | |
Craig Burt has provided a new outstanding painting to the Featured Artist section! It has been a while since he has done a painting, so we are excited to see the new piece. It features an Episode III collage of the Jedi Purge. Thanks Craig! Also, be sure to see his outstanding gallery of work with Craig Burt's Paintings and also Craig Burt's Cartoons! You can find other great work at the Featured Artists section. Enjoy!
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| Tuesday July 12, 2005 | |
| Coruscant Courier Issue #7 | |
The seventh issue of Galactic Voyage's Coruscant Courier has arrived! In this latest fictional feature by Arianaeirlys aka Jedi Jin Su we have: NEW LOOK AND LAYOUT TO THE COURIER JEDI: FRIEND OR FOE? GALACTIC SENATE TO IMPERIAL SENATE: WHERE IN THE GALAXY? EYES ON THE STARZ-SPECIAL SENATORIAL ISSUE WHAT DOES THE FORCE HAVE IN MIND FOR YOU? Arianaeirlys has done an outstanding job with Issue #7, and I think you all will really enjoy it! So go have look at the latest Coruscant Courier Issue. |
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| Tuesday July 12, 2005 | |
| The Unseen Queen and Tatooine Ghost-Revisited | |
 Previously
I talked a bit about some of the great new novels coming our way
in the wake of Episode III, notably the new adventures of our
classic heroes Luke, Han and Leia and their friends and family in
the new Dark Nest trilogy. Here is a first look at the cover art
for the second installment of the trilogy coming out September 27th.From what I have read of the plot, it appears that may be a new Sith Lord involved in this storyline, but what is more interesting to me is the NAME of this new alien threat...they are Killik. For those of you up on the expanded universe, the Killik are the mysterious and ancient insectoid aliens that once called Alderaan home before it was populated by Humans. In the novel Tatooine Ghost, which takes place shortly after Han and Leia have been married, these ancient insectoids are named (the first time to my knowledge, but I could be wrong) and are represented in an old moss painting called Killik Twilight. The painting had hung upon the halls of the Royal Palace of Alderaan all Leia's life. Shortly after the destruction of Alderaan it was found that the painting had in fact been on lone to a museum on Coruscant, but mysteriously became missing. That is until it turns up at an auction on Tatooine. So we come full circle again, the mysterious Killik are very well alive and are threatened, and look to the Jedi as the traitor in this second installment of the Dark Nest Trilogy... |
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| Monday July 11, 2005 | |
| Kevin Graham's Boba Fett, Darth Vader, and Droids | |
Kevin Graham, one of our staff members and featured artists has submitted several new fan art piece featuring Boba Fett, R2-D2 and C-3PO, Anthony Daniels, and Darth Vader. Thanks Kevin! Great work! The rest of his work can be found here and other great artists over in the Featured Artists section. Enjoy! |
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| Monday July 11, 2005 | |
| Homing Beacon #140 | |
The latest Homing Beacon has arrived and today's topic is Comic-Con. San Diego Comic-Con International is coming July 13-17, to the San Diego Convention Center. The con is referred to as the biggest comic and pop culture gathering in North America. It can be a little daunting, especially for first-timers, with its acres of exhibits and days and evenings of shows and panels. There is a lot planned for Star Wars fans at Comic-Con International, too. Here are a few inside tips to help you get the most out of your weekend. For a more detailed list, including times for specific prize drawings, check The Insider's Guide to Star Wars at Comic-Con International on starwars.com starting Thursday night. Start your weekend in the Star Wars Pavilion on the huge Exhibit Hall floor, and come back often. There will be fifteen Star Wars licensees exhibiting in the pavilion, plus Hyperspace: The Official Star Wars Fan Club, and StarWarsShop.com. Here's just a taste of what they will have to offer:
There are a host of Star Wars events planned outside the Pavilion, too. Friday -- Star Wars Day at Comic-Con International: Star Wars Trivia Game Show. San Diego Star Wars Society. 12:30 PM -- 1:30 PM; Room 9 Dark Horse Comics: Star Wars: Past, Present, and Future. Editors Randy Stradley and Jeremy Barlow. 1:30 PM -- 2:30 PM; Room 9 Master Replicas -- Star Wars Props. Stephen Dymszo, Vice-President of Product Design. 2:30 PM -- 3:30 PM; Room 9 What's New, and What's Coming at Hasbro. Hasbro's Star Wars Marketing and Design teams. 3:30 PM -- 4:30 PM; Room 9 Star Wars Spectacular from Lucasfilm. Steve Sansweet, the company's Head of Fan Relations, will cap Star Wars Day with peeks and previews into what's on the horizon. 4:45 -- 6:15 PM; Hall H Saturday -- Star Wars Category at the Comic-Con
Masquerade: Sunday -- Kids' Day: |
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