NEWS ARCHIVES
January 2003
Out Now in Stores: TIE Bomber
Loyal reader Jjoga was able to find the new Saga TIE Bomber for the low, low price of $10!!! Also on the shelves of Yakima, WA were the pair of the new Dooku and Obi-Wan. Keep sending in those area reports and also report them in our forums !!!
Friday, January 31, 2003 | Scott Pearson
 New Pictures: Deluxe Spider Droid & 12” Han Solo, More
New pictures have surfaced on eBay of the Deluxe Spider Droid (with wind-up walking action feature), along with the next wave of 12" figures consisting of Han Solo, Lando (Skiff Guard), and the AT-ST Driver. Check 'em out, and swing by and let us know what you think in our forums!
Thursday, January 30, 2003 | Matt Colman
 Star Tours Winner
The winner of our Star Tours drawing is Aaron Maxwell. Congratulations, you have been contacted. Be on the look out for our next give away, thank you for choosing JediDefender.com!
Thursday, January 30, 2003 | Chris Berry
Carded Pictures Of Anakin, R2, Boba Fett & Mace
Galactic Hunter has some nice pictures up of the carded versions of Anakin (Secret Ceremony), Quick-draw Boba Fett, Flying R2-D2, and Total Control Mace Windu. Collectors will be happy to see that Mace's cloak has finally been changed to the correct dark brown color, though the clear lollipop is still protruding from his back. Also of interest are the incorrect cardback pictures for the Fett and Mace figures, both showing the figures in their earlier prototype stages. You can check these carded figures out here.
Thursday, January 30, 2003 | Matt Colman
Hasbro's Star Wars License Extended Through 2018!
In a surprise announcement, George Lucas has extended Hasbro's license to produce the vast majority of all Star Wars toys (and other items), including the highly coveted action figure lines, by an additional 10 years, through 2018. Looks like there may potentially be some life left in those Star Wars figure's legs well after Episode 3 after all! You can read the full press announcement here at CNN.
Thursday, January 30, 2003 | Matt Colman
Got Lightsaber? Master Replicas Sure Does!
Master Replicas has just unveiled their Spring 2003 Replica Preview. Lightsabers a plenty! Vader, Maul, Luke, and Obi-Wan are all represented, along with the aforementioned Jedi Training Remote. Incredibly detailed and authentic items, as we've become accustomed to with the Star Wars prop replicas. So head on over and get (or just take a gander) while the gettin's good, as quantities are very limited! Click here to view Master Replicas complete upcoming Star Wars lineup. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 30, 2003 | Matt Colman
New! Star Wars TCG: Battle of Yavin to be Released in April!
 
The new Star Wars TCG: Battle of Yavin has been announced and will be available in April 2003! 
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 | Thomas Grey
Master Replicas to Release Jedi Training Remote!!!
Master Replicas has just announced plans to release a replica of the Jedi Training Remote unit (ball) that Ben Kenobi tutored Luke Skywalker with on the Millennium Falcon in "A New Hope"!
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 | Thomas Grey
New Action Fleet Pictures At Hasbro
 
For you Action Fleet fans out there, Hasbro has updated their site today to show off some new pictures of the upcoming Anakin and Zam Coruscant Speeders, along with the previously seen Homing Spider Droid. For all the details, click on over to Hasbro's site.
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 | Matt Colman
 Sponsor News: KEBco Toys
KEBco Toys FREE shipping ends on Friday. Only a few more days to receive FREE shipping on all domestic orders of $25.00 or more. Many EP2, POTJ, EP1 and POTF Star Wars figures available.
The latest EP2 Saga basic 2003 figures are still available for Pre-Order. Individual figures as low as $5.99 each. Unleashed, Deluxe and 12 inch also available.
EP2 Saga 2003 Factory Cases, buy 2 or more for $61.95. Unleashed, Deluxe and 12 inch cases available.
Ask them about their popular "One of Every Figure" Club. Club Members have access to the EP2 Saga 2003 Exclusives Page to Pre-Order all of the new Exclusives at very reasonable prices.
Visit www.kebcotoys.com today and the entire year for all of your Star Wars figures.
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 | Chris Berry
UK Toyfair Star Wars Press Release
The fellas over at Action-Figure.com have gotten a hold of the UK Toyfair Star Wars press release. Some highlights on it include Screen Scene 2-packs from the Jedi Council and Geonosian War Room, five upcoming vehicles, and more news on the Clone Wars figure line. You can check our the complete press release here.
Monday, January 27, 2003 | Matt Colman
2003 Figures Out Now!
New 2003 figures such as the new Count Dooku and Obi-Wan Acklay battle have started to hit retail outlets. Be on the lookout and make sure you e-mail us with your finds!
Monday, January 27, 2003 | Scott Pearson
Official Site Databank Update: Splinter of the Mind's Eye
The first official piece of Star Wars EU lore written by Alan Dean Foster has been added to the Official Site Databank. THe story which details Luke and Leia's encouter with Darth Vader on planet Mimban, was released shortly after the release of SW:ANH and was possibly going to be the sequel to ANH before it made Box Office History. Want to learn more? Head on over to the Databank for more!
Monday, January 27, 2003 | Scott Pearson
Sponsor News: K and C Collectibles
Sponsor K and C Collectibles sends their latest.
The TIE Bomber has arrived in the new blue package. Also new collection 1 and mini busts have arrived this week. In addition we have obtain more of the Trash Compactor sets.
Sunday, January 26, 2003 | Chris Berry
Sponsor News: Brian's Toys
Brian's Toys has just posted newsletter #187. Highlights include Vintage Japanese Poppy figures, Star Tours, 12 inch and more. Click through for the whole scoop.
Sunday, January 26, 2003 | Chris Berry
A Star Wars Valentine
This year for Valentine's Day you can send out your love Star Wars style. WalMart will have exclusive rights to these sets, the first being a set of 30 foil cards and the second of standard fold in eight different styles (32 count). Visit the article at Star Wars.com for more info as well as another card sample.
Friday, January 24, 2003 | Chris Berry
Carded pictures of Aayla, Barriss Offee & Lama Su
These three figures have finally started to hit eBay. Mike over at Galactic Hunter has also got some nice carded shots up of them as well. You can check GH's pictures out here. Looks like a pretty good wave of figures, with some nicely articulated Jedi! They should be hitting retail stores in the next month or two, so keep your eyes peeled...
Friday, January 24, 2003 | Matt Colman
Revised 2003 Product List...
Rebelscum has what appears to be a revised 2003 Hasbro Star Wars product list up at their site. Highlights include an Imperial Dignitary, Padme in Tatooine Travel Outfit, Clone Wars figures, and a second Jedi Council 3-pack, among others. You can peruse the list yourself right here.
Friday, January 24, 2003 | Matt Colman
New Figure Shots at SirSteve's Guide
SirSteve has posted some loose shots of the forthcoming Anakin, Boba Fett and more. They give a couple of different angles of the figures. These figures should be out very soon! Look for them in February of this year.
Thursday, January 23, 2003 | Scott Pearson
Silver R2-D2 Give Away Winner And Star Tours!
The winner of the Silver R2-D2 give away is forum member Jeff Bennett! Congratulations, you will be contacted regarding shipping information.
This weeks give away is for the Saga Star Tours figures DL-X2, R4-M9, and WEG-1618 sponsored by Brian's Toys! To qualify you must be a registered forum member! Good Luck!
Wednesday, January 22, 2003 | Chris Berry
New Deluxe Spider Droid and Super Battle Droid Pics
 
Hasbro has previewed Wave 2 of the 2003 Deluxe figures this morning. The tiny Spider Droid from the Geonosis battle. And a build your own Super Battle Droid set. They should both be released towards the tail end of Spring 2003. Read more at Hasbro! And stay tuned for more details!
Wednesday, January 22, 2003 | Scott Pearson
New TIE Fighter???
Our friends over at the Private Universe have a new story up concerning the release of a newly tooled TIE Fighter as well as a rerelease of the Naboo Fighter and 12" Leia with Speeder Bike. These should be store exclusives in the US for later this year! Stay tuned for more info!
Tuesday, January 21, 2003 | Scott Pearson
Clone Trooper Mini-Busts
Gentle Giants will be releasing the Clone Trooper mini-bust soon to continue its "Jango Fett legacy" theme. The troops will be available in several different flavors, the white general troop, the red captain, and the yellow pilot. Each new clonetrooper will come with attachable arms, blasters and a pair of electrobinoculars. For more images visit Star Wars.com.
Monday, January 20, 2003 | Chris Berry
Saga Speeders In Stock At Brian's Toys
 
Brian's Toys now has the Darth Tyranus's Speeder Bike and Anakin's Tatooine Swoop Bike in stock for $29.99 each. Be sure to visit and tell them JediDefender.com sent you.
Monday, January 20, 2003 | Chris Berry
Cantina Alien of the Week: The Tonnika Sisters!
Returning from a short hiatus is the JediDefender feature the Cantina Alien of the Week. This week we'll take an in depth look at the swarthy beauties seen at the bar, the Tonnika Sisters, Brea and Senni. The two scour the galaxy as spies and swindlers trying to con their way to fortune. Their action figure status is a little dicey. Look for more updates later this week!
Monday, January 20, 2003 | Scott Pearson
ANTILLES & DODONNA FAN CHOICE 5 WINNERS
We have a winner! Wait, we have 2 winners! Captain Antilles managed to barely pull out a win, in fact, he barely beat General Dodanna by .05%! Hasbro decided it was so close, Dodonna will become a figure too! Click Inside!
Monday, January 20, 2003 | Brad Soldato
12" Gamorrean Guard
The new 12" Gamorrean Guard has shown up today at The Private Universe. This first look is quite interesting, detail seems to have been a priority on this one. Head over to TPU for the image!
Saturday, January 18, 2003 | Chris Berry
Brians Toys Newsletter
Brian's Toys has just posted their latest Newsletter #186.
Pre-Order these Great Saga Cards Today!!! Will ship in 3 to 4 Weeks.
Saga AOTC SP-4 & JN-66 [Research Droids] C-9 Price: $19.99
Saga AOTC Barriss Offee C-9 Price: $19.99
Saga AOTC Tusken [Tatooine Camp Ambush] C-9 Price: $14.99
Saga AOTC Twliek Jedi C-9 Price: $19.99
Saga AOTC Lama Su & Clone Boy C-9 Price: $19.99
Saga AOTC Boba Fett Pit of Carkoon C-9 Price: $16.99
Saga AOTC Anakin Skywalker Secret Ceremony C-9 Price: $14.99
Saga AOTC R2D2 Droid Factory Flight C-9 Price: $14.99
Saga AOTC Mace Windu Areana Confrontation C-9 Price: $14.99
Saga ROTJ Carded Teebo Price: $16.99
Click our Full Story for all of the details!
Saturday, January 18, 2003 | Chris Berry
New Boxed Pictures Of Anakin With Swoop Bike
Galactic Hunter has put up some nice pictures of the upcoming Anakin with Swoop Bike boxed set. You can check them out right here. Nice looking Swoop, but it looks like the Force Flipping Anakin lives on...
Friday, January 17, 2003 | Matt Colman
Newest EU Book - A Forest Apart
The latest Star Wars E-Book, titled A Forest Apart, focuses on Lumpawarrump, Chewbacca's son. The story begins when Lumpy interrupts a burglary in the Solos' apartment, beggining an adventure that leads into Coruscant's dangerous underlevels. The story is promised to have a deadly secret, so be sure to read it!
A Forest Apart is written by Troy Denning, and the cover art is by Steve Anderson.
For more information about the book, click here.
Thursday, January 16, 2003 | Brad Soldato
Fan Poll Update
As you can see, the General has suddenly lost his 10% lead on Antilles and is now tied at 26%. The wild-card is our Senator Wookie, who is at the 24% mark. We may have another upset winner for our next 'Fan Favorite'.
Thursday, January 16, 2003 | Brad Soldato
Fans' Choice Action Figure--Vote Now
That is the subject I saw in my inbox today. Hasbro is sending this e-mail to all members of their site.
Wednesday, January 15, 2003 | Chris Berry
Lucas Interview: 'All Set For Failure' After Episode 3
Fox News has posted the second of a brief two part interview with George Lucas, which touches on Episode 3 and life after Star Wars. You can read it here. Indiana Jones 4 was discussed in Part 1 of the interview.
Wednesday, January 15, 2003 | Matt Colman
Hasbro 2003 Padawans and the Master!
 
Hasbro has unleashed two new pictures of upcoming Collection 2 figures, Yoda and the Nikto Chian 2-Pack and the Ashla and Jempa young alien Padawans. Look for them in Spring of 2003! Read more at Hasbro!
Wednesday, January 15, 2003 | Scott Pearson
K-Mart Still In Trouble: Closing 326 More Stores
Well, maybe Rainman was right when he said "K-Mart sucks." They just announced that they're still struggling to emerge from last year's bankruptcy, and therefore will soon be closing another 326 stores. You can read all about it right here at CNN.
UPDATE: For a complete listing of the stores affected, click here.
Tuesday, January 14, 2003 | Matt Colman
Fan Poll #5 Profile: Senator Yarua
A third choice in the Fan Choice Poll and currently in 3rd place is the Wookiee Senator from Episode 1, Yarua. In the Senate scene where Padme asks for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum, a trio of Wookiee senators can be seen howling in approval. She would make a cool action figure, regardless if the fans want her or not.
Tuesday, January 14, 2003 | Scott Pearson
Tie Bomber Lands at Wal-Mart
The newly Saga packaged and detailed Tie Bomber has landed at local Indy area Wal-Marts along with an abundant wave of Trash Compactor Sets.
You can pick up the new Tie Bomber at your local Wal-Mart for $28.64.
Happy Hunting!
Tuesday, January 14, 2003 | David Syczylo
FAO Schwarz Declares Bankruptcy
FAO Schwarz, the exclusive retail owner of the highly anticipated Imperial Shuttle, has just gone belly up, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today. What does this mean for your Imperial Shuttle order? Most likely nothing at all, so not to worry! You can read the full story here.
Monday, January 13, 2003 | Matt Colman
Rebel Fleet Trooper Army Building Set Announced
The next in the line of "army building" sets has just been announced over at Entertainment Earth, and will include the POTJ version of the Rebel Fleet Trooper. You can check out this new set right here.
Monday, January 13, 2003 | Matt Colman
Brians Toys Newletter #185
Brian's Toys has just posted their latest Newsletter #185. Visit our Newsletter by clicking here.
Saga Master Replicas Count Dooku's Lightsaber Domestic Shipping $8 by UPS/FedEx Ground. The Dooku Saber's will be shipping this coming week! - Limited to 3,500. Price: $299.99.
AOTC Carded AOTC Carded Clone Trooper Pilot Price: $11.99
AOTC Carded Darth Tyranus (Geonesian Escape) Price: $19.99
AOTC Carded Destroyer Droid Price: $11.99
AOTC Carded Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ackley Battle) Price: $19.99
AOTC Carded Yoda with Chair Price: $11.99
POTF2 AT-AT Walker C-8/9 - Price: $109.99
POTF2 Millenium Falcon C-9 - Price: $84.99
Vintage Miscellaneous Droids Poster
Price: $29.99
Vintage Miscellaneous Japanese Block Puzzle
Price: $75.00
Visit our newsletter for these listed toys.
Many more Star Wars, Transformers, G.I. Joe, and HeMan Toys at our webstore.
Monday, January 13, 2003 | Chris Berry
Ewan McGregor Gets a Royal Make Over!!!
Be prepared to get very excited about Episode III! You might want to get a pillow to scream into...
Monday, January 13, 2003 | Thomas Grey
K Mart Sunday And Monday Sale
K Mart stores are have a "Buy One, Get One Half Off" sale on ALL Star Wars toys. This is from action figures to Zam's Speeder, everything. This is only for today, Sunday the 12th and tommorrow, Monday the 13th. There have been some reports of nice findings so head over and see what there is.
Sunday, January 12, 2003 | Chris Berry
Silver R2-D2 Give Away
This week JediDefender.com is giving you a chance to win a Toys R Us Silver Edition R2-D2. To enter you must be a registered forum member and post 5 times by January 22nd. To learn more click here
Sunday, January 12, 2003 | Chris Berry
Green A-Wing & Rebel Technician Accessory Set Pictures
Pete over at The Private Universe has a nice picture up at his site of the new (rehashed) green A-Wing fighter. TPU also has the first color picture of the upcoming Target exclusive Rebel Technician/Yavin accessory set as well. Go check the pictures out here, and come discuss them in our JediDefender forums!
Sunday, January 12, 2003 | Matt Colman
New Kid On The Block...
Hey everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, as I'll now be assisting the JediDefender team here in getting all of the breaking Star Wars news to you as it happens. My "real world" name is Matt Colman, but many of you from the online Star Wars community might better recognize me as "JediMAC" - the crazy, obsessive compulsive, carded and loose completist, Star Wars collecting freak! Well, I'm not really a freak, but you get the idea...
A big thanks to Chris and the rest of the staff for bringing me on board. I look forward to bringing all of our readers the latest and greatest from this beloved hobby of ours... Now on to the news!
Sunday, January 12, 2003 | Matt Colman
Fan Choice Update
A small change has happened since the last update. Gen. Dodonna has lost a single percentage to Capt. Antilles, but as you can see, the General is still ahead by quite a bit.
Sunday, January 12, 2003 | Brad Soldato
Toy Fellas Announcements
Toy Fellas would like to wish every one a Great New Year. We have 23 Star Wars items marked down below retail. Click here to see what we have.
We would also like to let you know that we will be receiving more great Star Wars & G.I. Joe products as well as New Transformers & McFarlane Sports. We would also like to know if many people would like to see Spawn, Terminator 3, Star Trek or any other products available here at ToyFellas.com, if so please email us at question@toyfellas.com.
Friday, January 10, 2003 | Chris Berry
12" Wave #3 Hits Wal-Mart
That's right the first of the new Star Wars Toys for 2003 have started to hit store shelves.
A local Wal-Mart here in Indy has got in the first batch of the latest 12" figures; Anakin Skywalker, Padme Amidala, and Geonosian Warrior.
Thursday, January 9, 2003 | David Syczylo
April 2003 Comics
Come inside for a brief summary of a few comics to hit shelves in April.
Wednesday, January 8, 2003 | Brad Soldato
Newest Items At K and C Collectibles
New items now in stock at K and C Collectibles.
Trash Compactor Set
Destroyer Droid - Geonosis Battle
Yoda - Jedi High Council
REX - RX-24
R3-D3
G2-4T
WEG-1618
R4-M9
DL-X2
Wednesday, January 8, 2003 | Chris Berry
Top 10 Most Wanted AOTC/Saga Figures & Variant View
With the 2003 waves starting to appear and with some of the later 2002 releases being scarce, this is my take on what figures are currently the hottest on the secondary market. I will follow the top ten list with the most coveted variants out there now and give some insight into what they are and what they are going for on the secondary collector’ s market.
Wednesday, January 8, 2003 | Thomas Grey
Fan Club 2003: Kit Revealed
The official fan club Star Wars kit has been posted at DeathStarPlans.com. Included in the kit is a 2003 member card, stickers, post cards and much more. Head over to DSP for the images and more of what is included for fan club members this year. The official fan club site is located at Paizo Publishing.
Wednesday, January 8, 2003 | Chris Berry
Hoth Han's Coat Information
 
In this picture I have circled some areas of Han's coat that look distinctly Brown in direct Sunlight. In this next picture I have taken random samples throughout the coat with a color indentifier. None of these show hints of the blue color that Hasbro has decided to release for the new Han's Coat.
Wednesday, January 8, 2003 | Scott Pearson
Han and Chewie 2003 Photos
Hasbro released some more 2003 photos today, this time it is Hoth Han and Mynock Hunt Chewbacca. Han looks to have a wrong colored coat  Look for these in mid 2003! Click on through for more detailed pics!
Wednesday, January 8, 2003 | Scott Pearson
George Lucas Just Shoot Me Cameo
Mr. Lucas will be making a cameo appearance tonight on NBC's Just Shoot Me. The show will air tonight at 8:00 EST. Thanks goes to reader Kevin for the tip.
"It's Raining Babies"
Nina plays a practical joke on Finch as he meets his idol, George Lucas.
Tuesday, January 7, 2003 | Chris Berry
CREATURE OF THE WEEK
This week we check out the coolest creature of all... The Clawdite!
Tuesday, January 7, 2003 | Brad Soldato
Red Kotobukiya Clonetrooper
The Kotobukiya Red Clone Trooper has been posted by The Bothan Spy. This figure has been limited to 1000 in Japan and quite the collectible item. Click on through to TBS see a large image of the figure.
Sunday, January 5, 2003 | Chris Berry
Give Away Winner
The winner of the JediDefender.com deluxe give away is CyberScout. Congratulations, please contact me claiming your prize within 7 days. Watch for our next give away coming soon!
Sunday, January 5, 2003 | Chris Berry
Tomart's Has Some Nice Images
The new Tomart's Action Figure Digest, issue No.106 January 2003 has some really nice images of some new Star Wars toys; Flying R2-D2, Aayla Secura, Lama Su with Clone Boy, Barriss Offee, Deluxe Jango Fett with Kamino pillar base, Deluxe Obi-Wan Kenobi with Force Power, Action Fleet vehicles and some more.
You can check these images out by picking up this issue of Tomart's for $5.95 at local comic shops and finer bookstores.
Friday, January 3, 2003 | David Syczylo
Homing Beacon #73
The 73rd Homing Beacon is finally here, and as always there's a lot of interesting stuff packed in there. Be sure to check it out by clicking here.
Friday, January 3, 2003 | Brad Soldato
Tommy Lee Edwards: Saga Artist
A really great article about Tommy Lee Edwards has been posted at StarWars.com, it's definately worth the read so click here.
Friday, January 3, 2003 | Brad Soldato
Fan Choice #5 Profile: Captain Antilles
All we ever see of Choice #2 in the Fan Choice #5 poll is this shot here of Darth Vader choking the life out of one Captain Antilles. Leader of Rebel Fleet Troopers and current owner of C-3PO and R2-D2, Antilles pleads for his life before dying in Vader's firm grip. He seems to be dressed in a outfit similar to that of General Dodonna so if we do get Dodonna, customizing an Antilles by head swapping a Rebel Fleet Trooper head on would be easy as pie. Current Poll results stand at:
Gen. Jan Dodonna : 31 %
Captain Antilles : 23 %
Senator Yarua (Kashyyyk Senator) : 21 %
Ben Quadinaros (Pod Racer) : 12 %
Rabé : 13 %
Vote Now if you haven't already!
Friday, January 3, 2003 | Scott Pearson
KEBco Toys Latest News
KEBco Toys has the latest EP2 Saga 2003 Case Assortments for Deluxe, Unleashed and 12 Inch available for Pre-Order at a new lower price for 2003. Deluxe cases are $58.95, buy 2 or more for $56.95 - Unleashed cases are $83.95, buy 2 or more for $79.95 - 12 Inch cases are $140.95, buy 2 or more for $134.95
Collection 1 and Collection 2 basic figure cases are also available at $64.95 or buy 2 or more for $61.95
Be sure to check out their popular "One of Every Figure" Club, read the Full Story for details on price discounts and a list of figures.
As always, Pre-Orders are based on a first come, first serve basis.
Visit www.kebcotoys.com today and the entire year for all of your Star Wars figures.
Thursday, January 2, 2003 | Chris Berry
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from everyone at JediDefender.com. We hope this year will bring good things to you and yours. 
Thursday, January 2, 2003 | Chris Berry
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