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NEWS ARCHIVES

January 2006


Upcoming Kotobukiya


More news is coming from the UK Toy Fair, this time regarding the Japanese Kotobukiya line.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 | Jesse Wall

2006 Titanium Update at Hasbro


Hasbro updates their website today with some Titanium Series news. Included in this update are brand new photos of the next two Ultra Series Vehicles and the next two Die-Cast 3.75" Figures. Head over to Hasbro for all the details!

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Winner of the First Custom Give Away is...


Congratulations to forum member Ryan for winning the First Custom Give Away here at JediDefender! For those of you interested in entering the latest JD Custom Give Away, check out the this page!

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Packaging Luke in a Collector Friendly Way


Sideshow Collectibles has revealed their 12" Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight in its packaged form, and judging by their blog, they have put a lot of thought into it. They have even designed a double clamshell so that Luke may be both easily removed from and placed back into his packaging. Well done Sideshow!

Monday, January 30, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Helmetless Titanium Vader and Fett


Images of the upcoming Titanium Darth Vader and Boba Fett have been presented at the French site MintInBox.net. According to the translation of the text, the figures have very basic articulation but removable weapons and, as you can see, removable helmets. Thanks to forum member Bill Cosby for the heads up.

Sunday, January 29, 2006 | Jesse Wall

New Review: Saga Han Solo (Carbonite)


Jesse is back this weekend with a brand new review! This week, we're taking a detailed look at the resculpted Han Solo (Carbonite) - the first review from the brand new 2006 Saga Collection. Check out the review for all the highs and lows of Hasbro's latest offering.

Of course when you're finished, feel free to stop by our Reviews Forum and share your thoughts on this review with us, or create your own critiques on Hasbro's wares.

Saturday, January 28, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

JediDefender Custom Challenge Update


We are just about half-way through our Monthly Customizing Challenge for Months 9 and 10 - Playsets and Dioramas! Head on into the Monthly Customizing Challenge thread to check out the progress of this challenge!

Would you like to participate in the Monthly Customizing Challenge? Well then, head on into the Customs Forum for some great tips and free advice to get you started on your playset or diorama today!

Saturday, January 28, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Gentle Giant to Import Tomy Helmets


Gentle Giant has decided to bring the Tomy Mini Helmets direct to you by importing them from Japan. This first series includes Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, C-3PO, TIE Fighter Pilot, Rebel Trooper and X-wing Pilot, all of which are blind boxed. Let the chase begin!

Friday, January 27, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Variant C-3PO Found


For all of you packaging variant hunters, this one should interest you. The upcoming C-3PO can be found with either the Battle Droid head or his own head attached to his body. Thanks to the wonder of eBay, you now know to watch for this guy.

Friday, January 27, 2006 | Jesse Wall

A New Day Dawns at Dark Horse


Dark Horse has totally revamped their Star Wars releases, and Knights of the Old Republic is the first jump into this new world. Taking place 4000 years before A New Hope, we'll meet new characters and live new plotlines! Check out their preview of the first issue just released at DarkHorse.com.

Friday, January 27, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Sideshow's Heroes of the Rebellion


Sideshow Collectibles has revealed that their next sub-line of 12" figures will be the "Heroes of the Rebellion"! Expect to hear of the first figure in this line announced in the coming weeks.

Friday, January 27, 2006 | Jesse Wall

What Do You Think It Is? A Y-Wing!


Master Replicas has been teasing for a few days with the above images for an expected big release! So, any guesses? Let us know what you think it is in our forums.

UPDATE: Master Replicas updated their blog today and revealed the ship behind the tease - a brand new Studio Scale Rebel Y-Wing that goes up for pre-order next week! Head on over to the blog for all the details!

Friday, January 27, 2006 | Jesse Wall

2006 Star Wars Transformers Update


Fans of Hasbro's new Star Wars themed Transformers take note - A Millennium Falcon based set is on the way! Click the thumbnail above to check out an early look at how Han and Chewie combine to form the mighty Falcon! Watch for this set to appear at a store near you this summer!

Thursday, January 26, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Insider 86 Ready To Roll


Keep your eyes on your mailbox as the new Insider #86 is set to start shipping to homes and newsstands soon. This issue features an in-depth look at Mandalorians, discussion with ILM staff about Yoda's animation, something on the new animated series, background info on Grievous, and much more. Also Hyperspace members can look forward to the usual online expanded content, including a primer to the Mandalorian Language.

Thursday, January 26, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

Clone Wars Gunship Surfaces


Pictures have cropped up of the upcoming Clone Wars Gunship which is indeed the widely expected ARC Gunship with the teeth and eyes paintjob on the nose. The big surprise of the pictures though is the glimpse of seemingly new ARC Troopers of several possible types. That Clone Mini-Gunner looks incredible!

If you're antsy to get an order in on this ship right away head on over to Amazon.com and Pre-Order Your Gunship.

Thursday, January 26, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

New Pride Displays


The site Action-Figure.com has a nice gallery up from the 2006 UK Toy Fair that highlights the upcoming Pride Star Wars Displays. New displays are set up for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Revenge of the Sith. Check out the gallery for all the details.

Thursday, January 26, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

The Bounty Hunters Are Headed Your Way


Keep an eye on your mailbox this week because StarWarsShop.com has sent out shipping notices for those that preordered the Hunt for the Millennium Falcon Bounty Hunter Pack!

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Attakus Catalog Online


Attakus will get your blood flowing after taking a look at some of the amazing items the French company has planned for 2006. Check it out for prototypes of future statues such as Luke Jedi, Sandtrooper, Gamorrean Guard, Bib Fortuna and Oola. Even better, get a look into the Metal Dagobah Diorama! Thanks to MintInBox.net for the images.

Monday, January 23, 2006 | Jesse Wall

New Medicom Items for 2006


Medicom has updated their site for the month with sneak previews of a few upcoming Star Wars related items! First up, Kubrick Star Wars Series 6 has been announced for a June 2006 release. Series 6 will include a TIE Pilot, Death Star Trooper, X-Wing Pilot Luke, Rebel Trooper, RA-7, and R4-M9.

Also announced is a 400% Be@rbrick Wicket! Wicket will be exclusive to Wonder Fest 2006 in February for 3990 Yen. The first 500 pieces will be sold only at the show and the remaining 1506 pieces will be made available via the Medicom Collector Club. Click on the thumbnails above to check them out!

Monday, January 23, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Empire At War Collector's Edition & Updates


The upcoming strategy game Empire At War, due out February 16th, has a number of updates at the game's official site. Included is a look at a special Collector's Edition version of the game due to include bonus content such as maps and other goodies for the die-hard gamer.

Saturday, January 21, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

New Review: Evolutions Anakin To Darth Vader


Not the shortest review you'll read here at JediDefender.com, but as we come back this week we're taking a detailed look at the Evolutions: Anakin Skywalker To Darth Vader set from Revenge of the Sith. Certainly worth an in-depth examination, the Anakin set gives you three definitive versions of the character from all eras of the saga. It's a must-have but make no mistake it's shy of true perfection. Check out the review for all the high's and low's.

Of course when you're finished, feel free to stop by our Reviews Forum and share your thoughts on this review with us, or create your own critiques on Hasbro's wares.

Saturday, January 21, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

New LEGO Pics


As more pictures of the upcoming LEGO sets surface, it appears they've got some amazing sets on their hands. The mini-fig based Star Destroyer and Sail Barge should be a lot of fun, especially when you check out a few of these pics.

Saturday, January 21, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Master Replicas Coupons Extended


Master Replicas has some great news for 2005 members of their Collectors Society - all of last year's coupons will be extended through 2006!

Saturday, January 21, 2006 | Jesse Wall

JediDefender Give Away - Custom Bounty Hunter!


JediDefender.com is giving you a chance to win an exclusive one-of-a-kind custom made 3.75" Star Wars action figure of Seltor Meslete, a nefarious Bounty Hunter created by JediDefender Forum Member hemble.

Check out our new Give Away page for all the details on how you can win!

Saturday, January 21, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Leia Updates Her Look


A girl's got to look her best when fighting the Empire, so Sideshow Collectibles has added an extra touch to the Premium Format Princess Leia figure: "real" eyelashes. And for those of you lucky enough to preorder the Exclusive Edition, click on the second thumbnail to get a better look at her Stormtrooper blaster.

Friday, January 20, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Pre-order Kit Fisto This Friday


Sideshow's latest entry in the Order of the Jedi line, Kit Fisto, will go up for priority pre-order this Friday! This will follow the previous procedure where he will go on sale between 10am and noon PST at SideshowCollectibles.com. Make sure you are already a newsletter subscriber and account holder in order to qualify for priority pre-ordering!

UPDATE: Sideshow has confirmed that the exclusive version will include a severed Battle Droid head.

UPDATE: The exclusive edition is sold out, but the regular edition is still available for sale.

Friday, January 20, 2006 | Jesse Wall

R2-Spud2?


Click on the thumbnail to check out the latest in the family of Star Wars Potato Heads - R2-D2! He's shown up on eBay in the UK, so we should be seeing him on this side of the Atlantic in due time. Thanks to forum member Rune Haako for the heads up.

Thursday, January 19, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Salacious Crumb Bust Pics!


Only one day after announcing the availability of the Salacious Crumb bust, one of our forum members already has one! DualSaberMaster is the lucky recipient of Gentle Giant's quick shipping and has some great pics to show off.

Thursday, January 19, 2006 | Jesse Wall

JD Poll: Chase Figures - Good or Bad?


Hasbro has certainly gotten some attention with the upcoming chase figures, so we want to know what you think. Will it generate interest in the line to keep it going strong through 2006, or is it just a bad idea that will cause collectors to give up? Choose the best option in our poll and head into our forums and voice your opinion!

Thursday, January 19, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Empire At War Demo Available


The latest Star Wars gaming installment, Empire At War, isn't due to be released for about another month, but you can get your hands on a demo of the game right now! Be prepared to wait though, as the file seems to take quite a while.

There's a number of places to download, but here's a link to Download.com's Empire At War Demo. If your PC can handle it, this game is shaping up to be something else!

Thursday, January 19, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

100 Cable Originals and Going Strong...


Bill Cable from CreatureCantina.com (which sucks) fame, has done his 100th "Cable Original" drawing. A long-running series of quality art from the man himself, I'm proud to consider someone so artistically talented a friend.

So be sure to check out Bill's 100th Original by clicking the thumbnail above and read up on the history of his "Cable Original" series of drawings. CreatureCantina.com may suck, but this drawing does not.

Thursday, January 19, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

Wave 3 of Titanium Series Found


Two forum members, iFett and spiderpumpkin, have informed us that they have already found the next wave of Titanium Series vehicles! This wave includes the AT-AT, Imperial Shuttle, Darth Vader's TIE Fighter and the Clone Wars styled Gunship. So keep your eyes peeled!

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Gentle Giant Collector Club Offers


If you are a member of Gentle Giant's Collector Club, you are now able to place orders for a pair of great items! First up, you can order the Salacious Crumb Mini Bust. This mini bust is a modified version of last year's holiday exclusive and is limited to 2500. Also available to order are the Bust-Ups Hoth Ice Six Pack. That's right, you get all six of the "ice" variants of the Hoth Bust-Ups for $35 plus shipping.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Defender Wishlists 2006: Attack of the Clones


For the last couple of years we ran an informal poll with your 10 most wanted characters from the current Star Wars Films. Continuing the tradition and trying to finish up before Comic Con 2006, we thought it would be a good time to revisit those lists. Here's how it works: You send your Wish List for ten 3 3/4" Figures to Scott or post them here, be it new figures, resculpts or even re-releases and we'll tally the votes. After four weeks of list taking, we'll publish the results and move on to the next movie.

We'll continue with the second Prequel Episode II: Attack of the Clones. If you need help coming up with names check out the Official Site's Databank for Episode II. Have fun and thanks for sending in your lists (remember to limit it to ten)!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Carded Coruscant Wave Photos


Are you ready for wave 4 of the new 2006 Saga Collection? Apparently Hasbro is, as they've released some new photos! Click on through for a look at the carded photos of the eight figures in the upcoming Coruscant Wave!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Revell's Classic Star Wars Models


The Official Site has updated their website with news of a few upcoming classic Star Wars models. Planned for late summer 2006, Revell will add 4 Easykit model kits to their Star Wars license. These 4 new kits include Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, an X-wing Fighter, an Imperial Shuttle, and the Millennium Falcon. Head on over to the Official Site for all the details.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Titanium Figures Update


Hasbro updates their website today with photos of the variant Titanium Series 3.75" Figures. Both Darth Vader and Boba Fett will be offered with the previously shown regular paint jobs and later "refreshed" with these limited pewter finish variants. Click on the thumbnail above for all the details.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

JediDefender Image Database Update


It's time for an Image Database update! The JediDefender photography department has added high-res photos of the figures from the second wave of the 2006 Saga Collection - the Battle of Hoth Wave! Pop inside for detailed photos of General Veers, Major Derlin, Power Droid, AT-AT Driver and more.

Monday, January 16, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Possible First Look at 2006 VOTC


A cromalin has surfaced on eBay in an Auction hosted by Canadian Seller rose_productions. Appearing are the rumored figures of Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot), Han Solo (Endor Gear), Greedo, Tusken Raider and Scout Trooper. More details as they come along but for now, join in the speculation in the JediDefender forums!

Sunday, January 15, 2006 | Scott Pearson

2006 Coruscant Wave


EntertainmentEarth has updated all of their Coruscant Wave pre-order pages with great new photos. Click on the thumbnail above to check out the figures!

Friday, January 13, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Sideshow 12" Kit Fisto


Heads up fans of Sideshow's 12" Order of the Jedi line! Sideshow has updated with a new podcast that reveals the next 12" figure will be none other than Jedi Master Kit Fisto! Be sure to keep an eye on the Sideshow website as Fisto will be revealed soon!

UPDATE: Check out the photo of Master Fisto by clicking the thumbnail above!

Thursday, January 12, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Scaled Sabers Available at Master Replicas


Master Replicas has begun to dive into their plans for 2006 by releasing three 0.45 scaled replica sabers, available right now! Choose from Anakin's AOTC saber, Obi-Wan's weathered ANH saber (both ship Jan 2006), or Luke's ANH saber (ships Feb 2006). Or just grab them all.

Thursday, January 12, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Saga 2006 Round-Up


Well, we are only 2 weeks into 2006 and the second wave of figures from the new Saga Collection are appearing at stores. Over the past two days, numerous reports have filtered into the JD newsroom with stories of Hoth wave scores. Yes, that's right - even though the Pit of Carkoon wave hasn't fully hit the USA, the Hoth wave is already here. Might be time to hit your local Target or Wal-Mart and start looking for yours!

Thursday, January 12, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Star Wars Wins People's Choice Awards


Star Wars may not be getting the love it deserves from the Academy Awards, but Lucasfilm did quite well at the People's Choice Awards Tuesday night. Revenge of the Sith earned awards for Best Movie Drama and also Best Movie.

Fans are always pleased to see Star Wars earn some recognition, and it's nice to know they can rely on the people to support the saga. Congratulations to Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd. for a job well done this past year.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

Expect Sideshow Vader In February


It appears that the Sideshow Collectibles Premium Format Darth Vader will require us to wait just a little longer.

UPDATE: Sideshow updated their information to the following:

"Orders placed prior to February 19, 2005 are expected to ship the week of February 1st, 2006.
Orders placed from February 19, 2005 and later are expected to begin shipping the week of February 20th, 2006 when we receive our final shipment of these statues."

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Official Site Has Fine Molds Falcon


The Official Site has a story up regarding the Fine Molds 1/72 Millenium Falcon Model. The kit, which we've been reporting on since well back in 2005, has over 900 parts to it and retails for approximately $160 in the U.S.

In the article it states the engine's detail is a first for the Falcon anywhere, having to be designed specifically for the model kit, as the engines aren't really seen without engine glow covering them in the films. This is one incredibly detailed kit, surpassing all Falcon models before save for the real props.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 | Jesse McCracken

Geonosis Wave: Last 3 Carded


The remaining 3 figures from the Geonosis Wave have now been found carded in China: C-3PO, Jango Fett and Yoda. Thanks again to Chinese-StarWars.com.

Monday, January 9, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Lucasfilm Holiday Bust


A bust of Chewbacca was recently sold on eBay that was a holiday gift from Lucasfilm. The resin bust is 4 1/2 pounds and 9 1/2" tall, and is labelled with Revenge of the Sith on the base. There's been no word yet on how many of these were made available.

Sunday, January 8, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Carded Pics of Geonosis Wave


Images of 5 of the figures from the Geonosis Wave of The Saga Collection have surfaced, thanks to Chinese-StarWars.com! Click on the thumnails above for the Clone Trooper (Utapau), Poggle the Lesser, Scorch, Sora Bulq and Sun Fac. There are three other figures not yet found in carded form, C-3PO, Jango Fett and Yoda. Thanks to forum member Rune Haako for the heads up.

Sunday, January 8, 2006 | Jesse Wall

UPDATE: George and Family Can Be Yours


StarWarsShop.com has one of the most unique exclusives in recent memory - The Lucas Collector's Set. A worldwide exclusive, it will contain four figures of the Lucas family characters seen in Revenge of the Sith - Baron Papanoida (George Lucas), Chi Eekway (Katie Lucas), Terr Taneel (Amanda Lucas) and Zett Jukassa (Jett Lucas). Head on over to preorder yours now for its arrival in April 2006.

UPDATE: StarWarsShop.com is alerting us about this set which has been available for preorder since December 21st. If you'd like to preorder yours, you can still do so here.

Saturday, January 7, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Two More Lego Sets Confirmed


The recently rumoured LEGO Sail Barge and Star Destroyer have been confirmed by the Official Site! The Sail Barge will include a generous 781 pieces and a huge number of accessories - skiff, Sarlacc monster, Leia, Lando, Han, Luke, R2-D2, Jabba, Boba Fett and a Gamorrean Guard.

Perhaps even more exciting is the Star Destroyer that has been scaled down in both size and price for those that can't afford the Ultimate Collector Series version. It will still have a whopping 1366 pieces and will now include mini-figs: Grand Moff Tarkin, Darth Vader, an Imperial Officer, R2-D5, a mouse droid, two Royal Guards, two Stormtroopers and the Emperor's hologram.

Watch for these to be released in July!

Saturday, January 7, 2006 | Jesse Wall

2006 - The Bounty Hunt Collection?


Rumors have been running all winter about the possibility of a "Bounty Hunt" collection in 2006. The latest nugget of info to leak out about this rumored line of figures is found in the new case assortment info from Entertainment Earth who have included the following line in all of their case pre-orders for the 2006 Coruscant wave:

"Assortment may contain special chase variant "Bounty Hunt" figures. "Bounty Hunt" figures are not guaranteed to appear in all assortments."

What does this mean for us? Only time will tell for sure, but all signs point to a Hasbro attempt to add "chase" figures to the 3.75" figure line, similar to the "Treasure Hunt" items introduced in the Titanium line already this year.

Friday, January 6, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Sideshow Update at StarWars.com


The Official Site has updated with a great article about the emergence of Sideshow Collectibles as one of the major players in the Star Wars Collectibles market.

Also, today is the day to pre-order your 12" Obi-Wan direct from Sideshow, so don't forget!

Friday, January 6, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Early Bird Kit Giveaway Winner Is...


Congratulations to JD forum member tamidala for being the lucky winner of our recent Wal-Mart exclusive Early Bird Kit Give Away! Congrats to Tracy and thanks to all those who entered!

Friday, January 6, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

JediDefender Custom Challenge Update


A bit delayed thanks to the holidays, but we’re finally ready to close the Monthly Customizing Challenge for Month 8 - Rebel Troopers. Click on the thumbnail above to check out the custom figures created over the last month by the talented members of JediDefender's Customs Forum!

Do you think you've got what it takes to participate in the Monthly Customizing Challenges? Well then, head on into the forums for all the details on the challenge for Months 9 & 10 - Playsets and Dioramas!

Friday, January 6, 2006 | Jeff Smentek

Titanium Forged Figures


We finally get a good look at the Titanium Forged Figures, both in loose and carded form! Both of these figures are poseable and have removable helmets, and also include a display stand. These are expected to hit stores in March, so keep your eyes peeled in the future.

Wednesday, January 4, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Preordering the SSC 12" Obi-Wan


Friday at approximately 10am PST is your chance to "priority pre-order" your 12" Obi-Wan, and Sideshow is doing everything they can to ensure it is a hassle free experience. They have upgraded their server to handle the heavy load and provided the following info to help everyone understand the pre-ordering process (Hopefully they will also increase their production numbers to ensure more fans get their hands on this).

Wednesday, January 4, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Previewing the Purge


Darkhorse has an exciting one-shot comic coming out this week, simply entitled Purge. Without giving too much info away, it focuses on Vader's desire to track down the remaining Jedi after Revenge of the Sith, especially Obi-Wan Kenobi. For further info, check out the preview at Dark Horse.

Wednesday, January 4, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Signature Series Vader TIE Fighter Revealed


Code 3 has revealed their Signature Series Darth Vader TIE Fighter today, which is also a Battle Damaged version! So who's signature can be found on the base? None other than James Earl Jones himself! It will be very limited at only 500 pieces and is expected to ship by March 2006. Check out all of the great pics here.

UPDATE: Code 3 now has this TIE Fighter up for pre-order, so grab yours now!

Tuesday, January 3, 2006 | Jesse Wall

Defender Wishlist 2006: The Phantom Menace


For the last couple of years we ran an informal poll with your 10 most wanted characters from the current Star Wars Films. Continuing the tradition and trying to finish up before Comic Con 2006, we thought it would be a good time to revisit those lists. Here's how it works: You send your Wish List for ten 3 3/4" Figures to Scott or post them here, be it new figures, resculpts or even re-releases and we'll tally the votes. After four weeks of list taking, we'll publish the results and move on to the next movie.

The first Prequel Episode I: The Phantom Menace is where we'll start. If you need help coming up with names check out the Official Site's Databank for Episode I. Have fun and thanks for sending in your lists (remember to limit it to ten)!

Monday, January 2, 2006 | Jesse Wall

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