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Never Forget - The ICMG Petition

NEWS ARCHIVES

November 2004


Insider 79 Arrives With Wookie Rage


The latest Star Wars Insider arrived on my doorstep while I was at class this afternoon. It's a nice surprise when I get home, and is jam packed with lots of Star Wars prequal goodies.

Of particular interest to you collectors is a nice slew of images of the preview figures and vehicle. Also there's a nice concept drawing that shows those not in the know just how Hasbro toy designers sketch out the figure first before they go into production. Very informative on a certain whiney pre-Sith's figure for Episode 3.

Of course the regular columns, prequal updates, stories, and a whole bunch of Wookies are in this issue as well. As always, keep your eyes open for your subscription in the mail, or hit up your favorite news stand to grab a copy!

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

Hasbro's New Titanium Series


Hasbro updates today with official word on the upcoming Star Wars Titanium Series. This line of die-cast Star Wars vehicles is set to debut next year along side the Episode 3 preview figures. While the first wave includes repaints of older PotF2 sculpts of the Falcon, a TIE Fighter, Slave 1, and an X-Wing, watch for wave 2 in Spring 2005 to contain brand new sculpts!

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

RotS Galactic Heroes!

Seller starfans888 has a few new Revenge of the Sith based Galactic Heroes figure prototypes for sale on eBay. Click on through to the auctions for a closer look at 4 new figures - Anakin, The General, Dooku, and The Emperor!

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

BigBadToyStore Has Cantina Wave!


JediDefender Sponsor BigBadToyStore has the Cantina Wave of 2005 In-Stock and ready to ship!

2005 Basic #6: Feltipern Trevagg
2005 Basic #7: Myo
2005 Basic #8: Dannik Jerriko

UPDATE: SOLD OUT!

Also in stock is the hard to find

2004 OTC #38: Imperial Scanning Trooper

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 | Scott Pearson

Kubrick Series 3


One of the best new things to hit Star Wars collecting in the last 2 years has been the ever expanding Kubrick line from Medicom of Japan. Closing in on 40 total figures, the Kubrick collection swelled recently with the release of Series 3. Head on in to our new Feature for all the details on Series 3 as well as what to expect next!

Monday, November 29, 2004 | Scott Pearson

From Art To Finished Product


With Knights of the Old Republic II due out pretty soon, I thought this link to an article about the "Art of KOTOR2" might be a fun read for some of you. Concept art for video games yields some interesting views into how the game developers create the game itself.

I liken it to looking at Ralph McQuarrie's art towards the Star Wars Trilogy. There's some great concepts and details that sometimes don't find their way into the games. Click the sketch above and read the article to learn more.

Saturday, November 27, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

Happy Thanksgiving

From all of us here at JediDefender.com to all of you, warm wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Not that you need a reminder, but tomorrow is the busiest shopping day of the year - otherwise known as Black Friday. If you are brave enough to go out to the mall, or the toy store, why not stop by the forums and let us know what you found?

Thursday, November 25, 2004 | Dave Castle

New JD.com Review: General Jan Dodonna


Up next is Jan, the Man! Everyone's favorite old fart is back, and ready for review. Will he match up to his officers (Antilles) in all their glory, or wind up like his grunts (Fleet Troopers) who we all know suck? You will just have to read the review by clicking Dodonna's big old head above, and find out for yourself.

Thankful you have me to show you the way? I thought so. Now eat some turkey after you read this review, fool!

Thursday, November 25, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

Planning Your Episode 3 Bookshelf


The Official Site updates today with a long list of book titles that will be arriving in stores to coincide with the release of Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS!! Click on for the full report.

Thursday, November 25, 2004 | Dave Castle

Wal*Mart Exclusive Master Replicas Mini Obi-Wan Weathered Lightsaber Arriving Now



A few forum members (including myself) are reporting the the Wal*Mart Exclusive Master Replicas Mini Obi-Wan Weathered Lightsaber is starting to arrive. Click on for a few more pics and a mini-review.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004 | Dave Castle

Amazing Cloud City Custom Diorama


JD forum member Muftak has completed the first level of his custom Cloud City Diorama. He's posted the pics in our Forums for everyone to enjoy. Bobb was also the creator of the supremely jaw dropping Death Star. Kudos on the amazing work Bobb and we'll keep you posted as updates occur.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004 | Scott Pearson

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaargh (or 12" Chewbacca)


Seller hotreals has some excellent loose shots of the upcoming 12" VOTC Chewbacca. Chewie will be a KB Toys Exclusive and packed in the same Retro Vintage Packaging as Luke, Boba Fett and Stormtrooper. Look for him soon at a KB near you (if there are any left) or on-line at kbtoys.com.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004 | Scott Pearson

Ewoks, And Droids, And Wilford Brimley... Oh My!


Just a reminder for you who are willing to brave the shopping world at this point in time, that the Star Wars DVD's are out and about at retail. They include the Ewok and Droid Cartoon series DVD's, and the Ewok live-action films on DVD as well. For those unwilling to hit the stores, ShopStarWars.com is also an option!

A thanks to Tydirium for even reminding me these were out when I read a post of his in our forum thread on DVD's. Another thing to add to my list since I've been sort of decent this year... well, kinda anyway.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

Holiday Jawas Arrive at EE


Reports are coming in that the first batch of Holiday Jawas has arrived at Entertainment Earth! Be sure to check your order status if you pre-ordered these festive scavengers to see if yours will arrive soon! If you haven't grabbed one yet, just head on over to EntertainmentEarth.com to order yours today!

Tuesday, November 23, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

KOTOR Folow-Up


A little (well, big really) update on Knights of the Old Republic 2: Sith Lords is that the game's finally gone gold. Click the ominous image above of the choices a Jedi must make in life to go to the official site for KOTOR2 and read all about the game, and its expected release date on December 6th.

Just in time for this KOTOR fan as a lovely holiday gift. *hint hint*

Tuesday, November 23, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

Koto Sandtrooper


Slave1 also has pictures posted a picture of the upcoming Vinyl Kotobukiya Sandtrooper that we first reported back in late August. Look for a Tusken Raider as well some time in 2005.

Tuesday, November 23, 2004 | Scott Pearson

TRU Kubrick Box Set


The Japanese website Slave1 has posted a nice new picture of the upcoming TRU exclusive Kubrick box set from the WCC Festival in Japan. This latest entry in the Star Wars Kubrick line is due in December and only available in Japan!

Tuesday, November 23, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

Solid Game + Good Story = Smash Hit


Currently at StarWars.com is a nice little write-up on the upcoming sequal to the award winning Knights of the Old Republic, and the way in which the story is integral to the game. Few casual gamers know of the integral value of a game's story, but this little article is a great eye-opener.

KOTOR2 sounds like it will be a real nice story too (and a good game), so here's to seeing this hotly anticipated chunk of EU released soon! Click the image above and read on about this dandy title.

Tuesday, November 23, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

Jedi Scene 3 and 4 arrive!


TRU's exclusive Jedi Council Scenes 3 and 4 are in-stock and shipping from Amazon.com and this reporter received his sets in the mail today. Click on the thumbnail photo above for a look at the assembled 6-piece Jedi Council circle and be sure to head into the JediDefender forums to share your thoughts on these re-hashed Jedi sets!

Tuesday, November 23, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

Episode 3 Model Kit Pics



Sci-Fi modeling website CultTVMan.com has found a few images of some Episode 3 model kits. Click the above link or the full story link for the pics. BEWARE: Possible Spoiler alerts!!

Monday, November 22, 2004 | Dave Castle

Holographic Leia Kubrick


Simon Dunn from our Forums has found a shot of the brand new Holographic Princess Leia Kubrick that was just released today at the WCC Festival in Japan. Leia is limited to 500 pieces at the show, with another 1,504 available later this year via the Medicom collectors club.

Sunday, November 21, 2004 | Scott Pearson

SportsCenter Gets A Tech Upgrade


Any ESPN watchers out there? Judging by the popularity of our sports threads here in the JD forums, I'm going to go out on a limb and say "yes" to that. If you do watch ESPN, keep your eyes peeled for a new commercial for SportsCenter that features some characters from our favorite films.

Pretty funny stuff. And if you don't watch SportsCenter, well hot diggity! You are in luck, as the commercial is up at StarWars.com for everyone to view as we speak. Just click the image above, download, and enjoy.

Saturday, November 20, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

Episode III Figure Release List?

The French Star Wars site StarWars-Universe.com has posted a rather lengthy release list of upcoming ROTS toys! Click for more and beware of Spoilers!

Friday, November 19, 2004 | Scott Pearson

Wake Up with the Sith


Are you ready for Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year? Are you looking for a reliable wake-up call to make sure that you don't oversleep and miss the doorbuster bargains? Well then, this one's for you! Target has set up a website where you can register for a free wake-up call from a number of celebrities, including Darth Vader! Head on over now to register for your wake-up call from the Dark Lord himself!

Friday, November 19, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

Just In From Collector's Gallery Online

Collector's Gallery Online now has many new items in stock such as the Rubies Yoda bust, Chewbacca Attakus statue, Clone Wars Anakin, Yoda & ARC trooper 3" figures, and Estes R2-D2. Additional products include the TIE Fighter & X-Wing Fighter model rockets, 4 vintage Star Wars coca-cola tumblers, Slave 1 reissue model sealed & loose radar laser cannon. Check it out for yourself!

Thursday, November 18, 2004 | Chris Berry

Brian's Toys Latest News!

Just in this week at Brian's Toys, the latest edition to the Clone Wars animated series Maquettes, General Obi-Wan Kenobi. Also just in is the OTC boxed Slave I, Jedi Council 3 and Jedi Council 4. Also back in for only $79.99 is the Mexican Luke & Yoda. New with 2nd cards, we have Mace Windu, Darth Vader and Count Dooku Unleashed now in stock all for $29.99 each.

Thursday, November 18, 2004 | Chris Berry

Special Offer @ K & C Collectibles

K & C Collectibles has a very special item this month for pre-order, the Episode II - European Kellogg Figure Set. This rare European Kellogg’s Star Wars Episode II Figure & View Master Set features six 2 ˝” tall figures featuring your favorite Episode II characters including Anakin Skywalker, Padme, Obi-Wan-1, R2-D2 & C3-PO, Boba Fett and Darth Vader! When you look inside each figure you can see a full-color picture of each of the Star Wars characters as in a view master.

Inside Anakin is Darth Vader; inside Padme is Luke Skywalker & Princess Leia; inside Obi-Wan is Alec Guinness; inside Boba Fett are Clone Troopers; and inside Darth Vader is a young Anakin! This set is difficult to obtain, and was only available for a limited time through a special offer in retail boxes of Kellogg’s cereal in Europe! Don’t miss out on this unique Star Wars Collectible shipping in February 2005.

Thursday, November 18, 2004 | Chris Berry

Clone Wars Animated Figures Wave 3


JD sponsor Entertainment Earth has put the 3rd Wave of Animated Clone Wars figures up for pre-order. One new suprise, the clone trooper, previously white, will now come in red, blue and yellow paint schemes! Click here to pre-order now! These are due in January 2005

Wednesday, November 17, 2004 | Scott Pearson

Wal*Mart Exclusive Master Replicas Mini Obi-Wan Weathered Lightsaber In Stock NOW!!


The Wal*Mart Exclusive Master Replicas Mini Obi-Wan Weathered Lightsaber (say that 3 times fast) is in stock now!! Limited to 500 pieces in the U.S. and only available at Wal*Mart.com, these are sure to sell out quickly. Click here to order one. Thanks to forum member DualSaberMaster for the heads up.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004 | Dave Castle

Jedi Force X-Wing Exclusive Out Now!


The latest offering in Playskool's new Jedi Force line is now available at Playskool's eBay Store! The eBay exclusive version of the Jedi Force X-Wing includes Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 and is limited to 5000 units. A regular edition of the X-Wing (minus Luke and R2 pack-in figures) will be available at retail stores later in the year.

Monday, November 15, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

Episode III Carded Figures!!!


The Toy Vault out of Rhode Island has posted the first known shots of carded Episode III figures. Shown above are Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi from the regular Episode III line and R4-G9 and Tion Meddon from the Preview Wave. On the card backs you can vaguely make out 9 more figures coming in the first wave. Head on in for more speculation, beware of spoilers!

Monday, November 15, 2004 | Scott Pearson

Jedi Council, Coruscant and Naboo Waves at TRU.com

Now in stock at TRU.com

  • Jedi Council III (Anakin, Saesee Tiin and Adi Gallia)
  • Jedi Council IV (Eeth Koth, Shaak Ti, Stass Allie)
  • Pablo Jill
  • Senator Yarua
  • Sly Moore
  • Queen Amidala (Celebration)
  • Rabe

    Monday, November 15, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    A New Feature at Jedi Defender


    We're proud and excited to announce a new regular feature starting today here at Jedidefender.com - a series of photonovels by one of our own forum members, Justin Cook - aka CHEWIE. Using some of Hasbro's figures, as well as some custom made ones, Justin has created his own photonovel series to keep you entertained until Episode 3 arrives. So give it a look when you have the chance!

    Friday, November 12, 2004 | Dave Castle

    Jedi Council Screen Scenes 3 and 4 Boxed


    Seller miyatoys has listed the latest Jedi Council Screen Scenes on eBay. This means we can expect to see these Toys R Us exclusives fairly soon here in North America. These sets are a far cry from the first two offered last year, and even the two currently on the shelves.

    Friday, November 12, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    Star Wars Real Time Strategy Gaming Returns?

    I was browsing Yahoo and found an interesting Q&A Article with Lucasarts about how they're planning to pump some new life into their gaming division with next year's Episode III video game. This is certainly great news, and you can read the entire interview RIGHT HERE.

    Something in the end of the interview caught my eye though. The interview mentions a new Real Time Strategy (RTS) Game due out next year some time. For those of you who don't know, RTS games are those like Galactic Battlegrounds or Force Commander (Star Wars' two previous ventures in the genre), and while I enjoy Force Commander a lot, I think the Star Wars series needs a NEW, solid gaming experience in this genre. Here's to hoping this game is something special, and innovative.

    Thursday, November 11, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

    GH Tatooine Wave in 2005


    The latest update to Hasbro's official site gives us a better look at the first wave of Galactic Heroes for 2005 - the Tatooine wave! Head on over for a closer look at the three new 2-packs due out next spring, as well as an update on the Galactic Heroes X-Wing!

    Thursday, November 11, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

    NEW JD.com Review: Captain Antilles


    The good Captain Antilles graces the Reviews Section of Jedi Defender as he chokes his way into your heart. Hasbro's last couple trips into the Saga line really developed some of the better figures of the modern era, and Antilles is no exception. He displays several characteristics Hasbro could've used on its Rebel Fleet Trooper, that I (no surprise) was disappointed in.

    By all means though, click the image of Antilles above, and read the full review to get all my traditional "Pros" and "Cons", as well as my final opinion. As always, I break the Antilles figure down to perhaps help you, the reader, finalize your opinion on him too. And of course, come join us in our Toy Reviews section of the forums, and share your thoughts on him as well!

    Wednesday, November 10, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

    Post OTC at TRU and WM


    Just spotted a lone Sly Moore from the Post-OTC Coruscant wave on the pegs of my local Maplewood, MN TRU. Looks like the 2005 product is starting to hit retail!

    UPDATE: JediMAC chimes in with a siting of both the Naboo and Coruscant waves at a SoCal Wal-Mart too!

    Wednesday, November 10, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    Defender Wishlists II: Return of the Jedi


    Last year we ran an informal poll with your 10 most wanted characters from the current 5 Star Wars films. With the recent DVD release, an OT heavy year in 2004, and most of the plans done until Episode III, I thought it would be a good time to revisit those lists. Here's how it works: You send your Wish List for your 10 most wanted 3 3/4" figures to me, be it new figures, resculpts or even re-releases, and I'll tally the votes. After three weeks of list taking I'll publish the results and we will move on to the next movie. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is up this time. If you need help coming up with names check out the Official Site's Databank: Episode VI. Entries will be taken by e-mail: spearson@jedidefender.com or you can post them in our forum!!! Have fun and thanks for sending in your lists (remember to limit it to ten)!

    Wednesday, November 10, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    Defender Wishlists II: The Empire Strikes Back RESULTS


    Here are the results of the 3 weeks of voting for Empire Strikes Back!

    #1 General Veers
    #2 Major Bren Derlin
    #3 Bespin Guard
    #4 Ice Cream Maker Guy
    #5 Zev Senesca (Rogue 2)
    #6 Luke Skywalker (Medical Frigate)
    #7 Captain Needa
    #8 Torryn Farr
    #9 Lando Calrissian(Smuggler)
    #10 Princess Leia (Medical Frigate)

    Thanks to all who particpated and look for ROTJ in a few moments.

    Wednesday, November 10, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    K & C Collectibles News

    K & C Collectibles now has the following OTC Figures: Darth Vader, Gamorrean Guard, Bib Fortuna, Lando Calrissian Skiff Guard, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Han Solo, General Madine, Lando Calrissian.

    5-Pack of Figures:
    Naboo Final Combat – 5 figures – Naboo Palace Guard, Battle Droid, Captain Tarpals, Gungan Soldier and Kaadu.

    Endor Ambush – 5 figures – Wicket, Logray, Rebel Trooper, Han Solo and Bike Scout on Speederbike.

    New Figure with Glass Collection: Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, Darth Maul.

    Vintage OTC Figures (Back in Stock): Boba Fett, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Lando Calrissian.

    New 3-Pack of Figures: Mos Eisley Cantina Scene 2 – Zutton (Blue Snaggletooth), Ponda Boba and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

    Power of the Force: Endor Ambush, Luke´s T-16 Skyhopper

    Episode 1: Theed Generator Complex, Gungan Assault Cannon w/Jar Jar Armored Scout Tank w/Battle Droid.

    Tuesday, November 9, 2004 | Chris Berry

    Star Wars Titanium Series Revealed!


    Seller miyatoys has the first wave of the upcoming Star Wars Titanium Series up for bid on eBay! The first wave includes the Falcon, a TIE Fighter, Slave 1, and an X-Wing. This planned Target Exclusive line of die-cast classic Star Wars vehicles is set to debut next spring along side the Episode 3 preview figures and should retail for around $4.99 each. Details are still sketchy about wave 2, but look for future waves to branch out into Prequel vehicles as well!

    Tuesday, November 9, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

    ROTS Anakin Mock Up


    Seller powerjedi999 has posted Mock Up pics of what looks to be a finished Episode III Anakin Skywalker 3-3/4" figure. Also up for auction is a mock up SA Clone Trooper and some Wookiee Rifles.

    Tuesday, November 9, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    Episode III Databank Updates


    Updates to the Episode III Databank at the Official Site have begun. Included are some new shots from Revenge of the Sith including a finished shot of the menacing General Grievous.

    Tuesday, November 9, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    Defender Wishlists II: The Empire Strikes Back


    Last year we ran an informal poll with your 10 most wanted characters from the current 5 Star Wars films. With the recent DVD release, an OT heavy year in 2004, and most of the plans done until Episode III, I thought it would be a good time to revisit those lists. Here's how it works: You send your Wish List for your 10 most wanted 3 3/4" figures to me, be it new figures, resculpts or even re-releases, and I'll tally the votes. After three weeks of list taking I'll publish the results and we will move on to the next movie. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is up this time. If you need help coming up with names check out the Official Site's Databank: Episode V. Entries will be taken by e-mail: spearson@jedidefender.com or you can post them in our forum!!! Have fun and thanks for sending in your lists (remember to limit it to ten)!

    UPDATE: Voting will end next Wednesday November 10th. Get those lists in!

    Monday, November 8, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    Episode 3 Video Game Online


    What's shaping up to be a NICELY done 3rd person Action/Adventure game (Remember Bounty Hunter? Like that!), the new Episode III video game has finally had a site launched for it by Lucasarts.

    Click the image above to go to the site, and also make sure to check out the trailer. Be warned though, SPOILERS APPLY bigtime guys. Especially in the trailer, as it will follow the film, to an extent at least. It's a good viewing though!

    Sunday, November 7, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

    Episode III Trailer


    The Official Site and AOL/Moviefone have released the first Trailer for Episode III and the forums are abuzz with speculation and absolute gushing over what's been seen. Is it May yet?

    Thursday, November 4, 2004 | Scott Pearson

    More Repacked Unleashed for 2004


    The latest update to Hasbro's official site gives us a closer look at the next round of Unleashed figures to be re-issued in the 2004 style packaging. This wave of lightsaber masters includes Mace Windu, Count Dooku, and Darth Vader. Look for the trio of Unleashed Jedi to hit stores soon!

    Wednesday, November 3, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

    15" OTC Chewbacca at KB Toys


    Hasbro updates their official site today with the latest news and a boxed photo of the upcoming KB Toys 15" OTC Chewbacca! Head on over and check out the info on this upcoming exclusive wookiee who should be in stores soon!

    Tuesday, November 2, 2004 | Jeff Smentek

    Pittsburgh Toy, Comic, & Childhood Collectibles Show


    It's time once again for the bi-annual Pittsburgh Toy Show. My hometown doesn't get many shows in, but this is the biggie for those of us living in the "City of Champs".

    As always, members of the Pennsylvania Star Wars Collecting Society will be in attendance, including myself and the vast majority of the Pittsburgh members. All are welcome though, and if you're not familiar with the group go sign up now!

    The show is December 4th to the 5th at the Monroeville Expo-Mart near the Monroeville Mall (Fans of the Dawn of the Dead will know the mall well). For more details or directions, click the image above for the event's website.

    So, hopefully we'll see you there. It's always a nice place to find deals on vintage and new Star Wars!

    Monday, November 1, 2004 | Jesse McCracken

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