That brings me to the real reason for this post! (No, it wasn’t to just show off my work!) We have our awesome Diorama section headed by our own “Bill” here at Yak. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in a custom carded figure section? E-mail me if you would like to see this section up here at Yak!

Kay-Bee bummer on sale with POTJ
June 28, 2001 | 2:02 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

This time ol’ Kay-Bee is getting smart. ALL Star Wars items will be buy-one-get-one-free once again, except for two case lot numbers, and they happen to be collection 1 & 2 of the POTJ assortment. Oh well, at least we can get a second crack at some really good deals… on what’s left.

TRU Price Increase – Part II
June 28, 2001 | 1:54 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Yes, it seems that the news I posted last night was, in fact, older news. Already across the nation TRU’s are implementing the 10% price increase all around the store. I received many e-mails on this subject, from consumers all the way up to general managers, and unfortunately, it’s true. Geez, and I thought TRU was one of the biggest bulk toy buyers in America, and they need to up the price of everything? Wal-Mart, here we come…

Episode I DVD Images!
June 28, 2001 | 1:48 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Latest 12″ News
June 28, 2001 | 8:44 AM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Collect Star Wars has just posted new photos of the new 12″ wave (Legacy II) which is due out soon. There is a major change in the Death Star Trooper. Instead of the modified pith helment which he has been wearing in previous photos (like the 3 3/4″ Death Star Trooper), the photo shows the 12″ Death Star Trooper to be wearing a cap like the vintage Imperial Commander. Click here to see the photos.

UPDATE: Yak Reader Tony wrote in to point out that some Toy Fair photos showed both the military cap and the helment. Hopefully Hasbro will include both with the final figure.

They are also reporting that the price point for the 12″ Luke on Speeder Bike at Target will be $49.99.

Hasbro Jedi Braid with Starship Available Again
June 28, 2001 | 2:33 AM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

D & S Sci-Fi Toy World wrote in to say that the Hasbro Australia Jedi Braid with Holographic Royal Starship set is back in stock.

Kay-Bee “Buy-One-Get-One-Free” Part II
June 28, 2001 | 1:36 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Hmmm, I was wondering when this was going to happen again! Thanks goes to Nick Z. for alerting us to the fact that on July 9th, Kay-Bee will be starting the buy-one-get-one-free sale on Star Wars merchandise again. Thing is, if you buy anything now, (I.E. POTJ figures!), and save your receipt, they will do a price adjustment when the sale starts! More deals coming! Of course most Kay-Bee’s only have pegwarmers and garbage left in the Star Wars section after the last sale, but on the off chance you find the new wave of POTJ’s…

TRU, are you insane?!?
June 28, 2001 | 1:25 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I got this black-shadow of an e-mail today from “morvos”. It’s still unconfirmed, but from what he says, if it turns out to be more than just a test, it means more out of our pockets. It reads;

“Just thought that it might be of interest to you guys that the TRU I
work at in Redwood City, California has raised the prices on almost
every item in the store 10% or more! Depending on how well this works,more and more stores could also end up raising their prices.”

I know 10% doesn’t seem too bad, but for those of us that find most of our figures at TRU, over a year’s time, it can be a costly little sum. Stay tuned for more on this.

Are You a Marmit Fan?
June 27, 2001 | 10:00 AM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Collect Star Wars is reporting that Marmit is in the process of developing a new Stormtrooper kit, with slightly different sculpting and painting as well as a third Sandtrooper kit, this time with a black shoulder pauldron. (Remember the second Sandtrooper kit is supposed to be released next month with the white shoulder pauldron.

It would appear that these are in addition to the Darth Vader kit which is slated for October of this year, and the Emperor’s Royal Guard and AT-AT driver which have been reported as part of Marmit’s 2002 line

Q&A Wednesday
June 27, 2001 | 6:20 AM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

Today’s installment of With Every Question For Justice was particularly fun to write, hopefully it’ll be as fun to read as well. Feel free to check it out and send in your questions!

Link fixed.

Awesome Diorama at NiubNiub’s
June 27, 2001 | 1:00 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Another B-Wing Pic
June 27, 2001 | 12:16 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Kurt, also of our page, sent me this scan from one of our faithful readers. It seems it has been sold in small quantities in certain areas. Keep patience, young Jedi, they will show up… EXCEPT IN MY AREA!!!! 8^) Click here to see the B-Wing in all its’ classic-reissue glory!

Starwars.com online survey
June 27, 2001 | 12:08 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Starwars.com has just put up a survey asking about all general things on their website. I think the most disturbing question, to me, was one of the “priority” questions, where you choose 1 for lowest priority of importance to you, and 5 being the highest Well, one of those questions was “Star Wars product price comparison”. Does this mean what I think it does? Any ideas, loyal Yak readers?

More B-Wing News
June 26, 2001 | 10:14 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

The Jawa has posted more information on the B-Wings. It appears that some may have already escaped from their hangers at Target, if this exclusive follows the same pattern as previous Target exclusives. If you have any information, B-wing sightings, or insights please send it in.

B-Wing Info
June 26, 2001 | 8:33 PM EST | Kurt | Talk About This Post

DPCI# 087-06-1954
here’s the dcpi. Thanks to Julian Sandtroopers.com
<ahref=”http: www.sandtroopers.com”=””>

Meet Other Collectors And Get Their Views On The Hobby, Expanded Universe, And See Their Collections
June 26, 2001 | 8:31 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Artoosnews.com has just posted their first “Featured Fan” collumn. This one showcases the winners of their Scavanger Hunt Contest and includes photos of the collectors, their collections, AND a brief question and answer with each discussing the contest, their collecting philosophy, and more. Click here to see the featured fans.

B-Wing?…..B-Wing!
June 26, 2001 | 2:16 PM EST | Kurt | Talk About This Post

I couldn’t believe it. It is here. Target should have the new B-wing now, while they “can’t” put them out on the floor yet, they are in the store. A stock-boy looking to make some cash let me see the case of them. He wanted money for his trouble and I of course refused. But be on the lookout for these to be on the shelves very, very soon or already there as are the reports from some other areas.

Fan Club 4-Pack
June 26, 2001 | 2:50 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

NICE Cantina display!!!
June 25, 2001 | 11:18 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Sandtroopers.com givaway!
June 25, 2001 | 10:45 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Yea, those crazy kids donning white armor over at Sandtroopers.com are having another give-away, this time for a carded Return Of The Jedi-Princess Leia-Endor Poncho-C-8.5, and 2 Utarama display systems! They also have some excellent interviews on their Sith Channel under “subculture” with Make-up artist, customizer and director Tony Colucci, the other with 3D artist Jon Anderson. And while you’re there, check out their new “Make A Trooper Happy” section in the PM News section. You have to see it to understand. These guys are fabulous, so head over and check them out!

Duros wave and “army builders” hitting east coast!
June 25, 2001 | 9:19 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I’ve had a lot of e-mail in the past couple days that the new mutated “army builder” cases are hitting the east coast of the U.S.A., as well as the Duros wave. Keep your eyes towards Target for the Duros, and your local Wal-Mart for the “army builders”, as that seems to be the going trend at the moment. Good luck!

Tarpals Price Reduction Updated Yet Again
June 25, 2001 | 8:11 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Last week I posted the advice of my local Target Manager, that you can purchase the Tarpals and Kaadu now, and if the price drops, that they will refund the difference for 14 days. Several Yakreaders have written in to say that Target’s corporate policy does not include “clearance prices” in the 14 day price guarantee. If you are planning on trying to get the refund, check with your local Target before you purchase so you get caught by this policy.

Interesting Experiment…
June 25, 2001 | 2:21 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Well, most of the tallies are in, and I was actually going to post a few of the more interesting letters. I’ve had from the inspirational to the downright nasty, (calling us “fan-boys”…sing along, you know the words…), but I will actually list the more popular opinions below because alot of the letters of the same opinion were almost carbon copies of each other. So, on we go…
1. George will hand over the reigns for Episode 7 through 9 to Rick McCallum, but just stay on as a consultant and story “framework”, although detached from the actual production.
2. George will never do another Star Wars movie EVER.
3. It will only continue in comics, novels, and action figures.
4. Lucas will take to TV hiring on writers he sees fit to do “short story” excerpts about minor charachters during the entire 2 trilogies. (I.E. Tales of Mos Eisley, Tales from Jabba’s Palace, etc.)
I’ve had alot of people write saying “George said this, George said that…”, but that was just my point. George said “No DVD’s until after the whole 2nd trilogy is finished, and George also “said” that he’d never work on another set of Star Wars movies after 4-6. Just an experiment to be taken with a grain of salt, nothing more. But, we will actually have to wait and see until 2006 or so.

Q&A Monday
June 25, 2001 | 3:41 AM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

With Every Question For Justice, our Q&A page, has been updated for Monday. See if you can discover the secret that lies within before the Wednesday update!

Jabba’s Sail Barge At the Sarlac Pit Diorama
June 24, 2001 | 9:12 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Yes, that’s right, Jabba’s Sail Barge at the Sarlac Pit.

The Tatooine dioramas have been updated with the updated Sarlac Pit Scene including a 3 3/4″ Sail Barge.

Click here to go to the dioramas page. It is in Bill Cox’ collection.

Excerpt from Rebirth, The Next Novel In The New Jedi Order
June 24, 2001 | 8:24 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

The Force.net has found an excerpt from Rebirth, the next novel in the New Jedi Order series at the Random House website. This is the second and final novel in the Edge of Victory Duology.

Click here to read the excerpt.

Something wicked this way comes…
June 24, 2001 | 6:57 PM EST | Kurt | Talk About This Post

Several sources have indicated that LARGE shipments will be sent out from Hasbro within the next few weeks. This was backed up by several stores (Target, K-Mart) making room and putting up pegs for many many rows of SW figs. If any one has any information as to what in fact is going on, please send it our way.

Episode 7,8, and 9 or other options?
June 24, 2001 | 1:41 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

With the onset of the forthcoming Phantom Menace DVD, it gives me pause for thought on how close can we hold the “Flanneled-One” to his word. After my previous post this morning, I got to thinking about what Lucas has told us as not to get our, (the fans), hopes too high. He said there would be no DVD’s until after all 6 movies were released in theaters, and now we have a DVD on the way?!?
Now, before I continue, I do not have any insider knowlege, this is just an editorial type general question. What do you, our beloved faithful Yak-readers think? E-mail me, John, and let me know your thoughts. A few of the best considered options I’ll post on the page at a later date. Do you think he’s giving us a line, and is considering Episode’s 7-9, or will provide an outline and pass it over to Rick? Do you think there’ll be TV support after Episode III, not unlike Star Trek that actually started on TV? Do you think Star Wars will drop into obscurity forever as a pop-culture icon? Let’s hear what you have to say!

Petitions, petitions, petitions….
June 24, 2001 | 11:52 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Here’s another one. This particular one is for the “only-saw-the-light-of-day-as-a-prototype-in-1985” Yarna d’al’Gargan. Steven writes me with this info;

“I am putting together a petiton for a POTJ Yarna d’al’Gargan. A prototype was made of her in the 80’s for the original line but it never saw the light of stores. If you want to see a Yarna d’al’Gargan produced, E-Mail Steven with your full name.”

So, once again, if you’d like to support this figure being made, drop Steven an e-mail. Keep in mind that a petition itself does not mean that the figure will definitely be made, but sometimes it does get Hasbro listening.

UPDATE – Just to clarify as to who Yarna d’al’Gargan is, she is in Return Of The Jedi, most noticably during the Max Rebo Band scene. While Oola is dancing in Jabba’s court, Yarna is also there dancing. She is, in fact, the heavy-set dancer that has, I believe, 4 breasts. Maybe that’s why Hasbro never produced this figure. It was also at a time right before the great Star Wars famine that lasted between 1986 and 1991 when interest was low.

Lucas starting to Script Episode III
June 24, 2001 | 1:34 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Yes folks, come July, which is only a few days away, Lucas will still be working on Episode II tweaks and the sort in the afternoons, but he will start researching in the mornings and start writing what will be one of the most depressing things to hit us and our Star Wars fandom… the end of all Star Wars films forever, the starting of the finish, Episode III. Then again, he also said that there would be no DVD’s until all 6 films were completed, and isn’t The Phantom Menace being released in October? Hmmm…. A bit of food for thought. Anyway, you can catch this entire article over atStarWars.com.

Army builder’s cases becoming plentiful!
June 24, 2001 | 12:58 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Finally, Hasbro’s doing something that is impressing the HECK out of me. I keep getting e-mail, especially this weekend, from all over the USA about how everyone is starting to be able to track down the new mutated “army builder” cases of POTJ figures. I’ve had e-mail from California to Pennsylvania (surprising), of people finding these all over. I’ve also had reports that the Ketwol wave is becoming more prominent across the nation. So, army builders, keep those eyes open!
UPDATE – “munewastr193” sends me a description of exactly what’s in these new “army builder” cases. Aside from the case I listed last week with the 6 dirty Bikers/6 apprentice Maul, there is also the following;

3 – Boomer Damage Battle Droid
4 – Clean Biker Scout
3 – Bespin Capture Han
2 – Darth Maul Sith Apprentice

3 – Coruscant Guard
3 – Gungan Warrior
2 – Mon Calamari Officer
2 – K-3PO
1 – Queen Amidala Theed Invasion
1 – Saesee Tiin

Incurable Collector’s Son
June 24, 2001 | 12:54 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

The son of the instant appraiser on the show I reported on below writes to me today to tell me of his shop, and how they are celebrating the show! He writes;

“My father Niles Grace is the Instant Appraiser on the Incurable Collector. I believe Steve Sansweet’s Collection will be featured as well which may be of interest to you. I am really looking forward to this as I am a Star Wars reseller in San Bernardino, CA. On July 1, the day of the broadcast, I will be in-store at our California location having a 25 % off all Star Wars merchandise in lieu of the show and will be doing verbal spot appraisals myself for Star Wars collectors. If you want to sell or have a value for your stuff – I will be here to assist you. We are located at 1520 South “E” Street in San Bernardino, CA 909-888-3377. Ask for Richard Grace”

Thanks Richard, and if you’re in the area, stop in and tell you heard about it on Yakface.com!

12″ Captain Tarpals Closeout at $7.94 updated
June 23, 2001 | 7:57 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

A number of you have written saying that your stores were reducing Tarpals and his Kaadu to about 30 bux, and asked if the report the Jawa posted that it was clearanced at $7.94 could have been an error or yet another closeout myth. The Jawa has just posted a scan of the receipt backing up their news!!!

Click here to see proof of a 12″ Kaadu and Tarpals for almost the price of a regular 3 3/4″ figure!!!!

Star Wars for your Christmas Tree
June 23, 2001 | 7:52 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Yes, I know it’s not even July yet, but Christmas in July will be here soon, July 21 to be exact. Hallmark has unveiled their 2001 ornaments. You can see them here at Hallmark.com. This year’s line includes:

Regular size ornaments of Anakin (podracing) for $14.95; R2-D2 for $14.95; and the Naboo Royal Starship for $18.95. There is also a set of 3 miniature ornaments– naboo fighter, droid starfighter, and the trade federation droid control ship for $14.95.

If you want to add these to your collection, check with your local Hallmark, most will take a pre-order and reserve them for you for free so you can be out looking for figures, or sleeping in when they open at 9:00 AM

B-Wings Warp Into the Land Down Under
June 22, 2001 | 10:07 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Artoosnews.com is reporting that B-wings have started arriving at Australian On-line Stores warehouses from Hong Kong. With this in mind and the August time frame announced for US release, it looks like we should start seeing B-wings in the US before long.

12″ Tarpals and Kaadu Final Clearance Price — UPDATED
June 22, 2001 | 9:49 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

A number of Yak Readers have written in to say that they are finding the 12″ Tarpals and Kaadu on clearance, but at $34.90 and $30.90, which is the first markdown (from the $49.99 “full” price Target has had for the last month or so). Also, if you pick up a Tarpals and Kaadu, remember to keep your receipts– Target will adjust the price and refund the difference if they reduce an item again (and you request it) within 14 days of the original purchase.

Thanks to Chris from Atlanta, Phillip from St. Louis, and Brian. Keep the reports coming.

The Incurable Collector Star Wars Special
June 22, 2001 | 1:32 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

On July 1, 2001 at 12PM Eastern the show “The Incurable Collector” will be having an hour-long special on our favourite topic, collecting Star Wars toys, of course! This is on the A&E station, and times may differ from state to state, so check your local airtimes if you want to catch this show. Thanks to Will M. of Syracuse, NY for the tip!

Barnes & Noble Book Deals 
June 22, 2001 | 1:09 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Obi-Wan BRENTobi sends me an e-mail alert to let us all know that his brick-and-mortar Barnes & Noble has some excellent deals running on Star Wars books! This is what he picked up, and the prices;
STAR WARS: THE NEW REBELLION by Kristine Kathryn Rusch – $5.98
STAR WARS: VISIONS OF THE FUTURE by Timothy Zahn – $5.98
STAR WARS: INCREDIBLE CROSS-SECTIONS – $5.98
Great prices, considering that Cross-Sections book alone originally was more that what all 3 of these cost together now. Thanks for the tip, Obi-Wan BRENTobi!

Dave Prowse Getting Better
June 22, 2001 | 12:56 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Cinescape.com has this official press release posted about the condition and illness that struck Dave Prowse earlier this year. He seems to be doing better! It starts like this;

“Four months after debilitating, flu-like symptoms sent Dave Prowse to the hospital, he is finally well on the road to recovery. But the actor admits things were touch-and-go for awhile. “I was at death’s door,” Dave says of his initial hospitalization in February. But he also emphasized that at no time were his legs paralyzed, despite persistent rumors to the contrary.”

Click here to read the rest of this article.

Trek Expo 2001, Tulsa OK
June 22, 2001 | 12:51 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I know, I know, we’re not a Star Trek site! The only reason I mention this Expo is because Mr. Boba Fett himself is slated to be there! Yes, in Tulsa, OK from June 22-24, Jeremy Bulloch is going to be at this Trek convention. June 22 means it starts today, so check out Starbase21ok.com for more details and information on tickets if you’re interested in going. Thanks goes to Ron C. for the heads-up!

Ketwol Finds Target
June 22, 2001 | 12:44 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

A few reports have been making their way to me that the newest wave in the POTJ saga is now reaching Target stores here & there across the USA, in decent quantities. So, to coin a phrase, “…stay on Target!” Thanks to everyone who wrote to me about this!

Palm Talkers Detailed Pictures
June 22, 2001 | 12:40 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

CollectStarWars.com now has detailed scans of all five of the up and coming Hasbro Palm Talkers. These are due in July sometime, and will be followed by a sixth Palm Talker later this summer which is slated to be R2-D2.

New Army Builder Case Assortment Hitting Stores Now
June 22, 2001 | 8:59 AM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Artoosnews is reporting that a new case assortment is starting to hit across the country. The new assortment contains:

3 Gungan Warriors
3 Courscant Guards
2 K-3PO
2 Colonel Calamari
1 SeaSee Tinn
1 Amidala Courscant

With cases like this, the new half dirty Biker Scout and half Maul Apprentice, and the upcoming Rebel Trooper/Imperial Officer case it looks like Hasbro is listening to Collectors and releasing army builders in greater numbers.

Sci-Fi Expo & Toy Show in Shreveport, LA 
June 22, 2001 | 2:14 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Here’s the information for the last time! It’s just over a week away now! If any of our loyal Yakface readers are going, drop me a line by clicking here.

Sci-Fi Expo & Toy Show
June 30-July 01 Shreveport Expo Hall: Shreveport, LA
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 11am-4pm
Special Star Wars guests attending all weekend:
1) Michonne Bourriague – Aurra Sing.
2) Jeremy Bulloch – Boba Fett, and Imerial officer.
3) Peter Mayhew – Chewbacca.
4) Mike Quinn – Nien Numb, Sy Snootles, and lead puppeteer,
and introducing…
5) Alan Ruscoe* in his first US appearance.
*Alan Ruscoe played several characters in Episode I, including Jedi council member Plo Koon, Jabaa’s right hand man – Bib Fortuna, and the Nimodian Daultay Dofine. Alan has also finished work as Plo Koon in Episode II.. Help us welcome Alan to the good ol USA!

At the show be sure you check out the HASBRO booth. Hasbro is bringing a free limited edition exclusive Star Wars Commemorative pin only available at the Sci-Fi Expo in Shreveport! They will also be at hand to display their upcoming Star Wars toy line!

While you’re there, be sure to check out Ultrarama, N2Toys, Yestertoys, and over hundred other exhibit tables loaded with old and new collectibles. You can also play Decipher’s CCG games, hear our celebrity guests talk about their careers, grab soem free movie posters (while supplies last), and much more. For details check out:www.scifiexpo.com

General Madine Petition Goin’ Strong
June 22, 2001 | 1:58 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

If you missed my previous post, JediSith’s is holding a petition for a Hasbro remake of General Crix Madine. It’s an obvious figure that probably should be redone, and could hold some nice potential. I mean, what Rebel Conference Room is complete without him? They have over 80 on the petition, and it looks like they’re really going to try to push this one over the top. So, hop on over and check the petition out. It’s running until Dec.31st, 2001, so they just may get enough to grab Hasbro’s attention. Hey, it never hurts to try!

12″ Tarples and Kaadu Final Clearance Price
June 22, 2001 | 12:18 AM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

The Jawa is reporting that Atlanta Targets have reduced the 12″ Captain Tarples and Kaadu to $7.94– almost the price of a 3 3/4″ figure. Remember when a Target price ends in “4” that means that it has been lowered as far as it is going to go!!

If you find other Targets going to final clearance, or other levels of clearance on Captian Tarples, let us know.

New Force Taking Pre-Orders for Rebel Trooper, Snaggletooth, and X-Wing Luke Cases
June 22, 2001 | 12:05 AM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

New Force Comics is now taking preorders for the following cases:

84455 001 0:(1) Queen Amidala Travel, (1)Rebel Trooper, (1)Imperial Officer,(1) FX-7, (4)Snaggletooth, (4)Eeth Koth

84455 000 Z:(3) Queen Amidala Travel, (3)Rebel Trooper, (3)Imperial Officer, (3) FX-7

84445 000 U(4) Luke Skywalker X-Wing Gear, (3) Han Solo-Death Star Escape, (4) Darth Vader “Emperors Wrath”, (1)Sandtrooper

Click here to go to New Force Comics site. and be sure to tell them Yakface sent you.

POTJ at Rite Aid?!?
June 21, 2001 | 11:27 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Yes, that is what one person I got an e-mail from today is saying. Joseph C. writes;

“I went into a Rite Aid in Portland, Oregon about 3 weeks ago and found a Sandtrooper and an Aurra Sing and I thought it was a fluke. The next week they had Chewbacca Mechanic and Bespin Leia. This week was 3 Darth Maul Sith Apprentice. They are not getting whole cases…just 2 or 3 figures that trickle in. I have checked 3 other Rite Aids and they have had nothing but pegs full of 8D8’s. The bad news is that they cost $7.99, but it is better than the price of gas for finding nothing. The receipt rings up saying “HAS STAR WARS FIG ASST I” instead of the old “KEN STARWARS MILLENIUM
FI” that the 8D8’s ring up with.”

Great, and thanks for the info, Joe! Anything that helps us complete our ever-growing collections is good news.

Time to Go
June 21, 2001 | 7:53 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Well I knew this was coming. I’m afraid I have too much going on in my life anymore to continue updating here at Yakface.com. I’ve lost my desire to update and I have to push other things back just to make room. So I am now retiring from Yakface.com and from the world of SW news. It’s been a long ride but now it’s over and time to move on.
UPDATE: I do not run or own Yakface.com and it will be staying even though I am leaving.
UPDATE II: Brian, let me be the first to say, and I’m sure I speak for everyone, that you will be missed here at Yakface.com, and especially by me, John. I’ve been reading and enjoying your reports and posts, which were always done with utmost professionalism, since long before I, myself, was a reporter here. C’mon everyone, a large round of applause for Brian! “May the Force be with You!”
-John

Clone Wars?
June 21, 2001 | 3:44 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

No, this isn’t a spoiler, and it’s not about Hasbro, but The Force.net had this topic listed, and I had to check it out for all our readers.
Ben Kenobi spoke of the “Clone Wars” in Episode IV, but did any of us ever think that life would imitate art in this fashion? The article starts like this;

Leading British scientists called for an international ban on human cloning yesterday but said the moratorium should not stop scientific research into cloning for therapeutic reasons.
The Royal Society, an academy of top scientists, warned that the dangers of human cloning included the risk of creating severely handicapped individuals.
“We think that a ban on reproductive cloning would have public support and is currently justified on scientific grounds. It would also help to improve the public’s confidence in science”, Prof Richard Gardner of the Royal Society said in a statement.
Britain became the first country to propose laws banning human reproductive cloning in April, aiming to ease public concern about the new technology and fears scientists could create Frankenstein-type monsters or a genetic underclass.

Incredible! I know this is really out of context here at Yak, but an interesting story nonetheless, and it does have bearing to our Star Wars interests, it’s just mind-boggling. To check out the entire article, click here

Pre-Order Dengar, Zuckuss & Boushh!
June 21, 2001 | 12:32 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Entertainment Earth is offering Pre-order for the all-new Star Wars 12inch Bounty Hunter Assortment 2 (Item# 26482A, $139.99) featuring Dengar, Zuckuss and Princess Leia in Boushh Disguise! These new 12 inch Star Wars action figures are scheduled for release late this year. Order today!

Q&A Thursday
June 21, 2001 | 5:13 AM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

In the second and final update this week, With Every Question For Justice gets its typical ten question increase. If you have a question for the column, please don’t hesitate to send it on in!

Detailed scans of Ketwol wave
June 21, 2001 | 4:21 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Darth “Rob” Sinister from Sandtroopers.com has informed me that they have uploaded some very detailed scans of the Ketwol wave over at their site. Hop over and take a look if you haven’t found them yet… like me.

POTJ case confirmation
June 21, 2001 | 4:18 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Yea, it’s official. Hasbro has definitely heard the cries of the collectors and started shipping cases of 1/2 Darth Maul Sith Apprentice, and 1/2 Dirty Biker Scouts! Since I originally posted, I’ve been getting loads of mail from people around the country that this is indeed the truth. Again, that case assortment is;

6 Dirty Biker Scouts
6 Darth Maul Sith Apprentice

HOORAY! Score for our side!

News we can use
June 20, 2001 | 11:57 PM EST | Kurt | Talk About This Post

A lot of rumors have been floating around lately, as to the future of the Hasbro line. Any information or pictures you have would be greatly appreciated, so send them along with the sources that you received them from (so I can give credit where credit is due)
Thank you – kurt

Star Wars Galaxies 2
June 20, 2001 | 11:39 PM EST | Kurt | Talk About This Post

I have recieved a lot of mail concerning the beta test for SW Galaxies. To sign up for the beta you need to go tohttp://starwarsgalaxies.station.sony.com/ and then near the bottom of the page, there will be info about registering (for free) a game account. Follow the links/instructions there.

Yak Reader Diorama Section Added
June 20, 2001 | 9:56 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

We’ve added a Yak Reader diorama section to the Dioramas page. Click here to check it out!. If you would like to see your dioramas posted on Yak, send them to us at Bill@Yakface.com and we’ll post them!!

Check in tomorrow for an update to the dioramas page, including a 3 3/4″ scale Jabba’s Sail Barge at the Sarlac Pit.

Star Wars Galaxies On-Line?
June 20, 2001 | 9:15 PM EST | Kurt | Talk About This Post

The new Star Wars RPG is now in Beta Testing, so if you haven’t already, go to the link below to sign up for play testing. Star Wars Galaxies On-Line

Mr. Lando goes to Cleveland
June 20, 2001 | 9:11 PM EST | Kurt | Talk About This Post

At long last the Lando wave has hit Cleveland. It has been sited at K-mart, Target and K-B Toys across North-East Ohio

Odd POTJ case assortment…
June 20, 2001 | 1:56 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Harry P. writes to tell us this;
“Yesterday, June 19th, my local store had just opened a case of SW figrues and had dumped them in a cart. But to my surprise, these assortment was six Darth Maul Sith Apprentice and six dirty scoutroopers, no other new figures. Maybe Hasbro is listening to us about the shortpacked figured.”
I wonder which store it was, in fact? Well, maybe you’re right, Harry. Is anyone else seeing this? If they are listening to us, that kind of assortment would make sense. Sith Apprentice was hard to find, and Biker Scouts are army builders. More on this as we get it…

Episode I DVD sleeve picture 
June 20, 2001 | 1:52 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

For all of us who have preordered this thing now, I’ll bet you’ll want to know what it looks like, right? Click here to view the actual sleeve of The Phantom Menace DVD. Nice artwork! Thanks go to Jeremy C. for sending it to us!

Amazon offers Episode I DVD preorder!
June 20, 2001 | 2:48 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

If you’d like to preorder The Phantom Menace in all it’s upcoming DVD glory, click here. Not only will you be able to preorder this cool item, but also get it at a savings of 23%!
UPDATE – DVD Empire also has this for preorder, and for only $20.99! Thanks to everyone who wrote in about it.
UPDATE II – It seems that Deep Discount DVD has them all beat so far! They’re charging, for preorder, $21.96, but thatincludes shipping! Thanks again to all those who wrote in about it!

What is the deal with the 12″ Tarpals?!?
June 20, 2001 | 2:34 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I’m getting e-mail recently from all over the USA about this crazy item. Some are saying it’s been marked back up to its’ original price, some are saying it’s been marked back down to the $35 price range, and I even had one person write to say it’s been marked down to around $15. Go figure! I guess it’s up to the discresion of the general manager of the department. So keep your eyes open, and my advice is, if you want it and see it at the $35 price range, grab it. That sounds about as good as it’s going to get, being realistic.

Maulrats.com has great figure giveaway!
June 19, 2001 | 11:52 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Maulrats.com has gotten a new look, and they’re so proud of it that they’re holding a giveaway for a free Ellorrs Madak and Ketwol! Stop on over to check out their great work on the site, and to check out the details for the free figures!

Star Wars OKC Collector’s Club
June 19, 2001 | 11:44 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

“xwing25” writes to me today to have me let you know that the Star Wars collecting club in Oklahoma city has a name now, they are known as the “Jedi OKC Collectors Club”. Even more, they now have a website you can go to and check out by clicking here! They are currently looking to increase their ranks of collectors, so if you’re in their area, check out the page and contact them, or write to xwing25@aol.com for more information.

Star Wars Metallic Sculptures 
June 19, 2001 | 7:09 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

The set of Star Wars Metallic Sculptures (Item# CGSW004A, $3,499.99) at
Entertainment Earth features four museum quality sculptures of Classic Star Wars characters. Includes Darth Vader, Boba Fett, R2-D2, and C-3PO — each sculpture stands between 2 and 3 feet tall and weighs between 25 and 40 lbs!

Episode I DVD… FINALLY!
June 19, 2001 | 11:48 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Okay folks, she’s on her way now! This morning, StarWars.com officially announced the release of The Phantom Menace on DVD on October 16, 2001! The DVD will boast the following;
– The Phantom Menace, mastered by THX for superior sound and picture quality, presented in Anamorphic Widescreen and Dolby 5.1 Surround EX (English), Dolby 2.0 Surround (English and Spanish), and Dolby 2.0 Surround (French, for Canadian release).
– Audio commentary by Writer-Director George Lucas; Producer Rick McCallum; Co-Editor and Sound Designer Ben Burtt; Visual Effects Supervisors Scott Squires, John Knoll and Dennis Muren; and Animation Supervisor Rob Coleman, offering personal insights into the making of the film.
– Seven never-before-seen deleted scenes with full visual effects completed just for the DVD release.
– “The Beginning” — an all-new hour-long documentary culled from over 600 hours of footage offering unprecedented access inside Lucasfilm and ILM during the making of Episode I.
– Multi-angle storyboard to animatic to finished film feature, that lets you flip through the various phases of development of key action sequences.
– Five behind-the-scenes featurettes exploring The Phantom Menace’s storyline, designs, costumes, visual effects and fight scenes
The popular “Duel of the Fates” music video that debuted in 1999
– All 12 parts of the Lynne’s Diaries, the web documentaries that first appeared at starwars.com.
– Galleries of theatrical posters, print campaign, and never before scene production photos.
– Downloaded by millions from starwars.com, the original theatrical teaser and launch trailers, plus seven TV spots including the “tone poems”.

Q&A Returns
June 19, 2001 | 4:41 AM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

With Every Question For Justice, our Q&A column, is scheduled for two updates this week– this one and another to be posted on Thursday. Next week will see the normal thrice-weekly updates.

Re-Edited Empire Strikes Back?!?
June 19, 2001 | 3:14 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I really hope these guys are kidding. For a good laugh, head over to this article at Cinescape.com. Someone has written into the fine people at Cinescape with this laughable story about how one of their friends “edited” The Empire Strikes Back, not unlike all the hype over the Phantom Edit’s. It’s kind of a humor-relief… I HOPE

Interview with Rouge Squadron II director
June 19, 2001 | 12:44 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Waiting with bated breath for the new Gamecube game “Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II”? Well, to whet your appetite a bit more, Nintendoweb.com has an interview with Mr.Brett Tosti, the man responsible for directing the whole game, and all the action! The interview also delves into some of the juicy specifics of the game itself. Great stuff! Click here to check out this informative talk.

New POTJ Figure Review!
June 18, 2001 | 11:51 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Now that we can see the figures over at TheJawa.com here are some comments on these very tasty images of the last five figures that will be released in 2001, and the 12″ scale Target Luke & Speeder Bike exclusive! They, again, will include;
Darth Vader – Emperor’s Wrath
This figure appears to have a tranclucent head that you can see his skull image through. Maybe I’m just seeing things, but it looks great. Nice sculpt as well!
Luke – X-Wing Pilot
Nice overall looking figure! Seems more proportioned and a better pose than the original. Will probably be a peg-warmer from overdistribution of a core charachter, unfortunately.
Han – Death Star Escape
Another nice job. Nice pose, great sculpt, but probably another peg-warmer.
Shmi Skywalker
Looks great! Seems to be modeled after the scene that she tells Anakin, “Don’t look back…” This is one I’m really looking forward to, and has been a long time coming. What is that little accessory she has next to her?
Obi-Wan – Jedi Training Gear
This sucker deserves merit. I wish, if they’re going to do Expanded Universe stuff, they’d do a charachter that’s never been done, but hey, anything is something. I like the sculpt, and the suit compliments the respective Qui-Gon counterpart. This will make a nice display piece. People are saying that he comes with a helmet, but isn’t that a remote sitting there?
12″ Luke Endor with Speeder Bike
Okay. It’s Luke. He’s wearing a Poncho. He comes with a Speeder Bike. Period. Taking for granted that, with their horrible track record, that you’ll actually find this thing at Target with nasty ol’ Mr. Scalpy Scalperton sleeping in his car waiting for the door to the store to open so he can fly in to nab all of these things for his daily e-Bay listing and porn hunt…. Sorry, I get a little worked up about scalpers, and scalper bait such as this. The only benefit to this exclusive is, it’ll look nice next to the Han/Trench 12″. To me, it looks nice, but not worth shelling out $50 for the same bike we got last year with a redressed Luke.

New POTJ Pics– 12″ Luke Speeder, Han Death Star Escape, Vader Emperor’s Wrath…
June 18, 2001 | 11:38 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

You read that right. Team Jawa has come up with some photos of the upcoming Power of the Jedi released including Target’s exclusive 12″ Luke Speeder Bike, and 3 3/4″ Shimi, Vader Emperor’s Wrath, Shimi, Another EU Obi Wan (Jedi Training), and more. Click here to see them!!!

Fan Club 4 to TRU?
June 18, 2001 | 5:28 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Collectstarwars is reporting that the Fan Club 4 figures will be showing up in solid cases on sale for $1.97 a figure at TRU.

Episode II Toy Trademarks
June 18, 2001 | 12:54 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

“J.Mike H.” sends me this interesting information this afternoon;
“Hey guys. Prompted by the post earlier today where someone dug up an abandoned trademark application for some new Episode II products, I checked the Saegis online trademark database operated by Thomson & Thomson (to which my firm has a subscription) and turned up a bunch of stuff. Lucas always files TM applications for his character names. The trick is to search under “Lucasfilm” as the owner name, not “Hasbro,” because Lucas licenses the names to the toy companies to use after registering them. Anyway, here are the pending trademarks I turned up (none of which are registered because all the names must be used in commerce first in order to merit registration – plus, just because the applications have been filed, doesn’t mean any of these are actual names – he may just be stockpiling possible names). Anyway, cheers and enjoy!

Dirty Troopers Showing Up All Over
June 18, 2001 | 12:03 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I’ve had several reports that the Scout Trooper with the new dirt-detailing are showing up all around the country in limited numbers, but they are finally showing up. I think this ploy from Hasbro to only make 5 more figures by year end is to actually put them on the shelves to make them more readily available to the general market instead of tossing out 17 more, and having them be so scarcely distributed that all the kids and collectors complain that they can’t find them all. So keep looking for the new Ketwol wave and whatever else you need from the past year. With the cycling of the case assortments, eventually you’ll find what you’re after.

Santroopers.com Giveaway!
June 17, 2001 | 6:15 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Sandtroopers.com is pleased to announce the following giveaways.
1 EPISODE 1 12″ Boss Nass. Winner will be announced on June 23.
Also, we are giving away 2 Ultaramas per month courtesy of Ultarama.
Registering is easy. Just visit Sandtroopers.com and click on the respective links. Good Luck!!

Ultarama Midnight Deadline
June 17, 2001 | 11:57 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

If you have not ordered one of these yet, trust ol’ John here, do it! These are just the absolute best displays on the market, and are very reminicent of the old Death Star playset, amongst other vintage Star Wars playsets.
My point? Well, Ultarama.com, the makers of these fine displays, have been offering a deal where you will get FREE SHIPPING on all CU orders from June 11 through June 17! The practical upshot? Well, from my posting time right now, you basically only have 12 hours to take advantage of this great deal!
When I first purchased mine, I thought I was taking a chance, but when the thing arrived, I honestly don’t think I was ever so impressed with quality for the price I paid as I was with this thing, and I even paid my own shipping! So click here to hop over there now and grab one of these!

More detailed B-Wing MIB pics
June 17, 2001 | 11:04 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Over at e-Bay someone has a boxed B-Wing up for sale. This is the same one that will be available as a Target exclusive in the third-quarter of this year, and retail for about $35. For images of this fine toy, along with the pilot, click here

Episode II toy descriptions
June 17, 2001 | 10:58 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Jedinet.com has a listing of possible descriptions from that list of Episode II toys posted earlier this week. WARNING – This list is FILLED with SPOILERS!!! Click here for a direct link to the list, and don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Realscan Technology/Episode II Figure
June 17, 2001 | 10:51 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Fimforce.IGN has posted an image of a certain charachter from Episode II! Yes folks, this is our first glimpse of a “charachter” from the toy-line that’ll be sitting on our shelves in a little under a year. Myself, I am flabberghasted by how incredibly lifelike this thing looks, it has to be seen to be believed. I will not post who this is for spoiler reasons, but I will mention that it’s a “bounty hunter”. Credit goes to TheForce.net for being the first to dig this story up.

Store Reports Contest III
June 17, 2001 | 12:49 AM EST | Brandon | Talk About This Post

Hey there fellow Yakface.com viewers. It’s that time once again to have yet another fun and easy to win Store Reports Contest! Sponsored by non other than KEBCoToys.com! As you may not know these contest have been doing very well with over 100’s of reports/entries being sent in! You guys are really keeping me busy! This time around we are gonna do something a little different! LOL! This time we are going to give away prizes to two winners! One lucky Store Reporter will win a POTJ Bespin Leia & POTJ Chewie Mechanic, while another will win a POTJ Aura Sing & POTJ Darth Maul Sith Apprentice W/ Armor! Talk about cool huh! KEBCoToys.com has been so friendly and generous to us so we all need to make sure to thank them! So visit their site! I will post later this week with some cool specials they will have and some new stuff coming in that Yak-ers will have a hopefull first crack at getting! The Contest will begin starting with entries recieved as of Saturday, June 16th and end with the last qualified entries being recieved on Saturday, June 30th! Any person who submits a store report is automatically entered to win one of the cool sets! So get those Store Reports sent in today. And please don’t forget to visit our sponsor, the very friendly and gernerousKebCoToys.com!

UPDATE Please make sure when sending in entries that you try to send them in the standard format:
City, State
What You Found
Where Found
Submitted By First Name then Last Name initial (or nickname)
Thanks! This just helps me to post the reports faster and ensures entries are legitimate.

Ketwol showing up at Wal-Mart
June 16, 2001 | 9:54 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Bob writes in with a picture as well, to say he has found the Ketwol wave at a Wal-Mart near him in Ohio. So if you still need the wave you might want to start looking at Wal-Mart as well.

Free Giveaway
June 16, 2001 | 11:35 AM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Pegwarmer is giving away a Commtech Stormtrooper and a POTJ Han Bespin again this week.

New 12″ Wave Pics
June 16, 2001 | 11:19 AM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

KBkids.com has boxed images of the new 12″ DS Trooper wave. Also, they are taking preorders for the figures as well but they are expensive. See the images by clicking the following links:
DS Droid
DS Trooper
Han (Stormtrooper).

One more to go for 2001???
June 15, 2001 | 9:13 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Starwars.com has posted an article that the next wave of 3 3/4″ figures, is the FINAL WAVE for 2001, is slated for around September and will include:
Shmi Skywalker
Luke Skywalker (X-wing) – anticipated version of the young hero
Han Solo (Death Star Escape) – brand new head sculpt with greater movie-accurate likeness
Darth Vader (Emperor’s Wrath) – recreating the effects of the Emperor’s force-lightning
Obi-Wan Kenobi (Jedi Armor) – the Padawan in training based on Episode I concept art

Does this mean the Imperial Officer, FX-7 and Rebel Fleet Trooper won’t make it out this year or is Hasbro just pulling our leg? Having no new product for Christmas seems really odd.

Update on EE Sale
June 15, 2001 | 7:20 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

EE has selected over thirty pallets of merchandise from a wide variety of manufacturers for this exciting day. New, mint and not-mint items will be available. Cash and credit cards accepted (no personal checks). Various quantity limits on each item do apply (see details tomorrow). Please no lineups prior to 8am. The event will be held in our warehouse and parking lot near our loading door.
Saturday, June 16, 2001
10:00 AM ­ 5:00 PM
Entertainment Earth
12730 Raymer Street, Suite #1
North Hollywood, California 91605

Bubbles for sale
June 15, 2001 | 1:10 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I don’t know about all of our readers, but alot of us are really into the figure cusomizing game. The problem? I know when I customize a card, especially putting a post 1995 figure on a custom vintage card, I hate that I always had to use a post 1995 blister-bubble, and not an original style bubble. Not any more! TJ’s Toys has custom molds of original styled bubbles for all your Star Wars customizing needs! Man, what will they think of next? Custom POTF84/85 coins? Hey, we can dream….

Vintage Kenner Commercials For Download!
June 15, 2001 | 1:03 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

CollectStarWars.com has a link posted to a certain page, Konas2002, who just happens to have some really nifty old vintage Star Wars commercials encoded in .avi format! What a memory jog to those of us, (ahem), who actually remember these. I’m feeling older and older… click here to hop over to Konas2002 to download these awesome pieces of toy-history!

Hasbro’s late 2001/early 2002 product list!
June 15, 2001 | 12:44 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Adam, from over at TradeFederation.net writes to me this morning with this incredible information. It seems thatNewForceComics.com has confirmed this official Hasbro price list for late 2001/early 2002, and this includes alot of the new Episode II toys! Below is a list of what is to come. Sincere thanks goes to Adam for alerting and providing us with this information, and thanks to NewForceComics.com for scouting this out! And, while you’re at it, head over and check out TradeFederation.net! Some good news there! On to the list;

Episode II Preview Figure Assortment
5 figures are listed as TBD (to be determined).
No release date or specifics at this time.
Figures will retail for $5.99 -$7.99.

25th Anniversary Celebration Multi-Pack Assortment
Lists 3 sets:
Luke and Leia
Han and Chewie
Obi Wan and Darth Vader
Retail price will be $12.99-14.99 each.

12″ Bounty Hunter II Assortment
Dengar
Zuckuss
Leia Boush
Retail price will be $19.99-$24.99

Episode II Basic Figures Assortment
Collection 1 lists 13 TBD UPCs
Collection 2 lists 13 TBD UPCs
$5.99-$7.99 retail.

Deluxe Figure Assortment
4 TBD UPCs
$9.99 to $11.99 retail.

Attack Beast Assortment
2 TBD UPCs
$14.99-$17.99 retail.

Gen-Y figure Assortment
4 TBD UPCs
$14.99 retail.

Electronic Super Figure Assortment
2 TBD UPCs
$29.99-$34.99 retail.

2 Episode II 12″ Figure Assortments
Each with 3 TBD UPCs
$19.99-$24.99 retail.

12″ Ultimate Villian Figure Assortment
$39.99-$49.99 retail.

Episode II Vehicles
Speeder Vehicle figure Assortment
2 TBD UPCs
$14.99 retail
Star Fighter $19.99-$24.99 retail.
Villian Vehicle $24.99-$29.99 retail.
Republic Ship $39.99 retail.

Episode II Role Play
Basic Lightsaber assortment…$7.99-$9.99
Green Lightsaber
Blue Lightsaber
Red Lightsaber
Purple Lightsaber

Electronic Lightsaber Assortment
3 TBD UPCs
$19.99-$24.99 retail.

Jedi RolePlay Set Assortment
2 TBD UPCs
$19.99-$24.99

3.75″ Arena Playset
$14.99-$34.99 retail.

Episode II Interactive
My own Robot
$59.99-$89.99 retail.

As always, don’t take this as “etched in stone”. All items are subject to change. But this is a pretty good idea of what we can expect. There are no spoilers present above, I was careful of that. Also, please don’t e-mail me asking what this is, and what that is, because I honestly don’t know either. You guys are seeing this the same as I am. All I know is what’s listed above. So, enjoy!

Phantom Editing gets Lucas’ attention
June 15, 2001 | 12:02 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Another article, this time being one of contradiction from the last that stated Lucas didn’t mind most activities involving Star Wars, as long as no one was making money on it, has now seemed to change;
“Fans who think Lucasfilm has an easy-going attitude about copyright infringement are about to get a rude awakening. Since the existence of two new, unauthorized re-edited versions of George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace were made widely public last week, fans from around the world have been clamoring to get their hands on a copy.”
For more on this story, visit Zap2it.com.

Problems with NGToys? Part 2
June 15, 2001 | 11:52 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Well, in the past 3 days or so I’ve received about 70 e-mails about NGToys.com, not one in the positive, all saying basically the same thing. One person even claims that upon pre-ordering a certain item, that they were billed immediately for the $600+, and never, to date, received anything in the mail. I sent this company an e-mail describing our vexations, and in response a bulk letter was sent to all NGToys customers. The e-mail stated that you could get a refund if you so request, or if you’re patient, (something I think alot of us are wearing thin upon), you can wait for the replacement windups to arrive and then you will be refunded for whatever shipping you paid initially & get a free extra windup of your choice.
I hate to be negative about this, but I will believe this when I see it. Everyone that has written to me, please keep in contact. I am giving this about 2 to 3 weeks to straighten out, then, if nothing else occurs to “right” this situation, I will take further action.

12″ Dewback finally dropping?
June 14, 2001 | 10:03 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Mike from Dallas writes in to say he just picked up the Toys R Us 12 inch Dewback/Stormtrooper set and it was marked down to 29.99. This could just be a local event. Has anyone else found the 12″ Dewback at this price?

Ketwol’s Transformation into Melas
June 14, 2001 | 9:54 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Most fans are aware that Lucas turned Ketwol’s mask around to make another character… Melas.
Here is the plastic Ketwol’s appearance as Melas (softgoods).

Click here to see Melas in more detail!!!

Episode One DVD to be Announced Soon?
June 14, 2001 | 8:37 PM EST | Tim | Talk About This Post

Checking out my fave dvd site, The Digital Bits, and their Rumor Mill makes note that FOX might be announcing the long awaited dvd next week at a retailers conference. While I typically stay away from rumor, their page has an uncanny track record of being on the mark – so stay tuned . . .

Vader Palm Talker
June 14, 2001 | 5:55 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

SWkids.com feature this week is a nice close up picture of the Vader Palm Talker.

New Marmit Trooper Pics
June 14, 2001 | 5:48 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Marmit has released two new pictures of the white pauldron Sandtrooper.

12″ Max Rebo Band in 2002?
June 14, 2001 | 5:39 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

CollectStarWars and 4-inches are reporting that a 12″ Max Rebo Band is planned for 2002. The assortment will include 3 figures: Max Rebo and two others.

Also, several release dates for products upcoming this year.
“Crashed” Snowspeeder and TIE-Bomber – December
AT-ST – end of January
12″ Luke Endor and Speederbike – August

“Wizard World Convention 2001” in Chicago, Illinois
June 14, 2001 | 12:33 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

AUGUST 17-19, 2001
At the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Advance Tickets Available April 15, 2001
SHOW SCHEDULE:
Friday – 8/17 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday – 8/18 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday 8/19 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Guests include; David Prowse – Darth Vader (a possible cancel),
Kenny Baker – R2D2, Peter Mayhew – Chewbacca, Phil Brown – Uncle Owen
Advance Ticket holders get in on Saturday/Sunday at 9:30 am
For more information, click here.

Just a quickie…
June 14, 2001 | 12:27 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Ok, no big news here, just for a chuckle, click here. Thanks for the link, Jim R.!

12″ Tarpals/Kaadu on the rise?
June 14, 2001 | 12:24 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I got this slightly disturbing letter from “maul_sb”;
“I stopped by Target today to see if they had finally marked down the Captain Tarpals and Kaadu 12″ set. I left the store dissappointed, because the sets were actually marked up from $41.90 to $49.99. That’s right, a price increase!”
Hmmmm, you’d think they’d want to actually clear the shelves for the impending exclusives. Is this an isolated incident, or going on across the country?
UPDATE – This seems to be a nationwide trend! I’ve had several e-mails from all the corners of the country, all telling me that this 12″ exclusive has, in fact, been jacked up in price to the $49.99 price point.

Dirty Biker Scout in Stock
June 13, 2001 | 7:20 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Entertainment Earth just received a new shipment of Star Wars Power of

SW POTJ Collection 1 (Wave 9) (Item# 84445D, $89.99)

Includes 1x Dirty Scout Trooper – Imperial Patrol (Biker Scout), 2x Darth Maul Sith Apprentice, 3x Chewbacca Mechanic, 2x Aurra Sing, 2x Leia Bespin, 1x Han Solo Bespin , 1x Battle Droid Boomer Damage (Subject to change.)

Win the Sandtrooper Wave
June 13, 2001 | 5:25 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Thejawa.com is holding a giveaway for the entire sandtrooper wave. Hurry and go sign up.

Problems with NGToys?
June 13, 2001 | 1:32 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Just wondering if anyone else out there has been having the problems I’ve been having with NGToys.com? I had ordered those wind-ups from them a couple months back, it took them forever to send the order although they had instant payment from me, then it was incomplete and damaged. I wrote to them, got a promise of replacement and completion of the order in cryptic responses, and now they won’t answer my e-mail. Has anyone else had this sort of experience with these folks? I’d rather, at the moment, think it was something else wrong other than me getting stiffed by these guys. If anyone else has had a similar experience, e-mail me. I hate to post anything negatory, but I don’t want any of our Yak-readers getting taken if that is, in fact what’s happening.

ANH 25th Anniversary Sets!
June 13, 2001 | 12:49 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

The Private Universe was actually the first to have this up this morning, but “Qui-Gon Paul” sends me this image of the new 25th Anniversary Star Wars Action Figure 2-Pack Cinema Scene. As you’ll be able to see, it is the scene when Luke takes a swing across the Death Star chasm with Leia. Nice classic look to the packaging as well, but it’ll probably change as this is just a prototype for publicity. Click here to see this nice little item! Also scheduled are a Han/Chewie and Vader/Kenobi set. Thanks goes to “Qui-Gon Paul” for sending the pic!

Sci-Fi Expo & Toy Show, Grapevine, TX
June 13, 2001 | 12:45 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Ben S. writes with this information;
Sci-Fi Expo & Toy Show June 15-16, Grapevine Convention Center:Grapevine, TX
Friday Sneak Peek 2pm-7pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Special Star Wars guests:
Shannon Baksa – Mara Jade
Jeremy Bulloch – Boba Fett
Peter Mayhew – Chewbacca
Mike Quinn – Nien Numb (Saturday only)
At the show be sure you register for our post convention party at GAMEWORKS. Gameworks, our newest sponsor, promises lots of fun for Expo attendees. Planned activities include chances to race Boba-Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch, and Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew on Gameworks $20,000 all new Star Wars Episode I Pod Racer arcade game! Other fun stuff includes a special photo opportunity with the celebrities, discounted game cards, prizes and much more! For all the details check out http://www.scifiexpo.com and make sure you attend the Grapevine Sci-Fi Expo just 3 minutes from the Dallas / Fort
Worth airport!

Madine Petition
June 13, 2001 | 12:41 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

“David” writes this morning to let me know that there’s a petition started on his page for a remake of a General Crix Madine figure.
Click here to go check it out. Once you get to this page, “David” instructs you to “click on flashing words link”. Thanks for the information, “David”!

Store Reports Contest II Winner
June 12, 2001 | 11:37 PM EST | Brandon | Talk About This Post

Congratulations go out to Ryan Spires of Dubuque, Iowa. Our second winner of our Store Reports Contest II. If Ryan could please e-mail me with his address so our Contest Sponsor, KebCoToys can get that nice 12inch Darth Maul / Darth Vader Set out to you A.S.A.P.! Please look for information this weekend on our next 2-Week Store Reports Contest! It will be our third and definetly not our last! Have A Great Star-Wars Filled Week and check back this weekend for more Store Reports news!

Looking For A Close Up Of A Duros?
June 12, 2001 | 8:33 PM EST | Mark | Talk About This Post

Here is the latest image added to the toyguide. Duros – Ellorrs Madak

New TIE Interceptor Pics
June 12, 2001 | 5:25 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Collectstarwars has posted several new pictures of the TIE Interceptor boxed. The TIE now looks more like the pictures from the Official Site and is much darker than in earlier pictures.

Episode II FAN-MADE teaser trailer
June 12, 2001 | 12:28 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Over at TheForce.net they now have a new “fan-made” trailer available for download. Just to squelch rumors before they start, this is not an official release! This is fan-made, which means that one of us crazy Star Wars fans created this. I know I sound like I’m speaking like a kindergarten teacher, but a few people had a hard time grasping this fact last time around with the Episode II fan-made trailer some months back. It is in Quicktime format, and goes about 2.4 megs.Click here to download and enjoy this neat little item!

Conflicting Episode II Preview Figure News
June 12, 2001 | 12:19 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Rebelscum.com is reporting this morning that, after a talk with Hasbro, there will be no Episode II preview figures in the fourth-quarter of 2001. This conflicts with the report that CollectStarWars.com had posted yesterday, (news that was originally posted by American Dream Comics). Anybody want to chime in here? Any news that can be backed up with proof would be appreciated. We, as Star Wars fans, should really get to the bottom of this.

Bespin Gaurd missing?
June 12, 2001 | 12:03 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Todd R. writes today to give me this distressing news;

“At Kmart today (Chantilly, VA) – I saw a stock person opening a case of the Ketwol wave. Odd thing about this case is, there were no Bespin Guards. Otherwise, 4 of each of Ketwol, Duro, and Sabe.”

This may just be a fluke error. If it’s not there’s going to be alot of flipped-off fans out there, but I wouldn’t start getting too upset just yet. Maybe this is Hasbro’s way of saying “See, you should’ve ordered a Carbon Freeze Chamber when you had the chance!” 8^)

Don’t pay a scalper for Maul!
June 12, 2001 | 11:56 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Just got a note from Bruce M. of Orlando, FL. He tells me that the newest case breakdown for the collection 1 figures is now starting to include 4 Darth Maul-Sith Apprentices. Here is another case of “patience pays”. Thanks Bruce!

Episode II Preview Figures!
June 12, 2001 | 2:58 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

CollectStarWars.com has confirmed that there will, in fact, be 4 Episode II preview figures as exclusives through TRU. Also showing up in the computers are a preview vehicle and a preview 12″ figure. For the entire scoop, hop on over to their page. Sounds good to this collector! Count Dooku, anyone?

New POTJ Ketwol wave detailed scan
June 11, 2001 | 11:57 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

“Obi-Wan BRENTobi” sends this incredibly up close scan of the newest wave of POTJ figures; The Ketwol wave. Click here to see this detailed image of these great figures! I can’t WAIT to find these guys, (and gal), in my local K-Mart. Thanks to “Obi-Wan BRENTobi” for the scan.

POTF2 Tatooine Skiff Give-away!
June 11, 2001 | 10:01 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

The Tatoone Trader is sponsoring another GREAT giveaway. This time, We are giving away a C9 MISB TATOOINE SKIFF! Head on over to The Tatoone Trader for details on how to enter!

CBS will air “100 Most Thrilling Movies”
June 11, 2001 | 1:11 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

CBS is holding a poll over at their site as to which are the 100 most thrilling movies of all time. Star Wars – A New Hope is on the list, as is TESB, and ROTJ. The Phantom Menace is missing from the list. I would have at least thought it’d be in the running for the EXCELLENT lightsaber battle, but I digress…
So click here, head over, and vote! Let’s see if we can shoot one of the films to number one! CBS will air their tally in a 3-hour special called “AFI’s 100 YEARS…100 THRILLS” on Tuesday June 12 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. where the countdown of the 100 most thrilling movies will be revealed.

Different “details” are surfacing
June 11, 2001 | 1:00 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Okay, folks. I think I know what Hasbro’s up to. It’s very odd that we, here at Yakface, keep getting reports that there are differences in the current figures, mainly between the .0300 and .0400 series. So far, I’ve had reports on the Biker Scout, (this was announced and expected), the Cold Weather Obi-Wan, and now Aurra Sing, being repainted slightly to give an overall “dirty” appearance. Is this to continue? Are there any more figures out there that are appearing in stores that are of the .0400 series that are detailed differently? Can anyone send side-by-side scans? I’m starting to see Hasbro’s way of thinking of “sell more copies of the same tooled figure”. Brilliant from a marketing point of view, but expensive for variation hunters.

Sandtroopers.com Giveaway!
June 10, 2001 | 11:56 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Darth “Rob” Sinister from over at Sandtroopers.com writes to me today to tell me that they’re holding a give-away for aJabba The Hutt with the 2-headed announcer on June 16th. All you have to do is head over there and click on the link to register for this cool elusive item. So, what are you waiting for? Get over there and start a’pointin’ & clickin’!

Free Shipping On Ultaramas… Just In Time To Display Your New Figures 
June 10, 2001 | 9:55 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Now is your chance to get the Ultarama with backgrounds and get free shipping. Perfect timing with the Ketwol wave hitting.

Mort from Ultarama writes:

Ultarama Celebrates Xizor’s View 100 on TheForce.Net, Saves Collectors Cash On Totally New Scenes With Free Shipping On All CU Orders From June 11th Through June 17th!

EDISON, NJ–June 11, 2001—We are proud and excited to help TheForce.Net celebrate Xizor’s View 100. As they have helped all of us get our daily dose of Star Wars and enriched our collecting experience, we want to show our appreciation by offering free shipping in the Continental U.S. on all CU Ultaramas purchased from June 11th through June 17th! Just tell us Xizor sent ya!

The Ultarama is a complete action figure display system that is both flexible and customizable. With the use of the Ultarama’s molded plastic platforms that contain 80 pre-molded peg holes and its proprietary pegging system, collectors can display their collections in three totally unique ways: stacked two levels high in the shape of a semicircle, clipped back-to-back in the shape of a circle, or configured as two separate and complete one level displays. With the purchase of additional Ultaramas, collectors can build their display many stories high! The Ultarama also includes four unique 8 X 10 background scenes, 48 pegs for 3 3/4″ figures, and 24 pegs for 6″ figures. The 6″ pegs also fit most 4 3/4″ figures and most vintage 3 3/4″ figures.

The Ultarama is available for immediate shipping and can be ordered from the Ultarama web site at www.ultarama.comor by calling toll free at 1-888-269-4386.

Collectible Display Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of proprietary display systems that provide visually enhancing environments for displaying collectible action figures. Both internationally and in the U.S., its fully patented and modularly designed Ultarama action figure display system provides the highest quality display experience in the world. For additional information, please visit the Ultarama web site at www.ultarama.com .

More variation Information
June 10, 2001 | 9:53 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

It seems there is another difference between the .0300 Cold Weather Obi- Wan and the .0400 version. The backpack and helmet are ‘clean’ on the .0300 version and ‘dirty’ on the .0400 version.
Also, on the new Kewtol figure the force file reads “KEWTOL” and the sku sticker reads “KEWTAL”.
Thanks Starwolves and Marc for the news.

Still need a Fambaa?
June 10, 2001 | 10:32 AM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

FAOSchwartz now has the Fambaa for $37.50, if you still need one now would be a good time to pick one up. Thanks to JDV for the news.

Ultarama Space Station Diorama Photos Updated
June 9, 2001 | 9:47 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Mort from Ultarama has produced some awsome dioramas using the new Ultarama spacestation backdrops. Click hereto see the newest photos. Notice that these are designed so that you can create open doors from one hallway to the other. To order Ultaramas and/or backdrops Click here and be sure to tell them Yakface sent you.

UPDATE: We have added even more photos Click here to see them.

2 Days Left
June 9, 2001 | 5:06 PM EST | Brandon | Talk About This Post

You guys have just 2 days left to get in those store reports! Remember only one lucky reporter will get the very cool 12inch Darth Maul / Darth Vader 2 Pack! So get them in now! Thanks to KEBCoToys.com for being our proud Store Reports Contest sponsor. The contest will end next Monday, June 11th at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard time! Every store report submitted and posted gives you a chance to win! Please don’t forget to visit our sponsor, KebCoToys.com!

Ep II at TRU in Dec
June 9, 2001 | 10:25 AM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

American Dream Comics is reporting that in December 2001 at TRU there will be four exclusive Ep II preview figures with a SKN of 127623.

Obi-Wan Cold Weather Gear .0300/.0400 difference 
June 9, 2001 | 12:22 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Yea, it’s that old Force File error thing again. “Jedimastereric” writes with this information;

“During my last toy run, (this morning), I noticed a variation on the Obi-Wan cold weather gear figure. It seems that the Force File has a slight change to it. On the new .0400 cardback, Hasbro has increased the size of his head and less of the background can be seen than on the .0300 version. It is a small variation but very noticable.”

Thanks for the information, “Jedimastereric”.

Loose Dirty Scout Trooper Pics!
June 8, 2001 | 11:59 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Darth-Sinister-(A.K.A. Rob)-writes to me today to let me know that they’ve got some good pics of the “Dirty” Scout Trooper, that’s now showing up in the newest case assortment, loose for closer inspection. The pics are located in their PM section (in other words “Evening Edition”) of their newspage. Click here to hyperspace on over to their great page and take a gander! Thanks Rob, for the info!

New Ultarama Backdrop Photos
June 8, 2001 | 10:31 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

Mort from Ultarama has produced some awsome dioramas using the new Ultarama spacestation backdrops. Click hereto see the newest photos. Notice that these are designed so that you can create open doors from one hallway to the other. To order Ultaramas and/or backdrops Click here and be sure to tell them Yakface sent you.

NEW TIE Interceptor Pics and More
June 8, 2001 | 10:02 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

StarWars.com has posted some new loose pictures of the TIE Interceptor and Pilot loose. I hope the actual product that we can buy in stores looks as good. Also, the Official Site confirmed several 12″ figures for later this for example the next wave of bounty hunters and 12″ Luke w Speeder Bike (Target exclusive).

Q&A: Friday (And Hiatus)
June 8, 2001 | 2:44 PM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

With Every Question For Justice, the Yakface Q&A Column, will be going on break for a week after today’s freshly posted update. Tune in a week from Monday for a much better column.

Star Wars Collecting on HGTV
June 8, 2001 | 2:01 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Next week on June 12, 2001 on Home & Garden TV, they will be spending a half-hour with a Star Wars Collector, Steve Campbell, highlighting points of collecting through the last decades, and his collection. It should be at 1:30PM on June 12th, but to make sure, check your local airtimes for broadcast.

Comic-Con 2001 to debut “Star Wars: Connections”
June 8, 2001 | 11:58 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Star Wars: Connections, a film that will show overall how the entire 5 of 6 Star Wars films will fit together, will debut at the ComicCon this year, and this film will include information on Episode II, and how it fits in! This is scheduled to happen at the ComicCon in San Diego during July 19-22 at the San Diego Convention Center. For more information click here.

Setting the record straight on “TPE”
June 8, 2001 | 11:33 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Okay, I’ve been getting alot of e-mail on this “Phantom Edit” thing, and I want to set the record straight now. This is the story, and it is verified.
The “Edit” that is going around the comic shops and toy shows right now is, in fact, called “The Phantom Edit”. It changes the crawl text in the beginning, and basically just cuts Jar Jar out of the movie, and a few other items that the “Phantom Editor” deemed not necessary. This “Phantom Edit” was created around February 2001, and circulated Hollywood. This confused people because about a year before there was “The Phantom Edit”, there was “The Phantom Re-Edit: Episode 1.1”.
“The Phantom Re-Edit: Episode 1.1” was manipulated by 3 people, one of which I am in contact with. This version was completed around, (I’m estimating here), April 2000. Copies were sent out and around, and when a different edit started gaining notariety, they assumed it was their copy. No! Apparently more than one person made an edit! So, George Lucas has BOTH copies now, and we here at Yak will be reviewing the original edit, (I am leary to say original, because Lucas’ version is the original. Shall we say re-manipulated…), not the one that recently sprung up all over. Actually, very few copies of this “The Phantom Re-Edit: Episode 1.1” exist, and you can see these guys took their time. I shall say no more except that this version is really great! And being that it was the first edit out there, these fine folks deserve a little bit of the spotlight as well. I know that it’s just a manipulation of things that already exist, but I don’t care who does it, it takes time. So, I finally got all this straight. Everyone confused? I know I am… 8^)

Sci-Fi Expo & Toy Show June 30-July 1, 2001
June 8, 2001 | 11:12 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Just a reminder for everyone that The Shrevport, LA show is coming up soon, and offers a huge Hasbro boast! Atomic Entertainment’s page reports this;

…Hasbro Toys will be attendig our June 30-01 Shreveport convention! Hasbro will be at hand to display their hottest upcoming toys, but the biggest news is the suprise they have for attendees… “a convention exclusive giveaway…cooler than last year’s autographed king-sized Naboo fighter”.

So, if anyone’s going, make sure you drop me a line if you plan, (or are allowed to), take pics of this Hasbro stuff!

Darth Maul Vs. Darth Vader?
June 8, 2001 | 11:01 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Usually I don’t make it a habit to report on comics from the Star Wars continuum, or the expanded universe, as it were, but this one is way too good not to mention.
The official Star Wars site is reporting that this September 12th Dark Horse Comics will be releasing “Star Wars Tales #9”, and it will definitely pit our 2 favorite Sith lords against one another to see, ultimately, who is the best. For more on this, hop on over to the official Star Wars site! I don’t usually pick up the comics, but this is one I’m getting in line for NOW! Now, if they’d only do a “Wicket Vs. The Rancor”….

12″ Dagobah Luke w Yoda Confirmed
June 7, 2001 | 5:41 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Rebelscum is reporting the rumored 12″ Dagobah Luke w Yoda is confirmed and will be out in time for Christmas.

Crashed AT-ST Mockup
June 7, 2001 | 5:24 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Merchandise-Szepan has posted a early mockup picture of the crashed AT-ST which is due for release in Spring 2002.
Also, CollectStarWars has talked to Hasbro and confirmed that it is indeed a early mockup and so is the TIE Bomber picture from earlier in the week. Also, the Crashed AT-ST will have a speederbike and a figure however it will not be an Ewok or Chewie.

Newest figure wave images!
June 7, 2001 | 9:03 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Here is another group shot of the Duros wave. Thanks to LooseToon for the pic.

We at Yakface are proud to bring you images of the newest figures in the ongoing POTJ collection. Click below to view, and enjoy!
Entire wave/All 4
Ellorrs Madak – Front
Ellorrs Madak – Back
Bespin Guard – Front
Bespin Guard – Back
Ketwol – Front
Ketwol – Back
Sabe – Front
Sabe – Back

Entertainment Earth – June 2001
June 6, 2001 | 11:52 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Entertainment Earth has some great stuff in stock over at there site. Check out the list of items below at really decent prices!
3 3/4 inch Power of the Jedi Collection 1 (Wave 11)
Item# 84445G – $89.99
Case Breakdown
2x Sandtrooper Tatooine Patrol, 2x Expanded Universe Obi-Wan Kenobi – Cold Weather Gear, 2x Qui-Gon Jinn Jedi Training Gear, 2x Leia Bespin Escape, 2x Aurra Sing Bounty Hunter, 2x Chewbacca Millennium Falcon Mechanic
Action Collection 12″ Wedge & Biggs 2-Pack
Item# 57106, $19.99
100th 12″ Figure – Luke Skywalker
Item# 32437A, $34.99
SW Sith Lords 2-Pack
Item# 32438, $34.99
Check ’em on out, and let them know Yakface.com sent you!

More B-Wing Boxed Pics
June 6, 2001 | 5:58 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

If you want to see even more close up pictures of the B-Wing boxed you should go to this auction (Item #1604684385) on ebay

More on Kewtol & Dirty Biker Scout Findings
June 6, 2001 | 5:46 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Kewtol has shown up mostly in K-mart’s on the west coast in states like CA and CO. However, it is also showing up in the midwest as well. Also, the Dirty Biker Scout has shown up in the case assortment below. If you want to see a picture of the dirty Biker Scout please check out this link
2 x Dirty Scout Trooper
4 x Darth Maul (Sith Apprentice)
1 x Aurra Sing
1 x Chewbacca (Mechanic)
1 x Qui-Gon Jinn (Jedi Armor)
1 x Leia Organa (Bespin)
1 x Obi-Wan Kenobi (Cold Weather)
1 x Sandtrooper

Remember “The Phantom Edit”?
June 6, 2001 | 1:42 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Remember that “Phantom Edit” rumor that had surfaced some weeks back about someone taking “Episode I” and reworking it, rearranging scenes, and generally making the movie work better with a better pace than ol’ Mister Lucas, all of it being professionally done? That was a rumor, right? Wrong…
We at Yakface have secured a copy of this from, who will remain, an unnamed source for right now I will call “BD”. I have seen this film as of last night, and may I say, it does work better than the original. A few of the things that are visually apparent are the subtitles in place of the Neimoidians and Gungans language, their voices being completely altered to sound more “alien”, the complete deleting of all scenes involving midi-chlorians, Jar Jar’s personality has been changed, and there have been more establishing scenes added, (I.E. Coruscant, Droid control ship, Tatooine, and Naboo). Scenes have been moved, some of the silliness and comic releif has been removed and replaced with better descriptive dialogue… It’s nice, let me put it that way.
Now, what do we plan on doing with this? We’re still trying to figure out how to give our faithful readers a glimpse at this film, but between Adam, Mark, myself, and another gentleman I am in association with named Jim, we are going to put a page up highlighting all the different things within the film, and how it changes the feel of it all. So, all of our faithful Yak-readers, keep your eyes on this page for the next couple of weeks while we get all this stuff together! And, please, no requests for copies of this tape! I have received this under the strictest of confidence, so copies to the general public are out of the question! Unless you have something really good to bribe me with… (kidding, NO requests!)
UPDATE – A few fans have written in talking about being sued by the flanneled one for whatever reason for having a copy of this tape. Well, it seems that ol’ Georgie is a real sport about the whole situation! Check out this article over atTheForce.net for any worries about this. George is not quite the monster people think he can be. Jeanne Cole states “Lucasfilm aggressively pursues anyone involved with the unauthorized sale of our copyrighted materials,” she said. But she added that the company doesn’t pursue fans “as long as nobody crosses that line, either in bad taste or in profiting from the use of our characters.” George himself is actually interested in seeing another “editors” interpertation of the film. It’s just all in good fun. And let me be the first to say that Yakface.com will not profit from this one iota! We’re just, as always, interested in bringing the fans the absolute best in Star Wars news around the globe!

Looking To Get Dirty??
June 6, 2001 | 11:10 AM EST | Mark | Talk About This Post

Well thanks to the report from Matthew Opal, he has found the Dirty Scout Trooper. He will be sending in a scan soon, so look for it later. He found them when he found the sandtrooper wave. So you might want to keep your eyes open when looking for new figures now.
**Update**
Yakface.com is pleased to bring you the first look at the dirty Biker Scout. Again thanks to Matt for the images.
Carded Image
Close Up bubble shot

FAO Biggs 12″
June 6, 2001 | 10:06 AM EST | Mark | Talk About This Post

Still looking for the Biggs and Wedge 12″ 2-Pack, well FAO has it in stock still for $17.49, which is a great price.

Q&A A-OK
June 6, 2001 | 5:24 AM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

With Every Question For Justice, our Q&A column, has been updated with a brand new installment. Enjoy!

Ketwol Wave Release Update
June 5, 2001 | 11:40 PM EST | Bill | Talk About This Post

It appears that the Ketwol wave has been released. There are auctions on Ebay listing the Ketwol wave which report that they have it IN HAND. Patience everyone, from the news we’ve been reading for weeks these should be appearing everywhere. If you are able to find them, please write in so we can let your fellow collectors know where these new figures have surfaced.

Another Store to Find Sandtrooper
June 5, 2001 | 6:53 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

If you still need to find the Sandtrooper wave you might want to check out your local K-Mart. The Count wrote in to say the wave has shown up at a K-mart near him.
UPDATE:I’ve gotten other reports of the Sandtrooper being found in K-Marts all across the country. So keep your eyes open.

Sith Lord 2-Pack and 100th Luke Return!
June 5, 2001 | 6:47 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

The awesome Star Wars Sith Lords 2-Pack (Item# 32438, $34.99)
and Star Wars 100th 12inch Figure – Luke Skywalker (Item# 32437A, $34.99) are now back in stock at a great new price at Entertainment Earth.

Another Palm Pic
June 5, 2001 | 5:50 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

SWkids.com has posted yet another Palm Talker picture this one is C-3PO, which will even have a silver leg.

TIE Bomber Prototype??
June 5, 2001 | 5:42 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

A German website called 4-inches has posted a picture of what they say is an early prototype of the TIE Bomber. The picture was given to them from the german “superstore” Merchandise Szepan. Wether this is real or not I don’t know.

New Wave On Its Way?!?!?
June 5, 2001 | 1:26 PM EST | Brandon | Talk About This Post

Hey Yak-ers! I am getting a few isolated reports that the new Ketwo, Sabe, Duro, & Bespin Security Guard Wave is beginning to show up. Dave from Phoenix, Arizona says he found some at his local K-Mart. So please e-mail me if you see these waves showing up. I am going to go check out the shelves today and will let you know as well! Thanks!

Freeze Frame Weequay Part 2
June 5, 2001 | 5:29 AM EST | Mark | Talk About This Post

We at Yakface.com do not want anyone to go ripping through the shelves looking for this figure. We believe this to be a false rumor. Weequay was one of the first freeze frame figures, the odds of them being around anywhere other than collectors or scalpers hands are not good at all. I would challenge anyone that has said they have found one to send me a scan of the receipt and figure. We do not want to give anyone false hope, this is one thing this hobby does NOT need.

FFURG’s June Casting Call
June 5, 2001 | 1:42 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

The current Casting Call for July is for customs of the Noghri, and any customizer can submit their creations by June 30, 2001.

Episode II, The ‘Net, & Lucas tidbits…
June 5, 2001 | 1:37 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

TheForce.net has an interesting tidbit on the Episode II trailer “A” I was discussing last week right here at Yak. It seems that Lucas has stated, in no uncertain terms, that the Episode II Trailer “A”, (being the first trailer for the movie), will be released around Thanksgiving. He is quoted by saying, “They always come out at Thanksgiving.”. So, there it is. No trailer will be attached to “Planet Of The Apes”.
Also, those who were interested in knowing what ol’Georgie thinks about the internet and all the Star Wars rumors that fly around, real and fake, click here to hop on over to Popcorn.com. Also, the tale of the missing “hijacked” Episode II filming footage that appeared on TheForce.net last week, then disappeared with no explaination can be read over at Popcorn.com in the same article.

The “Amidala without panties” misconception
June 5, 2001 | 12:16 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Folks, I’ve been getting a few more e-mails on this than I can believe, because I thought this rumor was filed in the can months ago. But, just as a recap, the official word from Hasbro on the “Queen Amidala – Theed Invasion” figure not wearing panties, and being able to look right up her dress, (won’t ask, don’t want to know….), and basically when will this “error” be corrected, was this; It is in fact not an error. She is supposed to appear to be wearing full female stockings under her dress. So, since there is no error, there is nothing to be corrected. I hope that clears the air for some over this common misconception. All the production runs of this figure are the same. No errors on the panties/no panties thing, nothing. All the same. There was also a rumor going that Hasbro was going to “correct” this with purple leggins. As of yet, myself, (John), has yet to see this. So, it stands as it is until someone sends me a scan of this “correction”.

Freeze Frame Weequay’s showing up?
June 5, 2001 | 12:03 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

I’ve heard from a couple sources that the coveted “Freeze Frame Weequay” figure is showing up in LIMITED QUANITIES, (as of now), across the U.S., mostly in California and New York state. A few people wrote directly to me about this, and a few others inquired, mentioning that they spent so much money on this when it was a super-hot item. That’s exactly why it was so much, it was “super-hot” I guess with all the sales and 2-for-1 offers the warehouses are down to bare bones, and the rest of the rest is coming out to make room for the impending Episode II toys in less than a year. So folks, keep your eyes open for this baby, and remember patience pays!

Store Reports Contest II Reminder
June 4, 2001 | 8:57 PM EST | Brandon | Talk About This Post

Just a quick and friendly reminder Yak-ers to keep sending in your very awesome and informative store reports! Thanks to KEBCoToys.com we are giving away the very unique and elusive 12inch Darth Maul / Darth Vader 2 Pack! The contest ends next Monday, June 11th at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard time so get those entries in! Every store report submitted and posted gives you a chance to win! So get those Store Reports sent in today. And please don’t forget to visit our sponsor, KebCoToys.com! They have been very friendly to us and promise to keep sponsoring this cool new contest with great new prizes!

EE Customer Appreication Day
June 4, 2001 | 7:33 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

On Saturday June 16th Entertainment Earth will be holding Cusomter Appreciation Day at their warehouse.
Entertainment Earth, Inc. would like to thank their customers for their loyalty. Theya have temporarily converted a portion of their warehouse in order to offer a hands-on experience.
WHEN:Saturday, June 16, 2001
TIME:10:00 AM ­ 5:00 PM
PLACE:
Entertainment Earth
12730 Raymer Street, Suite #1
North Hollywood, California 91605

New Carded Figures
June 4, 2001 | 12:40 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

If you’d like to see some images of the new Ellors Madak the Duro and the carded Bespin Security Guard, hop on over to SirStevesGuide.com. He’s got images, albeit small images, of these hot new little guys carded. Look for these guys in July along with Ketwol and Sabe.

Q&A Monday
June 4, 2001 | 6:06 AM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

With Every Question For Justice, our (my) Q&A column, has been updated with the usual blah blah blah. What’s the deal with the green smock Ugnaught? What makes an exclusive an exclusive if it’s sold elsewhere? Where are my pants?

The answers to all these and more are in today’s edition of With Every Question For Justice.

Star Wars Statues for Cheap
June 3, 2001 | 1:52 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Currently M and M Collectibles has a new shipment of Star Wars busts by Greg Aronowitz. The prices are as follows:
Emperor Palpatine, Greedo – $59.95
Boba Fett – $89.95
Cantina Band Member, Tusken Raider – $69.95

This Week’s Ultarama Winner
June 3, 2001 | 10:41 AM EST | Mark | Talk About This Post

Congrats to Joe Wiles as he is this weeks winner of the Ultarama Stand from Mort Simpson. Thanks to Mort for giving these are here at Yakface.com, and remember if you have not entered just send in your name by clicking on the button on the right side of the page. One entry per person.

Rebelscum Back in Business!
June 2, 2001 | 3:54 PM EST | John | Talk About This Post

Rebelscum.com is now back online and running smooth.

Amazon Deals
June 2, 2001 | 12:03 AM EST | Mark | Talk About This Post

Here are a couple of deals at Amazon.com
Lego MTT $29.99 (40% Off)
Episode I Monopoly $14.99 (63% Off)
Sith Probe Droid Game $9.99 (75% Off)
Use the code DEALMAYGREEN to get $5 OFF ($40 min. purchase, expires 06/03/01)

Entertainment Earth News
June 1, 2001 | 11:55 PM EST | Mark | Talk About This Post

SW Sith Lords 2-Pack (Item# 32438, $34.99) http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=32438
SW 100th 12in Figure – Luke (Item# 32437A, $34.99) http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=32437A

Also, we are taking orders for Star Wars Compulsion Gallery items….

Rebelscum.com
June 1, 2001 | 9:48 PM EST | Mark | Talk About This Post

We regret to inform you that Rebelscum.com will be down for a couple of days. Seems some water covered some lines and knocked out a lot of companies. They are working to get back up and running. We will let you know if we hear more.

UPDATE: Rebelscum is back up and working.

Palm Talker Phrases 
June 1, 2001 | 9:37 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Listed below are the phrases that the upcoming POTJ Palm Talkers will say. Thanks to Troy for the news.
R2-D2
at least 5 different Artoo beeps/phrases
C-3P0
“Let the Wookiee win.” “I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations.” “We’re doomed.”
Chewbacca
at least 5 different Wookiee grunts/phrases
Darth Vader
breathing, 2 different lightsaber sounds
Stormtrooper
blaster sound, “Move along.” “It’s them, blast ’em!” “Follow me.”
Boba Fett
“As you wish.” “And what if he doesn’t survive?” “He’s no good to me dead.”

Free Giveaway
June 1, 2001 | 9:35 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Geez you people want more free stuff? Well then go to
PegWarmer because they are currently holding a free giveaway for a Han Bespin and Comm Tech Stormtrooper. Two rare figures that I think everyone would like to get for free.

25% Off Real Stands
June 1, 2001 | 9:30 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Real Stands has exhausted their supply of free bonus stands but is now having a 25% off sale until June 25th when normal next-day shipping will resume.

Compulsion Statues PreOrder
June 1, 2001 | 9:26 PM EST | Brian | Talk About This Post

Entertainment Earth is now taking preorders for the Compulsion Pewter SW statues.

Q&A: Friday
June 1, 2001 | 7:30 AM EST | Adam | Talk About This Post

With Every Question For Justice has been updated for Friday, so have a read and enjoy!

Electronics Boutique Info and 100th Luke 12″
June 1, 2001 | 2:17 AM EST | John | Talk About This Post

That sounds a bit more realistic than $12.99. But, again, these are chain stores. If someone owns 30 stores in a chain, figures are going to be a bit less expensive than if someone only owns 1 store in a backwater mall. I digress….
Two; Electronics Boutique Online has the 100th Edition 12″ Luke action figure for sale for $34.99. Not too bad! You have to figure shipping into this equasion, but if you can’t find it, here’s your chance. Just go to EB from the link above and search for Star Wars. Thanks goes to “grayhank” for the tip-off!
UPDATE – Dustin from Rebelscum.com writes to me with this information;
“EB does price match. Me and a buddy found out on accident when we found the Lando wave there a few weeks ago! We were talking at the register and saying man I hate having to pay $7.99 a figure for these things here and the clerk asked how much we usually pay and from there we got the $5.88 Wal-mart price!”
Good tip-off, thanks Dustin! Hey, it never hurts to ask.