Star Wars tattoo artist extraordinaire and Yakface sponsor Marc Draven kindly asked me to pass along some info about an event he’s having at his studio.

Click on the thumbnail of the flyer above for a larger view to get all the Info. If you’re in the Tampa Bay, FL area, stop on by!

Holiday Specials at Brian’s Toys
December 12, 2006 | 9:43 AM EST | Jayson

Brian’s Toys is also in the holiday spirit with tons of items on sale or clearance from Hasbro, Master Replicas, Gentle Giant, Kotobukiya, Sideshow and more!

Master Replicas: Collectors Editions Discontinued
December 12, 2006 | 9:01 AM EST | Jayson

From Master Replicas:

In 2006, Master Replicas launched a new category of MR product, called Collectors Edition prop replicas. The idea behind Collectors Editions was to create a new version of a prop that corresponded with an already-released Limited Edition prop replica. However, unlike the LEs, the CEs would have an open ended edition size, and would be made from more “standard” materials than the high-end Limited Editions. This strategic move was made in an effort to (a) provide a more affordable product for those consumers who had no interest in LEs, and (b) to ensure that some version of these props was available to future collectors, for years to come. While Master Replicas maintains that the CE strategy works conceptually, we have evaluated the data accumulated throughout the year, and decided to discontinue the CE line in 2007. Despite our best efforts to highlight the various differences in CEs and LEs, consumers “as a whole“ did not warm up to the concept. From a results standpoint, the CE program did not meet our expectations. More importantly, in light of recent events (including, but not limited to, our impending merger with Corgi) it has become clear that the CE strategy is not in line with who Master Replicas is, and who we will be following the completion of the merger. This means several things: (1.) The Qui Gon Jinn Collectors Edition Lightsaber will be the only CE released; that, in and of itself, will most likely increase the value of this collectible. (2.) Master Replicas will be unveiling new product types and categories in 2007; product categories that work in conjunction or complement our already popular LE prop replicas. Stay tuned for exciting new announcements from Master Replicas in the upcoming weeks and months! If you have any questions, or are in need of additional information, please contact customer service at CustomerService@MasterReplicas.com.

MR Sale
December 12, 2006 | 8:48 AM EST | Mark

Over at Master Replicas they have this posted…

The following products are nearly sold out. Order yours before they’re gone!
Darth Sidious Episode III Lightsaber Limited Edition

Darth Vader Episode V Force FX Lightsaber

AT-AT Imperial Walker Signature Edition

Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes Jack Sparrow

AT-AT Imperial Walker EpV Signature Edition

Episode III: Armored Assault Tank (AAT)
December 12, 2006 | 8:44 AM EST | Mark

You can now get thess from KBtoys.com.. they are in stock now..

 

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Customizer Spotlight – Darth Nirvana
December 11, 2006 | 10:59 PM EST | rykrofenloe

 

Our latest Customizing Spotlight goes to Yakface Forum Member Darth Nirvana, who continues to impress with his gritty take on the Grand Army of the Republic.

Click Here for more pics of his latest customs!

 

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Best place to shop this Christmas Season?
December 11, 2006 | 5:42 PM EST | rykrofenloe

Where do you plan on doing most of your hunts this Holiday Season for Star Wars figures? Are you finding one retailer to be standing out above the others this month?

Click Here to cast your vote, and to leave your thoughts on the current retail situations for finding the latest Hasbro Star Wars collectibles this Christmas Season.

 

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Win a SSC Premium Format Grievous
December 11, 2006 | 5:21 PM EST | Jayson

YodasNews.com and RazorsEdgeCollectibles.com are holding a contest to win a Premium Format Grievous just in time for the holidays.

Sergio from Yoda’s News sends us this note:

Do you want a Sideshow Grievous for the Holidays? Then all you have to do is find 6 Puzzle Pieces hidden at YodasNews.com and at Razor’s Edge Three will be at Yodasnews and three will be hidden at Razor’s Edge. For more infomation and details go to the contest link at YodasNews.com

 

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Totally Tubular Unleashed Repaints/Repacks
December 11, 2006 | 2:13 PM EST | Jayson

 

SirStevesGuide.com has posted word and images that the ROTS Anakin and Obi-Wan 7″ Unleashed figures are been repackaged in the totally tubular style. But more interesting is the repack of the elusive Stormtrooper Unleashed figure but with the Shadow Stormtrooper Deco. No word yet on possible exclusivity.

 

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New Build Your Own Lightsaber 
December 10, 2006 | 7:04 PM EST | Bill

Build your own light saber fans have a treat at Disney World. The Official Site has announced that Once Upon a Toy at Disney World will have a new build your own lightsaber workshop where you can use as many parts as you want to in your custom saber, even double bladed sabers for under 20 bux.Click here for the full story.

 

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K & C Collectibles Newsletter – FREE Shipping Offer
December 10, 2006 | 11:07 AM EST | Scott

 

FREE UPS SHIPPING is being offered by K & C Collectibles through December 15th, 2006 for customers who order $90 or more. Your shipping address must be within the continental USA. New items this week:

NEW – Titanium Ships:
Wedge’s X-Wing
Slave 1 – battle damage – new paint
Star Destroyer – new paint
ARC – 170 – Clone Wars version

NEW – Starship Battles – Wizard of the Coast:
Mon Calamari MC80 #3 of 60
Rebel Assault Frigate #4 of 60
Republic Assault Ship #5 of 60
Venator-Class Star Destroyer #6 of 60
Outrider #8 of 60
Rebel Cruiser #9 of 60
Rebel Transport #10 of 60
Republic Cruiser #11 of 60
Tantive IV #12 of 60
Wild Karrde #13 of 60
A-Wing Starfighter #14 of 60
A-wing Starfighter Ace #15 of 60
Anakin Skywalkers Jedi Interceptor #16 of 60
ARC-170 Starfighter #17 of 60
B-Wing Starfighter #18 of 60
Jedi Starfighter #19 of 60
Luke Skywalkers X-Wing #20 of 60
Naboo Starfighter #21 of 60
Obi-Wan Jedi Interceptor #22 of 60
Rouge Squadron X-Wing #23 of 60
SoroSuub Patrol Fighter #24 of 60
Utapaun P-38 Starfighter #25 of 60
V-Wing Starfighter #26 of 60
X-Wing Starfighter #27 of 60
X-Wing Starfighter Ace #28 of 60
Y-Wing Starfighter #29 of 60
Y-Wing Starfighter Ace #30 of 60
Commerce Guild Destroyer #33 of 60
Imperial Interdictor Cruiser #34 of 60
Imperial Star Destroyer #35 of 60
Invisible Hand #36 of 60
Trade Federation Battleship #37 of 60
Trade Federation Droid Control Ship #38 of 60
Imperial Shuttle #39 of 60
Palpatines Shuttle #40 of 60
Sith Infiltrator #41 of 60
Slave 1 (Boba Fett) #42 of 60
Slave 1 (Jango Fett) #43 of 60
Virago #44 of 60
Asajj Ventress Starfighter #45 of 60
CloakShape Fighter #46 of 60
Droid Tri-Fighter #48 of 60
General Grievous Starfighter #49 of 60
Geonosian Starfighter #50 of 60
Geonosian Starfighter Ace #51 of 60
Scarab Droid Starfighter #52 of 60
Techno Union Starfighter #53 of 60
TIE Bomber #54 of 60
TIE Fighter #55 of 60
TIE Fighter Ace #56 of 60
TIE Interceptor #57 of 60
TIE Interceptor Ace #58 of 60
Vulture Droid Starfighter #59 of 60
Vulture Droid Starfighter Advanced #60 of 60

Pre-Order – December 23rd 2006
Princess Leia Bust – SAVE $10.00
Roron Corobb Maquette – SAVE $15.00

REGISTER an account and earn points to be redeemed for cash on future orders.

 

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Forum Access
December 9, 2006 | 5:10 PM EST | rykrofenloe

Right now it appears our forum host is having a server issue, we apologize for any inconvenience. We’ll have the forums back up as soon as we can.

UPDATE – The forum host issues appear to have been resolved.

 

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Cantina Band Tins At Wal-Marts Now
December 9, 2006 | 1:16 PM EST | Bill

It looks like Wal-Mart’s Exclusive Cantina Band 30th Anniversary tins are hitting the stores now. While they band is repackaged from the earlier Fan Club Edition, there are new paint operations on the figures as well as the instruments. The price was 24.96.

 

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UPDATE Hasbro Q & A – With Rocket Sauce!
December 8, 2006 | 4:41 PM EST | Scott

 

What does a rampaging Sasquatch enjoy more than a dip in the strawberry river? The latest Hasbro Q & A!

So click on through to have your socks rocked off.

Explosivo!

UPDATE Due to our continuing struggle with our forum issues, I’m posting the results of this week’s Q&A here for you to enjoy. Hopefully we will get these issues resolved soon. Thanks for your patience and stay tuned.

1) There have been rumors about seeing the ARC-170 next year. Can you confirm that this is true, and if so any details about it and any pack-ins? I would love to see Oddball’s fighter with him and his droid, which appears to have the same paint scheme as R4-P17, only in green instead of red.

We are looking at an ARC-170 re-release, but it has not been confirmed yet, or even what deco it would be. In any case, we’re likely to hold something like that close to the vest for release at an upcoming show.

2) I understand why you are using the S/A Scout Trooper for now as a Kashyyykk Trooper instead of making a new one, but why didn’t you use the S/A Scout with opening visor then you could of at least molded a Kashyyykk Trooper visor and belt for it, to make it slightly more accurate. This surely would not have cost much and helped with any future new Kashyyykk Trooper. While I’m at it will we ever see a Snowpeeder Luke figure with grapple gun accessory and the famous Hoth Trooper sitting with his small repeater cannon?

The Kashyyyk trooper was a costly one already (due to deco), so we went with the closed mask version to not escalate ops and part count. As for those accessories, it’s unlikely on Luke and at some point we will probably get to the Trooper with cannon.

3) I really dig the Original Trilogy Troopers in the tin sets with the removable helmets but I was curious about something.

Did you have to go to Lucasfilm to get permission to use the Jango Fett headsculpt for the Storm/Snow/Scout trooper figures? The reason I ask is because sometimes when you have an idea for a toy release, it can end up, either directly or indirectly, as canon to the overall Star Wars saga.

We’ve seen the Prequel clone troopers without their helmets but not any of the OT troopers, though it’s always been assumed that the OT troopers were a mix of clones and conscripted soldiers. Now with the release of these figures, Hasbro is kind of confirming that some of Jango’s clones are still in use in the OT, which is why I have to wonder how much permission you have to get from LFL before you produce something that might be integral to the “story”. Thanks!

Yes, we get 100% approval from Lucasfilm on everything in the line. We are not at liberty to create a new canon, but instead discuss opportunities and issues with the team and move purposely if something is cool and fits a direction that is ripe to explore.

 

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Republic Commando Set In-Stock
December 8, 2006 | 1:00 PM EST | Jayson

 

The Republic Commando Delta Squad Set is now available to order from DNSToys.com for $27.99.

Thanks to Dave from D & S Sci-fi Toy World for the tip.

 

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St. Louis ToyMan Collector Show
December 7, 2006 | 3:49 PM EST | rykrofenloe

For all you Yakface readers in the St. Louis area, one of the larger collector shows in St. Louis will be taking place this Sunday –

ToyMan Toy Show
ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE TOY SHOW
ST.LOUIS, MO (BRIDGETON)
Machinist Hall
12365 St. Charles Rock Road
(Beside Target and Walgreen’s)
Bridgeton, MO 63044
Hours: 9a to 2p
Adm: $3.00 – adult
Free – 12 and under

The show has approx. 170 tables as well over 100 dealers selling antique and collectible toys. Some of the toys represented are Hot Wheels, Star Wars, Barbie’s, Comics, Movie memorabilia (posters – autographs), NASCAR items, Board Games, Action Figures (science fiction – movie – television – wrestling), Die cast Cars, Model Kits, Trading Cards and much more.

The show is a proud Sponsor of the MARINES – “TOYS FOR TOTS” Campaign – that they give toys to less fortunate St. Louis Area Children for Christmas. Every Christmas Show, ToyMan collects from the Toy Dealers a Large amount of donated toys to the campaign. The show has been awarded “BEST TOY STORE” by RIVERFRONT TIMES – BEST OF ST.LOUIS September 24, 2003 issue and has had over the years several articles written about the show. The show has been seen on multiple local media stations, including KSDK Channel 5 “SHOW ME ST.LOUIS” window and others as Nightly News Stories.

Most of the time there is a good represenatation of Star Wars dealers, so if you are in the area and decide to check it out, good luck!

 

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Lucas vs. Indy 4
December 7, 2006 | 2:13 PM EST | Scott

He’s faced Nazis, crazed cultists and even the wrath of God, but the one thing Indiana Jones can’t seem to conquer is George Lucas’ perfectionist streak.

THIS ARTICLE popped up over at moviehole.net today which sheds a tad more light on the delays plaguing Dr. Jones return to theaters. Worth a read.

After you check out the article, let’s hear your thoughts on the issue, do you think George should just leave it in Darabont & Spielberg’s capable hands or should there even BE an Indiana Jones 4? Discuss it in our forums here.

 

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The Saber Vault Newsfeed
December 7, 2006 | 7:44 AM EST | Bill

Got your Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man’s Chest DVD? The Saber Vault has the Pirates MR prop replicas your need! You can pick out the Davey Jones Key replica for $12 🙂 The key was to this movie as the cursed coin was to the first movie.

Also the Jack Sparrow Cutless LE in stock as well as only one Flintlock LE left. Also Jack Sparrow’s ring will be in stock very soon. Click here to order.

 

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Yakfinities Customizing Challenge # 5
December 7, 2006 | 1:20 AM EST | rykrofenloe

 

Another month is upon us, and as we head into the holidays, Yakface forum members have voted in favor of a Pegwarmer Roundup!

For December’s Customizing Challenge, customizers are free to use whatever figure that is considered a pegwarmer in their area they want, and turn it into an all new character.

As always there will be a prize given out to one random entry in the Yakfinities Customizing Challenge after the end of the month, which will be a MOMC VOTC Stormtrooper. To be considered for the prize, your entry must be submitted in our forums by December 31, 2006.

So if you want to help clear out those Lushros Dofines and Emperor Palpatines or learn more about this month’s challenge, please click here, and as always thank you to the new and longtime customizers for participating.

While you’re at it, pick up another figure or two and donate it to Toys For Tots this season as well – you’ll feel good about yourself knowing that a needy child will be getting a Star Wars figure for Christmas.

 

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Hasbro Update: The “Yavin” Wave
December 6, 2006 | 5:38 PM EST | Jayson

Hasbro.com gives their official word on the Yavin wave from next year’s 30th Anniversary Collection. Look for these gems to start appearing in February.

 

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Ceremonial Luke Skywalker
December 5, 2006 | 5:34 PM EST | Jayson

 

Our friends at JediDefender.com have posted a great image in their forums of the upcoming Ceremonial Luke Skywalker from TAC Wave 2. and he’s available now for pre-order at BBTS.com.Share your thoughts on this wave here.

 

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Darth Revan Sneak Peek
December 5, 2006 | 12:04 PM EST | Jayson

 

 
Wizard Universe updated with several shots of the upcoming fan choice figure “Darth Revan”. Head on over to check out this sweet prototype of the fan-favorite from the Knights of the Old Republic video game!

 

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Upcoming Unleashed Battle Packs
December 5, 2006 | 11:27 AM EST | rykrofenloe

 

Hasbro updates with images of more upcoming Unleashed Battle Packs, click here to go to their site for more pics!

 

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Star Wars Action News – Episode 67
December 5, 2006 | 9:31 AM EST | Scott

 

It seems like you can’t sit down and watch television without seeing ads for one holiday sale after another. With the major ice storm that hit central Illinois recently, watching television with power and water starved family and friends was about all Arnie and Marjorie could do, and one ad hit them over the head harder than any other—Gifts.com. Gifts.com boasted they can find gifts for ANYONE on your Christmas list. Arnie saw this as them throwing down the gauntlet—can they find better gifts for Star Wars fans than Star Wars Action News recommended? Arnie and Marjorie take the Gifts.com challenge to see if it truly can come up with good gifts for the Star Wars fan.

Also this week, Arnie bemoans the lack of Mace Windu’s Battle Pack at Target, Marjorie bemoans the plethora of Imperial Shuttles in our basement and at our Target, and Nathan brings you an update on the Star Wars books, games, and comics that recently came out or are coming out soon.

All this, and a “Real Fossil Rock” on the latest episode of Star Wars Action News, available for download from www.swactionnews.com. You can get the file directly HERE (enhanced listeners can view the image and picture enabled version HERE

 

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Yavin Wave!
December 4, 2006 | 11:27 PM EST | rykrofenloe

 

After much anticipation from collectors, images are surfacing of this upcoming wave slated for 2007. Thanks to forum member Rune Haako for the heads up, and be sure to purchase the latest issue of Lee’s Toy Review Magazine at your local book store for more images!

I am beginning to think that this might even top the first wave slated for 2007 and that we are going to be in for one heck of a ride this upcoming year… feel free to discuss this in our forums by clicking HERE.

 

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Galactic Heroes Movie Packs
December 4, 2006 | 7:07 PM EST | Mark

So you have a favorite movie of the six.. but dont like the Galactic heroes.. check out these really cool Movie theme packs over at Toys R Us. You can pick these up now with free shipping.

Also available now, they have buy one get one 50% off for LEGO’s…

 

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Federation AAT and Hailfire Droid
December 4, 2006 | 2:23 PM EST | rykrofenloe

There’s been sporadic reports of these showing up at various retailers throughout the coutry. Today I stopped by a St. Louis Target store (St. Charles Rock Road) and saw several of each one. So check your local Target stores Yakkers if you’re in search of these!

UPDATE Scott C. chiming in here. I spotted the aforementioned vehicles myself at a couple local Targets here in the Detroit area, and my good friend Rich M. hooked me up with a Vader Sith Starfighter (coolest repaint yet of this vehicle IMO) which he found at a Toys R. Us. So both chains are getting these vehicles in now!

 

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Ambush On Ilum Battlepack
December 4, 2006 | 11:15 AM EST | rykrofenloe

Head on over to Rebelscum by clicking here for a new image one of their readers captured of the upcoming Ambush on Illum Battlepack.

Check out the cool looking Separatist droids!

 

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Yakfinities Customizing Challenge Update
December 3, 2006 | 9:57 PM EST | rykrofenloe

 

November’s Yakfinities Customizing Challenge winner has been declared – we had the most customs made for a challenge yet, and forum member Smartypants wins with his three entries, including my personal favorite, a custom Ithorian Smuggler. For his efforts Smartypants wins two SAGA2 Endor Rebel Troopers.

Want to see all of November’s entries or get in on Decemeber’s Challenge? Then head on over to ourFeatured Spotlight Section!

 

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K & C Collectibles Newsletter – FREE Shipping Offer
December 3, 2006 | 1:01 PM EST | Scott

 

K & C Collectibles has received the following new Star Wars items this week. We are offering FREE Shipping via UPS ground through December 15th, 2006 to all customers who order $90.01 or more. Your shipping address must be within the continental USA.

NEW – Titanium Ships:
Darth Vader Sith Fighter (black)
AT-ST
Rebel Blockade Runner
Darth Maul Sith Speeder
Amidala’s Star Skiff
Obi-Wan’s Jedi Starfighter

NEW – Statue
Princess Leia and R2-D2 – Limited Edition Maquette

NEW – Saga Ships
Imperial Shuttle

In Stock – Battle Packs:
Mace Windu’s – Attack Battallion
Sith Lord Attack
Battle of Sarlacc
Jedi vs. Sidious

In Stock – Commemoritive Tin Collection:
Cantina Band – (All 5 band members with different instruments)
The Phantom Menace – (Darth Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn and R2-R9)
Attack of the Clones – (Clone Trooper, Anakin Skywalker, Jango Fett and Count Dooku)
Revenge of the Sith – (Mace Windu, Yoda, Anakin Skywalker, AT-RT Driver)
A New Hope – (Santrooper, Princess Leia, Darth Vader and C-3PO)
The Empire Strikes Back – (Snowtrooper, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca)
Return of the Jedi – (Scout Trooper, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Rebel Commando)

In Stock – Saga 2006 Figures:
Luke Skywalker – Saga 044
Darth Vader – Saga 045
Rebel Trooper – Version 1 – Saga 046
Rebel Trooper – Version 2 – Saga 046
Obi-Wan Kenobi – Saga 047
Holographic Darth Maul – Saga 048
Rep Been – Saga 049
Naboo Soldier – Saga 050
Dud Bolt & Mars Guo – Saga 051
Gragra – Saga 052 Scorch –
Republic Commando – Saga 021

Pre-Order – December 23rd 2006
Princess Leia Bust – SAVE $10.00
Roron Corobb Maquette – SAVE $15.00

REGISTER an account and earn points to be redeemed for cash on future orders.

 

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New Carded Images
December 3, 2006 | 11:58 AM EST | rykrofenloe

 

R2Dtoys.com has updated their site with carded images of the SAGA2 Aurra Sing, R4-M6, Kitik Keedkak, Nabrun Leids & Kabe, and Labria and has them listed for Pre-Order.

You can also view full size images by clicking here in our forums.

Thank you tenike1 for the heads up!

 

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Kotobukiya On Sale
December 2, 2006 | 1:08 PM EST | Mark B

Continuing with their holiday sales – StarWarsShop.com has a couple of Kotobukiya figures on sale – Luke in Bespin outfit and their exclusive Chrome Darth Vader. Also on sale is the exclusive Black Chrome Anakin Mini Lightsaber from Master Replicas. Supplies are limited on all – head on over toStarWarsShop.com for the Star Wars fan on your gift list.

 

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Hasbro Q & A No-Show
December 2, 2006 | 11:40 AM EST | Scott

Sorry guys, looks like Hasbro forgot about us this week for the Q&A. Not sure what’s up. I’ll keep you posted.