Toyguide Update: TBS #12 41st Elite Corps Clone Trooper

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The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at the 41st Elite Corps Clone Trooper (#12).

PROS: Not a lot of good things can be said here. Sure it’s super articulated and it serves as diorama filler but then things turn south quickly.

CONS: What is wrong with thee? Let me count the ways. In addition to the proportionally oversized helmet, virtually everything about this figure’s color scheme is wrong. There are so many deco omissions – top to bottom – it’s hard to fathom how it passed QC. Hopefully Hasbro keeps to their word and issues a revision.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this piece is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

In Stores: The Making of Return of the Jedi

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Today is the official release date for the next wildly anticipated “Making of” series of books from prolific Star Wars author, J. W. Rinzler. The Making of Return of the Jedi goes in depth into all of the build-up, pre-production, release and marketing of the (then) final chapter in the Star Wars saga. For more on this revealing book, check out the latest blog entry at StarWars.com from contributor Eric Geller or listen to the latest episode of Star Wars Action News for their complete review.

Episode 406: Size DOES Matter

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In 2007, the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars brought an onslaught of toys, collectibles, and commemorative items. But of all the 30th Anniversary items only one provided new insight into the Star Wars saga — J.W. Rinzler’s The Making of Star Wars. With that book’s success Rinzler followed up with The Making of The Empire Strikes Back for Episode V’s 30th anniversary in 2010. Now, Rinzler completes his trilogy with The Making of Return of the Jedi, and he may have saved the best for last. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Brock gives a hands-on review of this impressive tome, which is in bookstores today!

Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie have the entire first wave of Hasbro’s 6-inch Black Series figures in hand. With X-Wing Luke Skwalker, R2-D2, Darth Maul, and a Sandtrooper, how does this new line of figures hold up? Listen to hear their review.

With some real (trick or) treats in Target’s Halloween section and a report from Project Comic-Con in St. Louis, it’s all in the new Star Wars Action News podcast!​

Download the show: MP3 (Audio Only) / M4A (Enhanced)

Toy Hunter at ToyMan Collector Show

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While at the St. Louis ToyMan collector show over the weekend, I was able to meet a special guest of the show who was recording for an upcoming episode of Toy Hunter!  I also snapped some pics of this ever-growing collecting event that is gaining national attention – check them out in the forums!

Jordan also wanted me to mention that his Halloween Special will be airing at 9pm Eastern Time on Sunday October 20, so be sure to check out your local listings on the Travel Channel!

The Mara Jade Fix

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From the moment the first final production photo hit the web, collectors were up in arms over the head sculpt for Mara Jade. Thankfully there is an extremely easy fix. I picked up a Marvel Universe Black Widow figure from Toys”R”Us today and with zero customization or altering, the head is a direct swap for Mara Jade. What is great about the head sculpt is that the hair is rubbery allowing for full range of neck movement and zero arm/shoulder binding. Click the image above for a closer look and be sure to comment on what you think.

Update: Here is a requested side-by-side comparison shot as well.

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