Episode 401: The Empire Brings Sexy Back

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This weekend was Wizard World Chicago 2013, and the Star Wars Action News crew were there, as were tons of Star Wars toys. From rare vintage Star Wars items from Hasbro and Palitoy to new Black Series figures in both scales! With a new show layout and big guests, listen to find out if you should attend the next Wizard World in your area!

But the biggest news of the week is Hasbro’s new Black Series figures! The new wave of 3.75-inch figures are hitting stores coast to coast. The hosts provide a carded review of these new figures and detail some problems that carded collectors may need to watch out for!

With Star Wars burlesque at Chicago’s Gorilla Tango Theater, disappointment at D23, and more, it’s all in this week’s Star Wars Action News!

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

Episode VII: The Emperor Strikes Back?

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Our friends at JediNews have received some inside information that Ian McDiarmid is rumored to be reprising his role as Darth Sidious/Emperor Palpatine in Episode VII. Exactly how he will be brought back from “the dead” is an interesting plot device to say the least. Could he be a spirit akin to Obi-Wan in TESB and ROTJ, imparting his knowledge of the dark side to some new apprentice? Perhaps he will possess Luke Skywalker some how and the children of our heroes from the original trilogy must redeem him. Could they pull a bit from the Expanded Universe’s Dark Empire storyline where Palpatine created a clone of himself in order to achieve immortality?

The possibilities and speculation are endless but remember, nothing is official unless Disney and Lucasfilm say so.]

Oh, and Happy Birthday today to Ian McDiarmid – a fitting story to be sure.

Amazon Build-A-Droid Carded Images

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A lot of collectors may not be happy with the Droid Factory line being an Amazon exclusive, but there’s no denying this is some of Hasbro’s finest work in terms of packaging, and it’s a true shame that this line was replaced by The Black Series.  Check out a full gallery of pics courtesy of volkerc here and also share your thoughts in our forums.

Toyguide Update: TBS #02 Clone Trooper Sergeant

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The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today we take a look at the #02 Clone Trooper Sergeant.

PROS: As the first trooper of the Black Series, there is not a whole heck of a lot new here but the execution is decent. Again, like the VC45 version, articulation is abundant allowing the widest range of posing options possible. Accessories are basic with the standard trooper kit of a blaster, rifle and removable helmet.

CONS: A solid figure all around but if there were any nits to pick they would center around the paint apps. To me, the particular shade of green used for the accent seems a bit too dark and should be a bit more yellow in hue – but it’s very close. Finally, I like my clones weathered to show the effects of war.

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.

Galactic Files Series 2 Launches Today

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Today marks the official launch of Topps’ Galactic Files Series 2, and once again, Dan Curto has been asked to contribute his talents as a guest sketch card illustrator. As a preview, he has provided us with an exclusive first look at a few of the the cards he has done. Click on through to check them out and be sure to head to JediNews and his Facebook page where he’ll have more on display.

Continue reading Galactic Files Series 2 Launches Today

D23 Teases “Orange Harvest”

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This weekend kicks off the annual D23 Expo where Disney unveils their upcoming TV, movie and theme park attractions.  As a teaser for the event, the convention has on display several Star Wars related crates all sporting the Orange Harvest banner – a play on the iconic Blue Harvest code name for Return of the Jedi. Head on over to ComingSoon.net for a few images from the convention floor and stay tuned this weekend for more official announcements from Disney and D23.

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