Sideshow Collectibles updates their production blog today with an image gallery for the upcoming 442nd Siege Battalion Clone Trooper. Look for him to go up for pre-order on this Thursday afternoon.
Episode 323: Rip-ping into Paul S. Kemp
With Crosscurrent, Paul S Kemp made his mark on Star Wars fiction by telling an exciting and violent tale of Jedi locked in battle with Sith, but when that story ended fans were left wondering what the future held for Jaden Korr and the mysterious Jedi clones he encountered. Now Kemp is back with the sequel novel Riptide, and back on Star Wars Action News to talk about the development of the novel, it’s themes of identity and nature versus nurture, and where the story of Jaden Korr might lead.
Also on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Marjorie and Arnie provide an update on the packing of the Sithsonian, we have a store report about new Wal-Mart exclusives, and a Hasbro Q&A. All this and more on this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Regular Version:
http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN323.MP3
Enhanced Version
http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/Enhanced/SWAN323.M4A
Yakface/Hasbro QnA: Final for 2011
The Yakface/Hasbro QnA returns this week with the last set of answers for 2011. In this session we learn the details of the Vintage Jar Jar and the status of Grand Moff Tarkin.
Toyguide Update: AT-RT Walker with ARF Trooper
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with the addition of the Walmart Exclusive AT-RT Walker with ARF Trooper from The Clone Wars Collection.
PROS: After a delayed release, this set finally makes it way to retailers just in time for Christmas. A decent, if not odd, deco on the ARF trooper – kind of the Star Wars version of digital camo I guess. AT-RT Walker is a great, episode specific, repaint of the ’09 mold.
CONS: Availability is hit or miss right now. The lack of a Captain Keeli or Master Di on the pegs (or in the foreseeable future for that matter) makes for a lonely ARF Trooper and/or poor retail planning.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure 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.
Yakfinities #43 Voting
Voting has just begun for the first Yakfinities Customizing Challenge of 2012 – cast your vote in the forums after the jump!
Toyguide Update: BARC Speeder Bike with Clone Trooper Buzz
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with the addition of the Walmart Exclusive BARC Speeder Bike with Clone Trooper Buzz from The Clone Wars Collection.
PROS: After a delayed release, the set finally makes it way to retailers just in time for Christmas. Decent deco on the trooper (which recycles the “Jesse” sculpt). Fits well on the speeder nicely due to the ball jointed hips. Look great with the other 41st Elite clones released thus far.
CONS: Availability is hit or miss right now. Some might not like the sculpt selection for the figure and the fact that the figure and speeder included does not match the sculpts shown on the back of the packaging.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure 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.
Sponsor News: K & C Collectibles
K & C Collectibles has received new Vintage Collection figures, Clone Wars Figure with Vehicles and Gift Packs this week.
New: Clone Wars Multi-Pack:
Ultimate Gift Set (set of 5)
New: Clone Wars Figure with Vehicle:
AT-RT Walker with ARF Trooper (Exclusive Figure)
BARC Speeder Bike with Clone Trooper Buzz (Exclusive Figure)
Toyguide Update: Sideshow 12″ Figrin D’an
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with the addition of the 1:6 Scale Figrin D’an from Sideshow Collectibles.
PROS: Excellent sculpt and paint treatment for the portrait and hands. Instruments are well done. Tailoring of the fabric is on par with most Sideshow releases.
CONS: Although well sculpted where applicable, the $100 price tag seems a bit excessive considering what you get for $20 more in Sideshow’s clone trooper offerings. That being said, I think it will be tough to justify “getting the band back together” if you catch my meaning.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure 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.
Clone Trooper Buzz Reporting for Duty
Our friends at Jedi Temple Archives and GalacticHunter are reporting that some new exclusives that have had very little Hasbro publicity have shown up at Wal-Mart – check out their report by clicking on the above image!
New Starspeeder 1000 Images
The Disney Parks Blog has updated today with a new article detailing the features of the all-new Star Tours Starspeeder 1000 scheduled for release later this month. Head on over for a closer look!