Tag Archives: SWAN

Episode 483: ICE — Collecting to the Extreme!

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The coolest Star Wars collections are on ICE!

Over Labor Day weekend a group of Star Wars collectors from across the globe gathered in the Washington DC area for an International Collector’s Event–or ICE. Items were sold and traded, collections were put on display, and friends swapped stories. All while traveling through Virginia and Maryland visiting a dozen Star Wars collections!
Marjorie and Arnie were on-hand to see these impressive displays and talk to some of the other attendees.  So kick back and enjoy this extra-cool episode of Star Wars Action News!

Episode #478: House of Cards

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Now with reviews of Walmart’s exclusive Wave 3 Black Series figures!

Highly detailed, highly articulated Star Wars 3.75-inch figures are the mainstay of many fans’ collections. The news that The Force Awakens would only see a handful of these Black Series figures, and that they would be Walmart exclusives, made fans worry if these new toys would be obtainable. The third wave, with versions of Han Solo, General Leia, and Captain Phasma from The Force Awakens, has been elusive and fetched north of $40 per figure on eBay.  But now, finally, the dam has broken and these figures are showing up coast to coast–including in the Star Wars Action News studio! On this week’s show hear a review of these latest figures and see if they’re worth more toy runs!
Yet while the Black Series 3.75-inch figures have been elusive, the main line of figures, with five points of articulation, are available at every store. Fans were divided on these detailed, but hard-to-pose figures. Now, enter Kozy–a figure customizer who has created cardbacks that elevate these figures from average to epic!  He joins the Star Wars Action News hosts to talk about these cards and his inspiration for making them.
With a look at upcoming exclusives for San Diego Comic-Con International and Celebration Europe, new online sales, and much more, it’s all in this Wampa-sized episode of Star Wars Action News!

Episode 474: We’re Down To Buy Figuarts

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Now with almost 50 points of articulation!

Star Wars action figure collectors have a wealth of options. Whereas once we had only Kenner/Hasbro action figures, these days there are options in every scale and price point. One of those new figure lines is Bandai’s S.H. Figuarts 6-inch line. The price is double that of a Hasbro 6-inch figure, but is it worth it? On this episode of Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie give an in-depth review of the S.H. Figuarts First Order Stormtrooper, and tell you if it’s worth the price they paid!

And also on this week’s show, the hosts review Kotobukiya’s Art-FX+ First Order Stormtrooper statue 2-pack.  Listen in to find out why this may be a statue collection you want to troop build!
With a complete run down of all US Blu-ray releases of The Force Awakens, news of an upcoming prototype Elite Series figure, and the latest rumors for 2016’s Force Friday event, it’s all on this Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!

Episode 473: Blu Rey

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Now available in Blu!

Tomorrow The Force Awakens arrives on Blu-Ray — the first new live-action Star Wars home release in 11 years. There are a handful of exclusive versions and many tie-in sales. Prep for your Tuesday shopping by joining Arnie and Marjorie to find out which version is right for you!

Plus tomorrow also marks the rerelease of the Disney Store exclusive Elite figures — including a new Boba Fett! Find out how you can score these figures that have commanded top dollar on eBay.

With a report from Wizard World Chicago, a review of the latest Funko Smuggler’s Bounty box, and more, it’s all in this new episode of Star Wars Action News!

Update: New Target Exclusive 12″ TFA Droid 3 Pack Found

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Our friends at Star Wars Action News report via Facebook the discovery of a new 12″ Droid 3 pack from The Force Awakens hitting shelves exclusively at Target. The set includes BB-8, C-3PO and RO-4LO and retails for $29.99*.

*Thanks to Justin from JediNews for the price confirmation.

Update: for those in the hunt for this set:  DPCI 087-06-0046

Episode 466: 2015 Star Wars Collectors’ Year in Review

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For Star Wars collectors, 2015 started in a famine and ended in a feast — with plenty of highs and lows along the way! We look back at the Star Wars Celebration: Anaheim reveals, the convention exclusives, and all the action figures, mini-busts, import figures, and high-end collectibles. Plus the bottled water, the oranges, the cereals, and all the other tie-ins!
So listen now as Arnie and Marjorie are joined by other Star Wars Action News team members and friends and look back on the year that was…and the next year to come!

UPDATE: Disney/Lucasfilm Threatens Legal Action Over Rey Figure Leak

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Didn’t think yesterday’s “leak” of the Rey (Resistance Outfit) was a big deal? Disney/Lucasfilm seems to think differently as Jeremy Conrad (Furious Fanboys/Star Wars Unity) has received several takedown notices for DMCA violation by simply re-sharing that photo. You can read his account at StarWarsUnity.net

Update: Disney/Lucasfilm is the party issuing the C&Ds over the figure leak, not Hasbro*.

*Apologies to any unnecessary shade thrown your way.

Episode 463: 2015 Holiday Gift & Black Friday Guide

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May the Force be with your wallet!

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Star Wars Action News community!

While your uncle gets drunk and your sister yells about football we give you our 11th annual Holiday Gift Guide.  What do you get for the Star Wars collector who has everything?  Or what should those in your life buy for you? Marjorie and Arnie, along with guest host Andrew, have dozens of gift ideas here in this show. From stocking stuffers to action figures to life sized statues, the whole range is in this guide!
Plus the Black Friday sales are about to start. As early as 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning stores are starting their deep discounts for the holiday season. Are there any Star Wars sales worth braving the crowds? Listen to find out!
And be sure you get, and give, a Star Wars themed gift this year! Our annual Sithmas gift exhange registration is open. Sign up before Dec 2 to join in this fun Secret Santa type fun. Find out all the details and sign up now.

SWAN Episode 462: Phasma-tastic

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As The Force Awakens draws closer we get new information, new trailers, and…new toys!  With the Guavian Enforcer, Captain Phasma, Constable Zuvio and Poe Dameron the second wave of 6-inch Black Series figures is hitting stores now. On this episode of Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie review this new wave of figures–and try to guess how they fit into the new movie.  And they also review the new KMart exclusive Kylo Ren – Starkiller Base Black Series figure.
Also on this week’s show, with tomorrow’s release of Battlefront the game, Brock joins us to look at the Star Wars: Battlefront novel Twilight Company. He also reviews the new audiobook adaptations for the young readers’ adaptations of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
With Berent’s report from Gentle Giant Days in Burbank, a rundown of new Star Wars merchandise hitting stores, and more, it’s all in this episode of Star Wars Action News!