FEBRUARY 2004 ARCHIVE

23rd - 29th February '04

ULTRA BIG.....ULTRA HUGE.....ULTRA JABBA

This week sees the release of the next themed Ultra wave, Jabba's Palace. The Jabba the Hutt Ultra comes with removable tongue, pipe, railing, oh and a small frog like snack. The Jabba Court Denizens comprises of a re-released B'omar monk, Bubo  and Wol Cabasshite (slug thing). All in all an obscure bunch, but fun. These items are now in stock at Case Fresh.

27th February 2004, MSE-6

SSSHHHH...IT'S A SECRET 

The often-hinted super-secret online retailer of exclusive Star Wars collectible merchandise is on its way soon, as of March 10, Lucasfilm opens the virtual doors of its very first online store at StarWarsShop.com. This official online Star Wars store will have a wide variety of Star Wars products, including new and rare exclusives. 

More than 200 Star Wars items will be available including dozens that have been specially commissioned by Lucasfilm and created for the official online Star Wars retail store. Some of these exclusive items include a brand new set of six collectible Star Wars: Clone Wars pins featuring characters from the hit Cartoon Network micro-series; and a green-striped Deluxe Clone Trooper Sergeant mini-bust created by Gentle Giant, limited to 2,500 pieces.

Visit the StarWarsShop.com pre-launch page today, where you can sign up for a grand opening reminder notice and other updates

27th February 2004, MSE-6

PICK YOUR FAVORITE RE-ISSUE

Star Wars Fans' Choice Figure Poll #6 is now open. Hasbro is asking collectors to choose the next Fans' Choice figure for the 2004 Original Trilogy Collection. So, which figure would you like to see re-packaged in OTC style card???. 

There are 6 choices, R2-D2 with Holo Leia, Admiral Motti, Ree-Yees, Death Star Trooper, Han Solo in Stormtrooper Disguise or Imperial Scanning Crew Trooper (from Millennium Falcon Carrying Case).

Tough call...but you have until Friday 5th March 2004 to vote (click here)

25th February 2004, MSE-6

TO THE LAST MAN ON THE LAST STAND  

Sunber's infantry regiment on Maridun is cut off from the rest of the Empire. Comms have been cut, and their way out of the jungle is blocked by thousands of hostile native Amanin. Out-numbered, they must choose between combat or surrender--but either decision may mean death! in the continuation of Empire #17: To the Last Man (preview). 

Obi-Wan and Anakin find themselves in command of a regiment of Clone Troopers on Jabiim. Supply lines stretched thin and reinforcements unable to land due, the Jedi have become easy targets. The situation goes from bad to worse when Obi-Wan is MIA, and Anakin is sent on a doomed mission to hold the last line in the Republic's defense! Missed the ongoing series then grab the Trade Paper Back (TPB) of Clone Wars Volume 3 Last Stand on Jabiim, and join the Clone Wars saga. 

25th February 2004, MSE-6

SAD FAREWELL TO A LOYAL DROID

We have just learnt that our favourite USA based Star Wars news site is closing it doors tomorrow.  As of midnight (USA-time) Tuesday 24th February 2004 ArtoosNews.com will close it site down. From us here at Mousedroid and all the Star Wars fans downunder we would like to thank all the team at this great site for its fresh and unique coverage.

24th February 2004, MSE-6

FACT FILES FOREVER 

Start clearing some more shelf space because Bissett Magazine have just announced that the 'last' issue of the Star Wars Fact Files will now be #140. So that means for those that just received issues #102-105, we only have 35 issue left plus one more folder. But remember that with the release of EP3 next year we might not see an end until 2010.

23rd February 2004, MSE-6

16th - 22nd February '04

FIRST COLLECTIBLES FAIR FOR 2004

The first big Collectibles Fair in Sydney for 2004 is on this weekend. With every thing from vintage to saga, plus comics and other great toy lines, the Parramatta Collectibles Fair is always a great place for a Sunday morning bargain hunt. Star Wars fans take note, as our sponsor Case Fresh will be in attendance, so drop past and say hi.

Date:                    Saturday February 22nd, 2004
Time:                    8am to 3pm
Location:              182 Church Street Mall, Parramatta, NSW
Entrance Fees:   $5.00 before 10am, $3.00 after 10am.

19th February 2004, MSE-6

BAIL ORGANA UNDER FIRE

While the Clone Wars continue to hold the attention of the galaxy, sinister plans are afoot within the Senate. Senator Bail Organa's ship is attacked by pirates, and former Supreme Chancellor Valorum returns to warn any who will listen of treachery behind the scenes. With the Jedi away at the wars, it's up to citizen Senators to fight for the preservation of the Republic. But what chance do they have against the power of the Sith? Republic #61is yet another milestone in the saga of the Clone Wars! So rush to your comic shop today and grab a copy..

19th February 2004, MSE-6

NEW YORK TOY FAIR WRAP UP

All the Star Wars licensees have shown their wares at the NY Toy Fair 2004. For the heads up on what we can expect to see in the second half of the year check out the following three USA based Star Wars sites for reports, and some very cool photos of all goodies.
   [ ArtoosNews ]      [ GalacticHunter ]      [ Rebelscum ]

Don't want to troll thru the images? Just want the bottom line? Click Here.

18th February 2004, MSE-6

SWNZ COLLECTION

Every country has its share of exclusive collectibles, that arose out of marketing campaigns specific to that region, or came about because local manufacture of items introduced differences from international equivalents. The story of New Zealand exclusive Star Wars collectibles has some interesting aspects: because of our geographic isolation, and modest population numbers compared to other markets, items and sets were produced in small numbers only, and have become quite sought after due to their rarity. Head over the Tasman and check out SWNZ articles.

18th February 2004, Matt G

SACUL'S SECOND COMING

So you got your Imperial Shuttle and bonus Jorg Sacul figure last year but would like a second Jorg to open. Well you can get that extra one, and not off eBay. Case Fresh is running an exclusive offer. Buy or pre-order $90 of selected Star Wars Figures from the next 4 waves and you will receive a Free Jorg Sacul figure. See Cash Fresh for more details.

Now you can get that second George Lucas look a like figure to use as a voodoo doll whilst watching Episode I. (payback time for Jar Jar Binks)

17th February 2004, MSE-6

WARRIORS UNLEASHED

From the ice plains of Hoth to the dusty battle fields of Geonosis or the forests of the Endor moon, the warriors of Star Wars Universe have been Unleashed. Choose from Hoth snow speeder pilot Luke, Endor Attack Chewbacca, and Clonetrooper Geonosis Battle. Or don't choose at all and buy all three.

Dynamic sculpts, visually dazzling packaging and a fantastic finish on each of these figures make it hard to decide whether to open them or keep them mint. In stock now at Case Fresh.

16th February 2004, MSE-6

9th - 15th February '04

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Hasbro has released a huge update on the Star Wars 2004 line just hours before the NY Toy Fair 2004 is due to open. Click here to got to the official Hasbro Star Wars Site to read all the juicy news. Such as the return of Original Trilogy Carded figures including coffin blister and even a Kenner logo, the redesigned Millennium Falcon, plus heaps more.

On the topic of NY Toy Fair 2004, we here at Mousedroid.com suggest you visit GalacticHunter.com for the best coverage and photos from the event.

14th February 2004, MSE-6

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Ahh, its Valentines Day again. Love is in the air and cupid is shooting off those darn little arrows of his. Well, a couple of those arrows have hit Luke and Mara, making them all goo-goo eyed. Head over to the Random House site and read an exclusive Timothy Zahn Valentine Short Story. 

14th February 2004, MSE-6

SKYFORCE IN MELBOURNE

Starwalking, the Star Wars Appreciation Society of Australia, is having their first SKYFORCE - Melbourne meeting for 2004. The meeting will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Melbourne group and will definitely not be one to miss. All the usual fun to be had, including Dealer tables and the Skyforce Library.

Date:                    Saturday February 21st, 2004
Time:                    1pm to 5pm
Location:             'The Mervyn Himbury Theological Studies Centre, 
                              50 The Avenue, Parkville (Melway Ref: 43 F1 )
Entrance Fees:   $5.00 Members, $7.00 Non-members

If you are not part of Skywalking, why not join the club in what is going to be a huge lead-up year to Episode III in 2005. Come on, get active in your hobby :)

13th February 2004, MSE-6

TRILOGY DVD NEWS

Announced today on StarWars.com is the news that we can all expect to be sitting in our home theatre some time after September 21st watching the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD.

<Quote> 
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi will be available in a four-disc set that includes a bonus disc filled with all-new special features -- including the most comprehensive feature-length documentary ever produced about the Star Wars saga and never-before-seen footage from the making of all three films. Each of the three films in the Star Wars Trilogy has been digitally restored and re-mastered by THX for superior sound and picture quality.

"First and foremost, the DVDs will deliver the very best possible sound and picture and take advantage of everything the medium can offer. On top of that, we are creating added-value material that gets inside the creation of the Star Wars films in a fresh and fun way," Ward said. "We want watching this DVD collection to be as memorable as seeing the movies for the first time." 
<End Quote>

What is not said is if these are just the Special editions or something beyond. What is the "added-value material"? Just extra features or additional scenes? Only time will tell.

11th February 2004, MSE-6

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE TWINS

Head over to Action-Figure.com for a sneak peek at the next HOT toy line to hit the Star Wars Universe. Based on a Hero Clix style of gaming, the new Star Wars Miniature game from "Wizards of the Coast" will initially feature characters from the classic trilogy Star wars A New Hope, The Empire strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

There already plans for expansion sets focusing on the battles of the Clone Wars set between Episode II + III and feature characters seen in the Cartoon. The news story at Action-Figure outlines the Basic Starter Packs, as well as what to expect in the Booster Packs. They even mention plans for the possible inclusion of space style battles. (sweeeeeeet)

10th February 2004, MSE-6

SURVIVOR...STAR WARS STYLE

After fifty years, the remains of Outbound Flight, a pioneering Jedi expedition viciously destroyed by Thrawn, have been found on Nirauan. Now, the fiercely honor-bound aliens who reside there wish to turn over the remnants of the doomed mission to the New Republic. Accepting the gesture will mean a long voyage into the treacherous cluster of stars where the thousands of souls aboard the Outbound Flight vessel met their grim fate. But it may also mean something more... Join Luke and Mara on this epic adventure in Star Wars: Survivor's Quest, out now as a hardback.

10th February 2004, MSE-6

CODE3 ALERT ... CODE3 ALERT ...

Remember when you could buy die cast Star Wars vehicles, back when you were a kid. Well, they may not be in the same price range but then again these are more than just toys. I am referring to the range of die cast collectible vehicle from Code3 now available in Australia. Currently available for pre-order is the Millennium Falcon and Luke's X-wing Starfighter.

Expect pre-orders to open for the recently announced Boba Fett's Slave 1. For more images and a 3d views on these items head over to Code 3 Collectibles.

9th February 2004, MSE-6

NEW ROLEPLAYING BOOKS ON THE HORIZON

Two new roleplaying books due out in the first half of the year have finally been announced. Star Wars RPG: Geonosis And The Outer Rim Worlds is the sister title to Coruscant and the Core Worlds. This book will take a detailed look at a host of worlds that float on the fringe of the Star Wars galaxy. Worlds both familiar and new, from the droid factory on Geonosis and the cloning facilities on Kamino to the floating rock garden of Ryloth and the spice mines of Kesselare are described. Due out in March.

The second book, Star Wars RPG: Star Wars Ultimate Adversaries expands our almanac on the nefarious characters, fearsome creatures, lethal droids, and diabolical organizations, any of which could become a true nemesis in your campaign. Over 30 pregenerated villains, including Bossk and C-3PX. More than 75 alien creatures, including templates for creating Yuuzhan Vong-shaped creatures and Sithspawned creatures. Due out in June.

Remember you can pre-order all the Star Wars fiction/non-fiction books in 2004 via Neil at Hurstville Dymocks, Mousedroid.com's preferred Star Wars Literature Retailer. See our Oz Retailer section for more details, or track one down at a local bookshop.

9th February 2004, MSE-6

1st - 8th February '04

LETS GET ANIMATED

Finally, the second wave of Animated Clone Wars figures have been released here in Australia. The wave containing Yoda, Durge, Count Dooku and Clone Trooper was previewed last week in our Feature Section, but now you can purchase your own sets online now from Case Fresh or other retailers later in the year.

The first Collection (Anakin, Mace, Obi-wan, Ventress) was released in December in time for the first season of animated episodes. This second collection comes one month before the final ten episodes return to both Hyperspace and the Cartoon Network in March.

5th February 2004, MSE-6

THE DRINKS ARE ON ME

"Black Russian on the Rocks, R2, and make it snappy". Yes, the first wave of Saga 2004 figures are on the virtual shelves. Head up to the bar to collect your own carded Jedi Luke Skywalker with cloth cap, the first of the R-series droid R1-G4 and our own little bar-buddy, Sail Barge R2-D2 with drinks tray. 

Available now at our sponsors Case Fresh and other retailers in our Online Stores section.

5th February 2004, MSE-6

YOU MAY BUY HIM, WHEN READY

Vader may have been a Dark Lord, but Tarkin was evil with class. Now you can get some of that villainous style with the release of the Grand Moff Tarkin Bust from Gentle Giant Studios. Captured in pose contemplating his next military target, or just scratching his chin. This would have to be the best non-helmeted bust from Gentle Giants to date.

Yours to own now from Case Fresh and other vendors in our Online Stores section. Remember to enter our ' Win a Gentle Giants Tarkin Bust' contest, plus check back next week for details on how to place 'bonus' entry tickets.

5th February 2004, MSE-6

OUR BIGGEST CONTEST BUSTS OUT

Long before the phrase "Wipe them out...all of them" hit the screen there existed a villain in the Star Wars universe that didn't mind getting a 'bit' of blood on his hands. By bit I mean a whole planets worth. Yes, its our main Moff, Tarkin. Mean, nasty and well...not very nice. And he is making a return in EP3...hence the picture to the left.

So to celebrate The Moff's return we are running a new contest to Win a Gentle Giants Tarkin Bust. Just click on the Tarkin Contest Banner or RHS Contest Image to go to our entry page. You have until the end of March to enter. Check back often as we will have "bonus entry" opportunities to increase your chances of winning. 

4th February 2004, MSE-6

FACT FILES FINAL FOLDER

Today you should have received what will be the last folder for your Star Wars Fact Files form Bissett Magazines. I say should because at present we are only being told that the weekly publication will cease at issue #120. But with another episode next year and the increasing flood of literature from Lucas Books, who knows...we may have another 24+ issues in the works. Also in the box you will have issues #98 through to 101. If you haven't been collecting this magazine compilation...don't try catching up. ;P

4th February 2004, MSE-6

THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE

How did you go completing you collection last year? Were you able to find all the figures, or better still, were you able to track down all the store ' exclusives? Well to better help the little collector downunder, Hasbro Australia releases a Star Wars Newsletter twice a year, typically February and July.

So if you are not on the list, or didn't receive your last newsletter then send Hasbro Australia an email at custservau@hasbro.co.uk or give them a call on 1300 138 697. Remember to give your full name and address to get placed on the mailing list.

3rd February 2004, MSE-6

ANIMATED CLONE WARS WAVE #3 ???

Are you one of the growing army of dedicated followers of the Animated Clone Wars Micro-Series? Do you feel that these 3 minute episodes capture the essence of Star Wars the way you remember it as a kid? Are you looking forward more to the next ten episodes than you are Episode 3?

Well, how about taking part of our February News Poll on what Animated character you would like to be made next. It is said that there will not be any more waves of animated figures other than those due this month, but we can all dream and hope Hasbro takes the time to listen to the market voice. 

Click on the menu on the top right of this screen to enter your vote today.

3rd February 2004, MSE-6

NEW eBOOK HITS THE eSHELVES

In conjunction with the soon to be release of Timothy Zahn's new Star Wars novel Survivor's Quest, Del Rey Books is releasing an original eBook novella, Star Wars: Fool's Bargain, also by Zahn. This exciting tale of frontline special missions features characters that appear in Survivor's Quest. The eBook also features a Survivor's Quest excerpt, and an interview with the author, Timothy Zahn.

Star Wars: Fool's Bargain will be available for downloading on February 4, via Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com, with a rrp is US$3.50. As a bonus, Timothy Zahn will be doing an online chat with members of Star Wars Hyperspace (USA Pacific Time-February 3rd 2.30pm). To join in on the chat subscribe to Hyperspace now.

3rd February 2004, MSE-6

MINI LEGO STORM

We must have been napping for this huge range to sneak in below the radar. Lego has release several new items for 2004 on their website www.ShopLego.com  To start with see if you c an raise Luke's X-wing from the swamp of Dagobah. The playset features the Dagobah X-wing, Yoda's house on Dagobah, Luke Skywalker and Yoda. 

Next out of the factory is the NEW Hoth Snow Speeder. With 213 pieces you can use the tow cable hook to tangle up Imperial AT-ATs and bring them crashing to earth. Recreate the Battle of Hoth from Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back! Includes Luke Skywalker and Dack Ralter. New speeder with a sweet new look (note: GT stripes extra)

Feel like a bit of a drink. Then hop into your land speeder and find some action or danger at the Mos Eisley Cantina.
Build the most popular spot on Tatooine -- the Mos Eisley Cantina. With Luke Skywalker and Ben Kenobi in their landspeeder, an Imperial sandtrooper on dewback, and Han Solo meeting with Greedo.  (Han Shoots First)

Finally we are bombarded from high orbit with the 3rd wave of Mini-Vehicles. All Terrain Tactical Enforcer (AT-TE) to carry clone troopers into battle. The Imperial Shuttle  to transport Emperor Palpatine from world to world. Darth Maul's feared craft, the Sith Infiltrator. The most powerful ship of the Imperial flee, the Star Destroyer

For those avid Lego collectors that don't wish to wait on overseas shipping from ShopLego, then try the services of the Largest Independent Lego Retailer in Australia OZBricks.com . Tell them Mousedroid sent you.

1st February 2004, MSE-6

TRILOGY ON DVD IN NOVEMBER

The following news has been report on by  DVDBits.com for Region 4 fans. Twentieth Century Fox have tabled the release of the 4 DVD set of the Star Wars Trilogy for November here in Australia. No street date as yet but rumor has it in the first two weeks, around the 10th.

 "Star Wars Episodes IV, V, VI: Special Editions" Not many people would have actually heard of these films, but they are set down for a release in November of this year, as a 4 disc set."

1st February 2004, MSE-6