MARCH 2004 ARCHIVE

22nd - 31st March '04

TARKIN IS TAKEN

If you didn't get your entry in for our Win a Tarkin Bust Contest, we know one person that you like to thank you for increasing his chance of winning. Congratulations to Richard Skoda who is now the luck owner of the Grand Moff Tarkin Bust by Gentle Giants. Richard should expect the arrival of this excellent collectors piece by the weekend.

Check back tomorrow for details on our next contest, titled Cartoon to Comics.

31st March 2004, MSE-6

FACT FILES CONTINUES

Start checking those letter boxes because the next 4 issues of the never ending Star Wars Fact Files should arrive this week. Issues #106 through to #109 seem to feature more and more Expanded Universe (EU) items that previous packs. Are the publishers trying to extend the run until the release of Episode 3???  But there is always one gem in the series to keep you coming back for more. (image previewed here)

30th March 2004, MSE-6

AUSTRALIAN TOY FAIR 2004 - UPDATE

Want to know what is going on in the world of Star Wars down under according to Lego Australia and Wizards of the Coast. Well, Click Here for to view our updated Australian Toy Fair 2004 coverage. Oh and don't miss the new Miscellaneous Section, as not every toy can grow up to work for LucasFilm ;P

The final two Exhibitor Stand review section for Funtastic and Croftminster have now been uploaded. Hope you enjoy our coverage. Remember to drop into the Mousedroid Forum Section if you have any questions regarding any of the products or images in our feature.

Mousedroid would like to thank the friendly and helpful Company Reps on all of the stands we visited during our time at the Toy Fair and hope to see you next year.

29th March 2004, MSE-6

THE CLONE WARS HAVE BEGUN...YET AGAIN...(will it never end)

The next ten episodes of the Clone Wars Animated Micro Series will begin screening on Cartoon Network in Australia tonight at 5.30pm and 9.30pm So, head over to the Clone Wars site at Cartoon Network today and check the schedule so you can record all the episodes. Or join Hyperspace and download them a day earlier and watch them on our PC.

29th March 2004, MSE-6

AUSTRALIAN TOY FAIR 2004

For 5 days in March the toy industry in Australia stands still as every toy retailer manager and toy distributor marketing guru flock to the 2004 Toy, Hobby and Nursery Fair in Melbourne. Its time to show off the best toys for the coming year and to make deals, thus ensuring that the aussie collector can get all our goodies locally.  Click Here for more.

28th March 2004, MSE-6

PLAYSKOOL, STAR WARS STYLE

We have just returned from the 2004 Australian Toy, Hobby and Nursery Fair, (aka Australian Toy Fair) and though everyone would like a sneak peak at the surprise items on show at the Hasbro Australia Booth, prior to our complete coverage tomorrow. Yes, on display for the first time was the mock line up of the Playskool Star Wars Mini Pairs.

The 'A New Hope' range will include Luke Skywalker + R2-D2, Princess Leia + Han Solo, Darth Vader + Obi-wan Kenobi,  and finally Chewbacca + C-3P0. The 'Attack of the Clones' range will feature Padme Amidala + Anakin Skywalker, Yoda + Clone Trooper, and Obi-wan Kenobi + Jango Fett. Plus the return of the previous, but newly packaged playsets.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our complete coverage all things Star Wars and beyond at this Trade Only event. [ Image 1 ]  [ Image 2 ]

27th March 2004, MSE-6

CARTOON NETWORK CLONE WARS CONTEST

Got Pay TV? Got Cartoon Network? and got an EyeD Card? Then head over the the Cartoon Network Australia  EyeD site to login and enter their contest to win 1 of 50 Clone Wars toys. Just tell them which two Star Wars characters are your favorite and why? (in 25 words or less) 

Nice to see Hasbro Australia and our sponsor Case Fresh actively promoting Star Wars to the unconverted public in preparation for a huge movie year.  

22nd March 2004, MSE-6

QUICK, GET BUSTED

A quick reminder that the  Win a Gentle Giants Tarkin Bust contest ends his week. So if you have yet to enter, just click on the Tarkin Contest Banner (above or to the right)  to go to our entry page and be sure to read the contest rules.. This contest is only open to Australian and New Zealand residents. New contest starts April 1st...no joke :)

22nd March 2004, MSE-6

STAR WARS CUSTOM CARDS

The Clone Wars assault continues. What with the return of the Clone Wars Animated Micro-series, newly announced Statues based on animated characters, the upcoming video game Republic Commando and now some more details on the Topps Star War Clone Wars Trading Cards (based on the Animated Series). 

The completed set contains 90 regular cards: 9 Character Cards, 63 Episode Cards, one Episode III Clone Trooper Preview Card (showing the new design for them in Episode III), 16 Dark Horse Cover Gallery Cards and one Title/Checklist Card. Topps adds 10 die-cut stickers, 10 battle motion cards Artist Sketch Cards featuring Clone Wars art from  Dark Horse and Cartoon Network artists, and Autograph Card Case Toppers, round out the set. Click here for images [1] [2] [3]

Available to buy in April/May and now showing for pre-order at Case Fresh. Oh, and don't forget, there are three promo cards to collect too (with the P3 card exclusive to ShopStarWars.com, when they get back online that is).

22nd March 2004, MSE-6

15th - 21st March '04

ORIGINAL TRILOGY DVD IN HYPERSPACE

For those lucky enough to have a Hyperspace membership, head over to the Official Star Wars Site and log in to get a preview of the final packaging of the Original Trilogy on DVD. Available in either the Platinum Widescreen editions, or in Gold for the full screen versions. These are very reminiscent of the Silver/Gold Special Edition Box sets from 1997. The Star Wars Trilogy on DVD is a four-disc set that contains A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and a bonus disc of all new special features. Each of the four discs in the set will have its own dedicated packaging, designed to fit seamlessly on the shelf with the Star Wars DVDs already in your collection.

And if that wasn't enough, The Digital Bits "can say with some confidence now that when Lucasfilm and Fox release the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD in September, the films ARE going to include new footage. We've confirmed "unofficially" with three separate sources, each in positions to know, that at least SOME new footage is being added to the films, and that more special effects enhancements, tweaks and fixes are being done". Head over to this great DVD news site for more information. 

20th March 2004, MSE-6

GAMA TRADE SHOW NEWS

If you areas excited about the end of year release of the new Star Wars Miniatures Game then head over to Gaming Report.com for some excellent images of some of sample miniature figures that we will soon be collecting. The September release of 'Rebel Storm' will have 60 figures from the classic era, followed soon by 'Clone Strike' in November with another 60 figures including some Episode 3 preview items.

Starter Sets will comprise of 10 figures; 2 exclusive rares, 2 uncommons, 6 commons, rulebook, battlegrid, terrain cards, and a D20. The Booster Pack will have 7 figures; 1 rare or very rare, 2 uncommons, and 4 commons. 

No news yet of where to get them in Australia so keep checking back for more updates, or better yet head to our Forums Section and discuss it online.

19th March 2004, MSE-6

CLONE CONUNDRUM

Escaping from Ventress Asajj's fortress, Obi-Wan Kenobi and the clone trooper Alpha are pursued by Separatists and bounty hunters. Crash landing on a desolate planet, they are soon cornered. The bounty hunters give Alpha a choice: walk away from the fight, or die with his Jedi companion. Will Alpha's "live to fight another day" training win out?

Find out if all clone are created equal or not in Star Wars Republic #62, now available at your local comic shop.

18th March 2004, MSE-6

YAVIN WAVE LAUNCHED

Hot on the vapor trail of the release of Red Leaders X-wing , comes the launch of the carded wave of Yavin Figures. This wave features the backbone of the Imperial Navy Squadrons the Tie-fighter Pilot; Y-wing pilot, Dutch Vander aka Gold Leader, and the head honcho of the Rebel defense of Yavin, General Jan Dodonna.

The fourth figure in this wave breaks from the Yavin theme. That being the winner of Hasbro Fan Choice #5 and former the owner of C-3P0, Captain Antilles. Featuring 'extendable neck' this is one great figure to complement all of our Darth Vader displays.

This wave of Star Wars universe soldiers are now available for purchase online at Casefresh.

17th March 2004, MSE-6

DARTH DANGEROUS

Hot off the press. Darth Vader is one dangerous dude. Well that is something we all knew but now the whole of Australia knows it too. In a considerable sized ad in The Australian newspaper (click here), Hasbro Australia has announced a nation wide product recall on the Darth Vader: Throne Room Duel figure.

The Australian Government Product Recall site had this further information. "The figure has a Lightsaber Throwing Action, which may be able to also throw other improvised items (ie toothpick, nails, etc) further than 300mm in free flight in contravention of Projectile Toy Regulations. Contact Hasbro Australia Limited on Toll Free 1300 138 697 to arrange for a full refund or replacement product."

Now there is an even better reason for keeping those figures carded. :)

16th March 2004, MSE-6

8th - 14th March '04

DIY PROBE DROID Part2

Unsure of what the next-door neighbor is up too? Think the mailman is plotting against you? Maybe you are trying to track down that one last elusive carded rebel pilot? Sounds like you need to build yourself an army of Probe Droids. Join us in our Features Section as Lego Builder SIthlord continues his tuition on how to Build a UCS Probe Droid.

This Lego project was the design genius of Gareth and more of this creations (including part lists and diagrams) can be found at the premium Lego Star Wars site, From Bricks to Bothans (FBTB.net)

14th March 2004, Sithlord

EVERYONE FORM UP ON RED LEADER

Want to expand your rebel fleet. What better way than to get the Leader of the original Rogue Squadron, Garven Dreis. Red Leader's X-wing Fighter ships with the FX fighter body (less electronics), a vacant astromech compartment and the exclusive Garven Dreisfigure. Boxed in a Death Star trench diorama it will be a hard decision to open or leave MIB.

Available now from Casefresh. Order a few, then using a little red paint plus some custom pilots and R2 figures you could have your very own squadron to command.

13th March 2004, MSE-6

DANGER, GRIEVOUS EVIL INSIDE  

WARNING, EPISODE 3 SPOILER WARNING AHEAD. Highlight to read. The image to the left is that of the the evil Separatist Army General Grievous. The General is said to be the most 'fearsome saber swinging' villain to hit the Star Wars screen. The reason being both his arms are able to split in two and thus Grievous can weld 4 sabers...masterfully too. 

So you want to know more well if you are not yet subscribed to the Star Wars Insider you have missed the boat. You best bet is to reserve a copy from your local comic shop, until Paizo announce what is install for the future of Insider subscriptions (see below news item)

13th March 2004, MSE-6

ONE SECRET UNCOVERED, ANOTHER DISCOVERED

Just a reminder that ShopStarWars.com will be open early tomorrow morning Australia Time. So for all the eager Collector night owls get your credit cards ready.  On a 'possible' related issue head over to Paizo Publishing site for news on Star Wars Insider subscriptions. Looks like yet another secret venture might just be underway. 

Could this mean yet another Publisher change for the Official magazine, or maybe its conversion into a totally online E-mag under Hyperspace???

10th March 2004, MSE-6

DARKSIDE OF THE CLONE WARS 

With the start of the next Clone Wars Animated Micro Series at the end of the month it is time to revisit the official site and remind our selves just what happened in the last ten episodes. Or maybe just play some Games, download a wallpaper and read up on the main characters. So, head over to the Clone Wars site at Cartoon Network today.

9th March 2004, MSE-6

JEDI QUEST #8 

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and another Master-Padawan duo must capture an evil scientist on a planet run by a tyrant as a refuge for other criminals. To do this, they have to go undercover -- as criminals. Will the means be worth the ends -- or will Anakin learn too much about the seamier side of the galaxy? 

Follow Obi-Wan and Anakin into the criminal underground in the next novel of Star Wars Jedi Quest series Jedi Quest: The Changing of the Guard at your local Dymocks Bookstore.

8th March 2004, MSE-6

1st - 7th March '04

CLONE WARS SERIES 2 SCHEDULE  

HOLD EVERYTHING. Call, click or ring you local Foxtel, Optus or Austar Provider and get connected to Cartoon Network before 29th March. Why, you ask ??? Because that is when Series 2 of the Animated Clone Wars Micro-series will begin airing in Australia. If you missed Series 1, you best get connected before 15th March, for the re-runs

Special note: Clone Wars Series 2  on March 29th will preceed the National Premiere of the All New Astro Boy Cartoon Series. And who said shooting bullets out of your butt wasn't cool :)

5th March 2004, MSE-6

BE-COME A BE-JEDI

Our good friends over at BeJedi.com have advised us that the Jedi Temple Treasure Vault has been restocked with some great prizes. Plus increase your Padawan Points with a game of chance in the Palpatine’s Padawan Point Prowler section or solve the Cryptic Crossword to win other Star Wars goodies.

More info on how to enter at the BeJedi.com website.

5th March 2004, Barbarian J

TWISTED TALES  

Han is rescued, Luke has been captured, but Leia's determination to free him has led to a precipitous and premature attack on the Death Star! Meanwhile the Rebel ground troops on Endor have run into their own problems. It all leads up to a surprising setback for the Rebel Alliance - and for Luke Skywalker in particular!

Don't remember this happening in the movies? Well you must be from another dimension because this is exactly how it happens in Star Wars: Infinities - Return of the Jedi #3 (of 4). Available at your local comic shop today.

4th March 2004, MSE-6

HALL OF FAME

Maybe you missed a figure or two at retail? Maybe you want some figures to open? Or maybe you are a Completist Collector who just has to have every figure or variant? What ever your reason, Hasbro has answered the call by releasing a line of twelve re-carded figures from the past 18 months, entitled the Hall of Fame.

The entries into the hall include; Darth Maul (Theed Hanger Duel), Obi-wan Kenobi (Coruscant Chase), Anakin Skywalker (Geonosis Hanger Duel), Yoda (Battle of Geonosis), R2-D2 (Tatoonie Mission), C-3P0 (Death Star Rescue), Luke Skywalker (Tatoonie Encounter), Princess Leia Organa (Death Star Captive), Stormtrooper (Death Star Chase), Darth Vader (Death Star Clash), Han Solo (Flight to Alderaan) and Chewbecca (Escape from Hoth).

The Hall of Fame figures are packed one per case, so buying by the case ensures you can easily grab the complete 12 figure line. These items are now in stock at Case Fresh. Coming later this month to our other retailers.

3rd March 2004, MSE-6

JABBA'S HENCHMEN

What self respecting Hutt would be caught dead without a gang of henchmen and mercenaries to back him up? Not Jabba the Hutt that's for sure. So, hot on the heals of the Jabba Ultra wave, this week sees the release of wave #3 of the Basic saga 04 line. The Jabba's Palace Wave includes Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard), Rappertunie (Musician), J'Quille (Whiphid), Tanus Spijek (Elom), and a Holographic Luke Skywalker.

These items are now in stock at Case Fresh.

3rd March 2004, MSE-6

MOVING TARGETS

Greedo was one of Jabba the Hutt's henchmen. He caught up with Han Solo at a cantina in Mos Eisley on Tatooine and as everyone knows "Han Shot First". Now is your chance to use the rodian for target practice with the Gentle Giant's Greedo Bust (limited to 7500 pieces worldwide)

Cool lightweight armor that is considerably more flexible than the standard uniform. Riding super fast Imperial speeder bikes. Custom design blaster pistols. Yes, when a Stormtrooper feels the need for speed they join the Biker Scouts. Rush in quick to grab your very won Gentle Giant Biker Scout Bust today. (limited to 7500 pieces worldwide).

These items are now in stock at Case Fresh and include free shipping. Whilst talking about Gentle Giant Busts, remember entries for the  "Win a Tarkin Bust" Competition closed at the end of this month so click on a banner to enter.

Note: If you entered in February you may now submit a second entry form.

3rd March 2004, MSE-6

SKYFORCE IN SYDNEY

Starwalking, the Star Wars Appreciation Society of Australia, is having their first SKYFORCE - Sydney meeting for 2004.Toy talk, fan movies, EP3 discussions, plus all the usual fun to be had, including the best dealer tables this side of a Dagobah. 

Date:                    Sunday march 7th, 2004
Time:                    12pm to 5pm
Location:             Lidcombe Catholic Workers Club, 
                              24 John Street, Lidcombe (opposite Railway Station)
Entrance Fees:   $8 Members, $10 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 :)

3rd March 2004, MSE-6

ORIGINAL TRILOGY TIMES THREE

News Flash...Just when you thought getting the Original Trilogy on DVD would be simple, Mousedroid reader Watto has found a twist to our future purchase. A French site KamuiWeb.com has found what appears to be 3 different collector cases for the September DVD release.  

Visit the 'translated' versions of KamuiWeb for more details, but in brief the version of the boxed sets  we could possibly see are Final Conflict, Lightside vs. Darkside and Imperial Collection. Here at Mousedroid we like them all, but the Vader/Yoda version looks extra sweet.

1st March 2004, Watto