MAY 2004 ARCHIVE

24th - 31st May '04

WINNER OF SUPANOVA AUTOGRAPHS

The lucky winner of the Supanova Autographed Photos of Nalini Krishan and Eliana Dona was Steve Neal of Queensland. Look for your prize pack plus a bonus item in the mail later in the week, Steve. Thanks to all those people that entered and be sure to check back tomorrow for our next contest. Enter via email and you too could win. Dead easy.

31st May 2004, MSE-6

UNLEASHED NOT RELEASED

Some depressing news for those collectors of the exceptional Unleashed Line of action statues. Australia will NOT be seeing the local release of the following re-carded Unleashed characters. Lightning lashing Darth Sidious, saber swinging Luke Skywalker, bearded battle Obi-wan Kenobi and luscious legs Slave Leia.

We are still awaiting confirmation on the fate of the Red Clone Trooper, so keep checking back for our regular updates on this topic.

30th May 2004, MSE-6

DECEPTIVE MOVES AFOOT

Obi-wan Kenobi is sent as ambassador to the remote planet Ord Cestus, a source of  new bio-droids able to challenge the Jedi in combat. Accompanied by another Jedi Knight Kit Fisto, five Clonetrooper, and a alien Barrister, Kenobi plunges into Cestan intrigues, trying to avoid Cestus's destruction and concealed sinister threat.

Fail and the Republic will not hesitate to launch a full-scale attack—and wipe out not only the means of bio-droid production, but countless lives as well, to demonstrate the consequences of disloyalty. Enter the latest novel, "Star Wars: The Cestus Deception", in the Clone Wars timeline today. Our friends at Hurstville Dymocks, received stock today so don't miss out. Or better still pre-order and be sure to get all your Star Wars literature on time, every time.

To go insider the Steven Barnes' mind for this great novel <Click Here> to be transported to the Official Star Wars sites article "Inside The Cestus Deception". Plus don't forget to buy the online short story The Hive (available from Contentlink or Amazon.com)  before rushing out to get your copy today.

28th May 2004, MSE-6

SIGN-UP FOR SIGNATURES

Just a quick reminder that you too could win two great autographed 8x10 photos from local Star Wars actors, Nalini Krishan and Eliana Dona. Go to our Supanova2004 coverage to see just the snap shots of the stars with the monogrammed prizes in hand. But first, make sure you enter by clicking on the contest banner to the right.

26th May 2004, MSE-6

THE EMPIRE STRIKES TWICE

Six months after the destruction of the Death Star, every Rebel has a bounty plus they still require a new location for a base. Princess Leia has an idea: an acquaintance from Alderaan has a hunting preserve on a small moon. It might be the ideal spot for the Rebel base may just be the perfect spot for a princess to die!. Empire #20 <Preview>

Before Luke, the Rebel Alliance had another hero: Biggs Darklighter. For the first time, the full story of Luke’s boyhood friend is revealed; from his departure from Tatooine to attend the Imperial Academy, to his decision to lead a mutiny against the Empire and join the Rebellion, to the fateful attack on the Death Star. Empire Vol.2 TPB <Preview>

Looking to get get into Star Wars Comics, or maybe grab some back issue? Well you don't have to move a muscle. well maybe just your index finger. Surf on over to King's Comics, the best in 'serialized graphical novels'  (i.e. Comics and TPB's) in Australia. Plus keep your eyes tuned to this page for more exciting news regarding King's Comics in the coming days.

25th May 2004, MSE-6

17th - 23rd May '04

CASE FRESH RELEASES THE CLONE WARS

Need to expand your Clone Trooper Army? Does your mum (or wife) keep depleting your rank of troops with the vacuum? Then now is the best time to either fill in those missing items or expand your Clone Wars Collections and get an superb bonus. Simply, buy $60 worth of selected Clone Wars Product and receive a Silver Clone Trooper FREE !!!

Also don't forget that the Jorg Sacul Promotion is also available at our friendly Sponsors. A FREE Jorg Sacul figure for all orders of $90 that contains at least one figure from each of the Endor, Yavin, Executor, and Jabba basic figure Waves. Plus all orders over $80 receive free Australian wide shipping.

For full conditions on all promotions and product lines Click Here to be transported to the Premium Star Wars Retailer in Australia, Case Fresh.

23rd May 2004, MSE-6

WHEN EWOKS FLY...

Are you into extreme sports? Got a hankering for an adrenalin rush? Well, race out, build your own home made glider form sticks and a sheet, then see how you go dive bombing the local army reverse barracks. See, those little Ewoks are a mean piece of work and so too is the newly release Deluxe Ewok with Attack Glider.

Still can't get rid of that Endor Forest rush? Well , to compliment our furry friend grad all three new figures form the Endor Wave of Basic Saga figures. Including General Crix Madine, General Lando Calrissian, and AT-ST disguise Han Solo. These are the last line that will appear on the blue saga cards before we head into OTC mode.

Yes, the Black Cards of the Original Trilogy Collection (OTC) will begin to role out late next month, but before then click thru to Case Fresh for the latest and last of the Saga collection for 2004.

23rd May 2004, MSE-6

TOPPS CARDS GET ANIMATED

That hidden gem, Clone Wars Micro Animated Series, impressed a lot of the Star Wars Fan base, as did the excellent range of figures released earlier this year, plus now we have a rumor of the entire series with bonus footage appearing on DVD by the end of the year. 

So, to keep us entertained until them check out the new range of Topps Clone Wars Trading Cards. Containing 7cards per pack (36 pack per box) that challenge will be to collect all of the Battle Motion Cards, Stickers, and the assorted original Hand Drawn Artist Sketches.

So head over to Case Fresh to grab a pack (or box) today, but be quick as Australian stocks are limited and these items are sure to be HOT!!!

23rd May 2004, MSE-6

HOME MADE CALAMARI

News to hand, our friends at SWNZ have an exclusive 3 part interview plus in depth look at the characters and acting skills of Gerald Home. Gerald is the face and mime behind Tessek (Squid Head) and a Mon Calamari Officer in Return of the Jedi. So, don't just sit there, click over to the First Installment of this series by Matt G. 

23rd May 2004, Matt G

'OFFICIAL TITLE' ANNOUNCED DOWN UNDER

Well, it has finally been announced?! According to reports, the Herald Sun has said in a tiny article called "Board Wars" quoting a London report that the Final Star Wars episode will be called <highlight to see>(Episode 3: Birth Of the Empire. ) it says it was from 'a source' and also 'insiders say', so who knows if its legit. Only time will tell if this is on the mark.

21st May 2004, Stormtrooper1407

FINAL INSIDER FOR AUSTRALIA?

Well I received what may be my final Star Wars Insider from the USA today. Only 2 months late, Insider #75 with General Grievous on the cover, brought mixed emotions with its arrival. This great magazine is now no longer available to International readers (thanks Official Fan Club), has some amazing article in it.

A well rounded Prequel update with glimpses of a dark future and some equally sinister villains. In addition to an interview with the gorgeous Keira Kingsley (Queens Decoy), a Who's Who of the Outlander Club including Australian Eliana Dona's Kell Borean on page 46, a tour behind the scenes at Gentle Giant Studios plus a whole swag more.

To add salt to an open wound they put the catch phrase "Star Wars, For the Fans, By the Fans" on the Bantha Tracks flip side cover. Come on Lucas, get your game together, re-open subscriptions to Australian & New Zealand.

21st May 2004, MSE-6

SEV WARS CARTOONS

For those Star Wars fans out there that like a good laugh, head over the eBay and check this out. No, seriously. For comic humor you can't go past Sev Wars and the great cartoons that ad the much needed mirth to our favorite universe. You can even suggest your own punch lines. See why Anakin turned to the dark side....here.

19th May 2004, JFOC

FURTHER FACT FILES...

Yet another 4 issues of the  Star Wars Fact Files should arrive this week. Issues #114 through to #117 sporting Jedi themed covers dropped into the mail today. Saesee Tin (114) and Obi-wan Kenobi (115) fighting for the Light side of the force. With Count Dooku (116) and Aurra Sing (117) showing a smear of the Dark side. Will they never end :)

18th May 2004, MSE-6

10th - 16th May '04

UNLEASHED EXPANDED

Every fan would have to agree that Unleashed figures are an outstanding collectible range. The announcement of Unleashed Wave 5 was today displayed on StarWars.com. The line will include the previously seen Trandoshan bounty Hunter Bossk, blue twi'lek jedi Aalya Secura and Tusken Raider. These are scheduled for an Aug-Sept Oz release.

Also announced, but images kept under wraps, is the line up for Unleashed Wave 6 containing, Aurra Sing, IG-88 and Stormtrooper. Back to a local note, rumors have been circling the forums regarding the Red variant Unleashed Clonetrooper. Check back for more updates and confirmations...

12th May 2004, MSE-6

GLOVES OFF FOR VADER

Failing to locate the Rebels’ new base after the destruction of the Death Star, Vader sets out to redeem himself by strong-arming his underworld contacts for information about the Alliance. But Vader’s past return to haunt him as a group of aliens attempt to kill the Sith Lord as revenge for a slaughter he perpetrated on their homeworld.

Find out what 'other' demons are lurking in Vader's' past in  Star Wars Empire #19, available from your local comic store today. Preview available <Here> 

12th May 2004, MSE-6

LUCASARTS AT E3

Want to know what Lucasarts has up its sleeve in the way of Star Wars gaming for the next 12 months? All you have to do is head to E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo). Held this week 12-14 May in Los Angeles. The line up will include the following titles, so expect to see some awesome screen shots and coverage later in the week;

STAR WARS KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC II: THE SITH LORDS: Set five years after the events of the first game, KOTOR2 takes players on an entirely new journey as they assume the role of what is believed to be the last Jedi in the galaxy. The game features a cast of returning characters and sinister new villains including 30 new Force powers. Summer 2004 for Xbox and PC.

STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT: An action/shooter game that gives fans and gamers the opportunity to re-live and participate in all of the classic Star Wars battles like never before. Players can select different soldier types, vehicles, battles in more than 15 environments across 10 diverse planets. November for the PlayStation2, Xbox and PC.

STAR WARS REPUBLIC COMMANDO: a squad-based first-person shooter that lets players explore the elite world of the Star Wars military. Leading a three-man squad of Republic commandos, on missions deep behind enemy lines in more than 14 levels, over three unique campaigns with more than a dozen deadly weapons at your disposal. February 2005 for the Xbox and PC.

JUMP TO LIGHTSPEED: The first expansion for the award-winning MMORPG, Star Wars Galaxies. Set between Episode IV and Episode V, opens 10 vast and distinct space sectors, from the Core Worlds to the Outer Rim. Real-time combat or uniting with friends in battle or exploration with 100 new missions, through asteroid fields, nebulae and space junkyards. Spring 2004 for PC.

NOTE: Star Wars Galaxies and the expansion game Jump to Light Speed are not released nor supported locally by any Australian distributor. This means Australian stores will have to import these titles and hence carry the higher cost due to shipping.

11th May 2004, MSE-6

AUTOGRAPH HUNTER CONTEST

Couldn't make it to Sydney for Supanova? Missed out on getting Nalini and Eliana's autographs? Well fear not, for we have a set of autographed 8x10 photos of these Star Wars beauties to give away to one luck winner this month. Go to our Supanova2004 coverage to see just the snap shots of the stars with the monogrammed prizes in hand.

All you have to do is click on our Supanova Autograph Contest banners to be transported to the entry page, read the rules and send an email to enter.

10th May 2004, MSE-6

1st - 9th May '04

CARTOONS TO COMICS CONTEST WINNER

Congratulations to our Cartoon To Comics Contest winner,  Marree Brown of Auckland, New Zealand. Expect to see your prize pack containing the Clone Wars 'Collection of Sketches' Booklet, Dark Horse 2002 Backlist Catalogue and Carded Clone Wars Blue ARC Trooper in Star Case early next week. Check back on Wednesday for our May contest.

9th May 2004, MSE-6

OUTER RIM GETS RPG'D

Countless inhabitable worlds are scattered throughout the farthest reaches of the galaxy, each one home to its own secrets and surprises. Geonosis and the Outer Rim Worlds takes you from the droid factory on Geonosis and the cloning facilities on Kamino to the floating rock garden of Ryloth and the spice mines of Kessel. 

With extensive historical data and features such as new feats, creatures, and prestige classes an endless variety of adventures, opportunities, and other entanglements await you in the Outer Rim. Grab this SWRPG Supplement today from your local bookstore and get lost in the Star Wars Galaxy

5th May 2004, MSE-6

YOUR MUM WON'T LIKE THIS

If you are in Sydney this weekend and missed out on the great deals at Supanova then you really are in luck as the Parramatta Collectibles Fair is on again this Sunday. Since it is also Mother's Day, you best get in early to grab her something special from the specialty dealers. Better still, bring her along so she can see the fine workmanship they have put into the newly renovated Parramatta Town Hall. (finally some light)

Date:                    Sunday May 9th, 2004
Time:                    8am to 3pm
Location:              182 Church Street Mall, Parramatta, NSW
Entrance Fees:   $5.00 before 10am, $3.00 after 10am.

5th May 2004, MSE-6

SUPANOVA PHOTO REPORT

Wow, what a weekend in Sydney. For some of the highlight photos from Sydney Supanova 2004 head to our Feature Section (click here). With major coverage of everything from comics to anime to action figures, I seriously doubt anyone could have walked away without doing some damage to their bank accounts. :)

We will have a detailed article on the Q&A session with Nalini Krishan and Eliana Dona later in the week, possibly some video highlights so stay tuned.

2nd May 2004, MSE-6

CARTOONS TO COMICS CONTEST

Last call for entries to months Cartoons to Comics Contest. Win a pack contains a Clone Wars Sketch Booklet, Dark Horse 2002 Backlist Catalog with a stunning art cover, plus a Clone Wars Blue ARC Trooper in a Star Case. (This guy is the elite soldier in both the Cartoon Micro Series and the Dark Horse comics).

Simply click on the link to the left to go to the entry page of our Cartoons to Comics Contest. But be sure to follow the rules as this contest is only open to Australian and New Zealand residents. Entries close this Friday 7th May 2004. 

1st May 2004, MSE-6

HUGE SUPANOVA HITS SYDNEY

Just got in from the first day of Supanova Sydney. It was huge, Loads of enthusiastic fans from all spectrums of the collecting community, and a very healthy smattering of retail stores selling all things from vintage comics to that latest replicas. If you only every go to one convention or toy fair this year then Supanova should be it. 

In brief here are some of the great deals you can grab once inside. 12" Leia with Speederbike $49, A-wing $25, Tie Fighter $25, $5/$10/$15 bargain bins containing 3 3/4" figures / Screen Scenes / Unleashed / Speeder Bikes, plus heaps more. Just head for the Case Fresh stand for these sale items plus all the latest in action figure collectibles.

But this Convention is more than just toys and comics. If you had been lucky enough to be in attendance today you would of had the chance to sit in on a Q&A with the two Aussie Beauties from Star Wars Episodes 2 &3. Nalini Krishan who plays Jedi Padawan Barriss Offee and Eliana Dona who had scenes in the Outlander Club (plus a secret EP3 role).

But fear not, as all the stars will be attending both days so you can catch up and chat to them plus get a personalized autograph. I am not going to spoil all  the surprises, as Supanova is on until 6pm today and again Sunday from 10am thru to 6pm at  Wharf 8 53-59 Hickson Rd Sydney. 

So check back here at Mousedroid on Monday for a full Feature Coverage on the weekends events, plus our interview with the Girls of Star Wars later in the week.

1st May 2004, MSE-6