NOVEMBER 2004 ARCHIVE

22nd - 30th November '04

HEAVY BREATHING

Become the Dark Lord of the Sith without having to go thru the whole 'dropped into a lava pit' treatment with the new Darth Vader Voice Changer. Available first at Toys R Us for $99.99. Strap the helmet to your head (one size fits almost all), hang the chest controls around your neck and you will become the coolest villain in the galaxy. 

Three modes of operation, mechanical breathing, movie phrase reproduction and best of all, Voice Change to fill you voice with the dark side. Race into your local Toys R Us to pick one up for Xmas.

30th November 2004, MSE-6

HOME BUILT FIGURES

A great little community has broken out in the Mousedroid forum area. Titled "HOME BUILT", this section has over the past few weeks, had the works of local and overseas talent showing off their custom figure creations. So, head over to the Home Built Discussions area to appraise the excellent work of fellow fans Ecca, Rootrooper, and Darklord1967.

29th November 2004, MSE-6

THE EMPIRE SCORES BIG

Subscribers of Empire Magazine will see the January 2005 issue arriving on their door steps late this week. Inside, the closet Star Wars Fans at Empire HQ have a review on the Star Wars Trilogy Soundtrack. Matt Goodwin gives this box set collection its well deserved 5 star rating even though he believes 'Williams sold out to the dark side...' on EP1 and 2.

A 6 CD set packed with the magic of John WIlliams plus access to some of the best artwork and screen savers for the Japanese release of Star Wars novels. Available locally through all good music stores or online at Sanity.com.au

29th November 2004, MSE-6

CLONE WARS BATTLES CONTINUE

Anakin Skywalker and renegade Jedi Quinlan Vos have teamed up in their starfighters but Vos is finally captured and brought to justice for his crimes. While Anakin has what he hopes will be a final showdown with dark Jedi Asajj Ventress high above the dark alleys of Coruscant!! All in Star Wars Republic #71 <Preview>

While Anakin Skywalker enjoys a brief respite from the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi embarks on a "personal" mission, to verify a rumor about an enemy that he can't forget. Obi-Wan is becoming obsessed, but the danger of flirting with the dark side is a risk he's willing take to save the person he cares most in the galaxy. Star Wars Obsession #1<Preview>

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker battle for survival, Senator Bail Organa struggles to preserve freedom within the Republic, and Master Yoda strives to prevent an old friend from plunging a system into war in four exciting stories from the Clone Wars! Continue to follow the battles after Episode 2 in Clone Wars Vol.5 Best of Blades. <Preview>

25th November 2004, MSE-6

INSIDER SUPPLEMENT #79 ONLINE

Looking to get more out of your Hyperspace membership, then head over to the Star Wars Insider Online Supplement site for the Nov/Dec update. Included is Wookie EP3 Trivia plus Story Book of images, an EP3 Gallery with some interesting shots of the Bear Clan, Kashyyyk Art Gallery, par 2 of the Ralph McQuarrie feature, plus heaps more. 

24th November 2004, MSE-6

RENDEZVOUS WITH DARKNESS

As the Clone Wars rage, Jedi Master Yoda must once again face one of his greatest adversaries: Count Dooku. During the height of the battle, Yoda receives a message. It appears Dooku wants peace and demands a rendezvous. Chances are slim that the treacherous Count is sincere but, with a million lives at stake, Yoda has no choice. 

Can Yoda win back his once promising pupil from the dark side or will Count Dooku unleash his sinister forces against his former mentor? This battle will be one of the fiercest he’ll ever face. All the action and adventure can be found in the latest Clone Wars Novel, Yoda: Dark Rendezvous, out now.

23rd November 2004, MSE-6

A WHOLE LOT OF COURAGE

Available now from Amazon.com are three great Star Wars DVDs that will bring back many a childhood memory for the vintage collector. First off the base is Star Wars Ewok Adventure: Caravan of Courage. This is a dual live action movie set containing both Caravan of Courage (aka The Ewok Adventure) plus The Battle for Endor.

Next we have Star Wars Animated Adventures:  Droids. This is not to be confused with the rumored Droid Series DVD in 2005, this DVD contains two 'featured' movies of C-3P0 and R2-D2 in adventures taking place before Episode 4. The final DVD for November is Star Wars Animated Adventures: Ewoks.

Like Droids, the Ewok DVD contains 2 feature length animated movies put together from 'related' episodes form the Ewok series of Saturday Morning cartoons. At this stage no details as to a Region 4 release of these 3 DVDs, so if you are ordering these in from Amazon.com, please ensure your DVD player is able to take multi-region codes discs.

22nd November 2004, MSE-6

15th - 21st November '04

EP3 SUBMITTED SPOILER IMAGES...

* SPOILER ALERT* Mousedroid reader, Mr X has sent in 2 images from the net of finalized Episode 3  scenes. (highlight to read spoiler info) Image #1 (Anakin and Dooku Duel on the bridge of the Separatist Flagship while Palpatine watches), and  Image #2 ( Yoda emerges from the Jedi Temple Holo Chamber after an 'enemy' attack) * END *

20th November 2004, Mr X

ALL-NEW STAR WARS MONOPOLY

Limited edition Star Wars - The Original Trilogy Collection Monopoly is now available and includes all-new "never before seen" tokens: Darth Vader, R2-D2, Luke, Grand Moff Tarkin, Obi-Wan, Tusken Raider, Tie Fighter Pilot, and Lando Calrrissian. Plus x-wing & tie house markers, Imperial Destroyers and Millennium Falcons for hotels.

The world's most popular board game with your favorite characters, vehicles, locations and movie scenes from all three Star Wars movies. Includes a galactic game board with properties and scenes from the trilogy. Available to order from Case Fresh.com

19th November 2004, MSE-6

SYDNEY SUMMER SKYFORCE

The Star Wars Appreciation Society of Australia, is having their last SKYFORCE - Sydney meeting for 2004. Catch up on the latest Australian Toy Talk, fan movies, EP3 discussions, plus all the usual fun to be had, including the premium Australian Internet Star Wars retailer, Case Fresh and the famous fan auction. (plus the usual surprises)

Date:                    Sunday November 21st, 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 especially with next years FORCE IV Convention in Melbourne.

18th November 2004, MSE-6

HERE'S THE SCENARIO...

At the end of this month, the Star Wars Miniatures game sees the release of Ultimate Missions: Rebel Storm, the first in a series of handbooks tied to new miniatures sets. The book presents more than 30 scenarios that follow the story of the Rebellion against the Galactic Empire, extending information and gameplay suggestions for miniature fans.

This full-color book also contains a fold-out poster map and new color terrain tiles to diversify gameplay. Check out the Gallery of illustrations from Ultimate Missions: Rebel Storm! Also of note, is the second in a series that will accompany the next miniatures set based on the prequel era, Ultimate Missions: Clone Strike. 

Remember the Clone Strike Starter Pack and Clone Strike Boosters are just around the corner so pre-orders are highly recommended. Until then, here are some scenarios from the first Mission book from Wizards of the Coast; Mission #1 , Mission #2 , Mission #3 , Mission #4. 

18th November 2004, MSE-6

CLONE WARS ADVENTURES VOL.2

In the rolling asteroid rings above a remote planet, General Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker play a deadly game of cat and mouse against Separatist droid fighters-and a squadron of highly skilled human pilots who have pledged their guns to Count Dooku. Find out why Anakin is known as the greatest pilot in the galaxy!. <Preview>

Inspired by the Cartoon Network's animated series, Clone Wars Adventures Volume #2 series tells new stories of heroism and villainy in the same stripped-down visual style. Out now in all good comic shops.

17th November 2004, MSE-6

GALACTIC HEROES ELECTRONIC X-WING

Fire up your space craft and blast off to adventures in a galaxy far, far away in the all new Galactic Heroes Electronic X-wing Fighter. Included with the vehicle is Luke Skywalker Pilot and R2-D2 figures.  Plus opening cockpit pulsing laser cannons with action sounds and a whole host of movie sampled effects and dialogue from A New Hope.

An ideal Xmas present for the Junior Star Wars Fan in your household. Now Available in the Galactic Heroes Vehicle Dept. at Case Fresh, plus the Electronic Millennium Falcon. Oh, and you can also place your pre-orders for the next wave in the figure line, Tatooine (wave4), due in December.

< Sample Sounds in Windows Media Player Format >
Sound #1, Sound #2, Sound #3, Sound #4, Sound #5, 
Sound #6, Sound #7, Sound #8, Sound #9, Sound #10. 

15th November 2004, MSE-6

RETURN OF THE TRADING CARDS

Based on the conclusion to the classic trilogy, no player can resist the allure of the Return of the Jedi expansion. This new, 110-card set introduces the all-new Hidden Cost mechanic, Location cards that are playable in any arena, and a strike force of Characters never before seen in the game. Build your deck and then conquer the Universe.

Check out the official Wizards of the Coast Gaming site for more info on the latest Decks gaming mechanics and card listings. To save you money, Case Fresh offers this product by the Case Lot (36 packs) or, Bulk Pack (10 Packs) Each pack containing 11 cards randomly selected cards.

15th November 2004, MSE-6

8th - 14th November '04

COMPLETE COUNCIL CONSTRUCTION

Yet another release this week from the Hasbro sees the collector now able to complete the Jedi Council Chamber Diorama. Jedi Council Set #3 features; Anakin Skywalker, Saesee Tiin, Adi Gallia, with Jedi Council Set #4 containing; Shaak Ti, Stass Allie, Agen Kolar. With all 6 sets and the bonus center pieces you can convene your own meetings.

14th November 2004, MSE-6

RETURN OF THE VINTAGE OTC FIGURES

What would have to be one of this years most presentable packaging and also the most difficult line to find at retail, you can now complete your Vintage Original Trilogy Collection with the release of the final 4 'Return of the Jedi' clam-shell figures. With R2-D2,  Boba Fett, Stormtrooper and Chewie, you best get in quick before these sets disappear.

Also available in small numbers are the previously released Empire Strikes Back Vintage line, containing Yoda, Lando, Darth Vader and C-3P0.

13th November 2004, MSE-6

LOADS OF LEGO SPECIALS

Looking to expand your Lego collections but not break the bank. Several large kits were released in 2004 and the November Xmas sales are your best chance to get these kits at more reasonable prices. David Jones have the Imperial Star Destroyer kit on sale this week, plus a Combo 'Millennium Falcon/ Snowspeeder' available at Kmart.

13th November 2004, MSE-6

FOUR FURTHER FACT FILES...

Yet another 4 issues of the  Star Wars Fact Files should have arrived this week. Issues #133 through to #138. Head lines of  Kir Kanos Royal guard, Prince Xizor's ship the Virago Guri's Craft Stinger and Chiss Clawcraft, are all great highlights from Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU). Plus the young jedi of the Bear Clan make an appearance.

12th November 2004, MSE-6

FRIENDS OF SCIENCE FICTION MEETING

This month, Friends of Science Fiction's monthly meeting will feature the new season of Star Trek: Enterprise and from the creator of Alias the newest hit show, Lost. Plus Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Dead Like Me, Farscape and anything new on the horizon. Join them for an extensive video program on the big screen in the main auditorium.

Date:                    Sunday November 14th, 2004
Time:                    10am to 7pm
Location:             Lidcombe Catholic Workers Club, 
                              24 John Street, Lidcombe (opposite Railway Station)
Entrance Fees:   $10 Members, $15 Non-members

For more details head over to FSF and say Hi to BigDaz.

12th November 2004, MSE-6

TEASER TRAILER TEASERS *SPOILER ALERT*

The Clone Wars end on 19 May 2005 which also marks the day Darth Vader will be re-'born' on the big screen. The media blitz has finally begun  with the release of the Teaser Trailer for Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith. Now available to download at the Official Star Wars Site with the Hi-res version coming soon for Hyperspace Members.

11th November 2004, MSE-6

DARK HORSE EMPIRE #26

Luke Skywalker and the Red Squadron are on a secret intel-op, when they run into an unexpected Imperial patrol. With half the squad trapped on the ground, the mission in peril, and things don't look like they could get any worse. Then Luke makes a discovery that hearkens back to the Clone Wars- it could save them, or destroy them <Preview>

Learn just what 'relic' Luke has discovered when you pick up Star Wars Empire #26 from you local comic shop today.

11th November 2004, MSE-6

1st - 7th November '04

SITHLORD's LEGO ALLEY 

After his grand effort with the UCS Probe Droid, Australian Star Wars enthusiast, Sithlord embarked on two further projects. Showing us just want you can do with a buck or two of spare Lego block, a flair for construction and a smattering of time he has sent in this completed work of a large scale AT-ST plus a Super Size Mini-Boba Fett. Check it out here.

7th November 2004, MSE-6

UNLEASHED RE-CARDED 

The next US release Wave 11 of the Unleashed line of statues look fantastic. Containing reissues the original Darth Vader, Mace Windu and Count Dooku, but re- carded with the latest style. Worth getting for the new artwork alone. Unfortunately these items will not be available thru Hasbro Australia. So , fans may have to hunt for import stock.

6th November 2004, MSE-6

AUSTRALIAN EXCLUSIVE OTC CARRY CASES

With 38 OTC figures,12 Vintage OTC, and an ocean of Saga released this year most fans will be running out of places to store these items. The good news for those fans that open their toys to play with is that the OTC Carry Cases have finally made their way into Australian stores. Bad news for carded collectors....you will have to buy more storage boxes.

Both the Darth Vader and C-3P0 carry cases will be available Exclusively via David Jones stores starting this week across the country. They come packaged with 2 bonus figures, the C-3P0 with Chewie & Han, with the Darth Vader bundled with Boba Fett & Stormtrooper. These cases will be a huge hit with the kids, so collectors best get in early.

5th November 2004, MSE-6

EPISODE 3 TEASER TRAILER

The count down will officially start tomorrow. Hyperspace members should now have access to the new Star Wars Episode 3 Teaser Trailer, closely followed by the screening in US cinemas of the trailer with the movie "The Incredibles". So, what about Australia? Where will you see it first? In cinemas on TV or via the internet? 

The trailer will be tagged in Australia with the 20th Century Fox movie "Taxi", plus tomorrow morning it will air Exclusive on Australian TV screening via the Today Show @ 7am approx (Channel 9 Network). Tune in Friday morning to see a 'special courier' delivery of the Preview Tape plus the Trailer in all its glory. Special thanks to the Australian 501st Garrison and Skywalking Club. 

4th November 2004, MSE-6

THE HERITAGE OF STAR WARS CARDS

Star Wars Heritage Cards have arrived. For the first time, fans will be treated to a card set that conveys the breadth of the entire Star Wars movie saga. Topps has selected photography that has never been seen before on its past cards, highlighting the key moments from the most popular film series of all time on greyback stock card designs. 

Special insert cards figure importantly in the Star Wars Heritage experience. Look for a new artist sketch cards and original art cards. A select number of well-known Star Wars actors will be providing authentic autographs. Plus Bubble Gum Cello-Wrapped in Every Pack .

4th November 2004, MSE-6

SYDNEY XMAS COLLECTIBLES FAIR

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. This will be the last fair before Santa Yoda arrives and hence will be a great place to pick up those stocking fillers for the kids. Get in early for great items and conversations.

Date:                    Sunday November 7th, 2004
Time:                    8am to 3pm
Location:              182 Church Street Mall, Parramatta, NSW
Entrance Fees:   $5.00 before 10am, $3.00 after 10am.

4th November 2004, MSE-6

VINTAGE PIECE OF CHEWIE

A classic hero from the classic trilogy has now been recast as the 15" OTC Chewbacca Collectible. Covered in a coat of ginger-brown fur, he wears a bandolier and carries a bowcaster. Chewie is beautifully presented in the Original Trilogy Collection commemorative packaging that reproduces the original artwork and is perfect for display.

Our favorite Wookiee is in stock and available for dispatch this week from the  Australian Star Wars Specialty Store, Case Fresh.com.

3rd November 2004, MSE-6

MELBOURNE SKYFORCE SCI-FI DISCO

Looking pull some wicked moves to the cool sound of Fig'ran Dan and the Modal Nodes? Unfortunately Dan and the band have been delayed but the next best event is on this weekend. Starwalking Melbourne is holding an alcohol free Sci-Fi Disco as a fund raising event for next years Force IV: The 4th National Star Wars Saga Convention.

Date:                    Saturday November 6th, 2004
Time:                    7.30pm to 11.30pm
Location:             Mountview Uniting Church Hall, 
                              Cnr Doncaster East & Whitehorse Rd, Mitcham. 
                             (Mel Ref: 48 K8))
Entrance Fees:   $10 Adults, $5 children

Remember to come in you best (or worst) science fiction costume and the famous Yoda's kitchen will be open to satisfy even the most hungry of Hutts.

3rd November 2004, MSE-6

INSIDER #78 RELEASED

Unable (or unwilling) to commit to a copy of the Star Wars Insider to be delivered by international post? Then either check your local comic shop for a copy or contact Kings Comics in Sydney to place a standing order for the Insider to be delivered mint to your doorstep. Star Wars Insider #78 has arrived in Australia with a swag of great articles.

50 Factoids about the Original Star Wars Trilogy, How Lowry  & Co waged war against the damage that almost 30 years had done to the original negatives of the Trilogy films, Episode III Prequel Update, the fan-spot newsletter Bantha Tracks, plus the Insider Supplement at the official Star Wars Site.

1st November 2004, MSE-6