DECEMBER 2004 ARCHIVE

20th - 31st December '04

HAPPY NEW YEAR

A Happy New Year to all and we know that for Star Wars fans, 2005 is going to be Spectacular. The final Star Wars Movie, the closing of the saga tale, and the modern day myths pivotal moment finally hits the big screen, the long awaited Birth of Darth Vader. We hope you and your family stay safe these Holidays and well in to the New Year. 

Plus for those readers into EP3 SPOILERS here are two images mysteriously sent in over the Holiday break. Lets call them "Man Down" and "Bad MoFo". See you in 2005. :)

31st December 2004, MSE-6

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE BOUNTY HUNTER

Information obtained from Quinlan Vos could be vitally important to a Republic victory in the Clone Wars-or it could be a setup for a massive ambush. Jedi spy-master Tholme decides to send his best agent, Aayla Secura, to the Outer Rim worlds in hopes of verifying Vos' story. But is it safe for a lone Jedi in the enemies lair?  Republic #72 <Preview>

Consumed by the belief that Ventress still lives, Obi-Wan Kenobi has forsaken the Clone Wars and recruited Anakin in his desperate hunt. But Anakin still believes that Obi-Wan is chasing a ghost, because he himself killed Ventress. And his doubts are not assuaged when they walk into a trap set by the presumed dead, Durge! Obsessions #2 <Preview>

Boba Fett is on a mission. His objective is not a person, but a holo-projector. The one big problem is that the device is somewhere in the wreckage of a massive Star Destroyer, guarded by Imperial fighters and scheduled for destruction by the Empire to prevent any salvageable parts from falling into Rebel hands. An impossible mission? 

Not for the greatest bounty hunter in the galaxy. Stormtroopers beware! Boba Fett is on a mission, and none had better stand between him and his prize! In Empire #28. <Preview>

30th December 2004, MSE-6

MERRY XMAS AND A HAPPY LIFE DAY

From all of us here at Mousedroid.com we wish you a very Merry Xmas 2004 and hope that Santa Yoda is able to make your wishes come true. We will be having a break from reporting over the next week, so make some new friends and tell fellow collectors what you found under the tree in our Xmas 2004 Forum Thread. Be Safe & Happy Holidays.

24th December 2004, MSE-6

WARM WOOKIEE WELCOME

A welcome surprise this week, and just in time for Xmas. is the last 2004 issue of Star Wars Insider #79 from Kings Comics. Featuring very heavily on the Episode III Wookiees, this issue has the final in the three part interview with Ralph McQuarrie, a new short story "Death in the Catacombs" plus the usual round up of Episode III images and info.

Included with the issue was a free 14-day trial of the Multiplayer Online Game, Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided. Also for Hyperspace members and Insider subscribers, don't forget to check the Online Supplements section at the official Star Wars Site.

23rd December 2004, MSE-6

PACIFIC FAN FORCE MOVIE

If you had the chance to meet Director George Lucas, what kind of question would you ask him? Would his answer change your life completely? This is basis of the Fan Film by a group of dedicated New Caledonian designers and programmers as they pay tribute to George and his mate Steve Spielberg in George Lucas: Legend of the Force.

Head over to their site <HERE> to download the trailer, movie and/or poster. Thanks to David Guivant for the news report...excellent fan movie. 

22nd December 2004, MSE-6

BACK IN BLACK...FOR THE LAST TIME

Some more figures from 2005 have snuck in under the radar and are now available at Case Fresh.com. The latest wave of figures contains three themed groups. The Cantina Patrons; Feltipern Trevagg, Myo, & Dannik Jerroko, then the Imperial Troopers with; Stormtrooper, Sandtrooper, & Scout Trooper, plus Rebel Heroes; Han Solo, Chewbacca & Yoda.

These are the last of the black OTC style cards before the dramatic packaging  change to the new Preview/Episode 3 line in 2005. Check out our forums post for the NEW CARD DESIGN in case you haven't seen them yet.

21st December 2004, MSE-6

YODA TURNS JAPANESE

The wise old force master has made a surprise visit before Xmas. The Kotobukiya  Yoda statue comes pre painted with snap together pieces plus his own piece of Dagobah on which to mediate. Only AU$120 delivered to your door within Australia, this statue is sure to be a hit with fans of the green little guy. Available this week from CaseFresh.com

20th December 2004, MSE-6

13th - 19th December '04

VOICE CHANGE OF A DIFFERENT KIND

Have you been watching the prequels and wondered why Anakin's voice suddenly shifts from a whiny teenager to a deep James Earl Jones. You can check out the latest Star Wars Themed cartoon explanation at SEV WARS as well as the hundreds of punch lines submitted at www.Sev.com.au, Aussie Comic Strips for the Sci-Fi fan.

18th December 2004, MSE-6

MELBOURNE SKYFORCE XMAS PARTY

Melbourne Star Wars Fans shall be gathering this weekend as Star Walking Inc and Skyforce hold their Xmas Party 2004. Feasting, fun and fan based frivolities will be plentiful. So get into the festive spirit, grab the family or friends and do some Xmas caroling in the company of a great group of Star Wars Fans. Specialty of the house, an Ewok Spit Roast.

Date:                    Saturday December 18th, 2004
Time:                    7.30pm to 11.30pm
Location:             Mountview Uniting Church Hall, 
                              Cnr Doncaster East & Whitehorse Rd, Mitcham. 
                             (Mel Ref: 48 K8))
Entrance Fees:   $15 Adults, $5 children

17th December 2004, MSE-6

CHINESE STAR WARS FORUMS

For the collector who has everything or the customizer looking for that next unusual project, head over to our affiliates, Chinese-StarWars, and browse through their forums area (with Babel Fish to translate) to see the latest, soon-to-be release or even the more obscure items such as the Pinocchio Cutie Figure. Thanks to Roy Starkilller

17th December 2004, MSE-6

REMNANTS OF WAR

Luke Skywalker is a pilot for the Rebel Alliance and a Jedi-in-training, but when a Rebel intel team gets pinned down by an the arrival of an Imperial patrol Luke receives an unexpected promotion-to General! It's all part of Commander Narra's plan to enlist the aid of an unusual ally that could turn the tables on the Imperials, in Empire #27. <Preview>

16th December 2004, MSE-6

WET WOOKIEES

Looking to cool down this summer? Well it would be nice if you could get your hands on one of these, but you will have to wait until next year when the Episode 3 Wookiee Water Blaster is released into major retailers. In the mean time head over to the FORUMS to see the images The Godfather has tracked down to share with fellow Aussie collectors.

15th December 2004, MSE-6

CLONE WARS VOL.1 DVD

We received confirmation from Fox Home Entertainment that the Star Wars: Clone Wars Volume 1 DVD will be released locally on 6th April 2005. All 19 3-minute chapters plus the 5-minute long General Grevious Chapter 20 from the first round of Star Wars: Clone Wars Animated micro-series are collected together for this DVD release. 

The DVD features include; 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, Star Wars Fan Commentary, Director Commentary, Featurette (with George Lucas), Clone Wars Connections, Episode III Game Trailer, Republic Commando X-Box Demo, Still Galleries, Story Boards and Electronic Press Kit. Check back in the new year for a run down of the best places locally to order your copy.

14th December 2004, MSE-6

XMAS COMPETITION WINNER

The 12 DAYS OF XMAS Hasbro Hamper is now closed. We had over 210 correct entries across the 5 questions. The final question had most people stumped and some unusual answers to the Red Nose quiz had us checking our list, even checking it twice. CLICK HERE to see how many questions you got right and if you are our lucky December winner.

13th December 2004, MSE-6

6th - 12th December '04

WHO'S YA BUDDY?

Confirmation from Hasbro and good news for Aussie collectors. The  Vader Wrestling Buddy ($38.74 in Kmart until Wednesday) RRP $49.95 is a Star Wars Exclusive for Australia. North American will not receive stock of this item until 2005, so you might want to rush your local Kmart and pick up a few to send to your US trading buddies for Xmas.

Vader stands just shy of 50cm and has a neat rumble activated voice which includes his mechanized breathing and taunting darkside phrase. You don't know the power of the dark side until you have gone 9 rounds with your very own Vader Wrestling Buddy.

12th December 2004,  MSE-6

PORK CRACKLING FOR XMAS

First there was the Xmas Droids (2002), last year we had Santa Yoda(2003), and for Holiday Season 2004 we have the Jawa Elves. These little gift givers are now in Oz and ready to be put into your Christmas display. Featuring an OTC display case, enclosed Xmas card and red/green festive colored light up eyes on the each of the Jawa figures.

Gamorrean Guard Mini-bust is one of the largest and most detailed pieces to emerge from Gentle Giant Studios. This meticulously sculpted piece truly captures the essence of the brute force of Jabba's guards.  Awesome detail, superior sculpt, highly detailed and well worth the money. Available from Case Fresh, Gentle Giant Central for Australia.

11th December 2004, MSE-6

CLONE WARS MAQUETTE

Two new collectible items have just arrived in Australia based on characters from the Cartoon Network Clone Wars micro series. General Obi-wan & ARC Trooper Captain have been transformed from 2D cells into awesome 3D works of art by Gentle Giant Studios. Each piece stand over 7 inches tall and has been limited to 2500 pieces worldwide.

ARC (Advance Recon Commando) Trooper Captain is one of the elite infantry trained by personally by Jango Fett. Each statute comes with interchangeable hands that allow him to either lead his man with hand signals or hold a second gun. General Obi-Wan Kenobi has been capture in a striking action pose. Sporting clone amour and flowing brown cloak.

Order any instock Gentle Giant Maquette (Yoda, Asajj Ventress, ARC Captain or General Obi-Wan) and receive free shipping Australia wide from Case Fresh.

11th December 2004, MSE-6

KOTOR II WORTH THE WAIT.

The sequel to the Base RPG of 2003 has been released on XBox in the USA. But fear not, Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords will be release locally on 17 Feb 2005 for both PCCD & XBox. Set 5 years after the first game, the Jedi Order is in ruin, Sith Lords have hunted the Jedi close to extinction and the Republic is close to collapse.  

Form all reports this game outshines its predecessor and will be well worth the wait. Also due for release in March 2005 will be the new first person action game Star Wars Republic Commando.....then the flood of EP3 begins.

10th December 2004, MSE-6

THE WRITING IS ON THE POSTER

Really rare items are very hard to come across, let alone see them going up for auction. One item that has come to our attention is currently listing on eBay.com.au.  It is a Return of the Jedi Movie Poster, framed and signed by non other than George Lucas, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Barker. Opening bid is mere AU$900.

It isn't often you see all these signature together on the one sheet. To have them on a movie poster beautifully framed and mounted with a plaque is totally awesome. Maybe you have a precious piece of Star Wars in your collection that you could like to show other fans? Well drop us a line and let us know.

9th December 2004, MSE-6

SHRUNK, THE CLONE WARS HAVE.

The next Star Wars Miniature theme set, Clone Strike Starter and Booster packs are now available. Following the same format as the first set, the Starter pack gives you everything you need to play. An all new play mat, 8 scenario tiles (Geneosis/Naboo theme), D20 die, rule book, plus ten figures (Obi-wan and Jango Fett in all Starter packs) .

The Clone Strike Boosters providing a further 7 randomly packed Common, Uncommon, Rare and Very Rare miniatures to expand your army of choice. Of note is that the Very Rare (VR) miniatures in Clone Strike are not the larger figures, so buying the heavy boosters may not result in you getting that much sort after character.

Plus don't forget to order the Clone Strike Ultimate Missions book for more tiles, scenarios and battle tips, due out Feb 2005. Check the official Wizards of the Coast site for a visual guide and a complete listing of the new set.

8th December 2004,  MSE-6

VADER'S SOFT SPOT

Some offers are just too good to pass up...and if you rush into your local Kmart store from Thurs 9th Dec here are some deals in the Star Wars department. For one week only you can pick up the Darth Vader Voice Changer for only $78, that is $21 below RPP. Plus, the new Vader Wrestling Buddy is only $38.74, a great 20% off. But only for one week.

8th December 2004,  MSE-6

NOT SILVER...BUT TITANIUM!

The big news on the mini Star Wars collector market is that Micro Machines will be back in 2005 and will kick off with the Titanium Trilogy Series. Featuring the Millennium Falcon, X-wing, Slave I, and TIE Fighter. Each die cast vehicle comes with a display stand and exciting action features like rotating cannons, pivoting guns, and/or opening hatch.

All the news on the net is these are a Wal-mart exclusive....in the USA, but here in Australia you will be able to pick up these neatly packaged Trilogy vehicles exclusively at an "Everyday Low Price" from none other than BIG-W in 2005.

7th December 2004,  MSE-6

FINALLY ... FACT FILE FINALE

At long last the final issue of the Star Wars Fact Files #140 has arrived. Contained in the last issue is a brilliant color coded Galaxy Map of the Worlds of the Clone Wars. Also included in the last shipment was an Index File (part #141) which has a nice alphabetical index of the entire series. So, the series ends less EP3 data...supplements next year????

Check back in the new year for further developments on the DeAgostini Star Wars Game Miniature Book availability, plus confirmation on other rumors.

6th December 2004, MSE-6

1st - 5th December '04

PREEMPTIVE CLONE STRIKE

The next miniature theme sets and boosters are ready to take the world by storm. Based on key characters, soldiers and equipment of the fall of the Republic era, Clone Strike will make an even bigger impact on the gaming scene than the first set Rebel Storm. Containing 60 unique figures and cards they are sure to booster a players army or squad.

Check  the official Wizards of the Coast Star Wars Gaming site for a visual figure guide and a complete figure listing of the Clone Strike theme set and stay tuned for more announcements on this explosive RPG game.

4th December 2004,  MSE-6

JUST SHOOT HIM

Target Tune in to your local Ten network station on Sunday night to see George Lucas make a cameo appearance on TV sitcom, Just Shoot Me. The episode is titled "It's Raining Babies" in whish Finch gets to meet his idol, film maker George Lucas himself. So, remember to set your recorder for Network TEN, 8.00pm AEST to see the maker in action.

4th December 2004, Obi-Mike

TARGET XMAS BACK FLIP

Target has seen the error of their ways. 3 months ago they launched their Silver Sandtrooper promotion with very mixed and confused results over the online redemption process. Until next Wednesday, Target have the Silver Sandtrooper as a bonus with VOTC purchases in store. Some stores have taped them to stock, other have them behind the counter.

2nd December 2004, Dover

CASEFRESH.com XMAS SALE HAS BEGUN

You really know it is getting closer to Xmas when the sales start. So don't miss out on any of the bargains to be had and get your mouse clicking over to the 2004 Xmas Sale at Casefresh.com. From now until Xmas they will be reducing selected items in most of their product ranges to help you fill those xmas stockings. Just look for the Red Sale logo.

2nd December 2004, MSE-6

MOUSEDROID XMAS COMPETITION

The countdown to Xmas has begun and the staff here at MOUSEDROID.com aim to make the Holiday Season just that little bit happier as one lucky reader will win the 12 DAYS OF XMAS Hasbro Hamper, our biggest single prize draw yet. It is a huge stock crammed with an assortment of Hasbro Star Wars Product plus a few special bonus items ; )

Filled with over $180 worth of Star Wars goodies, the good little boy or girl will have the prizes delivered free to their door in time for Xmas morning. This great prize pack and special Santa delivery, all courtesy of Casefresh.com 

1st December 2004, MSE-6