JANUARY 2006 ARCHIVE

23rd - 31st January '06

CASE FRESH SALE ENDS THIS WEEKEND

Good things never last forever and so too the New Years Sale at Case Fresh must also come to an end. Get your orders before the weekend for any of the great sales items from across the 20+ product lines. Fans can not live on Star Wars alone, so see what other figures/collectibles might tempt your wallet and eye. Hurry...the End is Nigh.

30th January  2006, WA-7

TITANIUM FIGURES UNMASKED

More breaking news from the gents at MintInBox. They have some of the first loose Titanium Vader and Fett 'unmasked' photos. <Click Here> for more info and images.

30th January  2006, MSE-6

GEORGE LUCAS & THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

Get the inside story of George Lucas, his intensely private company, and their work to revolutionize filmmaking, in Droidmaker: George Lucas & the Digital Revolution form Galaxy Bookshop. Discover the birth of Pixar, digital video editing, videogame avatars, THX sound, and a host of other icons of the media age.

Lucas played a central role in the universe of entertainment technologies we see everyday. Whilst there are many books on Lucas, none are quite like this: the combination insider information and research gives readers a view of how movies came to incorporate digital advances. Complete with photos, it is a fascinating book that any fan of Star Wars, Lucas, or technology will enjoy.

30th January  2006, MSE-6

TRANSFORMERS - DARK FORCES IN DISGUISE

Two of the largest Hasbro Brands are now available in one unique toy line. Star Wars Transformers, have hit Australia. These toys are 'More than meet the Eye' as they are powered by the Force. The first wave of 4 Robot/Vehicles covers both the New Saga and Old Trilogy Movies, with each set also containing a 'Micro-machine' style Pilot Figure.

Collect all four packs. Darth Vader (Tie Advance). Luke Skywalker (X-wing Fighter), Obi-wan Kenobi (Jedi Starfighter), and General Grievous (Wheel Bike). Vehicles also come equipped with launching projectile lightsabers to take into battle in vehicle or robot modes. Look for these to appear at  online retail over the next 2 weeks.

Plus the second wave of Darth Maul (Sith Infiltrator),  Anakin Skywalker (Jedi Starfighter) and Boba Fett (Slave-1) coming out in March 06.

29th January  2006, WA-7

GALACTIC HEROES HAVE THEIR REVENGE

The pint-sized collectors in your household are going to love the next few weeks as the New Star Wars Galactic Heroes make their 2006 appearance. Starting with more from Revenge of the Sith we have;  Yoda & Scout Trooper, Darkside Anakin & 501st Trooper, General Kenobi & Commander Cody plus Darth Vader with Holo Emperor.

These will be followed very shortly by some Endor and Hoth Trilogy Figures. Your kids can re-enact the Endor chase with Jedi Luke and Biker Scout, each coming with their own speeder bike. Then visit the frosty cold with a twin pack of Hoth Luke and Han Solo. Expect to see these great characters over the next 2 weeks. Pre-order online and save!

27th January  2006, WA-7

KNIGHT OF THE OLD REPUBLIC REIGN

To celebrate its twentieth anniversary, Dark Horse is completely relaunching its Star Wars publishing line. The first of many new titles to come being Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Set four thousand years before the rise of the Empire and the fall of Anakin Skywalker (and eight years prior to the events in the Knights of the Old Republic video game.

On the planet Taris, young Padawan Zayne has been framed for brutal crime against the Jedi order. Suddenly a wanted fugitive and on the run from his Jedi Masters, Zayne is forced to ally himself with the under-city's criminals he'd previously vowed to bring to justice. Jump into the Star War Universe with the new Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series.

As well as some new series it is great to see the return of the Star Wars Tales collection, all filled with character-driven stories of loss and tragedy, of heroism and redemption. Collected in Star Wars Tales #6 are adventures that traverse and illuminate every era in the Star Wars mythos. The movies have concluded but Long Live the Expanded Universe.

25th January  2006, MSE-6

TECHNICAL PROBLEM - FORUMS DOWN

Looks like the Gremlins are hard at work tonight, as our servers are suffering some server PHP/SQL problems Our forums will be offline whilst technicians work on this issue.

Gremlins terminated. Forums now back to normal operation.

25th January  2006, MSE-6

LEGO TIE COLLECTION AT DAVID JONES

Back in August 2004 we were today by Lego Australia that the TIE Collection (#10131) would not be available thru local retailers. BUT....We are now happy to tell you that this set is now able to be purchased at David Jones for under $100. The set includes two Imperial TIE fighters, Darth Vader's Advance TIE fighter, and one TIE/d fighter.

Also included in the set is one Darth Vader mini-figure, 2 Imperial TIE pilot mini-figures and Droid Brain. Expand your Imperial Lego Fleet today.

24th January  2006, MSE-6

16th - 22nd January '06

DREAM THEME WINNER ANNOUNCED

Well, your forum members have voted and the winning Dream theme is Battle of the Star Forge containing Darth Malak, HK-47, Bastila Shan & a Sith Trooper. Check out our forums ::Competition::  area for more information on the six  finalists and how close the vote count was between the Runner-up entry of Clones of Order 66.  <more>

22nd January  2006, WA-7

INTERNATIONAL SCOOPS

Our friends over at MintInBox have sent word they have the latest Attakus Catalog on there site. Attakus, of course producing some of the finest Statues of Star Wars Figures.

Plus, ThePrivateUniverse advise that they have received an image of the next Star Wars Mr Potato head character. This time the rebels get the starchy  treatment with R2DTater.

22nd January  2006, WA-7

GET INTO TRAINING TO TAKE OVER THE GALAXY

A reminder to head over to Bigpond Game Arena from today to download the 741Mb demo for Star Wars: Empire at War. Run thru the tutorials and first mission to prepare yourself for the full game in February.

19th January  2006, MSE-6

RACE, RELIGION & REBELLION

George Lucas’s Star Wars trilogy shows the influences of its era; Cold War tension and rebellion against totalitarianism. The new paperback Empire Triumphant: Race, Religion And Rebellion in the Star Wars Films focuses on all six Star Wars films and how the films use the language of colonialism to emphasize the idea of imperialism.

Also discussed are the religious undertones from Taoism and Buddhism and the works of Kurosawa and other Asian filmmakers, representation of people of color in the Star Wars universe, and concludes with how  Lucas’s films represent race, religion, and rebellion. Order it today from Galaxy Bookshop.

18th January  2006, MSE-6

DARK TIME FOR THE JEDI CONTINUES

A battle rages on the Wookiee homeworld but victory is in sight for the Jedi Clone Army, led by Yoda, Luminara Unduli, and Quinlan Vos. Yet none of them are aware that victory will lead to a galaxy of betrayal  The fate of the Jedi Order is sealed, but a single Jedi may find a path to the future ... or to the grave. All this in Star Wars Republic #82.

18th January  2006, MSE-6

LAST CHANCE TO DREAM !!!

Have you voted for your favorite Dream Theme Entry? Not a Forum Member? Then join today and cast your vote to decide who will be the ultimate winner. Have a read of the Dream Theme Finalist Page and them head to the Contest Forums to cast your vote for which Dream Theme you think should win. Voting closes Friday 20th January so hurry. MTFBWY.

17th January  2006, MSE-6

FORUM POLL: FAVORITE FIGURES !!!

Forum member LukeSparkewalker  has started up a thread asking Australian Star Wars Fans What is your favorite...? It covers everything from figures to vehicles, space ships to playsets, Unleashed to Statues/Busts and concludes with What is your All Time Favorite 3  3/4" Figure. So join the fun and make some new friends in our forums today.

17th January  2006, WA-7

NEXUS COLLECTIBLES FAIR - PERTH

Yes the WA Nexus Fair is on again this Saturday for a great start to 2006 collecting. Featuring 20+ individual sellers from genuine small collectors & wheeler dealers, to organized traders, the fairs focus is heavily on Sci-Fi plus comics, soft (and hard) toys, Simpsons, cards and Tazos etc. The event itself is short and compact but has a certain WA buzz!.

17th January  2006, WA-7

EMPIRE @ WAR DEMO

The countdown has begun to the release of the next Lucasarts PC game, Empire at War. While waiting for its release locally on 7th Feb, you will be able to play the single player tutorial demo, out later this week from GameSpot. Become the Ultimate Galactic Commander on the ground, in space and across the galaxy More info on E@W...<Here>

16th January  2006, MSE-6

AMT 5 PACK AT STARSHIP MODELER

Great news for fans of Star Wars plastic and die-cast kits. Our friends over at Starship Modeler have a great AMT Kit deal. For only US$60  (plus shipping) get 2 plastic and 3 die-cast kits. Jedi Star Fighter & Corporate Alliance Droid Tank Plastic kits. Plus Anakin's & Obi-Wan's Star Fighter Die Cast and Separatist Droid Trifighter Die Cast Model kits..

16th January  2006, MSE-6

9th - 15th January '06

SNOWTROOPER DEAL TOO HOT TO MISS !!!

What would have too be one of the coolest items released this Summer is due to arrive any day and if you have your order locked in before it arrives you will get $10 off. The new Kotobukiya Snowtrooper with Hoth base is regularly $130 but for all pre-orders at Case Fresh, this item is only $120 including Free Tracked Shipping in Australia. Cool eh!!

13th January  2006, MSE-6

501ST JEDI TEMPLE ASSAULT - EXCLUSIVE !!!

Is your Clone army a bit thin on troopers? Are you looking to increase your 501st Legion? Well, rally the troops and storm the Case Fresh website immediately, as they have stock of the Assault on the Jedi Temple Battle Packs. Featuring Darkside Anakin, a Clone Pilot and not one, not two, but three 501st Clone Troopers...all for as little as AU$49 per set.

These 501st Clones differ from the Carded Figure #65. They are based on the Quick Draw Clone #6 figure with a slightly different paint job on the legs, and features a swivel helmet instead of the odd looking removable helmet version.

11th January  2006, MSE-6

DARK TIME FOR THE JEDI CONTINUES

The Separatist attack on the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyyk demands a strong response from the Republic, and Jedi Masters Luminara Unduli and Quinlan Vos arrive with their clone armies. But there may be more behind the Separatist attack-and more to the Wookiee's defense-than the Jedi know. All this in Star Wars Republic #81.

11th January  2006, WA-7

NEW LEGO FOR AUSTRALIA IN 2006

The sleek V-wing fighter can adapt to any situation! Position the wings and flaps in attack mode to protect Palpatine's shuttle from enemies. Or position the wings in flight mode to survey the area for intruders! Either way, the V-wing is ready to strike for the Republic and blaze the way fro the birth of the new Imperial Empire.

Next is the TIE Interceptor, the fastest fighter in the Imperial fleet! Open the cockpit canopy and fold down the instrument panel to put the TIE pilot inside and recreate your favorite classic Star Wars battles! Includes TIE fighter pilot! Cockpit opens and instrument panel folds down! Includes Clone pilot and R4 droid. Position wings in attack or flight mode!

Fearsome bounty hunter Boba Fett is back, stalking the spaceways in his ship, Slave I. It can take on any foe with its bombs, blasters, and launchers that really fire! The cockpit and wings rotate for flight and landing. Includes Boba Fett, Han Solo in carbonite, Bespin Guard, Dengar and IG-88. Bombs, blasters and launchers really fire!

Build the Rebellion's heavy strike ship with the B-wing set. Its wings fold for flight or vertical landing. Service tower doubles as a display stand for the fighter and can fold down for easy storage. Cockpit opens so you can put a pilot at the controls. Includes Rebel pilot. Fold the wings for landing or flight! Missiles launch! Service tower doubles as a display stand!

All four of the above new sets are now available for order on the Shop Lego Australian web site and will ship From 17th Jan 2006. Happy building.

10th January  2006, WA-7

CASE FRESH 'REFRESHED' NEW YEAR SALE

Recovered from the festive season and looking forward to a new year in collecting? Then head over to the Case Fresh New Year Sale. Not only browse for bargains but lock in your pre-order for some of the hottest items to be released in the coming months. New King Kong & Narnia collectible lines. New Prices, New Items, New Lines. Same Great Service.

9th January  2006, MSE-6

BEST OF 2005 & A LOOK INTO 2006

The first Empire Movie Magazine of 2006 has hit the stands. Grab your copy to get reviews of the Best of 2005 and to find out the must see 100 movies in 2006 But for Lucas fans out their this issue is a must as there is a four page feature on the history and timeline of development of the next Indiana Jones Movie. Plus a world map of Dr Jones adventures.

Empire is also calling for Aussie fans to submit their Best & Worst for 2005 in the oddly named, Empire Readers' Poll 2005...see the mag for more details.

9th January  2006, MSE-6

LAST OF THE JEDI BOOK 2 & 3

Obi-wan is on a mission to keep the Jedi's most important secret sate from the Empire. But time is running our as Boba Fett is on their trail. All is not lost as Obi-wan and Yoda learn of another Jedi survivor hiding in the cave of Ilum. A place were one's nightmares become reality...and dark warnings of the future are revealed in Last of the Jedi #2.

The Empire has taken over the galaxy. Anakin Skywalker is now Darth Vader. Most of the Jedi are gone...but a few remain. And it is up to former Jedi apprentice Ferus Olin and his streetsmart sidekick Trever to find them. No lead is too big or too small . . . even if it means walking into a trap set by the Empire. The story continues in Last of the Jedi #3.

Grab these great young reader short novels from Galaxy Bookshop today.

9th January  2006, MSE-6

1st - 8th January '06

WHO ARE MR & MISS STAR WARS 2005?

One of our favorite online resources, Wookieepedia (the Star Wars Wiki website) has recently announced their winner for Miss Star War 2005. Chosen from over 60 entrants, this luck girl will wear the Crown for 2006. And for the female Star Wars fans out there they also ran a Mr Star Wars 2005 contest. See who the Wookiepedians chose as their winners.

8th January  2006, MSE-6

GREEN SABERS BACK IN AUSTRALIA

Have you only recently discovered the joys of the Master Replicas FX Saber line and need to get that elusive Luke Skywalker 'Green' Light Saber. We have just been told that Casefresh.com has been able to secure limited stock of this Specialist Retailer Release Saber. Master Replica FX Sabers are the best Star Wars collectible a fan can own.

6th January  2006, MSE-6

HASBRO 2006 CATALOG

News in from French Star Wars site, MintinBox. "Catalogue Hasbro France envoyé à ses clients pour annoncer et réserver les prochaines gammes Star Wars pour 2006". What does this all mean??? Get your mouse over to their site to check out the 2006 Hasbro Catalog. No big surprises but and interesting read. Or check this Rumor List in our forums.

4th January  2006, MSE-6

WHICH DREAM THEME MAKES YOU SCREAM ???

We had so many entries for this contest it was hard to choose our 5 finalists...so we didn't. We selected our favorite Six Dream Themes for decide who will be the ultimate winner. Have a read of the Dream Theme Finalist Page and them head to the Contest Forums to cast your vote for which Dream Theme you think should win. MTFBWY.

4th January  2006, WA-7

DARK HORSE PURGE THEIR STABLE

After Order 66, few Jedi dare to venture outside the shadows—rumors of the dark and terrible Darth Vader haunting even their waking moments. Now, a small band of Jedi have agreed to meet to discuss opposition to the Empire. Prepare for Jedi versus Sith action unlike any seen since the Old Republic in Star Wars PURGE.

4th January  2006, WA-7