From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles:
Here are a few photos of my collection.
I've been a fan of Star Wars since 1983 after seeing 'Return of the Jedi' and my interest was re-awakened with the re-release of the trilogy in 1995. I... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
Matt G
As it has steadily grown, the long-running Armageddon convention has experienced a few shifts in venue since its inaugural gathering in December 1995. The Auckland event first opened at the Avondale Raceway, before spending three years at the Freemans Bay Community Centre. For the vast majority of its history, Auckland Armageddon has occupied the Aotea Centre, but recently it matured in size and popularity to the point where a move to the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane was required.
The new locale offered many benefits...and suffered a few minor but noteworthy hiccups. An official attendee count of 40,000 undoubtedly pleased the organisers, although that volume resulted in the dubious honour of lining up "the longest queues in ASB Showground's history" on the opening day. The logistics of ticket sales and fan entry were resolved by Sunday, and I am sure that the lessons learned from that episode will mean improved traffic flows in coming years.
The single-floor layout meant that it was easier to navigate... ...MORE
Matt G
Retailers are starting to advertise toy sales for the Christmas shopping season.
The Warehouse had the following SW items featured in the latest mailer; prices valid 18th - 24th November:
- SW Lego #7778 Midi scale Millenium Falcon - save $19, now $49.99 each.
- SW Lego #66308 3 in 1 Superback - save $30, now $89.99 each (exclusive to the Warehouse).
- SW Clone Wars childs hideaway tent - save $10, now $19.99 each.
- 20% off all Star Wars toys (excluding Lego).
Farmers is also holding a toy sale; prices valid 18th November - 10th December:
- Mighty Muggs - save $10, now $14.99 each.
- Titanium vehicles - save $3, now $9.99 each.
- Duel Action lightsaver - save $20, now $59.99 each.
- 3 3/4" scale Vehicles - save $12, now $47.99 each.
- Transformers Figures - save $20, now $19.99 each.
- Commander Helmet - save $20, now $79.99 each.
- Ultimate Blaster - save $21.80, now $87.20 each.
- Standard figures (Saga Legends and Build a Droid figures) - buy any 2 for $30.
- SW Lego #7778 Midi scale Millenium Falcon - save $14, now $55.99 each.
- SW Lego #8036 Separatists Shuttle - save $14, now $55.99 each.
- SW Clone Wars childs hideaway tent - save $15, now $29.99 each.
Anaria
A message in from the staff at NiubNiub's Universe: "2010 is NiubNiub's 10th Anniversary!! Building up to that, we are happy to tell the fans that the 'Making Of' instructions to the DEATH STAR RED ROOM are now online. This has been the most asked for update since Celebration III's Death Star Workshop.
Fans can now recreate this iconic room at home for their Hasbro Star Wars figures: NiubNiubsUniverse.com/making/DeathStar/Control_Red/Make_dsRed_01.asp".
Matt G
A message in from the staff at Galactic Voyage: "Galactic Voyage will be celebrating it's 10th Anniversary today (November 14th). It is hard to believe that I have been doing this for a decade! Be on the look out for a great new feature called 'Galactic News' in the coming months. Thank you to all the Star Wars fans who have come and enjoyed Galactic Voyage these many years! It has been been a pleasure."
Matt G
This week's junk mail has a few Star Wars items.
The Warehouse brochure has:
- Lego Star Wars Assassin Droids Battle Pack (#8015), $19.99 (save $5).
- Lego Star Wars Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (#8017), $55.99 (save $14)
(available in most stores).
- Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Lightsabre Twin-pack, $30.
- Star Wars and Clone Wars basic 3 3/4" figures, $14.99 (save $5).
Noel Leeming has a new kids' laptop (toy computer with small LCD screen and
simple educational games):
- Oregon Scientific Star Wars Clone Wars Laptop, $149.99.
Buzz Bumble
The kids' section of the NZ Herald on Sunday is running a competition for some Top Trumps sets, including Star Wars ones (but it doesn't look like you get to choose which set you get if you win)...
TOP TRUMPS
This week we have 10 Top Trumps packs to give away, including Spongebob Squarepants, Star Trek, Ben 10,Transformers 2 and Star Wars.
To enter, email your name and contact details to kids@heraldonsunday.co.nz with TOP TRUMPS in the subject line. Entries close Wednesday, 11 November (tomorrow).
Buzz Bumble
New Hasbro Star Wars product is hitting the toy aisles in Wellington in time for Christmas shoppers. Out on a toy hunt this weekend, I observed that ToyWorld, Balance Street had refreshed their pegs with new stocks if the previously sold out Attack of the Clones wave of Legacy Figures. The figures were retailing for $25 each and included Klaatooinian Jedi Tarados Gon, Beru Whitesun, Owen Lars, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Captain Typho, ROTS Concept Art Anakin Skywalker and repacked ARC Trooper, Anakin Skywalker, Jango Fett, Rebel Hoth Trooper and ROTS Clone Pilot, all packed with HK-47 Build-a-Droid pieces.
ToyWorld Balance Street also had new Clone Wars figures in stock including Master Luminara, Captain Argyus, Super Battledroid with Arm Cannon, ARF Trooper, Clone Trooper Echo, Matchstick, Padme in Adventure Gear and an AAT Pilot Battle Droid, each for $25. New deluxe assortment toys had arrived too, with Obi-Wan and his Freeco Speeder retailing for $45.
The Warehouse Lyall Bay had also received some of the same new stock. Their pegs sported new Clone Wars figures as well, including all those above as well as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Space suit and a newly retooled Master Yoda. Figures were $20 each. They also had the new deluxe toys, in this case Dooku on his Speeder.
Galactic Heroes were similarly replenished at The Warehouse, with fresh stocks of the wave including Master Windu with Clone trooper, Master Luminara and Super Battledroid with Arm Cannon, and Dwarf Spider Droid and Clone Trooper.
Good hunting out there collectors!
Daniel F
With the official Star Wars club Hyperspace membership existing as a separate entity from the Star Wars Insider magazine subscription, some fans have wondered what the benefits of Hyperspace membership are. There are 2 versions of the Hyperspace package available to non-US residents, orderable through StarWarsShop.com:
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership
at US$14.95, and
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership (w/bonus membership kit)
at US$19.95.
Here's what you'll get:
- Early access and perks at official Star Wars events.
- First looks and sneak peeks at new Star Wars projects.
- Six issues of online supplements for Star Wars Insider.
- Bantha Tracks online, the exclusive newsletter showcasing Star Wars fans.
- Collector Benefits -- Get VIP treatment with a 10% discount on select, premium Star Wars merchandise, early purchase rights on hot items, and look for exciting exclusive products available only to members.
- Connect with fellow Fan Club members online
- Test drive new starwars.com features before anyone else.
- New downloadable online membership kit filled with virtual goodies.
Follow these links, depending on whether you want the bonus membership kit or not, for more details and to order:
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership
or
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership (w/bonus membership kit)
.
Matt G
Star Wars New Zealand affiliate MightyApe.co.nz stocks Star Wars product across a range of categories, including toys, books and games. Over the last few days a few Star Wars DVDs have become available for preorder:
- The Clone Wars: The Complete Season 1, 4 DVD set, $74.99 - free shipping NZ wide. Pre-order: releases 9 Dec 09.
- The Clone Wars: The Complete Season 1, 3 Blu-Ray disc set, $89.99 - free shipping NZ wide. Pre-order: releases 9 Dec 09.
- Star Wars Prequel Trilogy - Episodes I, II, III, 6 DVD box set, $49.99 - free shipping NZ wide. Re-releasing 20 Nov 09.
- Star Wars Original Trilogy - Episodes IV, V, VI, 6 DVD box set, $49.99 - free shipping NZ wide. Re-releasing 20 Nov 09.
Also interesting is the $120 price drop on this giant Stargate SG1 bundle:
- Stargate SG-1 - The Portal Collection, 61 DVD set, including "Ark of Truth" and "Continuum", $279.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
Each purchase made via a link on the SWNZ website helps contribute to the running costs of SWNZ!
The following links will help you peruse their Star Wars range:
- Star Wars books
- Star Wars music
- Star Wars games
- Star Wars toys
- Star Wars DVDs
Matt G
Sky TV are running a competition (only for SkyWatch magazine subscribers) to win one of 12 Clone Wars Top Trumps card game packs...
Top Trumps Collector Packs
Thanks to Top Trumps Ltd, SKYWATCH have 12 packs of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Top Trumps collector cards to give away! To enter, simply tell us what day Top Trumps plays on the Living Channel in November.
Competition closes 5pm, 30 November 2009.
Click here to enter online.
Buzz Bumble
Some of our nation's ToyWorld stores have been receiving new Star Wars stock recently. In Wellington, ToyWorld Johnsonville has some newer clone wars figures on the pegs including Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano in their Space Suits, Clone Troopers Denal, Bounty Hunter Cad Bane, Adventure Suit Padm�, Clone Tank Gunner, Ziro's Assassin Droid and Clone Pilot Matchstick.
ToyWorld in Balance Street Wellington also has the newly retooled TIE Interceptor with Pilot, a surprise find as this is a Toys'R'Us exclusive in the USA. ToyWorld has it available in store now for NZ$120.
Good hunting SW collectors!
Daniel F
Sideshow Collectibles has just released images of, and preorder information for, their latest Premium Format figure...the expanded universe Twi'lek Sith Lord Darth Talon. The Sideshow Exclusive version is already sold out, but the regular edition is still available.
Matt G
Star Wars themed computer or gaming consoles have shown up around the web from intermittently, but I recently received some pics and details about a clever and good-looking PC case in the form of the Empire's ultimate battle station, that was made in NZ.
Derek explains his interesting build: "the Death Star is made from two old perspex lamp shades that I originally brought for building an R2-D2 (I still might build one, as I have 1 dome left). I had another dome which I cut the bottom off to make the channel around the middle then I cut the dish out and inverted it. I then drilled hundreds of 0.8mm holes to allow light and air out... ...MORE
Matt G
From time to time we highlight and link to the TradeMe auctions of Star Wars items, at the sellers request. Below are some examples of interesting collectibles, available to bid on:
- Darth Maleval loose figure (from Entertainment Earth Exclusive Joker squad set)
- Carded Comic Con Exclusive Stormtrooper Commander from the Force Unleashed
- Galactic Heroes Boba Fett & Slave Leia loose figures
- POTF2 Rebel Pilots loose troop builder 3-pack
Matt G
I stopped off at K-Mart in Westfield Albany (Auckland) earlier and found that they have a few new Lightsaber Torch keyrings (a mini replica of the lightsaber handle with one LED in the top). There are three designs and they cost $9 each:
- Darth Vader (red LED) was also previously available at Kmart and Borders
- Yoda (green LED)
- Luke Skywalker (blue LED) marked as "Australian Exclusive 2009"
Buzz Bumble
The SWNZ group on Flickr is starting to aggregate photos from this weekend's Armageddon convention in Auckland. The group pool is for images representing "Star Wars" in New Zealand. Photos that qualify include pics of:
- NZ Star Wars events
- NZ exclusive Star Wars collectibles
- Star Wars collections belonging to NZers
- Star Wars celebrities in NZ
Join up, and contribute: Flickr.com/groups/SWNZ
Matt G
Yeah, it's a cheesy title, I know...but the Auckland Armageddon convention is just around the corner, at it's new venue: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, October 24-26th 2009. Full details are on the official Armageddon website.
Stay tuned to SWNZ for reports, pics and videos over the course of the weekend, and in to next week.
Related article: 09 Apr 2009 :: Armageddon Wellington 2009 Report
Related article: 02 Apr 2009 :: Armageddon Christchurch 2009 Report
Related article: 31 Oct 2008 :: Armageddon Auckland 2008 Report
Related article: 24 Sep 2003 :: Armageddon Wellington 2003 Report
Matt G
You can now subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com). Simply click the email icon above this message...or click here.
Matt G
With the NZ Dollar hovering around the US$0.75 mark, now is a good time to look to international sources for collectible purchases. Sideshow Collectibles is Star Wars New Zealand's latest affiliate - most readers will be familiar with their Star Wars product lineup, which includes 1:6 scale figures, statues, dioramas, and life-sized busts. Here are some of their recent releases:
- Sandtrooper Squad Leader 12-inch Figure - FLEXPay option
- Slave Leia Premium Format Figure - Sideshow Exclusive Edition (1/4 Scale Salicious Crumb)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Cloak - FLEXPay option
- Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Cloak
- Anakin Skywalker Cloak - FLEXPay option
- Anakin Skywalker Cloak
- Darth Vader Bronze Statue
- Star Wars: Frames - Autographed by George Lucas
- Vader Knights Apprentice - Framed Giclee on Paper Fine Art Print
- Darth Maul VCD (Vinyl Collectible Doll)
- Darth Vader Life-size Bust
- Darth Vader Life-size Bust - FLEXPay option
- There Will Be No Bargain - Luke VS The Rancor Diorama
- There Will Be No Bargain - Luke VS The Rancor Diorama - FLEXPay option
- Royal Guard RAH - 12-inch Figure
Matt G
SWNZ-X1a
Fishpond.co.nz is the website to go to for Star Wars books, CDs and DVDs. The number of products available continues to grow, with the total count in their book library exceeding 2 million. At the time of writing, their catalogue contains 2,355,665 books, 213,828 music CDs, 2,124 games, and 23,268 DVDs, which includes upcoming releases available for pre-order. For orders over $49, shipping is free anywhere in New Zealand (other shipping rates); they also operate a price matching policy with major local online retailers.
Here are some of their listings for Star Wars items currently available, or coming soon:
- Star Wars: Clone Wars the Official Episode Guide, Season 1, paperback, 192 pages, $26.97.
- 501st: An Imperial Commando Novel, by Karen Traviss, paperback, $19.97.
- The Complete Vader, hardcover, 192 pages, $99.95.
- Star Wars: Deathtroopers, paperback, 288 pages, $24.99.
- Galaxy at War Booster, Star Wars Miniatures Game Expansion, by Wizards of the Coast, $27.97.
- Star Wars: 1000 Collectibles: Memorabilia and Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away, paperback, 568 pages, $56.99.
- Star Wars: Death Troopers, Audio CD, $46.97.
- Star Wars: Death Troopers, hardcover, 288 pages, $44.97.
- Clone Wars Republic Heroes: Prima's Official Game Guide, paperback, 160 pages, $34.97.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, Playstation 3, $99.97.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, XBox 360, $99.97.
- Star Wars The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, PC/Windows, $52.96.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, Nintendo DS, $55.99.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, Wii, $87.37.
- LEGO Star Wars the Visual Dictionary, hardback, 96 page, $43.44.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars, paperback, 272 pages, $24.99.
- Wishful Drinking, paperback, by Carrie Fisher (autobiography), $22.95.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
From time to time we highlight and link to the TradeMe auctions of Star Wars items...today's listings are a little different. As part of the fundraising efforts for the Samoan Earthquake and Tsunami relief, local celebrities and TV shows have donated key pieces of memorabilia and costumes. The following Attack of the Clones collectibles are autographed by kiwi Star Wars celebrity Jay Laga'aia:
- Autographed Captain Typho action figure.
- Autographed Captain Typho action figure and cast Jacket from Lion King.
Matt G
The Borders branch in Westfield Albany (Auckland) has a couple of new non-book Star Wars items.
In the Children's Book section they have a Lightsaber Torch. It is a lightsaber handle with four small LED bulbs in the top. When you turn it on/off the LEDs pulse and it plays the lightsaber activation/deactivation sound. Once on it's just a normal LED torch.
In the Board Games section they have some Star Wars-themed colour-changing bath ducks. The price of these varies slightly from about $14 to $18, and they had one each of Duck Fader, Luke Pondwalker, and Princess Layer. (There are also other ducks themed on Doctor Who, James Bond, etc.) These are sealed, so once the battery runs out it can't be changed for a new one - according to the packaging it should last for 180 fifteen minute baths.
I also saw a couple of the "Jigsaw and Galactic Hero Obi-Wan" packs in the Farmers, The Warehouse, and strangely, Foodtown at Westfield Glenfield.
Buzz Bumble
Star Wars New Zealand affiliate MightyApe.co.nz stocks Star Wars product across a range of categories, including toys, books and games; here are some examples of popular items:
- Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition, PC Game, $89.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition, PlayStation 3 game, $129.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Star Wars R2-D2 USB Hub, $69.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- LEGO Star Wars : The Visual Dictionary (with mini-figure), hardback, $35.99.
- Star Wars: The Essential Atlas, paperback, $59.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Star Wars Snakes and Ladders Game, $23.99.
- Star Wars Vinyl Mighty Mugg 4 Pack (Qui Gon, Wicket, Wampa, Imperial), $119.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, hardback, 3 volumes, $219.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Star Wars: Deathtroopers, by Joe Schreiber, paperback, 448 pages, $21.99.
- Star Wars: Imperial Commando - 501st, by Karen Traviss, paperback, 464 pages, $21.99.
There is also plenty of other science fiction merchandise likely to appeal to SWNZ readers:
- Star Trek - Special Steelbook Edition, 2 Disc DVD Set, $39.99.
- Star Trek Special EditionBlu-Ray, 3 Disc Blu-Ray Set + free Digital Copy, $44.99.
- Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Complete 2nd Season, 6 Disc DVD Set, $54.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Sanctuary - Season 1, 4 Disc DVD set, $54.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Stargate Atlantis - The Complete Series, 26 Disc DVD Tin Set, $229.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
Each purchase made via a link on the SWNZ website helps contribute to the running costs of SWNZ!
The following links will help you peruse their Star Wars range:
- Star Wars books
- Star Wars music
- Star Wars games
- Star Wars toys
- Star Wars DVDs
Matt G
Savings from the latest Farmers mailer - prices valid 13th to 20th October:
- Lego SW Millennium Falcon mid scale - save 20%, now $55.99
- SW Plush toys - save 20%, now $15.99
- SW Transformers - save 50%, now $19.99
- SW Galactic Heroes - save 20%, now $9.59
- 3.75" Action Figure Battle packs - save 20%, now $47.99
- Trooper Helmet - save 20%, now $79.99
- Ultimate Blaster - save 20%, now $87.20
Anaria
Buzz Bumble
Hannah Clarke, the daughter of a long time contributor, got heavily into supporting this year's SPCA cupcake day. As well as raising $960 from sales of cupcakes, she entered the two photo competitions. "What's this got to do with Star Wars?" you may ask. Well, she won the Extreme Cupcake Eating competition with this photo (above) of her eating a cupcake (actually a prop, was a patty tin filled with bread with some icing on it) on the Death Star backdrop among selected Star Wars characters (she's the human, lower centre with the cheesy expression). Although Hannah isn't a true Star Wars enthusiast, she felt that it was hard to be more extreme than in space, on the run from the Empire. The photo was clearly the best of those entered in the competition (heck, we aren't biased). Hannah won a digital camera and some SPCA merchandise for her efforts.
Thanks go to Matt and Kristy for making their time available for the photo, which would not have been possible without their cooperation.
Robbie the Robot
If you have a Facebook account, you can now join up to the Star Wars New Zealand page as a means to keep up-to-date, and interact, with SWNZ news items.
Click here to follow us!
Matt G
Sideshow Collectibles is Star Wars New Zealand's latest affiliate. If you click on the above banner (or this link), you can sign up to their regular newsletter, and receive Sideshow Collectibles news, discounts and competition opportunities. Sign up now, and they'll give you a coupon good for $5.00 off your first order!
Matt G
The following items and deals have been confirmed in store at the Henderson Toyworld. Other branches may have similar products and savings.
- SW Guessing Game - save $5, now $24.99 each.
- Galactic Heroes - $12.99 each.
- Force Action lightsabers (Darth Vader or Obi-Wan Kenobi) - save 50%, now $29.99 each.
- Clone Trooper blaster (foam dart) - $59.99 each.
- Deluxe figures - Battle Droid with armoured scout tank, Crab Droid, Clone Trooper with Barc speeder bike and Anakin with Can-Cell, $44.99 each.
- New wave of the Clone Wars action figures, including - Whorm Loathsom, 4A-7, Obi-Wan Kenobi (space suit), ARF Trooper, Jawas, Clone Trooper with space gear, Admiral Yularen, Super Battle droid, $19.99 each.
- SW Plushies - Yoda, General Grievous, Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, R2-D2, Boba Fett and Chewbacca, $19.99 each.
- Commander Rex electronic helmet, $109.99.
- Turbo Tank (with action figure), $289.99.
- Action figure scale vehicles, $64.99 each (seen on shelf - Darth Vaders TIE Advanced, Anakin's modified starfighter, AAT, V-19 Torrent, Vulture droid and Obi-Wan's starfighter).
- Action figure 2 pack with comic - usually $39.99, now $14.99 each (seen on shelf: Princess Leia and Tobbi Dala, Antares Draco and Ganner Krieg, Fenn Shysa and Dengar, Asajj Ventress and Tol Skorr, Darth Talon and Cade Skywalker).
- Titanium Vehicles - $14.99 each (seen on shelf: Magnaguard starfighter, Malevolence, TIE Defender, Dengar's Punishing One, Neimoidian Shuttle, Shadow Trooper Gunship, Y-Wing Starfighter, and others).
Anaria
Matt G
TVNZ's website is running a competition to win a copy of the Robot Chicken Star Wars Episode II DVD. Just fill in the form and answer the question at TVNZ.co.nz/content/3049275 (they give you a link to where you can find the answer too).
Buzz Bumble
In the Canvas magazine section of the Weekend Herald just past, there was a
very brief mention of Star Wars at the start of the "Brunch" cafe review...
"C1 Espresso
150 High St, Christchurch
We walked in and immediately thought it was the epitome of grungy cool. There's plenty of art, Star Wars figurines in little cabinets set into the wall, an old Singer sewing machine that doubles as a drinking water tap, and - to complete the offbeat vibe - what sounded like BBC comedy recordings playing in the toilets."
If anyone has more info, or photos, feel free to let us know.
Buzz Bumble
Farmers currently have two Star Wars "bonus" promotions:
- Buy a Clone Wars titanium vehicle for $9.99 (usually $12.99) and get a free Star Wars Titanium vehicle
- Buy any 30th Anniversary Standard Figure for $14.39 each (save 20%) and get a free Star Wars Marble valued at $6.99
Unfortunately the two Titantium vehicles are shrink-wrapped together, so
you don't get your own choice of which two - both promotions are simply
trying to get rid of excess old stock.
Buzz Bumble
Matt G
Buy any 30th Anniversary standard figure for $14.39 (saving 20%) and receive a free Star Wars Marble valued at $6.99 (styles may vary between stores). Offer valid from 2nd to 12th October, while stocks last.
Anaria
TV3 are playing Revenge of the Sith, in HD, tonight...
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
TV3, 7:30pm - 10:30pm, Saturday, 3 October.
Buzz Bumble
Note: Amazon.com prices are in US dollars.
Matt G
Matt G
Matt G
Matt G
DragonCon is the United States' largest (and probably the world's largest) "multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film". The real theme that shines through, tying these genres together, is costuming, and one of the core components of this annual event is the Saturday costume parade down the main streets of Atlanta.
DragonCon is spread over four neighbouring hotels (with rumours of a fifth being added in 2010), most of which are joined together directly, and through shopping malls, by "sky-walks". The convention programming is a mix of official DragonCon events, and information and entertainment opportunities put on by a wide array of fan organisations. All imaginable genres and hobbies are represented, including Star Wars... ...MORE
Matt G
TV3 are playing Revenge of the Sith this up-coming weekend...
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
TV3, 7:30pm - 10:30pm, Saturday, 3 October.
Buzz Bumble
The latest Farmers mailer has a big toy sale - here're the Star Wars items featured:
- Clone Wars standard figures, Saga Legends and Build a Droid figures - save 20%, now $15.99 each.
- Clone Wars Titanium vehicle with free Star Wars Titanium vehicle bundle - save 20%, now $9.99 each.
- Duel Action lightsaber with dagger - save 20%, now $63.99 each.
- 3.75" Vehicles - save 20%, now $47.99 each.
- Standard lightsaber - save 20%, now $15.99 each.
- Remote Control R2-D2 - save 25%, now $52.49 each.
- Force Action lightsaber - save 50%, now $29.99 each.
- Star Wars Mighty Muggs save 30%, now $16.99 each.
- Star Wars Hideaway tents - save 30%, now $29.99 each.
Prices valid from 25th September to 12th October, while stocks last.
Anaria
The latest K-Mart mailer is advertising the Clone Wars Remote Control R2-D2 - save $30, now $59 (sale ends 30th September).
Anaria
Sideshow Collectibles is proud to present the licensed Star Wars costumes line by Museum Replicas Limited. Based directly off the actual movie costuming pieces, and constructed from quality materials, these costume pieces can be used to recreate the ensembles of your Obi-Wan, Luke, or Anakin...or as the creative base for a variety of different Jedi across the Galaxy.
- Luke Skywalker Jedi Cape
- Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Cloak
- FLEXPAY - Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Cloak
- Anakin Skywalker Cloak
- FLEXPAY - Anakin Skywalker Cloak
Matt G
From today's Warehouse mailer - prices valid 23rd Sept to 6th October.
Celebration 10 years of Lego and Star Wars. Spend $100 on Star Wars Lego and receive a Darth Vader keyring free (via redemption, only 180 units)
Exclusive to the Warehouse: two Star Wars Lego sets...
- #66308 3 in 1 super pack - save $30, now $89.99
- #7753 Pirate Tank - save $16, now $59.99
Also listed in the mailer:
- #7671 AT-AP Walker - save $30, now $49.99
- #7778 Mid Scale Millenium Falcon -save $9, now $59.99
- #8036 Separatists Shuttle - save $9, now $59.99
- #7667 Imperial Dropship - save $5, now $19.99
- #8014 Clone Walker Battle Pack - save $5, now $19.99
- #7748 Coporate Alliance Tank Droid - save $10, now $38.99
- #7749 Echo Base - save $10, now $38.99
- Hasbro Star Wars Clone Wars basic figure 3.75" - save $5, now $14.99
- Hasbro Star Wars basic figure 3.75" - save $5, now $14.99
Anaria
A couple of online articles worth sharing have recently been bought to our attention. MegoMuseum.com have a transcript of a 1980 magazine article which asks the question "Will the Empire Strike Back?" and takes an analytical look at the toy market in the context of TESB's theatrical release. It's a great flashback to the time when action figures and related merchandising were a novelty concept, and information regarding ROTJ was still pretty much non-existent: "Some product pertaining to installment three of the saga, The Jedi's Revenge, may be introduced in '82, although the movie is not due to open until '83."
And for a more visual link, cast your eye's jealously over the displays in the Ultimate Star Wars Apartment, as reported at Gizmodo.com!
Matt G
(with thanks to Robbie the Robot)
This month's JB Hi-Fi brochure has been delivered and has a few Star Wars DVDs advertised:
- Robot Chicken: Star Wars - Episode II, $19.98.
- Star Wars: Episodes IV, V and VI, $18.98 each.
- Clone Wars: Season 1, volumes 3 and 4, $23.98 each.
Buzz Bumble
The movie website Flicks.co.nz is running a competition to giveaway a boxed set of the two Robot Chicken Star Wars DVDs:
Madman DVDs: 'Robot Chicken: Star Wars' Episode I and II
Thanks to the fine folk at Madman, we're giving away new release DVDs every week... this week it's ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS Episode II and we'll throw
in Episode I too.
Episode I is now available on DVD, ...and Episode II has just been released (September 10).
www.flicks.co.nz/win/madman-robot-chicken-star-wars-box-set.
Buzz Bumble
A gallery of Star Wars-related photos from the Dragon*Con 2009 event is starting to take shape here. More will be added soon, and we'll be getting some summarised articles online too. In the meantime, you might like to sign up to the the SWNZ Facebook page and/or Twitter page in order to get the up-to-the-minute reports.
Matt G
Here's an online service that's sure to be of use to those who like to stay current with all the Star Wars news from around the world wide web. Alltop.com aggregates RSS feeds from large news sites into topic pages so you can, at a glance, keep up to date with your favourite interests. Star Wars New Zealand is included in their Star Wars page - check it out at Star-Wars.AllTop.com.
Matt G
In but a few days, Star Wars New Zealand will be doing all of its near-realtime reporting on the DragonCon 2009 convention on Facebook and Twitter. We'll follow-up up with images and summarised reports here in article form, as well as links to picture galleries etc, but you might like to sign up to the the SWNZ Facebook page and/or Twitter page in order to get the up-to-the-minute notifications.
Matt G
You can now subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com). Simply click the email icon above this message...or click here.
Matt G
We recently mentioned the fact that Facebook members could join up to the Star Wars New Zealand Facebook page as a means to keep up-to-date, and interact, with SWNZ news items. If Twitter is more your thing, your can also follow SWNZ using that service - click here (Twitter.com/StarWarsNZ) to follow us on Twitter!
Matt G
The Warehouse in Rongotai Wellington had new Hasbro Star Wars stock this week. The $40 Clone Wars figure with vehicle range was present in good numbers (Anakin with Can-Cell, Battledroid with Mini Tank, Clone and BARC Speeder, Crab Droid) and new Galactic Heroes were on the pegs as well for $12 each (Master Luminara & Super Battledroid, Grievous & Kit Fisto etc).
Daniel F
In a little over a week, Star Wars New Zealand will be doing all of its near-realtime reporting on the DragonCon 2009 convention on Facebook. We'll follow-up up with images and summarised reports here in article form, as well as links to picture galleries etc, but you might like to sign up to the the SWNZ Facebook page in order to get the up-to-the-minute notifications.
Matt G
JB Hi-Fi in Westfield Albany mall have a few copies of volumes 1 and 2 of the animated Clone Wars TV series DVDs priced at $23.99 each. They contain only five episodes on each DVD, with other volumes in the set due in the next couple of months.
Personally I'll be waiting for the proper full 22 episode season DVD set due for release in America in November (no doubt it will arrive here in time for Christmas buyers). Not only will it be cheaper to buy than the separate volumes, but it will also have the extra features.
It's Father's Day tim and the latest Farmers catalogue has a black T-shirt advertised that says "Star Dad" on the front using the Star Wars font.
These are priced at $24.99 each.
Buzz Bumble
SWNZ affiliate iQ Toys is New Zealand's first online toy store (starting up way back in 1996). Their main utility for Star Wars collectors is their inventory of Star Wars Lego, but they also carry some Star Wars Hasbro product. On a more general note, if you're looking for gifts for children, their range of educational toys will give you much to choose from. All purchases from SWNZ affiliates help contribute to the ongoing costs of this website!
iQ Toys currently offer free shipping within New Zealand on orders over $150 - and lets face it, we all love ordering online and getting stuff delivered to the door! Check out the following in stock items:
- Lego Star Wars Mid-Scale Millennium Falcon 7778, $69.99.
- Lego Star Wars Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser 8039, $299.99.
- Lego Star Wars Anakin's Y-Wing Starfighter 8037, $139.99.
- Lego Star Wars Echo Base 7749, $49.99.
- Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary, $71.99.
- Lego Star Wars Darth Vader's TIE Fighter 8017, $69.99.
- Lego Star Wars Republic Attack Shuttle 8019, $139.99.
- Star Wars Clone Trooper Laptop, $99.99.
- Lego Star Wars Hyena Droid Bomber 8016, $49.99.
- Lego Star Wars Assassin Droids Battle Pack 8015, $24.99.
- Star Wars Ultimate Light Saber, $108.99.
- Star Wars Anniversary Poster, $12.99.
- Star Wars Transformers Crossovers, $34.99.
- Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet, $107.99.
Matt G
Fishpond.co.nz is the New Zealand website to go for Star Wars books, CDs, DVDs, and miniatures roleplaying. They guarantee to sell at New Zealand's lowest prices (price-matching FAQ). Here are their listings for recently released Star Wars items which are ready to ship. Note that, at the moment, if you spend over $50, your order ships free (within New Zealand).
- Star Wars; the Essential Atlas, paperback, 256 pages, $59.99.
- The Clone Wars: The Crystal Caves of Ilum, A Star Wars Miniatures Map Pack, $24.99.
- Star Wars (BFI Film Classics), paperback, 96 pages, $33.99.
- Robot Chicken Star Wars Special 2, DVD, $36.99.
- Star Wars Omnibus: Menace Revealed, paperback, 384 pages, $50.99.
- Knights of the Old Republic, volume 6: Vindication, graphic novel, 168 pages, $47.99.
- Star Wars Adventures, vol.2: Princess Leia and the Royal Ransom, colour comic strip, 80 pages, $19.99.
- Star Wars: Force Unleashed (novel), paperback, 336 pages, $23.96.
- Destroy Malevolence (Star Wars the Clone Wars), paperback, 24 pages, $14.99.
- Downfall of a Droid (Star Wars the Clone Wars), paperback, 24 pages, $16.99.
- The Art of Star Wars Comics: 100 Collectible Postcards, 100 pages, $39.99.
- The Art of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, hardcover, 272 pages, $92.99
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
The latest wave of The Clone Wars figures, on the red-design cards, has been spotted at a couple of branches of Farmers department stores. This wave includes the Jawa 2-pack, Admiral Yularen, Commander Gree, ARF Trooper, Mace Windu, Super Battle Droid etc.
Matt G
TV3 is playing Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull tonight (7:30pm, Saturday, 22 August).
Buzz Bumble
From time to time we highlight and link to the TradeMe auctions of Star Wars items, at the sellers request. Below are some examples of interesting collectibles, available to bid on:
- Complete R7-ZO Build A Droid figure
- Complete R4-D6 Build A Droid figure
- Loose POTF2 Dewback and Sandtroopers
- Loose Slave 1 with Boba Fett
Loose AT-ST walkers from 2007 Ultimate Battlepacks:
- Hoth
- Endor
Matt G
The Warehouse also has the new remote control R2-D2 (at the full $70 price). It's not really very good since it only goes backwards and forwards, but cannot turn (the head spins and it beeps).
They also have a new board game "Clone Wars - Guess Who" ($19.99), a Star Wars-ised version of the people guessing game with the plastic tray of
flip-down pictures.
Farmers in the Westfield Albany shopping centre (Auckland) have got some new Clone Wars 3 3/4" figures in new squarer packaging at the usual price.
Buzz Bumble
The latest 'Farmers' mail catalogue has a few Star Wars items:
- Clone Trooper Voice Changer, now $79.99 (save $20)
- Vehicle & Figure Packs, now $31.99 (save $8)
- 3" Titanium Vehicles, now $9.99 (save $3)
- NEW RELEASE: Remote Control R2-D2, now $51.99 (save $18)
- Lego Millennium Falcon Mid-scale, now $55.99 (save$14)
Buzz Bumble
Farmers on Cuba Mall in Wellington has a bunch of Titanium Series 'Jabba's Desert Skiffs' going for $5 a pop (down from $12.99)!
Archon Revuge
Farmers Albany has a lot of Star Wars items in stock, including some new items:
- Clone Wars Clone Turbo Tank, $299.00 each.
- Saga Legends figures (repacks), $19.99 each.
- Vehicles (Anakin/Obi-Wan starfighters etc), $59.99 each.
- Deluxe figures (battle droid w/ armoured scout tank), $39.99.
- New Titanium packs, including many new expanded universe vehicles: Xanadu Blood, Virago, IG 2000, Hound's Tooth, V-19 Torrent, Sebulba's pod racer, Anakin's pod racer and Hyena Bomber - $12.99 each.
K-Mart in Albany has large Clone Wars 'Glow in the dark 3D stickers' - Clone Trooper, Anakin, at $11.99 each.
Anaria
A store report from my recent visit to Glenfield Mall...
Farmers had a range of new items in stock:
- Star Wars vehicles: V-19 Torrent fighter, Anakin's Jedi starfighter, Obi-Wan's starfighter, vulture droid (all in the new packaging), $59.99 each.
- Star Wars deluxe action figures: Anakin Skywalker with Can-cell, crab droid, , $39.99 each.
- Mighty Muggs - Snowtrooper, Biggs Darklighter X-Wing pilot, Bossk, EP3
Shocktrooper - $24.99 each.
- Electronic blasters - General Grievous electronic blaster, Clonetrooper foam dart firing blaster, $59.99 each.
Farmers also had several Star Wars Titanium vehicles in their toy clearance section, for $5 each.
Warehouse had the new Clone Wars remote control R2-D2 for $69.99 each, and Clone Wars Sith duel action electronic lightsabers (double bladed) for $79.99 each.
Anaria
These are the t-shirts you're looking for: 202 Star Wars t-shirts. 'Hide Your Arms' is a blog about t-shirts and related clothing...a recent post is a comprehensive look at creative and unique Star Wars-themed t-shirts. The list is presented over four pages, and includes links to online sources, where available...your can check them out starting here (HideYourArms.com/2009/07/16/list-ofstar-wars-tshirts).
Matt G
Don't ask me why, but TVNZ (not TV3...yet!) have The Clone Wars TV series DVDs, vol. 1 and vol. 2, to giveaway. Click here to enter.
Buzz Bumble
TODAY!! Underpants on the Outside is a collectors market-day for comic book enthusiasts, Star Wars buffs and sci-fi/fantasy fans in general. You will find comic books, trade-paperbacks, Star Wars memorabilia, retro/vintage toys, figurines, Dr Who stuff, badges, t-shirts, all sorts of collectible stuff and fun times!
Date: Saturday 11th July. TODAY!!
Time: 10am - 2pm
Venue: Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
Entry Cost: $5 adults - $2 kids - free entry if wearing a costume!
Matt G
A quick visit to the Westfield Albany mall (Auckland) turned up some new
Star Wars items.
K-Mart has a board game called 'The Clone Wars 4-in-a-Row' ($34.00) which is
really just a "clone" version of the 'Connect 4' game. They also have a 'The Clone Wars Anakin Skywalker Scooter' ($49.00) which is a kids'
fold-away scooter with an image of Anakin on the footplate.
Farmers Albany has the mid-size/deluxe Clone Wars packs - 'Clone Trooper & BARC Speeder Bike', 'Crab Droid', 'Anakin with Can-Cell' and the 'Battle Droid & Armored Scout Tank' for $39.99. Of course Farmers have 20% off all toys until Sunday so readers might want to grab them while they're cheap!
Buss Bumble
and Sledgehama
Underpants on the Outside is a collectors market-day for comic book enthusiasts, Star Wars buffs and sci-fi/fantasy fans in general. You will find comic books, trade-paperbacks, Star Wars memorabilia, retro/vintage toys, figurines, Dr Who stuff, badges, t-shirts, all sorts of collectible stuff and fun times!
Date: Saturday 11th July. THIS WEEKEND!!
Time: 10am - 2pm
Venue: Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
Entry Cost: $5 adults - $2 kids - free entry if wearing a costume!
Matt G
The latest Farmers mailer is advertising a toy sale, running from 3rd
July to 19 July:
- Clone Wars Marbles, usually $6.99 each, now buy 2 for $10
- Star Wars Transformer figures, usually $39.99 each, now $31.99 save 20%
- Clone Wars standard figures, usually $19.99 each, now $15.99 save 20%
Anaria
There's lots of Star Wars Lego advertised in the K-Mart Toy Sale catalogue...
- Clone Walker (#8014), $18.50 (save $3.49)
- Assassin Droids Battle Pack (#8015), $18.50 (save $3.49)
- Corporate Alliance Tank Droid (#7748), $42.00 (save $7.99)
- Echo Base (#7749), $42.00 (save $7.99)
- Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (#8017), $50.00 (save $9.00)
- Separatist's Shuttle (#8036), $59.00 (save $10.99)
- Anakin's Y-wing Starfighter (#8037), $118.00 (save$21.00)
- Battle of Endor (#8038), $199.00 (save $50.00)
- Venator Class Republic Attack Cruiser, $249.00 (save $50.00)
And a couple of "K-Mart Exclusive" Lego sets for those with slightly deeper pockets...
- Republic Dropship with AT-OT Walker (#10195), $380.00 (save $199.00)
- Death Star (#10188), $699.00 (save $150)...this one is a whopping 41cm high by 42cm wide, and includes 24 MiniFigs. After the sale it will be $849!!
Buzz Bumble
STAR WARS ACTION NEWS PODCAST CELEBRATES 200th EPISODE WITH SPECIAL VIDEO PODCAST
Highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at writing a comic book by Star Wars Tales author Nathan P. Butler, a spotlight on several collections with focus on how display, a montage by Star Wars Galaxy Series IV artist Artbot138, and an appearance by Jango Fett himself, Temura Morrison!
Beginning in August of 2005, Star Wars Action News has brought weekly collecting news and reviews to Star Wars fans. This week they reach their milestone 200th episode, and to make the episode extra-special for audiences they have released it as a full-video vidcast.
Join hosts Marjorie & Arnie as they look back on almost four years of Star Wars history, and bring you segments from all corners of Star Wars collecting, including:
- For fans of Star Wars comics, Star Wars Tales author Nathan P. Butler gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the making of his Star Wars story "Equals and Opposites", which will be included in an upcoming Hasbro figure & comic pack.
- For vintage fans we look at loose vintage figure collections as well as the iconic Kenner TIE Fighter and X-Wing vehicles.
- For modern Hasbro collectors we review the new, smaller red cards Hasbro will be using for the remainder of their 2009 figure releases.
- For high end collectors, we review the latest releases from Sideshow Collectibles Premium Format and 1/6 scale line.
- For fans of Star Wars art, Star Wars Galaxies Series 4 artist Artbot138 shares some of his original Star Wars works.
- For fans of all ages, we look at the collections of young Star Wars fans, both boys and girls.
With a few surprises including an appearance by Jango Fett himself, Temura Morrison, this is a Star Wars Action News that no Star Wars fan should miss!
This episode is available at our web site www.swactionnews.com or on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/.../viewPodcast?id=80411951.
Matt G
CRICKEY!! Mousedroid.com, the only Australian Star Wars News Site, today celebrates 6 years online. Whilst leaving coverage of International new and exclusives to the realm of others, they focus purely on Star Wars collecting in Aus, supporting a small but loyal collecting community by presenting a unique Aussie view of the Star Wars Universe.
Mick
www.MOUSEDROID.com
The latest Farmers mailer is advertising Red Spot specials, and has
some Star Wars items on sale - prices valid from Monday 29th June to Tuesday 7th July:
- Star Wars Mighty Muggs 50% off, now $12.49 each.
- Star Wars standard lightsaber 20% off, now $15.99 each.
- Lego Star Wars #8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter 20% off, now $55.99.
The Warehouse has the Lego Star Wars #8036 Separatists Shuttle set on
special - save $10 now $58.99 (valid 1st through 7th July).
Anaria
The latest news reports to come in from www.lightsabre.co.uk follows:
"It's been a big week for us here at Lightsabre Towers as we celebrate our 10th anniversary on the net as Lightsabre. We've made some brilliant friends, met some amazing people and interviewed some genuine legends of film, TV, art and writing. I can't tell you how much it�s meant to get so many lovely messages and well-wishes from some good pals, and continuing forward we�re making our best efforts to keep the site fun, informative (very British) and unique.
To help celebrate our 10th anniversary we bring you our third and final part of our chat with Star Wars legend Anthony Daniels. Anthony was a joy to interview, funny, insightful and very open about his experiences, and that final part can be found on the site today.
Our Blast from the Past continues, as does Setnin Select and our weekly chronological look into Lightsabre stories past. In our 10th anniversary week it's good to focus on our fiction as the site started out as a fan fiction site and has grown to become what it is today.
Last week we chatted with Craig Spivey, the owner of an amazing collection here in the UK and our chat with him can be found on the site.
Finally our good friend and site composer James Semple has composed some stunning music for our forthcoming return to Setnin Radio, and that can be found at JamesSemple.com/ls/bed1.mp3"
Matt G
We regularly list and link to the Star Wars offerings from SWNZ affiliate Fishpond.co.nz, as their online store is a very efficient method of shopping to fulfil our Star Wars hobby needs - today we'll take a focused look at roleplaying manuals and miniature figures from the Wizards of the Coast team. Note that, at the moment, if you spend over $50, your order ships free (within New Zealand).
- Star Wars Roleplaying Game: Revised Core Rulebook, hardcover, 286 pages, $78.98.
- Star Wars Roleplaying Game Gamemaster Screen, $32.98.
- Scum and Villainy: A Star Wars Roleplaying Game Supplement, hardcover, 224 pages, $77.34.
- The Clone Wars Campaign Guide, hardcover, 224 pages, $85.33.
- Star Wars Miniatures Bounty Hunters Booster Pack, $43.98.
- Star Wars Miniatures Starter Set, with 20-sided die, stat cards and 6 painted Miniatures, plus rules and battle map, $33.69.
- The Force Unleashed: A Star Wars Miniatures Game Expansion, $43.97 .
- Star Wars Galaxy Tiles, $32.99.
- Knights of the Old Republic: A Star Wars Miniatures Booster Pack, $31.69.
- The Clone Wars: A Star Wars Miniatures Booster Expansion, $33.98.
- The Clone Wars Starter: A Star Wars Miniatures Game Starter, $33.97.
- Imperial Entanglements: A Star Wars Miniatures Expansion, $30.98.
- The Clone Wars: Showdown at Teth Palace: A Star Wars Miniatures Map Pack, $25.95.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
Sky's Cartoon Network are running a mini-marathon of the computer animated
The Clone Wars show next weekend.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
9:30am - 6:00pm, Saturday, 4 July
Cartoon Network, Sky TV
Nine hours of back-to-back episodes.
Technically 9:30am - 6:00pm is only 8.5 hours. The promo advert said there
were 22 episodes (which would mean just over 23 minute episodes, including
advert breaks).
Buzz Bumble
Fishpond.co.nz is the New Zealand website to go for Star Wars books, CDs, DVDs, and miniatures roleplaying. At the time of writing, their catalogue contains 2,013,841 books, 185,152 CDs, and 13,909 DVDs. Here are their listings for recently released Star Wars items which are ready to ship. Note that, at the moment, if you spend over $50, your order ships free (within New Zealand).
- Star Wars: Dark Force Rising, graphic novel, 144 pages, $41.60.
- The Clone Wars, volume 3: Wind Raiders of Taloraan, comic/paperback, 96 pages, $21.99.
- The Clone Wars: Showdown at Teth Palace, Star Wars Miniatures Map Pack, $25.95.
- The Clone Wars (Scholastic ELT Readers series), paperback, 88 pages, $20.99.
- Target (Star Wars: Rebel Force), paperback, 192 pages, $21.99.
- Hostage (Star Wars: Rebel Force), paperback, 192 pages, $21.99.
- Renegade (Star Wars: Rebel Force), paperback, 176 pages, $21.99.
- The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader, hardcover, 228 pages, $30.23.
- The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi, hardcover, 224 pages, $38.99.
- Star Wars: Vector, volume 2 - Chapters 3 & 4, trade paperback, 144 pages, $38.96.
- Knights of the Old Republic, volume 6: Vindication, trade paperback, 168 pages, $42.44.
- Jedi Academy: Training Manual ("Star Wars" Roleplaying Game), hardcover, 159 pages, $74.99.
- Fate of the Jedi: Outcast, hardcover, 336 pages, $57.31.
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, hardcover, 1232 pages, $318.66.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
Toyworld Johnsonville seems to be the place to find new Star Wars toys in NZ right now. Following their recent TurboTank release, this week they have the newest Saga Legends figures on spiffy new (and slightly smaller) red cardbacks. Excitingly, they also have the new AOTC themed third wave of Legacy Collection figures (seems we've skipped the ESB wave so far in NZ). This new wave includes an all new captain Typho, young Owen and Beru, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Klaatooinian Jedi Tarados Gon and an Anakin Skywalker figure based on ROTS concept art. The highlight of the wave, however, has to the HK-47 Build a Droid figure, which is a fantastic toy. Go get 'em Wellington collectors!
Daniel F
From time to time we highlight and link to the TradeMe auctions of Star Wars items, at the sellers request. Today, we'd like to bring to your attention a rare opportunity - a STAR WARS Pinball Machine (Data East '92).
Matt G
In addition to the specials listed below, The Warehouse is also advertising the Star Wars: Lethal Alliance game for Sony PSP, at $29.90.
Thanks to Buzz Bumble
The latest The Warehouse mailer is advertising "buy 1, get a 2nd half
price" on Hasbro Clone Wars action figures. They also have 50% off the
Evolution 3 packs - now $24.99 each, and, finally, two Lego sets are currently on special:
- Lego Star Wars #8014 Clone Walker battle pack - $19.99 save $5.
- Lego Star Wars #8015 Assassin droids battle pack - $19.99 save $5.
Anaria
Farmers Rongotai in Wellington had new battlepacks in stock this weekend just gone. I spotted the new Clone Wars AT-TE Assault Squad and restocked Speeder Bike Recon Patrol sets for $59.99 each plus 20% off due to the Red Spot Sale.
Daniel F
Do you want regularly updated, New Zealand-specific Star Wars news headlines automatically delivered to your website or homepage? Headlines include links through to current SWNZ competitions, up-to-date news, event calendar, articles, reviews, and relevant other websites.
SNWZ offers two methods to access syndicated content: RSS (2.0; Wikipedia entry on RSS) and a feedburner image file based on the RSS feed. You can also subscribe to the SWNZ mailing list to get email notification of updates to the RSS feed.
Users of Firefox Live Bookmarks, iGoogle, My Yahoo!, or many other tools/widgets for reading and subscribing to RSS feeds can access major SWNZ headlines through the following URL... ...MORE
Matt G
Since the official Star Wars club Hyperspace membership split from the Star Wars Insider magazine subscription, some fans have wondered what the benefits of Hyperspace membership are. There are 2 versions of the Hyperspace package available to non-US residents, orderable through StarWarsShop.com:
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership
at US$14.95, and
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership (w/bonus membership kit)
at US$19.95 (2009 Star Wars Fan Club kits will begin shipping out this month).
Here's what you'll get:
- Early access and perks at official Star Wars events.
- First looks and sneak peeks at new Star Wars projects.
- Six issues of online supplements for Star Wars Insider.
- Bantha Tracks online, the exclusive newsletter showcasing Star Wars fans.
- Collector Benefits -- Get VIP treatment with a 10% discount on select, premium Star Wars merchandise, early purchase rights on hot items, and look for exciting exclusive products available only to members.
- Connect with fellow Fan Club members online
- Test drive new starwars.com features before anyone else.
- New downloadable online membership kit filled with virtual goodies.
Follow these links, depending on whether you want the bonus membership kit or not, for more details and to order:
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership
or
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership (w/bonus membership kit)
.
Matt G
Word has come in of the huge new Hasbro Clone Turbo Tank hitting stores here in NZ! It was sighted and purchased this weekend at Toyworld Johnsonville. It's retailing there for $329 but with heaps of action features, a fold out command base, a launching BARC speeder and ten wheels worth of coolness, the price doesn't seem entirely unreasonable. Fans of the recent AT-TE should love this one. Keep your eyes peeled folks!
Daniel F
Coming up very shortly, we'll be publishing a conversation with kiwi-based Star Wars/Lucasfilm artist Paul Shipper, who has contributed to Wizards of the Coast and Wizkids Star Wars products, and the Topps Inc. Galaxy Series 4 cards.
Matt G
The latest Toyworld brochure arrived in today's junk mail. It shows a few Star Wars Lego sets...
- Corporate Alliance Tank Droid (#7748), $49.99.
- Echo Base (#7749), $49.99.
- Ashoka's Starfighter & Vulture Droid (#7751), Toyworld exclusive,
$99.99.
- Count Dooku's Solar Sailer (#7752), Limited Edition, Toyworld
exclusive, $119.99.
- Anakin's Y-wing Starfighter (#8037), $139.99.
Plus a couple of Indiana Jones Lego sets...
- Shanghai Chase (#7682), $49.99, save up to $20.
- Fight on the Flying Wing (#7683), $69.99, save up to $30.
Buzz Bumble
SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand always welcomes contributions from readers, particularly when they share information useful to other collectors and fans. If you have come across a local (New Zealand) toy, book or department store that has new Star Wars products, we'd love to receive an email about it, so that we can post it as a news item to alert other collectors in your area. Send your message to SWNZ@Dr-Maul.com, including details of the merchandise you've spotted, the name and location of the store, and the price (or discount) details if possible. Thanks in advance, on behalf of SWNZ and all its readers!
Matt G
From time to time we highlight and link to the TradeMe auctions of Star Wars items, at the sellers request. Below are some examples of interesting collectibles, available to bid on:
- George Lucas as Stormtrooper figure (Star Wars)
- Star Wars Kotobukiya Boba Fett ver.1 statue
- Star Wars Kotobukiya Exclusive Shocktrooper statue
- Star Wars Darktrooper figure carded w/backdrop
- Star Wars JediCon exclusive Shadow Clonetrooper
- Star Wars Kotobukiya Exclusive Senate Guard statue
- Star Wars Kotobukiya Luke Bespin statue
- Star Wars Kotobukiya Darth Maul statue
- Star Wars Kotobukiya Sandtrooper statue
- Star Wars Kotobukiya Han Solo statue
- Star Wars Marc Ecko Mens tshirt Death Star
- Star Wars "Support Our Troops" Hot Topic tshirt
- Star Wars Marc Ecko Mens tshirt stormtroopers
Matt G
Sideshow Collectibles is Star Wars New Zealand's latest affiliate. As a means of introduction, it is interesting to check out some of their current Star Wars product lineup, which includes 1:6 scale figures, statues, dioramas, and life-sized busts:
- Endor Stike Force Bundle
- Stormtrooper 12-inch Figure
- Captain Antilles 12-inch Figure
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: General - Clone Wars 12-inch figure
- Geonosis Arena: Padme VS Nexu Diorama
- Bossk Life-Size Bust
- General Grievous Life-Size Bust
- Oversized Darth Vader VCD figure
- Medicom Toy: Wicket VCD
- Clone Commander RAH 12-inch figure
- Tusken Raider Premium Format Figure - Sideshow Exclusive
- Speederbike and Rider Premium Format
- Anakin Premium Format Figure
- Han Solo RAH
- Jawa VCD
- Admiral Ackbar Life-Size Bust
Matt G
HowStuffWorks.com is an educational website that explains, as its name suggests, what goes on behind many things we take for granted in day-to-day life. It was invented by Professor Brain (real name!), and is now owned by the same company that manages the Discovery Channel. As well as content on all manners of science, it has sections related to the entertainment world, wherein it also describes "How Stuff Works" in terms of their respective fictional universes. Inevitably, therefore, there is coverage of Star Wars topics...the following articles are interesting dissertations that will enhance your knowledge of Star Wars trivia... ...MORE
Matt G
It's been a while since we took a look at the available Star Wars product on the website of SWNZ affiliate Fishpond.co.nz - there are plenty of interesting new release book titles coming through at the moment, so it's worth keeping up to date.
Fishpond.co.nz is the website to go to for Star Wars books, CDs and DVDs. At the time of writing, their catalogue contains 1,963,947 books, 185,152 CDs, and 13,805 DVDs, which includes upcoming releases available for pre-order. Here are some of their listings for Star Wars items currently available, or coming soon:
- 501st: An Imperial Commando Novel, by Karen Traviss, paperback, $18.44.
- Outcast , by Aaron Allston, hardcover, $50.95.
- Star Wars: Death Troopers, by Joe Schreiber, hardcover, $42.60.
- 1,000 Collectibles: Memorabilia and Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Steve Sansweet, paperback, $61.98.
- Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary, from Dorling Kindersley, hardcover, $39.98.
- The Art of Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Animation), hardcover, $73.24.
- Target (Star Wars: Rebel Force), by Alex Wheeler, paperback, $19.40.
- The Clone Wars: No Prisoners, by Karen Traviss, paperback, $30.49.
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, hardcover, 1232 pages, $315.97.
- Star Wars Omnibus: Emissaries and Assassins, paperback, 464 pages, $49.97.
- Star Wars Adventures, v. 1: Han Solo and the Hollow Moon of Khorya, paperback, 80 pages, $19.98.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Yoda in Action!, by Heather Scott, paperback , $11.99.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Grievous Attacks!, from Puffin Books, paperback, $13.98.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
Reminder - this promotion/competition kicks off today: Hasbro NZ is running a Star Wars promotion with Farmers department stores, which starts 1st June and runs for 3 weeks. All you have to do is purchase any 2 Star Wars figures, or a battle pack, pick up an entry form in store, fill it out and post to Hasbro � and you can win 1 of 200 General Grievous limited edition holographic figures.
Matt G
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The Clone Wars: Act on Instinct Part 6----
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Caption Contest: "Malla!!!"----
