Today's events from the SWNZ Calendar :
03:00pm ::
The Clone Wars episode screens on Cartoon Network, SkyTV.
SWNZ-X1a
From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles: See Steve Burgess' vintage Star Wars collection at Highwic House, 40 Gillies Ave, Newmarket, from 4th Sept 2005 (Fathers Day) until 7th October 2005 (after the school holidays). Hours: Wed - Sun 10.... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
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 Outpost-42 (New Zealand 501st Imperial costuming group) forums have a subsection for general Star Wars discussion. Check out the most recently active topics from that section - you can register to have your say in the threads:
- Weird Star Wars products
- Cool Star Wars YouTube videos
- 3D S D w.i.p
- Legion Commander Inspects the Troops
- Fanboys Update
- Heart of an Empire
SWNZ-X1a
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 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
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
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
Newsplayer.com is a "web and mobile based service providing newsreel footage spanning the last 100 years". Its coverage include cinema and entertainment topics... fans might be interested to check out this documentary based on interviews with actors from the Star Wars movies: The Stars Of Star Wars. Their full Sci-Fi section can be found here.
Matt G
Friends of SWNZ, Galactic Voyage (Galactic-Voyage.com), have just undergone a website facelift, to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Phantom Menace. Follow this link to check it out!
Matt G
Star Wars New Zealand affiliate MightyApe.co.nz is holding its Queen's Birthday Sale, which carries on through to 10am Tuesday, June 2nd (not long!) Check out these examples of price reductions on Star Wars products (there are plenty more on their website - search for similar items):
- The Force Unleashed (Xbox 360), was $119.99, now: $59.99.
- Star Wars Battlefront II (Platinum) (PSP), was $59.99, now: $49.99.
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PlayStation 3), was $119.99, now: $64.99.
- Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (PlayStation 3), was $99.99, now: $69.99.
- Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (PC Games), was $39.99, now: $35.99.
- Darth Vader TIE Fighter Bobble Head, was $39.99, now: $17.99.
- Han Solo Hoth Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $21.59.
- Star Wars Keychain Boba Fett, was $17.99, now: $14.99.
- Star Wars Keychain Millennium Falcon, was $17.99, now: $14.99.
- Boba Fett Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $23.99.
- Emperor Palpatine Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $22.49.
- Darth Vader USB Hub, was $129.99, now: $99.99.
- Star Wars Keychain Chewbacca, was $17.99, now: $14.99.
- The Clone Wars Anakin Skywalker Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $13.49.
- Gamorean Guard Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $13.49.
- Luke Skywalker Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $13.49.
- Asajj Ventress Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $19.99.
- Count Dooku Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $22.99.
- Anakin Skywalker Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $29.9922, now: $22.49.
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
Farmers in Westfield Albany (Auckland) has got two new Clone Wars items. I'm not sure if these are the regular prices or include the current 20% off sale. There are some large Clone Wars vehicles priced at $60. There was only one of each, including a Jedi Starfighter (that splits into two fighters), an AT-AT Tank, Vulture Fighter and a couple of others... although no sign of General Grievous' fighter that was shown on the back of the boxes.
The second new item are some Clone Wars "Marbs" - these are small glass marbles mounted on a small stand (they look like crystal balls for tiny fortune tellers), inside of the marble there is an image of Clone Wars character. The "Marbs" come in separate boxes and are priced at $6.99 each. There were two cases (saying "Series 01") containing various characters, including Anakin Skywalker and Ziro the Hutt.
Farmers in Westfield Glenfield also had a couple of cases of these Clone Wars "Marbs", but none of the vehicles (yet?).
The Warehouse in Glenfield also has two Clone Wars items (and I've seen them in Milfrod and Albany as well). One is a watch that projects a Clone Wars image and the other is a pretend mobile phone (I'm not sure what that did). They look plasticky and silly, but they might be OK for very young Star Wars fans... or "completionist" older collectors.
Buzz Bumble
New Zealand online comic and toy retailer Iconix has a big sale on overstocked comics, including some older Star Wars titles. They report: "All comic stock online has now been reduced by 35%. Remember to use the discount code 'GSCMNK' to get a further 5% off the already discounted price. This will help pay for the freight costs and is only available on website orders. All orders need to be paid for within 5 days of purchase. This sale will run for 2 weeks (from May 27) and is on a 1st in, 1st served, basis."
- Star Wars Episode I
- Star Wars: Dark Times
- Star Wars: Infinities
- Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Rebublic
- Star Wars: Legacy
- Star Wars: The Return Of Tag and Bink
Matt G
When it comes to store reports or links to online shopping venues, SWNZ prefers to emphasize and support New Zealand vendors - sometimes, though, there are products we just have to go internationally for. With that in mind, when it comes to official Star Wars merchandise, the place to go is StarWarsShop.com.
Here are a few interesting product examples to take a look at:
-
Leia as Boushh 12-Inch Figure
-
Jabba the Hutt 12-Inch Figure
-
Endor Rebel Infantry 12-Inch Figure
-
Royal Guard Limited Edition Mini Bust
-
Star Wars 30th Anniversary Action Figure Case Pack Wave 4
-
Exclusive DROIDS Remote Control R5-X2 Action Figure
-
Animated Luke as X-wing Pilot Maquette
-
Luke Skywalker and Tauntaun Statue
Matt G
Fringe Trader is a growing New Zealand-based network for trading Star Wars miniatures, including the new Force Unleashed series. Check it out, and join in if you're interested in the Star Wars mini scene.
Matt G
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
GalacticBinder.com has just reported in to share some of their new content..."GalacticBinder.com is turning 1 on June 2nd! To celebrate, we're throwing a huge birthday bash, and you’re all invited. But instead of us receiving presents at our party, we'll be giving the presents to you!
Throughout the first week of June, we'll be giving away a Star Destroyer sized pile of Star Wars swag thanks to our sponsors. It's 100% free. Consider it our way of saying thanks for a fantastic first year online.
And we've made it very simple to join the party. How simple? Well, even a Nerf-herder can manage this one. So stop by GalacticBinder's Birthday Bash page to get the jump on becoming eligible to win when the party starts!"
Matt G
SWNZ-X1a
Both Whitcoulls and Borders in Westfield Albany (Auckland) have the
paperback version of the last book in the "Legacy of the Force" series, but
they only have one copy in each shop.
Star Wars: Legacy of the Force - Invincible
by Troy Denning (Arrow Books / Lucas Books)
347 pages (with no extras this time)
just under $28 in Borders and $30 in Whitcoulls
ISBN: 978-0-099-49118-7
K-Mart also now has some of the new 3 3/4" figures ($20 each) that were in
Farmers earlier.
Buzz Bumble
Wellington-based stormtrooper Shane Cornwell gets the spotlight on the official StarWars.com blog this week, as a consequence of a YouTube video of him dancing the streets in full armour - StarWarsBlog.StarWars.com/.../wellington-dance-trooper!
Matt G
I just got word that Farmers has the latest ANH-themed figure wave in stock (Spacetrooper, Jawa and Treadwell Droid, Cantina Patrons, Old Ben, Luke and Han in Stormtrooper gear). These have been spotted in Wellington. Farmers also have a toy sale on at present, so assuming that applies to star Wars figures, that should help out collectors looking to score a bargain.
Daniel F
Here're a few finds from the Westfield Albany mall in Auckland today... The Borders branch has one copy of the new, "Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia". It's a three volume boxed set and costs a whopping $336.50!! :-( It's sealed in cellophane, so you can't see what's inside, but the back of the box shows a couple of example pages (although they're too small to read anything).
The Farmers branch has LOTS of 3 3/4" Star Wars figures, but I'm not sure
if any of them are new or not. They also have some Indiana Jones Heroes figures priced at only $3 per set.
The Toys R Fun, next door to Farmers has some snap-together "pocket
model" packs. They had a few different spaceships, including the Falcon,
Darth Maul's Sith Interceptor, and others, but only one or two of each.
Buzz Bumble
The article on the Empire Strikes Back postacards, from Confection Concepts, has been updated with images of a couple of the prize redemption cards.
Although the 'A New Hope' companion set contained 50 cards, this set of 'The Empire Strikes Back' "postacards", from Confection Concepts International Ltd., numbers only 45. Curiously, they are also of a different physical size: the ESB series are larger at 89 x 64mm compared to the 90 x 60mm dimensions of their ANH cousins, making them barely recognisable as being from the same manufacturer.
As with their predecessors, these trading cards came packaged with confectionery, one postacard per chocolate bar. Some lucky purchasers would have found more than just a trading card inside, however: randomly inserted amongst the standard cards were "Special Prize Cards", offering, with the following ratios of finding such an instant prize, limited edition uncut sheets (1:2500), Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition videos (1:5000), complete set of 45 postacardz (1:500), or Star Wars action figurines from Kenner (1:250)... ...MORE
Matt G
We've recently mentioned the Hasbro/Farmers Clone Wars colouring competition under way for kids these school holidays...it's worth passing on that we've had reports of some branches of the Farmers stores going through their allocated piles of the competitions pretty quickly. If you can't pick up an entry form at a particular branch, do consider checking out other branches if you have that option.
The colouring competition runs until 27 April 2009. Age categories give even the younger kids a fair chance. All you need to do is go in to your local Farmers branch and get an entry form (no purchase needed), do the colouring, and send your entry to Hasbro. There are 4 prize packs to be won (4 x $250 worth of toys).
Matt G
There will be a Collectors Fair and Swapmeet this Saturday (18 April) in Auckland, with potential for Star Wars collectibles bargain-hunting. It will be held at the Glenfield Memorial Hall (Hall Road, off Glenfield Road near Hogans Road, Glenfield, North Shore City, Auckland), and will run from 11am to 3pm.
Adults $5.00 entrance, free entry for primary school children when accompanied by an adult.
Matt G
A couple of image updates have just been added to the New Zealand Collection section which, as many regulars will know, contains articles on NZ-exclusive Star Wars collectibles over the last 3 decades.
First up is the Kellogg's Cornflakes Return of the Jedi stickers article. Today's pictures are close up shots of a sealed sticker, untouched by human hands since the day it was printed, wrapped and packed in cereal... ...MORE
And secondly, Tip-Top ice-cream's Return of the Jedi promotion featuring Ewok stickers and "Jedi Jelly"! We've upgraded the sticker images on this page with much larger scans, and for completeness have included a scan of the rear of one of the collectible stickers... ...MORE
Matt G
The latest news reports to come in from www.lightsabre.co.uk follows:
"Kicking off the weekend we have our Tim Jonze interview. Tim is a music critic at The Guardian here in the UK and earlier this week he managed to get a lot of coverage for his revelation that he'd never seen Star Wars. Well, Lightsabre managed to get a few questions in to him and those replies are on the site right now.
Our Star Guest this week is the artist Steve Anderson. We've been trying to get an interview with Steve for months now, but he's so busy it's been hard to organise, but finally we have him as a guest on the site and that can be viewed right now.
Star Wars: A Musical Journey had its world premiere in the UK on Friday night and Lightsabre and Jedi News were there. Check out www.JediNews.co.uk for their exclusive backstage reports and look at the exhibition at the O2, and check out our joint review on both sites of this amazing show. And many thanks to David Cox of The Outside Organisation for making Lightsabre so welcome on the night, much appreciated.
Next week we have the first part of our three-part Anthony Daniels interview as well as all the usual features, our continuing look back at Lightsabre short stories of old and much, much more. Keep an eye on www.lightsabre.co.uk!"
Matt G
Hasbro NZ is currently runnning a promotion with TV3 for The Clone Wars. The promo runs for 8 weeks (and is about half way through) – there are amazing prizes of Hasbro toys and other Star Wars product each week. At the end of the promotion there is a grand prize draw which includes a film cel from The Clone Wars signed by George Lucas! It is really exciting!
All you have to do is watch the episode on TV3, 3:30 Friday afternoons, and then go online and answer a multi-choice question that relates to the show.
The question is on the website from 6am the morning of the episode, until 5am the following Friday...so you have a whole week to enter. The online entry form can be found via the TV3 website, or at the CloneWarsWatchnWin.co.nz.
Related article: 02 Aug 2008 Clone Wars Toy Launch - Auckland Report
Related article: 01 Aug 2008 Clone Wars Toy Launch - Wellington Report
Hasbro New Zealand
As well as their Clone Wars competition in conjunction with TV3, Hasbro NZ is now running, through Farmers department stores, a colouring competition for younger Star Wars fans. This launched on 7th April and will run for 3 weeks. All you need to do is go in to your local Farmers branch and get an entry form (no purchase needed), do the colouring, and send your entry to Hasbro. There are 4 prize packs to be won (4 x $250 worth of toys).
Related article: 02 Aug 2008 Clone Wars Toy Launch - Auckland Report
Related article: 01 Aug 2008 Clone Wars Toy Launch - Wellington Report
Matt G
Get your very own Star Wars New Zealand collectible postcard for free in our first completely unofficial SWNZ postcard promotional event. Featuring a design celebrating and based on one of New Zealand's first confectionery-related merchandise lines, the Allens and Regina Trading Cards, the colourful and nostalgic imagery on these cards has been completely re-created for high-definition clarity.
How do you get in on this giveaway offer?... ...MORE
Matt G
Sunday evening saw the close of a very popular, and by all account both successful and fun, Armageddon convention weekend at the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington. Official counts put the event population at 14,000 over the two days; the queues were strong on the Saturday, and although they had diminished somewhat by Sunday, the convention floor remained packed with enthusiasm.
I'm sure I've spoken before of the increasing prevalence of costumers at Armageddon events - this trajectory continues with not only strong numbers for the cosplay competition and the official presence of the Outpost-42 (501st) Garrison and Rebel Legion costumers, but a growing trend of attendees creatively mimicking the appearance of fictional characters, just for the fun of it. The other theme that stood out for me was a general upturn in the quality of the shopping. Not that there has been a dearth of relevant merchandise in the past, but I personally found a lot more to catch my attention this time around. We had, for example, SWNZ affiliate Reel Collectibles with their usual impressive array of high-end product from all the popular movie franchises... ...MORE
Matt G
Star Wars New Zealand affiliate MightyApe.co.nz is holding its Easter Sale, which carries on through to April 14th. Check out these examples of price reductions on Star Wars products (there are plenty more on their website - search for similar items):
- Han Solo Hoth Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $20.39.
- Darth Revan Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $24.99.
- Darth Vader TIE Fighter Bobble Head, was $39.99, now: $16.99.
- The Clone Wars Battle Droid Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $12.74.
- The Clone Wars Anakin Skywalker Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $12.74.
- The Clone Wars General Grevious Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $14.99.
- Darth Maul Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $12.74.
- Boba Fett Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $21.99.
- Emperor Palpatine Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $21.24.
- Star Wars - The Clone Wars (Blu-Ray), was $49.99, now: $42.49.
- Anakin Skywalker Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $29.99, now: $22.99.
- Count Dooku Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $20.39.
- Asajj Ventress Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $22.99.
- Luke Skywalker Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $12.74.
- Luke Skywalker X-Wing Fighter Bobble Head, was $59.99, now: $25.49.
- Force Action Lightsaber - Luke Skywalker (Blue), was $79.99, now: $49.99.
- Gamorean Guard Bobble Head, was $29.99, now: $12.74.
- Force Action Lightsaber - Darth Vader (Red), was $79.99, now: $49.99.
- Force Action Lightsaber - Obi-Wan Kenobi (Green), was $79.99, now: $49.99.
- The Clone Wars - Jedi Alliance (Nintendo DS), was $89.99, now: 69.99.
- Jango Fett Vinyl Mighty Mugg, was $32.99, now: $23.99.
- The Force Unleashed (Xbox 360), was $119.99, now: $89.99.
- C-3PO Keychain, was $17.99, now: $15.29.
- Star Wars: Death Star (Paperback), was $24.99, now: $19.99.
- Darth Vader USB Hub, was $129.99, now: $93.49.
- Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (PlayStation 3), was $99.95, now: $69.99.
- Titanium Series - Kashyyyk Speeder Bike, was $13.99, now: $9.34.
- Basic Lightsaber - Blue, was $24.99, now: $15.99.
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
The latest news reports to come in from www.lightsabre.co.uk follows:
"We've got some great stuff in store coming to the site over the coming weeks. This coming Sunday we present our Steve Anderson interview, a chat with the amazing cover artist of the Revenge of the Sith novel and far more besides. Following up hot on its heels is the first part of our interview with none other than Anthony Daniels. Anthony was an absolute gentleman and we chatted for almost an hour, and that first part hits the site Sunday 19th April.
We're continuing to bring you our weekly Setnin Selects, our insight into the worlds of the Setnin Sector, as well as scrolling back to oiur very first short stories and bringing them to you in chronological order. Our roleplay sessions have started up again after many years hiatus, so check our roleplay section for news on that, as well as more insight into Setnin's working from Jason Brown.
We're attending a number of events during the next few weeks. We'll be at the O2 Arena covering Star Wars: A Musical Journey along with our great pals at Jedi News, as well as attending Collectormania the weekend after and the premiere of the latest Star Trek film - featuring dazzling ILM effects - the Monday after that, so check the site for reviews on all these events. Jonathan Hicks will also be bringing a review of Saturday's events at last weekends Memorabilia Show in Bimingham, UK.
Check back at www.lightsabre.co.uk during the week for the latest news from the Star Wars universe and make sure you’re here next Sunday for our Steve Anderson interview."
Matt G
This weekend I had the opportunity to drop by the Armageddon Expo in Christchurch. It was the third time the convention has visited the South Island, and it is definitely gaining momentum, with larger crowds than previous years.
Special guests included Peter Davison from Dr Who, and Flash Gordon's Sam Jones, both enjoying their first visit to New Zealand. Despite the lack of any Star Wars-related guests, the folks from Outpost 42 and Reel Collectibles made sure there was plenty for the Star Wars fans. Reel Collectibles had the latest collectibles from Acme Art and Gentle Giant on display, as well as items from other popular movies and comics including The Dark Knight, Twilight and Watchmen (products which will also be available at the Wellington Armageddon convention, April 3-4 2009).
The troopers from the local 501st Legion garrison had a great booth, with costumes and props on display... ...MORE
Anaria
Matt G
As well as their Clone Wars competition in conjunction with TV3, Hasbro NZ will shortly be running, through Farmers department stores, a colouring competition for younger Star Wars fans. This will launch on 7th April and run for 3 weeks. All you need to do is go in to your local Farmers branch and get an entry form (no purchase needed), do the colouring, and send your entry to Hasbro. There are 4 prize packs to be won (4 x $250 worth of toys).
Related article: 02 Aug 2008 Clone Wars Toy Launch - Auckland Report
Related article: 01 Aug 2008 Clone Wars Toy Launch - Wellington Report
Hasbro New Zealand
Wellington stores have had some new Star Wars action figures appearing in stock in the past couple of weeks.
The Warehouse in Rongotai had new Clone Wars figures including Count Dooku, Plo Koon, Ventress, Threepio and the IG-86 droid. These figures have also been reported from some Farmers branches, though personally I have only found new Saga Legends figures popping up this past weekend at Famers in Lyall Bay.
New Galactic Heroes packs have appeared too. I spotted a large pack including an X-Wing, General Dodonna, Jek Porkins and an R5 droid. Go get 'em folks!
Daniel F
I passed through some of the shops at the Westfield Glenfield (Auckland)
shopping centre this afternoon and there were a couple of new items.
Whitcoulls had a new paperback:
Coruscant Nights III: Patterns of Force
by Michael Reaves
288 pages, ISBN: 978-0-099-49213-9
$27.99
but they only had one copy, which I bought (sorry...check other Whitcoulls branches).
The Warehouse had about half a dozen copies of 'Monopoly: The Clone Wars Edition' on the shelf priced at just under $70, but you might want to wait for the Easter or ANZAC Day sales before buying it.
They also had a Clone Wars Pencil Tin round in the stationery section. When
opened it has four trays / levels for storing pencils and pens (doesn't
come with any). These are just under $8 each.
Buzz Bumble
Hasbro NZ is currently runnning a promotion with TV3 for The Clone Wars. The promo runs for 8 weeks (1st week finishes today) – there are amazing prizes of Hasbro toys and other Star Wars product each week. At the end of the promotion there is a grand prize draw which includes a film cel from The Clone Wars signed by George Lucas! It is really exciting!
All you have to do is watch the episode on TV3, 3:30 Friday afternoons, and then go online and answer a multi-choice question that relates to the show.
The question is on the website from 6am the morning of the episode, until 5am the following Friday...so you have a whole week to enter. The online entry form can be found via the TV3 website, or at the CloneWarsWatchnWin.co.nz.
Related article: 02 Aug 2008 Clone Wars Toy Launch - Auckland Report
Related article: 01 Aug 2008 Clone Wars Toy Launch - Wellington Report
Hasbro New Zealand
The Where Science Meets Imagination event is a traveling Star Wars museum exposition that started in October 2005 and, initially, moved around the United States. Although it didn't make it to New Zealand, it came pretty close, setting up at one non-US venue - the Powerhouse museum in Sydney, Australia (from December 2008 through to April 2009). It is a two-part exhibit, with separate section focusing on the subjects of transportation and robotics. Earlier, we examined the displays from the latter topic...today we look at the vehicles.
The entry to this floor of the exhibition illustrates the engineering behind pioneering transport modalities such as Paul Moller's VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) M400 Skycars, and Scaled Composite's SpaceShip One, to conceptual technology such as... ...MORE
Matt G
With Easter coming, the junk mail is starting to fill up the letterbox. The latest brochure from Farmers is advertising a few Star Wars items on sale:
- CloneTrooper Voice Changer Helmet; save 20%, $59.99.
- Clone Wars Blaster Rifle; save 20%, $39.99.
- 3 3/4" 'Build a Droid' Figures; save 20%, $14.39.
- Standard Lightsabre 2-packs; save 30%, $31.49.
There's also a very good deal on the Indiana Jones (and Hulk) version of the Galactic Heroes-style figure packs:
- Indiana Jones Adventure Heroes 2-packs; $9.99, buy ONE get TWO free.
Buzz Bumble
Get your very own Star Wars New Zealand collectible postcard for free in our first completely unofficial SWNZ postcard promotional event. Featuring a design celebrating and based on one of New Zealand's first confectionery-related merchandise lines, the Allens and Regina Trading Cards, the colourful and nostalgic imagery on these cards has been completely re-created for high-definition clarity.
How do you get in on this giveaway offer?... ...MORE
Matt G
Matt G
Matt G
The following report comes in from SWNZ affiliate Mousedroid.com: Mousedroid returns with news from the Australian Toy, Hobby, & Nursery Fair... also known as Aussie Toy Fair 2009. Whilst Star Wars was note as well represented as in past years there are still some great images and video diary entries for readers to flick thru. Our favourites were the videos of the Clone Tank in action (with speeder bike launcher) and the Star Wars Sounds in your pocket. Click here to access the details, pics and vids.
MSE-6
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