In the news: Vader costume going on the auction block

Costume for sale. An original Darth Vader costume – believed to have been from The Empire Strikes Back – will soon be going up for auction at Christie’s in London. It’s being put up for sale by “an American private collector” and is expected to fetch at least $250,000. A percentage of the sale price will go to cancer research.

In spaaaaace. A stable planet orbiting twin stars has been found 49 light-years away. (Alas – it is a gas giant.) Still, researchers have named the planet “Inrakluk,” which sounds pretty Wookiee to me.

Partnerships. Lucas Online has a new partner, Big Spaceship, for some of their digital endeavors. Maybe this means we’ll see a kickass StarWars.com app?

People. USA Weekend interviews Matt Lanter, the actor who angsts enough for two on The Clone Wars and 90210.

Books. Visions is getting some nice press… Check out a profile of contributing artist Robert Bailey, who got to meet George Lucas, from The Edmonton Journal.

James Cameron officially making Avatar sequels

As movie news goes, greenlighting sequels to a film that made a bajillion dollars is pretty much a no-brainer. Say what you will about Avatar and James Cameron, but there’s no denying the guy knows how to drag in the moola.

(Will this finally incite George Lucas to make more Star Wars, as last year’s stupid sequel trilogy rumor claimed? Again, probably not. George doesn’t need new movies to make himself further bajillions.)

We all know that Avatar is no Star Wars, even if it is now officially a franchise. And who can tell what the future holds? Cameron might have an Empire Strikes Back in him after all. But in any case, we can expect to hear this refrain for at least a couple more years. Sigh.

The fandom minute: Artoo chic

I have no idea if this is authorized (very probably not) but there’s no denying that the Artoo swimsuit is pretty neat. But since it’s a bit late in the season for swimming, perhaps galaxy leggings are more in order. (Only if you can accept that they are not pants, ladies.)

Women in Star Wars. MagnetGirl hijacks our pal Mandy’s blog to talk about Ahsoka and last week’s episode ‘Assassin.’

Craftacular. The Millennium Falcon apple pie, because edible crafts are the best crafts. And you know what this cries for? A lightsaber pie cutter.

Fanboy corner. Gizmodo’s Joel Johnson says it’s time to let the prequel butthurt die and forgive George Lucas. Yes, boys: You don’t have to love the prequels (Hell, I don’t) but just accept them as they are (until George SEs them) and move on. And on that note, Cracked has five reasons for Hollywood to stop making prequels.

It will not die. The rumor is still getting batted around, so Underwire brings us five reasons Lucas should film a new trilogy.

Is this Ahsoka’s new look?

This still from the new Star Wars Insider shows a new outfit for Ahsoka: Perhaps even a permanent one, if StarWars.com and their Twitter are to be believed. And from Amy’s reaction, I take it to be a tad bit controversial.

It doesn’t bother me. Quite frankly, at this point, anything resembling a real shirt is a step in the right direction. My only beef with the cutout is that it, like the tube top that preceded, seems a bit dated as a design element. Which actually makes it pretty in-character for both Ahsoka and the GFFA as a whole – Jedi mullets, anyone? Or even NJO Luke’s Gordon Gekko ‘do?

Of course, there’s always the option that she simply raided the most modest garment from Asajj’s closet, and it’ll be gone as quickly as the red jumpsuit from ‘Cargo of Doom.’

But is it really so shocking that the character might be an actual teen by now? Move along, move along.

Out this week: Clone Wars S2, TFUII, Invasion

It’s a good week for releases – or a very bad week for your wallet, depending on your foci.

With plenty of folks being bored with what we’ve seen of S3 so far, it’s a good time to pick up The Clone Wars Season 2 on DVD and Blu-Ray. (StarWars.com has a bonus feature and virtual trading cards.) If you’re looking for a less passive experience, there’s also The Force Unleashed II – the actual game – sailing into stores today.

As for books, Death Troopers is now out in paperback.

Comic fans won’t go home empty-handed on Wednesday, either. Both Blood Ties #3 and Invasion: Rescues #5 – as well as the latest Star Wars Insider – should be in comic shops.