Star Wars and Cupcake Wars collide this Sunday!

“How you get so big eating food of this kind?”

Food Network’s Cupcake Wars goes Star Wars this Sunday, with Ashley Eckstein as a guest judge. Ashley blogs about her experience as a judge, and urges those who were at the VIP party to keep mum about the winners. Cupcake WarsStar Wars episode airs on Sunday, Sep 9, 2012 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on Food Network. (More broadcast times found here.)

Those who attended the VIP party at Celebration VI (or followed our coverage and on Twitter) know that I am a big fan of cupcakes. Mmmm…. cupcakes. I’ll go wipe the icing from my fingers and set my DVR.

Is this our first look at Her Universe’s Mara Jade shirt?

…I’m guessing yes. Ashley Eckstein writes on this Celebration sneak peek: “This strong female character with Red hair, may have her own awesome shirt.” And who else goes sleeveless with a beige cape?

This is an Instagram photo with a filter, so don’t be too quick to judge on coloring… Though I’m afraid the jumpsuit was inevitable.

Ashley said in February that Her Universe was working with artist Cat Staggs on a Mara shirt for Celebration.

SDCC: Ashley shows off new Her Universe gear, Random House’s fanfic contest and more

James sent in several videos from San Diego, including this tour of Her Universe’s new offerings from Ashley Eckstein, including our first look at the new Her Universe logo tee! And Ashley mentions that they have lanyards, which have been pretty thin on the ground at cons lately… I hope they bring them to Celebration!

James also talked to Katie Fleming about the Random House Audio Fan Fiction contest. He also confirmed for us that they will be bringing the fan fiction recording to Celebration VI.

Other videos: The ‘As You Wish’ Boba Fett helmet art project, artist Jeff Carlisle, and the Well of Souls. James also took a ton more pictures – they start here, if you’ve already seen Wednesday’s.

SDCC is nearly here: Are you ready?

SDCC kicks off tonight with Preview Night, while those of us at home hang on Twitter and our RSS feeds for tidbits from the floor (and brace for the floods that’ll be unleashed tomorrow.) Until then, here’s what Star Wars fans need to know. (Besides the panel schedule!)


Home base. On the Star Wars Blog, Mary Franklin made her debut and then dropped some hints about what we can expect to see from Lucasfilm at the con. Here’s a hint: Snakes. Here’s a closer look.

UPDATE: Mary has also made her debut on Twitter as, fittingly, @MaryLFL! To find other Star Wars luminaries, check out our Twitter guide.


Pregaming. Course of the Force coverage marches on from San Diego – and we had a few of our own on the course yesterday.


Expanded Universe. We’ve already got the basics on Dark Horse’s Star Wars, so we’re on the edge of our seats for Del Rey’s contribution at the The Future of Star Wars Publishing panel on Friday. In the meantime, check out the Del Rey booth, with a Scoundrels photo opportunity. (That’ll also be at CVI!)


Merchandise. Here’s a handy list of all the Star Wars exclusives and debuts at the con. I hope that Chewy Messenger Bag makes it to CVI! Apparently Kotobukiya’s Jaina Solo statue will be there?

On that note, Bleeding Cool’s Kate Kotler talked to Ashley Eckstein about what we’ll be seeing from Her Universe this week, and details on the new Doctor Who and Star Trek lines. Plus a look at their new Artoo charm!

Course of the Force kicks off in Santa Monica

Saturday was the first day of the inaugural Course of the Force lightsaber relay, helping to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation while celebrating geekery on its way from Santa Monica to San Diego and Comic-Con. Ready for your “Awww..” moment? Skip to 11:45 in the video above to see the last runner of the day – the king of fast, in his adorable Artoo costume!

The kick-off conival had its moments of fun, with Peter Mayhew and members of the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion helping to provide atmosphere at the Santa Monica Pier. Leading off the relay was host Chris Hardwick and a group of Make-A-Wish kids. Check out more costumed fun in the Southern California gray, thanks to Lesley Farquhar / Equinox Photography for sharing her photos.

Sunday will continue the relay from Redondo Beach to Huntington Beach, where there will be another Course of the Force conival at the HB pier (4pm to 9pm), including free performances by The Spazmatics at 6pm, and Dan Finnerty & The Dan Band at 8pm. The relay journey continues on Tuesday and Wednesday, going from Oceanside to Pacific Beach to downtown San Diego and Comic-Con!