Looks like the Nikko Electronics R2-D2 projection robot may finally be rolling into collector homes this spring. The European release date is next month.
In the news: Monday morning reading list
LucasArts at the Consumer Electronics Show. They’re showing off two games: The Force Unleashed and Fracture, as well as the new tech that powers them both.
In other news from the show, a Microsoft comedy video featured CEO Steve Ballmer dressed as Luke Skywalker (with Bill Gates as Harry Potter and Austin Powers.)
Unconfirmed: A new licensee?
TFN (or RebelScum: potato, potato) did a little digging, and it looks like the new licensee for prop replicas may be a brand-new company called “eFX.”
Master Replicas, who previously held the license, did not have it renewed beyond 2007.
Finally, a project for the craft-inept
Cute Lego place card holders are doable for even the most butterfingered fan. (And their kids!) Impress your friends!
All you need to do is place a Lego person on a Lego block so it will stay up. The hands of the Lego will keep the card in place, no need for glue. May the crafty force be with you.
Expanded Universe newsbits
Busy day at the official site… First up, an interview with Drew Karpyshyn to celebrate next week’s release of Rule of Two
Then, check out the Japanese cover for Jude Watson’s The Shadow Trap. (Nice, but are they ever going to get to LOTF? The fans are clamoring for EU art!)
And finally, check out some Force Unleashed action figures.
This could get tedious
Lego Falcon turns men into boys
Gizmodo unboxes the new Lego Millennium Falcon, geeking all the way. (Warning: Tongue.) Looks like a time-lapse of the construction is coming, too…
Artoo Autopsy
Tech Republic dismantles a Hasbro R2-D2 Interactive. Not for the weak of circuits! (They previously did the deed to a Force FX Lightsaber.)
Now this is just getting out of hand
…Family Guy: Blue Harvest trading cards? There are not enough italic tags in the world. (via)
Merchandise: Cute and the cuter
Gizmodo is absolutely horrified by Star Wars rubber duckies, but I think they’re adorable. (We’ve seen way, way worse. Men.) The new Mimobots aren’t bad, either – only Leia (rightfully) sports their signature sidebumps.
Meanwhile, over at the Livejournal, a report of the SW merchandise at Target.