Quinlan Vos was the official winner, but since he already has a figure planned for 2007, Darth Revan from Knights of the Old Republic will be immortalized in plastic.
Christmas in July
Rebelscum reports that this year’s Star Wars ornaments will debut at Hallmark next weekend.
Just when I think I’ve seen it all…
Star Wars belt buckles, from Hot Topic. Your choice of Vader, Fett, or stormtrooper.
Licensing love
Star Wars is Overall Best License of the Year, according to the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association.
Get thee to Comic Con, wench
If you’re a collector, the licensees at San Deigo Comic Con really, really want your money. And even I have to admit, the gold TIE Bomber is kinda cool.
The Millennium Falcon can kick your ass
With its FISTS. Twice. Yes, there is now a Star Wars Transformers Deluxe Millennium Falcon, and for only $45.99 it could be yours. (Thanks to Prophet for the link.)
Most impressive
Science Fiction Weekly reviews out Sideshow’s 12″ Luke Skywalker. Sounds pretty cool, though he still looks more dead-eyed than haunted to me. They also review the Premium Format Vader and Han.
Collectors might note that the pre-order for the 12″ Darth Maul has just started.
Lego’s ode to profit
Fortune article on Lego CEO Jorgen Vig Knudstorp mentions Star Wars:
When Lego decided in 1999 to launch a Star Wars series, recalls Jakobsen, “getting the license from Lucas was nothing compared to the internal struggle over having the word ‘war’ appear under the Lego brand.”
The rest of the article is actually rather depressing. I can’t say streamlining a business and making it more profitable are bad things, but Fortune makes it sound like any of the other company goals are irrelevant. (I guess that’s why I’m not the type of person who reads stuff like Fortune.)
Meanwhile, Starwars.com wants your vote on what the next Ultimate Collectors Set should be: R2-D2, FX-6, Vulture Droid Starfighter or an Electronic AT-AT walker? I don’t think the FX or the Vulture droid has much of a chance here…
Star Wars in the News
The Columbus Dispatch lets us know that Star Wars toys still sell. ROTS toys generated 3 billion in worldwide retail sales.
Green Bay Press Gazette profiles R2-D2 builder Troy Noel.
StarWars.com reports that Cream, a Hong Kong design magazine, features Star Wars in its Summer edition.
Backstage takes another look at Ian McDiarmid and Faith Healer
But does he shot first?
Hasbro is making an action figure of George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise. Hopefully the news of the rereleased OOT will keep fanboys from using it as a voodoo doll.