StarWars.com reveals long-lost Galaxy artwork

Kevin Nowlan’s Obi-WanHere’s more reason to get excited about Topps’ fourth Galaxy series: They’re pulling some of the art that never made the first three sets! One of these pieces – John Rheaume’s levitating Yoda – has become rather infamous over the years, but others (like Kevin Nowlan’s Obi-Wan at right) will be new to many of us:

As expected, the original artists were delighted by this belated recognition of their efforts. “How great to have my Star Wars artwork finally see the light of day!” beamed Chris Moeller, one of a handful of illustrators showcased in SWG4’s special chase set entitled “The Lost Galaxy.” His unique rendering dared to show what the stormtroopers look like beneath their helmets – a full decade before George Lucas decided that all of these ubiquitous Imperial soldiers were actually clones of Jango Fett. Indeed, Boba’s enterprising father didn’t even exist as part of the Star Wars mythology back in the ’90s.

Intriging! The six ‘Lost Galaxy’ cards will also include pieces by Joe Ciardiello, John Pound, and Tim Burgard.

Star Wars Halloween costumes: Trick or treat?

SW Halloween Costumes from StarWarsShop.com

Back-to-School season is winding down, which means that on the retail calendar it’s time for Halloween! So of course StarWarsShop is selling costumes, including licensed sets of Vader and Stormtrooper armor that will set you back a thousand bucks. But most of them – including Jedi/Sith gear, kids stuff, and Plo Koon – sell for a more reasonable $40-75.

I do find it a tad amusing that Slave Leia and Geonosis Padme come from a line called ‘Secret Wishes.’ Presumably the baby oil is not included. For women who want to go a little more covered up, there’s also Asajj Ventress, plus Ahsoka for the younglings.

Are stormtroopers softening up America for fascism?

Here’s one for the ‘quite probably taking fandom phenomenon way too seriously’ bin:

Suppose tomorrow the Bush administration announces plans to deploy thousands of Homeland Security Troops to American cities, to walk the streets armed in the search for un-American, possibly terrorist activities (such as taking photos where there isn’t anything obviously pretty to be taking a photo of, being overly swarthy, videotaping cops and Homeland Security Troops, etc). These guys would only be answerable to the DHS, and they would be recruited from the likes of Blackwater, Wackenhut, and so forth.

Obviously there would be some outrage, yeah? I mean, not as much as there should be, but a lot of folks wouldn’t care for this at all.

Now imagine that these troops are outfitted exactly like Stormtroopers from Star Wars.

All I have to say is that the 501st bothers me a hell of a lot less than the Jediism crowd. Thoughts, true believers? (via)

eFX Collectibles website is live

eFX Collectibles

The new company and licensee launched their website today – so if you’re dying to get a jump on one of their 500 full-size Stormtrooper helmets (on sale tomorrow) you can beat the competition by registering today. Or you can simply check out upcoming products, like a Darth Vader ‘concept’ helmet (which even I can admit is kind of neat) and an Ashoka lightsaber.