Why It’s So Hard to Read Your Stormtrooper Buddy
Contrary to popular belief Stormtroopers have feelings too — and here’s a handy chart to spot those imperial moods! Found via Sean Bonner.
I Don’t Care if He’s Dark Lord of the Sith, He’s Still Your Dad!
Posted by Michael Pinto on Nov 13, 2011 in Star Wars
It’s “Take Your Son to Work Day” at a Death Star near you. Found via D.J. Coffman.
This Millennium Falcon Takes the Cake
Posted by Michael Pinto on Nov 13, 2011 in Hobbies and Collections, Star Wars
This amazing Millennium Falcon cake features green LEDs — almost too good to eat! Found via Joseph Lee.
A Beautiful Boba Fett Star Wars Body Paint Project
If you’re offended by slightly risqué cosplay please don’t look below — but on the other hand if your inner Star Wars fanboy has ever wondered “What would a Boba Fett body paint job look like?” you want to take a look below: Read more…
Totoro + Chewbacca = Chewtoro!
This cute little Chewtoro adorns this t-shirt which is created by riptapparel.com. Found via Takashi Akimoto.
Star Wars Imperial March Recreated with Old School Floppy Drives
This is crude but brilliant — in the video below some talented computer science students from Poland recreate the Star Wars Imperial March with a set of floppy drives: Read more…
Humorous Disney Star Wars Weekend Posters
Posted by Michael Pinto on Nov 7, 2011 in Star Wars
This ad campaign for Disney Star Wars Weekend is simply stellar! Read more…
Nothing Says Scoundrel Like Medicom’s Han Solo
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Oct 27, 2011 in Hobbies and Collections, Star Wars
Check out that scowl. Here’s a look at Medicom’s Han Solo Ultimate Unison collectible figure. At just under a foot tall — 30 centimeters to be exact — this posable figure comes complete with everything you need to re-enact your favorite scenes from the films. Well, almost everything. He’s got his blaster, the removable camo jacket from Return of the Jedi and even his breathing apparatus from the asteroid sequence in Empire Strikes Back. He even comes with interchangeable hands. Unfortunately, the scowl has to stay. At least they did a fantastic job of capturing Harrison Ford’s handsome visage — even if he looks a little like Vigo the Carpathian. I just wish they had spent as much time touching up the rest of his skin to match, after all, the list price is set at ¥25,800, or $340 USD. For that price, you’d think they’d throw in a Wookie while they’re at it. Assuming you have the credits to afford one, you can pre-order it at AmiAmi, but don’t worry, you have plenty of time. The figure won’t be shipping until June 2012. Read more…
Get Ready for Jar Jar in 3D
Earlier today, LucasFilm released the official trailer for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D. I’d post it here, but 20th Century Fox has spent most of the day removing it from YouTube. Besides, you’re not missing out on much since it only displays in 2D. That said, I’m not sure how many of you are really looking forward to seeing it again in 3D, especially given Lucas’ penchant for altering his films. Arguably, I don’t think The Phantom Menace could get any worse, but if anyone were to find a way, it’d be him — or Uwe Boll. Still, there still seems to be a market for these 3D conversions, so I’m sure there are some of you out there who just can’t wait. I’m skeptical, and just curious enough to give it a chance myself, and if the film ends looking good enough, I’m sure I’ll see the rest when they eventually hit the original saga. Sorry, I just don’t have any love of Anakin. If you still want to see the trailer, click here. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D opens nationwide on February 10th.
Princess Leia vs. The Clone Wars
Princess Leia shares an inside joke with her clone — although I’m wondering if Princess Leia is the one on the left or the right: Read more…
The Silly Side of New York Comic Con
There are those fans who will tell you that cosplay is a high art to be taken seriously — and what follows is a photo essay which doesn’t feature those fans! Shown above is Waldo doing a photo bomb of Princess Leia Organa. And below is that net troll you all know and love: Read more…
Darth Maul is … Alive?
Yeah, you read that right. Apparently George Lucas is bringing back our old demon-faced Sith pal for another go in the Clone Wars TV series. Now, I’m no doctor, but I’m pretty sure that Darth Maul was very recently dead, so there’ll have to be some downright Lucasian story leaps to make this happen. But hey, after how much of a wasted opportunity he was in The Phantom Menace, maybe he’ll do better this time around. Just kidding. That dude’s definitely gonna die by season’s end. Read more…
Sega’s R2-D2 Home Star Planetarium
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Oct 13, 2011 in Hobbies and Collections, Star Wars
At this year’s Christmas Toy Fair, Sega’s toy division showed off their officially licensed Star Wars R2-D2 Homestar Planetarium — a R2-D2-shaped projector capable of displaying over 10,000 stars on the ceiling or wall of your choice. Despite that hefty number, the actual unit isn’t that big, only running on four AAA batteries. The projection only spans about five to seven and half feet depending, with a circumference of almost six feet around, perhaps making it more ideal for bedroom situations. Still, you have to admit the thought of having your own mini-R2 unit spitting the stars onto your ceiling would be sweet. It even includes the Death Star for good measure. The unit hit Japanese stores back in mid-September, but if you want to get your hands on one, you can always import it. It’ll cost ~$87 USD before tax, so it isn’t cheap, but importing toys rarely is.
Gorgeous Star Wars Toy Photography
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Oct 10, 2011 in Hobbies and Collections, Star Wars
It’s true that anyone can collect toys or take up photography, but using both to craft your art requires a bit of talent and creativity. Vesa Lehtimäk understands that. Known to most as Avanaut, Vesa’s spent the last few years photographing his kid’s toys, which include everything from their stuffed animals to Star Wars. He employs excellent use of landscapes and lighting, often to dramatic effect. In short, many of his galleries are breathtaking despite the fact that many of these toys by themselves fail to impress when looked upon with our naked eye. While I’d love to post every single photo he’s taken, it behoove you to follow his tweets, or visit his flickr account. If you’d like to own a print or postcard, several of his works are also available through RedBubble.
Witness the Firepower of This Fully Armed & Operational Subwoofer
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Oct 10, 2011 in Hobbies and Collections, Star Wars
One again, the guys at Major League Mods have given Fanboy a peek at their latest work — a special Star Wars-themed surround sound system. This simple 200 watt 2.1 setup features two TIE fighter satellite speakers and a subwoofer modeled after, you guessed it, the Death Star itself. If you’re concerned about how they sound, each TIE fighter comes equipped with a Yamaha 2¾ inch mid-range and 1 inch dome tweeter with built-in crossovers. The Death Star sub comes with a 6½ inch driver, a full set of control knobs and switches — power, treble, bass, and so on — and features a custom paint job by Nub Graffix. In addition to the RCA inputs for the satellites, there’s also an auxiliary headphone jack for your favorite iDevice.
These Sneakers Let You Stomp Like a Wompa
I didn’t really realize they were still running the Adidas x Starwars campaign from the other year, but it’s cool that it’s still happening. For example, check out these sweet wampa-inspired kicks, complete with faux wampa fur. It’s actually horse hair, but I don’t think anyone would notice. Besides, convincing someone you actually killed a wampa shouldn’t be too hard. Luke did it and he probably had some form of frostbite by that point. Of course, you’ll have to actually order a pair first. Tthey’re pretty expensive at $150 a pair, and I’m sure keeping them clean is going to be a pain, but chances are that you’ll be the only person you know who owns them. There’s always that, right? I just hope that at some point, they make a pair in wookie-brown. Read more…
A Reason to Buy Star Wars on Blu-ray
I’ve been trying to convince myself to overlook Lucas’ edits, but I really haven’t found a reason until now. It seems as though the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special — or at least, the portion of it featuring the introduction of Boba Fett — has been included as a hidden treat. The Easter Egg can be found on the bonus disc for the Original Trilogy by accessing the archive for Episode V. After that, navigate your way to “Pursued by the Imperial Fleet,” access “The Collection,” then select Boba Fett’s prototype costume. A menu then pops up on the right with the option “First Look” which will treat you to a short introduction that leads to the Holiday Special. If you’ve never seen the special before, be prepared to be disappointed. The voice acting is terrible, and the plot is a little lame, but it’s a piece of history that rarely sees the light of day. There’s probably going to be more Easter Eggs hidden away, but I doubt any of them could be as pleasing as this one.
Sideshow’s Slick Boba Fett Exclusive
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Sep 15, 2011 in Hobbies and Collections, Star Wars
Our favorite Mandalorian bounty hunter is back with this 12-inch exclusive from Sideshow Collectibles. Back in 2007, Medicom released a similar limited edition Boba Fett and while that figure sold exceptionally well, it’s become rather difficult to come by. Thankfully, this upcoming Sideshow exclusive may ease the pain by giving us a welcome alternative. Not only is it an adequate replacement, but the figure might even be more detailed than its Medicom predecessor. For example, his armor seems to be properly distressed, while his pants feature that dirt-stained look for added realism. It also seems to pose well in case you’re fond of photography.
At Least Lucas Can’t Edit Your Books
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Sep 7, 2011 in Star Wars
I’m truly astounded by the number of changes that George Lucas has made to his films over the years. I understand that he believes the changes are in our best interests, but I’ve yet to see a positive reaction as a result. So, in an effort to block out the negativity surrounding the upcoming Blu-ray release, I’ve decided to pick up a book instead — namely, the special 20th anniversary hardcover edition of Timothy Zhan’s Star Wars: Heir to the Empire. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the book, it’s the first in a trilogy, and picks up the story five years after the events of Return of the Jedi. With the New Republic in place, the remnants of the Empire reform under the banner of Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant tactician with almost Machiavellian qualities. It’s a fantastic follow-up and would make great source material should someone ever decide to adapt them to film. The special edition comes with annotations by the author providing in-depth details about the plot and characters. No word on if it’ll see a digital release for Apple’s iBooks, but you’ll be able to get it for your Kindle.
George Lucas Lacks Creative Restraint Yet Again
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Aug 31, 2011 in Star Wars
Next month will mark the official release of Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray. Like many of you, I’ve spent the last several years anticipating this release and was a little disappointed to hear that the discs wouldn’t include the original theatrical releases, but rather the updated “special editions” of the original trilogy. A shame, considering that many of those cosmetic changes did little to improve the original films and most of the new content seemed out of place and even distracting times. To add insult to injury, Lucas has once again taken to editing his films for their upcoming Blu-ray release. Read more…
Luke I’m an Infographic! The History of Darth Vader
Posted by Michael Pinto on Aug 22, 2011 in Star Wars
This wonderful infographic is by H-57 a design firm located in Milan, Italy.
Victorian Star Wars Portraits
Posted by Michael Pinto on Aug 22, 2011 in Star Wars
These wonderful Victorian styled portraits of Star Wars characters were done Greg Peltz whom works at Pixar. And if you’d like to hang these in your parlor you can purchase prints at acmearchivesdirect.com. Read more…
Star Wars in the 25th Century
He’s done it again. Check out one of the latest sets of Star Wars customs from Sillof’s Workshop. This time the theme’s centered around 1940s pulp sci-fi. He does a fantastic job of capturing that retro aesthetic made popular by serials like Buck Rodgers and Flash Gordon. Come to think of it, I’m sure if Star Wars had been filmed in the late ’30s or early ’40s, Buster Crabbe would have been cast as a dashing and slightly cut Luke Skywalker. I’m not sure I’d want to sit through a trilogy of him dressed in tanned tights, but I suppose it wouldn’t look as gaudy if it were in black and white. Any way, check out the rest of these fantastic figures at Sillof’s official website. I just wish he’d strike a deal with Lucas Arts to manufacture them. Who wouldn’t totally buy these?
The Blue Prints of a Galaxy, Far, Far Away…
I love Star Wars as much as anyone, but I’ve never really given much thought to the actual work that went into building its universe. I know the films like the back of my hand, but I really couldn’t tell you how to construct your own droid or build a sand palace. I simply wouldn’t know where to start. That’s where a copy of Star Wars: The Blueprints comes in hand. Literally 336 pages of content with over 500 photos, and illustrations detailing over 250 designs unique to the Star Wars universe. With a limited run of only 5000 copies at $500 a pop — the first 125 actually come signed and hand-numbered for $1000 each — I probably won’t be able to score a copy for myself but serious collectors will want to take note. The book itself comes hand-crafted with a special dyed-cloth case, along with the certificate of authenticity included as well. I can’t imagine many of you wanting invest in a copy, but if you’re crazy enough to buy one, here’s a link to the order form.