Star Wars Action News - Audio Podcast Feed

Mara Jade was instantly a fan favorite character. When she first graced the pages of the Star Wars expanded universe in Timothy Zahn's 1991 book Heir to the Empire she was embraced by Star Wars fans. It wasn't long before the figure also appeared in video games, action figures, the Return of the Jedi Radio Drama and more. But now with the Star Wars Expanded Universe being rebranded "Legends" Mara Jade's canonical status is uncertain and fans who've followed the character for over twenty years cannot look forward to new Mara Jade adventures. However fans can own a statue of Mara Jade, perhaps for the last time! Announced before the Expanded Universe reboot, Kotobukiya's Mara Jade Bishoujo has recently been released as a companion to their previous (also EU) statue of Jaina Solo. On this Star Wars Action News podcast listen to find out if this statue is a gem you should own! Also on this podcast, hosts Marjorie and Arnie went Star Wars shoe shopping at Journeys. With Vans new Star Wars line of footwea

Star Wars collectors have braved the Hasbro booth year after year to get the latest, hottest exclusive toys. While the lines have been long and brutal and the toys expensive it was, at least for the past several years, the only line for exclusive, hard-to-get Star Wars toys. Until 2014. Now, as Disney's corporate partnerships bring new Star Wars toys around the globe, Hasbro toy competitor Mattel has a licence for Hot Wheels from a Galaxy Far, Far Away! The line has been previewed and the first opportunity to get an exclusive Darth Vader car is at SDCC this summer! On this week's Star Wars Action News podcast Marjorie and Arnie discuss the released photos and share why collectors shouldn't need to race as hard to the Mattel booth on Preview Night! And as San Diego Comic-Con International draws near it is also time to announce details for the 4th annual Star Wars Fan Breakfast at SDCC. This year Star Wars Action News has partnered with Steve Sansweet to raise funds for Rancho Obi-Wan and make the fan

With Hasbro having difficulty getting new figures to store pegs in any scale, collectors are forced to find their excitement places other than Wal-Mart, Target, and Toys R Us. Most specifically The Disney Stores where a new 13-inch line of talking, articulated Star Wars figures have started to appear. The X-Wing Luke Skywalker and Stormtrooper are on store shelves now, and in this episode of Star Wars Action News you can see a hands-on review of the Stormtrooper to find out if you need to add this to your collection. But while Hasbro is in a late spring lull, news leaked last week of new Black Series releases on the horizon. In this show you can find out about three possible new Toys R Us exclusive multi-packs that have strong Original Trilogy ties. With news on how YOU can be in Star Wars Episode VII, a discussion of the upcoming Disney Star Wars marathon, reports from Disney Star Wars Weekends and the UK Collectormania 21, and more, it's all in this week's Star Wars Action News!

Star Wars Action News is back and with May the 4th behind us there is tons of collecting news to talk about. Sideshow Collectibles has released more than half a dozen new products in one-sixth, one-quarter, and full scales; Disney Stores have stocked up on exclusive figures, plushies, and statues, and Hasbro has revealed their San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Jabba the Hutt! Listen as Marjorie and Arnie discuss all the latest news in this podcast. Also on this show, Steve the Gingerprince hasn't had much time to collect lately but he made up for it over May the 4th weekend at Star Wars Fun Days. Listen as he reports in on all the finds across the pond. And joining in also is Jerry with a look at pseudo-Vintage Star Wars items. With a stand-ing report by Scott From Tulsa, a look at last weekend's Toy Man Toy Show, collecting news from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim and reactions to the Episode VII casting news, it's all in the latest Star Wars Action News podcast!

This past weekend saw the largest comic convention in Chicago -- Reed Pop's C2E2! Saturday night Marjorie, Arnie, and several members of the Star Wars Action News family got together to talk about the convention, their Star Wars celebrity encounters, and their collectible finds! But the past two weeks have been full of news for Star Wars fans and collectors alike. Listen in to hear about the announcements of new toys and collectibles exclusive to the Disney Stores. From new scales of action figures to vehicles, plushes, mugs, and more, the gang rates their interest in the new collectible lines. Also on this show, the news came down while everyone was at C2E2 that Star Wars canon has rebooted. The books, games, comics, and stories that formerly made up the "Star Wars Expanded Universe" have been rebranded "Star Wars Legends"--alternate, non-canonical, tales of the galaxy far, far away. But coming now is a new status quo, a new canon, and four new novels that fit into it. Hear the group reaction on

To buy, or not to buy--that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to sufferThe slings and arrows of outrageous interestOr to leave empty a spot in the collectionand risk the price on the secondary market. Yes, Sideshow Collectibles has put up for pre-order its newest life-sized Star Wars figure -- The Han Solo in Carbonite. And it has Arnie waxing philosophical about collecting, and how much is too much to spend on one item. On this episode of the Star Wars Action News podcast he and Marjorie review all the information released about this new high-end item. Join them for this discussion! Also on this week's show, Hasbro's new 6-inch Star Wars line has reinvigorated action figure collectors, but with a new scale come old problems--like figure balance. NECA makes a line of figure stands for 6 to 8-inch figures, but do they work for the Black Series? Watch to see how this round peg fits in that foot hole! Also in this episode are reviews of the Hasbro's Mission Series figures Wave 2, in

From coast to coast the third wave of Hasbro's 6-inch Star Wars Black Series has started to appear in stores. This wave has three new figures, a Stormtrooper, Bespin Luke Skywalker, and Episode III Obi-Wan, plus a carry-forward Han Solo. With this wave we finally have more than 10 Star Wars icons in this new scale. Is now the perfect time to jump into the line? Listen to this episode of Star Wars Action News for Marjorie and Arnie's reviews of all four of these figures! With more Rancho Obi-Wan extra auctions, a Millennium Falcon model that may not look like much until you assemble all 100 pieces, and a look at the latest Episode VII news, it's all in this issue of the Star Wars Action News podcast!

Planet Comicon was held in Kansas City this past weekend, and Marjorie and Arnie were there and on the hunt for toys and autographs! This show saw a rare signing by John Ratzenberger who is mostly known for being a Pixar and Cheers star, but Star Wars fans know he was also Major Bren Derlin on Hoth. With the con having its first three-day convention, listen to find out what you missed and if you should make it a destination in 2015! Also in this week's show, a lot of new Star Wars toys and collectibles have been announced recently. From Potato Heads to replica skate boards to LEGO and more, find out about it all in this week's podcast! With a report from last week's Toy Man Toy Show, a visit to Duncan Jenkins' Sithsonian, and a close-up look at the breakdown of vintage plastic, it's all in episode 420 of the Star Wars Action News podcast!

Few first time Star Wars novelists get the promotional push that Joe Schreiber received in 2009 for Deathtroopers. The first unabashed horror story set in the Star Wars universe the combination of zombies and the galaxy far, far away inspired cosplay even before the book hit shelves. While somewhat controversial for its more R rated gore and violence, the book became a fan favorite and just one year later the sequel Red Harvest was released. Now after a four year absence from Star Wars fiction Schreiber is back in bookstores with the new novel Darth Maul: Lockdown. This prequel era tale follows the Sith apprentice on a mission for his master before the events of The Phantom Menace. Lockdown is a departure from the author's previous horror stories but the hard action and flare for visuals remain--as does the promotion. From the graphics flaunting Darth Maul fighting a Yuuzhan Vong to the news that this new story ties in closely with James Luceno's 2012 book Darth Plagueis fan expectations couldn't be

With Lucasfilm, and all things Star Wars, now owned by The Walt Disney Corporation it should be no surprise that Disney is the place to look for Star Wars collectibles! The 2014 Star Wars Weekends have been announced and there are tons of new exclusives, including Vinylmations Series 4, a lanyard replicating the Medal of Yavin, and much more! Marjorie and Arnie run down the cool new items available only at the Disney World theme park this summer! For Hasbro figure collectors Disney is the place to be as well--the Disney Store in your local mall. The newest Black Series Star Wars figures have been spotted at this retail chain, along with new Star Wars shirts and other merchandise. With a review of James S.A. Corey's new Star Wars novel Honor Among Thieves, a look back at Star Wars musical soundtracks on CD, and a look at the new auctions straight from Steve Sansweet's Rancho Obi-Wan, it's all in this week's Star Wars Action News!

Star Wars fans have a reason to be excited after last week's New York Toy Fair International. Watch this week's podcast to see all the new toys and collectibles! From LEGO to Uncle Milton, Kotobukiya, Underground Toys, and so many more, they're all in this week's continuing Toy Fair coverage! Note: Star Wars Action News' enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! Read all about it in Arnie's blog post.

The next Star Wars film may be over a year away, but the new Star Wars figures are on the horizon! From Black Series figures, in both the 6 and 4-inch scales, plus figures tying into Disney's new REBELS animated series, all was revealed at Hasbro's Toy Fair International presentation! Join Marjorie and Arnie in this episode of Star Wars Action News to find out what Hasbro revealed for its 2014 product line! Note: Star Wars Action News' enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! Read all about it in Arnie's blog post.

Star Wars Valentines--they're not just for the playground anymore! For decades there have been packages of Star Wars Valentines Day cards, the type that school children give in the classroom, but as Star Wars fans have grown up so have the gifts you can give to your loved one. From light-up heart-shaped boxes of candy to stuffed Stormtroopers with edible hearts, fans of the original trilogy, the prequels, and even the comics will find items that will make them be yours! On this week's Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie run down this year's cool, new offerings, and say which are great gifts, which should be collected, and what can be skipped. Also on this week's show, Brock returns with his review of Maul - Lockdown, the newest Star Wars novel from Deathtroopers author Joe Schreiber. This pre-Episode I story focuses on the Sith Apprentice infiltrating a prison to find a secret crime lord. Is this a book worthy of Maul's fighting skill? Listen to find out! With The Gingerprince reviewing the

Note: Star Wars Action News' enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! Read all about it in Arnie's blog post. Sideshow Collectibles has gone deep in Star Wars lore with their premium format figures. After starting with big characters like Luke, Han, and Vader, they have gone EU with Darth Malgus and Shaak Ti from The Force Unleashed. They've done Clone Wars with Captain Rex. But they never made a Chewbacca...until now, and Star Wars Action News hosts Marjorie and Arnie have the exclusive version in their podcasting studio. Is it worth getting? Listen to the full review in this episode! Also in this show Marjorie and Arnie review Hasbro's Star Wars Black Series Wave 3. With a mix of characters from the original trilogy, the prequels, the Clone Wars cartoon, and the EU, listen to find out which figures stand out--and which won't stand at all! With a final look at the 2013 Sithmas Gift Exchange and a sticky, dripping tongue, it's all in this brand new video podcast of Star Wars Action

Note: Star Wars Action News' enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! Read all about it in Arnie's blog post. In 2013 Gentle Giant had the Admiral Ackbar Magnitude bust, Sideshow Collectibles had Premium Format Figures from The Force Unleashed and The Old Republic video games, and LEGO sold a Fury-Class Interceptor from The Old Republic. In short, for Star Wars collecting companies the universe expanded last year. In this episode of the Star Wars Action News podcast join Arnie, Marjorie, Nathan, Brock, Steve, and Jerry as they look back on the strange and interesting year where companies tried to find a footing marketing Star Wars while biding their time until Episode VII in 2015! We look back on the books, busts, statues, 1/6 scale figures, LEGO sets and so much more in this new video-enhanced Star Wars Action News podcast!

Since Kenner resumed making Star Wars figures in 1995 collectors have had a steady stream of items to buy, but in 2013 Hasbro changed up the game and collecting may never be the same.  First there is a line of 3.75-inch figures with articulation levels reminiscent of the 1970s.  Then Star Wars figure collectors had to think big--6-inches big--as collector-focused figures got a new scale for the first time in 35 years.  How did fans react to these changes, and what is in store for 2014?  These are the topics in the first part of the Star Wars Action News 2013 in review podcasts, so take a listen and hear what the Star Wars Action News team had to say!

Collecting Hasbro's Star Wars toys is filled with highs and lows, and this holiday season it seems to be both at once! While the new 6-inch and 3.75-inch Black Series figures remain elusive, bargains abound on exclusive vehicles and figures. On this week's podcast Marjorie and Arnie look at the discounts and tell you how to save the most money on the toys, and also discuss what these markdowns may mean for future exclusives. All that, plus a detailed review of Hasbro's Black Series Wave 2, including Mara Jade, Pablo Jill, and more! Also on this week's show it's a special focus on Star Wars trading cards. Jerry's Vintage Viewpoint focuses on the rerelease of the Star Wars Radio Drama from Highbridge Audio, and looks at the new Topps trading card set based on the Radio Drama. Then Marjorie and Arnie talk to Topps sketch card artist Christian Slade about his work on the cards, as well as his new prints coming from Acme Archives on Dec 15th! With a report from this weekend's Toy Man Toy Show, a new six

Black Friday isn't what it used to be...it's not even Friday any more! With sales having started Thanksgiving Day and some stretching through the weekend and even to "Cyber Monday" bargain shoppers now have almost a full week of savings. Stay on target for Star Wars bargains with this episode of Star Wars Action News! Marjorie and Arnie run down the stores with Star Wars items on sale to let you know which bargains are worth fighting the crowds, and which you can sleep through! Also on this episode is the annual Star Wars Action News holiday gift guide! With gift ideas for men, women, and children, and in all price ranges, listen to find what to get the Star Wars collector who seems to already have everything! The entire Star Wars Action News team has contributed ideas. From books to lightsabers, toys to statues, jewelry to original art, it's all here in today's podcast! Plus listen to win a set of Star Wars Radio Drama CD-sets from Star Wars Action news and Highbridge Audio! And don't forg

Star Wars Episode VII draws nearer! We now have a firm release date. On December 18, 2015 fans will finally see a cinematic vision of Star Wars post-Return of the Jedi, 32 years after Episode VI's release. On this week's Star Wars Action News podcast your hosts Marjorie and Arnie discuss this news and anticipate a holiday season full of Star Wars goodness! And the 2013 holiday season is upon us! From new Christmas ornaments in stores to gift sets, decorations, and more, the hosts run down all the new Star Wars holiday items and where you can get them cheapest! Also this week, Arnie talks with prolific Star Wars Author Ryder Windham about his newest book, the Death Star Owner's Tehnical Manual. Ryder discusses his first Star Wars projects with Dark Horse and how he has come to write so many Star Wars junior novels and reference books. With Steve providing a new UK report, Johnathan reviewing the K-Mart Exclusive Endor packs and Scanning Crew sets, a review of the new, more affordable, Star Wars

New Hasbro product is hitting fast. Exclusives are shipping from Amazon, as well as showing up on store shelves at Toys R Us and KMart. Also from Hasbro Black Series Wave 2, both 6-inch and 3.75-inch, are shipping from online retailers. On this week's Star Wars Action News hosts Marjorie and Arnie look at some of the new 6-inch figures, Slave Leia and Greedo, and run down the exclusives. Also this past week came the eBook editions of J.W. Rinzler's Making of Star Wars books. Enhanced with more photos and multimedia content, listen to find out if the new features make this worth a purchase, or re-purchase if you already own the hardcover editions. With cranially-enhanced holiday decorations, a report from the Winter London Film & Comic Con, and more, it's all on this episode of the Star Wars Action News podcast!