So I'm checking out the comments on my iPhone Lightsaber video and another fanboy brags "Go watch our video it's a real battle: It's a hundred times better than this!" And much to my shock and horror not only is their video cooler than my, but I think they even went a step beyond the notorious Star Wars Kid!
Shown above is a wonderful Steampunk version of R2D2 named R2S2 (R2 Steam Too) which was designed by Crabfu SteamWorks. You'll have to visit their page to see every loving bit of detail that was put into this droid — but to give you just a small sample here's a close up from the back side of this mechanical marvel:
...and here is R2S2 in action:
There's a great Photoshop contest at worth1000 on the theme of Star Wars Renaissance Art (quite a bit of this is in fact Victorian romantic artwork but you get the idea). Shown above is Godward Padme by Frogman12834, and below is Yoda Borguereau by Mandrak:
Found via Gawker.
The never ending fight between good and evil computer connectivity methods continues! Shown above is the R2-D2 and Darth Vader USB hubs — the cute droid makes little beeping noises while Lord Vader will amuse your fellow Jedi by lighting up his eyes for you. Both Star Wars USB hubs are available from National Console Support for pre-orders.
The dumbest things make me so happy! Well it's a bit past 3am here and I've just wasted a wee bit of time installing the 2.0 software on my iPhone. Of course the first application that I had to run was PhoneSaber:
"Ever wished you could swing your iPhone around like a lightsaber? Well now you can, with PhoneSaber. As you swing your phone, a range of lightsaber sound effects will be emitted from your phone’s speaker (or connected audio output). Not only that, but you can also withdraw and put away your saber. Last but not least, you can also change the colour of your lightsaber for maximum effect. PhoneSaber will be available on the App Store (at launch) for free!"
Shown above is the latest trailer for Star Wars:The Force Unleashed which should be released on September 16th, 2008. You can pre-order it here:
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
As a Star Wars fanboy I got quite a kick out of this Scrap Metal t-shirt design by illustrator Glenn Jones.
Looking through Jason's Flickr account I came across an amazing set of Kenner Star Wars Action Figures from the early 80s — what's amazing is that they're all in their original boxes. I think my favorite is the IG-88 assassin droid at the very end:
Continue reading "A Gallery of Kenner Star Wars Action Figures" »
OMFG! How can Lucas let this happen to his prized characters? This footage was shot by ParkSleuth and the dance competition is part of a Star Wars Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Found via Kara Swisher whose name rhymes with Carrie Fisher!
My best guess is that this photo is either from 1980 or 1983 when either The Empire Strikes Back or Return of the Jedi came out. Although if you forced me to place a bet I'd say that with her hairstyle and the t-shirts with the iron on lettering the photo is from 1980.
Photo found via digital archivist superbomba!
Pouring a lightsaber out of a can just isn't any fun! After all why go with a ready made lightsaber when you can do it yourself? Well industrious Star Wars fanboys can rejoice with this new lightsaber set allows you to create your own personalized Jedi experience:
Star Wars Force FX Lightsaber Construction Set
"To be a Jedi, you must construct your own lightsaber. Finding the right crystals and metal pieces to forge your own weapon can be difficult, but the Star Wars Force FX Lightsaber Construction Set makes it easy for you. In just seconds, you can assemble 5 pieces, a blade, and some batteries to forge one of over 700 possible configurations of lightsaber! Use a variety of pommel, handle, and detail parts to create a personalized weapon that looks just like the ones that belong to Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, or Obi-Wan Kenobi… or something totally new that's uniquely you!"
Here is a video demo:
Star Wars Adventures In ABC was published in 1984 by Buena Vista Records and included a audio tape with a 4 page read along book. Another book and cassette tape set in this same series was Star Wars: Adventures in Colors and Shapes which featured C-3PO and R2-D2 try to help Han Solo and Chewbacca repair the Millennium Falcon. The ABC book featured a different item from the Star Wars universe to illustrate each letter of the alphabet — starting with "A is for AT-AT":
I got a kick out of the above t-shirt design from Split Reason which features R2-D2 running away from an AT-AT.
A long time ago, in a bathroom far far away! This R2-D2 Soap Dispenser will help you avoid the dark side of the Force and bacteria too...
The Star Wars Han Solo Animated Maquette will set you back $80 — and that doesn't even include a cute Chewie sidekick! What's up with that?
Noriyoshi Ohra is an amazing illustrator from Japan who does quite a bit of work related to the movies dating back the the 70s and covering every film from King Kong (the Jessica Lang remake) to Mad Max. However one of of his more interesting ongoing subjects is Star Wars, and there have been a number of amazing special edition books featuring his work aimed at Japanese fanboys (and fangurls too). What makes his work great is that it has a very strong painterly quality to it, you can see the brushstrokes at work throughout the canvas. His sense of color, lighting and sheer scale is also magical too. If you want to see more of his work check out this amazing article at starwars.com.
Continue reading "Noriyoshi Ohrai: Stellar Star Wars Illustrations" »
The first thing that hit my eye at the Gentle Giant Ltd. booth was this life sized statue of Princess Leia. I begged them to tell me if it was part of an upcoming goodie, but all they could to was to grin at me. They did however have a nice line called Star Wars Kustomz which caught my eye — shown here is Jawa in Sandcrawler Kustomz:
I just like the look of the above tea towels, unlike most fan merchandise they show some good taste at work:
"Japan's Heart Art Collection, Ltd., who recently graced the world with the irresistible R2-D2 and R4-P17 trash cans, now unveils a set of eight stellar tea towels which may just transcend their modest utilitarian function to qualify as, dare we say, art?
The eight towels, which measure approximately 15"x35", include some wonderful Japanese-inspired Star Wars imagery, such as R2-D2 jettisoning over a traditional Mount Fuji with ocean waves woodcut, a clone trooper helmet doubling as a Japanese shrine bell, Artoo and Threepio under a cherry blossom tree, Vader and Yoda amid intricate scrollwork patterns, and more."
Why should Jawas have all the fun? Now you can own your own life sized droids! Shown above is the R2-D2 ($5,450) life sized figure from Sideshow Collectibles. Another $5,950 will get you C-3PO.
As for me I'm waiting for the life sized Millenium Falcon...
Not to get snarky about it but I feel like Star Wars has been sort of run into the ground by Lucas, so it's somewhat fitting that this latest bit of official merchandise deals with balls hitting the dirt:
Tee Off With Star Wars Golf Gear from Japan
"Sculpted art or sporting good? We'll let you decide which best describes Bridgestone Sports' new pair of Star Wars golf bags, each highly stylized in the guise of Darth Vader or a stormtrooper. These amazing golf bags from Japan will soon be available for a suggested retail price of 50,000 JPY, or about $500. Also down range are three golf club covers sporting Vader, stormtrooper, and TIE fighter designs, as well as Star Wars-themed ball markers."
...for that amount of money the least they could have done would be to include golf balls decorated to look like the Death Star.
Some more details on the upcoming The Clone Wars film and TV series for Star Wars fanboys:
Star Wars: The Clone Wars In Theaters and on Television in 2008
"A new era of Star Wars entertainment begins in 2008 when Star Wars: The Clone Wars, from creator George Lucas, premieres as an all-new feature film in August, followed by the television series debut in the fall, in a partnership announced today between Lucasfilm Ltd., Warner Bros. Pictures and Turner Broadcasting System Inc.
Produced by Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes audiences on incredible new Star Wars adventures, combining the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm with an eye-popping, signature animation style. Star Wars: The Clone Wars will open in North American theaters Friday, August 15. International release dates will be announced soon."
It's the perfect lighting fixture for any Star Wars fanboy! Shown above is a Japanese Star Wars Lightsaber Desk Lamp from ThinkGeek. You can either pick the red Darth Vader lightsaber or the blue Luke Skywalker one...
In Yoda we trust! Here's a fun article about some fanboys getting in touch with their inner Jedi:
May the Force be with pew: Brothers open Jedi 'church' in Wales
"A Jedi "church" has been born in a galaxy far far away - North Wales. The Holyhead chapter of the self-styled Jedi Church, which claims up to 400,000 members worldwide, has sprung up thanks to brothers Barney and Daniel Jones, both Star Wars obsessives.
The "church" is only one of a handful around the planet, said hairdresser Barney, 26, the Anglesey Order Minister, also known as Master Jonba Hehol. "Some people think it will be quite interesting but lots of people will ridicule us because it seems quite nerdy but we've had a good reaction so far," he said."
This is a nice behind the scenes look at the making of the upcoming video game The Force Unleashed by LucasArts, which will be released in the Summer. What I love about LucasArts is amount of detail that they put into everything that they work on, check out this preproduction artwork for the game:
The concept is simple: Recreate a vehicle from Star Wars in steampunk style using LEGO! The Bricks to Bothans Forum (dedicated to LEGO Star Wars) is holding a Steam-Wars Contest, where fans get to submit their LEGO creations of Star Wars vehicle done in steampunk style. Shown above is a steampunk X-Wing fighter by Brickshelf user Jerrec. For info on the contest go here:
Don and dW's Steam-Wars Contest!
Found via the always entertaining Neatorama.com.
Shown above is page 496 from the 1981 Montgomery Ward Christmas catalog (click on the image to see at full size), as you can see it was a great year to be a Star Wars fanboy! What people forget today is that prior to this film that sci fi themed sequels had a pretty bad reputation as a being a low budget way to cash in on the first film. The Empire Strikes Back blew us all away as the quality of the film and story was as good as the original Star Wars. I also hate to admit it, but I also believe that the success of the Empire Strikes Back gave Paramount the courage to bankroll the the second Star Trek film the Wrath of Khan in 1982. So in a strange way Star Wars may have saved Star Trek...
Found via Wishbook.
This Darth Vader joystick comes loaded with games (Coruscant Attack, Grievous Onslaught, Droid Invasion, Gunship Battle and Utapu Chase) which you plug directly into your TV set to start playing.
Found via GeekAlerts.
If your a Starwars and Nintendo fanboy you're gong to want to bid on this goodie at eBay:
AT-AT Gamecube Mod! Nintendo! (not a Wii)
"Star Wars Fans!!! Nintendo Fans!!! Gamers!!! Dont miss out on this chance to own a one of a kind Item! This is an auction for my one of a kind Gamecube AT-AT mod. (AKA the AT-GC) It includes 4 wavebird controllers and the 2 memory cards that are inside the system itself (a 1019 and a 251) All the original Gamecube components are inside this mod including the heatsync and cooling fans so it will not overheat (Notice the small holes in the underside of the system for ventilation) and yes, the AT-AT pilot is also included:! All of it is in great cosmetic condition. The AT-AT itself was mint and complete before the Modification and still is (minus the electronic sound effects unit and head movement lever that were once inside) All of it's joints are still tight and it's paint is bright."
...check out this video of the AT-AT in action:
Found via Engadget.
Shown above (click on to the illustration to see at full size) is the Star Wars Galaxy Map which was published in the first issue of The Official Star Wars Fact File way back when in 2002.
Found via trukstop.com.
Like Han Solo you can now have Chewie to cover your back:
"Strap the Chewbacca Plush Backpack to your back and he'll be carrying your books in style. His arms wrap around you to let you know he's secure - even his legs will secure around your abdomen, for some extra cuddly fun. Who needs real friends when you have a Chewie on your back? And there are two extra features the Chewbacca Backpack has to offer. First, his bandoleer bag can hold some smaller accessories such as cables, business cards, or Ewok jerky. And second, there can be no bigger thrill than asking someone if they want to pet your Wookiee. Trust us - it'll get you smiles every time."
The above illustration by Michael Flemming reminds me of fanboy take on a Cassandre poster. The illustration is part of a series titled the Star Wars ABC set (which we've covered before). It's funny to me R5-D4 always looked like R2-D2 with a lampshade on his head!
Shown above is an amazing collection from a Star Wars fanboy (Rob Jan) from 30 years ago in 1977, you need to to see the image at both the full size and with the special rollover notes.
Found via Nerdcore.
Make sure to use low sodium soy sauce in your R2 unit as the extra salt will cause rust:
STAR WARS R2-D2 Soy Sauce Bottle
Found via tokyomango.com.
This may be the best fan film since Hardware Wars!
I'm a big fan of urban toys and Star Wars, so I was impressed with the look of the V.C.D. Star Wars C-3PO Sofubi Toy shown above. The toy is produced by Medicom Toy in Japan, which currently sports models of Boba Fett, Yoda, and Darth vader in their Star Wars line.
Found via GeekAlerts.
If you waste hours-and-hours on Facebook like me you'll want to add this nifty StarWars.com application to your profile which gives you the latest Star Wars news. And while you're at it you may want to check out the Facebook group Friends don't let friends not watch Star Wars. Star Wars fangurls may want to check out Girls who acctually enjoy Star Wars!!!
The above Star Wars poster (click on to view at full size) does a wonderful job of showing off the entire series in one photomontage. I'm quite impressed with the fanboy who did this this, it's wall worthy in my book!
Found at My Confined Space via Film School Rejects.
This is a funny fan made video of Darth Vader dancing it up in Japan!
Shown above is the Lightsaber MP3 Player which is available here in either two or four gigs of storage, and a built-in FM radio too! Of course for me I'll always prefer my iPod:
Found via GeekAlerts and Techfresh.
The Jedi Academy in New York is starting to get HUGE press! It was recently featured on ABC World News segment which had this great quote from Taryn Fireside, a student at the academy:
"My favorite thing about New York Jedi is not nerds trying to best each other. It’s about nerds trying to better each other. And make life better through the dorkiness that make them great!"
Found via Neatorama.
My guess is that at this rate it's only a matter of time until Lucas starts to get to work on another trilogy:
'Star Wars' series comes to TV
Lucas planning franchise spinoff show
"The Force may soon be coming to a television near you. George Lucas said Tuesday he is planning a live-action television series spinoff of the "Star Wars" film franchise. Lucas told The Los Angeles Times he has "just begun work" on the series, which will not include the films' major characters Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader. "The Skywalkers aren't in it, and it's about minor characters," Lucas told the Times. Lucas wouldn't reveal details, but joked that the series would be about "the life of robots." Lucas already has another television series in the works. Lucas Animation has been working for months on the computer-animated "Star Wars: The Clone Wars"."
I hate to say it, but I think a Wii Light Saber might be more entertaining than Episode I:
LucasArts to wield Wii Light Sabre in UK next week
"British fans of Nintendo Wii and Star Wars will get a first glimpse of the console’s upcoming Light Sabre peripheral at a gaming festival being held later this month. LucasArts will be exhibiting the peripheral alongside its forthcoming Wii title Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, at the GameCity festival due to be held between 24 and 28 October. Unfortunately, gamers will only be able to get in touch with their Jedi sides and use the Light Sabre on one day: 26 October.
Although LucasArts didn't say if the peripheral or the game will be available to buy at the festival, the demo should at least gives gamers the chance to wield the Light Sabre ahead of the previously announced Spring 2008 release date."
“Samurai Vader” is a 1/4th scale costume that even features a traditional bow and Samurai sword! The suit was created for a Japanese festival back in May called Tango no Sekku, which means “Boy’s Day”. The model kit was created by the Yoshitoku Company and you can find their Star Wars section here.
Found via Albotas.com.
Dig those crazy Star Wars dance moves from 1985! Although I won't laugh too hard as my trumpet skills are a notch below what Stacy was doing...
Found via Mahalo.
Get a grip C3PO! After all this isn't anything to lose your head over:
Collectors Edition C3PO Helmet Mask
"This Star Wars mask is a replica of C3PO's helmet. The mask is composed of heavy duty vinyl and will look good as part of a costume or as a display piece. The mask will fit most adults."
Found via GeekAlerts.
Shown above is some fun footage taken by a Star Wars fanboy at Plaster Blaster, which took place in San Diego this weekend. For some background info on the team behind the rocket check out this article.
If your a serious Star Wars fanboy then this decor is a "must have item":
Star Wars Photo Wallpaper Now Shipping to US
"ID-WALL are delighted to officially announce the release of five new stunning Star Wars photo wallpaper images, and that they are now able to ship overseas to the U.S.! The large format wall murals include illustrations featuring the Rebel X-wing Starfighters, Millennium Falcon, Boba Fett's Slave I and TIE Advanced fighters. Also included in this release is the impressive Death Star image that has proved so popular in the earlier canvas print collections."
I rather enjoyed this homemade video by these Star Wars fanboys!
Found via BoingBoing.net.
My dreams of a Chewbacca stamp are forever dashed:
"The American public has voted and it's time to deliver. Please join the U.S. Postal Service at Madison Square Garden at 10:00 a.m. on October 25th for the dedication of the Yoda stamp. Since it's so close to Halloween and the subject is Yoda, we are encouraging everyone to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character. There will be treats for all! Look forward to seeing you, we do."
Found via StarWars.com.
Katie Cook’s DeviantArt gallery features a series of Star Wars sketch cards she created for the Topps Star Wars 30th Anniversary trading card set. She also has a nice series of sketches based on DC Comics as well.
Found via Netorama.
I'm surprised there's not a matching Star Wars salt shaker:
"Two Star Wars pepper mills made of ABS plastic and measuring 11cm (4.33") tall are on their way to the Japanese market on February 29, 2008. Both hold about 1 oz worth of peppercorns. To crush them, twist R2's dome and flakes of pepper obediently drop from its bottom. Two variants are on offer - a blue and white R2-D2 and a black and gold R2-Q5."
Found via Geek Alterts.
Careful Luke he's embraced the commercial side of the music business...
Found via Dvorak.org.
Thanks to Digg I discovered this blog entry on Femtroopers (feminine versions of Star Wars stormtroopers):
Stormtroopers blast through gender barrier
"If you want to check out a very welcome new trend in science fiction fandom (assuming you're a huge geek), then Google the word "Femtroopers". This is perhaps the most celebratory development for horny Star Wars fans since Princess Leia became Jabba the Hutt's barge ho."
There's also a nice photo essay on the topic here (don't worry it's safe for work).
This Darth Vader lamp looks quite swanky for the Star Wars fanboy in search of decor:
Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith Darth Vader EVA lamp
Found via GeekAlerts.
Shown above is a special promotional poster for Family Guy from the season premiere episode which pays tribute to Star Wars.
Found via iesb.net.
Shown above is a R2-D2 Wireless Webcam and Skype Phone from Hammacher Schlemmer, which is also bundled with a lightsaber shaped remote control unit:
"Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the original iconic Star Wars film, this replica of the headstrong astromech droid is a full-function, 628 x 528 pixel web camera that wirelessly transmits real-time video and audio to a computer, and has worldwide remote access capabilities, allowing you to control R2-D2's movements and access the web camera from a laptop or a PC anywhere in the world."
Found via GeekAlerts.
You only have $50 to get your fanboy friend a gift, but the only trouble is do you pick something with a Star Wars theme or a cool Transformers toy? Well if you want to get the best both worlds you should check out the Hasbro Star Wars Transformer Deluxe Death Star that changes into Death Star vehicle mode into a mecha Darth Vader. The funny thing is that the mecha Darth sort of reminds me of a Gundam robot too...
Side Note: I keep looking for worthy Star Trek goodies to write about but the merchandising biys at Lucasfilm seem to be in hyperdrive mode this year. Maybe that will change when the next Trek film comes out.
Found via GeekAlert.
Shown above is the official watch of the dark side! Although maybe that's the dark side of good taste? The Star Wars watch set comes with two different time pieces: A wristwatch in the shape of Darth Vader’s head (shown above), where you open the helmet to reveal the simple digital dispaly. And the other one is an analog desk clock where the front piece of the arch villains helmet has been replaced by the multicolored “3D style” clock face:
Found via GeekAlerts.
A photograph of the basement of Cal Arts by the talented Ken Stein.
Shown above is the Yoda Lightsabre F/X:
"The latest FX lightsaber is an exact replica of Master Yoda’s. Its illuminating blade features a power up/power down effect thanks to sequentially lighting LEDs. Lightsaber sound effects have been recorded from the film and are activated by moving the saber or by impacting the blade."
Found via GeekAlerts.
Here's your chance for fame and fortune, well maybe just a little bit of fame: The producers of the Fanboys film are having a contest for the Ultimate Fanboy Video. What's neat is that the winner will get a walk on part in the upcoming film Fanboys.
Luke use the turn signal! The Star Wars Talking Dashboard Statues shown above spout a clever Star Wars phrase when you push their yellow button. Although I'm surprised that they don't have an R2-D2, even though he doesn't speak human he seems more like an ideal passanger for ones own X-Wing vehicle...
