Our introductory episode is everything you need to know about Arnie, Marjorie, and Star Wars Action News. It's Calorie Free, Caffeine Free, and Sodium Free so try it now!

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Thanksgiving Turkey. Family gatherings. Egg Nog. Hard to find Target exclusives. Yes, the last item on the list has become part of the holiday tradition first with the Imperial Shuttle, then the AT-ST and Turret Ultimate Battle Packs, and now with the Battle of Christophis battle pack. Sure, it's no surprise to us collectors, but that makes things even more frustrating. Listen as Marjorie and Arnie go shopping on Chartrouse Wednesday and Black Friday trying to hunt down the Battle of Christophis, and its sibling Ultimate Battle Pack, the Pit of Carkoon. Also this week we get an update on the latest Star Wars Minis, including exclusive minis, how to get some needed troop builders, and running down the most recent and easest to collect minis set yet. With your voicemails telling what the latest waves of figures you're finding, details on an R2 aquarium, information how to maximize your Toys For Tots donation, and a discussion of tiny nuts, it's all on the latest episode of Star Wars Action News!

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There are 16 more shopping days until Christmas, and while time is ticking there is still time to get your shopping done online. Here to help with that arduous task of finding just the right gift for the Star Wars fan in your life is Star Wars Action News. From rare (but not too expensive) art prints to rare (and very expensive) statues to video games to toys, we provide you a selection of Star Wars gifts for the discerning gift recipient, and I guarantee there are some items on this list that you can even buy for the Star Wars fan who you THINK has everything... Also this week we take a look at Steve Sansweet's new, revised Star Wars Encyclopedia 3 Volume set, and have a brief tribute to Sci-Fi legend, Forrest J Ackerman. Finally, we, together with our friends at Sideshow Collectibles, want to give one lucky listener a chance to win a Premium Format Anakin Skywalker figure. Listen for details on how you can win this prize.

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It's a news round up this week on Star Wars Action News. From a toy store from our childhood kicking the bucket (again) to Star Wars The Stage Show to an unexpected Clone Captain helmet from Attack of the Clones appearing on Starwarsshop.com, it's been a big week for Star Wars. Star Wars Action News recounts the news you need to know. Then this week we sit down with Barry from eFX Collectibles. Last week, the much awaited Studio Scale X-Wing pre-order launched at efxcollectibles.com, and sales were surely bolstered by the last minute announcement that pre-orders placed by December 21st will be a signature edition at no extra cost. We ask Barry about the history of the X-Wing, and the eFX Clone Captain helmet. Then Barry indulges us in discussing what it is like for high end collectible companies operating in a soft economy. Barry gives us first hand accounts and professional opinions on what the current global economic climate may mean for the future of Star Wars collectibles. This is an interview you should not miss. And if all that isn't enough, our contest with Sideshow Collectibles where we're giving away a Premium Format Anakin Skywalker figure continues this week; listen to find out how to enter! With a review of Coruscant Nights II: Street of Shadows and a surprise appearance by a Star Wars author, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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This week on Star Wars Action News we sit down with Lucasfilm's Steve Sansweet, primary author of the recently released three-volume Star Wars Encyclopedia Set. Last week we reviewed this set and complimented it greatly but mentioned the place of a book encyclopedia in the 21st century. This week we ask the author himself that question, and several others on the genesis of this amazing set. Plus we get more information about Clone Wars series DVD releases, Star Wars Celebration 5, and just where Steve puts all that stuff he buys. Also this week, Kevin buys his first 12-back vintage figure. Which one is it? What condition is it in? How much did it cost? He answers all those questions in this month's Vintage collecting segment. With a Hasbro Q&A, an analysis of the eFX X-Wing's retirement, and discussing how deep the rabbit hole of Star Wars collecting is, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News.

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What was the biggest event for Star Wars in 2008? Many would say The Clone Wars movie, or TV series. Others would say The Force Unleashed, or the continuation of the Expanded Universe in Legacy of the Force soon to be continued in Fate of the Jedi. For collectors, it might be the pre-order of eFX Collectibles' X-Wing, the end of the Master Replicas line, or the BMF. Maybe it was Midnight Madness; maybe it was San Diego Comic Con. All of this is recalled and discussed with the benefit of time in our Star Wars Action News staff year in review roundtable! Listen as Kevin, Jason, Jerry, Scott, Steve, Arnie, and Marjorie talk about the highs, the lows, and perhaps most importantly the toys of Star Wars in 2008. Listen to remember the year that was, and anticipate the next year to come! And we at Star Wars Action News hope you all had a very happy holiday, and wish you the merriest of New Years!

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It's a new year, and as with every new year comes some new lines of Star Wars collectibles. This year, one of the new lines is Diamond Select's Ultimate Quarter Scale line of figures, the first of which, Darth Maul, has been spotted on Toys R Us shelves. Arnie and Marjorie provide a hands-on review of the first entry in this new line. Also this week, we play your voicemails, discussing the new wave of titaniums, the value of the Ewok live action movies, and a forum listener offers up a copy of Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor as a prize! And if you want to be on the show, call our voicemail at 415-508-JEDI to let us know your thoughts on what you're collecting. With an update on the next Sideshow 1/6 scale figure going on sale THIS FRIDAY, all that and more is on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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Month after month they come into the mailbox, the Star Wars Insider. It has had almost as many publishers as Murphy Brown had secretaries, but now it is being run by international fanzine company Titan Magazines. Is it worth the cover price? Arnie and Marjorie dissect the latest issue on this week's podcast of Star Wars Action News. Also on this episode, Star Wars comic author Nathan P Butler (Star Wars Tales: Equals & Opposites) gives us a look at Dark Horse's 2008 Star Wars crossover event--Vector. Last weekend the final issue of this 12 part saga was released. Was it worth all the hype and mystery, and does it live up to Dark Horse's promise of being important? Nathan reveals all in this spoiler-filled review. With a final look at the Diamond Darth Maul, a first look at Legacy Wave 6, and a brief bit of advice from Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother), it's all this week on Star Wars Action News.

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While we're still a month away from the toy reveal explosion that is Toy Fair it seems like it's been a high-energy week for Star Wars. From Battlefront 3 leaked alpha footage to new DVDs, Hasbro toys, Acme art, Gentle Giant maquettes, and Art Asylum figures, not a day has passed over the last week where there didn't seem to be some major news for Star Wars collectors. On this week's Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie do a news round-up, summarizing the most important news of the week, and opining on the revelations. Also this week, Kevin looks at one of the safest investments you can make in this economy--vintage figures. Think we're kidding? Listen to find out. And I promise you, it's not as boring as your economics professor. All this and Rotta the Hutt too on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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On this week's Star Wars Action News, we talk to Rob Smith, editor of the Official Playstation Magazine and author of Rogue Leaders: The History of LucasArts about videogames past, present, and future as we look at his new book, covering such classics as Star Wars: X-Wing and Rebel Assault, to the current The Force Unleashed. Rob gives us his prognosis on the future of the embattled Battlefront 3 game, and answers the age-old questions: is PC gaming dead? And, what is more important in a game--story or gameplay. Also this week, we discuss the new Ashoka Tano lightsaber replica going on pre-order from eFX Collectibles on February 1st, and preview the Gentle Giant Han Solo in Carbonite and Boba Fett animated maquette. All this and lenticular Valentines too on this episode of Star Wars Action News.

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eFX Collectibles gave us little advance notice before the Ahsoka Tano lightsaber, with a plaque signed by Dave Filoni, went on sale Feb 1st. This first saber replica from the new prop replica company is based on the design for Anakin Skywaker's new Togruta padawan from the animated series, and to talk about the new product we interview Barry from eFX Collectibles. Barry describes what went into the Ahsoka lightsaber, the new Director's Edition signature edition, and what the future holds for high end collectible offerings. Then Brock, Star Wars Action News' Book Club Liason, catches us up on Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor. This spoiler-free review will tell you if this is a book you should shine a light on, or leave in the shadows. Finally this week, Marjorie and Arnie catch you up on the latest in Star Wars collecting with the newest waves of figures and Muggs hitting shelves, Wal Mart clearance items, and a review of some odd item called the Star Wars Fandex. All this, and a Hasbro Q&A too, on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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The stores are full of stale Organas and Yarnas (congrats to all those who prognosticated Yarna's future peg warming status). Manufacturers have been tight-lipped about new product, in some cases awaiting the glut of news that is Toy Fair and in other cases simply because there is no news. And figure prices are above the $7 mark everywhere, and some places over the $8 mark. There's a lot of grimness out there, but there's a bright future ahead for the hard core Star Wars collector. Here to analyze all the news or lack thereof, Star Wars Action News brings you the first State of Collecting Address. Also this week, Fanboys opened in theaters telling the tale of four Star Wars fans trying to break on to Lucasfilm Ranch and see The Phantom Menace early. Reviewing this much-delayed film for Star Wars Action News are Brock and Elisha, hosts of the movie review podcast Now Playing. With a bit of talk of Clone Wars Wave 4 and Build-A-Droid Wave 5, all this and more is on this week's Star Wars Action News.

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It is Toy Fair time again, and here to round up and review all the newly announced products from Star Wars licensees is Star Wars Action News. On this first day of coverage, Valentine's Day, we heart Hasbro, Diamond Select, and Kotobukiya.

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Our Toy Fair coverage continues looking at the latest OTC and Clone Wars offerings from Lego, the iPod, iPhone and tech gadgets brought to us by Underground Toys, the keychains, backpack buddies, and washcloths (???) from Basic Fun, and we learn to use the Force with funjicational toys from good ol' Uncle Milton. Plus a Hasbro Toy Fair announcement redux, all on our conclusion episode of Toy Fair Star Wars Coverage 2009!

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However it may seem to us collectors and web site staff, Toy Fair doesn't exist to excite collectors about toys, it's there for toy manufacturers to hook up with toy distributors to get shelf space for toys each year. But not all manufacturers rely on distributors for sales, such as eFX and Sideshow Collectibles, and in this economy where every dollar counts some companies choose to excite collectors by making announcements during Toy Fair without actually taking the trip to New York. Sideshow Collectibles and Gentle Giant released a lot of information on new products this past week, and Star Wars Action News previews these items for you. Also this week, we discuss the dearth of Yarnas that seem to be clogging many pegs, none more so than in Times Square in New York. Plus new Toys R Us and Target exclusives are showing up. We run these down. With a UK Collecting Report, a Vintage Figure review, and your voicemails, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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Late this month, Aaron Allston's new novel "Outcast", the first book in the Fate of the Jedi series, will be released. To celebrate the start of the new series, Star Wars Action News celebrates the Star Wars Expanded Universe with our March into the EU series. This month on the Star Wars Action News podcast you will see interviews with authors, including the Clone Wars: Wild Space author Karen Miller. The shows will also have reviews of books, segments on EU, and more including the return of the much-requested Star Wars Action News Book Club Podcasts! To kick off this celebration of the Expanded Universe, Arnie sits down with Star Wars author Matthew Stover to go in-depth on the new novel Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor. Matt talks to us about what inspired him to detail the events at the Battle of Mindor, a reference with a long history in the EU. He also tells us his view of the Force and why, in the words of his latest novel, "rewrites suck." Also this week, Marjorie and Arnie take another look at the Star Wars Insider by Titan Magazines. With a recent article on how Hasbro makes action figures, has this raised their opinion of the magazine? Listen this week to find out! With Scott From Tulsa's recap of Toy Fair, a rundown of the lastest Star Wars News, and a new Poll of the Week, it's all right here on Star Wars Action News! And be sure to check back this Thursday as the Star Wars Action News Book Club Podcast returns with a reedited and enhanced version of the Star Wars by George Lucas podcast. New Book Club podcasts will be coming out biweekly at www.swactionnews.com, or subscribe on iTunes!

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The Star Wars Action News Book Club begins its exploration of the Star Wars Expanded Universe with the first Star Wars novel ever published: Star Wars From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker by George Lucas, ghost written by Alan Dean Foster. Included in this podcast we review the book, the audio book adaptation, and interview Alan Dean Foster about his experience writing his three Star Wars novels. (Some images courtesy of Wikipedia.org, Wookieepedia.com, JediTempleArchives.com and Yakface.com)

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Star Wars Action News continues its March Into The Expanded Universe. On this week's episode of Star Wars Action News, we talk to Karen Miller, author of the Clone Wars novel Wild Space. Wild Space is the first original fiction book tying into the cartoon Clone Wars series, telling us what happens to Obi-Wan during the Downfall of a Droid duology of episodes. Karen talks to us about how she became a Star Wars author, her views on the dogma of the Jedi order, and why she loves a certain Sith lord. Also this week, we look at the new Star Wars Marbs from Jakks Pacific, and we have the latest Hasbro Q&A. All this and more on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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The Star Wars Radio Dramas are held in high regard by a large number of Star Wars fans. Once considered by Lucas himself part of the Star Wars canon, these Brian Daley penned audio dramas greatly expanded upon the original two Star Wars movies in the 80's. Released on CD in regular and Special Edition format in the 90's, the original broadcast of Star Wars was broadcast in 1981, and then again in 1983 when The Empire Strikes Back was released on National Public Radio. However, in the 1983 rebroadcast many scenes and character moments were cut from the Star Wars radio drama, and when the radio drama CDs were released in the 90's not all of the cuts were reinstated. This week on Star Wars Action News, we have producer David C. Fein who brings to us from the original 1981 airing of the radio drama the two dialogue scenes cut from Star Wars and not included in the CD releases. Unless you recorded the Star Wars Radio Drama off the radio in 1981, Star Wars Action News is the only place to hear these two scenes, including Luke and Cammie talking about their dreams in anchorhead, and an extended version of Obi-Wan and Luke talking after the Tusken Raider attack. Also this week, we review the Clone Wars novel Wild Space, and discuss the latest store finds. All this and more on this week's Star WarsThe Star Wars Radio Dramas are held in high regard by a large number of Star Wars fans. Once considered by Lucas himself part of the Star Wars canon, these Brian Daley penned audio dramas greatly expanded upon the original two Star Wars movies in the 80's. Released on CD in regular and Special Edition format in the 90's, the original broadcast of Star Wars was broadcast in 1981, and then again in 1983 when The Empire Strikes Back was released on National Public Radio. However, in the 1983 rebroadcast many scenes and character moments were cut from the Star Wars radio drama, and when the radio drama CDs were released in the 90's not all of the cuts were reinstated. This week on Star Wars Action News, we have producer David C. Fein who brings to us from the original 1981 airing of the radio drama the two dialogue scenes cut from Star Wars and not included in the CD releases. Unless you recorded the Star Wars Radio Drama off the radio in 1981, Star Wars Action News is the only place to hear these two scenes, including Luke and Cammie talking about their dreams in anchorhead, and an extended version of Obi-Wan and Luke talking after the Tusken Raider attack. Also this week, we review the Clone Wars novel Wild Space, and discuss the latest store finds. All this and more on this week's Star Wars Action News.

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In the second episode of the Star Wars Action News Book Club podcast, Arnie and the other bok club members look at the first Expanded Universe book ever: Splinter of the Mind's Eye first published in 1978, including a comparison with the comic adaptation of the book. (Some images courtesy of Wikipedia.org and Wookieepedia.com)

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For the past three weeks Star Wars Action News has been continuing their March into the EU, celebrating the release of Aaron Allston's novel Outcast this Tuesday, beginning the new Fate of the Jedi book series. But one question that keeps coming up is: can a newcomer to Star Wars books read Outcast? Taking place 43 years after the original Star Wars movie, so much has happened between the movies and this book (the New Jedi Order, the Legacy of the Force series, and more) can someone jump into the EU with this new book series? That is discussed on this week's Star Wars Action News. Also this week we have a spoiler-free review of the new book to see if it's worth jumping onto. And finally rounding out this week, we go on a hunt for Wal Mart and Target exclusives, a review of eFX Collectibles' Studio Scale X-Wing, a UK Collecting report, and a Hasbro Q&A, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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The latest Star Wars book arc from Del Rey, Fate of the Jedi, launched last week with the book Outcast by Aaron Allston and in the galaxy far, far away things are changing quite a bit from the days of the movies. This week on Star Wars Action News Aaron Allston is here to talk to us about this new series, and to look back on the Legacy of the Force series. Also this week we look at Star Wars tattoos in eggs, review some recent comic pack finds, and review some select questions from other sites' Hasbro Q&As. All this and more on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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The Star Wars Action News Book Club continues reading the vintage fiction novels, now reading Han Solo at Stars' End by Brian Daley, the first in Daley's trilogy of Han Solo's adventures. Listen to find out about the introduction of Ploovo Two-For-One, Bollux, Blue Max, and the first time the Millennium Falcon's sensor dish got ripped off! We also compare the novel version of Han Solo at Stars' End to its comic book counterparts, and explore this novel's place in current Star Wars continuity. Included in this podcast is an interview with Brian Daley's friend and writing partner James Luceno, discussing Daley's Star Wars works. (Some images courtesy of Wikipedia.org and Wookieepedia.com)

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For many years it seems that Star Wars licensed Easter items had been lacking, but this year Target and Toys R Us have combined to rectify that. More than just the usual dye kit, this year we get two egg dye kits, one with a kit to make a giant TIE Fighter egg! Plsu easter baskets, easter buckets, Easer Eggs filled with candy and Jake character art, special Legos, and more. This week on Star Wars Action News we build the ultimate Star Wars Easter Basket for a 3 year old and give tips how you could modify this for kids of all ages. Also this week, we discuss the Star Wars items you can buy from the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson (Jesus Juice not included) and we listen to your voicemails on new Force Unleashed figures found at Toys R Us, misprints on Topps Galaxy 4 Series cards, and one listener's recent purchase of a life sized Star Wars item! Also, we are still gathering voicemails and recordings of your Episode I memories. We want to know your favorite memory, funniest story, or just your experience of buying toys for Episode I or seeing the movie. You can send MP3s to show@reviewstarwars.com or call our voicemail at 415-508-JEDI. Your story may be played on our 10th anniversary Phantom Menace show. Finally, on a serious note, on this show we send good thoughts to our friend and Star Wars author Aaron Allston who had quadruple bypass surgery last week. You can send well-wishes to Aaron at: Aaron Allston c/o Del Rey Books 1745 Broadway New York, NY 10019 Updates on Aaron's status and information on how you can help donate blood can be found at http://www.aaronalston.info. We at Star Wars Action News wish Aaron the very best. Get well soon!

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Perhaps we are getting old when we have to be told by Hasbro employees that "the value of a dollar isn't what it used to be" but that doesn't make the increasing cost of Hasbro Star Wars toys any easier for collectors' pocket books. With 3.75" figures ranging from $8 to $13 at retail, Ughnauts downsized from two per pack to one per pack, and vehicle rereleases costing nearly double what they used to, collectors dollars are getting stretched thinner and thinner, and in this economy it is not what collectors need. We tackle this hard issue this week on Star Wars Action News, looking at some new Toys R Us exclusive repacks that aren't the value of the original packs, and with a Hasbro Q&A asking about cost, quality of figures, and quantity of figures. We also look at some other sites' Hasbro Q&As where information is revealed about Hasbro's collector market, and the fact that the new packaging will see the first size in 3.75" figure card sizes in Star Wars' 32 year history. With a look at the latest Star Wars Minis expansion, Imperial Entanglements, and a vintage review of 4-LOM (Or is it Zuckuss?) it's all on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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Many collectors know Gus Lopez and Duncan Jenkins. From their collecting panels at Star Wars Fan Days and at Star Wars Celebration to the website The Star Wars Collector's Archive, these two supercollectors are experts in Star Wars collecting. And now they have released a definitive Star Wars price guide and collectibles' list, Gus and Duncan's Comprehensive Guide to Star Wars Collectibles. On this week's Star Wars Action News, we sit down with Gus and Duncan to talk about their collecting hobbies and this new book. Also this week we talk about the 3-D Star Wars Kites from Go Fly A Kite and play a listener's rebuttal, claiming the Star Wars Expanded Universe IS accessible to new readers. All this and more on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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In the fall of 1979 people were anxiously awaiting the release of The Empire Strikes Back, and to help tide fans over, Del Rey released Han Solo's Revenge, the second book in Brian Daley's trilogy of Han Solo adventures. The Star Wars Action News Book Club now reflects on this "vintage era" novel. Listen to find out about cliche-lians, the introduction of swoops, and perhaps the longest discussion ever had on the very minor Star Wars Expanded Universe character Sonniod. Included in this podcast is an interview with Star Wars Insider author Alex Newborn, who interviewed and formed a friendship with Brian Daley. Alex reflects upon his friendship and shares some stories about Daley and his Star Wars works, as well as why Arye Gross may be the most versatile actor in showbiz. You can read Alex's original interview with Brian at http://www.swactionnews.com/features/DaleyInterview/index.htm (Some images courtesy of Wikipedia.org and Wookieepedia.com)

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In recent Hasbro Star Wars Q&As, Hasbro has stated the collector base has depleated, and they postulate some reasons for this, and say some things will change in the Hasbro Star Wars line due to this. While we see as many Yarna's on pegs as anyone else, we take some time this week to really evaluate Hasbro's statements and debate why this might be. Also this week, we round up news of latest releases from Gentle Giant and Sideshow, and talk about what new Star Wars product is hitting pegs and shelves near you. And finally we pay tribute to a Golden Star Wars actress who is no longer with us. All this and more on this week's all-new, fully organic, Star Wars Action News!

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In May, 1999 Star Wars returned to theaters triumphantly with The Phantom Menace. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of that movie, Star Wars Action News is reviewing merchandise from that very hyped film. This week, we look at the blow-up Queen Amidala chair, one in a series of five inflatable chairs made for the movie. And remember, you have until May 11th to get us YOUR Phantom Memories. Tell us about your first time seeing the movie, your experience buying tickets, your toy buying, your favorite memory or your favorite toy for that time. We will be playing the best stories on our 10th Anniversary show later this month. Send an MP3 to show@swactionnews.com or leave a message on our voicemail at 415-508-JEDI. Also on this week's show, we talk about Wave 2 of Marbs, review the Jabba's Palace and Scramble on Yavin Battle Packs, and TheGingerPrince updates us on collecting in the UK. With a Hasbro Star Wars Toy Q&A and more, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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You see that Star Trek movie yet? Despite being a Star Wars podcast and having a Star Wars web site, it seems that Star TREK is the sci-fi franchise in the spotlight especially this weekend with the new movie out. Remarks have been made such as "This is the Star Trek movie made for Star Wars fans" and Star Wars fans who follow swactionnews on Twitter have said "The new Star Trek is better than the entire prequel trilogy". With such statements being made, it's impossible for this to not have an impact on Star Wars collecting, and as such we discuss the state of the two sci-fi franchises and how Star Wars collectors may be impacted on this week's Star Wars Action News. And speaking of the prequel trilogy, Star Wars Action News continues its Episode I 10th Anniversary coverage this month as we look back a the Star Wars Episode I Chess Set by Tiger Electronics. ow is the detail, how is the game play? Find out on this week's Star Wars Action News! Also this week Kevin brings us another vintage review of a figure or two that are getting a little long in the "tooth", and Kevin sits down with Hasbro employee and copy writer "Dee" discussing the unproduced concept for "The Definitive Star Wars Presentation Chamber", an item pitched to help new collectors embrace vintage designs. With Scott From Tulsa's geek fashion report, discussion of the new Acme character key, and yet another mention of Star Wars Marbs, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News.

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On May 19th 1999 a new era of Star Wars movies dawned as The Phantom Menace opened in theaters, the first new Star Wars movie in 16 years. Understandably, anticipation was high, and it went on to become one of the top grossing films of all time. Now we look back at the milestones of Star Wars 10 years ago, including the toys, the lines for tickets, Star Wars Celebration I, the midnight movie showings, the costuming, and the people who made Episode I the memorable experience it is today. Listen to this extra-long episode of Star Wars Action News, packed with your stories and ours, about what makes The Phantom Menace special to us, 10 years on.

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Today, May 25th, is a special day for two reasons. First it is Memorial Day in the United States, a day when we remember those who died protecting our country in war. Second, it is the 32nd anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope being released in theaters. Bringing these two things together, on this week's Star Wars Action News we look back at the figures memorializing those brave X-Wing pilots lost in battle above Yavin. Also this week, Star Wars Tales comic author Nathan P. Butler returns with his Expanding the Universe report answering one of life's biggest questions: Why should a Star Wars fan care about the EU? With an update on the latest Gentle Giant items available for pre-order, a UK Collecting report, and more, it's all on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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The Star Wars Mighty Muggs are an interesting line. While so many of the Muggs warm shelves across the nation, others go for top dollar on eBay. With shoddy distribution and a number of exclusives, the only true reliable way to get the newest Muggs at near-retail prices is ordering by the case. This week on Star Wars Action News, we open cases of Wave 8 and 9 Mighty Muggs and see if they are worth the trouble, and also review the exclusive Admiral Ackbar and Shadow Stormtrooper Muggs. Also this week we have a very special Hasbro Q&A. Recently Hasbro announced that the collector market is waning and as such actions have been taken, such as removing the upcoming Force Unleashed wave from the regular lineup, instead making those figures exclusives, and that there will be a reduction in future collector-specific figures in the line. On this week's Q&A we drill for details on what this means for the Legacy collection, for comic packs, for the upcoming Expanded Universe wave of figures, and for collectors in general. Hasbro was very generous in giving us in-depth, detailed answers and it is one of our most thought-provoking Q&As yet. And from that Q&A Hasbro has asked us to poll our audience. In discussing Hasbro's reluctance to release a 1000th figure, they revealed they are no longer happy counting ONLY the 6x9 carded figures as figures when counting to 1,000 figures. But they want to know what the fan community thinks: what should count as a "figure" when counting to 1,000 figures? We are starting this information gathering process for Hasbro in our forums. Head to our forum topic and let us know what YOU think counts as a figure when counting to 1,000. Then we will let the entire Star Wars Community vote on which methodology we send to Hasbro so they know when to release a 1,000th figure (if we haven't it it already). And more this week, Star Wars Action News along with sponsors Brian's Toys, Sideshow Collectibles, and Kotobukiya are holding a contest in celebration of Star Wars Action News' 200th episode. Details are revealed in this episode on how you can win a 1/6 Scale Ki-Adi Mundi, a set of Clone Wars Jedi Art-FX Statues, or a Vintage Carded Return of the Jedi Stormtrooper figure! Listen to find out how to enter and win STAR WARS ACTION NEWS VIDEO IDOL! With voice mails from Disney World and more, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News.

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Ever since 1977 Star Wars fans have loved Stormtroopers. But the problem is, they're all mostly the same. Sure, there are Sandtroopers with their colored shoulders, and Snowtroopers with their erie hoods and half-capes, but really there is just one Stormtrooper. Leave it to Hasbro to find a way to give us a multi-pack full of unique, helmet-removable stormtroopers by making the Joker's Squad of Stormtroopers from the Legacy comic books. We review these figures this week. Also this week we look at other offerings from Hasbro including some new Titaniums, the Target exclusive remote controlled Astromech droids, the Target exclusive Jabba's Rancor, and the TIE Fighter Bust from Gentle Giant. And remember the Star Wars Action News video idol contest where you can win great prizes and prize packs from sponsors Most Wanted Collectibles, Brian's Toys, Kotobukiya, and Sideshow Collectibles. To enter just contribute a video for Star Wars Action News' 200th episode and turn it in by 6/17/2009. All the details about the contest can be found on the show or at our web site http://www.swactionnews.com/contests/VideoIdol.html We look forward to seeing your videos! And thank you for listening to this week's Star Wars Action News.

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For anyone who collects autographs there are some rare, hard to get autographs that would be the one they want above all others. The rarity of these autographs is what makes Master Replicas able to charge $800 more for a Millennium Falcon WITH Harrison Ford's autograph versus one without. For Arnie, that ultimate autograph has always been George Lucas, and this past weekend at the Siskel Film Center Arnie was able to get that autograph and meet "the maker". This week on Star Wars Action News, Arnie and Marjorie report on the George Lucas tribute at the Siskel Center and discuss finally getting that picture and autograph. Also this week, we have a vintage review of not one but two vintage Death Star playsets, one you probably know very well and the other you might not have heard of. With a review of the new Clone Wars novel No Prisoners and a Hasbro Q&A, it's all on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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For almost four years Star Wars Action News has been the only podcast bringing you weekly updates with the latest in Star Wars collecting news, product reviews, collecting tips, and commentary. With 199 episodes behind us, why stop now? We continue to bring you the best in Star Wars Collecting with updates on the latest from Gentle Giant, Acme Archives, but to celebrate 200 episodes we have done this show in full video! Darth Bounty and Darth Rockstar take YOU along on a Cincinatti store toy run, and our UK Reporter Steve, the GingerPrince, takes you to the largest Toys R Us in Manchester. But the focus of this week's show is to celebrate you, the listeners of Star Wars Action News for 200 episodes. With the video submissions of several listeners, you can take a video tour of the theater room and collection of Jedi Larry B, and get display tips from Scott, Jerry, and Kevin. And you can relive your youth as we have several young Star Wars fans sharing their favorite collectibles with us. Then we have some in-depth looks at collectibles as Kevin provides a special vintage review and Jerry shares with us his love of Star Wars lenticulars, an item that demands video to be appreciated. With a disturbing look at what collectors do when (they think) no one's looking to an inside look at the creative process behind Star Wars comic books, an obligatory 80s reference, and much, much more, it's all on this celebratory episode of Star Wars Action News.

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On this special secret commemorative episode of Star Wars Action News, the Star Wars Action News community tell Arnie and Marjorie congratulations and thank you for everything they have done for the past 200 episodes of the best Star Wars collecting podcast on the web. Tune in as we share the emails and voicemails of fellow listeners in addition to some favorite Star Wars Action News memories as well as a whole host of pictures, fan art, and tributes. And listen in to find out what collectibles the community hand-picked and hunted down to add to The Sithsonian. Its all here this week on Star Wars Action News. Don't forget to vote for your favorite Star Wars Action News Idol! There is still time, make your voice heard and your vote count. Be sure to view all the participants and other Star Wars Action News fun in out 200th Episode Putting YOU in the Spotlight.

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Thumb drives are great items. Tiny, handy, and universal. As long as you don't lose one out of your pocket in a sofa cushion with several weeks worth of work, they are items becoming as ubiquitous today as a floppy disc or CD was years ago. Perhaps that is why we Star Wars fans now have not one but TWO companies producing USB Thumb Drives for our data storage needs. For the past several years Mimobot has produced some of the cutest thumb drives this side of Endor, and now Funko, makers of the popular Star Wars bobbleheads, gets in on the action. Find out about these new entries on this week's Star Wars Action News! Also this week, we have first-time Star Wars author Christie Golden, author of the new Fate of the Jedi novel Omen, with us. She discusses what it is like being a first-time author writing in the EU, and hints at some things we can expect to see coming up in the series! With a Hasbro Q&A, a lament of bent red cards, and a discussion why the Acme Leia is hot! hot! hot! It's all this week on Star Wars Action News! And stay tuned for more Star Wars Action News content from San Diego ComicCon, including a live show at the Kotobukiya stage! Come to swactionnews.com for more details!

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Kubrick collectors have a new reason to rejoice as the Kubrick Boba Fett set, containing 8 variations of Star Wars' most famous bounty hunter, has shipped. With six regular versions, and two ultra-rare chase versions, more people are owning more Kubrick Bobas now than ever before. This week Star Wars Action News opens their own case of Boba. We also this week have Bill Cable, president of the Pennsylvania Star Wars Collecting Society, with us talking about the medallions they are selling as a charity fundraiser for Operation Ward 57. Then we look at some of the new red packaged vehicles and Galactic Heroes, discuss the "corrected" Target exclusive Rancor variant, discuss the sell-through of the Hallmark Greedo Christmas Ornament, take your voice mails about where to find new Deluxe figures and red cards, and get plans in place for San Diego Comic Con! If you're going to San Diego for Comic Con, you can join us for several events. First, we will be doing a LIVE show from the Kotobukiya booth in the exhibit hall on Thursday, July 24th at 4 p.m. Come out, there will be prizes, trivia, and tell us what you think of the show. Then on Friday, Star Wars day, we will be having our annual Star Wars Action News dinner at the San Diego Burger Company in the Seaport Villiage (on the Pink Bus route). Finally Saturday we are planning a TATTOO-ine party, where you can join us and get inked, the ultimate convention exclusive! Come to any or all of these events, and let us know if you're joining us on the forums at swactionnews.com.

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We found them. Repeat, we found them! Entertainment Earth recently put up for pre-order ALL FOUR of the Republic Commando mini-busts from Gentle Giant's most recent "mini-bust world tour", allowing many US collectors to breathe a big sigh of relief. On this week's Star Wars Action News we talk about the release of these busts, and talk a bit about the higher prices for these items. But those weren't the only "exclusive" items released online this past week. StarWarsShop.com opened their own ComicCon Store, which is ironic as they are not having a store in San Diego, but you can pre-order such items as the previously hard-to-find Stormtrooper Commander figure from The Force Unleashed, and over at HasbroToyShop.com you could order the smiling X-Wing Luke figure. We discuss these and many other online sales and bargains on this week's show. Also this week, we give the final run down on San Diego Comic Con with the big news about the big news to be revealed during the Star Wars Sepectatu--, oh, I'm sorry, Lucasfilm Extravaganza on Friday night. But if you're over in Europe one of the largest conventions has already happened: The London Film and ComicCon. We have a report from that "footloose" convention from our own UK-based reporter, Steve, The Ginger Prince, who also has a hard to get autograph as a prize! With a vintage report from Kevin, a preview of the new fan audio drama Star Wars: In the Shadows, and a discussion of the new deluxe figures from Hasbro, it's all on this week's Star Wars Action News! And don't forget if you're at San Diego ComicCon to come see our live show Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Kotobukiya booth in the exhibit hall. We will have special guests Steve Sansweet, Gus Lopez, Duncan Jenkins, and more!

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Star Wars Action News was honored when asked by Kotobukiya to perform a live show on Koto's new booth feature--a stage featuring hourly entertainment. But being a live show we couldn't help but bring along some guests to talk about their being at San Diego Comic Con International. First we have Lucasfilm's Steve Sansweet discussing a small snafu from earlier today when Hasbro's web site mentioned a certain Star Wars Celebration convention in 2010. We get Stee's response, talk to him about the Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser The Empire Muggs Back, his new book, and more. Then we have Barry Jones from eFX Collectibles giving us the rundown on many products, including pricing and availability of the McQuarrie Vader Helmet, the FOUR upcoming TIE ships, stunt sabers, a new smaller line of vehicles, and more. We also have some of the Emmy Nominated writers from Robot Chicken Star Wars II including Robot Chicken head writer Doug Goldstein, Mike Fasolo, and Dan Milano, discussing their work on Robot Chicken Star Wars past and future, as well as some Star Wars video games. Finally we have Frank Supiot from Kotobukiya giving us the scoop on some upcoming releases in their vehicle line, their 1/7 scale Art FX series, and their Art FX Plus Statue Series. It's like having four ComicCon panels right in your earbuds on this week's special ComicCon Coverage by Star Wars Action News!

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It is with mixed feelings that we look at the closing of 2009. One of those feelings is pain. Sheer, utter, physical pain, as our backs are strained from days of backpacks, our feet our sore from days of standing on the world's most unforgiving of cement floors. But there is also some very happy memories created both between lines and while standing in lines. From meeting Mark Hamill and getting the signature of the man who will always be Luke Skywalker, to seeing Hasbro's product releases for the rest of 2009 and into 2010, and meeting up with friends old and new. On this week's Star Wars Action News, we share with you our memories of San Diego Comic Con 2009, from the author signings to the full-body contact sport that was getting the Hallmark Exclusive Ornaments. And for our next week's show, we want to know what YOU think about all the new products revealed at SDCC. Call our voice mail at 415-508-JEDI or send us an audio clip at show@swactionnews.com so we can find out what items from the con are hot as Mustufar, and which are cold as Hoth.

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2009's San Diego Comic Con is behind us but with so much product revealed from Museum Replicas, eFX, Sideshow, Hasbro, Gentle giant, Diamond, and others, it sometimes takes a while for it all to sink in. On this week's Star Wars Action News, we take your voicemails to talk about what YOU thought of all the new Star Wars items coming down the pike, including Sideshow 1/2 scale busts (with the missing half being a shoulder?), Gentle Giant's Force Unleasehed mini-busts, and Hasbro's new Wal Mart Exclusive Droid Factory figures ($17 a pair? Ouch!) Also on this week's show, we talk about the new Hasbro Fan's Choice figure vote, where you can help determine a new Star Wars figure to be made by Hasbro. Star Wars Action News is one of the contributing sites, so listen to the show, then come to our forums at http://www.swactionnews.com and tell us which figures you think should be made. It's all this and more on this week's episode of Star Wars Action News!

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This past weekend Chicago Comic Con (the convention formerly known as Wizard World Chicago) took place and if you were a Star Wars fan you should have been there. From a plethora of Star Wars action figures to the programming to the autograph opportunities, it was the best showing for Star Wars in some time. Star Wars Action News was there covering the event, and on this week's show you can listen as they recount meeting Clone Wars voice actor Tom Kane, asking questions to Billy Dee Williams in his panel, and kicking back at the Star Wars Action News dinner... Also over the weekend came the shocking announcement that Karen Traviss, author of the much beloved Republic Commando series, will no longer be writing for Star Wars. That announcement is analyzed this week. With discussions of online exclusive orders from Acme, Sideshow, and Gentle Giant, it's all this and more on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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We've talked about collecting figures, busts, statues, bookmarks, candy, and Band-Aids. But this week on Star Wars Action News, we begin a look at a new type of collecting--the collecting of digital fan audio. Do you download all the episodes of Star Wars Action News and keep them on your hard drive? Have you sought out the exclusive movie commentaries they have released, or the special music CD they gave out at Celebration 4? If so, then you are already a digital collector. This week, Nathan P. Butler talks about collecting another type of fan audio--the fan audio drama, which is where Star Wars fan fiction meets old timey radio productions. Also this week on Star Wars Action News: scantily clad ladies! Where? Well, they're at the Lucasfilm Chicago ComicCon presentation, in the prize-winning Saber fan video, and even on StarWars.com! Listen to find out more. With details on all the exclusives still available online (*cough* Gentle Giant *cough*) and the sightings of the newest figures, and a review of the Uncle Milton Dagobah Frog Habitat, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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Vintage collecting is a niche that is often overlooked. With Hasbro bringing out well over 100 figures each year between carded, battle packs, and Clone Wars, it is all too easy to forget about the toys of yesteryear, that so many of us Star Wars fans played with growing up. But for Star Wars Action News, the time for vintage was now as a seemingly once in a lifetime vintage buy was had. What did they get? How much did they pay? Listen to this week's Star Wars Action News to find out! Also this week, they review the recently revealed Gentle Giant Star Wars Dartboard, discuss the new circulating rumors of the Star Wars live action series, and have a Hasbro Q&A answering questions about the Asajj Ventress F/X saber and how Hasbro has determined Ahsoka Tano to be "the bestselling female Star Wars figure of all time". Listen to all this and more on this week's podcast of Star Wars Action News!

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For over four years, Star Wars Action News has been bringing you the reports of what toys are showing up at Wal Marts, Targets, and other nationwide chains. But as any collector knows, sometimes the best finds aren't at your local stores, which is why this week Marjorie and Arnie go looking for toys old and new in some unusual locations, including a number of antique stores, a toy show, and a flea market. They discuss all the types of items you might find at these places. Listen and you might be inspired to go on a Star Wars toy scavenger hunt of your own! Also on this week's podcast, the hosts reveal the 30 characters that you, the listeners, nominated to have figures made as part of Hasbro's current Fan's Choice vote. The characters run the whole range of Star Wars from original trilogy to prequel to expanded universe. Was your favorite character picked? Listen to find out. With a UK report, a kid's review of the new Cad Bane figure, and a rundown on the week's Star Wars collecting news, it's all on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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Since the 90s the Star Wars Essential Guide series has been a must have for Star Wars fans. For fans of the Expanded Universe they are good references, and for those who don't read the novels the Essential Guides provide a Cliff's-Notes version of the Expanded Universe. But with their latest book, The Essential Atlas, Del Rey has outdone themselves. Full of full-color art from all periods of Star Wars lore and heavily detailed maps, as well as a rundown of Star Wars history, this book is truly one no Star Wars book collection should be missing. To share their excitement for this new book, the hosts of Star Wars Action News interviewed the authors of the Atlas, Jason Fry and Daniel Wallace, about the effort that went into literally mapping out a galaxy. Then they talk to one of the authors of the book, Chris Trevas who is responsible for all of the character art in the book. And finally they talk to Nathan P. Butler who contributed to the dates given in the Atlas as an extension of his long time passion, the Star Wars Timeline Gold. With a store report, listener voicemails, and the talk of perhaps the dirtiest Halloween costume ever, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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Star Wars novels are having a bit of a renaissance lately. Deathtroopers is one of the most hotly anticipated books of the fall season, and recently released was Troy Denning's latest Star Wars work, the third book in the Fate of the Jedi series, *Abyss*. This week on Star Wars Action News Troy talks about his experience writing *Fate of the Jedi*, disucssing some of the shocking events that occur in that novel. Also this week, Arnie and Marjorie review a new Shadow Stormtrooper Bobblehead, Scott from Tulsa updates us on the store finds, and we run down some more answers from Hasbro's Q&A round-up. It's all this and more on this brand new Star Wars Action News!

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Last week at Toys R Us if you spent $30 on Star Wars toys you got a free Clone Commander Training Manual, showing that Clone Commanders must be able to navigate mazes, decipher word jumbles, and have plenty of stickers in order to lead Republic forces! The book has a cover price of $14.99, but is it worth it? Listen to this week's Star Wars Action News podcast to find out! Also this week, Star Wars fans know figure prices are on the rise, and with the new Toys R Us Commander Ponds 3.75" figure ringing up at $9.99 with no special accessory, bonus figure, or even Build-A-Droid part, it's becoming quite a lot for collectors to bear. This week on Star Wars Action News there's look at the rising cost of figures and give a rationale as to why another price hike to $8.44 may be in the wings, and run down the latest sales so collectors can get the biggest bang for their buck. With a discussion of the Jedi Religion, a rundown of the newly revealed battle packs and deluxe figures, and a Hasbro Q&A, it's all this and more on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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Week after week the hosts of Star Wars Action News talk about action figures, but something often overlooked is--where do you put the figures once you've opened them? While Hasbro is beyond reluctant to make modern-day playsets, there are options available. On this week's Star Wars Action News the vintage Action Figure Display Stand is reviewed, as well as its modern counterpart, the Action Figure Display Diorama. Also on this week's show, the new Hallmark Clone Wars Christmas ornaments are reviewed, and Brock and Nathan review the new Fate of the Jedi novel Abyss, and they play your voicemails. And remember, Star Wars Action News' Clone Wars Spin-Off show, Republic Forces Radio Network, returns with the new season of the Clone Wars this weekend. They'll be recording their roundtable SUNDAY, October 4th at 9PM EST. If you'd like to join the roundtable, e-mail show@swactionnews.com or go to the Star Wars Action News forums at http://reviewstarwars.com/forums

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While the new red packaged toys continue to show up in ever-larger numbers, perhaps one of the hottest items is still in blue--the Clone Turret Battle Pack. With Hasbro having said that this item is not planned on being rereleased, perhaps ever, due to the new smaller battle pack size, this is one item collectors can't miss out on. The hosts of Star Wars Action News finally got their hands on some of these balls, but are they worth the hunt? Listen to find out. Also this week, the latest prop replica from eFX Collectibles, the Ahsoka Tano Lightsaber, has been shipping. It's sold out from eFX Directly but still available at Brian's Toys. Should you rush to get your hands on this first high-end Clone Wars prop? Arnie and Marjorie review it and let you know! With a news round-up, your voice mails, listener questions, and a Hasbro Q&A, it's all on this week's Star Wars Action News Podcast!

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It's been several months but Star Wars: The Clone Wars is back and better than ever! Kicking off a new 22-episode season with two episodes both featuring Cad Bane, the baddest bounty hunter this side of Boba Fett, the episodes featured action, suspense, humor, and a cameo by Star Wars fan Seth Green. But the hosts of Republic Forces Radio Network cut through the hype--are the episodes as good as you've heard? Does your opinion of the episode match up with ours? Listen to find out!

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It seems like it's been years while we awaited the new Star Wars novel coming out this week--Deathtroopers, and while the book jacket certainly looked grusome enough, evoking images of Hellraiser's Pinhead going to town on the Emperor's troops, and the thought was so exciting to some costumers that zombie stormtroopers could be seen walking the floor at San Diego Comic Con. But for all the hype, including exclusive "letters from the IMperial Prison Barge Purge" published on our own site, there has been some nervousness in the fan community about this title. A Sci-Fi horror mashup? Those sometimes work (Pitch Black) but often don't (Leprechan in Space), and for Star Wars fans the question has been--is this book the dawning of a new type of Star Wars fiction, or doomed to be a failed experiment? With the book in stores this week, Star Wars Action News brings you their in depth spoiler free review of this novel, so you can listen and find out if this is the perfect way to Star Wars up your Halloween horror reading. Also in new releases, there is a new Star Wars video game out, Clone Wars: Republic Heroes. While there seems to be a lot of hype coming from official sources surrounding this game, many people felt the downloadable demo was less than spectacular. With the final game released, Star Wars Action News gives the PS3 version of the game a full review. With talk of the latest, best, and most exclusive Star WArs Halloween costumes, a day by day run down of the free UK Lego sets, and a look at the vintage remote control R2-D2, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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Cad Bane, in the employ of Darth Sidious, has been tasked with kidnapping future Jedi babies, and it takes the combined might of Yoda, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka to stop him! Listen as we discuss this episode, and present part 2 of our interview with Master Yoda himself, Tom Kane!

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On this week's Republic Forces Radio Network we finish our interview with Yoda himself, Tom Kane, and discuss this blasterless, lightsaberless, explosionless episode of the Clone Wars series!

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Since San Diego Comic Con, Star Wars Action News and other Star Wars collecting sites polled you Star Wars fans to determine which Star Wars figures you want made most. Hasbro has compiled all the results into a final list, and voting is open now. Who are these 30 characters fans cannot live without? Find out on this week's Star Wars Action News. Also on this week's show, Owen Cheddar gives us a kid's viewpoint of Clone Wars: Republic Heroes for Wii, Brock updates you on what's hot and new at Brian's Toys, and Reverend Strone joins us with a review of the new Art of the Clone Wars book. And after his review listen to find out how YOU can win a copy of this new book. With your voice mails, a store report, and more, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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It's the biggest Star Wars novel to be released this year, with the biggest promotional push behind it--Star Wars: Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber featuring the first hard core horror Star Wars novel ever, with violence and gore that would earn any film an R rating. This week on Star Wars Action News, Arnie sits down with Joe to discuss the creation of this book, talk about the challenge that is doing Star Wars horror the right way, and finds out the troopth about the Deathtroopers promotional CD that was rumored to have been handed out at New York ComicCon last February. Also this week, Star Wars Action News correspondent Scott from Tulsa has attended the Star Wars in Concert, and he gives us his review of that show as well as some of the latest comic packs hitting stores. And speaking of comic packs, Star WArs Tales author Nathan P. Butler let's listeners know his behind the scenes take of the release of the Hasbro comic figure 2-pack based on his comic book Equals and Opposites. With a UK report, a Hasbro Q&A, and a contest where you can win a copy of Chronicle's The Art of Clone Wars book, it's all this week on the Star Wars Action News podcast!

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A mint on card Vlix. A life sized bronze Yoda statue. A custom action figure of Steve Sansweet in an Ewok outfit. There are some collectibles that we collectors will never get, either due to cost, availability, the fact that they are one of a kind, or perhaps simply because we don't know about them. But with Steve Sansweet's new book 1,000 Collectibles -- Memorabilia and Stories From A Galaxy Far, Far Away we can find out abot some of hese items, as well as some more common ones such as Monkey-Face Leia from 1995's Power of the Force 2 line. Arnie and Marjorie review that book, as well as the Lego Star Wars Visual Dictionary, on this week's Star Wars Action News! Also this week, rundowns on he latest toy bargains from Toys R Us and Wal Mart, your voice mails and a recounting of the horror that was Matt Lauer in a blonde wig. All this and more on this week's Star Wars Action News!

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Flamethrowers! Lasers! Lightsabers! This week's Clone Wars episode, Landing at Point Rain, was all about the action as Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ki-Adi Mundi return to Geonosis to launch an attack on a weapons factory. Listen to the roundtable participents of Republic Forces Radio Network discuss this show, and as an added bonus you can hear the scenes Dave Filoni wrote bridging the last 2 Clone Wars episodes as performed by the voice actors (and Steve Sansweet!) at Star Wars Fan Days 3.

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First books, then DVDs, and now toys...with the American economy in a slump, unemployment topping 10% for the first time in a quarter of a century, stores are fighting harder than ever for each person's expendable income during this holiday shopping season. And these price wars are now impacting Star Wars collectors. Listen this week as we discuss where the savings can be had on Star Wars toys this holiday season! Also on this week's Star Wars Action News, we review the Season 1 DVD Box Set of the Clone Wars Cartoon Series, tell you how to save 20% off your Kotobukiya orders, and run down the latest in store and online finds, including information on how to find some Wal Mart exclusives that may not have yet made it to shelves in your area! And we look at the future of book collecting with the advent of the Amazon Kindle and other eBook readers. With the beginning of the Star Wars Action News Sith-mas gift exchange, our continuing call for Christmas gift ideas, and more, it's on this week's podcast Star Wars Action News!

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The battle continues on Geonosis as padawans Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee go up against super-tanks! And also on this week's episode, the first part of our interview with Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, James Arnold Taylor, including a clip of him performing a Clone Wars scene as seen in Back to the Future!

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Christmas is coming, and the toy aisles are humming! From Hasbro figures to vehicles, to Christmas decorations at Target, gift packages at Toys R Us, and lots of party supplies at Factory Card Outlet. So much Star Wars everywhere, and we try to run down as much of it as we can on this week's Star Wars Action News. Then also this week we have some in depth reviews. Have you been eying one of the flying vehicles, either the Jedi Starfighter or the Gunship? Arnie and Marjorie do their "consumer reports" rundown on the flying Jedi Starfighter to let you know if it's worth your hard earned money. Then Jerry joins us for an in-depth look at Hasbro and Kenner 3.75" scale AT-STs. With the new Wal Mart exclusive super AT-ST, Jerry takes us back in time to the Kenner vintage original and then all the rereleases through the years. And finally this week, perhaps you've heard that the new book The Complete Vader has had its release date pushed back from October, 2009 to October *2011*! Arnie already got his preorder from Amazon, and he reviews this book and discusses the issues surrounding its recall. With your voice mails and what's new at Brian's Toys, it's all this week on Star Wars Action News!

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