Rounding out the Gentle Giant Ice variants are the AT-AT Driver and the Wampa. And, to see them all you can click on the group shot. While we didn't set out to do it, we managed to have a record setting month here at JTA! Todays guides mark 127 new guides for the month of January! Well on pace to outdo 2005! Stay tuned as we continue to bring you daily Visual Guides, 365 days a year!

     Hello everyone once again, Marjorie and Arnie hope you had as good a weekend as they did. They spent Saturday with the Paducah Fan Force in Kentucky dominating silent auctions, winning drawings, watching the prequels, and making new friends in the process. They talk about their trip in the latest episode of Star Wars Action News, and pictures are on the web site at www.ReviewStarWars.com
     And Arnie talks about some of his favorite video games from the Star Wars era as he is hyped for the Star Wars: Empire at War game. He has even released his own Star Wars video game which he wrote in 1999. All the details are in the show.
     Also, do remember the first of the month is fast approaching, so when February rolls around please go vote for us at Podcast Alley! The direct link can be found on our web site at www.ReviewStarWars.com.

     The next pair of Ice variant bust-ups to be added to the Gentle Giant Visual Guide are the evil Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader and Bacara's great grandson, a Snowtrooper.

 

     StarWarsShop.com has 25th anniversary prints celebrating the Star Wars Universe (2002) and The Empire Strikes Back (2005). Click below to take a closer look at these very creative prints, both celebrating 25 years of Star Wars!

     The Jedi Temple Archives would like to welcome the Stand Tall Display System, a new and great way to display your colleciton, to the family:      Hello, I’ve been a Star Wars collector since I was a kid in the seventies and have projected that interest into a healthy obsession. Over the years I’ve struggled to display my ever growing collection in a manner that lets every figure share a little of the limelight. With that in mind I started designing a Display System that gave me the versatility to create interesting displays that maximized my shelf space. The outcome is the Stand Tall Display System.      Click here to see detailed images and read all about the story of the Stand Tall Display System and how it will make you collection display the best it can be!

     Sideshow Collectibles decided that the Star Wars 12" figure line needed something extra special for the packaging and they came up with a great looking four panel package that lets you rebox your figure (in case you'd really want these works of art inside a box!). Click the image below to take a closer look and learn about the sedign process.

     The entires are in for the MasEFX.com Forums contest and now is your chance to make a difference...stop by and vote for who you think has the best customs, display, high end collection and more! Click here to join their forums and in the fun!

     Gentle Giant is proud to announce it will be importing a quantity of the TOMY's Star Wars Helmet Collection Series 1 into the US for purchase. Retailing at $5.99, these helmets are blind boxed and may include one of the following helmets; Darth Vader, C-3PO, Stormtrooper, X-wing Pilot, TIE Pilot or Rebel Fleet.

     Master Replicas Mr. Blog has finally revealed what all those teaser pictures belong to...the Y-Wing! This fantastic ship is made of machined aluminum and brass components and quality resin construction with injection molded details. It comes complete with a display base and COA. It will be on sale to Collectors Society members at 9:00 PST January 31 and to the general public on February 2. Don't forget to join the Collector's Society for a coupon to save $100 off the $799 price!

     The last of the exclusive hero & villain mini hologram pack-ins are now added to the Saga Collection visual guide. Take a closer look at these holograms below, and don't forget to check out alliance collectibles for their complete stock of Saga Collection figures!

     Sideshow Collectibles has announced that the next line of 12" figures will revolve around the Heroes of the Rebellion. The article highlights our favorites such as Princess Leia and Han Solo...Who will be in this lineup? Stay tuned to JTA and Sideshow Collectibles in the next few weeks to learn who we'll see as the first Hero of the Rebellion figure! Click here to read more about this next exciting lineup of 12" figures from Sideshow!

     Check out all the great new Star Wars stuff in stock at You Buy Now. You can read a quick recap of this week's happenings right here!
     New Arrivals This Week

     Things from Another World is offering 15% off select Star Wars mini-busts. So, if you are still in need of a Han Solo, Revenge of the Sith Darth Vader or an Empire Strikes Back Yoda, just click the links to order yours today.

     The Jedi Temple Research Droids are always hard at work and today they have come up with a piece of information that we have all been trying to nail down...Bounty Hunt figures...they came across something that will be called the Ultimate Galactic Hunt 2006 promotion which will indeed involve the Vintage Style figures and special packaging that will be worth something for the avid collector. How many you will need to claim the prize still remains a bit unclear...the Droids are cleaning up after Darth Vader and the 501st and some records have been destroyed.
     They also came up with another bit of info that involves something of a HOF assortment that will include the likes of Anakin Skywalker, Chewbacca, ARC-170 Clone Pilot, Commander Bacara, Darth Vader, Destroyer Droid, General Grievous, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2-D2, Yoda and a SA Clone Trooper.
     Please remember that the Temple is in ruin and dust can effect the Research Droid's processors, so all of this is just rumor until Hasbro says its not.

     The Unleashed Battle Pack update is complete with the addition of the Heroes that battled alongside with the Wookiees and the Clones. Tarfful, Chewbacca, Yoda and Aayla Secura were all leaders in their battles and now you can view them by clicking below or by heading over to the Unleashed Visual Guide.

 
 

     Need AT-AT Drivers? Snowtroopers and a few extra General Veers? An extra Power Droid or two wold be great also...Well, stop in at Alliance Collectibles and stock up! They've got a fresh truck in of all your Battle of Hoth favorites but hurry in and place your order before the inventory just melts away!

     If you have not ordered your set yet, now is the time! Entertainment Earth has both Astromech 5-pack in stock and waiting to ship so Click here to order your set today!

     The Unleashed Battle Pack updates in the Visual Guides continue. This time we have added the Wookiee Warriors set to the group. These four different Wookiee Warriors come complete with flying Wookiee braids! But...we're not done yet. Check back later today for the Heroes of the Kashyyyk & Felucia campaigns!

 
 

     Dark Horse is pleased to present another all-new Star Wars series for 2006! Set between the events of Episode IV A New Hope and Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Rebellion explores the desperate struggle of Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire. Delivered in high-octane, widescreen style by writer Rob Williams and artist Brandon Badeaux, Rebellion features shocking revelations about characters from Luke’s past! Click here to read more

     Kashyyyk is a lush jungle planet where treetops serve as homes for the native Wookiees, a towering fur-covered species known to be ferocious warriors. The planet serves as a navigation gateway for the entire southwest quadrant of the galaxy, making it of prime strategic importance. During the Clone Wars, the Separatists attempted to subjugate Kashyyyk by invading it with their droid armies.

     As the 2nd wave of Unleashed Battle Packs just about hit the stores we are ready to unleash them into the Visual Guides ! The first set we present to you is Aayla Secura's 327th Star Corps from the Battle of Felusia. The set contains Commander Bly and three of his troops. Check them out below and don't go far...another set will be here shortly!

 
 

     Entertainment Earth just got in a bunch of great new stuff including the Bounty Hunters Gift Set, Star Wars Transformers Wave 1 and the very sought after Clean Clone Trooper Bust-Ups 4-Pack!! Click here to head on over and place your order.

     R2DToys has the Hoth Wave hot off the truck and ready for shipping! Head on over and check it out...you can get the entire wave at just £6 per figure!! Don't forget they are currently offering 30% off all Episode 3 Revenge Of The Sith Products! This sale will end soon, pick up a bargain while you can!

     The Episode IV Luke Skywalker SE signed my Mark Hamill himself is now on sale to Collector's Society members. There are only 750 of these in existence, so act fast. Click here to order yours now...history shows they can sell out in under an hour! Please note: You must be logged in to view the saber.

     Attention all Hyperspace Members! The Star Wars Shop will have a limited quantity of the new 12" Sideshow Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi figures in stock starting today! Hyperspace members will have just 3 days to buy these awesome figures when if there are remaining figures available, they will go on sale to the general public. Click here to head on over to the Star Wars Shop.

     The highly sought after 12" Plo Koon action figure has been spotted on eBay along with a couple other goodies you just won't find in stores...like this uncirculated AFA graded Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight and Han Solo AT-ST Disguise. Just click the link to take a look!

     Of course the Clone Troopers did not stay all nice and clean during the Clone Wars, so Gentle Giant took care of that too by producing a battle damaged set for the Star Wars Shop. Check them all out in the Gentle Giant Visual Guide or by clicking below!

 

 

 

     The Jedi Temple Archives and Star Wars Action News are proud to announce they have formed an Alliance! Starting today, you will be able to find JTA news over at SWAN and JTA you'll find prominent and easy links to Star Wars Action News so you can listen to your favorite Star Wars collecting podcast..not to mention we'll be helping each other out from time to time to bring you even more complete coverage of the collecting world and events that you want to know more about!
     Star Wars Action News Podcast's newest episode goes even deeper with Mr. Sansweet discussing his professional role at Lucasfilm, including how he got his start and how involved he is in such things as Star Wars Celebration 3. They also ask him about upcoming projects, such as the animated TV series, the live-action TV series, the Star Wars movies remastered in 3-D, and the possibility of a Star Wars Celebration 4.
     SWAN has also begun another contest with AndrewsToyz in which you can win a Gentle Giant Yoda mini-bust, a Star Wars Shop exclusive Wedge Antillies figure, or a 2006 Saga Han Solo in Carbonite or Boba Fett figure! Listen for details on how you can win one of these great prizes!...so click here to listen to the Steve Sansweet interview and all the rest of the fun at SWAN!

     Clone Troopers...so many people just can't get enough of them! So, Gentle Giant decided to help out and give us some Clone Trooper Army Builder bust-up packs! Today, we've added (most of) the clean version of our favorite clones...and to make up for the lack of a white clone...one of the 2 Commander Gree chase bust-ups! Check them all out in the Gentle Giant Visual Guide or by clicking below!

 

 

     The rumored Clone Wars Gunship has made an appearance over at Amazon.com. Click here to pre-order this way cool version of the gunship taken from the Clone Wars animated series. It is due for a May 1 release date...it retails for $44.99.

     R2DToys is having a huge sale including 30% off all ROTS product to make room for new products in their new warehouse as their plans for up-sizing tier operation move forward! Click here to check out all the great deals! They even have the Anakin Skywalker ROTS Lightsaber FX for just £59 / €84!! And don't forget to check out all the great new arrivals from SW Transformers, Kubricks, 2006 TSC and more. Read the full newsletter right here and then head on over to R2DToys and start shopping!

     Have you signed up for your Master Replicas 2006 Collector's Society yet? If not, now is the time...on January 24, 9am PST, the Luke Skywalker Ep. IV SE will go an sale to SC members. If any of the only 750 are left for sale by January 26 non-SC members will have a shot at it, but why take the chance? Sign up for your membership so you don't miss out
     And...in the Master Replicas Blog, an interesting image has popped up for an announcement to come next week...can you guess what the next Studio Scale vehicle will be?

 

     The Winter Specials are still going strong over at Brian's Toys with price breaks from ROTS to Master Replicas. They also have in the very rare and unique Vintage Foreign Villain Set, Hero Set and Creature Set!! Click here to read their entire newsletter.

     Kotobukiya has sculpted one of the coolest clones from Revenge of the Sith and now he's up for pre-order at the Star Wars Shop. Commander Bly was on Felucia when Order 66 came through and he and his troops cut down Aayla Secura in cold blood. Click below to pre-order your Koto Bly today!

     Today is the day when you can pre-order the first ever 12" Kit Fisto figure! Head on over to Sideshow Collectibles at 10am PST to place your order for what promises to be yet another great addition to any collection. The Sideshow Exclusive edition accessory is a defeated battle droid head!! Remember...you must be an active newsletter member and a SideshowCollectibles.com online user account holder to place your order.

     The next in the Star Wars spud family has sprouted...and it is R2D-Tater!! He can be seen in this auction by Midcotoys. Hop on over and check it out!

     We continue to fill out the Revenge of the Sith wave of Gentle Giant Bust-Ups with the addition of the Sith Eyes variant of Anakin Skywalker, the Clone Trooper with his blaster and General Grievous! What's on tap for tomorrow...tune in again to find out. In the meantime, just click below for a close look at these Bus-Ups!

 

     Action HQ has the 2nd wave of Unleashed Battle Packs and the EE Astromech Droid 4-packs hot off the truck and in stock, ready to ship! They also have the Kotobukiya Darth Maul on sale for just $69.95...Stop in Action HQ and place your orders before all these great items disappear!

     TFAW is giving away free Star Wars stuff with orders of $35 or more of in stock merchandise. All you need is at least 1 Star Wars item in the cart and to use the coupon code SWGIVEAWAY and you could end up with the rare clear brown Chewbacca Bust-Up variant, a Yoda Bust-Up or one of six limited edition foil or chromium cover Star Wars comics for free!

     The great folks over at LEGO have sent over some great images of the upcoming Sail Barge and Imperial Star Destroyer building sets...including some nice shots of the alternate sets that can be built from the ISD...a T-16 Skyhopper or the Outrider! Click below for an up close look!

   
   

     Master Replicas has announced the plans for the 2006 Collectors Society which includes a brand new version of Master Windu's lightsaber features an elegant matte finish, over $300 in coupons, collectible pin, membership card, the chance to purchase Collectors Society exclusives and much more! Click here to go to Master Replicas and order your Collector's Society kit today!

     Gentle Giant is offering the Salacious Crumb mini-bust (2,500 pieces) and the complete set of 6 Battle of Hoth "Ice" bust ups to tier Collectors Club members while supplies last. The only way you can buy them is through their newsletter and they are limited to 1 per person per day.

 

     StarWarsShop.com has even more .45 scaled sabers available. The latest editions include the Obi-Wan Weathered Episode IV Scaled Replica Lightsaber and the Luke Skywalker Episode IV Scaled Replica Lightsaber. The weathered Obi-wan saber was previously only available as a European/Walmart exclusive, and now is available worldwide. So, if you've been hunting for this one, now is your chance! They also still have a nice variety of other cool scaled sabers available, including the very cool SWshop exclusive Limited Edition Black Chrome Anakin Skywalker Mini Lightsaber.

     The Galactic Heroes Visual Guide gets its first update in the 2006 line with the addition of Luke Skywalker and the Scout Trooper with their speeder bikes. Han Solo and Luke also join the group in their Hoth gear. All of these have been released back in 2002, but they all have spiffy new paint jobs. Click below of a close up look.

 

 

 

     The Saga Collection updates continue, this time with another from the Battle of Hoth wave. This R2-D2 was previously available in the Walmart early bird kit, but this time he has that slightly used look. He was also available on the VOTC card, but he does not have the pop-off panel for the tools attachments. He does come with some pretty nice little accessories, pretty much what you saw while he was on Dagobah. Also included in this update is another hero hologram (Yoda).

     Well, here is something that you don't see every day...a Rocket Firing Boba Fett L-Slot Prototype up for auction on eBay. Now, even if you don't have $18,000 to spend on one of Star Wars greatest grails, its worth the clicking over just to take a nice look at it!

     Images of the Patina Finish Darth Vader and Boba Fett Titanium Forged figures are now posted at the Official Site. Click here to take a closer look.

     The Official Site has announced that his year's Star Wars Weekends will run between May 19, 2006 and running through June 11, 2006. Click here to head on over to the OS and read more.

     It looks like they are almost here...Check out this eBay auction by rose_productions for a case of the 2006 VOTC Figures. This round will include Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot, Tusken Raider, Greedo, Han Solo in Endor Gear and a Biker Scout...click below to see a closer image of the cards.

       

     It was one of the most intense battles in the Star Wars Saga and Master Replicas helped bring home a few pieces of that battle to the European audience. Today the Exclusives Section of the Visual Guides tonight is updated with the European Exclusive chrome versions of Darth Sidious' and Yoda's .45 scaled lightsabers. Each lightsaber comes with a special stand indicating the European Exclusive. Click below for a closer look.

 

     Star Wars Action News Podcast's newest episode is up and ready for your listening pleasure. This week, the first half of our interview with Steve is in our latest podcast. Steve talks about what drives him to collect, why he chose Star Wars, and what happens to unopened food after ten years. Always entertaining, informative, and sometimes giving answers you may not expect.
     In addition, Marjorie and Arnie discuss the Star Wars X-Wing transformer, and reveal some rumors whispered in Arnie's ear by a Bothan spy...This is by far our best episode yet...so click here to listen to the Steve Sansweet interview and all the rest of the fun at SWAN!

     As we add brand new coverage we continue to update our Star Wars Experience section with many article of the past that deserve a home so that you can feel like you were there too!
     Today we add three full pages of articles and images from the Star Wars Reunion that was held in Paris, France this past May 13-15. This fantastic Star Wars convention in Europe featured concerts, costume contest, stars like Peter Mayhew and Warwick Davis, the folks you need to see to get the scoop on SW like Steve Sansweet and Rick McCallum, your favorite manufacturers showing their wares and more! Of course our Bothan contact David Guivant has all the details so click here for another Star Wars Experience!

     The Hoth wave has just started to hit the shops and we have the first few loose images for you in the Saga Collection Visual Guide tonight. A brand new sculpt of General Veers joins a fan favorite, Cliff, er, Major Bren Derlin along with a repaint of an army builder favorite...the Snowtrooper. And we've also added the Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-hologram. Check out the images by clicking below!

 

     Now is your chance to make sure you can get the Utapau Trooper, Scorch and Coruscant Fire pilot for your collection. EntertainmentEarth has the Saga Collection 3 case assortment ready for pre-order so you can get those 1 per case figures you know you'll be wanting plenty of! to place your order now.

     The Winter Specials are still going strong over at Brian's Toys with something from POTF2 through ROTS on sale! They also have in a bunch of "gold chase" .45 scaled Master Replicas sabers, Attakus Collection, Kotobukiya (including the 501st Trooper) and more! And don't forget that Coupon Code "NL339" expires at Jan. 15 at 11:59PM CST. Save $10 on orders over $50!

     The next Sideshow Collectibles 12" figure has been announced and this one is a green, big eyed, big smile Jedi...Kit Fisto! Click below to get the details and don't forget to sign up for both the Sideshow newsletter and on-line account so you can pre-order yours at 10am PST January 20!

     LEGO Shop @ Home has the first 5 of the 2006 ships up for order! Take your pick from the A-Wing, B-Wing, V-Wing, Slave I and TIE Interceptor or just get them all! Click here to browse their shop

     The Gentle Giant Visual Guide gets the cold shoulder today with the addition of the Imperials from the Battle of Hoth wave bust-ups. Darth Vader leads his AT-AT Driver and Snowtrooper troops in search of the Rebels...will he catch them? Come back tomorrow to find out.
     Don't forget to head on over to Andrew's Toyz to pick up your Battle of Hoth bust-ups and all your Gentle Giant needs...including the International Edition of the Darth Maul Statue!

 

     We are still catching up from the holidays but back on track now and ready for a very exciting 2006. We have a lot of great new items in stock as well as some new stuff available for pre-order. You can read a quick recap of this week's happenings right here!
     New Arrivals This Week

     A pair of Galactic Heroes dangle their way to the Young Kids Visual Guide! Darth Vader and Darth Tater, lord of the Galaxy and lord of the pantry, are from a small spin-off line of Galactic Heroes known as Backpack Heroes. They are the last two to make it, filling out the Backpack Heroes section...