Hasbro Q&A Update for May 29th

Hasbro has updated their website with the latest round of Star Wars Q&A. Click on over to check out the answers to all the questions submitted by the particpating Star Wars fan/news/media websites during the last Q&A session.

Free eBook Download - The Lost Tribe of the Sith

The Lost Tribe of the Sith is a new series of Star Wars novellas designed to complement the Fate of the Jedi series from Del Rey books. The series is written by John Jackson Miller and focuses on, well, a lost tribe of Sith descendents. The first installment, Precipice, is now available for download.

Sideshow Collectibles Edition Size Update

Sideshow Collectibles has set the edition size for the Premium Format Count Dooku figure at 750 pieces worldwide. If you missed out on pre-ordering this Sith Lord, don't forget you can still sign up for the wait list for a chance to get one!

Toys R Us Acquires FAO Schwarz

The ever changing world of toy retailers is about to take another turn. Toys R Us has reached an agreement to buy FAO Schwarz. TRU plans to continue to run FAO's two retail stores and catalog business but may end up expanding the selections at both.

New JediDefender.com Give-Away - Joker Squad!

Starting today, JediDefender.com is giving you a chance to win the Entertainment Earth exclusive Legacy Collection Joker Squad from Hasbro. Check out their new Give-Away page for all the details on how you can enter to win!

LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary Pre-Order at EE

Entertainment Earth is taking pre-orders for the new LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary from DK Books. The book offers a unique look at the history, manufacture, and construction of the LEGO Star Wars Universe and includes an exclusive LEGO Luke Skywalker mini-figure!

New Target and TRU Scoops at the Big Site

Things are crackin' again over at JediDefender! Head on over to the big site to read up on a pile of new rumors - potential Target exclusivity for the new TIE Fighter, potential Toys R Us exclusivity for a new TIE Interceptor, a Target Geonosis Arena 2-Packs update, and more!

WotC Jedi Academy Miniatures Preview # 3

Wizards of the Coast has posted their third preview of the upcoming Jedi Academy expansion set. The preview offers a sneak peek at the Jedi Battlemaster miniature. Head on over for the details on these new minis heading your way next month!

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron Coming This Fall

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron is coming this Fall to the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS. The game presents an new take on the Star Wars Battlefront gameplay, resulting in new levels of interaction and excitement in handheld gaming. Follow the link for all the details!

Get $5 off Star Wars Miniatures at Target

Wizards of the Coast and StarWars.com have teamed up to offer everyone a great discount on Star Wars Minatures. Head on over and print the PDF coupon to get $5 off the purchase of an Imperial Entanglements Star Wars Miniatures booster pack at your local Target store!

SW Action News Podcast # 196 - Requiem for an X-Wing

Star Wars Action News has posted their latest podcast, Requiem for an X-Wing. In this episode, the SWAN team discusses the figures memorializing those brave X-Wing pilots lost in battle above Yavin as well as the usual look around the toy aisle.

Shipping From Dark Horse This Week

Arriving at your local comic book shop this week is Star Wars: Legacy #36 from Dark Horse Comics. Can't wait to read it? Then check out Dark Horse's site for a preview to tide you over!

Memorial Day 2009

We'd like to take a moment today to remember all those men and women who died while serving their country. We are thankful for the sacrifices they made to keep this country safe. We also want to send out our best wishes to those who serve today, may you be safe from harm and we hope you can come home soon.

New Mid-Size Starfighter Vehicles Hit Retail

The latest wave of Starfighter Vehicles has started to hit Target and Walmart stores across the USA. The wave includes two new ships - the Magnaguard Starfighter and the Super Vulture Droid. Another bit of good news to pass along is that many stores have rolled back prices to $19.99 so be sure you shop around before you buy!

Target Remote Control Astromechs Found at Retail

We've received many reports that the exclusive Remote Control Astromechs are now popping up at Target stores across the country. Most Target stores won't have peg space for them until they reset the aisle for the big Transformers toy push this week, but plenty of stores have them in the backroom if you like to use the DPCI trick (#087-06-0106).

Star Wars: The Old Republic Web Comic - The Threat of Peace

LucasArts has posted a new update to the Star Wars: The Old Republic web comic. The first story arc, The Threat of Peace, continues with Issue # 7 of Act I, Treaty of Coruscant.

Star Wars Soundboards Update - Jabba the Hutt

StarWars.com has added twenty new Jabba the Hutt clips to their new Star Wars Soundboards. Click on over and have some fun with everyone's favorite slimy crime overlord.

Piles of New Images at JediDefender

The gang at JediDefender has been hard at work digging up new images for you to check out. Click on over for a closer look at a pile of upcoming Clone Troopers as well as Shira Brie from the upcoming Walmart exclusive Evolutions pack.

2009 Parco Carded Fett Collection Revealed

Medicom Toy has unveiled the big 2009 Parco Show Kubrick item - an exclusive 6-pc Carded Set of the figures from the upcoming Boba Fett Collection Kubrick Series that will be released later this summer. The set will be sold at the show and then through the Medicom website after the show (Japan customers only).

Target Jabba's Rancor Set Finally Hits Retail

It showed up on-line at Target.com way back in January. Then, it sold out on-line back in April. Now, finally, the exclusive Jabba's Rancor set has hit retail Target stores! Click on the thumbnail above to check out the Rancor I was able to pick up at my local store this evening. Grab those DPCI numbers (087-06-2066) and start your hunt this weekend!

Hasbro Star Wars Q&A - Session 11

On May 1st, we sent our eleventh batch of questions to Hasbro to once again take part in their Star Wars Question and Answer sessions. Today, we've got the answers to those three questions!

1. It's been a while since we pestered you about our good pal Han Solo... are you ready to tell us which version we're getting in the A New Hope wave later this year? The kids on the internet are spilt - about half are thinking new Death Star Escape version, the other half are thinking he's from Yavin someplace.

** He's not from Yavin, so the other half would be right.

2. It sounds like the new red & white cardbacks will be a bit smaller in size, much like the Marvel cards on the pegs at the moment. Will the smaller cardback affect our ability to get the occasional larger pack-in items (like the Bespin Torture Rack) we've been spoiled with these past few years?

** The smaller card size will limit the pack-ins we can fit in, but the reality is that costs have forces us to scale back on the number of larger-scale offering we can include. We still hope to sneak the occasional one in when we can and feel it's imperative to round out the figure.

3. That new Galactic Heroes Snowspeeder is fantastic! Any chance of more Galactic Heroes from Hoth, like say a repaint of the snowspeeder with Wedge, Janson, and a new Snowtrooper sculpt?

** That is a great idea - we are always looking to take the "fleet" type of approach with our Galactic Heroes, like we do with the 3-3/4" line. Thanks for the suggestion.

Topps Galaxy IV Sketch Card Gallery Update

The Star Wars Galaxy IV card series from Topps is now available at hobby and comic shops. As part of the series, various artists show their talents in one-of-a-kind sketch cards depicting characters from the Star Wars saga. Check out StarWars.com for a look at some of the sketch cards from artist Noah Albrecht.

StarWarsShop Stuffed with New Plushes

StarWarsShop has a pile of new Star Wars plush toys available from Comic Images, including an exclusive Rotta the Hutt plush that was previously only available as a backpack accessory. Click on over to check out what's in-stock.

A Closer Look at SDCC'09 Smiling Luke Skywalker

Anyone interested in seeing some new images of the upcoming 2009 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive 'Smiling' X-Wing Pilot Luke Skywalker? Of course you are! Just click on over to JediDefender to check out the pics!

Legacy Wave 8 Up for Pre-Order at Entertainment Earth

Entertainment Earth is now taking pre-orders for Legacy Collection Wave 8. One interesting thing to note about the pre-order is that they include a Clegg Holdfast & Ratts Tyerell 2-Pack in the case assortment. Last we heard from Hasbro, Ratts was being held and Clegg was coming alone... could the big H have found a way to give us both or is it just an "oops" on EE's part? Guess we'll have to wait and see!

New Galactic Heroes 2-Packs Revealed at EE

Entertainment Earth is also taking pre-orders for a new wave of Galactic Heroes 2-Packs from The Clone Wars animated series. Included in the wave are four new sets - Ahsoka & Goldie, Kit Fisto & General Grievous, Clone ARF Trooper & Yoda, and Lt. Thire & IG-86 Assasin Droid! No pics yet, but hopefully we'll see them soon.

First Look - Star Wars: The Complete Vader

StarWars.com has posted a first look at the cover art for Star Wars: The Complete Vader from Del Rey. The 192-page book is devoted to all things Vader - his history, his costume, the merchandise, and more. Look for it to hit bookstores this October.

The Death Star - Prototypes, Possibilities, and Speculation

In case you missed it, the 'net has been buzzing about a Death Star Playset Prototype that surfaced earlier this week. Is it a mock-up from a dead concept or is it a hint at what's to come? No one knows, but everyone is having fun speculating!

WotC Jedi Academy Miniatures Previews # 1 & 2

Wizards of the Coast has posted their first and second previews of the upcoming Jedi Academy expansion set. Preview #1 highlights the Cade Skywalker (Padawan) miniature and preview #2 highlights the Qui-Gon Jinn (Jedi Trainer) miniature. Head on over for the details on these new minis heading your way next month!

Shipping From Dark Horse This Week

Arriving at your local comic shop this week is Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic #41 from Dark Horse Comics. Can't wait to read it? Well then check out Dark Horse's website for a preview to tide you over!

SW Action News Podcast # 195 - The Phantom Memories

Star Wars Action News has posted their latest podcast, The Phantom Memories. In this episode, the SWAN team celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Episode 1 by looking back at the toys, the lines for tickets, Star Wars Celebration I, and more.

Have a Clone Wars Adventure with PlayHut

StarWars.com has posted a feature on some new Clone Wars Play Structures (aka "tents") from PlayHut. Kids (large or small) can choose from four different pop-up tent playhouses to help recreate their favorite scenes from the cartoon.

Han's Hideout Joins Forces with JediDefender.com

In case you missed the announcement, Han's Hideout is becoming an official affiliate site of JediDefender.com. What does that mean? It means the same great Star Wars toy coverage you've come to expect from us, plus even more news and features over at JediDefender!

Time to Plan Your Disney Star Wars Weekend!

The Official Star Wars Website has posted a schedule and map of activities to help you plan your trip to 2009 Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios in Florida. The first weekend includes appearances by hosts Jay Laga'aia and Ashley Eckstein, along with Ray Park, Warwick Davis and James Arnold Taylor.

Star Wars Soundboards Update - R2-D2

StarWars.com has added twenty new R2-D2 clips to their new Star Wars Soundboards. Click on over and have some fun with everyone's favorite astromech droid.

TRU Exclusive Clone Commander Ponds Revealed

The gang at JediDefender.com have posted new pictures of a yet-to-be officially announced TRU exclusive Clone Wars Commander Ponds figure. No details yet, but we're assuming he'll be hitting stores in the Fall when the new line look makes its debut.

Drawing the Clone Wars - Mace Windu

All you aspiring artists out there can head on over to the Official Star Wars Website for a lesson on how to draw Jedi Master Mace Windu from The Clone Wars animated series! Illustrator Noah Albrecht explains how with an easy-to-follow step by step process.

New TIE Fighter Prototype Pics at JediDefender

Our pals at JediDefender have posted a pair of new pictures of what appears to be an upgraded TIE Fighter Prototype. Click on over to check out the pics of the new TIE, which features a new and more detailed cockpit interior.

Sideshow SDCC'09 Stormtrooper Han & Luke Reminder

Just a reminder that the SDCC'09 exclusive 12" Stormtrooper Han & Luke Figure Set from Sideshow Collectibles will go up for priority pre-ordering tomorrow at 10AM Pacific for the SDCC attendees and Friday at 10AM Pacific for non-attendees. To whet your appetite, Sideshow has posted the product image gallery a bit early!

Star Wars Soundboards Update - Han Solo

As you can imagine, we here at Han's Hideout were stoked to learn that StarWars.com has added thirty Han Solo clips to their new Star Wars Soundboards today. Click on over and have some fun with everyone's favorite scruffy-looking nerf herder.

SW Action News Podcast # 194 - Pawns of the Darkside

Star Wars Action News has posted their latest podcast, Pawns of the Darkside. In this episode, the SWAN team discusses the potential impact the new Star Trek film and its merchandise might have on Star Wars collecting.

Shipping From Dark Horse This Week

Arriving at your local comic book shop this week is Star Wars: The Clone Wars #6 (of 6) from Dark Horse Comics. Can't wait to read it? Well then check out Dark Horse's website for a preview to tide you over!

The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes Coming in September

Fans of Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series can continue the battle for galactic peace this September in an all-new videogame from LucasArts and Krome Studios. The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes will be released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation2, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS, and PC (which is just about every game system out there I think).

More Star Wars Christmas Goodies Revealed

The Official Star Wars Website has posted a preview of some of the Star Wars Christmas Items heading our way later this year. Click on over to check out the R2-D2 and Yoda light strings, new Star Wars stockings, and more.

New Clone Wars Mid-Size Vehicles Revealed

The gang at Rebelscum have posted new images of two upcoming Mid-Size Vehicles from The Clone Wars - the Corporate Alliance Tank Droid and the Octuptarra Droid. No official word yet on when or how they will arrive in stores, but hopefully we'll learn more at SDCC!

New SW:The Old Republic Trooper Class Revealed

LucasArts has revealed another one of the playable character classes in the new massively multiplayer online PC game Star Wars: The Old Republic - the Trooper class! The Trooper class is an elite combat class specializing in heavy blaster rifles and armor.

Star Wars Invasion Comic Preview

StarWars.com has posted a preview of Star Wars Invasion from Dark Horse Comics. Written by Tom Taylor with art by Colin Wilson, the story begins after the events of the New Jedi Order novel Vector Prime. Part two of this story will appear online on June 5th, while issue #1 of the series debuts in July.