SANDTROOPERS.COM WERE UNSTOPPABLE IN 2005
“History shouldn’t be a mystery, our history is REAL history not HIS story!” – Chuck D

The new crew forged into the winter with high expectations of the year ahead for Star Wars fans. The New Year began on the road with the One Man Star Wars show in Chicago Il, one of the first additions to the Dewback Patrol menu in 2005. Charlie Ross puts on a show that is sure to entertain any Star Wars fan. I’ve been told his act is now on Broadway and a huge success.

The features continued to pour in courtesy of the Sandtrooper crew and we were enjoying a multitude of Star Wars collectibles to view. Desert Rat provided an Unleashed, Kotobukiya and many other fine in-depth views of the toys many are searching for. However, the highlight for us had to be the unveiling of first thirty two Revenge of the Sith action figures. S.C.A.L.P. Intel intercepted many new photos, such as the AT-TE Gunner and the Quick-Change Anakin to Darth Vader debuted here. It was very clear what was ahead at Toy Fair wasn’t going to be much of anything after the onslaught of pictures our agents were able to obtain. The entire month of February was sizzling with the anticipation of what could possibly be the greatest movie in the prequel trilogy.

In March I was able to attend a trade show in Rosemont, IL and see first hand the entire line of Revenge of the Sith Costumes that were going to be released this year from Rubies. Once again we were not let down. It was amazing to see the variety of costumes that were being produced for adults, children and even canines! The Midwest Garrison hosted the affair for Rubies and Lucasfilm dispatched C. Andrew Nelson in a real Darth Vader costume to help promote it. Andrew played Vader in the additional footage added to the Trilogy as well as many ads for Lucasfilm over the years. It was a dream come true to be that close to the real deal, truly something to never forget.

The month of April was upon us and for many the biggest month in Star Wars. With the release of April 2nd only to be followed up by Celebration III what more could a Star Wars fan ask for? For most Midnight Madness was again an unnerving yet pleasurable experience. While there was more than enough to go around, there were always a certain group of figures that seemed to elude everyone. This time it was the Royal Guard (both red and blue) and of course the Clone Trooper. Another pleasant surprise for collectors was the superb articulation as well as halfway decent action features. These figures were made to impress, not stay in one particular pose as many of the AotC figures were.

Armed with over 2,000 t-shirts featuring a new logo created by Hotinks artist Steve Sanchez, we aimed to not only have fun but also promote and carry our message to the thousands that would be in Indianapolis, IN, for what promised to be the largest Celebration ever. We set up our bunker at the Federation Toys booth while Boba Binks and Sandtrooper Dan set up their diorama works. Frank D’Lorio was kind enough to invite our staff to his diorama area. Truly a major player in his field of work, we were up to the challenge of having something high quality to merit the invite. Dan built perhaps his finest work to date, and with the help of several fine customs from forum member Y-WingJager they were able to dazzle enough cameras to land inside the cover of Star Wars Insider! Another major announcement at CIII was the announcement of a Tonika Twin figure; they had informed Christine Hewitt while she was there. Our own Jimsjedi was lucky enough to be sitting right next to her and she was able to scribble out the details for him so he wouldn’t forget! It was truly wonderful to meet with all of the Troopers for the four-day festival. It was tough at times in what seemed to be never-ending lines but truly a good time and one we will never forget.

During this same time period there was some chaotic disorder at Sandtroopers.com and Emperor Crypt who founded and launched the website decided it was time to depart and walk away. Instead of closing the doors and many collectors losing out, he was gracious enough to pass everything on to Chris Spice who had worked harder than any other Trooper did along the way. They reached agreement and the site was sold at the end of April. The site is now is better hands than is ever was. In the hands of a true collector who has the best intentions and believes in doing what is right for all Star Wars collectors. During the release date of Revenge of the Sith many were enjoying the debut of the greatest film in the prequels. We were all still numb from the after shock of Celebration III but many had to wonder if this movie would live up to all of our expectations. With the transfer of Sandtroopers.com from a shared server to one of its own, we were armed with the success of Episode III to move forward. In roughly two weeks shy of the film, Revenge of the Sith pulled in 271 million dollars at the box office. We at Sandtroopers.com couldn’t have been more pleased!

In the summer months Sandtrooper Shade went into Philadelphia once again to cover Wizards World's offering to the Keystone State. Once again he was able to complete his mission while navigating the show with a padawan. Shade truly has some amazing navigational skills. Before we knew it Sandtroopette Donna beamed us transmissions from Star Wars Weekends at Disney. Once again showing if you couldn’t be there, we had someone there on a Dewback taking photos, and notes. In July Darth Spice once again hit the road and used a camera of his own to observe the Midwest Garrison at the Glenview Public Library for a meet and greet, and upon this decided it was time to acquire a suit of Sandtrooper armor of his own.

Dustrho unloaded yet another Nuke bomb with the debut of the Customs section. We had quite a few people who decided they didn’t want to talk about what a good figure would look like, instead making them on their own. Snipe assisted by Forum Member RJP were deployed to the San Diego Comic Con. We couldn’t be happier to see some new recon of what was coming in future months. When the dust settled Sandtroopette Donna once again provided some back up and a little more intelligence from the event. If the month couldn’t get any hotter, we launched the third Sandblast Mega-giveaway to commemorate our fifth year on the Internet. Giving away one prize every day was the task at hand, and once it’s finally complete, should go down as the greatest in our history. If we couldn’t have hit enough shows, Sandtrooper Starfox was inserted at a local show in Austin, Texas. The Expo wasn’t the biggest thing in Texas, but one of our own was able to unearth a bargain!

In August we attacked Wizard World Chicago with great anticipation of a great show. However due to Hasbro’s lack of interest, we were very let down. What was even more a disappointment could have been not seeing Master Replicas set up, had it not been for Gentle Giant unloading a new Darth Maul and Boba Fett Statue the show may not have been worth attending. For Darth Spice a journey began as TK7306 as he officially joined the 501st Legion and was assigned to the Midwest Garrison. As his quest to convert from Stormtrooper to Sandtrooper continues we look forward to a full-scale attack at the Chicagoland Entertainment Collector’s Expo this fall and marching into the future with the true Star Wars fans. We’re locked and loaded and ready to assist the Star Wars enthusiast in any way we can.

We’d like to thank the founders of the site and everyone who worked here along the way, had it not been for you we wouldn’t be here. We’d also like to thank the seasoned vets and new recruits who will help us continue to build the collecting army of the future…. United We Find!

To BE continued!