 Hey Troopers! I recently acquired new photos from Mark Berry, who was present at both the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Little Friends Parade. You'll have to check out those pages for all the new photos that we received from him. We also received additional photos from Darth Sohn. Lastly, I have written my own report of the CSO event, and you can check that out here. Hope you enjoy the photos and the report! |
 Before you had a chance to order another cup of Jawa Juice at the Cantina, Boba Binks has once again served up another new Star Wars figure for your viewing pleasure. The hype was incredible leading up to the Covert Ops Clone Trooper which features unique packaging to celebrate the release of Revenge of the Sith on DVD and VHS. Is the Covert Ops Clone Trooper on your Christmas lists? Thanks again to our Images sponsor Action-HQ where you will find this figure in stock and shipping! Get yours first at Action-HQ. |
 We have had the opportunity to update our Gentle Giant Mini-Bust guide. Boba Binks has added both Yoda and Darth Vader. Stay tuned to the this page for the Sandtrooper set that will be coming very soon. Special thanks to Andrew's Toys for these pieces. Visit Andrew's Toys today for all your Gentle Giant Collectibles! |
 Hey Troopers! Even though it was cold, windy and rainy in the western suburbs of Chicago, it didn’t stop the members of the Midwest Garrison from marching through downtown Naperville. I saddled up my dewback yesterday morning, and traveled to Naperville to march in the “Friends of Little Friends” parade. As described on the Little Friends Inc.’s website, “the parade is held in downtown Naperville on Thanksgiving weekend, as part of the Hometown Holidays celebration. With floats, costumed characters, the arrival of Santa and much more, it's a colorful celebration for all ages.” Check out my full report with pictures here, and don't forget to talk about it in our forums. |
 Well, he sure is one hard figure to find, but those of you who have been lucky enough to find the elusive 501st Clone Trooper might not be all that ecstatic about it after you get it out of its package. You might have heard about it in our forums, but this figure is a rehash of the AT-TE Gunner that came out several months ago. It’s not a new sculpt, but was anyone here even expecting to get something new from Hasbro? I would have thought they would use the #41 Clone Trooper body, which is the best clone trooper body they could have used. But, they decided to go a different route.For those who do have the new figure, what are your thoughts about it? Are you happy with it? Does having a clone trooper who can remove his helmet please you? If you haven’t read Darth Spice’s review yet, you should know that he wasn’t too thrilled with it. And, I would have to say that I’m a little bit disappointed myself with this figure, as I was really hoping it was going to be either something new or made from the #41 Clone Trooper body. If you haven’t done so already, please share your thoughts and opinions over in our forums. |
| New Star Wars Holiday Ornaments: Yoda glass Darth Vader glass C-3PO glass Boba Fett glass Darth Vader Porcelain Yoda Porcelain R2-D2 Porcelain R2-D2 Porcelain Darth Vader M & M's R2-D2 M & M's C-3PO M & M's Emperor M & M's Darth Maul M & M's Boba Fett M & M's Queen Amidala M & M's General Grivious M & M's Anakin Skywalker M & M's Stormtrooper M & M's Chewbacca M & M's Luke Skywalker M & M's Han Solo M & M's Princess Leia M & M's Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker M & M's Luke and Leia M & M's R2-D2 and C-3PO M & M's Darth Vader and Emperor M & M's | New Collection II: R4-P17 #68 - Corrected version Aayla Secura Hologram #67 Wookiee Heavy Gunner - #64 - RARE Version Wookiee Heavy Gunner - #68 - Corrected Version Plo Koon Hologram - #66 Meena Tills #47 Special Figures: Utapau Shadow Trooper Covert Ops Trooper Restock Collection I: Red Shock Trooper #6 Evolution Figures: Clone Trooper to Stormtrooper Ver. I Pre-Order Ends Today: Emperor Palpatine Mini Bust Titanium Figure Assortment Titanium Ultra Vehicle Assortment Titanium Vehicles Case Assortment 2006 Basic Action Figures Unleashed 4 pack Case Assortment |
 Last night we had an opportunity to attend the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Chicago, IL. A platoon of the Midwest Garrison patrolled the event to make sure Star Wars fans and Mr. John Williams were secure. While the mercury dipped to 15 degrees, we still managed to hold the Jedi to Michigan Avenue, and had them turning tail from the event before midnight. This one was for the Republic! For more check out the full story. |
 “Here's a little detail from my mission today.Target (Waukegan, IL) “has the second version of Clone Trooper Evolutions sets along with the Sith Lords sets.” “The stores in Gurnee, IL had nothing new in terms of figures. They mostly stocked up on lightsabers & other items that were advertised for Black Friday. Hopefully newer product shows up between now & Christmas. That's all for now. Later.” Update 11/27 “I picked up the Jedi Temple Assault pack at SEARS in Gurnee Mills. There were two left when I went to check out. No sign of the Separation of the Twins figures at Wal-mart.” wrightcombo@juno.com |
 Just because they’re only about two inches in height, doesn’t mean that they’re not Unleashed! Hasbro made an announcement earlier this year about these new Unleashed Battle Packs, and they’re due to be out in stores fairly soon. They’ve been added to online retailers’ websites, they’re being shown in magazines, and Hasbro has lots of pictures of them on their website. But, who’s going to buy them? Are you happy that Hasbro switched from the bigger Unleashed line to these Battle Packs? I’ve written up my own little article about this, and you can check it out here. |
 Our fearless leader, Darth Spice, is now officially famous, as he has been spotted in the latest issue of “Star Wars Insider” magazine (Issue 85). He is actually in two separate photos on page 85, and his full name is printed in the caption of the uppermost photo. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it, but I immediately recognized the paintjob on that sandtrooper armor. As soon as I saw it I called him up, and he wasn’t even aware that he would end up in the “Insider.” So, if you don’t have a copy of it yet (you should have gotten it by now if you’re a subscriber) go out and get yourself one. This is one issue you do not want to miss out on! Check out the pictures of him here, and don't forget to share your comments about this over in our forums. Congratulations to the Midwest Garrison for making an another appearance in the magazine! |
 “Hi Troops, Donna from So Cal. During the last couple of days, I went by 4 Targets and all still have Lava Figs. But I did find Shadow Troopers on the shelf at 2 of the 4 stores. I do not collect the WOTC Miniatures but I wanted the AT-AT Walker and found it in a local games store called "Game Castle". This is a really nice looking piece. Lastly, wanted to give "thanks" to Master Frank for our recent trade. Happy Hunting and Happy Thanksgiving to all!”theloneswlady@adelphia.net |
 I think it would be pretty fair to say that most people here have heard of Microsoft’s latest invention… the Xbox 360. I also think it’s fair to say that everyone knows that it was released to the public last night at midnight, but if you were one of the lucky ones who did walk away from the store with one in your hands, that doesn’t mean you’re the happiest that you could possibly be.Now, I did not go out last night to purchase an Xbox 360, mainly because I want to hear people’s first-hand reviews of the new hardware and software. I’m also not totally ready to lay out well more than $500 for the console and one game, but with the incredible advancement in its technology it’s hard to pass up. To those of you who did purchase an Xbox 360, I would like to be one of the first to congratulate you on such an exciting purchase. However, most people who read this site are Star Wars fans, and the one question should be running through your heads… “Why are there no Star Wars games for my new gaming system?” If there were some Star Wars video games for sale during the console’s initial release, I think more people would have battled the elements to purchase those games and the Xbox 360. It does make one wonder, though, why Lucasarts didn’t push Microsoft to have at least one Star Wars video game available for the first day. Why do you think there aren’t any Star Wars games available right now for the Xbox 360? What are your initial thoughts about the new gaming system from Microsoft? Voice your opinions over in our forums now. |
 It’s been a literal crapshoot in the Northern IL, area. Shadow Troopers are now filling up nearly every Target store end cap. I think it’s great they are letting the DCPI #’s get out there and these things can wind up in collector’s hands early but a bigger sigh of relief to see them out available for anyone. I’d like to thank Sandtrooper Dead Hero for the recent trade and helping me finish off the RotS collection. I’ve noticed a lot of Cat Miin and Passel Argente taking up the space next to the Neimoidians and AT-RT Drivers. However I have yet to see the final five all at once. Kmart stores have been stocking the Jedi Temple Assault Battlepacks in Zion, Round Lake Beach IL, and Kenosha, WI. I have yet to see any of the Battlepacks on clearance, but I will be looking. It is nice having a comfortable network of reliable Troopers in the area, it seems like we pick up a new recruit every week! Keep pounding the brick and mortar locations and together we will win the war against scalpers. United We Find! |
 Hey Troopers I was able to attend the Boston Supermegafest this weekend and managed to get a few photos and a small summary of the event put together. I met some pretty cool people from the New England Garrison who have some pages together for additional photos from this event. It was a great time with the 501st and the other guests who helped make this event even stronger than in years past. We'd like to thank John's Toys for allowing us access to the event. |
 “Hey Sandtroopers! After continuous patrols to Target, I finally acquired the elusive Exclusive Target Shadow Trooper this morning. I walked down the long isle to the back and when I rounded the corner I just had a feeling they were there and sure enough there were 5 sitting on the end cap shelf. I helped myself to 3 and left thoroughly happy with the morning’s mission. I purchased a Shadow online a while back, but getting figures that way takes the fun out of it. The hunt is what makes this Trooper happy! Hey that Tactical Ops Trooper figure that is so hard to find ended up at Wal-Mart's out West. I sort of like that figure so when I walked into my favorite Wally World a few weeks ago and saw the pegs loaded with them I picked up a Squad of them. They are one of my favorites because of the Vader's Fist designation and they were on sale! If they are good enough for our Dark Lord they are good enough for me! Be sure to check out those "miniature" AT-AT's that are out for the Star Wars game. I thought they were going to be small but when I opened the box these things were impressive. They look great as book ends on my bookshelf! That's all I have for now! Happy Hunting and May the Force be with You!”tpinney2@cox.net |
 Hey Troopers! Only one day left until SuperMegaFest 2005 arrives in Massachusetts once again. Two days of celebrities and toy vendors, and hopefully some hard to find items as well. Fellow staff member Jimsjedi has been really sick for the last week, but he's expecting to attend the event and hopes to meet up with the local Sandtroopers. Last year was a blast, especially since he was able to meet Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) you can read last years story here.Where: Framingham, Ma-Sheraton Hotel Dates: November 19th + 20th Scheduled Star Wars Guests: Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), and Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett & Clonetrooper). Other Guests: Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Joyce Dewitt (Three's Company's Janet), Pricilla Barnes (Three's Company's Terri), Richard Kiel (Famous Bad Guy), Ricou Browning (Creature from the Black Lagoon), and Jasmine St. Claire (ECW Wrestling). |
 “Just wanted to let anyone out there who bought the ROTS gunship to pay attention to the decals falling off. I was surprised as the arc-170 decals are fine. I'm thinking of contacting Hasbro about this, just wanted to let other's know to keep an eye out on their own.”verestiuk@golden.net |
 “DarthPharaoh checking in and here’s what I’ve found the last week or so. Two different Targets in the NE Atlanta area have put out their Utapau troopers. So if you live in the area start looking hard. You know the scalpers will. Also have found the final 5 at a K-Mart and at KB Toys. Both slightly more expensive but still nice to get them, even if the 501st Troopers are a bit on the disappointing side. Nothing new at Wally World, though if you need a #11 Vader.... each store has 100 or so of him! I’m out. United we find and Death to all scalpers!”djohnson@internap.com |
 Hey Troopers we have two updates to our Sandwatch Guides. First up from fellow Super-Trooper Boba Binks is the new Exclusive Holographic Emperor. Is it worth a thirty dollar Toys R Us shopping spree? It just pains me to see already six other "Exclusives" since CIII, three of which are pretty worthless, does this one make four? |
 Our next update is the newer Early Bird Kit. We were in a nostalgic awe when the RotS line was released back in April and some of the anticpation surrounding these figures was simply off the charts, however months later the truth comes out. There is something very familar about a couple of these new figures! |
 “Hey Troops, Jedimaster-C here form the Rocket City (Huntsville AL). Target is kicking Wal-Mart’s a$$ in terms of Star Wars figures. I found 6 Tac Ops Troopers, more Shadow Troopers (which were on the pegs) and 6 Corascunt sets. Wal-Mart is getting its collective butt kicked by the bulls eye. The latest wave Wal-Mart had was the Gree and Bly wave. It's good seeing new things though!”c-ryan@mchsi.com |
| New Special Figures: Utapau Shadow Trooper Covert Ops Trooper Restock Collection I: Red Shock Trooper #6 Pre-Order November 27th: Emperor Palpatine Mini Bust Titanium Figure Case Assortment Titanium Ultra Vehicle Case Assortment Titanium Vehicles Case Assortment 2006 Basic Action Figures Unleashed 4 pack Case Assortment | Restock Collection II: R4-P17 #68 - Corrected version Aayla Secura Hologram #67 Wookiee Heavy Gunner - #64 - RARE Version Wookiee Heavy Gunner - #68 - Corrected Version Plo Koon Hologram - #66 Meena Tills #47 New Posters: Code 3 – RotS 3-D poster Code 3 – RotJ 3-D mini poster |
 We have had some communitcation gaps and it appears we left out several frames of our Holiday Jawa review. Desert Rat was able to retransmit the frames and dustrho has added them to the guide for your viewing pleasure. With the Holiday Vader on the horizon and if the blast of cold weather has you feeling nostolgic about the holidays, click the icon on the right for a view of what's new. |
 He may be a little short but he’s still a pretty good addition to the Midwest Garrison. Our very own S.C.A.L.P. Weapons Supplier and latest 501st member TD1043 made his very first assignment. I showed up for escort duty as ordered and we had a great time Troopin’ the streets of Racine. After using some powerful “force” we were able to help Darth Vader get to his armor and lead the way through the cold and dark rainy night. For further details of our mission and briefing check out our recon page of the trip. |
 The winner of the EU Poll at Sideshow Collectibles is up and I can say I'm a little sad with the results. If you'd like to take a look at the winners you can view the results. I was told by people at Sideshow there is always the possibility of them making every figure in this vote, but we can only demand they create Master Vos at a later date! I'm not too thrilled with the first installment, but hopefully our cries will be heard! Also feel free to sound off if you'd like to. |
 “Greetings to all my pals from Sandtroopers. First, I would like to apologize to the fellow Troopers for not staying in touch, but I have had some problems keeping me away from the computer. Second, I need to call upon the support of the Imperial legion. My folks are in some financial binds, and I have fallen to selling off some portions of my collection. Thanks to all the Troopers who have helped me out in the past and to the site for the spy reports. Hopefully, after this little fiasco I will be back on the patrol. Thanks again.”patriotspride2003@yahoo.com |
 Hey Troopers, our Customs section has been updated once again with one more figure from fellow member Jedi Scholar 8. This time, instead of customizing a clone trooper or other miscellaneous clone soldiers, he has done a female Rodian Jedi named J'ss Ca'lba. One of his techniques that he used on this particular figure was that he used sewing thread to make the braided hair. Talk about some great talent there! Be sure to check out the pics of this Jedi on his customs page, and don't forget to leave him feedback about his recent customizing work here in our forums. |
| New Code III: Revenge of the Sith mini sculpted poster Return of the Jedi mini sculpted poster Revenge of the Jedi mini sculpted poster (EXCLUSIVE) New Gentle Giant: Yoda ESB mini bust Darth Vader RotS mini bust General Grievous Maquette Bust-Ups Series 4 (coming very soon) Emperor mini bust (pre-order and save!) | New Exclusives: Lava Darth Vader "Anakin" Lava Obi-Wan Kenobi Covert Ops Clone Trooper Holographic Emperor Unleashed Darth Vader (Best Buy) New Master Replicas: Darth Vader LE Lightsaber Obi-Wan Kenobi LE Lightsaber Darth Vader .45 lightsaber |
 “Well Troops it has been a while. But it has been quite around here also. So no real need to report. But I will do some anyway. Target - Got plenty of the Clone Attack 5 packs. Still a few on the shelves. Also plenty of the Lava Duel Figures. They also put out the Shadow Troopers and sold through in a day. Everybody loves clones! But they have not re-stocked a basic figure in at least 2 months (or more). Lots of everything else to go around. But the pegs are still full of Bail, Mas, Aayla, Luminara and Tarful. Wal-Mart - Seems to be doing OK. They put out some new stuff every once in a while. They have had up to the Gree/Bly wave. Lots of Clone Evo packs of the yellow variety. Not many basic figures here either though. Still plenty of ships, playsets, Vader heads, Force Battlers and basically all other product. They had plenty (and still do) of the DVD 3 packs. Also they still have Star Wars in 2 Location in the toy Dept.Super Wal-Mart - Well about the same as the other. Except they put out a large aisle set with one side being the $20 ships and the other boxes of basic figures when the DVD hit. Figures were only up to Gree/Bly (at least that I saw) but that was the first real re-stock in quite some time. They still have the SW section in the main aisle and in the toy aisle. But not a whole lot to be excited about. They seemed to have less of the DVD 3 packs. TRU - you have got to be kidding. That is about all I can say about them. They did get in some of the Holographic Emperors, but were requiring the $30 purchase and not selling them for $9.99 but for me they didn't have $30 worth of stuff to buy. Well that is about all for here. Hopefully Christmas will bring in some good stuff. Granted my wallet can use a break! The only way I am keeping up is because of fellow collectors who hook me up. And hey I just posted a trade list in the Forums. Check it out and drop me a PM if you want to deal.” swfan_bcs@hotmail.com |
 Hey Troopers, it’s that time again we’re we go “Back in Time” to visit one of our older Dewback Patrol missions. This time we’re going back to visit one of my earlier missions here at Sandtroopers.com... the ILM Chicago experience. Darth Spice and I saddled up his old broken-down Dewback (who was on its last leg), and headed off toward Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry. Upon arrival we met up with members from the Midwest Garrison of the 501st Legion, where we helped do some volunteer work for them. The mission was a complete success, and our alliance with the Midwest Garrison grew to immense proportions. So sit back, grab yourself something to eat and drink, and prepare yourselves for the ride of a lifetime. |
In Star Wars: Clone Wars Volume 8--The Last Siege, The Final Truth TPB a betrayal will be revealed and the ultimate sacrifice made. This volume of Star Wars: Clone Wars, chronicles events that tie directly into Revenge of the Sith! |
 The BBC News has recently reported that Star Wars actors Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson are reuniting for a new movie called "Poker Night." The film will be directed by Nick Gillard, who was the stunt co-ordinator for the Star Wars prequels. BBC News said, "Christensen will play a detective who is kidnapped by a serial killer, said industry newspaper Daily Variety." Read more about this here. |
 “This is Sandtrooper Michael from Tampa Bay reporting in! First let me say that thanks to the help from my fellow collectors, and my own patience and determination, I was able to almost completely restore my collection from what had been lost in the fire. So thank you again. I'd like to report that the exclusive Plo Koon starfighter is in stock at the Super Target in Clearwater and also let you know that the final 6 figures were in abundance at the Super Wal-Mart in Oldsmar. Also, one last request for help... Please, please tell me one of you has a ROTS Tarkin and Ask Aak that you could sell or trade for, it would be most appreciated! Thanks, and good luck!”Morley2020@aol.com |
| “DarthPharaoh with just a couple quick items today. I’ve found the repainted Clone Evolution pack at a Wal-Mart in Lawrenceville, Ga. Only one left and was beat to snot but I was going to open it anyway. So they are hitting shelves in the Atlanta area. The interesting thing I saw was a Star Wars Foosball table. ROTS deco with Clone Troopers vs. Super Battle Droids. Very cool and a bit shorter than normal for kids but still easily playable for adults and priced nicely I thought at just about $55. Hadn’t heard of this coming so look for them at Wally World. I’m out and...Death to all scalpers! Update 11-9: Shadow Troopers have landed and made it to the shelf here in Hotlanta!” djohnson@internap.com |
 Peter Mayhew, the man who has played the role of Chewbacca in the Star Wars films, will be present at this weekend's USHL hockey matchup between the Green Bay Gamblers and Indiana Ice. Mayhew is expected to be signing autographs throughout the evening. The game is scheduled to take place on Saturday (November 12) at 7:00pm (CT) at the Pepsi Coliseum in Indianapolis. Read the full story here, and if you happen to attend the show feel free to shoot us an email with your pictures and report of the event. |
 Hasbro has announced today several new figures that will be released in early 2006, and the most exciting one of them all will be a character from the video game Republic Commando! The figure lineup will include the following: Scorch (Republic Commando), Sora Bulq, Sun Fac, Poggle the Lesser, C-3PO with Battle Droid Head (rehashed figures), Jango Fett (another rehash), and finally Yoda (yet another rehash). The detail on Scorch is quite amazing, but it's hard to tell if he has much articulation from the one image on Hasbro's website. Nonetheless, I feel pretty good because Hasbro has finally listened to their customers... the loyal Star Wars fans. Read more about this here. |
 We all knew that the recent sales of the Revenge of the Sith DVD and Battlefront II video game would bring in a lot of money, but I didn't think they would sell that well! It was reported on Comingsoon.net's website that they both took in more than $210 million in total sales across the globe, which is an unbelievable number! Be sure to read the full report of this here. |
 Guardian Unlimited recently sat down with Ian McDiarmid for a one-on-one interview regarding him running London's Almeida theatre and why the Dark Side resembles the Oval office. In regards to the Oval office comparison he mentions the following: "I remember when I sat there in the Evil Emperor's swivel chair and George [Lucas] said things like 'does it remind you of the Oval office?' And I realised that at that time Richard Nixon was in his mind." Read the full article here. |
 In a recent poll by Sky Movies, it was discovered that a lot of people were completely blown away by the opening scene to Star Wars: A New Hope. In the poll that they're currently running on their website, you are able to choose from such movies as Star Wars, Jaws, Speed, Reservoir Dogs, and several others. The resu |