December 2004

Posted by: Dan | 31 December 2004 | 20:04 EST
Wausau, WI Area Report:
Hello fellow Troopers! This is Sandtrooper Dan bringing you an area report from the as of late not so FRIGID Northwoods of Wisconsin. I decided to go out hunting today and this is what I saw...
Target was a bust for anything new except in the Unleashed section. They had Darth Vader, Mace Windu, Aayla, Bossk, and the Emperor. The big surprise was when I got to the checkout with a 12 inch VOTC Stormtrooper that was marked $14.98 and it rang up for $7.48. NOW THAT'S A DEAL! Be on the lookout for un-marked big savings at your local Target.
Wal-Mart where I scored the Pablo Jill wave a week ago was back to having nothing except VOTC Luke, Han, Leia, and Obi-Wan's. As far as regular figures go they had Admiral Ozzel's and Dengars oh-plenty. That's it!
Shop-Ko just blew me away with a bunch of old Saga figures from 2003. What gives? They must have just cleaned out their stock room to fill the empty pegs with some new Pegwarmers from the past. They also had some Unleashed Obi-Wan's and 12 inch VOTC Stormtroopers and Lukes for $35.00. I would stay on Target for these items.

I also spent a few days in my hometown of Milwaukee recently where I hit a bunch of Targets from Hwy 100 to 6th street on the South side of town and came up disapointed from all of them. The only thing they did have new was the Darth Vader sprinkler at the Hwy 100 store.
I also took time to hit the Toys R Us by Brookfield square where I found the 3 2005 Cantina guys, Naboo multi packs, and the final 3 Jedi Cinema scene 3 packs. They also had the plush Star Wars Buddies, and a few of the Galactic Hereo's Bounty Hunters wave. Well that's what i've seen in my neck of the woods, good luck in your neck of the woods, and a big HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you.




Posted by: Darth Spice | 30 December 2004 | 20:36 EST
Sandtrooper Tim Reports:
“Just wanted to let you know that Target had their 12-inch Original Trilogy figures (Luke, Boba Fett & Stormtrooper) marked down to $14.48 each. I guess with the price increase we can only look forward to clearance sales. That's it from Memphis, TN.”

Movieguy11a@aol.com


Posted by: Darth Spice | 30 December 2004 | 18:47 EST
Update from Action-HQ:
visit Action-HQ below

There are a couple new Star Wars items on sale at Action-HQ. There are many new items up to 50% off! Check out Star Wars models from Fine Molds Japan for just $23! Available are Jedi Starfighter and Interceptor. There is also a clearance on older OTC and Saga figures. Dutch Vander, Luke Hoth, Rebel Soldier, Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi to name a few. Also this week: Transformers, Nightmare Before Christmas and much more!



Posted by: Darth Spice | 30 December 2004 | 18:39 EST
Update from TOYFELLAS:
Clearance Sale Until 1/7/04:
Huge clearance sale on most items Star Wars Basic Figures as low as $4.25, OTC $5.99, VOTC $8.99. Marvel Legends Series 5,6 & 7 only $5.99, LOTR 6" Figures only $5.99. McFarlane's Sportspicks NBA Series all only $7.99. G.I. Joe figures as low as $5.50 and Statues as low as $39.00. Please have a look around. Have a Happy and safe New Years.

New In Stock:
Sideshow Weta LotR Bust
Prince Isildur $49.99
Lord Elrond, Herald of Gil $49.99

TOYFELLAS.com
1-888-273-5663

- Click to Enter TOYFELLAS -



Posted by: dustrho | 30 December 2004 | 11:55 EST
ROTS Soundtrack Release Date Revealed
ROTSThe soundtrack for the last Star Wars movie, Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, will be released on May 3, 2005, and the set will include a bonus DVD. It is currently not known at this time what will be included in this DVD, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.



Posted by: Darth Spice | 29 December 2004 | 8:38 EST
Sandtrooper Collector Gallery Kurt Reports:
“Princess Leia Master Replicas blaster with free shipping in stock. OTC figures #5, #11, #25, #32, #34, #38. Empire OTC Vader & C-3PO; OTC Chewbacca, Stormtrooper, Boba Fett, Yoda & R2-D2 all in stock.”

Click Here



Posted by: Darth Spice | 28 December 2004 | 22:57 EST
Sandwatch Action Figure Reviews: A triple-decker Slice of Sandwatch
Hey Troops, Sandwatch Action Figure Reviews have been updated. I continue my personal vendetta with the OTC Collection. Luke Skywalker and in the hit n' run format we have IG-88 and Bossk. While I very much look forward to the figures that already have been released for 2005, I look just as forward to the end of the Original Trilogy Collection. Feel free to offer your own feedback about the OTC collection. Until then enter if you dare!




Posted by: Darth Spice | 28 December 2004 | 17:36 EST

15% Off New Years Sale: As a 'Thank You' for a great year in 2004, we've decided to run our best sale yet! This sale is for 15% off orders $60 or more on all normal store items! (Pre-Orders, Vintage Items, Takara Predaking are not included in the sale) We really appreciate your orders throughout the year and we hope this special pricing on in stock items will help add more great items to your collection at an attractive price! All new items listed below are eligible for the sale as well.

Star Wars: We've received the Holiday 2004 Edition Jawa set ? available now for $17.99. The 2004 exclusive Silver Sandtrooper figure is available for $21.99 and the Sandtrooper troop builder box of 4 figures is available for $29.99. A variety of newer Galactic Heroes and Post OTC figures are also still in stock.

DC Direct: A variety of DC Direct and Marvel Select items have arrived including - Batman Hush Two, Silver Age: Superboy & Supergirl, Batman & Robin, and Batgirl & Joker, Superfriends: Robin & The Riddler, Batman & Scarecrow, Aquaman & Black Manta, Marvel Select Black Widow and Doctor Doom.

Sideshow: Planet of the Apes Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Zaius are each in stock for $34.99 each. Pamela Vorhees from Friday the 13th Part 2 has arrived and Jason is also in stock. We have a wide variety of other Sideshow figures including Hellboy, Van Helsing, Buffy, Historical and more.

Make sure to check out some of the new items on the Other Menu. Scarface, Stikfas, Alien VS. Predator and MORE!

- Click to Enter Big Bad Toy Store -



Posted by: Darth Spice | 27 December 2004 | 23:48 EST
Force of the Bay: Until Next Year Troops...
Hey Troopers, I was just looking to see if Sandta Claus dropped anything on his way back North. I was hoping he could see the future like Master Yoda and tell me if 2005 will be even better than 2004 for Star Wars collectors. I just can?t believe how many things people thought to keep, nice to see the Droids were concerned for our health back then. There is a ton of ways you could blow all that Holiday dough you just received. Most of us don?t have that much left to play with! If your credits are still decent, you might try a payment plan. It always baffles me to see things like this go right after Christmas. About as much as it baffles me to see they made C-3P0 come with panties! I've always kind of wondered about him. One guy?s trash is another Troopers treasure. How about a golden ticket for the wayback machine set to 1980? It does not matter when, how or what you are looking for, with ebay you will not be left out in the cold. Remember Sandtroopers.com neither endorses nor authenticates any of the items featured here. Good luck to you Troops, be safe the rest of this year, we look forward to kickin? a#$ and takin? names in the New Year!




Posted by: Darth Spice | 27 December 2004 | 23:31 EST
Sandtrooper Eric Reports:
“I happened to find 3 of the Cantina Encounter figs at my local Wal-Mart and was surprised to find that the price went up $1.11 to $5.88 (in California). I know I've been out of the cycle for a month or so (X-mas) and thought the raised case prices at Entertainment Earth were just sites trying to profit from excitement but.... WOW! Can someone tell the story behind the price hike 'cause I'd love to hear this one? Are SW figure prices following gas prices?”

ejhalsted@sbcglobal.net


Posted by: Darth Spice | 27 December 2004 | 21:59 EST
Update from Star Wars Shop.com
Display your Star Wars action figure collection with this new display diorama! This is the first of six planned dioramas, and is based on Star Wars: A New Hope. The backcard is reversible, featuring two popular scenes that include a Jawa Sandcrawler on planet Tatooine on one side, and X-wing fighters engaging the Death Star on the other. The display comes complete with 50 polycarbonite figure stands (figures not included).Dimensions are approximately: 22.8 inches wide; 9.8 inches deep; 12.2" high (with backcard). Only at StarWarsShop.com.


StarWarsShop.com - More Product. More Exclusives.



Posted by: Boba Binks | 27 December 2004 | 19:25 EST
Wal-Mart DELETES Star Wars
Just a heads up for Wal-Mart shoppers. I am not sure if it is just for Indy but at several Wal-Mart stores that I have visited this past day some now have lost the Star Wars section. I asked stockers about this and I was told that Wal-Mart stores are deleting the Star Wars merchandise from the stores. I asked why and I was told that it is a move made by Wal-Mart Corporation. One stocker did inform me that after the spring reset she believes that Star Wars will once again be in the stores just in time for Episode III merchandise. With the removal of the Star Wars section all Star Wars merchandise was found in the clearance section. Basic figures are priced at $3.00 each, Clone Wars (ARC Trooper & Obi-Wan found) at $4.00 each, and VOTC at $7.00 each. Also on clearance but not all the Wal-Marts I visited today had the Millennium Falcon at $38.00 and Electronic Lightsabers at $12.00 each. Keep an eye on your Wal-Mart stores for changes ahead.

david@sandtroopers.com


Posted by: Darth Spice | 27 December 2004 | 13:59 EST
Area Report: Began the Clearance Wars have...
A#$-whupper, Code Name: SPICEHey Troopers, just hit a local Target store (Waukegan, IL) and the millions of cases of General Madine/Lando and Han AT-ST all were marked down to $3.33! There were also 12-inch VOTC figures marked down to $15. The lucky find was around the corner where I picked up the Slave I for $20.68! There were three pretty beat up ones when I left, hopefully more will show. There were also the many Han Solo VOTC figures on sale for $6.38. It appears the winter clearance wars have began, stay on Target and hopefully you?ll come away happy as I did.



Posted by: dustrho | 25 December 2004 | 9:37 EST
Happy Holidays!
From my family to yours...




Posted by: Darth Spice | 24 December 2004 | 18:02 EST
This Just in from Brian's Toys Newsletter #287
- click above to enter -


We have posted our latest Newsletter #287. We have Basic OTC figures back in stock and a shipment of AFA graded figures also arrived including a few basic figures and a selection of OTC Classic figures. OTC 12-inch Boba Fett is also back in stock for $99.99. The exclusive DVD Commemorative Sets are also back in stock.

Great carded figures are featured throughout our POTF2, POTJ, Clone Wars and Saga sections. Exclusive AFA graded Saga figures like the Silver Boba Fett and Jorg Sacul are also featured this week.

New vintage in this week includes a collection of AFA graded Japanese Poppy figures including Boba Fett, C-3PO, Death Star Droid, Han Solo and R5-D4. We also received a nice set of boxed 12-inch Dolls in varying conditions form MISB C-7 to MIB C-6. The figures included are C-3PO, Stormtrooper, Ben Kenobi, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa. Also included was a 12-inch R2-D2 AFA 80.

Featured G.I.Joe this week includes the Valor vs. Venom vehicles and playsets Operation Crimson Sabotage, Thunderjet and the Night Force Grizzly Tank. 40th Anniversary Wave 5 Set of 4 (African American) and 40th Anniversary Wave 5 Set of 4 (Caucasian/White) are both in stock and available for immediate shipping.

Transformers Alternators featured this week include Swindle, Grimlock and Meister.

Our featured products in our super heroes line this week includes the Green Lantern and Super Friends figures from DC Direct.

New Series MOTU loose figures now in stock. A great selection of 1st release and chase figures are also in stock in the loose section. Lots of packaged figures remaining in stock, get yours today.

Simpsons boxed Exclusive Main Street Playset C-7/8 now in stock and available for $70.00.


Posted by: Boba Binks | 24 December 2004 | 15:23 EST
Galactic Fun
Happy Holidays fellow Sandtroopers. Just wanted to let you know of some last minute Holiday gifts or finds here in Indianapolis. This morning at Meijers I picked up the latest wave of Galactic Heroes for $5.99 each. The three sets are Jawa & Tusken Raider (No Articulation on the figures), Luke Skywalker (right wrist rotates) & Gamorrean Guard (No Articulation), and the final set with Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard) with removable helmet & Skiff Guard (No Articulation on the figures). K-Mart has shelf boxes of the Post OTC figures (Cantina wave & Girl/Pablo wave). Each shelf box holds 36 figures at $6.99 each. They also had a shelf box for Galactic Heroes that holds 24 figure packs at $5.99 each (lots of Stormtrooper 2-pack). Target has lots of the Slave 1 with Boba Fett, Figure with Drinking Glass reduced to $6.88 each, repacked Unleashed, and many VOTC figures. Wal-Mart was a waste land of General Han Solo and General Madine. Have a Happy Holiday and I hope you all get what you asked for.


Posted by: Darth Spice | 24 December 2004 | 10:09 EST
Sandtrooper Parkay Reports:
A real Super Trooper!“Just got back from Iraq a couple days ago, and made my first store run in months. Ended up being lucky enough to find the entire new animated wave at my local Sumter, SC Wal-Mart for $5.55 each. Minus the yellow Clone Trooper. A totally unexpected surprise for me as I thought they were still Target exclusives. Have a Merry Xmas Troopers!”
parkay999@yahoo.com


We're all glad you made it home, THANK YOU for doing your duty and keeping America free! We should all say a prayer for those not so fortunate. A local man from my hometown of Zion, IL was killed this week while serving. God Bless and let's not forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Welcome home Jason, we're glad to hear from you!


Posted by: Dan | 24 December 2004 | 8:14 EST
Wausau, WI Wal-Mart Report:
Well some would call it routine stocking but I call it a Christmas miracle. Our Wal-Mart up here in the FRIGID Northwoods finally got some new product in. To my surprise I was able to score the last of the OTC line and the first five figures from the Pablo-Jill wave. They had two sections for these figures with two different prices. The OTC figures rang up for $4.77 a piece and the Pablo-Jill wave rang up for $5.88 a piece. If you live in Wausau, WI be on the lookout for these new jems of Thermal Plastic. Thanks Troy for the HOT tip on these new figures.

I would also like to wish all the Troops a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the Star Wars wishes you have come true this Holiday Season. This is Sandtrooper Dan signing out.




Posted by: Darth Spice | 24 December 2004 | 0:48 EST
Happy Holidays:
While many of us have tapped out our personal piggy banks in an effort to make this holiday season great for our loved ones, don't forget to donate to Toys for Tots and the people ringing the bells outside the stores we are all checking for toys while we're doing last minute holiday shopping. Remember to forgive and be kind to your fellow man, regardless of each other's beliefs. Remember there is so much out there that is greater than us, be humble and do your part to make the world a better place. Have a great Christmas everyone, and it's been quite a year. I'm looking forward to 2004 a year in review, which will go live shortly after the New Year. I'd like to thank everyone who helped make this website so great this past year. From the new Staff, to the Troops. Whether it is a new recruit or a seasoned veteran, we'd like to thank you all once again. We are very much looking forward to our campaign in 2005! United We Find!




Posted by: Darth Spice | 24 December 2004 | 0:29 EST
Update from Action-HQ:
visit Action-HQ below
Action-HQ has the new Star Wars Animated figures in stock. Only available in Australia and Action-HQ is this exclusive electronic Darth Vader Battle Buddy! This plush figure stands 20-inches tall and has 2 classical electronic voice/sound effects from the greatest villian of all time. Also this week: Metal Gear Solid 2, Marvel Saga, Robocop 1 and 2, Saint Seiya, and more!



Posted by: Darth Spice | 23 December 2004 | 23:52 EST
Sandwatch Action Figure Reviews: VOTC Han Solo
Hey Troops, Sandwatch Action Figure Reviews have been updated. We continue with our final review from ANH the VOTC Collection, Han Solo. See if this old smoothie is worth adding to your collection. I'm sure none of you are having a hard time finding Han this Holiday Season, but see if you agree with our cirtique of your favorite scoundrel. Is this the greatest VOTC figure from ANH? Feel free to offer your own feedback about the VOTC collection. Until then enter if you dare!




Posted by: Darth Spice | 23 December 2004 | 23:36 EST
Sandtrooper Starfox Reports:
Bleeds Armor“Big news from central Texas today! Both of the Wal-Mart stores in Killeen & Copperas Cove received the new Animated Clone Wars figures and these bad boys rock! They were all available this morning, Blue Clone Trooper, Red Arc Trooper, Grievous, etc and they all looked sweeter in person than they did on the net! The only down side was that they were price scanning at $9.83 here locally! What is up with that? Anyone else catch a price on these fells? Other news, Kmart has the POTC waves hitting, but priced at $7.49 each, this price increase sucks! Target reduced their 15 Star Wars pegs down to 2, that's right, only 2 pegs with one old Saga Solo and one VOTC Solo, yuck! They had one Slave I on the bottom shelf and it was banged up pretty bad. That's about all from central Texas for now. Merry Christmas to all! Starfox signing out...”

starfox@hot.rr.com



Posted by: rob | 23 December 2004 | 21:45 EST
Sandtrooper Jetfire reports:
Deep recon from the Great Lakes state!“Troopers, Christmas came early for this Sandtrooper when he walked in to the local Sam's Club to find out if there was any way he could score that awesome display they used for their exclusive Falcon and six figures pack. Luckily, some persistence and friendly Sam's Club employees helped put this beauty in my shopping cart and out the door. A big thanks to my awesome wife who covered the bill on this for Christmas! This was a really nice time considering I had just left the local Toys R Us where I had been going at it with the Store Manager on the mismarked figures I picked up last week. A brief recap for those who initially missed it, I had been charged $6.99 for post OTC figures that had been marked $4.99. After several conversations with the TRU Corporate Guest Service representatives, I was told that I was to go back and see the Store Director/Manager, whose name I was given by the Corporate Representatives, and that this would be resolved. The Store Manager was the same guy who initially refused me the sticker price and it still took me threatening to call the corporate guys again for the manager to actually hand over the money they owed me off their mistake! I guess it would not have mattered as much if it hadn't been such a high amount, I was buying some figures for Ghost of QG and myself, and if they had been more polite in the initial purchase. I guess the small guy can win sometimes. Our last stop was at Wal-Mart where we viewed the new Titanium Series die-cast vehicles and the new Unleashed figures, including Vader. His card was a little beat up, but would be perfect for an opener. That's it from West Michigan. If anyone out there can keep their eyes open for a bunch of Saga Rebel Hoth Troopers or OTC Scouttroopers for diorama building, I'd be willing to trade. Thanks to those working on hooking me up with some of the POTJ vehicles. Sandtrooper Jetfire out!”

jetfire_99@yahoo.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 23 December 2004 | 21:19 EST
Sandtrooper Cpl. Habs 98 Reports:
“TRU still has no OTC or Saga figures, just a few VOTC and some Jedi Council Scenes left. For you McFarlane fans they also had the Theodore and Smith NHL 2 Pack along with NBA 7 and NHL 9. Target still has the pegs packed with all Saga Gold Carded figures. Wal-Mart still has the pegs packed the OTC Hoth Vader Wave and some ESB VOTC. KB only had old Saga figures along with a lonely Sly Moore and 15-inch VOTC Chewbacca. There wasn't too much in the Northfield, NJ area. Hope all you Troopers have a Happy Holiday.”

dabarn320@comcast.net


Posted by: Darth Spice | 23 December 2004 | 21:08 EST
Sandtrooper Dennis Reports:
24/7 S.C.A.L.P. Trooper“Here's a quick report for today:

TRU (Gurnee, IL) “still has the new Jedi Council sets & plenty of VOTC figuers that mostly consist of Ben, Luke, & Leia. They also put out some old OTC figs with the shelf tags saying $4.99 but because of the price hike, you better run it through those price scanners to make sure it's $4.99.

Target (Gurnee, IL) “had a mix of old SAGA & OTC figs as well as a couple of Slave I's.

Target (Waukegan, IL): “had what appeared to be about 5 cases of the General Madine OTC wave, a few Bossk and Obi-Wan Unleashed and plenty of Falcons. I wonder how long these will sit with the upcoming price hike?

“Speaking of high prices, SEARS (Gurnee, IL) has OTC Imperial Scanning Troopers, Lobots, Cloud Car Pilots, & Skiff Guard Landos for $8.00 each. OUCH! That's all for now. Happy Holidays.”

wrightcombo@juno.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 22 December 2004 | 22:19 EST
Sandtrooper Larry Reports:
S.C.A.L.P. Demolition Expert, Columbus,OH“Hey Troops, Trooper Larry reporting. Not much new in the realm of Star Wars, other than the $6.99 price tag. My local TRU, and K-mart had the post OTC wave, but that?s about it. I was a little inquisitive about the price hike, so I asked my TRU manager if they were just for the post OTC wave. I got the answer I did not want to hear. $6.99 is across the board. Whether it?s the old OTC, or the new Post OTC. Sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but maybe it?s just at my area store. Hope everyone has a good Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other Holiday celebrated. Take care troops, and be safe.”

amishbelchjr1@msn.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 22 December 2004 | 13:18 EST

Holiday Shipping: Orders placed by 3:00 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday 12/22 via 2nd day air are guaranteed to arrive on 12/24 - so there is still plenty of time to order! UPS Next Day Air is available if you need items faster - the Next Day Air Ordering deadline is 3:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday 12/23.

Star Wars: A large shipment of Galactic Hero figures has just arrived - we've restocked the wave 1 and 2 sets, and also listed 7 all new sets: Jedi Luke & Gamorrean Guard, 2 Stormtroopers, Dengar & Boba Fett, 4-Lom & Bossk, IG-88 & Zuckuss, Jawa & Tusken Raider, Skiff Guard & Lando. More new Post OTC figures have arrived including the Cantina wave with: #6 - Feltipern Trevagg, #7 - Myo, #8 - Dannik Jerriko. Other new post OTC figures include Scout Trooper, Stormtrooper, Sandtrooper, Chewbacca and more.

G.I. Joe: Two new 12-inch figures - the new Military K-9 Patrol comes with either a brown or black dog. Any figures that come with animals of any type always sell quickly - we have them available now for just $20.99. The Coast Guard Harbor Security figure is also available. Valor Vs. Venom Wave 6 will be arriving to us in about 2 weeks - pre-orders are still available.

Transformers:
Cobalt Sentry Exclusive: A new pre-order has been listed for the exclusive repaint of Laserbeak and Ravage in Cobalt Blue. The set is $34.99 and will be released in limited quantities in Japan. Plus Alternators, Sentinel Maximus, Unicron Stand, Hard Hero and a re-issue restock!

Marvel Legends 8: Another great wave from Toy Biz - Marvel Legends 8 features: Ultimate Captain America, Black Widow, Storm, Modern Armor Iron Man, Man-Thing, Doc Ock, and Ice-Man. All the figures feature very nice articulation and come with very nifty accessories and extras. A comic and game card are included in each package as well. Pre-Orders will be processed and shipped soon. Figures start at $9.99 and some of them are in fairly short supply. Pre-Orders for full sets of Series 9, 10 and 11 are available. The Marvel Legends and X-Men Legends Giftsets are also back in stock for $29.99 and $34.99 respectively.

Also in stock: Lord of the Rings, Stikfas, Toynami Hanna Barberra, Macross, and much much more. Check out BBTS for all of your last minute gift ideas!

- Click to Enter Big Bad Toy Store -



Posted by: Darth Spice | 22 December 2004 | 13:01 EST
Update from TOYFELLAS:
We received some new items from Marvel and The Lord of the Rings. The cut off for Holiday shipping is December 19th. If you want your item(s) to arrive before Christmas please let us know and we can send it USPS Express Mail. You will be charged the additional shipping charges.

Marvel Legends Series 8
Black Widow $19.99
Doc Ock $14.99
Ice Man $8.99
Man-Thing $19.99
Iron Man - Modern Armor $8.99
Storm $9.99
Ultimate Captain America $8.99
The Fellowship of the Ring Asst 4
Bilbo Transfixed $10.99
Boromir Super Poseable $7.99
Gandale the Grey $7.99
Mirkwood Legolas $8.99
Peter Jackson The Trilogy Director $19.99
Prince Isildur $8.99


TOYFELLAS.com
1-888-273-5663

- Click to Enter TOYFELLAS -



Posted by: Darth Spice | 22 December 2004 | 12:53 EST
Update from Collectors Gallery Online:
“Taking preorders on the Luke Skywalker & Han Solo 1/4 scale Sideshow figures. These are sold out from Sideshow but we have 15 left on order for sale. Hurry on these they will sell out fast. Also the OTC Jawa sandcrawler and Holiday Jawas are in stock.”

Click Here



Posted by: dustrho | 22 December 2004 | 9:26 EST
Growing Up With Star Wars at Christmas
Growing Up With Star Wars at ChristmasRemember growing up back in the late 1970s and 1980s, when most kids at the age (including myself) only wanted Star Wars toys from Santa Claus? I can remember looking through the Sears catalog circling all the Star Wars toys I wanted Santa to bring me. Did I always get everything I circled in that catalog? Unfortunately I didn't, but I usually ended up getting a few figures and at least one vehicle or playset.


Growing Up With Star Wars at ChristmasThe staff at Sandtroopers.com would like for you to submit photos of yourself opening up Star Wars toys at Christmas. These photos can be ones that were taken when you were a kid, whether that be 20-30 years ago, or if you're a young Trooper that would be from recent years. Whenever that might have been, we would like to show off your photos here on the site, so that all the Troopers here could remember how exciting it was to grow up with Star Wars at Christmas.


Growing Up With Star Wars at ChristmasIf you would like to participate in this, please send all your photos to dustrho@sandtroopers.com. You are also more than welcome to share some of those memories by writing a paragraph or two to go along with those photos. In a week or two you will see an entire page devoted to our childhood fantasies in the world of Star Wars.


Merry Christmas everybody!


Posted by: Darth Spice | 21 December 2004 | 18:14 EST
Update from StarWarsShop.com: Holiday Gift Certificates
It's better to give than receiveStarWarsShop.com has the perfect last minute gift any Star Wars collector would love, gift certificates! Many of us know what it's like to get something you really don't want, save time and actually give them something they would like and enjoy. How hard is it to shop for someone else's collection? So if you are a last minute procrastinator like me, drop by StarWarsShop.com. There are many other things you could go out and buy, old Saga figures, maybe a lightsaber. I'm sure you all understand what is being offered retail right now. Avoid the lines and the rat race, give the gift of giving today!



Posted by: dustrho | 21 December 2004 | 15:17 EST
Battlefront for PC Has New Downloadable Level!
BattlefrontYou can now expand your gameplay experience by grabbing the engaging new level for Star Wars Battlefront PC! From the throne room to the deadly rancor pit, war has spread to Jabba's palace. To download the new patch called "Tatooine: Jabba's Palace" click here.



Posted by: dustrho | 21 December 2004 | 9:15 EST
Fan Tables at Celebration III Revealed!
Celebration 3The Official Site has recently revealed a list of fan tables that were chosen to be a part of the Fan Fair, for the upcoming Star Wars Celebration III. In late April next year, fans will be able to meet up with some of the biggest Star Wars fan clubs in the country, and to name just a few of them are the Chicago Force, the 501st, FanForce and the DC Metro Star Wars Collecting Club. Read the complete list and more here.



Posted by: Snipe | 20 December 2004 | 23:57 EST
Area Report:
Not your average 15 year-old!Hey, hey, hey, it's Snipe again with some more reports! I checked my local K-B and they had almost nothing. You'd be lucky if you could find a Jar Jar Binks in the Barbie section. The only major thing they had was a Gammorean Guard 12-inch, but I am not paying 30 bucks for that. I guess if you combine Christmas and store closing, you get a cleaned out store.

TRU wasn't as dissapointing. They had R2-D2, Obi-Wan. Leia, Han, Luke, Vader and C-3P0 VOTC figures, which TRU is the only place here that carries the hard-to-find ones. Star Wars buddies are back, they had Yoda, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Ewoks, and C-3PO. Most of the section is Lightsabers, they still are not selling here. They had the Jedi Council packs here too but not to many. That's what's here over in So CAL, Snipe signing off!

snipe@sandtroopers.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 20 December 2004 | 23:57 EST
Area Report: Last minute Scramble, 3 Nights left!
A#$-whupper, Code Name: SPICEHey Troops, I checked out the local are Kmart and TRU stores here in Gurnee, IL this evening. The TRU had many VOTC figures minus Boba Fett and Stormtrooper. Plenty of Jedi Council 3-packs as well, all four sets. There were very little regular OTC figures in stock. While there were pegs of the new G.I. Joe builder packs, maybe Hasbro should steal a page outta the Joes playbook. I did notice there weren?t any Y-Wing Fighters yet again, although I?m sure Hasbro made plenty this time. I don?t hear anyone complaining they can?t find one. Kmart in Zion, IL had the Cantina Scene marked down to $18 dollars and VOTC 12-inch figures down to $26. (Which is what the competition had them at for months!) There was also nothing left of the OTC selection. Maybe the next few weeks will bring us something new, but after Christmas things are usually pretty dead for the toy aisles. I hope you Troopers are coming up with better finds than me! Happy Holidays!



Posted by: Boba Binks | 20 December 2004 | 14:26 EST
Let's Love not Hate
What's wrong with Jar Jar?There is a great sadness in my heart that Jar Jar Binks has been voted the Most Hated Character in Movie History. Before you cast your stones at Jar Jar Binks please remember this. Without Jar Jar?s courage (or being tricked into) to stand up in the Galactic Senate and have a vote to give Chancellor Palpatine supreme power at the beginning of the Clone Wars there might not of been the mighty Empire that many in the Star Wars Universe loves so much today. That one event has forever changed the History of the Star Wars Universe. The Rise of the Empire! Without Jar Jar Binks the Star Wars Universe could have been very different. What if the Jedi overcame all obstacles and put an end to the War?

Sure Jar Jar Binks might be a bit clumsy at times but that does not matter. It is what is in his heart that counts. He means well and tries to help others it just does not always work out the way he would of wanted it to. You may not realize it but Jar Jar Binks is more important that you know. So please give Jar Jar some love won?t you?

david@sandtroopers.com



Posted by: dustrho | 20 December 2004 | 9:49 EST
Who's the Most Hated Character in Movie History?
Jar Jar BinksIn a poll run by the DVD board game Scene It?, it was determined that everyone's most hated character in all the Star Wars films, Jar Jar Binks, is the most annoying character in movie history. This really shouldn't be a big surprise though, since most fans of Star Wars have never liked him from the beginning. The only person I know who does like Jar Jar Binks is fellow Staff Member of Sandtroopers.com, Boba Binks.



Posted by: Julian | 19 December 2004 | 18:20 EST
Update from K&C Collectibles:
K&C Collectibles is offering 50% off select Power of the Force Freeze Frame figures until December 22nd while supplies last. Don?t forget to pre-order your Star Wars Action Figure Display Diorama before December 26th.

Special Figure Sets:
Yoda & Luke Mexico 2-pack
A New Hope contains Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO & R2-D2.
Empire Strikes Back contains Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca.
Return of the Jedi contains Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine and Stormtrooper.

New Trilogy Vehicle Collection:
Slave I - with Boba Fett figure

DVD Buttons:
First Time on DVD Button 1
First Time on DVD Button 2
Vintage OTC Figures:
Stormtrooper
Boba Fett
R2-D2
Chewbacca
Darth Vader
Lando Calrissian
Yoda
Luke Skywalker

Episode II:
Super Battle Droid Builder
Yoda Deluxe figure - Force Powers
C-3PO with Droid Factory Assembly
Arena Conflict with Battle Droid

Episode I:
Darth Maul with Sith Speeder ? This item marked ? price
Queen Amidala 2000 Portrait Edition ? This item was very hard to obtain. Very few left in-stock
OOM-9 (Battle Droid Commander) ? Only a few of these 12? figure left in-stock

Pre-Order Excluxsive:
Star Wars Action Figure Display Diorama: Imported from England! Including "Tattooine Desert" and "Mos Eisley Cantina Bar" sections, this diorama - that acts as a dual-purpose action figure stand - displays your figures in classic styling that harden back to key scenes from George Lucas' groundbreaking sci-fi film, Star Wars. The reversible backdrop features a classic space duel over the Death Star, or a Tattooine desertscape. Also included are 50 individual figure stands, which can accommodate both classic and modern Star Wars action figures. Ships in vintage packaging, patterned after the classic Kenner '70s package design, this unique display measures 24" x 10" x 14". Figures not included. Exclusively available through Diamond retailers only. Item is due to ship in May 2005. We are unable to guarantee the availability of limited edition Advance Order items. In rare circumstances the supplier may not deliver a full order to us.

click to enter



Posted by: Julian | 19 December 2004 | 17:13 EST
Post-OTC Variations and Errors:
Hello Troops. Being amazingly surprised after finding, hanging from the pegs of my local KB ToyWorks, the latest 2005 Cantina Wave figures I was even more surprised when I took them home and discovered not only one but 4 different variations and one error dealing with this trio of Cantina aliens. So for those of you, variations and errors hunters out there, these should be interesting to allocate. Here is what I found:

Dannik Jerriko: Upon close inspection I noticed a production error with Dannik Jerriko, where his right probocise (small trunk-like member in his cheek) is not curled. While looking at others of the same figure on the pegs, a quick Internet picture surfing and the original picture on the back of his card, Dennik should have had the right probocise curled; instead it is straight. The stamped number for this oddity is: 42781

Myo: Does anyone remember the 00M-9 packaging variation where the droid was offered with or without binoculars in hand? Well, history repeats itself although this time around it isn't a pair of binoculars but rather a glass filled with blue beer? Myo can be found either holding the glass he comes with, in his left hand (42781). He can also be found with the glass packed away from him, to the left of the blister in its own small tray, held in place by a strip of clear tape (42321).

It is also good to point out that there is one more variation with this figure:

Myo holding the glass 42781: Has right arm, pointing down and the blister wraps around it to support such stance.
Myo NOT holding the glass 42321: Has right arm raised and bent at the elbow. The blister wraps around it, supporting the pose.

Feltipern Trevagg: This hairy alien suffers from the same "illness" Myo has .. with a slight change. It isn't his glass but rather his gun what can be found in or out of his hand!

Trevagg holding gun: Holds his gun with his right hand. Blister wraps around him supporting the pose (42781).
Trevagg gun to the side: The gun was packed away from him, to the right of the blister in its own small tray, held in place by a strip of clear tape (42781).

There you have, troops. It is difficult to determine at this time which variation (and error) will be the hard one to find, since these figures aren't truly due out until next year and are just starting to appear. On the sad side of things, KB Toys had them priced at $7.99 each! You know where to click. Check out the detailed pictures and enjoy. Merry Christmas!


Posted by: Darth Spice | 19 December 2004 | 16:55 EST
Sandtrooper Tessek Reports: Live from Japan, it's Squidhead!
I recently got back from a signing tour of Japan with Tim "Admiral Ackbar" Rose. Everything about the trip was spectacular and I have never signed so many Tessek/Squid Head and Mon Calamari Officer action figures in all my life! This was the first time The Admiral and The Officer were together since the Battle of Endor and Tim and I had great fun acting out my unused MCO script and re-creating a classic photo from 1982! My next U.S. trip will be to Dallas, Feb 4-6, 2005 at All-Con.org. Hope to see some of you there and to meet lots of new faces. All the best Holiday Wishes, Gerald.




Posted by: Darth Spice | 18 December 2004 | 22:59 EST

Holiday Shipping Update: We'll be handling all UPS $6.49 Ground shipments as 'rush' orders this week - so order placed by 3:00 PM Central Time will ship the same day. Those of you in zone 3 on our shipping map can order until Monday at 3:00 using the $6.49 rate for guaranteed delivery! Zones 1 and 2 on the map have even more time!

Master Replicas: We were able to secure another AT-AT Imperial Walker, Master Replica has totally sold out of these and its unlikely we'll be able to get anymore of them. Back in stock is the Sauron One Ring, Vader Mini-Saber, and full sized Blue Luke FX Saber. Our M.R. Sales rep gave us some info about the Snowspeeder as well ? it?s a nice companion piece to the AT-AT at 1/2 the price ($599.99) The detail of the Snowspeeder is as good or better than the AT-AT, so it will be an impressive piece.

Cinemaquetts 1/3 Scale Movie Collectibles: Cinemaquette is a brand new line of ultra high-end movie collectibles. They are limited to only 1000 total pieces each with only 50 pieces per month being produced over the course of 20 months. They feature die cast metal, silicon skin, real human hair, polystone & metal construction, and movie accurate clothing and accessories. We've listed pre-orders for the TX Terminatrix ($999.99), the T-850 Terminator - Arnold - $1199.99, and the T-800 Terminator Endoskeleton ($1499.99) Cinemaquettes has secured licensing to create a variety of other characters from: Alien, Predator, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, and Lord of the Rings! We'll carry all the figures and list pre-orders as final pricing & availability info becomes available from Cinemaquette.

80% Off All Vintage Items: We've raised the discount level to 80% off all items on the vintage menu. Please help us clear out the remaining vintage items and take advantage of the huge 80% off. We'll be restocking a variety of unpaid old orders on Monday so be sure to check then for some decent restocked items.

Halo 2: We've received another restock of the popular Halo 2 figures including Master Chief, Warthog, and Covenant Brute. Pre-Orders for Halo 2 Series 2 and Series 3 have also just been listed. The sets of 4 are each available for pre-ordering for $54.99.

Also this week: Sideshow-Weta Lord of the Rings, Galaxy Force Transformers, Batman Hush 2, Street Fighter, Marvel Legends 8, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and More!

- Click to Enter Big Bad Toy Store -



Posted by: Darth Spice | 18 December 2004 | 22:46 EST
Sandtrooper Kevin Reports:
S.C.A.L.P. Demolition Expert, Columbus,OH“The Darth Vader voice changer on sale at Meijers starting sunday for $22.95. Also some of the votc on clearance for 7.50 and 12-inch trilogy collection on clearance for around $24.00. Polaris Wal-mart had a lot of the unleased figures - a whole end cap of them - even the new packing for vader and others. A few Slave I at the Target at Easton - all without Boba Fetts missile. Wishing a Merry Christmas to all fellow Troopers out there.”

Onebigk@aol.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 18 December 2004 | 19:25 EST
This Just in from Brian's Toys Newsletter #286
- click above to enter -


We have posted our latest Newsletter #286. Hot off the delivery truck, the fabulous Animated series 3 figures are now in stock including the infamous General Grievous! Along with this deadly Jedi assassin comes a brawnier battle torn Anakin Skywalker, a clone wars captain ARC Trooper and 2 new clone troopers in red, blue and yellow. The wave 1 and wave 2 characters Asajj, Mace and Obi-Wan are also being released in 2nd packaging. All of the currently available Clone Wars Animated Maquettes, including Asajj Ventress, ARC Trooper, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, are now in stock at $79.99 each with the exception of Yoda priced at only $59.99.

Great new Master Replica's just arrived this week including SW Luke ESB F/X Saber, Luke Jedi Elite Saber the AT-AT and the LOTR Sauron's One Ring replica.

New OTC Galactic Heroes just in stock as well. The Luke Jedi and Gamorrean Guard pack, the Skiff Guard and Lando Skiff and the Jawa and Tusken Raider 2-packs are all available for $11.99 each or get the set of 3 for only $29.99. More OTC basic back in stock, and we are now offering 3 new case assortments of OTC Classic figures.

This weeks vintage featured includes a boxed AT-AT Walker C-9 w/ C-7 ESB Box (No POP), 2 new 12-inch AFA 85 figures, Ben Kenobi MISB & Darth Vader as well as 2 Prototype 3-Packs, an Android Set AFA 80 (C-3PO, R2-D2 & Chewbacca) and a Heroes Set AFA 80 (Han Solo Small Head, Princess Leia & Ben Kenobi) both for $3,999.99. Also just in the Tops Toys ROTJ Yoda C-8.5 for $599.99.

Lots of great other Star Wars items now in stock including Deluxe POTJ, Ultra Saga, Kotobukiya, 12-inch Marmit Sandtrooper White Patch, a Reds Darth Vader C-7/8, and much more. Check out these great items and our featured vintage on our website and newsletter.

Eleven great new LOTR Trilogy items just released. This new wave includes Boromir Super Poseable, King Elendil, Gil-Galad, Lurtz, Moria Orc Archer, Gandalf the Grey, Mirkwood Legolas, Prince Isilidur, Elrond of Rivendell, Bilbo Transfixed and Bilbo 111th Birthday.

Be sure to check out our great savings coupons on our current catalog. This week's coupon deal: Get 15% Off all Vintage G.I. Joe 3 ?" Loose when you USE Promo Code JOE15.

New Dreams & Visions now in stock. Each of these great items is prices at less than $60. The Ground Combat set for Sgt. Rock & the Men of Easy Company, Crewcut U.S. Army Tank Crewman, Crewcut U.S. Navy Ordinance, Mademoiselle Marie Single Pack and Mademoiselle Marie Recon at Moulin Rouge.

The latest by DC Direct in the C3 Construction line is now in stock including the Batglider with Stealth Batman and Catwoman, Batmobile with Dark Knight Batman, Mini Batmobile with Batman and Robin and The Batman Stealth Batwing. The newest Batman Hush wave is also in stock now, this wave includes Superman, The Riddler, Nightwing, Catwoman and Harley Quinn. The setoff all 5 Series 2 Figures is available for $79.99. The latest MOTU statue in the works has been revealed, scheduled to be released in 2005, the NECA Clawful Statue is now available for Pre-Order for only $199.99! This week's featured Simpsons includes all series 2 Chief Wiggum, series 2 Smithers and series 3 Milhouse.


Posted by: Darth Spice | 18 December 2004 | 16:24 EST
Sandtrooper Jedimaster-C Reports:
Are they still making these?“I found the Slave I at Target after months of waiting. I wasn't that impressed with it. Some of the post OTC figures are trickling in. I am getting out of the Star Wars thing. The future offerings and price hike are not thrilling me. With RotS figures I am only getting Gen Grevious.That's it.”

c-ryan@mchsi.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 18 December 2004 | 16:24 EST
Sandtrooper Orlando Reports: A.K.A. AT-AT Driver
“I just came back from KB Toys at Irving Park and they have a lot of the latest OTC figures, they also have a lot of the old ones $2.99. Some of the VOTC that I saw there: Yoda, Han Solo, Lando. They still have the 16-inch Chewie. I bought the Imperial officer with the scanner and I bought a bunch of Lego final duel with Stomtrooper, Imperial officer and Luke (3x$5).”

orlandoledezma@yahoo.com


Posted by: Dan | 18 December 2004 | 16:01 EST
Area Report: From the Land of Ice and Snow
Hi everybody, Sandtrooper Dan reporting in from the frigid Northwoods of Wisconsin. I've been to all the stores the last couple days and here is what I've seen. Target had a bunch of older OTC figures as well as a few left over VOTC figures. They also had a few newer Unleashed figures such as Aayla, Tusken Raider, and Count Dooku. I also saw a couple Falcons and Vader helmets.

Wal-Mart has had the same OTC and VOTC figures hanging for months now. What is the deal?! They also had some of the figure cases left for $21.00 still. Maybe that's why they're not moving? K-Mart has a few newer and older OTC figures hanging. They also have a whole stack of the first Cantina 3 pack with no sight of the second series one coming anytime soon. VOTC 12 inch Lukes were very plentyfull as well. Shop-Ko had nothing worth mentioning. All and all things are pretty bleak right now up here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin but I have faith that will change soon. Until then, good luck hunting in your neck of the woods. On a side note, I have been pretty lucky lately finding the newer G.I. Joe figures. YO JOE!




Posted by: dustrho | 18 December 2004 | 14:31 EST
News from Sandtrooper Boba Binks!
Hasbro"Many of you know that the Exclusive Target Store Slave 1 with Boba Fett action figure came without the missile to go into Boba Fett's backpack. I called up Hasbro's Customer Service and inquired about the missing missile. I was told that yes the Slave 1 with Boba Fett was shipped without the missile and I would be receiving a replacement missile in the mail. After several weeks I still have not received my replacement missile from Hasbro. Instead I got this letter. It states that the requested part (missile) is currently not available. I know from various reports that many people did in fact get a replacement missile for the Boba Fett backpack from Hasbro. Did Hasbro run out of replacement missiles? I do not know. Let's hope that Hasbro will find more of this missile to send out to their customers who inquired about the missing missile for their Boba Fett.

To see the full image of this Hasbro letter click here."



Posted by: Darth Spice | 18 December 2004 | 13:43 EST
Sandtrooper Corporal Mike Reports:
“Happy holidays Troopers, Hey I made a quick run this morning and scored some loot, in NW Indiana, the super K-mart in Portage had the Sly Moore wave, with plenty to go around, the price was pretty high at $6.29 a pop. That?s about $32 for 5 figs. Wally-world was empty; Target had the Slave Leia wave and maybe fifty Anakin & X-wing Luke glass sets, still no sign of Slave I, I must have missed it. The Toys R Us in Hobart had lots of the OTC figs with the star cases, lots of Stormtroopers, Boba Fett. My last stop was at KB in Highland and they had the Sly Moore wave for $7.99 a pop, stick em up! Well I just looked at my calendar and tomorrow is the 19th,so we got 6 more months til ROTS. Semper Fi.”

cplhritz@sbcglobal.net


Posted by: Darth Spice | 18 December 2004 | 11:25 EST
Sandtrooper Dennis Reports:
24/7 S.C.A.L.P. Trooper“Just got back from my toy run today. Here's what's going on out there in Gurnee, IL:

TRU (Gurnee, IL): “has the Jedi Council Scenes 3 & 4 as well as the Playskool Jedi Force Luke with speeder bike.

KB Toys (Gurnee, IL): “still has the exclusive Chewie. They also have the exclusive G.I Joe Operation: Crimson Sabotage set with 3 Crimson Guards figs.”

wrightcombo@juno.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 18 December 2004 | 10:59 EST
Sandtrooper Songwrtr Reports:
Like always Sandtroopers come through!“You ask how many of the first 28 figures were still around shortly after their release for TPM and AotC. Aside from a few spot shortages (especially the Collection 3 figures and some Battle Droid variations from TPM and some of the higher number figures for AotC -- Dooku, Yoda, Dexter Jettster and the Geonosian Warrior, I think, plus a couple of the with insert variants), all of these were plentiful. So plentiful, in fact, that it was the next waves that were a bit tough to find for a while, particularly for TPM. If I recall correctly, there were 32 figures available for TPM for Midnight Madness and anywhere between 24 and 30 figures for AotC depending on where you looked. Of all of those initially hard to find figures, the only one that I can think of that remained difficult to come by at regular retail even two months later was the Dexter Jettster with insert with the word "Pipe" visible on the sidebar. It took a while for the Dooku and Yoda figures to get out in force, but once they did, they, too, became pegwarmers.

I'd expect the same to hold true for at least the initial wave of RotS. Most of them will be available in sufficient quantity to still be clogging some pegs come Thanksgiving. Any that don't start off as easy to find will become easier within a month of the initial release as the supply lines catch up with demand. It's the figures later in the year that you might need to watch out for, as the inevitable retail backlash hits, though I do recall seeing all non-variant figures from 2002 at retail in tremendous quantities at one point or another with the exception of Ephant Mon. Some of them just didn't make it out until '03 had begun.”


songwrtr@hotmail.com



Posted by: Boba Binks | 18 December 2004 | 10:58 EST
For Ages 3+
What's wrong with Jar Jar?Well here in the Circle City (Indianapolis, IN.) I found two new toys at Toys-R-Us that I have not seen anywhere else as of yet. Star Wars Jedi Force Luke Skywalker with Speeder Bike from Playskool (653569004127) for $12.99 and the Galactic Heroes X-Wing Fighter (with real Star Wars sounds) with a new Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 from Hasbro (653569011446) for $19.99.Keep your eyes open for these cool toys made for Ages 3+.

david@sandtroopers.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 17 December 2004 | 22:57 EST
It?s time for Revenge:
Hey Troops, I found an interesting auction for the next 28 Revenge of the Sith figures. The ebay seller revengeofthesithtoys is offering the next collection, with some nifty shots of what?s coming next. I'm sure most of us know when to wait. Does anyone remember how many were left of the first 28 Phantom Menace or Attack of the Clones figures shortly after their release?



Posted by: Darth Spice | 17 December 2004 | 19:00 EST
Update from Cloud City:
Animated Clone Wars Season 3 figures are in stock and shipping now at Cloud City. Don?t forget to check our ebay auctions for the best vintage pieces! We will be restocking our inventory after the Holidays and look forward to the new Revenge of the Sith line.

- click to enter -



Posted by: Darth Spice | 17 December 2004 | 18:55 EST
Sandtrooper Jimsjedi Reports:
Worcester, MA S.C.A.L.P. Operative“Happy Holidays to everyone. Sorry for my lack of postings lately but my home pc is still not working up to par, and haven't had much time to get on at work. There has been really nothing new anywhere in my neck of the woods. Stores are mostly empty, which is a good sign, I think. We have finished the shopping for the kids and I am really looking forward to when my 5 year-old son opens up his first Millennium Falcon. I do however have a request to all when you're out this final weekend finishing up your shopping. Please, Please, Please remember to pick up a toy for the Toys For Tots. There are far too many children out there without, and this brings smiles to those faces. Let's make it a great Christmas for those without. I don't mean to preach but no child should go without on Christmas.”

JIMSJEDI@aol.com



Posted by: rob | 17 December 2004 | 12:35 EST
Sandtrooper Jetfire reports:
Deep recon from the Great Lakes state! ?Well, my local Toys R Us finally put out something worth posting! I walked in to find the Cantina and Trooper waves of the Post OTC. I snagged mine as well as a set for my buddy Ghost of QG. The awesome part was that half the figures were marked $4.99 and the other half $6.99. Needless to say, I grabbed the $4.99 figs and made my way up to the register. Here?s where a nice story gets ugly. Unfortunately, the $4.99 ones were tagged as a comic 5-pack. After much complaining and pleading my case, the manager still would not give those figures marked at $4.99 to me at that price. The response was that they are supposed to be marked $6.99 and that due to me being a collector that he was pretty sure I knew that fact. Needless to say, I?ll be finding some way to appeal as the main point is that they mismarked their own merchandise. Besides that, not much else in the area except Meijers having Sly Moore and Rabe? as pegwarmers. If anyone out there has a POTJ TIE Bomber, Crashed Snowspeeder, or AT-ST w/ewok and wants to trade, please shoot me an e-mail. Sandtrooper Jetfire out!?

jetfire_99@yahoo.com



Posted by: dustrho | 17 December 2004 | 12:04 EST
KOTOR2 Just a "Good" Game?
Wired News has written a review of the recently released Star Wars video game, Knights of the Old Republic: The Sith Lords, and since I haven't completed the game myself I have some mixed emotions about what they wrote. To quickly sum it up they believe it was only a "good" game, because it was simply rushed to retail for the Christmas shopping season. I've only put in about twelve hours into the game so far, and I can tell you that it's a great game but I'm not really sure if it's better than its predecessor. Jump over to their site to read the article, and feel free to express your opinions about the game over in our forums.




Posted by: dustrho | 17 December 2004 | 11:34 EST
History of Star Wars Games
UnderGroundOnline has put together a very cool feature about the history of Star Wars gaming. They have it broken down by different sections, such as The Golden Age, The Silver Age, The Gaming Renaissance, and Modern Age, and in each of these sections are descriptions and reviews of all the different Star Wars games that have ever been made. Looking through all of these pages brought back a lot of memories, so be sure to check this feature out and talk about it in our forums.




Posted by: dustrho | 17 December 2004 | 11:16 EST
The Music Flows Through Him
John WilliamsThe musical mastermind behind all of the great Star Wars movies, John Williams, has recently started the laborious task of composing music for the upcoming movie Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge Of the Sith. The first sessions will take place this coming February, after Williams has finished composing the original score, and he will be working once again with the London Symphony Orchestra. Read more about this here.



Posted by: dustrho | 17 December 2004 | 10:57 EST
Mace Windu No More
Mace WinduAfter playing the role of Mace Windu in all three prequel Star Wars trilogies, Samuel L. Jackson will be putting away his purple lightsaber for good. Jackson was quoted on the Calgary Sun's website saying the following: "We've all said our goodbyes but it wasn't some huge emotional time or anything like that. It was far more joyous than sad. We know we're part of something very special and that makes you happy, not sad."

In a way though it is kind of sad, especially knowing that this is going to be the last installment into the Star Wars saga. yes, there might be a Star Wars TV show after the all is said and done, but it just won't be the same. No more in-your-face attitude by the purple lightsaber wielding Mace Windu.



Posted by: dustrho | 17 December 2004 | 8:58 EST
Leonardo DiCaprio Too Picky?
Leonardo DiCapriocontactmusic.com claims that famous movie actor Leonardo DiCaprio was offered two incredible lead roles in two great movies... Spider Man and Anakin Skywalker. But, we all know that he didn't play those parts, and he supposedly turned them down because they failed to pass his "passion test." DiCaprio complained that 92% of the parts he has been offered are appalling, and he was so disappointed by the "Spider Man" and "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" scripts, he immediately rejected performing those lead roles. Read the full article here.



Posted by: Darth Spice | 16 December 2004 | 20:59 EST
Sandtrooper Starfox Reports:
Bleeds Armor“Happy Holidays to all the Troopers! I'm no longer in the market to buy figures, unfortunately, I have to sell most of my collection for personal reasons. (You can check my list in the forums). That is not stopping me from looking out for fellow troopers! Central Texas has been kind of bleak lately, but I did notice some new happenings: Target in Killeen has almost bare pegs, only 3 OTC figs on 10 pegs, don't know where they all went, but that should be a good thing, plus they has the elusive OTC Slave I. There are 3 left on the shelf now. TRU has received another case of the POTC wave with Sly Moore and crew, plus Council Scenes 3 & 4. They also received some playschool Jedi Force figs. KB Toys is absolutely useless, not one OTC figure all year. Kmart still has Cantina Scene 2 and a few 12-inch VOTC figs left and old ANH VOTC. Wal-Mart is totally capsizing with 10 cases of the IG-88 wave choking out all the pegs at ALL 3 local Wal-Marts, yuck! That's all from Central Texas again, Happy Holiday wishes to all Starfox signing out.”

starfox@hot.rr.com



Posted by: Snipe | 16 December 2004 | 20:10 EST
Area Report: 'Twas the week Before X-mas
Not your average 15 year-old!“Hey Troopers, I just checked at my local Target here is Simi Valley, CA. They don't have too much. There were no figures today, they were all cleaned out on those. They have a lot of Galactic Heroes, including all the Bounty Hunters, and Yoda. They had quite a few Unleashed there, mostly Bossk, but they had one Chewbacca. They only have C-3PO Jedi force right now, and they still have too many Lightsabers here. That's it, Snipe signing off!”

snipe@sandtroopers.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 16 December 2004 | 19:50 EST
Update from Amazon.com:
Here are a few Sale items at Toys R Us.com:
Silver Darth Vader -Free Shipping
Asajj Ventress Maquette
OTC Millennium Falcon
Jedi Warriors 4-Pack
Red Y-Wing - Gold Leader
Jedi Council - Scene IV
Jedi Council - Scene III
Naboo Final Conflict 4-Pack
12-inch Hoth Leia



New items.
Post OTC- Pablo Jill
Post OTC- Rabe
Post OTC - Yarua
Post OTC- Queen Amidala
Post OTC- Sly Moore
OTC Slave Princess Leia
OTC- Bib Fortuna




Posted by: Darth Spice | 16 December 2004 | 17:53 EST
This week at Action-HQ: New Animated Figures in Stock!
visit Action-HQ below
Action-HQ has the new Star Wars Animated figures in stock. Get Grevious, Anakin, ARC Trooper and various colored Clone Troopers. Sold in sets with older Animated figures. Express yours for X-mas! Star Wars 20 inch Electronic Darth Vader Battle Buddy, exclusive to Australia only! Alien vs. Predator Snap Kit figures are also in stock this week. Also in stock this week: Metal Gear Solid 2, Star Trek, Saint Seiya, Nightmare Before Christmas and more!



Posted by: Darth Spice | 16 December 2004 | 17:47 EST
Update from TOYFELLAS:
We would like to wish every one a Happy Holiday. We received some new items this week from LotR, Star Wars & Transformers lines.

Star Wars:
Gentle Giants Studios Gamorrean Guard Mini Bust $44.99

LotR Armies of Middle Earth Wave 6
Army of the Dead $19.99
Attack at Amom-Hen $7.99
Mordor Orcs $15.99
Prologue Elves $15.99

Palisades Toys: Soundwave Transformers 6-inch Statue $49.99
Marvel Legends Series 8 Coming Soon!

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1-888-273-5663

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Posted by: Darth Spice | 15 December 2004 | 22:34 EST
Sandtrooper Dom Reports:
One of SoCal's Finest!“Well, things out here have been really depressing with respect to new product. I have seen the newly rehashed Unleashed figure save the Darth Vader. Wal-Mart?s have not replenished anything since about 4 weeks ago when they put out all new cases of the last few Saga waves. My closest Wal-Mart hasn't had anything new for over a month. I hope others have had better luck. I did see one lone Pablo Jill, pretty beaten up, and passed, so I am sure they are going faster than they are coming. I know other Troops are in the same position, which is why I wanted to offer a few extra figures at cost plus shipping should anyone need them. Otherwise they will be returned to the stores from which they came this weekend. They are as follows: Cloud Car Pilot, Lobot, Bespin Leia, Bespin Luke, IG-88, Gamorrean Guard, Hoth Vader and Vader (A New Hope). Please email me with any requests. I know that a lot of you are finding quite a bit out there and wanted to see if someone out there could give a fellow trooper a hand. I am looking for Yarua, Pablo Jill, Queen Amidala Ceremony Dress, Myo, Feltipern Trevagg, Dannik Jericho, Sandtrooper, and any of the last few of the post OTC figs. Let me know if you can help.”

chicanodom@msn.com



Posted by: Darth Spice | 15 December 2004 | 19:07 EST
Update from Wholesalecases.com: Looking for something Special?
Hey Troops, just in time for the Holidays our friends at wholesalecases.com have updated their entire inventory. While packages will soon be changing, protect your valuable collections with Star Cases. Choose from the original Star Case, Star Case 2, Deluxe cases or acrylic. There is also a deluxe acrylic for Masters of the Universe figures. Wholesalecases.com also carries action figure stands and blisters for loose figures. Make sure to check out the loose action figure display cases for that special vintage figure from your childhood! Great Holiday gift ideas, visit wholesalecases.com today!

Protect your stuff with our stuff!



Posted by: dustrho | 15 December 2004 | 10:18 EST
r2dtoys.com Newsletter
Yes we have received our shipment of all 3 waves of brand new LOTR action figures in stock and shipping now! We cannot promise delivery by Christmas but these items will sell fast so please hurry and we will do our very best for you.

19 all-new LOTR Series 4 ROTK, TTT and FOTR now IN STOCK!!!

FOTR 4:
Peter Jackson ?14
Gandalf the Grey ?7
Bilbo Transfixed ?9
Boromir Super Poseable ?7
Mirkwood Legolas ?7
Prince Isildur ?8

TTT 4:
Hama ?12
Orc Captain (Dungeons of Isengard) ?12
Prince Theodred ?9
Shagrat ?9
Legolas ?7
Gate of Mordor Sam ?7
ROTK 4:
Shelob Attack Frodo ?6
Denethor ?8
Super Poseable Smeagol (humanoid) ?7
Super Poseable Gorbag ?12
Super Poseable Minas Tirith (Citadel Guard) ?12
Super Poseable Aragorn WITH SOUND ?7
Sam Gamgee in Orc WITH SOUND ?8

We also received the Signature Edition CODE 3 X-Wing Starfighter! There are a number of new items arriving soon including the animated wave 3 samples and Kubrick series 3.

Head on over to r2dtoys.com now!




Posted by: Snipe | 14 December 2004 | 20:52 EST
Area Report:
Snipe checking in from So Cal, I just checked my local Wal-Mart and they had a full pegs of Star Wars figures. Too bad there were only four different ones. They had OTC Lobot, Lando, Cloud Car Pilot, and Imperial trooper. They also had a ton of Lightsabers, nothing good is at my Wal-Mart, first I've seen of anything new in awhile.

snipe@sandtroopers.com


Posted by: Darth Spice | 14 December 2004 | 17:48 EST
Sandtrooper Roland Reports:
“Troops, I am wondering if you could help me sell this item. I am an avid reader of this website and just recently bought this off of ebay but I can't return it. This item is the ebay exclusive Star Wars Jedi Force X-Wing w/ Luke Skywalker & R2-D2. I do not want this and it has never been opened in a mint C9 or better box. I am asking $30 and I will ship this to anyone in the U.S. free of charge. I paid $40 for this, including the shipping so my loss is someone else's gain. Anyone can send me an e-mail and the first $30 payment I receive (money order or Paypal) I will ship it to them. United We Find.”

rmrodrigue@bellsouth.net


Posted by: Darth Spice | 14 December 2004 | 17:42 EST

Holiday Shipping: There is still plenty of time for guaranteed holiday delivery without using 2nd day or next day shipping! ALL U.S. customers can select the $6.49 UPS Ground flat rate shipping option for guaranteed delivery. Please see our Holiday Shipping Guide for specific delivery times. Holiday deliveries are guaranteed so don't worry about receiving gifts in time - we are working late all week to get everything shipped on time.

Master Replicas: The Luke Skywalker FX Green Saber has arrived, we also have the blue version in stock - each $113.99!

Predaking & BT-10 Grimlock: The awesome Predaking Giftset and BT-10 Grimlock have just arrived this morning. The Giftset includes all 5 Predacons with crisp joints, mint stickers, and die-cast metal parts. All original weapons, 5 sticker sheets, and 6 tech-spec cards are included as well. The BT-10 Grimlock Mustang GT features the very cool new 2005 Mustang GT - silver with red interior. Another quality die-cast release from Takara - available for $54.99.

Sports Picks: The new NBA Series 7 figures have arrived and we've restocked NFL 10 and NHL Legends 1. We have a decent selection of variants for both NFL 10 and NBA 7 along with all the normal figures. Highlights include Yao Ming, Labron James, Ben Wallace and Kevin Garnett - each with normal and variants in stock. NFL 10 variants back in stock include Warren Sapp, LaDainian Tomlinson and Roy Williams, the hard to find Adam Vinatieri figure is also back in stock.

Halo: We've restocked the very popular Halo 2 figures - Green Master Chief, Warthog, and the Set of 3 figures with Covenant Brute are all in stock. Master Chief and Warthog are available separately, the Brute is only included in the set of 3.

Transformers Statues: The very nice new Soundwave 6-inch Statue from Palisades has just arrived (pre-orders will ship soon) Soundwave is available on the TF Busts & Statues Menu for $59.99. We've restocked the Palisades 12-inch Optimus and Megatron Statues, and a variety of other Palisades and Hard Hero TF Statues and Busts are available - be sure to check out our Metallic Bumblebee Statue exclusive.

Also this week: Sideshow/Weta, Alien, Predator, Buffy, Godzilla, Robotech and more! Make sure to check out the Pre-Order for Marvel, Transformers and Lord of the Rings.

- Click to Enter Big Bad Toy Store -



Posted by: Darth Spice | 14 December 2004 | 17:31 EST
Sandtrooper Collector Gallery Kurt Reports:
“We are taking Pre-order on the Darth Vader Gentle Giant statue & Leia Boushh disguise mini bust. In Stock this week: OTC Y-Wing Fighter, Darth Vader, Jango Fett, Slave I & Super Battle Droid Lego; Micro Machines #12 & #13 3-packs, PotF TIE Fighter, vintage Imperial Shuttle & Darth Vader models added”

Click Here



Posted by: dustrho | 14 December 2004 | 8:57 EST
M&M's Turning to the Dark Side?
M&M's Turning to the Dark Side?Yoda once said to Luke Skywalker, "But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice." In this case Obi-Wan's apprentice was Darth Vader, but sadly two more individuals have decided to go down the path of the Dark Side. Those two are the candies that "melt in your mouth and not your hands." They are M&M's.

In the latest promotion for the upcoming Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, the candy-maker Masterfoods USA will (Mars, Inc.) be teaming up with Lucasfilm to celebrate the legacy of Star Wars and the final installment into the Star Wars saga. The promotion will be dubbed "The Star Wars M-Pire."

The highlight of the Star Wars M-Pire promotion is the world debut of M&M's Chocolate Candies in dark chocolate. Wrapped around the chocolate core will be color mixes that represent different sides of the Force: lighter colors around milk chocolate represent the light side-following Jedi, and darker colors with dark chocolate centers represent the dark side-loving Sith.

Read more about this here.



Posted by: dustrho | 13 December 2004 | 9:35 EST
Stormtroopers Helping Out the Children
Star Wars fan getting a high-five from a Stormtrooper!On Sunday the Pennsylvania Star Wars Collecting Society organized a local toy drive for the worldwide chartity organization, Garrison Carida. Dressed in Stormtrooper outfits, the members of Garrison Carida plan on distributing the toys to children in hospitals. By noon they had collected over 300 toys, which was more than the 250 toys it got at last year's toy drive. Read the full article here.



Posted by: dustrho | 13 December 2004 | 9:20 EST
Making Wishes Happen
RNewsRNews, a local television news station out of Rochester, NY, has reported that a group of costumed characters from Star Wars and Lord of the Rings helped raise just over $1,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation at the local Eastview Mall on Saturday. Children and adults got a chance to meet and take pictures with the costumed characters. "It's fun and it involves community people and raises money for a good cause," said Mary Anne Luther of Gates. Read the full article here.



Posted by: dustrho | 13 December 2004 | 8:56 EST
Star Wars Original Trilogy Still Ranked High on Amazon.com
Star Wars Original TrilogyCNN.com has reported that the Star Wars Original Trilogy DVD box set is still ranked in the top five most sold DVDs on Amazon.com's website. The DVD set was initially released back in September, and people from all across the globe were running to their local stores to get a copy of it for themselves. For a long time it had remained at the number one spot for DVD sales at Amazon.com, and almost three months later it is still ranked in the top five. Granted this shouldn't be much of a surprise to anyone here, but it's still quite amazing when you sit down and think about it. If you haven't purchased this DVD set yet, I would probably guess it's the number one item on your Christmas wishlist. Read the full article here.



Posted by: dustrho | 13 December 2004 | 8:43 EST
Holiday Shopping
Holiday ShoppingIt?s that time of year again, and that means shopping for your loved ones, friends, or even yourself. For all our friends and family, it?s easy for them to shop for us because they can get anything Star Wars related and we?d happy with whatever we received from them. If they?re not sure where to purchase Star Wars items and don?t feel like going out to retail stores, have them shop through one of our many sponsors (listed on the right side of this page). I?m sure they could find something that would make your holidays all the brighter!



Posted by: dustrho | 13 December 2004 | 8:39 EST
Sandtrooper dustrho Reporting In!
Only hit up a couple stores over the weekend, and unfortunately I don?t have much to report on. At the Target in Oswego there were still plenty of the first five Post OTC figures, 12" VOTC figures, talking Yodas, lightsabers, and finally the second Cantina section that includes the blue Snaggletooth (Zutton) figure. Then, I went over to the Target in Oswego and there wasn?t anything new there at all. They had lots of Gold Card Saga figures, some OTC figures from the Bespin wave, talking Yodas, lightsabers, VOTC figures, and a bunch of Unleashed figures. They had the re-carded Count Dooku and Mace Windu filling the pegs, but still no sign of the re-carded Unleashed Darth Vader. I still cannot believe that Hasbro re-hashed Unleashed figures, when there are so many possibilities of making new figures.

Here?s a little tip if you can?t find anything at the big-name stores like Target, Wal-Mart, Toys ?R Us and K-Mart? run over to your local second-hand stores like The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Amvets, etc. In the past I have personally found a lot of great Star Wars items sitting on shelves, for only dollars when the same stuff could be found on eBay for a much higher price. You?d be surprised to see what you can find in one of those stores.

Happy hunting!




Posted by: Darth Spice | 12 December 2004 | 21:40 EST
Happy Holidays
From all of our families, to all of yours; Happy Holidays from the Staff of Sandtroopers.com. We are all eagerly looking forward to the end of this year and the exciting one that will be upon us in 2005. It has been a magnificent year for the site, and we look forward to being on the front lines with all of our loyal Troops and Troopette's! United We Find. Merry Christmas!




Posted by: Darth Spice | 12 December 2004 | 21:32 EST
Sandtrooper Sithryan Reports:
The Pride of Boise, Idaho!“Hey Troops! Is it just me or are there very few places stocking these days? Toys R Us seems to be the only place to stock anything new other than the VOTC collection. Has anyone taken a good look at the C-3PO? It has to be the worst likeness I have ever seen. Terrible. Coal in Hasbro's stocking this year. Nothing but COAL! Anyway, Target has had Scanning Troopers recently, so keep your eyes peeled. Wal-Mart is a wasteland as far as Star Wars is concerned. After reading Force of the Bay, I wanted to share with the Troops an ebay store that I have had some amazing luck with. The guy is pretty cool and starts all of his auctions at .99 cents. I've bought quite a few figures, even some high dollar vintage and the items were exactly as stated in the listing. Give hime a try if you're looking to fill some old holes. Good Luck Troops! Happy Holidays.”

sithryan@msn.com



Posted by: Julian | 12 December 2004 | 20:32 EST
This week at K&C Collectibles: Only 3 days left for Free Shipping!
Only 3 days left to take advantage of Free UPS Ground shipping from K&C Collectibles Your shipping address must be within the continental USA. Free shipping does not apply to pre-order items.

New 2005 Figures:
Pablo-Jill - Geonosis Arena #01
Yarua - Coruscant Senate #02
Sly Moore - Coruscant Senate #03
Queen Amidala - Celebration Ceremony #04
Rabe - Queens Chambers #05

OTC Figures:
UPDATE 12/15: Imperial Trooper #38
Darth Vader #29
Gamorrean Guard #30
Bib Fortuna #31
Lando Calrissian #32
Princess Leia #33
Darth Vader #34
Han Solo #35
General Madine #36
Lando Calrissian #37
3-Pack of Figures:
Scene 3 - Adi Gallia - Anakin Skywalker - Saesee Tiin
Scene 4 - Stass Allie - Agen Kolar - Skaak Ti

Figure with Glass Collection:
Princess Leia
Luke Skywalker
Anakin Skywalker
Darth Maul
Obi-Wan Kenobi

Trading Cards:
Heritage Trading Card Set of 120
Heritage Etched Foil Set of 6 cards
Heritage Card Singles
Heritage Etched Foil Card #1
Heritage Etched Foil Card #3
Heritage Etched Foil Card #4
Heritage Etched Foil Card #6

Pre-Order Excluxsive:
Star Wars Action Figure Display Diorama: Imported from England! Including "Tattooine Desert" and "Mos Eisley Cantina Bar" sections, this diorama - that acts as a dual-purpose action figure stand - displays your figures in classic styling that harden back to key scenes from George Lucas' groundbreaking sci-fi film, Star Wars. The reversible backdrop features a classic space duel over the Death Star, or a Tattooine desertscape. Also included are 50 individual figure stands, which can accommodate both classic and modern Star Wars action figures. Ships in vintage packaging, patterned after the classic Kenner '70s package design, this unique display measures 24" x 10" x 14". Figures not included. Exclusively available through Diamond retailers only. Item is due to ship in May 2005. We are unable to guarantee the availability of limited edition Advance Order items. In rare circumstances the supplier may not deliver a full order to us.

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Posted by: Darth Spice | 12 December 2004 | 18:06 EST
Sandtrooper Dom Reports: Deep in the Woods of Wisconsin