April 2002
Posted by: George | 30 April 2002 | 21:58 EDT
Just in case about MASTER REPLICAS REPOST:
As for some readers asking about the Master replicas release date. I'm not here to bash MASTER REPLICAS or create doubts; But, my sugestion here is to pre-order or order from a second source i.e. Amazon.com or some other dealers; It was a big shame when ICONS REPLICAS left a few hundred collectors in the cold by selling products that they no longer had a licence to.
I did pay a few hundred$$ for the Icons Han Solo's Blaster and all I got was a post card with a picture of it by mail saying that my order was in process when in fact Lucasfilm turned the licence down and they were pre-selling a product that in their knowledge was not supposed to be sold. Order your prop replicas with credit cards and don't let delays go over 6 months or your credit card bank issuer will not be able to help. For those who own Icons products lets not forget that they also had ''The Vault''. This is the equivalent of the ''Collectors Society'' in MASTER REPLICAS. Icons was taken to the BBB in California but only a handful of collectors were able to get their money reinbursed while hundreds including myself were only satisfied with a postcard ''from the edge''; Ironically, ICONS REPLICAS were members of the BBB in California but still they (BBB) couldn't handle 100's of complaints. Any ????'s let me know.
george@sandtroopers.com
Posted by: Tracy | 30 April 2002 | 19:00 EDT
Trooper Rich has a question.
My very gracious fiancé purchased a pre-order of the Vader FX Lightsaber Master Replica and I was wondering if anybody knows anything good or bad about them? Any experiences? Any info?
Thanks,
Trooper Rfiger
You can email Rich at rff@sbstone.com if you have any info for him.
Posted by: Zack | 30 April 2002 | 18:51 EDT
Trooper Jedi James Reports:
I just wanted to know if anybody out there missed out on the Tie Interceptor exclusive at TRU? Slim pickin's up here in Wisconsin. I did and I had an idea to buy a case of six from yestertoys.com at $190 (approx $32 each). Not a bad price considering they were I think $30 at TRU. The only problem is that I only want 1 maybe 2 and I was wondering if anybody else wanted the extras. I would sell them to anyone for $32 +shipping so anywhere between $35-40 aint to bad. Please LMK if you are interested.
I was also thinking about getting a case of 10 Commtech for $95. That is unless someone is out there that has a bunch of them they would be willing to trade or sell for cost? And of course I can't make it to Celebration II so if anyone has a extra C2 figure they would be willing to trade or sell, I would appreciate it.
jtitus@powerweb.com
Posted by: Zack | 30 April 2002 | 18:50 EDT
Another Trooper List....
Here is another list of troopers that need the C2 figure. The community forums have been updated with a special thread to voice your needs or haves for the figure. Be sure to read the special rules to apply before you post though.
Trooper baldrik
baldrik747@aol.com
Trooper Rick
Solleks@peoplepc.com
Trooper Adam
AGacek@ropesgray.com
Posted by: Darth Crypt | 30 April 2002 | 17:09 EDT
Sandtrooper Roger reports:
"Hello All,
This is my first of hopefully many posts. I live in rural Eastern Kentucky and I was able to pick up most of the first wave of Ep 2 basic figures in early April at our local Wal-Mart. They now have all of the figures with the exception of the Count, Yoda, and Mace in the basic line. They also have the Tie Bomber and Snowspeeder, but very few 12 inch figs. However the K-Mart has Obi and Anakin in 12 inch. Happy hunting."
RDV
Posted by: Steve | 30 April 2002 | 16:35 EDT
Ishi Tib from The Bothan Spy points out another Dexter variation
I found a variation today with Dexter Jettster's knife. The knife can be found with a protruding end piece going all around the tip of the handle and having a cut or groove at the bottom part or just with a smooth all around handle. When I came back home and looked at my carded Dexter with backdrop, I noticed then, it is the protruding variant one. The one I have opened and is displaying on my shelf, to the contrary, has a smooth tip. This variation can be found on cards with or without a backdrop. I have posted a close up picture of this variation at The Bothan Spy as well as a Clone Trooper variation which I found with no rank markings (little red dots) on his chest.
Troops, Ishi Tib is a great source for variation knowledge. His guide at The Bothan Spy is comprehensive and down right amazing to see. Check it out for even more details about Dexter, the Clone Trooper and even more variations.
Posted by: Steve | 30 April 2002 | 16:15 EDT
Amazon.com amazing deal posted by Jason earlier
Hey Troops, Jason posted the news about ArtoosNews posting some great coupon codes for Amazon.com. Well I just went and looked up those codes and decided to order the Slave I, Reek Beast and an extra Geonosian Warrior so I could get my total over $50. After typing in all the codes and with shipping, my total for those three items was $38.39! If I tried to get these three at Wal-Mart I would have paid around $50, so I saved at least $11 by getting them online. I know that sometimes Amazon has packaging problems, but I am an opener, so I don't care what condition the boxes are in. Check out ArtoosNews for those codes. You will have to scroll down to news from April 29th.
Posted by: Steve | 30 April 2002 | 15:39 EDT
Yestertoys has some new deals
We have lowered our pricing on the non-mint Episode 2 figures to $6 a piece plus the vehicles and lightsabers have also been discounted. Check them out by clicking here.
Posted by: George | 30 April 2002 | 14:55 EDT
Target marks down:
Final call to get the 25 Anniversary 2-packs and DLX Amanaman/Leia at Target. Final price is $3.74 ea. SWEEEEET and POTJ went to a mere $1.54. Remember troops this is the FINAL markdown as their prices end up in ''4''.
Posted by: Tyler | 30 April 2002 | 12:26 EDT
News from R2Dtoys about C2 Jorg Sacul figure!
We now have our sample in hand ! at last, waited 10 days for it !!
We are also receiving a very small quantity in May ! Only 84 pcs and already 94 people have registered an interest, we also had a surprise with the cost of the toy (our supplier has increased his price, which is the first time he has ever done that).
So we estimated the price to be £25 each, but it looks like being closer to £33, unfortunately. (This would be approx $48 US)
Also, our website is having a few teething problems calculating shipping.
For clarification, our shipping is as follows:
UK orders £5 no matter how much is ordered
Foreign orders £7 no matter how much is ordered * valid until 17th MAY !! (approx $10 US)
After 17th May, shipping prices will be as per USPS rates (or thereabouts).
Thanks very much to all of you !!
John.
Posted by: Tyler | 30 April 2002 | 12:15 EDT
Deluxe and Slave I in Canada!
Hey Troopers,
I found the deluxe figures and Slave I at my walmart here in North Bay, Ontario. The Slave I was a little pricey at $39.92 CAN while the deluxe were $14.92 CAN. I also picked up the AOTC novel there for $30 CAN but I won't be reading it until after I see the movie. So far the only things walmart hasn't got in yet is the Reek, Jedi Starfighter and the last 7 figures released. Hopefully those will show up shortly. The only thing Zellers has here is the legos. What a waste of time that store is. Well take care and hope everyone is finding what they want.
Posted by: George | 30 April 2002 | 8:27 EDT
I'll be moving soon:
Well troops, I'll be moving soon to my Enchanted Island Puerto Rico. But don't worry, I'll be ''broadcasting'' for Sandtroopers from the Island. Its been a while since I don't post a picture for those who use to e-mail me asking for one of them every once in a while. Here I present a fish market shot taken last February on the East cost of the Island in the town of Fajardo; The inset picture was provided by NASA, picture taken with Kodak Slide Film E-100VS (very saturated) Nikon F5 and Nikkor 17-35 mm AF-S @ F/8 for an exposure of 1/500 sec. Desktop size for your PC available upon request Thanks for looking.
Posted by: Zack | 30 April 2002 | 8:16 EDT
Get multi-signed pics without standing in line all day!
If you want to get any autographs from the guests at Celebration 2, you have until midnight (Mountain Standard Time) on Tuesday, April 30th to place your order. Wattographs is pleased to be coordinating our efforts with C2 Ventures to obtain autographs for those people who care unable to attend Celebration 2. Our single-image prices are $18.00 each ($15.00 each for ten or more photos) -- this is only $3.00 over the cost of getting the autograph at the event! Convention-issued Certificates of Authenticity are also available for $3.25 -- only .25 over the cost of getting one at the show!
The autographs purchased will ONLY be on the photos offered at the convention. It will be in character and will have the special holographic Celebration 2 foil stamp on the picture. Don't forget there are also four special images for multi-signatures at the show. Items with multiple signatures are very popular among autograph collectors.
Multi-signature images include:
- Jabba, Salacious Crumb and Bib Fortuna (Mike Edmonds [Jabba's Tail], Tim Rose and Michael Carter)
- Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee <-----going to be a hot autograph! (Mary Oyaya and Nalani Krishan)
- Nien Nunb and Lando Calrissian (Michael Quinn and Billy Dee Williams)
- Darth Vader, Lando Calrissian and Boba Fett (David Prowse, Billy Dee Williams and Jeremy Bulloch)
Check out the multi-sig items here:
http://www.autographcentral.com/wattographs/special-offer-multisigs.html
Posted by: Zack | 30 April 2002 | 8:13 EDT
Trooper Dan Reports:
Hi, Just wanted to let all the troopers know that E.E. has some cases of figures for only $29.99 Just go to the clearance section...I would love to get a C2 figure if someone would be kind enough to pick one up for me...Hope everyone that is able to go has a great time!!!
DJNeal111@msn.com
Posted by: Zack | 30 April 2002 | 8:11 EDT
Trooper JP Reports:
Hi everyone,I have a Fambaa with Gungan that I would like to sell for what I paid for it. ($47.00)It is in a very good box, not opened. I have the reciept. I will be driving to the Cellebration so if someone wants it and is going too you can save the postage. Has anyone thought of having a Sandtroopers swapmeet in the parking lot or something like that? See ya there!
sharonaloop@alltel.net
Posted by: Tracy | 30 April 2002 | 7:02 EDT
Trooper Rich needs some help....
I am still trying to lock in a trade for a CII fig. I have a Toy Fair
Vader to trade or a an Xbox game. I have a few to choose from and I am
trying to avoid the demon Ebay!!
Thanks,
Trooper Rfiger rff@sbstone.com
I HAVE MADE SEVERAL TRADES WITH RICH, HE IS AN EXCELLENT TRADER AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM.
Posted by: Tracy | 30 April 2002 | 6:58 EDT
Fellow Trooper Brian is P.O.ed and writes...
Hi Troops,
Out of curiosity, I checked on eBay for the Jorg Sacul C2 figure and
guess what I found? 58 listings for this figure that NOBODY has their
grubby little claws on yet!!!!!! Some of these are in excess of $100
already. These jerks are selling something they don't even have!!! I
live in Indianapolis, and have had my tickets since the day they went on sale. I was planning on picking up a few extras for a very select few people, but now I'm going to buy all I can get my grubby little paws on!!!!! To sell to all of the real collectors for cost or trade! PLEASE do not bombard me with emails regarding this just yet... I will post again after this weekend to let everyone know just how many I am able to get ahold of. (It may be a few, it may be a lot. I don't know if they are placing a daily restriction on these at the convention.)
But I will say this: NOBODY comes into my town and gets away with crap like this! (Not without me trying to keep them from it anyway.) First thing friday morning, I'm making a bee line for 'em with cash in hand.(Can you tell I'm kinda bent out of shape over this?).
Anyway, just needed to vent a little. I will post again, probably on Sunday night or Monday morning to let everyone know how many I was able to score.
MTFBWM!!!! (May the force be with ME!)
Thanks,
Brian
NOTHING SURPRISES ME ANYMORE!!!!
GOOD LUCK BRIAN AND I KNOW THE ENTIRE SANDTROOPER COMMUNITY WILL BE PULLING FOR YOU AS WELL AS THE OTHERS ATTENDING C-II.
Posted by: Jason | 29 April 2002 | 22:20 EDT
Daily News from Around the Web... by J.
New AOTC toy commercials at StarWars.Hasbro.com - In MPEG format (45 sec is 7.95 MB, 30 sec is 5.41 MB); this is the same one that aired during the special episode of the Simpsons Sunday evening at 7pm on FOX.
Even more multimedia at the Hasbro site - Anakin Skywalker- Spinning Lightsaber dueling the Reek - Attack Sounds & Stomping Action AND Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi Starfighter and Jango Fett's Slave I advertisement images in a humorous comic format.
Many good deals at Amazon.com - Thanks to ArtoosNews.com for these great leads on saving some cash!!! Two incredible deals when you order at Amazon: one is the use of a code to get $25 dollars off orders of $50 or more, and a free Collector's Edition of Episode I video. Go to ArtoosNews now for the details!
Bantha Tracks Newsletter No. 8 at ArtoosNews! - Another great issue of the original Fan Club Newsletter "Bantha Tracks," is up at ArtoosNews today - a great issue featuring sneak peek photos from "The Empire Strikes Back," "Revenge of the Jedi" anouncement, and Lucas's interview discussing 9- and 12- part Star Wars Sagas. The first eight issues are all archived at this link at ArtoosNews - take a look, you'll be glad you did!
New Updates online at StarWarsKids.com - The StarWarsKids.com newsletter is online and features Episode II locations, printable Episode II bookmarks and the fun "Which film is it?" game. Additionally, there is a tutorial on collecting featuring some funny quotes from collectors and some good points of view.
PinUSA brings you new Star Wars pins! - Check out the new collectible Star Wars pins , there are three full pages of new pins!
"Across the Stars" dialogue version MP3 at Episode-X - Hear the dialogue version of the love theme in MP3 format. Don't forget to say hello to staff member and my neighbor Ryan Guy while you're there!
Go-gurt commercial online, 143 minutes, and new AOTC images - Episode-X.com has the Go-gurt commercial featuring Obi and Mace, as well as some new image scans. They also report that Episode II will have a 143 minute runing time - making it the longest Star Wars film to-date!
C o n t e s t B r e a k d o w n r e a k d o w n e a k d o w n a k d o w n k d o w n d o w n
Post on AmericanDreamComics' forums and your name will be entered into a drawing awarding a $50.00 store credit at Sandtroopers.com's sponsor BigBadToyStore.com. Head over to BBTS right now and browse around to see what items you'd choose - plenty of HTF Episode II figures in stock, new Takara Transformers and much more!! The Jawa is giving away either one or both AOTC Speeders (prize dependant on site poll results), ends 5/4.
Pegwarmer.com has an AOTC Yoda and Kit Fisto in their current giveaway, post in the PegWarmer.com Forums before 5/3 for your chance to win.
The Jawa has a new version of their "Diorama-rama" contest as well, including new "add your own caption" concept.
DeathStarPlans.com has the wildest giveaway yet with a Celebration 2 Jorj Sacul figure! To enter, you must be a registered DSP forum member with at least one post. Contest Ends Friday May, 17th at 12 AM.
Enter to win your choice of either a new Episode II AOTC Jango Fett's Slave I, AOTC Jango Fett & AOTC Boba Fett - all 3 items unopened -OR- a set of all 6 new Simpsons series 8 figures, all unopened. To enter, simply send an email to them!
JediChris is giving away the first 14 AOTC figures bundled lot - ends 4/29, hurry on over!
The Bothan Spy has up for grabs an AOTC Slave I!
Jason@sandtroopers.com
Posted by: George | 29 April 2002 | 17:49 EDT
Lucasfilm contest rules creates Fan Wars:
This was posted by Amy Harmon at The New York Times for full story CLICK HERE!
Posted by: George | 29 April 2002 | 17:34 EDT
The Force Returns with CAUTION:
This is an interesting article that our troops might want to read, I just got this in from the folks @ The New York Times. Check it out HERE!
Posted by: Steve | 29 April 2002 | 16:49 EDT
CSI one more time
Hey Troops, I just did a quick search of ebay for the Saesee Tiin, Senator Jar Jar and Nikto Jedi to see if there were any auctions for figures with inserts. Not a single one for any of them. I then did a search for Dexter, and what a surprise, the scalping scum have posted at least a dozen of them. Of course they are spouting the usual rhetoric, hard to find, extremely rare, all the usual stuff. Many of them are even offering them using buy it now for the bargain price of at least $30! NO THANK YOU! I would rather not have one than buy one from a scalper. Anyway, if Jar Jar, Saesee and Nikto are out there, you would think some idiot would have put them on ebay by now. Until I see proof, I'm sticking with the original 16 list.
Posted by: Zack | 29 April 2002 | 16:25 EDT
More need for C2 figures...
These guys have sent in request for C2 figures. Any help would be great.
Trooper Jedi Dom
chicanodom@yahoo.com
Trooper Bob
rhradek@comsys.com
Trooper Dennis
dennis_slater@hotmail.com
Trooper Jenafer
Stingcoldgame@aol.com
Trooper Marks
EugenFJR@aol.com
To all the troopers that still need this figure, you might want to post at the trade section of our community forums as well as sending me a request. There you can specifically post what you have to trade or what you need. All our troops should be able to get one of these figures if they are released the way they're supposed to be..
Posted by: Steve | 29 April 2002 | 15:03 EDT
CSI info UPDATE
Hey Troops, thanks go out to Lex-Wan and Ishi Tib from The Bothan Spy. They both wrote in to let me know the list of CSI figures I posted the other day was correct. Lex-Wan actually posted a similar list last week, I guess I missed that one somehow. Ishi Tib informed me that the figures with inserts are #1-16. If you go over to his site, you will find a variation guide. It is a complete guide covering the line from its inception in 1995 to the newest Saga figures. it is pretty cool, check it out.
PegWarmer.com is reporting that Nikto Jedi Knight, Jar Jar and Saesee Tiin also are coming with inserts, but no pictures have been supplied as of yet. UGH!!!!!! I thought I was close to being done finding these.
Posted by: vaughn | 29 April 2002 | 12:30 EDT
"out of the office"
Hey Troops,
Im gonna be out of town on business all week, and I probably wont have access to email. Please direct all mail to one of the other reporters. Thanks!
PS. I'll be at C2 starting sometime on friday. Im staying at the Days Inn with the PA star wars collectors society. The number there is 877-675-9330. My reservation is under Whisker if you want to get together or leave me a message there. Im there friday-sunday night.
Posted by: Tyler | 29 April 2002 | 11:27 EDT
Sandtrooper Madeus reports:
OK, I new that I should not have done it but I went ahead and bought the EP II novelization thinking I could wait and not read it. Well, I am weak...and I read it. The yoda card is not a misprint if you have read it but if you want to understand then wait for the movie or get the book. If you do not want spoilers, then do not read the back of the cards. Anyways...it was well worth the read and I do not regret it considering I probably will see the movie a dozen times the first month or so...
As is in many places, peg warmers are collecting some dust and Mace, Royal Guard, Limunira, and Dooku are becoming quite elusive but have patience fellow collectors. Just think a few short years ago how Darth Maul was quite a find and then he was everywhere. Refuse to go to ebay (well I admit I do buy vintage stuff there) but do not buy AOTC there yet. If you need help, ask a fellow trooper.
Anyone going to the Sci Fair in Plano, TX the weekend of May 19th?
Madeus
May The Force Be With You!
Posted by: Zack | 29 April 2002 | 9:30 EDT
A new movie from Lord Z!

Hey Troops! It's been a long, long time since I've posted, but I had some news to share with you all. Here's some info on my new film, a film that should touch very close to home for all of us...
DEAL. "Vintage Baby, Vintage."
Finely Made Films is pleased to announce the online Premiere of "DEAL.", a new short film written & directed by James Zahn. "DEAL." will be available for viewing at iFilm.com via the following URL: http://www.ifilm.com/ifilm/product/film_info/0,3699,2423867,00.html
"DEAL." is a unique take on the fan-film genre, mixing the look and feel of film noir with a present-day scenario. "DEAL." is a comedic look at Collecting Star Wars, and the great extremes that people will go to just to for that one special figure...
"DEAL." was filmed on location in Chicago, Illinois in December 2001, with post-production taking place throughout January and February. The film was shot on 16mm Black & White Film, and then transferred into the digital realm. Running Time: 3:14
For more information, please visit www.finelymadefilms.com or www.jameszahn.com
Posted by: Zack | 29 April 2002 | 8:38 EDT
Troopette Donna Reports:
Hi Troops, Donna from So. Cal. here. Went to K-mart and found the last two Playskool Sets of "Fast Through the Forest" and "The Stompin' Wampa". They were $7.88 per set. Also got 2 Promo Card coupons for the purchase which when scatched off revealed you could get $2 off the SW Lightsabers Twin Comforter on one and the other coupon revealed if you buy 3 basic figures, you get a deluxe figure for free. Then I took the K-mart sales ad that came out on Sunday and went to Target to get a price match. Target will only match an ad from either Wal-mart or K-mart. On 4/23, I purchased five 12" figures for $19.99 and 11 basic figures for $6.99. With the ad, I got the 12" for $16.99 and basic figures for $5.99 and received a credit refund for $26.00. So if you bought any figures from Target last week, bring the K-mart ad with you to get a refund. Lastly I stopped by a Walden Books and was able to get the last SW EP1 Artwork Lithograph Picture set for $7.99. Happy Hunting to all.
Theloneswlady@aol.com
Posted by: Zack | 29 April 2002 | 8:35 EDT
Trooper Rodapel Reports:
Just got back from my friendly neighborhood Hemet, California Target and saw all POTJ deluxe figures marked down to $7.90. They had Amanaman and Leia sail barge. They had a few POTJ figures marked down to $4.99 and the 25th Anniversary 2-packs for $7.99 as well. They had both Leia/Luke and Chewie/Han. No, vader/Kenobi.
Also if anybody is interested I will trade a Toy Fair Vader for Celebration 2 fig. Also looking for a vintage 15" IG88 belt with the bombs, a shoe for the vintage 12" leia, and the lightsaber to the vintage 12" Ben Kenobi. This would complete my 12" vintage line. Will buy or trade
rodapel@hotmail.com
Posted by: Tracy | 29 April 2002 | 6:28 EDT
Our overseas Brother David has an offer!!
I need a little help, can you ask to your troopers if someone could get 1 or 2 celebration 2 figures for me!!!
I still need too, the toy fair vader (1 or 2)...
Or if you have some of them, please let me know...
I will buy or trade for them...
I have 2 C3PO 2001 german Jedicon exclusive...
thank you my friend
David
Troops, I have made several trades with David and highly recommend him. If anyone can help him obtain a Toy Fair or Sacul fig, please email him at starwarsonline@hotmail.com
Posted by: vaughn | 29 April 2002 | 0:00 EDT
ACPin from ACPin Star Wars writes:
A Jedi's training encompasses both physical and mental abilities which are dramatically increased by the use of the Force. Luke begins to understand and use the Force under Yoda's strict training methods. In this scene, Luke uses the Force Jump to leap from one tree to another which is just one of many skills that he'll need to survive someday.

Check out more pictures of ACPin's latest diorama here
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 23:12 EDT
2 troopers still need assistance...
These guys still need help getting the C2 figure...
Trooper Rodapel
rodapel@hotmail.com
Trooper Grant
WPP3660@aol.com
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 23:07 EDT
Trooper Strmtrooper TK421 Reports:
Good day fellow troopers! While making my daily rounds here in Tucson, AZ I stumbled upon what I think was a HUGE find at Walgreens. (22nd & Craycroft) I now can add Taun We, Luminara Unduli, and my favorite of the three a royal guard to my collection. No other store in my area (at least from what I've seen) has them. So keep your eyes open and MTFBWY.
StrmtrooperTK421@aol.com
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 23:05 EDT
Trooper Jake Reports:
I can confirm Zack's report about Dooku at Walgreens. I happen to be a Walgreens employee and everyone in the store is aware of my collecting habits. Well, the next morning after midnight madness, someone told me that a case had come in yesterday's order. Telling the guy that all I needed at that point was Count Dooku, I dismissed it. The case had been put aside for me anyway, so I opened it. Sure enough there were two Dooku's in there along with Anakin Hangar, Yoda, Zam, and the Clone Trooper. Get out there and check those Walgreens. Don't be afraid to ask the managers if they have any in the back!
jake186@attbi.com
Posted by: cheryl | 28 April 2002 | 21:18 EDT
C2 Costume Contest
Hey fellow Troopers!
Just wanted to ask a huge favor for anyone who is going to C2... I entered the costume contest and recieved word today about the judging..the winners of the catagories are chosen by the judges..but the best of show is chosen by the audience...so if you think my costume (Xiyara Lynch)is that good (pictured on a previous post by vaughn) then come down and show your support at the Sagamore Ballroom at 1:30 pm Sunday May 5th. They are also having a Costume Parade that starts at the Reception area outside the 500 ballroom. Even if you are not entered in the contest..as long as you're dressed up you can march!
THANX SO MUCH!! Hope to see some of you there!!
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 19:26 EDT
Trooper Komix Reports:
This is trooper "komix" reporting from Tenerife (Canary Islands -Spain- ).TRU in Tenerife have 12 differents AOTC figures with multi-lingual blisters. Some figures have backgrounds and some don't.
Figures are:
- C-3PO removable panels
- R2-D2 Coruscant sentry (spanish R2D2 has the resculpted legs -not the R2D2 similar to POTF2 FX droid- )
- Kit Fisto Jedi
- Padme Amidala Arena
- Anakin Skywalker Outland
- Obi Wan Coruscant chase
- Jango Fett Kamino escape
- Boba Fett Kamino escape
- Dexter Jettster
- Plo Koon Jedi
- Super Battle droid
- Tusken female
Here you will find a picture of the blister variation:
http://www.swtenerife.com/index_home_eng.htm
swtenerife@swtenerife.com
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 19:23 EDT
Trooper Rob Reports:
Hey Troops in SO Florida, I did some major running this Sat morning. Hit 9 stores in three hours and about a 50 mile round trip! I did find the Obi-Wan lightsaber but just in the K-marts, there wern't many but almost every K-mart had them. I also have been looking for the figures with backgrounds. I found some Battle Droids and Plo Koons in one Target and a Geonasian Warrior and Dexter in another Target. This should complete my background list....unless there are any figures past Dexter #16 that have backgrounds. I have heard that Saesee, Nikto and Jar Jar are supposed to have backgrounds. Can someone please help me with this info. If you know of any please e-mail me or post it to the great Sandtrooper site.
ocnbelow@aol.com
Posted by: vaughn | 28 April 2002 | 19:22 EDT
comicon pics
Hey Troops,
In case you missed it, Bill, Cheryl, Pat (A.K.A. Darth Crypt), and I attended the Pittsburgh Comicon over the weekend. Check out the pictures below:

Cheryl as her new alter-ego Xiyara Lynch
with Michonne Bourraigue (Aurra Sing)

Left to Right: Bill Varner, Cheryl Kilroy,
Vaughn Whisker, Pat Carlucci

Dave Dorman signing my sandtrooper print | Dave's sketch of a sandtrooper at the bottom
Posted by: vaughn | 28 April 2002 | 18:50 EDT
Cleveland Plain Dealer "Star Trek" Toy Review
Hey Troops,
Today's Sunday Cleveland Plain Dealer features a brief review of new "star trek" items (3 figures and the art of star wars coffee table book) with none other than our very own Sgt. Bill! Click on the links below to check it out!

Page 2
Page 3
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 15:26 EDT
Trooper California Tim Reports:
Just a quick report from the aftermath. I've been running around for work lately which has provided me the opportunity to check as many stores in the Bay Area as possible. TRU's have pretty much the same warming their pegs now other than Emeryville. They have a ton of ZWesells, CTroopers, and DJettsters. No variations on the DJ's though. CDooku, Luminara, and Yoda remain elusive. I read a post from a guy down in San Jose who says he found these three in a Walgreens. Go figure. I found 2 Anakin -hangar duel at KMart in Oakland. They are charging $8.19 per figure. Ouch! I bought them.....Everything is pretty much the same for WalMart and Target. Posters are starting to show up for $4.99. I also found 500 piece puzzles that come in tin containers that are shaped in the words "Star Wars". Kind of cool, four in all with focus on vehicles, heroes, villains, and bounty hunters. KMart and Target had them the cheapest at $8.99-$9.99. TRU wants $14.99 for them. That's it for now. Remember, UNIFY!
awingace@msn.com
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 15:22 EDT
Trooper Young George Lucas Reports:
Hey, folks. Young George Lucas reporting from the aftermath of Midnight Madness II in Kansas City. Just an FYI for those ordering the TR'U Exclusive Mace Windu from amazon.com. I received mine two days after I ordered it- but it arrived with the plastic window smashed in. I knew when I ordered it that this was very likely to happen, and sure enough it did. I'm sending it back and I'll just have to check the shelves at TR'U for this thing.
Young G.L.
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 15:20 EDT
Trooper Madeus Reports:
Well it has been a long exhausting week hunting for the hard to find figures. I have yet to find a Mace Windu or a Luminara (however, I did find one at a comic store marked up to $16 and I am not that desperate yet). WalMart in Mansfield, TX had quite a few Count Dooku's but all were in bad shape with bent cards, etc...
Now for some help. Anyone help me in getting a C2 figure from IA, it would be greatly appreciated! I dont have a Vader either if anyone has an extra...thanks!!
madeus@fanforce.net
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 15:18 EDT
Trooper Cplhritz Reports:
On Thursday I was at Wisconsin Rapids WI and stopped at the Wal-Mart Supercenter and they had pretty much all the AOTC figs including Count Dooku, but the real find was the Tie-Bomber and Snowspeeder, the shelf was empty with a price tag for the speeder and I asked a clerk and he scanned it and said there's one in the back, well I'm waiting around and he came back with another clerk and they had one bomber and about six speeders, anyway the moral of this story is don't be shy to ask for stuff,and check the supercenters by the POTJ line and you might score. The Yoda I got says "Yoda assembles the Clone Army to subdue the rebellion",so I guess well just have to wait and see about this.thanks.MTFBWY
cplhritz@netzero.net
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 15:10 EDT
Trooper Jeffred5 Reports:
I went to about 8 stores on Tuesday between 12:01am and 5:00pm they were 3 Wal-Marts, 3 TRUs, and 2 Kmarts. Something I started to notice was that certain figures were plentiful at one chain and "rare" at another. Like I found a lot of Clone Troopers, Battle Droids, and Super Battle Droids at all the Wal-Marts, but very few Dexter Jettsters, Taun Wes, or Geonosian Warriors. At TRUs I found lots of Dexter Jettsters, Taun Wes, or Geonosian Warriors, but few Clone Troopers, Battle Droids, and Super Battle Droids. Kmart just had about 20 of the exact same case. I also found that TRU had a lot more figures with the "background card" than Wal-mart had. After leaving the first store I went to, which was a Wal-Mart I was sure the R2-D2 variant with the solid disk on his shoulders was the one that was rare, but when I got to a TRU that's all they had and they had at least 20 on the pegs. Has anyone else noticed this sort of "segregation" or is this only happening in Phoenix?
DOCJ45@aol.com
Posted by: Zack | 28 April 2002 | 15:06 EDT
Trooper Shawn Reports:
On the subject of the Count Dookus post by George I just want to remind everyone of a little figure named Darth Maul Jedi Duel. When the figures came out in 99 he was nowhere to be found in any stores around here(thanks to scalpers). Now 3 years later he is still on the pegs in some stores (can you say heavyweight champion of pegwarmers) My point is don't get discouraged and don't overpay for a figure that may be abundant in the future. The more bids there are on eBay, the more scalpers taking the figures we want. DON'T GIVE IN !
itzfitz@prodigy.net
Posted by: Tyler | 28 April 2002 | 11:19 EDT
Sandtrooper Danny Reports:
This is trooper Danny B reporting from the west coast. Went to the TRU
in Montebello, Ca and did not find the figures I needed but did find the
Eeth Koth wave out so I picked up a Snaggletooth I needed. This case
must have just been put out right before I got there because there was
plenty of everything. Stopped at Walgreens in Whittier, Ca on the way
home and found SW figures by accident. I did not even know they carried
figures and I was able to pick up Count Dooku,Zam Wessel,Red Clone
Trooper,Anakin Hanger Duel and the elusive Yoda. Kmart will be having a
big sale on Sunday for their SW Toys so those of you who put your stuff
on layaway get a price adjustment and save yourself some money. Finally,
I would just like to say that if we stick together and help eachother
find figures we need it will be easier for us to get what we want
instead of paying scalper prices. It is still early as far as AOTC
merchandise goes, don't give into the lies that the scalpers post on
ebay or anywhere else. Remember the Nikto Jedi somebody bought for $200
dollars a few weeks ago, that figure can be found on pegs today for
retail. I think the buyer was foolish and now he is out a couple hundred
bucks. STOP BUYING FROM SCALPERS!
Danny B
Posted by: Steve | 28 April 2002 | 10:21 EDT
Cinema Scene Inserts (CSI)
Hey Troops, I have been trying to figure out which figures come with the CSIs. I haven't seen a list anywhere else, so I wanted to make one, here it is:
Anakin Outland
Padme
C-3PO
R2-D2
Obi-Wan
Captain Typho
Boba Fett
Shaak Ti
Tusken Raider Female W/Child
Battle Droid
Plo Koon
Super Battle Droid
Geonosian Warrior
Jango Fett
Kit Fisto
Dexter Jettster
If anyone has seen one that I haven't included on this list, please let me know. I have been trying to replace my non-CSI figures with CSI ones. I think I have all but one. If someone has access to a Dexter with CSI, please let me know, I have a MOC BoShek I would be willing to trade for it. Just email me here.
Posted by: vaughn | 27 April 2002 | 23:34 EDT
Pittsburgh Comicon Report
Today I went to the Pittsburgh Comicon. (Comicon was my first sw show ever last year) This year it was less crowded as we all prepare for C2. I met up with Darth Crypt and Bill and Cheryl at the show. Cheryl's Xiyara Lynch costume turned a lot of heads...she looked great. Pictures will be posted soon. We had a nice time walking around looking at the various "artwork" and all of the toy dealers. There was a lot of nice stuff to be had if you had $$$$$.
I picked up a dave dorman "Dewback Patrol" lithograph. If you guys arent familiar with Dave's work check it out at www.dormanart.com (or http://www.dormanart.com/Starwars/le_prints/swprints_menu.htm). Very nice stuff!
There wasnt too much going on in the sw arena. Michonne was there, as was Jerome Blake, Kenny Baker, and Mike Quinn...also a jawa whose name I cant remember.
Most of the dealers were selling ep2 stuff for 8-12 bucks a figure. They did have a few of the "rarer" things like the collection2 wave 2 stuff (taun we, coruscant guard, and luminara unduli). Apparently some had count dooku, but they sold out quickly. I traded a coruscant guard for a genosian with background. I was able to help Darth Crypt out with Taun We, Coruscant Guard, and Luminara Unduli. The Figs are out there...you just have to find them!
All in all a nice small show...good preparation for next week!
Posted by: George | 27 April 2002 | 18:11 EDT
Yoda's carback:
Looks to me like all Yodas are printed this way. So, don't go crazy over EPAY to bid on this ''RARE'' piece. The folks over at Rebelscum have detailed pictures of the figure, to save ya'll some clicks check the scan from Rebel Scum's archives HERE. For better resolution, AOL users I recommend to launch your Internet Explorer cuz AOL's browser sucks!
Posted by: George | 27 April 2002 | 17:43 EDT
More on Yoda's ERROR:
Sandtrooper Giancarlo: Hey troopers, Well concerning Mike's question about Yoda and the clone army. I have no real basis, just pure speculation, so this is not a spoiler just MY thoughts. I think the clone army is made from Jango Fett, using him as a template and then led my the jedi council to combat the geonosians and battle droids. Since Yoda leads the council then perhaps he leads the army. The other Jedi cardbacks say that they led the battle of geonosis themselves. So who leads what will be answered on the 16th. That is what I think. It might be true maybe not, but I can speculate.
Giancarlo Lopéz.
Sandtrooper Lord Z: Hey George and troopers, I have no idea if Yoda had anything to do with the Clone Army, but I do know that my AOTC Yoda has the same line printed on it that Mike aka Mynockhunter was inquiring about. Perhaps all the Yoda's are printed the way?
One other note is that I'd appreciate being added to the list of Troops that want a C2 figure. If you add me please use my email: info@jameszahn.com or Lord Z
Posted by: Jason | 27 April 2002 | 16:39 EDT
Trooper Spiceowan reports and looking for help with R2 cooler:
I have been out (Chicago area) recently to find the latest E2 pegwarmers. I also hit e-bay and found all the Count Dooku's that everone is looking for. It is sad that people can't get a real job and simply work for a living. It goes to simple economics supply/demand folks. If no one bids they get stuck with them. You will find these figures don't worry and most of all remember what master Yoda say "Patience" . Scalpers were a plenty and the only things they had in thier carts were the figs after number 14 . They know what's up . Unite , send these sellers an e-mail and let them know how you feel, I do this from time to time to vent frustration.
On another note I need some Trooper help. I have a R2-D2 cooler from Ep 1 but the lid is cracked. Anyone know where to get a replacement? I've tried e-pay but they want 300 dollars for the whole thing and I don't want that. Anyone that can help write me at c.spice@att.net Thanks again troops.
Posted by: Tracy | 27 April 2002 | 15:57 EDT
Yoda Variation
In reference to Mynochhunts post about the possible Yoda Variation, I also have the card that says "Yoda summons the Clone army" which I thought was kind of strange. I didn't think too much about it because I am one of those who avoids every kind of spoiler at all costs. Anyway, I went back to several Wal-Marts and K-Mart to check the remaining Yodas. Everyone I was able to find (about 7, at different stores) say the same thing. If this is a mistake, it seems all of them have it, kind of like the Imperial Droid misspelling from POTJ line. It's not worth anything if it is not corrected. If anyone else can find something different, let us know.
Preciate it!!!
Posted by: George | 27 April 2002 | 13:04 EDT
Interesting ? from Trooper Mike A.K.A Mynockhunter:
''I noticed someone on ePay touting an AOTC Yoda printing error. I've been avoiding ALL spoilers so far, but this one I just have to know. The card reads "Yoda assembles the clone army...." Mine has this on it too. Is this a mistake or does this really happen? Please advise''
Mynockhunter
Because I rip appart my figures I don't pay attention to this but, obviously lotsa fans do. As far as I know Jango Fett is the one who assembles the clone army. If any of the troopers outhere have any clue, please let Mike and us know.
Posted by: Zack | 27 April 2002 | 11:57 EDT
More troops added to the list...
Well we have had a surgence in request lately. My advice would be not to get worried you don't get connected with someone before C2. A lot of people don't know how many figs that they will be able to get. I'm sure that there will be lots available for trade or cost, by the time the eventis over. Don't lose hope guys! On to the list of who needs them..
Trooper Tim (Needs TF Vader too)
TB2@rebelscum.com
Trooper John
jjakab@msn.com
Trooper Matthew
misty@ca.catv.ne.jp
Trooper Kevin (needs Dooku too)
onebigk@aol.com
Trooper Jimmy
Jimmy1236@aol.com
Trooper KFISH
KFISHFWB@cs.com
Trooper KFISH
tsda@dallas.net
Posted by: Zack | 27 April 2002 | 11:35 EDT
Trooper George Reports:
Qui-George from K.C. here. If any Sandtroopers are going to the Jedicon in the U.K. please e-mail me ASAP. I need a favor. thanks and UNIFY!!!!
gfalls4@earthlink.net
Posted by: Zack | 27 April 2002 | 11:27 EDT
Trooper John Reports:
Hey guys I live in Portland Oregon, and Im havin real trouble finding the snowspeeder and tie bomber, has any one else out here found them? and how should I go about looking for them? all help will be greatly appreciated! I dont want to miss out on these two!
SGRUIS7@aol.com
Posted by: George | 27 April 2002 | 9:20 EDT
Count Dookus GALORE:
Forget about what those filthy sellers at EPAY are saying about how HTF this figure is along with Yoda. As for this morning at 8:20 AM CT there were near 600 auctions running for this figure; If is so HARD TO FIND'' how come there are so many listings, from 4 to 15 bids on some listings. GIMME A BREAK, People, this is a free country but the more we feed the scalpers the hardest the time we'll have to find it for $5.88. If collectors keep feeding EPAY sellers and POWER SELLERS this hobby of ours will become a nightmare.
Posted by: George | 27 April 2002 | 8:27 EDT
Sandtrooper Giancarlo brought in a good observation:
Troops, yesterday our Sandtrooper Giancarlo Lopéz brought in a nice observation that even myself overlooked. It was posted here last night but in less than 2 minutes I had to remove the post due to some e-mails from readers concerned about SPOILERS; The figure in question is Anakin Skywalker ''Hangar Duel'' which in the package has a sticker mentioning ''Special hiden feature''. I trully believe that this feature really throws out a Spoiler but we'll have to wait 'til May 16 to see if is true. For those who open their figures try to figure it out or if curiosity killed the cat feel free to e-mail Giancarlo @ gatillo9mm@yahoo.com
UPDATE: Giancarlo informs that the ''hidden feature'' is clearly specified on the cardback. So, for the SPOILERS sensitives DO NOT READ the cardbacks 'til you watch the movie; This also applies to Zam Wessel and others.
Posted by: Tyler | 26 April 2002 | 22:57 EDT
Sandtrooper Ziggy needs some help
I was wondering if any troopers out there could hook me up with any of the following:
1. tie bomber and luke skywalker's snowspeeder
2. Ep2 royal guard and count Dooku
3. Jorg Sacul
i'm in NYC and there's not a walmart for miles, and the episode2 figures have already been raided by the ebayers, so I'm stuck with mountains of super battle droids and not much else.
Thanks,
Ziggy
Posted by: Jason | 26 April 2002 | 22:29 EDT
Daily News from Around the Web... by J.
Action Figure Activism - The Jorg Sacul Availability Activism Page is now up and running. Nigel "Beedo Sookcool" Willis has set this page up in regard to the bulletin posted at RebelScum.com stating that the C2 Jorg Sacul will not be available anywhere else, ever again. Nigel says: "There are rather a lot of us out there who think that this is atrocious.
"With so many options of further profit or good publicity (sold through the Fan Club with normal "Saga" packaging, mail-away offer to cash in proofs-of-purchase, by special order through comics shops, and the option of him being on an upcoming Fan Choice poll) -- and so many loyal fans who supportthese people's livelihoods -- LucasFilm, Hasbro, & co. should probably show a little more gratitude." Check out this essay and drop Nigel a line!
Figure Image Galleries - RebelScum.com has some new galleries of the Celebration 2 figure and the next wave of Star Wars Saga figures. See Mace Windu - Geonosian Rescue, Jango Fett - Final Battle, Luke Skywalker - Bespin Duel , Darth Vader - Bespin Duel, and Jorg Sacul!
The lighter side of E2 backdrop pack-ins - TheCreatureCantina takes a hard look at the madness surrounding the new figures and the backdrops.
Fan Club E2 Figures - The Fan Club Store has the "hard-to-find" Dexter Jettster - Coruscant Informant and Geonosian Warrior for $6.49 each (member price, non-member price is $6.99).
Teemto - Pod Racer Teemto Pagalies shows up in the SirSteve'sGuide.com Figure Archives; take a look at Teemto!
Episode II in-store Promotions - Hasbro.com has a listing on in-store specials for Episode II!
C o n t e s t B r e a k d o w n r e a k d o w n e a k d o w n a k d o w n k d o w n d o w n
Chris at The Jundland Wastes is currently giving away an AOTC Yoda to someone that posts in their forums from now until midnight Saturday (4/28). Head on over and do some posting and maybe even win!
The Jawa.com has an Episode I Battle-Damaged Destroyer Droid figure up for grabs! With the droidekas making a comeback in AOTC, now's your chance to build your army, brick by brick! (ends 4/29).
Powercollectibles lets you enter to win your choice of either a new Episode II AOTC Jango Fett's Slave I, AOTC Jango Fett & AOTC Boba Fett - all 3 items unopened -OR- a set of all 6 new Simpsons series 8 figures, all unopened, ends 4/30.
JediChris.net is giving away a set of AOTC figures. Just register in their forums to win, ends 4/28.
JediAries has up for grabs a Kubrick 300th Boba Fett in a special Fett-labeled Aluminum Tin (thanks to r2dtoys.com).
TheJawa.com is holding Diorama-Rama (my favorite event after Hearing Test Thursday), play today (Royal Decoy), prize this week is an Episode II Reek Beast pack!, ends 4-27.
Vintage Figure Giveaway - DeathStarPlans.com serves up a Klaatu (Palace Guard) vintage figure! (ends 4/26).
Pegwarmer is giving away a new Jango Fett - Kamino Escape and Kit Fisto figures, just post in their Forums! ends 4/26.
Jason@sandtroopers.com
Posted by: George | 26 April 2002 | 12:09 EDT
More card inserts in AOTC figures:
While shooting some pics in Northfield, MN I stopped by their local Target for some slide film and I was amazed to see that 90% of the new AOTC figures are coming with the back inserts. I'm starting to believe that this is like some kind of pack-in bonus kinda Freeze Frames and Force Files. From C-3PO, R2-D2, Anakin Peasant, Dexter, Geonosian Warrior etc, etc, etc,... Even the cards are different; Variation collectors, be prepared to spend a load of $$$ on these cuz they are a lot.
Posted by: George | 26 April 2002 | 12:04 EDT
Check This link troops!!!
From Movie stills, to AOTC ''SECRETS'', 10th Anniversary posters and other cool stuff hit the link below, bewary of some SPOILERS.
http://www.hollywood.com/movies/detail/movie/416350
Posted by: Zack | 26 April 2002 | 8:44 EDT
More C2 Figures needed for Troopers:
A couple of more troops need help....
Trooper Sergio
compuzar@yahoo.com
Trooper Tony (Lives in Scotland)
Acrampshee@aol.com
Sergio has some great things to trade and Tony lives where they'll never get the figure. I'm getting more word of troops getting hooked up. Thanks for the help Guys!
Posted by: Zack | 26 April 2002 | 8:36 EDT
Gary from Wattographs Reports:
If you're not able to go Celebration 2, but would like to have autographs from any of the 35 autograph guests at the show, you can have signatures picked up from the convention and mailed to you! Wattographs and Johnson's Collectibles will be obtaining autographs from Celebration II for anyone who wants them. We will be getting *ONLY* the specially-marked, convention-offered photos. Since those photos will be kept under the control of the convention until actually purchased for signing, this should provide an extra measure of safety and security for authenticity. For this reason, we're not able to take personal items for signing. Pictures of each image available from the guests are shown on the site, so you know what you'll get.
Our cost for each photo is only $3 over the convention price ($18 each for less than ten photos, $15 each if you order more than ten) -- there are people on eBay that are charging $35-$45+ for this very same autograph "service." Additionally, we're offering to pick up the convention-issued Certificates of Authenticity. Details on the site. All photos will be shipped out within 72 hours of the convention's end.
We're not affiliated with Celebration II, Lucasfilm or any of their entities. We're Star Wars autograph fans who want to try and help out other collectors without any price-gouging as your typical "dealer" would do.
Anyone that's interested in getting their autographs via our service, are invited to visit http://www.autographcentral.com/wattographs/special-offer.html
Posted by: Tyler | 25 April 2002 | 23:54 EDT
R2Dtoys webstore ready to take orders
After working out a few bugs since their grand opening last weekend, R2Dtoys is pleased to announce that they are now ready to take your orders online. Also, they have a cool ALERT ME feature that will e-mail you when that HOT figure that you want will be back in stock. Maybe like the TF Vader or say the C2 figure! Want to know more? Hit their link on the left margin or use the link below. Enjoy and good luck finding those exclusives! www.r2dtoys.com
Posted by: vaughn | 25 April 2002 | 22:30 EDT
More from Midnite Madness
Hey Troops,
Bill and Cheryl passed me this picture of their haul (and boy do I mean HAUL) from monday night...Id be surprised if anything were left on the shelf! Enjoy!

Posted by: vaughn | 25 April 2002 | 22:15 EDT
Trooper Mike reports:
Hey Troops!
This is Michael Coszalter, the move is finally complete! I wanted to thank everyone who helped me come up with enough $ to make it happen. I was able to go out and layaway most of all the new EP2 Figs. Thanks to Wal Mart for Layaway! or else I wouldn't be able to collect right now.
I found all but three figs (Luminara Unduli, Count Dooku, Royal Guard). I really didn't know how many there were til yesterday. I did pick up a couple of extra Yoda's and Anakin hanger duels if anyone is interested in making a trade for what I need. I also did find a bunch of Tie Bombers and Snowspeeders. I have two extra Tie Bombers on Layaway as well and would like to work out trades for those when I get them out. As most of you know I have a lot of figs I need to reacquire. If anyone want to trade or sell the three figs I am looking for please email coszalter@msn.com. If I can help out another trooper, please also email. Thanks again Troops! YOU GUYS RULE!!!
Posted by: George | 25 April 2002 | 21:48 EDT
Just in case about MASTER REPLICAS:
As for some readers asking about the Master replicas release date. I'm not here to bash MASTER REPLICAS or create doubts; But, my sugestion here is to pre-order or order from a second source i.e. Amazon.com or some other dealers; It was a big shame when ICONS REPLICAS left a few hundred collectors in the cold by selling products that they no longer had a licence to.
I did pay a few hundred$$ for the Icons Han Solo's Blaster and all I got was a post card with a picture of it by mail saying that my order was in process when in fact Lucasfilm turned the licence down and they were pre-selling a product that in their knowledge was not supposed to be sold. Order your prop replicas with credit cards and don't let delays go over 6 months or your credit card bank issuer will not be able to help. For those who own Icons products lets not forget that they also had ''The Vault''. This is the equivalent of the ''Collectors Society'' in MASTER REPLICAS. Icons was taken to the BBB in California but only a handful of collectors were able to get their money reinbursed while hundreds including myself were only satisfied with a postcard ''from the edge''; Ironically, ICONS REPLICAS were members of the BBB in California but still they (BBB) couldn't handle 100's of complaints. Any ????'s let me know.
george@sandtroopers.com
Posted by: Zack | 25 April 2002 | 20:49 EDT
Trooper Dennis Reports:
I need some help. My mother is going to Europe and I need to know where she can look for the Qui Gon and Eopie for me. Do they carry them in regular toy stores? If so, what are the names of the stores or will she have to check at collectable stores? Also are there any other cool European stuff I should have her look for? Any help from a European Trooper or anyone else who knows would be helpful. She is going to Naples, Italy; Sigonella, Italy; and Rota, Spain in June, and London,England and Keflavik, Iceland in July.
dennis_slater@hotmail.com
Posted by: Zack | 25 April 2002 | 20:48 EDT
Trooper Chad Reports:
I am having trouble finding Count Dukoo,Yoda and the Royal guard,I am only going to pay what the person paid for it.Dennis Slater,If you are reading this?I tried to send you my mailing address and got a delivery notification said that the address did not exist.My apologizes.Thanks.
cryan@ardmore.net
Posted by: Zack | 25 April 2002 | 20:46 EDT
Trooper Phil Reports:
There seems to be a fair amount of confusion in regard to Master Replicas products, and I haven't seen anyone report on it, so I thought I would ask.
1) Yesterday, I saw that Amazon.com is selling the Yoda Lightsaber Replica for $199.00. However, the Master Replicas web-site is selling it for $250.00. The Luke ROTJ and Obi-Wan lightsabers are also $50.00 more expensive on the MR web-site. Is this information correct?
2) If it is correct, is Amazon.com selling the exact same product?
3) If it is correct, why are Amazon.com release dates so much later then the MR web-site. I believe all products on the MR web-site are to be shipped any day now. On Amazon.com, it stated that the Yoda lightsaber would be sent after May 25, and the Luke ROTJ after June 25 (June 25??? doesn't that seem weird?)
Any information someone can help with would be great.
PShahbaz@apu.edu
You are correct about the first two questions. The stores (including Master Replica's) sell the props for retail or a few dollars cheaper, but they have some kind of bonus that you get with it whether it be free SW toys or membership into their prop club. Amazon sells them for cheaper but doesnt throw in any extras.
This whole Master Replica thing is weird, and for a few reasons. The release date for the Luke saber and Solo blaster was April 3rd. Then for some reason the date was pushed back and I got word that they were going to ship the week of the 14th. Fastforward yet another week and still no saber. The Amazon dates seems more correct when you look at the pattern so far that the company has done with the first two props. I would be suprised if they started shipping the AOTC stuff before or at the same time as the OT stuff.
Posted by: vaughn | 25 April 2002 | 19:21 EDT
Kevin from K&C Collectibles writes:
Dear Star Wars Collectors,
We have been experiencing server problems with the web site since the below e-mail was sent 2 days ago.
Those problem have now been resolved. Please re-try your orders today.
Our apologies for the inconvenience this has caused.
Posted by: Jason | 25 April 2002 | 16:15 EDT
Trooper Lex-Wan with more E2 figure variations:
I found a paint variation on the SBD the 1st release with CSI (cinema scene insert) has a very glossy finish on head and chest with a large red dot, the older version w/ no CSI (cinema scene insert) has a flat almost different color tint with a small red dot it is a very noticeable variation so if you got 1 of each check them out you'll defiantly see it. Wanted to know if everyone knows that it's just not the large flat circle in R2-D2's shoulder but almost the entire arm is completely different take a look and you'll see everything is 100% different except for his foot they are the same has anyone else noticed this.debalus@worldnet.att.net
Yes, Lex, I've noticed the difference in the silver shape on the arm as well! I also see that on the R2 with the grey plastic semi-pierce rivet at the shoulde, the blue paint on the lower left of the body had silver accents in the middle of each rectangle. These are solid blue on the other version. I've found some additional variants too, Troops. Deluxe Mace Windu can either have holes in feet or not (without them seems more rear), Zam Wessel's arm magnets can either be metal or painted to match the purple sleeve. - J.
Posted by: Jason | 25 April 2002 | 16:04 EDT
Some of the hard to find E2 figures in stock at

Hi, Here is a quick update from http://www.bigbadtoystore.com about some new arrivals!
STAR WARS EPISODE 2: We have received 8 more collection 2 figures - including: Dexter Jettster, Geonosian Warrior, Tusken Raider, Captain Typho, Ploo Koon, Shaak Ti, Battle Droid, Boba Fett. The 12" Figures have also arrived - Obi-Wan, Clone Trooper, Anakin. Most of the other figures are also in stock - both singly and in sets!
MACROSS : Bandai's VF-1S has arrived, and we have restocked the extremely popular VF-1J as well - both $74.99. Yamato's VF-1A, VF-1S, VF-1A Max Are also in stock as well as a nice selection of Robotech items from Toynami - including the super poseable figures.
TRANSFORMERS : New Year Prime, Black & Clear Hot Rod, Laser Optimus Prime - are all back in stock. We've also received a few Black C-16 Leo Convoy, a few Trailbreaker & Hoist sets & Ironhide & Ratchet Sets. My sources in Japan said that most of the exclusive sets should be available again in May in limited quantities!
SOUL OF CHOGOKIN : We have restocked the GX-10 Boss Borot ($46.99) the GX-07 Mazinger Z - $49.99 - and the price has been reduced on the GX-05 Black Gaiking - to $93.99!
POWER RANGERS : - We have received the following Rangerst Items: Black Gao King, Blue DX Gao Hunter, Small Soul Bird, Hurricane Ranger Winger Sets, Gao Lion and more!
GUNDAM KITS AND FIGURES: Endless Waltz ReStock: Nataku, Tallgeese III, Heavy Arms, Sandrock, Serpent & More. Master Grade Re-Stock: GP02A, NU, Sazabi, MS-09 Dom. New Action Figures: Gallop & Zaku I, Gunperry & GM, Price for Jumbo Grade Red Zaku II - Reduced to $139.99!
INGRAM : Patlabor 1, 2, and 3 are in stock as well as the new Griffon Labor Kit!
MEGATRON LITHOGRAPH : We have received some of the exclusive Megatron Lithographs - $24.99 each - we will carry Transformers #2 and future issues as well. We will try to pick up the other exclusive lithos as well.
LORD OF THE RINGS : We have recieved a few more of the Aragorn/Elrond/Orc Warrior Sets of 3. We also have updated our stock on a few of the Toy Vault Middle Earth Figures.
GI JOE : Jimmy Doolittle and Pointe du Hoc Army Ranger 12" figures have just arrived - $28.99 each. We have received a few more Chinese GI Joe figrues and still have a large selection of Funskool Joes!
Thanks for your interest and take a look at http://www.bigbadtoystore.com to see the new items
Thanks!
Joel Boblit bigbadtoystore.com
Posted by: Darth Crypt | 25 April 2002 | 14:34 EDT
MAY THE FARCE BE WITH THEM...
"Fed up with Star Wars fan sites revealing plot secrets of his upcoming films, George Lucas dispatches two stormtroopers to take care of a list of unscrupulous webmasters...."
Sound interesting? Check out the rest of this article from WIRED!"
WIRED: Star Wars article
Posted by: Darth Crypt | 25 April 2002 | 12:49 EDT
Presells at PlanetActionFigure.com
Planet Action Figure (Presells are about 3/4 down the page)



Posted by: Darth Crypt | 25 April 2002 | 12:33 EDT
ESB on FOX tonight!
Troops,
Don't forget to check out FOX (8 P.M.)tonight for the broadcast of The Empire Strikes Back. There is talk of AOTC material being shown as well.
Posted by: George | 25 April 2002 | 11:56 EDT
Trooper Gerald needs some help:
Hi I need some Trooper help again. I collect autographs from Star Wars actors and need about 4 or 5 from Celebration. If any Trooper going can help me please email me @ gschilljr@datastar.net . if you would like to see my collection so far check out my site at
http://gerald_schill.tripod.com/mystarwarsautographcollection
Posted by: vaughn | 25 April 2002 | 11:31 EDT
FOXNEWS Article
Hey Troops,
I was surfing FOXNEWS this morning and came across this article...thought it might interest you.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,51105,00.html
Posted by: Steve | 25 April 2002 | 10:59 EDT
Another Variation - Padme Arena Battle
I just wanted to add another variation that I found today.
Padme with insert no mole on cheek
Padme without insert no mole on cheek
Padme with insert with mole on left cheek
I stopped at Walmart this morning and they had only one Padme with insert and it looked as if she had a mole on her left cheek. At first I thought the mole was nothing more than a paint error. I looked at at least 2 dozen Padme's without insert and none of them had a mole/paint error. I bought the Padme with insert because I wanted to exchange for one I bought somewhere else without the insert. I then went to Meijer and they had about 10 Padmes with inserts. None of these had a mole, so I became even more convinced that the mole was a paint error. My next stop was Kaybee. They had about a dozen Padmes with inserts and every one had a mole, so maybe it wasn't a paint error. Finally I stopped at Toys R Us and they had about 6 Padmes with inserts and none of these had moles. So what does this leave me believing? I think the mole is a true variation that perhaps is due to being produced in different factories or perhaps it was an earlier run and was later corrected. The bottom line is, I looked at around 50 Padmes today and only a few with the inserts had a mole. None of the non-insert Padmes had a mole.
Posted by: Darth Crypt | 25 April 2002 | 10:49 EDT
Pittsburgh Comicon starts tomorrow and runs till Sunday
Any Troops going? Let me know!!!
Posted by: George | 25 April 2002 | 10:03 EDT
Not this time Hasbro, NOT THIS TIME:
Wandering around the toy stores WE can see already the bunch of pegwarmers that will be bugging us within a month preventing from new assts. to hit the pegs. Hopefully after May 16th kids will help to clean them up, this time I'll be more careful; No more resculpts I'll buy. 1 Anakin is enough, 1 Obi-One is enough. I want to see inmortalized in plastic the transition of the characters ''within the films''. No more 12 x $6.99+ Mauls most of them non-existent within the film. E-2 Anakin soft goods? I don't care I already have 1 from April 23rd. My collecting behavior has changed during the drought; Now I'm after new characters, I don't need an E-2 Plo-Koon cuz I already have 1 from E-1, Am I still a completist? Ya!! I'll have every single character from the saga by E-3 not 12 of each. I'll take very seriously though it was joke the words from Mel Brooks I'll be back in Space Balls-2, ''The search for more money''.
Posted by: Zack | 25 April 2002 | 8:09 EDT
More troopers need your help...
Two more troopers have reported in with a need for the C2 figure...
Trooper Jimmy
Jimmy1236@aol.com
Trooper Rodapel
rodapel@hotmail.com
Posted by: Zack | 25 April 2002 | 8:05 EDT
Trooper Rick Reports:
What's the deal with the Qui-Gonn, Vader-Bespin & Luke-Bespin figures?? Are they out yet?? Also, quick report from 23-Apr, if you don't mind another one.
Took the family with me (wife & daughter) & hit Super Wally that's "in zone" for me. Got there with about 10 minutes to spare. There was only about 10, maybe 15, people there. I could not believe that there was so few!! Once the plastic tarp was dropped, it was pure hysteria at first. There was an initial grab-n-chuck spree goin' on, but it soon settled down. Scored a few TIE Bomber's & Snowspeeders along with most, if not all, of the AOTC characters. The only ones that I could not find here was Mace Windu, Dexter Jettseter, & Genosian Warrior.
What's up with Obi-Wan & Anakin having the same color (blue) sabers?? Thought that Obi's was green?? Anyhow. Put it all in layaway as I did not have THAT much cash on hand. Stopped at a Super Broke (K-Mart) on the way home. Scored Dexter & the Genosian here. Still did have not found Mace (where the hell is he!?!?!)It seems that (to me anyhow) Count Dooku, Dexter, Genosian, Yoda & Anakin-Hanger Duel were in short supply on this night.
Didn't notice the movie scene backgrounds until after most had already been scarfed up. But did manage to land most of them. Also noticed that the Royal Guard, Jar Jar Binks & Genosian Warrior do NOT have warning tags on the packages. Don't know if they are all like that, but the few that I did bring home later on in the day did not have them. Does anyone know if there is a sticker variant around?? The Super Battle Droid has a sticker on back showing how to put him together. Are there ones without this sticker? Saw some characters with severe bends to the card back. Looks as though it was done by Hasbro, not by Wally World people. Those that I saw were:
Royal Guard
Taun We
Jar Jar Binks
Nikto
That's all for now. Keep up the good work!!!
Solleks@peoplepc.com
Posted by: Zack | 25 April 2002 | 7:58 EDT
Troopette Donna Reports:
Hi, Donna from So. Cal. reporting again. Went to KB at lunch and finally found the Playskool sets. They only had the "Duel w/Darth Maul" and "X-Wing Adventure" at $14.99 ea. Also as I was looking thru the rest of the SW section, I found POTJ Sandtroopers and Dirty Biker Scouts for $2.99. So check out your KB's if you are looking for any of the above.
Theloneswlady@aol.com
Posted by: Zack | 25 April 2002 | 7:56 EDT
Trooper Mike Reports
I thought this variation list might help some collectors and you guys out since it is so early in the release of the AOTC figs.
-Three to four R2 variants:
-Flat circle leg with backing.
-Flat circle leg without backing (so far I've only seen them at one place)
-Imprinted circle leg without backing.
-Imprinted circle leg with backing. ( I'm not sure on this one cause I've yet to see it.)
-Yoda without TM marking by Lightsaber. (on the side where it lists the accesories) # 2900 on the liningcard inside bubble
-Yoda with TM marking. # 5000. I think this is the corrected version and its a later number.
-Luminara Unduli with "Removable" word shown. (on the side of lining card in the bubble where it lists accesories.
-Luminara Unduli with "Removable" word covered by a sticker. ( I saw these two on Ebay which also means there should be a new corrected version either out or coming. I only have the covered, but didn't know about this until after I was out to the stores.) The set that i saw are still on Ebay also.
-Jengo Fett with thick lines on helmet. I noticed these at Fred Meyer only.
-Jengo Fett with thin lines on helmet. (This is not a big variation whatsoever, but the difference is pretty obvious so I decided to add it in.) :()
The background inserts have pretty much been covered so if I hear anymore on these I will let you guys know. By the way you guys have a very helpful site, which has helped me out greatly.
MFD2000@aol.com
Thanks for the compliments Mike. Vaughn, Jason and I have discoved yet another variation. There are 2 different deluxe Mace Windus, one with peg holes in his feet and one without. Lokks like the one with holes may be a tad harder to find than the ones without.
Posted by: Tracy | 25 April 2002 | 6:59 EDT
Trooper Figer needs some help!!
I need a Celebration II Sucul figure and would like to be added to the list. I have a Toy Fair Vader to trade. If anyone can help, Please contact me, Thanks.
http://www.sbstone.com">
Posted by: vaughn | 25 April 2002 | 0:23 EDT
a little fun
Hey Troops,
In the midst of everything going on, I had a little fun with the digital camera... check it out. I will be updating my section of the gallery (sith channel 6). If you have any pictures of your collection that you would like to be posted, send them to me.

Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 23:34 EDT
Fill in the gaps or get all you can at:

Here is a quick update from BigBadToyStore.com - Our Episode 2 figures are 'live' on the website! We have 16 basic figures in stock from collection 1 and collection 2 - all for $7.99 Each. Some figures will sell out quickly, but we will do our best to quickly restock all of them and more.
All 4 Deluxe Figures are in stock for $11.99 each.
We also have the 2 Speeders (Zam's & Anakin's) in stock for $13.99 each.
The Playskool sets: X-Wing Adventure and Duel with Darth Maul are both in stock for $15.99.
We have a fairly large shipment of more Episode 2 figures on the way - the shipment should arrive late in the week or possibly on the weekend.
A few older Star Wars figures also are in stock: Coruscant Guard, Gungan Warrior, Battle Droid, and Y-Wing Fighter!
We will be working late for the next few nights to ensure all the Episode 2 orders and other orders go out in a timely manner, but we may be a day behind in shipping due to the huge order quantities.
Thanks for your interest and check out all the great figures on
www.bigbadtoystore.com - we'll carry all the upcoming Ep 2 items as well, with flat-rate $4.99 shipping for all orders!
Thanks! - Joel Boblit BigBadToyStore.com
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 23:04 EDT
Trooper brn603 with a Luminara Unduli question... answered!:
I don't know if anyone has noticed this yet, but on the right hand side of the Luminara Undali figure where it mentions what the figure includes, there is a sticker over a third accessory?! Since I don't open I was wondering if anyone else noticed this and what is said underneath? brn603@fidnet.com
The third accessory is listed as "Cloak," but has a sticker covering a preceeding word. I just peeled it away and that word is "Removable." Looks like the cloak was meant to be removable so they had to cover that description up since it is not removable! Thanks for the keen observation and the question! - J.
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 23:00 EDT
There is help!
Trooper Monkey Ambassador may be able to get up to four C2 figures for the troops. If you need one let him know..
monkeyambassador@yahoo.com
Thanks for the help M.A.!
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 22:53 EDT
Trooper
I have a few Count Dooku's , i dont mind trading them ..
im in need of the Jango Fett Final Battle wave .. email me if u want to trade.
kmoirkne@aol.com
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 22:51 EDT
Trooper Tim Reports:
Hello fellow troops. I have an extra Tie Bomber / Snow Speeder to sell or trade. I am in desperate need for 2 of the C2 figures. HELP!!!
resistance001@mail.com
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 22:50 EDT
Win an AOTC Yoda at The JundlandWastes.com:
Chris at The Jundland Wastes is currently giving away an AOTC Yoda to someone that posts in their forums from now until midnight Saturday (4/28). Head on over and do some posting and maybe even win! Jason@sandtroopers.com
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 22:12 EDT
Trooper Eric B. from WNY reports in:
Just reporting in, found all the fig. except Mace Windu,Palpatine, Qui-Gon,Jango(final battle), Darth and Luke, Target in Amherst had a ton of the Royal Trooper,Taun We and Luminara. TRU had 1 isle full of figs. and 4 flat carts full of unopened cases. Wal-Mart in Amherst had the basic figs, but the one on walden had totally different figs. they had Yoda,Dooku,Wesell and more, an employee told my mother that different stores got different figs. They also had 3 snowspeeders and tie bombers but the boxes were damaged. Also does anyone know what this ultimate Yoda is that Wal-Mart had I didn't see any but I saw the price 99 dollars? I'll report more later, hope everyone found what they were looking for, Eric eric_bar@msn.com
Thanks for the updates Eric, I do believe that "Ultimate Yoda" is the LEGO large scale Yoda! (Thanks to Trooper Mike Harris for the answer to this!!) - J.
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 21:46 EDT
Trooper Lex-Wan (Allentown Chase) with a 4/23 summation:
Wal-mart definitely took the taco today with all 4 stores in a 35 min radius (3 open 24hrs) stocked to the brim with EP2 merchandise. I got all 27 figs at my first Wal-mart and for $5.88 per fig. All these figs are great in their own way and all extra merch was out and properly labeled. Once I got all my figs home I started to take a closer look at what I bought, since I didn't have too much time to look at them in the store. All at once 35 people rushed a 20ft section! Needless to say all figs were wiped of the shelf in 60 seconds and the Wal-mart people were soooo nice! They filled it right back up again with different figs. Anyway looking at these figs I noticed right off the bat the R2-D2 shoulder peg variation, also the sticker on the back of the super battle droid, missing paint from C-3PO's left arm, the blonde hair - brown hair Obi-wan, and the most intriguing one is the cinema scene card in the bubble behind the figure depicting a scene from the AOTC movie. Well, I thought at first this was just going to be on a couple figs like boba, shaak, tusken, and Typho so I decided to make the rounds in the morning. And it seems these cards are only with the 1st 16 figs and then I believe Hasbro stopped putting them in. I went to 2 KB's, 1 TRU, 4 Wal-marts, and 3 Kmarts; between them all I found this cinema scene insert variation. They all seemed to be on early cards and the stuff made later (Unduli, Count Dooku, royal guard ), everything from #17 (clone trooper) to #27 ( Count Dooku) did not. So if anyone has run into the same thing I'd appreciate any feedback. These figs with inserts seem to be the EXACT same figs people were shelling out big bucks for on ebay A while back. So that's it I think. I just hope a lot of
the troopers out there had as good a time I did with all these fantabulous toys. Also I'd like to say ahoy ahoy to a righteous trooper, Jason D. Meyers, hey doood. Till next time - smell ya later
Lex-wan Kenobi debalus@worldnet.att.net
Ahoy there back at ya Lex! Keep the lively reports coming!
Posted by: George | 24 April 2002 | 21:40 EDT
Sandtrooper BOBB has a Tie-Bomber for trade:
I have an extra one and am looking to trade it for a Target Y-Wing or Skiff. LMK if interested @ froelich@y-city.net
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 21:15 EDT
Trooper Lex-Wan (Allentown Chase) reports:
man am I tired but it was well worth picking up all 27 AOTC figs in one shot. My Wal-mart had 1 and a half billion figures there there was about 35 people there at midnight I new about 5 from seeing them around town some good guys too the first lot of about 400 figs went in about 60 seconds, poor Wally world associates all that work for nothing. I even found some cards that have the cinema scene insert behind the fig in the bubble here's the list of those with inserts C-3PO, Boba fett, tusken raider, shaak ti, and captain Typho. All of these figs that had inserts were also there with out them to the date stamp on all the ones with inserts are earlier than the ones without. As soon as everyone was done the associates got 2 more pallets of figures and filled it up again and they still had 11 cases of figs on thefloor they also had 12" figs Anakin, clone trooper black, and Obi-wan, both speeders , starfighter, slave 1, all legos obi-wan dressup and Jango fetts nerf guns adult size all in all it was a great night good job to Hasbro on all the sculpts and there accessories and may the forks be with you. Lex-wan debalus@worldnet.att.net
See Lex-Wan's post regarding Cinema Scene Inserts below!
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 21:02 EDT
Trooper Nick from California reports:
Here's a tip for those still searching - check the clearance aisles! My wife was told (in the Antioch CA Walmart I believe) that because of the green boxes it was assumed to be 'old' stuff and separated from the other SW items. She finally found them in a brand new Walmart (Martinez, CA) and they were on display at the FRONT of the store. Also, try to talk to the store manager. Seems these are sometimes the only ones to know whether or not the store has them or had them. Good luck! - Nick Turner Nick.Turner@jud.ca.gov
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 20:55 EDT
Trooper Jeff in Wyoming reports with a trade idea:
Hi troops, This is probably a shot in the dark, but does anyone have an extra mint unopened skiff or Y wing they would be willing to trade for a mint unopened POTJ Tie Bomber or Snowspeeder? Please let me know and thanks - Jeff Butikofer butikoferj@hotmail.com
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 20:52 EDT
Words from the Master - Trooper Jedi Master Harry Perez reports:
Toms River NJ. Greetings Fellow Sandtroopers. I will get right to the point! Are you interested in any of the MASTER REPLICAS items? (IE. Luke's Lightsaber, Han Solo's Blaster & future items) Well, have I found a deal for you! How would you like any of their items for the regular price plus get the CASE (Priced at $50) for FREE. That's right FREE! For the past 12 years I have purchased my Star Wars comics from COMICS PLUS, which is located in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. Ron & Chris are the men in charge at COMICS PLUS and they have made this offer to me and anyone else that I can steer their way. These guys are awesome and have taken good care of me & my Star Wars needs. My collection consists mainly of 3 ¾ inch figures and for the first time ever I am going to make a big $$$ purchase (Luke's Lightsaber). But I need the help of at least 5 other Sandtroopers in order to make my dream come true. They need to order at least 6 items in order to make this offer to me and anyone else that is interested. I am the first to order so they only need five more. If interested please contact me or better yet contact the guys at COMICS PLUS . Remember to mention that Jedi Master Harry Perez sent you in order to get the FREE case with your MASTER REPLICAS order. I issue a call to arms to all my fellow Jedi!!! We must be armed with our Lightsabers and Blasters in order to properly defend The Republic! Enjoy the hunt on 4/23! Feel The Force!
jedi05@aol.com
Master Perez is one of sandtroopers.com's finest and valuable allies, I encourage anybody looking to get these great pieces give Harry a holler! Jason@sandtroopers.com
Posted by: Jason | 24 April 2002 | 20:47 EDT
Trooper Lex-Wan (Allentown Chase) reports:
I have found all the below mentioned figs with the cinema scene insert
that is behind the fig in the bubble I come to a total of 16 the first 16 to be exact.
#1 Anakin OPD - walmart; #2 Padme - walmart; #3 Obi-wan chase - walmart; #4 C-3po - walmart; #5 Kit Fisto - walmart; #6 Super Battle droid - walmart; #7 Boba Fett - walmart; #8 Tuskin female w/ child - walmart; #9 Captain Typho - walmart; #10 Shaak Ti - walmart; #11 Battle droid arena - only TRU; #12 Plo Koon - TRU & KB's; #13 Jango Fett - walmart; #14 R2-D2 - only at TRU; #15 Geonesian warrior - only at KB's; #16 Dexter Jetster - only at KB's;
All of the above mentioned figs all have the cinema scene insert. I've been to 40 stores since 12:00 midnight the 23rd , many repeats but a total of about 22 different stores. boscov's has very little but the price is now $6.99, Ames kinda sucks because I went to an Ames at 2:00 pm on the 23rd and they never put anything out; I asked where the Star Wars stuff was and she said "Was that for today? I'm sorry I'll go in the back & bring u out a case." I just left since I had gotten all 27 figs from Wal-Mart 14 hrs previous and paid a $1.11 less PER FIG of course at that time I didn't have all the CSI figs ( cinema scene inserts) he he he he he I just love saying that any hoodly doodly my 24hr Wal-Mart had about 30 to 40 people there (I didn't get an accurate count) to busy drooling over the 2 count Dooku's (the only ones on the shelf) with the rest of the 500 figs that disappeared in 60 secs needless to say I scored 1 to make my coll complete with all 27 figs and besides the cards there seem to be many true variations, R2-D2, different shoulder, Anakin OPD with indented puddle at end of gun tray, I have a blonde haired Obi-wan chase and a brown hared Obi-wan chase, Padme has a different gun handle - the first was small and Hasbro rubber banded it to her hand then they made a larger handle for the tiny hand. I'll tell you one thing the cards with the CSI's have so much more character than without. Smell ya later. debalus@worldnet.att.net
Lex-Wan is a good friend and he really has an eye for the variations! Thanks Lex for all the hard leg-work running around all day and the nice narrative. I agree with you - I like the acronym that you've constructed "CSI," and I've found 8 of them and have 7; I think they do add to the value of the products. This would be a good topic for the Forums, I think I'll head over now! - J.
Posted by: George | 24 April 2002 | 18:13 EDT
The ? still remains:
Why these backgrounds in some figures and not in others? IF YOU have a concrete answer for this, shed your light and let us know.

Padme/Amidala ''Battle Arena''

Boba Fett '' Kamino Escape'' backgrounds.
Posted by: Bill | 24 April 2002 | 17:11 EDT
4/23/02
Hey Troops. Looks like everyone had some fun on the 23rd. Cheryl and I ended up driving from Cleveland up to Erie PA with ObiwanJay and his his better half. We met up with Dark Steve in Ashtabulla Ohio and went to Erie from there. We hit the 24hr Wal-Mart off of Peech rd. They were setting up the AOTC Isle when we got there at 10:30 with Rubbermaid storage totes surrounding the Isle. I was really surprised that when we got there we were the first in line. As 12:00am got closer people started showing up more and more there was an average of about 40 people when they let us in. After all the chaos and the mad rush alot of us where pulling everything out of our carts and going through it setting all the figs out on the big umbrella tables by Home and Garden as people started noticing who they were missing the trading began which was the best part of the whole thing as far as i could see there were only 6 Count Dooku's out of all the figs they put out and not to many Royal Guards,Dexter's,Luminara's and Geonosian warrior's. I had heard about some of the Varients like the Backdrops on the first 16 and the 2 different leg sculps on R2-D2 but Jay noticed 2 different stickers on Kit Fisto's bubble one says "with force action!" and the other says "with slashing lightsaber attack!" I did manage to find both without backdrop but only found "with force attack!" sticker on the backdrop card.I ended up finding the Geonosian Warrior w/backdrop at K-Mart along with Dexter w/backdrop. I must have hit 2 other K-Marts, TRU, 2 more Wal-Marts and a Kay Bee before I found the Battle Droid with Backdrop and when I did find him there was only one.
Posted by: Darth Crypt | 24 April 2002 | 17:08 EDT
Awesome Tie Fighter model kit!
Hobby Link Japan Has this awesome model for preorder. If you are a Tiefighter fan, this is a must have!
Posted by: Tyler | 24 April 2002 | 15:17 EDT
R2Dtoys Tie Interceptor Winner!
I think this post kind of got lost yesterday with all the AOTC reports :) So here it is again.
And the winner is.....
BRETT MILKS
Please contact me within 7 days to claim your prize. here it is again.
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 13:49 EDT
Trooper Larry Reports:
Did I misunderstand what was happening with the 12" TRU exclusive Mace Windu? I thought it would be at the stores April 23rd, but none of them had it, and none even knew about it. is it only available at Amazon.com?
Also, does anyone know when the KB Clone Trooper 12" will be out?
I'm having alot of trouble with the Walmart Tie Bomber & Snowspeeder too. Still haven't found them in the Chicago area, but did just miss the last ones at one store by minutes!
larry.wauchop@harrisbank.com
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 13:46 EDT
Trooper Andrew Reports:
I've seen the smaller Playskool Sets, Stompin' Wampa and Fast through the Forest, in only one place here in Portland, Maine. Newbury Comics had them Monday but they are asking $11.99, which is several dollars more than what the big stores will carry them for. Newbury also had the two larger sets for $19.99. I found those at MM at Wal-mart, happily.
apruette@maine.rr.com
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 13:45 EDT
Trooper Brian Reports:
More good news from the Southwest! As stated the last time I reported in, I wasn't able to find any of the Coll. 2 Wave 1 assortment here in the Tucson WalMart I went to, so I called my mom up back home (Abq, NM) and asked if she wouldn't mind having a look around the WalMart there. Well, not only did she go to WalMart, she looked in Target too, and was able to get me Boba Fett, Female Tusken Raider, Plo Koon, Shaak Ti, Captain Typho and the Battle Droid! Thanks Mom!!!!
bgmunkel@email.arizona.edu
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 13:44 EDT
Trooper SithJohn Reports:
Hey all, Kebco Toys is offering sealed, but damaged figures, for $3.50 a pop. After all our pocketbooks took a hit today, I think that is a pretty good deal especially for all of us who open the figures. Check the website and drop Scott a line, he's a great salesman and will be happy to assist you. I've been using Kebco for almost a year now and it's awesome. Just thought some of you might like to know.
I picked up 14 figures from him with that deal earlier this week. They even had the Boshek wave!
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 10:32 EDT
More Troops need your help...
A couple of troopers have written in with a need for the C2 figure.
Trooper Eric
e9olson@wmich.edu
Trooper Rod
Rodapel@aol.com
Several Troopers have been hooked up through Ultimate Networking, so you still have a chance!
Posted by: Zack | 24 April 2002 | 10:27 EDT
Trooper Cailfornia Tim Reports:
What a NIGHT! What a day! I show up at TRU Geary St., San Francisco and there's about a half a dozen people in line. Everyone one was chatting each other up about something to do with Star Wars. Then the media showed up and there was a collective "Oh no, the media.." The overbearing reporter wanted to do a live newscast about the release of the toys. I happened to have two bags full of figures from shopping earlier and became the focal point of the broadcast. I was going to attempt to shamelessly plug this website, however the reporter changed the questions on me which didn't