tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39974345658593129972024-02-21T01:41:51.220+11:00Relics of the ForceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger703125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-18878580448165758602020-11-01T14:52:00.000+11:002021-05-07T23:07:31.019+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Wave 15 Figures Found<div style="text-align: justify;">Wave 15 saw the realistic 3 3/4" debut of two <i>Clone Wars </i>characters I'd been aching to add to my collection for many years: Fives and Hondo Ohnaka. I managed to secure both via an EB Games preorder for $29.00AU ($30.85NZ) and $25.00 ($26.60) respectively.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9G2SV5dFds/X7CrHL6D-tI/AAAAAAAANTk/MStzaqFA6qImKh2HKa4SBVTbb12drKCJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC172%2BARC%2BTrooper%2BFives%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9G2SV5dFds/X7CrHL6D-tI/AAAAAAAANTk/MStzaqFA6qImKh2HKa4SBVTbb12drKCJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC172%2BARC%2BTrooper%2BFives%2B1.JPG" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvN-6QHrYzg/X7CrHOpEZHI/AAAAAAAANTo/b1VdIoFt_sIoTd1lbAwvp9Xi_CgbfqtEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC173%2BHondo%2BOhnaka%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvN-6QHrYzg/X7CrHOpEZHI/AAAAAAAANTo/b1VdIoFt_sIoTd1lbAwvp9Xi_CgbfqtEACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC173%2BHondo%2BOhnaka%2B1.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These are an absolutely phenomenal pair of figures - the release of which is perfectly timed, given that 2020 saw the climactic conclusion of the <i>Clone Wars</i> animated series. Donning his ARC getup, Fives comes with the standard super-articulation as well as a pivoting rangefinder. He's also replete with accessories: a removable helmet, removable pauldron, removable backpack, blaster, blaster rifle, and two blaster pistols. One thing that often bugs me about heavily accessorised figures is that I can't make full use of their equipment. Often they can only be displayed with one or two items, while the remainder get relegated to the bottom of a drawer. Not so with Fives. He's capable of donning his entire loadout (his blaster clipping into his backpack and his pistols slipping into working holsters) without look overencumbered. It's enormously satisfying.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span><a name="more"></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9vlukld3VM1rZcxjBHzFfOMib2GH6nOoTSHLXyL-9y2YwevXdAlZ8o6XDbUVzDx3M1IBTUcLNoV7AVixwyCuu8LO4zo-2zekM7YzyXbD34-dKRDl7tpHOeQbanioGimvXyYaphA2iRmO/s2048/The+Vintage+Collection+VC172+ARC+Trooper+Fives+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9vlukld3VM1rZcxjBHzFfOMib2GH6nOoTSHLXyL-9y2YwevXdAlZ8o6XDbUVzDx3M1IBTUcLNoV7AVixwyCuu8LO4zo-2zekM7YzyXbD34-dKRDl7tpHOeQbanioGimvXyYaphA2iRmO/s320/The+Vintage+Collection+VC172+ARC+Trooper+Fives+2.JPG" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjKs8Py5tJQ/X7CrPK7QYzI/AAAAAAAANTw/_GtuGIladhc0CfzYIlp65d1Cd6na-zxUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC173%2BHondo%2BOhnaka%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjKs8Py5tJQ/X7CrPK7QYzI/AAAAAAAANTw/_GtuGIladhc0CfzYIlp65d1Cd6na-zxUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC173%2BHondo%2BOhnaka%2B2.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hondo, on the other hand, comes with nothing more than a single blaster pistol. But the phenomenal sculpt and paint app more than make up for this. While technically donning his <i>Galaxy's Edge</i> attire, Hondo can just as easily be used to flesh out a realistic <i>Clone Wars</i> display - which is precisely what I have in mind for him. My only real disappointment is with the frustratingly neutral expression on his face. It lacks the trademark cunning and charisma of this character. Sculpting him with a broad, charming grin (and, perhaps, including his pet Kowakian monkey-lizard) would have made this otherwise great figure absolutely perfect.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-42185217316428046272020-10-28T14:08:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:07.199+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Wave 14 Figures Found<p style="text-align: justify;">Wave 14 of the <i>Vintage Collection</i> provides us with another sampling of redecos from across the saga - this time featuring characters from <i>The Phantom Menace</i>, <i>The Clone Wars</i>, and <i>Return of the Jedi.</i> Three of these figures were on <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-hunt-is-on-vintage-collection.html">my hunt list</a>: VC27 Wicket, VC92 Anakin Skywalker, and VC103 Obi-Wan Kenobi. I recently picked up the entire trio courtesy of Mighty Ape for $20.80 each.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgp-RV4x1WA/X7CgrxQWOoI/AAAAAAAANS4/c4pbjF9oToMpjPtP3M-KZk_3us1qUoeMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC27%2BWicket%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgp-RV4x1WA/X7CgrxQWOoI/AAAAAAAANS4/c4pbjF9oToMpjPtP3M-KZk_3us1qUoeMACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC27%2BWicket%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxgiVKaaUzE/X7CgrtRz4GI/AAAAAAAANSw/gRN6acWco-8mN0OQZqRV2vCoyCst-06PgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC92%2BAnakin%2BSkywalker%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxgiVKaaUzE/X7CgrtRz4GI/AAAAAAAANSw/gRN6acWco-8mN0OQZqRV2vCoyCst-06PgCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC92%2BAnakin%2BSkywalker%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RV3xEJjqBno/X7CgrvZiV4I/AAAAAAAANS0/u23MjfgDLMQOYkLPa6XGtmbmC5xxYAc9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC103%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RV3xEJjqBno/X7CgrvZiV4I/AAAAAAAANS0/u23MjfgDLMQOYkLPa6XGtmbmC5xxYAc9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC103%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The latter two of these figures mark the only realistic <i>Clone Wars </i>depictions of Anakin and Obi-Wan in the 3 3/4" line. While they were originally released back in 2012, distribution was poor, and - as a result - the pair often went for a hefty price on the secondary market. It was therefore a great call on Hasbro's behalf to give us a second chance to pick up these figures. The addition of Photo Real face treatments is simply an added bonus. Each figure comes with the expected super-articulation and both lit and unlit lightsaber accessories. The pair will go great alongside <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-black-series-3-34-admiral-ackbar.html">the realistic Ahsoka Tano I picked up back in 2017</a>.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3T-hTqnzDcc/X7Ch6KrJYmI/AAAAAAAANTM/8Jno6ut-mgYqT8VYINvwjGFUJviuXKpOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC27%2BWicket%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3T-hTqnzDcc/X7Ch6KrJYmI/AAAAAAAANTM/8Jno6ut-mgYqT8VYINvwjGFUJviuXKpOACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC27%2BWicket%2B2.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQKWeKolIqs/X7Ch6Ip5umI/AAAAAAAANTQ/2gy0oSkhM8ojEH8asa0S9USK41-udNAJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC92%2BAnakin%2BSkywalker%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1534" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQKWeKolIqs/X7Ch6Ip5umI/AAAAAAAANTQ/2gy0oSkhM8ojEH8asa0S9USK41-udNAJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC92%2BAnakin%2BSkywalker%2B2.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TK8w3y9JeNY/X7Ch51DPE8I/AAAAAAAANTI/J8lSfjISybsrVjxBocPYIaieVT7bkBzBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC103%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1534" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TK8w3y9JeNY/X7Ch51DPE8I/AAAAAAAANTI/J8lSfjISybsrVjxBocPYIaieVT7bkBzBACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC103%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2B2.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I had already managed to pick up <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/11/more-loose-legacy-collection-and.html">this <i>Vintage Collection</i> Wicket on the secondary market</a>. But while he came with his cowl and spear from <i>Return of the Jedi, </i>he had been missing the additional accessories that - in my opinion - absolutely make this figure: an entire alternative outfit inspired by his appearance in the <i>Ewoks</i> cartoon series. Now, however, I have a second Wicket to keep perpetually dressed in his animated attire!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-90841732002855509072020-09-14T17:22:00.000+10:002021-04-20T19:52:07.363+10:00Lego Brickheadz 75317 The Mandalorian & the Child<p style="text-align: justify;">It's been a slow year for Star Wars Lego Brickheadz. Last week, however, my wife finally got her hands on what just might be the best release yet in this line: 75317 The Mandalorian & the Child.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ5oIN2V1m0/X7Ns7p2OvKI/AAAAAAAANUY/tM2EtczTQOIhrTqb0KqVm-vLPYYxJn_iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Lego%2B75317%2Bbrickheadz%2BThe%2BChild%2Band%2BThe%2BMandalorian%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ5oIN2V1m0/X7Ns7p2OvKI/AAAAAAAANUY/tM2EtczTQOIhrTqb0KqVm-vLPYYxJn_iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Lego%2B75317%2Bbrickheadz%2BThe%2BChild%2Band%2BThe%2BMandalorian%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0qMROfeR5s/X7Ns77N6HJI/AAAAAAAANUc/EAg_7IMFT3ALSTAzlnlBeLBa1n6Z1sVMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Lego%2B75317%2Bbrickheadz%2BThe%2BChild%2Band%2BThe%2BMandalorian%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0qMROfeR5s/X7Ns77N6HJI/AAAAAAAANUc/EAg_7IMFT3ALSTAzlnlBeLBa1n6Z1sVMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Lego%2B75317%2Bbrickheadz%2BThe%2BChild%2Band%2BThe%2BMandalorian%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Let's be honest - this set was always destined for greatness. Both the Mandalorian and the Child are incredibly well-suited to a brick-based realisation. What I didn't expect, however, was just how <i>good</i> that realisation would be. The Mandalorian features an insane amount of detail - from his wonderfully sculpted helmet, to his sidearm, to his (detachable) over-the-shoulder rifle, to the metallic cartridges clipped to his belt.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But, of course, the real star here is the Child. While much simpler in design, the team at Lego have managed to perfectly capture the heart and soul of this character. The pivoting ears (featured in their 'sad' downturned position in the image below) add even more character to this build. And don't forget the pram. While this accessory could easily have been phoned-in, Lego instead put an enormous amount of time and care into extracting the smooth curves of the Child's conveyance from a small handful of chunky bricks. Further, some extra detailing at the hinges gives the illusion of a real, working mechanism within the build - a wonderfully nice touch.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Taken together, these separate elements make for a set that I cannot recommend highly enough!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-71505505788286523742020-08-08T20:37:00.000+10:002021-05-07T23:07:11.955+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Wave 13 Figures Found<p style="text-align: justify;">Wave 13 of the <i>Vintage Collection</i> is indeed an unusual one - featuring a disparate mix of figures from <i>A New Hope</i>, <i>Rogue One, </i>and<i> The</i> <i>Clone Wars</i>. Of these, there were only two figures that made it on to <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-hunt-is-on-vintage-collection.html">my hunt list</a>: VC167 Power Droid and VC168 Clone Commander Wolffe. Last week, I received both via EB Games for $24.99AU ($27.08NZ) each.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVAYZtnF9aW8VLviJXd9F7aPPcHrdGqkX0YvrFo0nuo9gdelHg4MjQkYQ5V4Y6lMpg6fDwG8JIeVLwbPFKf7udZySoE0SmTzZVgulc72byONBsa27ChSYuOLwVMTj1AsoppmoKFYqZmAn/s2048/The+Vintage+Collection+VC167+Power+Droid+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVAYZtnF9aW8VLviJXd9F7aPPcHrdGqkX0YvrFo0nuo9gdelHg4MjQkYQ5V4Y6lMpg6fDwG8JIeVLwbPFKf7udZySoE0SmTzZVgulc72byONBsa27ChSYuOLwVMTj1AsoppmoKFYqZmAn/w246-h328/The+Vintage+Collection+VC167+Power+Droid+1.JPG" width="246" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmmb4wQuJ_g/X0CxmnFXdUI/AAAAAAAANPk/jVv91iz4LiQb59DqocBlkNoKIeIUHz7lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC168%2BClone%2BCommander%2BWolffe%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmmb4wQuJ_g/X0CxmnFXdUI/AAAAAAAANPk/jVv91iz4LiQb59DqocBlkNoKIeIUHz7lQCLcBGAsYHQ/w246-h328/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC168%2BClone%2BCommander%2BWolffe%2B1.JPG" width="246" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">While Wolffe saw a 2015 <i>Black Series</i> release in his cold weather gear, this is his first release in his traditional armour. A removable helmet has also been added, revealing a Photo Real likeness of New Zealand's very own Temuera Morrison.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a name="more"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U8CA5LKY5rdMWNj3oqnOI3HIC5QzuXX0igYXDvuSsvjWsOi6rxuS9gky0GOaw0J3WfSmvpWmM8xB6OTSboAkiWQpAG4TIHIIFYTpkx0fWvpgTpMck53ohbee3RWeR8KwASM0_bZ3Y5v0/s2048/The+Vintage+Collection+VC167+Power+Droid+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1529" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U8CA5LKY5rdMWNj3oqnOI3HIC5QzuXX0igYXDvuSsvjWsOi6rxuS9gky0GOaw0J3WfSmvpWmM8xB6OTSboAkiWQpAG4TIHIIFYTpkx0fWvpgTpMck53ohbee3RWeR8KwASM0_bZ3Y5v0/w245-h328/The+Vintage+Collection+VC167+Power+Droid+2.JPG" width="245" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_31RA7qBVw/X0CyeG0qPEI/AAAAAAAANP4/lYJFXjAaohsaQLY02dRKuuBD1RgI0ATiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC168%2BClone%2BCommander%2BWolffe%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_31RA7qBVw/X0CyeG0qPEI/AAAAAAAANP4/lYJFXjAaohsaQLY02dRKuuBD1RgI0ATiACLcBGAsYHQ/w246-h328/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC168%2BClone%2BCommander%2BWolffe%2B2.JPG" width="246" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless, the real highlight of this wave is the Power - or 'Gonk' - Droid. Despite his popularity with fans, the Gonk Droid has only received two single-carded releases in the twenty-five-year history of the modern figure line - the most recent of which was all the way back in 2006. I missed him then, and have regretted it ever since. Fortunately that's now been remedied. With a removable upper 'shell' and two independently articulated legs, this figure gives us everything we need in a Gonk figure. He'll go great alongside my Jawa and other sandcrawler droids.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-45908140158361485012020-08-01T15:54:00.000+10:002021-04-20T19:52:07.708+10:00The Child Plush Toy<p style="text-align: justify;">While our tiny <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-black-series-6-child.html"><i>Black Series</i> Child figure</a> is all well and good, my wife and I knew from the outset that we would need at least one larger version of this character in our collection. After considering the many preorder options available late last year, we finally settled on Mattel's plush toy as the best option for displayability <i>and </i>playability. He arrived in the post a short while ago, and we couldn't be happier.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4w8japPXnk/X0C17lPon2I/AAAAAAAANQI/6PY4tosS03Eui_Sd8Cw0QuBzdyoZAoqWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BChild%2BPlush%2BToy%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1532" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4w8japPXnk/X0C17lPon2I/AAAAAAAANQI/6PY4tosS03Eui_Sd8Cw0QuBzdyoZAoqWACLcBGAsYHQ/w245-h328/The%2BChild%2BPlush%2BToy%2B1.JPG" width="245" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNYVAoWByp8/X0C17wgRhSI/AAAAAAAANQM/xtk62hwCRGovuvDBRp_tbQqAs-peVqpwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BChild%2BPlush%2BToy%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1532" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNYVAoWByp8/X0C17wgRhSI/AAAAAAAANQM/xtk62hwCRGovuvDBRp_tbQqAs-peVqpwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w245-h328/The%2BChild%2BPlush%2BToy%2B2.JPG" width="245" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Mattel's take on The Child features a vinyl head and hands along with a weighted plush body that gives it just the right heft and malleability for display. His glossy eyes and lightly airbrushed skin add to the realism, making him the most accurately-detailed and scaled option available - excepting, of course, <a href="https://www.sideshow.com/collectibles/star-wars-the-child-hot-toys-905871">that phenomenal $420US ($625NZ) <i>Hot Toys</i> offering</a>. At only $56.99AU ($62.30NZ) however, this was precisely The Child for us! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-38551472614912233032020-07-25T20:36:00.000+10:002021-04-20T19:52:07.870+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Wave 12 Figures Found<p style="text-align: justify;">I was unsure whether the latest 'Fan Channel Exclusive' <i>Vintage Collection </i>repack wave would make it to Australian shores (it ultimately did, thanks to EB Games and MightyApe), so I pulled the trigger early and picked up the three figures for less than RRP on the secondary market.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiWQ7thopRA/X0Cl6KTaOoI/AAAAAAAANPM/XpMwFpK2G-cLB1SR_ATWp412Aq_PjRJsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC04%2BLuke%2BSkywalker%2B%2528Bespin%2BFatigues%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1534" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiWQ7thopRA/X0Cl6KTaOoI/AAAAAAAANPM/XpMwFpK2G-cLB1SR_ATWp412Aq_PjRJsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w157-h210/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC04%2BLuke%2BSkywalker%2B%2528Bespin%2BFatigues%2529.JPG" width="157" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7-G49HvcB0/X0Cl6PlBVXI/AAAAAAAANPI/njT4PikOxfU5Yf8Gq1M_izxai72-fehCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC47%2BGeneral%2BLando%2BCalrissian.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7-G49HvcB0/X0Cl6PlBVXI/AAAAAAAANPI/njT4PikOxfU5Yf8Gq1M_izxai72-fehCACLcBGAsYHQ/w158-h210/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC47%2BGeneral%2BLando%2BCalrissian.JPG" width="158" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVyhnGO6Pb0/X0Cl6BfrO5I/AAAAAAAANPQ/HDHOnaJSRnUqO-M8k-7SoPHUYPPB8IU1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BVIntage%2BCollection%2BVC50%2BHan%2BSolo%2B%2528Bespin%2BOutfit%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVyhnGO6Pb0/X0Cl6BfrO5I/AAAAAAAANPQ/HDHOnaJSRnUqO-M8k-7SoPHUYPPB8IU1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w158-h210/The%2BVIntage%2BCollection%2BVC50%2BHan%2BSolo%2B%2528Bespin%2BOutfit%2529.JPG" width="158" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Wave 12 of the <i>Vintage Collection</i> sees the re-release of four highly sought-after figures. While I was able to give the C-3PO a miss, I did pick up VC04 Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues), VC47 Lando Calrissian (General), and VC50 Han Solo (Bespin Outfit). All three figures feature Photo Real face treatment - though with varying results. While Lando and Han look great, there's something slightly... <i>off</i> about Luke's appearance. This tends to be a common issue when Photo Real is applied to older headsculpts (compared with the outstanding accuracy that can be achieved <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-hunt-is-on-vintage-collection-3-34.html">when Hasbro apply Photo Real to a specially-designed sculpt</a>).</p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;">I missed Han on his first release back in 2011 - so it's great to finally fill that gap on my <i>Empire</i> shelf (though, admittedly, his goggles and welding torch were immediately donated to better kit out my Hoth Leia). Luke, on the other hand, provides a welcome update to <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/05/loose-vintage-collection-and-black.html">my 2010 <i>Vintage Collection </i>version of the figure</a>, while Lando does the same for <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-black-series-3-34-admiral-ackbar.html">my 2016 <i>Black Series </i>version</a><i>.</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-16584396860940812182020-06-20T15:42:00.000+10:002021-05-07T23:11:26.227+10:00The Black Series 6" The Child<p style="text-align: justify;">As a dyed-in-the-wool 3 3/4" collector, I've largely avoided releases in Hasbro's larger-scale 6" <i>Black Series</i> line. There are the occasional exceptions, and my continued impatience with Hasbro's failure to release (or even announce) a Child for the 3 3/4" <i>Vintage Collection </i>line has driven me to dabble in the <i>Black Series </i>once again - recently picking up their version of The Child for $20.00AU ($21.34NZ).</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmUOIie5aQw/Xu2enDRcEwI/AAAAAAAANM4/TnquyA0W-gEgOKvdGtmmGjIidv7xuqZTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BBlack%2BSeries%2BThe%2BChild%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmUOIie5aQw/Xu2enDRcEwI/AAAAAAAANM4/TnquyA0W-gEgOKvdGtmmGjIidv7xuqZTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BBlack%2BSeries%2BThe%2BChild%2B1.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7RCsCGb7mtPMEN6VzIoEt6VmHGbVVVTvTVgdKT4ncYMOskGt9x1wEX2jlV4SGm1Ym04AwNs791zc82M7xzo53L7YmGU1mW0G-owCEEn4lC7Zv72eYL0e4_K6lMqXJPzGyqX_NmbhWgAA/s1600/The+Black+Series+The+Child+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7RCsCGb7mtPMEN6VzIoEt6VmHGbVVVTvTVgdKT4ncYMOskGt9x1wEX2jlV4SGm1Ym04AwNs791zc82M7xzo53L7YmGU1mW0G-owCEEn4lC7Zv72eYL0e4_K6lMqXJPzGyqX_NmbhWgAA/s320/The+Black+Series+The+Child+2.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Coming in at only 1.1", The Child may just be the most adorable Star Wars figure yet created by Hasbro. Despite his diminutive stature, he still manages to boast an impressive seven points-of-articulation, featuring ball-jointed feet, ball-jointed shoulders, swivel wrists, and a ball-jointed head. He also comes with three accessories: a frog, a bowl of bone broth, and the <i>Razor Crest</i> control lever knob he's so fond of playing with. These tiny accessories come packed in their own clear acrylic display case - an absolute necessity if you hope to avoid losing that near-microscopic lever knob. My one bone (broth) of contention is that the The Child is largely incapable of interacting with these accessories. You'll need to use some kind of adhesive if you want him to have any chance of holding either the hold either the bowl or knob in his hands.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The only other downside of this figure is the lack of additional accessories. Considering that he sells for close to the price of a full scale <i>Vintage Collection </i>figure ($20.00AU versus $24.99AU), Hasbro really could have included a little more plastic. The glaring omission is, of course, his pram. This needn't have been much - just a single sculpted piece of egg-shaped plastic atop a transparent stand - yet it would have added enormous play- and displayability options for little additional cost.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqROd45MAv0/Xu2e3SJk0LI/AAAAAAAANNE/Oo0sv7t1LUM3-4kHBS5GgWrJdkJvUDg2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BBlack%2BSeries%2BThe%2BChild%2B3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqROd45MAv0/Xu2e3SJk0LI/AAAAAAAANNE/Oo0sv7t1LUM3-4kHBS5GgWrJdkJvUDg2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/The%2BBlack%2BSeries%2BThe%2BChild%2B3.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite being created for the 6" scale, this version of The Child seems entirely compatible with figures from the 3 3/4" line - as pictured above. In fact, let's consider the math. The 6" figure line is based on an assumed scale of 1:12, meaning that a 6 foot tall character will be sculpted at precisely 6 inches. <a href="https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/The_Child">Wookieepedia</a> lists the Child's height as 16.1", meaning that an accurate 1:12 figure of the character would be around 1.3" tall. Consider instead the 3 3/4" line, with an assumed scale of 1:19.2. An accurate Child in <i>this </i>scale would instead be 0.8" tall. At 1.1" tall, this Child figure is actually somewhere <i>between</i> these two scales. He's slightly too small for a 6" figure, and slightly too big for the 3 3/4" line.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Given this, it seems that Hasbro really missed a trick here. The fudging on the scale of this version of The Child means he could easily have been marketed for both the 3 3/4" <i>and </i>6" lines. Unfortunately, by labelling him as purely a <i>Black Series</i> figure, Hasbro may have excluded many potential 3 3/4" customers. Indeed, even I had decided to pass on this figure until my wife had a hunch about the scale and encouraged me to pick one up all the same. I now realise, however, that he is an absolutely adorable must-have for collectors of both lines.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-17473626770029002222020-04-11T16:30:00.000+10:002021-04-20T19:52:08.198+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Wave 11 Figures Found<div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, they're finally here! Almost five months after the <i>The Mandalorian</i> series debut, we finally have the chance to own characters from the show in Hasbro's legacy toy scale. Wave 11 of <i>The Vintage Collection</i> 3 3/4" line includes VC164 Cara Dune, VC165 Remnant Stormtrooper, and VC166 The Mandalorian, and I was recently able to nab all three for $24.99AU ($26.51NZ) a piece.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UF1MClq0Eg/Xtx7uCoCaiI/AAAAAAAANLk/p7zE2mwzkZUmnBSfHLfRMri-beQogdEhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC164%2BCara%2BDune%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UF1MClq0Eg/Xtx7uCoCaiI/AAAAAAAANLk/p7zE2mwzkZUmnBSfHLfRMri-beQogdEhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC164%2BCara%2BDune%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfLQbEr6-pQ/Xtx7uOv-1wI/AAAAAAAANLg/k-MIls8QhKEjbHOIoNpFPAJkYgcJ7pWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC165%2BRemnant%2BStormtrooper%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfLQbEr6-pQ/Xtx7uOv-1wI/AAAAAAAANLg/k-MIls8QhKEjbHOIoNpFPAJkYgcJ7pWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC165%2BRemnant%2BStormtrooper%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWOtveNuFwI/Xtx7uIiqn6I/AAAAAAAANLc/a8U-gU4ZPCoyw2mBb0YcflCZ_pjGZBtuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC166%2BThe%2BMandalorian%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWOtveNuFwI/Xtx7uIiqn6I/AAAAAAAANLc/a8U-gU4ZPCoyw2mBb0YcflCZ_pjGZBtuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC166%2BThe%2BMandalorian%2B1.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Honestly, I was a little concerned as to whether I'd be able to get my hands on these. EB Games is now the only brick-and-mortar store in Australia stocking the <i>Vintage Collection</i>, and tends to receive only a case or two of each wave. Online purchasing had been similarly dire, with previous waves only being sold by random assortment. It's for this reason that I've been resorting more and more to the secondary market for new releases. Then EB Games went and did something wonderful: starting with wave 10, their online store began listing new releases <i>by individual figure</i>. I was able to preorder all three figures shortly after they were listed online, and couldn't have been happier to see them finally arrive last week.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">First up is the Mandalorian himself, decked out in his early-season pre-beskar armour. He comes with everything you'd expect: his trademark pulse rifle, his sidearm, and a nicely-sculpted shoulder cape. The sidearm fits snugly into a working holster at his hip, and the rifle clips onto his back through a very nifty attachment. As you'd expect with any <i>Vintage Collection</i> figure, the Mandalorian is brimming with articulation - allowing you to pose him in just about any way you can imagine. The paint app is on point, with his beskar helm getting a very nice dirty metallic finish that - in this collector's opinion - rivals that of the larger (and more expensive) 6" figure.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXvVH-1TmxM/Xtx8Q3FNvGI/AAAAAAAANLw/SvtWPW86jrs1oWNg-e3o4uhyYwcFERIqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC164%2BCara%2BDune%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXvVH-1TmxM/Xtx8Q3FNvGI/AAAAAAAANLw/SvtWPW86jrs1oWNg-e3o4uhyYwcFERIqACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC164%2BCara%2BDune%2B2.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qgYjIFSgXQ/Xtx8Q_Y1FSI/AAAAAAAANL0/JWLrOVaRRqEkeTg2CYP8huDgRD8wEwoEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC165%2BRemnant%2BStormtrooper%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qgYjIFSgXQ/Xtx8Q_Y1FSI/AAAAAAAANL0/JWLrOVaRRqEkeTg2CYP8huDgRD8wEwoEACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC165%2BRemnant%2BStormtrooper%2B2.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7B8ilfOHHY/Xtx8Q9iXa0I/AAAAAAAANL4/oESPCNaAJkwAv34Jp_zpZv104OcAHNDJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC166%2BThe%2BMandalorian%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7B8ilfOHHY/Xtx8Q9iXa0I/AAAAAAAANL4/oESPCNaAJkwAv34Jp_zpZv104OcAHNDJACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC166%2BThe%2BMandalorian%2B2.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But as sought-after as the Mandalorian might be, he's by no means the star of this wave. That honour goes to Cara Dune. In fact, she may be one of my favourite figures yet in the <i>Vintage Collection</i> line. I simply cannot convey how impressed I am by Hasbro's job in capturing this character in plastic. The sculpt and articulation work together beautifully to create a figure that is equally wonderful as both a toy and a display piece. The pièce de résistance is the Photo Real treatment of the face - what I think is the best usage of the technique yet seen in this scale. Gina Carano's likeness is captured perfectly, right down to the tiny Rebel Alliance emblem on her cheek. It's a staggeringly accurate amount of detail for a figure that's less than four inches tall.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rounding out this wave is the Remnant Stormtrooper. For some time now, Hasbro has been telling us that the financial viability of the <i>Vintage Collection</i> line rests on future waves featuring a healthy number of repacks alongside new sculpts. And if Hasbro has to rerelease figures, then this is precisely the way to go about it. They've taken the utterly perfect <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/VC140-Imperial-Stormtrooper-The-Vintage-Collection.asp"><i>Vintage Collection Rogue One</i> stormtrooper mould</a>, dirtied it up, and - hey presto - created a 'brand new' figure that we'll all lap up. Not only that, but it's precisely the kind of character that - because of its army-building potential - is likely to sell in even higher numbers than either the Mandalorian or Cara Dune.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Indeed, it seems that Hasbro still hasn't fully realised just how lucrative this approach can be. A Mandalorian-carded rerelease of the <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/VC127-Imperial-Death-Trooper-The-Vintage-Collection.asp"><i>Vintage Collection</i> Death Trooper</a> would sell just as well, as would a dirtied up version of the <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/The-Black-Series-Star-Wars-Hasbro-07-Biker-Scout.asp"><i>Black Series </i>Biker Scout</a>. Heck, pack him with one of those <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/TLCBPHothSpeeders.asp">white <i>Legacy Collection </i>speeder bikes</a>, and you'll have the makings of a set that will fly off shelves - all without spending a single penny on a new mould.<br /><br />Until then, this trio will have to suffice for my 3 3/4" collection of <i>Mandalorian </i>figures. Fingers crossed we'll see some more representation as season 2 draws closer.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-13661151928102924972020-04-03T23:56:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:08.364+10:00Hot Wheels Commemorative Series Return of the Jedi Speeder Bike<div style="text-align: justify;">Last Christmas, my wife surprised me with <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/12/hot-wheels-commemorative-series-wave-1.html">the entire first wave of the highly sought-after <i>Hot Wheels Commemorative Series </i>starships</a>. The second wave is yet to turn up in brick-and-mortar stores here in Australia, but thanks to a recent Amazon order from the US I was able to get my hands on the first vehicle from that wave: a <i>Return of the Jedi S</i>peeder Bike.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrBBhEIcIXY/XtueRYHRIbI/AAAAAAAANK0/Yljzy_02Nl4M5JPnUS5O3arqhhA4a0g-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B6%2BSpeeder%2BBike%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrBBhEIcIXY/XtueRYHRIbI/AAAAAAAANK0/Yljzy_02Nl4M5JPnUS5O3arqhhA4a0g-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B6%2BSpeeder%2BBike%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UziwvZMbsy4/XtueRUygi7I/AAAAAAAANKw/fDY3DK11sz8ImxuohSXbcFeUI5RybdkOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B6%2BSpeeder%2BBike%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UziwvZMbsy4/XtueRUygi7I/AAAAAAAANKw/fDY3DK11sz8ImxuohSXbcFeUI5RybdkOACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B6%2BSpeeder%2BBike%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although he looks great straight out of the box, I gave him the same Citadel Nuln Oil treatment I gave to <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/12/hot-wheels-commemorative-series-wave-1.html">the first wave</a>. It's a simple customisation, but one that makes all of the tiny little details stand out even more.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybUaSdyC7N0/XtueYodrrnI/AAAAAAAANK4/ejipAHTjivEYwTodYF0GtUHwMRrNUs9OACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B6%2BSpeeder%2BBike%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybUaSdyC7N0/XtueYodrrnI/AAAAAAAANK4/ejipAHTjivEYwTodYF0GtUHwMRrNUs9OACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B6%2BSpeeder%2BBike%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also included is another piece of the die-cast <i>Death Star. </i>This time around, its the superlaser - now making my battle station fully armed and operational!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bbQtaKSY2Q/XtufhAVtHbI/AAAAAAAANLM/O0Ft8wNGWA4a0tGC8sndlwxEV1W3ZYlUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2BDeath%2BStar%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bbQtaKSY2Q/XtufhAVtHbI/AAAAAAAANLM/O0Ft8wNGWA4a0tGC8sndlwxEV1W3ZYlUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2BDeath%2BStar%2B3.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's gratifying to have rounded out the first two trilogies in this line. Now it's time to hunt own the final three vehicles! </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-68297181650291113352020-03-28T18:07:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:08.544+10:00Lego 75265, 75270, and 75271 Tatooine Sets<div style="text-align: justify;">Given <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-hunt-is-on-vintage-collection-3-34.html#more">the dearth of new 3 3/4" figures hitting stores</a>, I've been exploring other ways of getting my collecting fix. To that end, my wife and I have been delving more into Lego's <i>Star Wars</i> offerings as of late. We recently picked up a wonderful trio of new Tatooine-themed sets: 75265 T-16 Skyhopper vs Bantha Microfighters, 75270 Obi-Wan's Hut, and 75271 Luke's Skywalker's Landspeeder.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxMQ9FYZF6M/XttLkjXhiaI/AAAAAAAANJ8/jlRH8NWj0DgMJGdO6JRD2vG_l8zda0WlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75265%2BT-16%2BSkyhopper%2Bvs%2BBantha%2BMicrofighters%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxMQ9FYZF6M/XttLkjXhiaI/AAAAAAAANJ8/jlRH8NWj0DgMJGdO6JRD2vG_l8zda0WlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Lego%2B75265%2BT-16%2BSkyhopper%2Bvs%2BBantha%2BMicrofighters%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zj3K0czIts/XttLksoZBgI/AAAAAAAANKE/4AEBa_j1qw0O7OfG2PG1zIX-6MojIDcvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75271%2BLuke%2527s%2BSkywalker%2527s%2BLandspeeder%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zj3K0czIts/XttLksoZBgI/AAAAAAAANKE/4AEBa_j1qw0O7OfG2PG1zIX-6MojIDcvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Lego%2B75271%2BLuke%2527s%2BSkywalker%2527s%2BLandspeeder%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZGcEd9z1Yks1ereosZNLBrfZSGrrWoX_LuRF6YWoiwizyMvIxfQ0-BTTwWHDp3-oAhIZlvMQw8TXumY8TlIPu0CwI6hn222qlpioSdo4fsmOCL2IKkxpQL5ZmnwuLCPBbT5UTFoxSC54/s1600/Lego+75270+Obi-Wan%2527s+Hut+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZGcEd9z1Yks1ereosZNLBrfZSGrrWoX_LuRF6YWoiwizyMvIxfQ0-BTTwWHDp3-oAhIZlvMQw8TXumY8TlIPu0CwI6hn222qlpioSdo4fsmOCL2IKkxpQL5ZmnwuLCPBbT5UTFoxSC54/s200/Lego+75270+Obi-Wan%2527s+Hut+1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Retailing at $44.99 each, Obi-Wan's Hut and Luke's Landspeeder are designed as a particularly synergistic coupling - the combined pair providing you with the full quartet of Obi-Wan, Luke, C-3PO, and R2-D2 (as well as a second ponchoed Luke for variety). Also included are a pair of native Tatooine denizens - a Tusken Raider in 75270 and a Jawa in 75271. Luke's Landspeeder gives us an incredibly detailed upgrade on previous Lego iterations of this vehicle, complete with a rifle mount and nifty opening cargo compartment.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPDUNjDIM0Q/XttOZJHUhzI/AAAAAAAANKU/E8YvWh5baREPAf7DSj-F-4TMigzyJ277QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75271%2BLuke%2527s%2BSkywalker%2527s%2BLandspeeder%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPDUNjDIM0Q/XttOZJHUhzI/AAAAAAAANKU/E8YvWh5baREPAf7DSj-F-4TMigzyJ277QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Lego%2B75271%2BLuke%2527s%2BSkywalker%2527s%2BLandspeeder%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yet it's Obi-Wan's hut that's the real standout. The sit is brimming with hidden features and Easter Eggs (did someone say blue milk?) that make the set both a joy to build and to explore upon completion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsyaWoCReO8/XttOgxKbBJI/AAAAAAAANKY/yMADYluy_3kIs9ikPhZ6yQVODWjZO_IHACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75270%2BObi-Wan%2527s%2BHut%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsyaWoCReO8/XttOgxKbBJI/AAAAAAAANKY/yMADYluy_3kIs9ikPhZ6yQVODWjZO_IHACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Lego%2B75270%2BObi-Wan%2527s%2BHut%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While not a direct companion, the simultaneous release of the T-16 Skyhopper vs Bantha Microfighters for $34.99 is fortuitous indeed. While the under-scaled Skyhopper isn't a perfect match, the set is justified on the basis of the adorable brick-built bantha alone. The addition of another Tusken Raider and a Tatooine bush pilot only sweetens the deal even more.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMiV26k2Yk4/XttOpl6u2oI/AAAAAAAANKg/Mzlzpf1VruEpDwSexZKBCSYwluMNdBohwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75265%2BT-16%2BSkyhopper%2Bvs%2BBantha%2BMicrofighters%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMiV26k2Yk4/XttOpl6u2oI/AAAAAAAANKg/Mzlzpf1VruEpDwSexZKBCSYwluMNdBohwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Lego%2B75265%2BT-16%2BSkyhopper%2Bvs%2BBantha%2BMicrofighters%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Taken together, these three sets make for a wonderful combined display - and go particularly nicely with the <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2020/01/lego-75136-droid-escape-pod.html">75136 Droid Escape Pod</a> I gave my wife for Christmas last year.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-34000465907741613342020-02-15T17:08:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:08.708+10:00Medal of Bravery Replica<div style="text-align: justify;">While my collecting focus is largely centred on <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/search/label/Hasbro%20Figures">3 3/4" action figures</a> and <i><a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/search/label/Micro%20Machines%20and%20Action%20Fleet">Micro Machines</a>,</i> I've always harboured a soft spot for any kind of in-universe items (particularly those beyond the usual - and repetitive - toy weapon and helmet offerings). My wife has become incredibly good at scratching this particular itch, and did so again when she surprised me with this Medal of Bravery replica for Valentine's Day this year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkckIgS-A0E/XttAndy9dVI/AAAAAAAANJo/p-qw8wI4_TUiLHdk3eAHzPeFUjfBPGUhgCK4BGAsYHg/s2094/Medal%2Bof%2BBravery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2094" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkckIgS-A0E/XttAndy9dVI/AAAAAAAANJo/p-qw8wI4_TUiLHdk3eAHzPeFUjfBPGUhgCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h300/Medal%2Bof%2BBravery.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cast from solid metal and featuring a high-quality ribbon, this metal carries the exact kind of heft you would expect from the real thing. Featured prominently in the closing scene of <i>A New Hope</i> - and now given extra meaning by <i>The Rise of Skywalker </i>- this medal will make a wonderful display piece alongside <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/12/solo-dice-prop-replica.html">the golden sabacc dice</a> my wife gave me for my birthday last year.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-53555854930938250132020-01-17T14:42:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:08.872+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Wave 10 Figures Found<div style="text-align: justify;">I was lucky enough to find a small assortment of the Triple Force Friday wave of <i>Vintage Collection </i>figures <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-hunt-is-on-vintage-collection-3-34.html">at my local EB Games</a>. Sadly - and somewhat predictably - the next wave (Wave 10) proved much harder to find. There were three figures from this wave on <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-hunt-is-on-vintage-collection.html">my hunt list</a>: VC150 Princess Leia Organa (Yavin), VC162 Sith Trooper, and VC163 Shadow Trooper. While I finally managed to find the Sith Trooper at retail, I had to resort to the online secondary market to secure the other two.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDvS4IL_G_I/XiEtEO-y43I/AAAAAAAANB8/6F9Loni5sxIVgmPFXTRsa9enqlAw38P6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC150%2BPrincess%2BLeia%2BOrgana%2B%2528Yavin%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDvS4IL_G_I/XiEtEO-y43I/AAAAAAAANB8/6F9Loni5sxIVgmPFXTRsa9enqlAw38P6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC150%2BPrincess%2BLeia%2BOrgana%2B%2528Yavin%2529.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8obU_TJWe8/XiEtEHw-07I/AAAAAAAANB0/hqUjXeckOSIoQSWxStPGUdQ2Y5ap43fvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC162%2BSith%2BTrooper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8obU_TJWe8/XiEtEHw-07I/AAAAAAAANB0/hqUjXeckOSIoQSWxStPGUdQ2Y5ap43fvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC162%2BSith%2BTrooper.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUxRGQuPvYc/XiE93wQjZ0I/AAAAAAAANCk/dHBTfL5aj_UH7pKGqiKxkLJk7FDjC_5UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC163%2BShadow%2BTrooper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUxRGQuPvYc/XiE93wQjZ0I/AAAAAAAANCk/dHBTfL5aj_UH7pKGqiKxkLJk7FDjC_5UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC163%2BShadow%2BTrooper.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As usual with <i>The Vintage Collection</i>, this wave provides us with another excellent trio of <i>V</i>figures. Leia is an upgraded of version of the (previously Walmart exclusive) <i>Black Series</i> figure from 2015 - now with improved articulation and that wonderful Photo Real face treatment. The Sith Trooper, on the other hand, is an entirely new figure and represents (only) the sixth 3 3/4" figure we've received from <i>The Rise of Skywalker. </i>Featuring phenomenal articulation and a unique pair of weapons, he'll make a great addition to my First order forces.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Rounding out the wave is the Shadow Trooper. While technically a new figure, he is in fact a clever repaint of the <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/VC140-Imperial-Stormtrooper-The-Vintage-Collection.asp"><i>Rogue One</i> stormtrooper</a> with the addition of a pauldron. He comes as something of a surprise - being sourced from <i>Legends</i> gaming material - but a welcome one, to be sure. In fact, if Hasbro needs to pad waves with repacks of old sculpts to keep production costs down, then this is exactly how it should be done.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now I've got this wave in hand, my 3 3/4" collecting is apparently going to quieten down for a while. Other than a trio of new <i>Mandalorian</i> figures coming in April and a handful of Photo Real upgrades towards the end of year, nothing else has yet been announced by Hasbro. It could be that they're waiting to show off a slew of new products at next month's New York Toy Fair. Ordinarily, however, such announcements are preceded by all kinds of leaks and rumours through the usual channels. But this time around, there's nothing. It's no secret that Hasbro's current Star Wars license expires this year - so I suppose we'll just have to hold our breaths to see if their twenty-year affiliation with the brand is set to continue.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-4592052747080024012020-01-12T17:00:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:09.036+10:00Lego 75267 Mandalorian Battle Pack<div style="text-align: justify;">Let's be honest - everyone loves <i>The Mandalorian</i>. Despite this (or, perhaps, for this very reason) <i>Mandalorian</i> merchandise has been hard to come by. The 6" <i>Black Series </i>Mandalorian and the Hot Wheels <i>Razor Crest </i>are nowhere to be found, and we won't be seeing any 3 3/4" <i>Mandalorian </i>figures until at least April. For that reason, I pounced on the one (also very sought-after) piece of <i>Mandalorian</i> merchandise I've come across - the Lego 75267 Mandalorian Battle Pack.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u97psHQUpLg/Xh6l8GLSw6I/AAAAAAAAM9s/YQra1utBT28uOdbIFrEMDnmfKk__r04wACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75267%2BMandalorian%2BBattle%2BPack%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u97psHQUpLg/Xh6l8GLSw6I/AAAAAAAAM9s/YQra1utBT28uOdbIFrEMDnmfKk__r04wACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Lego%2B75267%2BMandalorian%2BBattle%2BPack%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ja4mTj2jbn8/Xh6l8FX0S_I/AAAAAAAAM9o/TaRgLkCkDL0ecC6aHlfDbjaB57jdVLxQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75267%2BMandalorian%2BBattle%2BPack%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ja4mTj2jbn8/Xh6l8FX0S_I/AAAAAAAAM9o/TaRgLkCkDL0ecC6aHlfDbjaB57jdVLxQACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Lego%2B75267%2BMandalorian%2BBattle%2BPack%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Retailing at $22.99AU ($23.97NZ), this set comes with four uniquely decorated Mandalorians (two male and two female) from the enclave on Nevarro. The detailing on each is phenomenal, with three of the four even featuring printed leg pieces. Also included are four fabric capes, four rangefinders, and four visors; allowing you to customise each figure according to your own preferences.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">These battle packs usually come with a slightly contrived vehicle build - like the drastically undersized First Order snowspeeder in the <a href="https://lego.fandom.com/wiki/75266_Sith_Troopers_Battle_Pack">Sith Troopers battle pack</a>. In this pack, however, we get a perfectly scaled screen-accurate vehicle in the form of the Balutar-class swoop from the <i>Clone Wars</i> animated series. Previously released in a 2011 Mandalorian battle pack, this updated version of the swoop now comes with a rundown, mismatched colour scheme - no doubt the result of three decades of wear and neglect. As an added bonus, there's also a small fortification build that provides a mount for one of the four included studshooters.<br /><br />In fact, the studshooters might be my only gripe with this set. While I understand that they provide some additional play value for kids, they do look a little cumbersome on the figures. While one or two 'heavy weapons troopers' might be able to brandish these, it would have been great to receive a wider variety of armaments for the other figures to wield. Fortunately I've got an abundance of new blasters from <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/12/lego-75245-2019-advent-calendar.html">my Lego Star Wars advent calendar</a> for these Mandos to pillage!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-86060299332158350302020-01-10T13:20:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:09.201+10:00Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker Premiere (December 2019)<div style="text-align: justify;">It feels like <i>The Rise of Skywalker</i> (TRoS) has been a long time coming. But in other ways, it seems like only yesterday <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2016/01/episode-vii-force-awakens-midnight.html">that the sequel trilogy began with <i>The Force Awakens</i></a>. However you do the math, the end of the Skywalker Saga is an historic event: the final chapter in a nine-film saga spanning over forty-two years of film-making. Fortunately, our local cinema went all-out to mark this auspicious occasion - celebrating the midnight premiere with Star Wars-themed cocktails, a costume competition, and a "cantina band" playing all of the tunes we know and love.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7Cpr-TzYQ8/XiEgAdfRVZI/AAAAAAAANBM/KqFtuvdPxJI9r8ghItkwl-3DW6DJ3DYhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BRise%2Bof%2BSkywalker%2BPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7Cpr-TzYQ8/XiEgAdfRVZI/AAAAAAAANBM/KqFtuvdPxJI9r8ghItkwl-3DW6DJ3DYhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BRise%2Bof%2BSkywalker%2BPoster.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8BFYFH4_ds/XiEgg5g-xKI/AAAAAAAANBk/Q8RvOeDbgb8wZGH03k7W96aJqu1CidoEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BRitz%2BMidnight%2BScreening%2BAdvertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8BFYFH4_ds/XiEgg5g-xKI/AAAAAAAANBk/Q8RvOeDbgb8wZGH03k7W96aJqu1CidoEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BRitz%2BMidnight%2BScreening%2BAdvertisement.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_KNVicXS1M/XiEf_A7cZDI/AAAAAAAANA8/5E0EK6ifqkkjSe5vcRWrkfQ-77u7ES7wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BCocktails%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="730" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_KNVicXS1M/XiEf_A7cZDI/AAAAAAAANA8/5E0EK6ifqkkjSe5vcRWrkfQ-77u7ES7wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Star%2BWars%2BCocktails%2B4.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course, given the enormity of the task faced by <i>TRoS</i>, there was no way this film was ever going to be all things for all people. Fortunately for my wife and I... it was. Sure, it packs an enormous amount into its 2 hour 22 minute runtime - whisking us from one exotic locale to the next at almost breakneck speed. But, for me, it never feels rushed. In fact, my very first comment to my wife upon leaving the cinema was just how satisfying the pacing was. While <i>The Last Jedi </i>is one of my favourite films of the saga, there's no denying that there were moments when the film seemed to drag. Such is never the case in TRoS, and I was astonished at how quickly the near two-and-a-half hour film flew by.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPbuf28K8GY/XiEf_JdG9gI/AAAAAAAANBA/xJnJVtjP6gYeeqfQlmeUHc3N8XU69OeIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BCocktails%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="970" height="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPbuf28K8GY/XiEf_JdG9gI/AAAAAAAANBA/xJnJVtjP6gYeeqfQlmeUHc3N8XU69OeIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BCocktails%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJPC006Ed6E/XiEf_QS7cfI/AAAAAAAANBE/lNSqiVZquFopnPmwDdgQRqLg1RLtHCQ7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Costume%2BCompetition.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJPC006Ed6E/XiEf_QS7cfI/AAAAAAAANBE/lNSqiVZquFopnPmwDdgQRqLg1RLtHCQ7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Costume%2BCompetition.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fast pacing seems to be par for the course in trilogy-concluding Star Wars films. TRoS, however, is burdened with the task of concluding an entire <i>trilogy</i> of trilogies. But boy does it do this in the most satisfying ways. TRoS not only pays homage and respect to the two preceding sequel films, but also to everything else that has come before - including the prequels, the original trilogy, and even the Expanded Universe of visual media. The film is bursting at the seams with references, head-nods, and - yes - enormous fan service. But honestly, that's the very thing I wanted out of this film. If <i>The Force Awakens</i> was a safe and stable liftoff and <i>The Last Jedi</i> was an acrobatic joyride, then <i>The Rise of Skywalker</i> is the smoothest, most comforting landing you could ever wish for.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That being said, this film doesn't pull any punches. While I'm still uncertain where TRoS will fall in my ranking of Star Wars films, I found it more emotionally resonant than any saga film before. TRoS is - like all of Star Wars - a story of hope and redemption. But at a deeper level, it's about growing beyond your past; be it that which you were born into, or that which you freely chose. It's a theme to which many will easily relate - particularly those in their adult years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Visually, the film is the prettiest yet, taking us to fantastical locales the likes of which we've only ever really seen in non-filmic Star Wars media. John Williams score - while not as memorable as some of his previous entries - also provides a robust backing to this final chapter with many wonderful callbacks to previous themes. Of course, the best part about this film is that the band is finally together. After two films of disparate storylines occasionally crossing paths, our new heroes have finally come together in force (pun entirely intended). Their chemistry is electric, and brings plenty of warmth and humour to offset the moments of tragedy that this final chapter of the Star Wars saga was always bound to contain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what did you think of <i>The Last Jedi</i>? Did you attend a premiere? If so, how did it go? Be sure to let us know via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/relicsoftheforce" style="color: #9fc6e9;">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/Archon_Revuge" style="color: #9fc6e9;">Twitter</a>, or by sending an email to <a href="mailto:relicsoftheforce@gmail.com">relicsoftheforce@gmail.com</a>!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-20270015144400914032020-01-08T11:19:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:09.365+10:00Lego 75136 Droid Escape Pod<div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post comes on behalf of my wife. A few years back, she missed out on the Lego 75136 Droid Escape Pod set and has been searching for it ever since. After a little hunting, I managed to track one down and surprise her on Christmas Day. She just completed the build, so I thought I'd take the chance to grab a few photos and share our thoughts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6mrUHa_7rQ/Xh6vH3MbutI/AAAAAAAANAI/zR57Ci4j3sUpjh8dp_40sAD6X1XdHdlCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75136%2BDroid%2BEscape%2BPod%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6mrUHa_7rQ/Xh6vH3MbutI/AAAAAAAANAI/zR57Ci4j3sUpjh8dp_40sAD6X1XdHdlCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Lego%2B75136%2BDroid%2BEscape%2BPod%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1_jTkqoprI/Xh6vHgTMLpI/AAAAAAAANAE/chDiV_UkDQoIydj3_xhdgL1_ufaoaKuBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75136%2BDroid%2BEscape%2BPod%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1_jTkqoprI/Xh6vHgTMLpI/AAAAAAAANAE/chDiV_UkDQoIydj3_xhdgL1_ufaoaKuBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Lego%2B75136%2BDroid%2BEscape%2BPod%2B2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzL6BcRa9cU/Xh6vHsdI4xI/AAAAAAAANAA/sVSkVJxKMsM3TY8M_G3o8GRfrVWqoX0lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75136%2BDroid%2BEscape%2BPod%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzL6BcRa9cU/Xh6vHsdI4xI/AAAAAAAANAA/sVSkVJxKMsM3TY8M_G3o8GRfrVWqoX0lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Lego%2B75136%2BDroid%2BEscape%2BPod%2B3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All up, this is one of the nicest Star Wars builds I've seen in a long time. Lego does all it can to keep the prices of these mid-size sets down, but often this means they come out feeling a little light on parts - lacking density and seeming a little fragile as a result. Not so here, however. The construction is tightly packed and sturdy as hell. It feels like this pod really could survive a crash landing.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>The main sculpt is based around four large curved panels that carry most of the graphic detailing. Sadly these pieces are stickered, not printed - but again, this is about Lego doing its best to maximise the affordability of its sets. The necessity of the stickers also becomes apparent once you realise that several of the panels are decorated both inside <i>and</i> out - with the internal walls featuring a display screen and an adorable window with a view of the underside of the <i>Devastator. </i>Utilising these four large panels to fill out most of the build also allows for the remaining piece count to be used in providing an insane level of detail elsewhere. The exterior of the pod features eight separately gimbaled thrusters, a printed cockpit window, and even two tiny manoeuvring jets on the nose. The fantastic detailing continues on the interior, where a novel building technique changes the orientation of the studs. C-3PO and R2-D2 each receive their own mount, with handlebars for the pilot. A (stickered) control panel can also be removed to reveal the (printed) stolen Death Star plans.<br /><br />This set should make a great companion to the just-released <a href="https://lego.fandom.com/wiki/75271_Luke_Skywalker%27s_Landspeeder">Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder</a> and <a href="https://lego.fandom.com/wiki/75270_Obi-Wan%27s_Hut">Obi-Wan's Hut</a> sets - both of which my wife and I already have our eyes on!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-27602799090575688722019-12-31T13:15:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:09.544+10:00The Rise of Skywalker Visual Dictionary<div style="text-align: justify;">As has become tradition, the week following the release of a new Star Wars film means one thing: poring over the details contained of a brand new <i>Visual Dictionary</i>. I managed to pick up my copy of this essential <i>Rise of Skywalker </i>companion via <a href="https://www.mightyape.com.au/">MightyApe</a> for just $25.00AU (NZ).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wnyk6n4rB90/Xh_4awtVQFI/AAAAAAAANAc/VvuNqCz9otY1SsrXMkMWL9lkOdAi_MZ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BRise%2Bof%2BSkywalker%2BVisual%2BDictionary%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wnyk6n4rB90/Xh_4awtVQFI/AAAAAAAANAc/VvuNqCz9otY1SsrXMkMWL9lkOdAi_MZ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BRise%2Bof%2BSkywalker%2BVisual%2BDictionary%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PctlsyDw34/Xh_4ayPJhCI/AAAAAAAANAg/v4Yu66i__gwVg-_VXUm7Od6zpNTKS-4fgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BRise%2Bof%2BSkywalker%2BVisual%2BDictionary%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PctlsyDw34/Xh_4ayPJhCI/AAAAAAAANAg/v4Yu66i__gwVg-_VXUm7Od6zpNTKS-4fgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BRise%2Bof%2BSkywalker%2BVisual%2BDictionary%2B2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InA5C_k7nyc/Xh_4bBtnglI/AAAAAAAANAk/ESuVnTM8PvQs98pN0bBgTbJXaLWScCJNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BRise%2Bof%2BSkywalker%2BVisual%2BDictionary%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InA5C_k7nyc/Xh_4bBtnglI/AAAAAAAANAk/ESuVnTM8PvQs98pN0bBgTbJXaLWScCJNACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BRise%2Bof%2BSkywalker%2BVisual%2BDictionary%2B3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those of you familiar with these wonderful tomes will already know what to expect: endless details, trivia, and minutiae from the film - all accompanied by author Pablo Hidalgo's acerbic wit. This entry is no different. Countless threads are drawn between TRoS and what has come before - including more references to the Legends Expanded Universe than ever before.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">My only real disappointment is that this volume wasn't released side-by-side with the usual Incredible Cross-Sections accompaniment (as was the case with <i><a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-force-awakens-incredible-cross.html">The Force Awakens</a></i> and <i><a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-last-jedi-incredible-cross-sections.html">The Last Jedi</a></i>). Instead, the Visual Dictionary has assumed the role of both books by including a limited selection of six cross-sections. This is the same approach that was taken with the guides to both <i><a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2017/01/rogue-one-ultimate-visual-guide.html">Rogue One</a></i> and <i><a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2018/05/solo-star-wars-story-official-guide.html">Solo</a></i>. It was understandable in those cases, however - since the non-saga nature of the films meant that accompanying media releases were minimal. This time around, the decision is a puzzling one. It certainly wasn't for lack of source material, as there are all kinds of vehicles from the final saga film just screaming for the cross-section treatment. I can't help but be slightly frustrated by the fact that my bookshop will contain an Incredible Cross-Sections volume for every episode in the saga except the final film.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless, this gripe is entirely unrelated to the quality of the Visual Dictionary itself - which is, as always, superb. As something of a bonus (and, perhaps, a consolation) this Visual dictionary follows in the footsteps of the <i>Rogue One </i>and <i>Solo</i> visual guides by also providing a behind-the-scenes section - something that was entirely absent in previous saga volumes.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-23550554847131411382019-12-26T10:47:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:09.710+10:00Hot Wheels Commemorative Series Wave 1 Vehicles<div style="text-align: justify;">My completionist nature means I'm loath to start collecting entirely new lines of Star Wars collectibles. That's why - despite my obsession with miniature Star Wars vehicles - I've largely avoided delving into the new <i>Hot Wheels</i> starship line. My wife knows my strange collecting idiosyncrasies better than anyone, however, so surprised me this Christmas with the first wave of the <i>Hot Wheels Commemorative Series</i> - a limited line that's very satisfyingly capped at only nine vehicles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CKQAFha1no/Xh6r0oLEhAI/AAAAAAAAM-U/49SehdWHDVgU4jGWx6ksf-FRGkVFH6WmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B1%2BNaboo%2BStarfighter%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CKQAFha1no/Xh6r0oLEhAI/AAAAAAAAM-U/49SehdWHDVgU4jGWx6ksf-FRGkVFH6WmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B1%2BNaboo%2BStarfighter%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cL9YbmGQtso/Xh6r0nB4AZI/AAAAAAAAM-c/YRLIkP4aJ8QYMly_9fTzL_V3jlWlor4kACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B2%2BRepublic%2BAttack%2BGunship%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cL9YbmGQtso/Xh6r0nB4AZI/AAAAAAAAM-c/YRLIkP4aJ8QYMly_9fTzL_V3jlWlor4kACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B2%2BRepublic%2BAttack%2BGunship%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfNztukbI9g/Xh6r0v-VxXI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/UTKficki4KQksUEsUYSSYCNdUU7l7LkywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B3%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2527s%2BETA-2%2BJedi%2BStarfighter%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfNztukbI9g/Xh6r0v-VxXI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/UTKficki4KQksUEsUYSSYCNdUU7l7LkywCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B3%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2527s%2BETA-2%2BJedi%2BStarfighter%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyar1zdHFTI/Xh6r1fABetI/AAAAAAAAM-g/vMz6dJXOL0E5Y14bLuYQ-XEM_5sghqkVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B4%2BDarth%2BVader%2527s%2BTIE%2BFighter%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyar1zdHFTI/Xh6r1fABetI/AAAAAAAAM-g/vMz6dJXOL0E5Y14bLuYQ-XEM_5sghqkVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B4%2BDarth%2BVader%2527s%2BTIE%2BFighter%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iOUmnLSQmA/Xh6r1nZ5M_I/AAAAAAAAM-k/VBTzOSOZdSAqM9cg6fz1G1_c75tXnHq2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B5%2BBoba%2BFett%2527s%2BSlave%2BI%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iOUmnLSQmA/Xh6r1nZ5M_I/AAAAAAAAM-k/VBTzOSOZdSAqM9cg6fz1G1_c75tXnHq2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B5%2BBoba%2BFett%2527s%2BSlave%2BI%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <i>Commemorative Series</i> features one iconic vehicle from each of the films in the Skywalker Saga. This first wave covers episodes I through V, and includes a Naboo Starfighter from <i>The Phantom Menace</i>, a Republic Attack Gunship from <i>Attack of the Clones</i>, Obi-Wan Kenobi's ETA-2 Jedi Starfighter from <i>Revenge of the Sith</i>, Darth Vader's TIE Fighter from <i>A New Hope</i>, and Boba Fett's <i>Slave I</i> from <i>The Empire Strikes Back</i>. Each vehicle is painted in a gorgeous uniform silver, and comes atop a sturdy transparent display stand that bears the symbol of the ship's main affiliation.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">While I loved the metallic finish, I couldn't help but think that a quick wash (a la <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=toys/mmsilveranh.jpg"><i>Micro Machine's</i> Collectors Edition line from the 90s</a>) would really help the details pop. With that in mind, I went ahead and hit each vehicle with some Citadel Nuln Oil. You can compare the before and after below:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce0umUlO8Z0/Xh6sCi0O_WI/AAAAAAAAM-w/7JVCesY4_aAzRZfMBGNTb20s-v1jJuxLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B1%2BNaboo%2BStarfighter%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce0umUlO8Z0/Xh6sCi0O_WI/AAAAAAAAM-w/7JVCesY4_aAzRZfMBGNTb20s-v1jJuxLACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B1%2BNaboo%2BStarfighter%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RWnH9RfQ6g/Xh6sCpH-RQI/AAAAAAAAM-s/nw8OvqPrr6ISoH7o3u5o1n8e25xHNGSmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B1%2BNaboo%2BStarfighter%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RWnH9RfQ6g/Xh6sCpH-RQI/AAAAAAAAM-s/nw8OvqPrr6ISoH7o3u5o1n8e25xHNGSmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B1%2BNaboo%2BStarfighter%2B3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUZU61MYMTs/Xh6sCpT0pXI/AAAAAAAAM-o/bLzpM_FglD4EB5H9QFIkA40LZr0iSAo0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B2%2BRepublic%2BAttack%2BGunship%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUZU61MYMTs/Xh6sCpT0pXI/AAAAAAAAM-o/bLzpM_FglD4EB5H9QFIkA40LZr0iSAo0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B2%2BRepublic%2BAttack%2BGunship%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2ouFBjXv80/Xh6sDZrJN0I/AAAAAAAAM-0/4QIrz01HgPAZguqvtU6O9tMxJ-l6Agc8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B2%2BRepublic%2BAttack%2BGunship%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2ouFBjXv80/Xh6sDZrJN0I/AAAAAAAAM-0/4QIrz01HgPAZguqvtU6O9tMxJ-l6Agc8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B2%2BRepublic%2BAttack%2BGunship%2B3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8X0jU1OrVHs/Xh6sEAeL3BI/AAAAAAAAM-8/hJ3WyaLjleUZ6eHhNF7YRUZYBVoQJHt6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B3%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2527s%2BETA-2%2BJedi%2BStarfighter%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8X0jU1OrVHs/Xh6sEAeL3BI/AAAAAAAAM-8/hJ3WyaLjleUZ6eHhNF7YRUZYBVoQJHt6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B3%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2527s%2BETA-2%2BJedi%2BStarfighter%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DgiIKCqz7I/Xh6sD6bmahI/AAAAAAAAM-4/oCQjLaFq9EEtAe4P3J7xSzq99474KD6uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B3%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2527s%2BETA-2%2BJedi%2BStarfighter%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DgiIKCqz7I/Xh6sD6bmahI/AAAAAAAAM-4/oCQjLaFq9EEtAe4P3J7xSzq99474KD6uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B3%2BObi-Wan%2BKenobi%2527s%2BETA-2%2BJedi%2BStarfighter%2B3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TX-nhtlXgrI/Xh6sEcVBKkI/AAAAAAAAM_A/WW5DsOcF4VIq9XCJb7olI5FdL8TnXG5wwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B4%2BDarth%2BVader%2527s%2BTIE%2BFighter%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TX-nhtlXgrI/Xh6sEcVBKkI/AAAAAAAAM_A/WW5DsOcF4VIq9XCJb7olI5FdL8TnXG5wwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B4%2BDarth%2BVader%2527s%2BTIE%2BFighter%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXOY6n8mYaE/Xh6sEtIpOpI/AAAAAAAAM_E/HfMeD17IkvIuyyHCBArpN_RYxbpyuXlmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B4%2BDarth%2BVader%2527s%2BTIE%2BFighter%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXOY6n8mYaE/Xh6sEtIpOpI/AAAAAAAAM_E/HfMeD17IkvIuyyHCBArpN_RYxbpyuXlmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B4%2BDarth%2BVader%2527s%2BTIE%2BFighter%2B3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRe8QxHklAA/Xh6sE0BfNeI/AAAAAAAAM_I/VLCbICEjHKQ_S1FQD5S1EqjfoF1oy4HoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B5%2BBoba%2BFett%2527s%2BSlave%2BI%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRe8QxHklAA/Xh6sE0BfNeI/AAAAAAAAM_I/VLCbICEjHKQ_S1FQD5S1EqjfoF1oy4HoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B5%2BBoba%2BFett%2527s%2BSlave%2BI%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tP0oECRcQAg/Xh6sE5STMyI/AAAAAAAAM_M/NBO0XlNLtAwKUXJRcOlVcVKQLo3-MAqTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B5%2BBoba%2BFett%2527s%2BSlave%2BI%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tP0oECRcQAg/Xh6sE5STMyI/AAAAAAAAM_M/NBO0XlNLtAwKUXJRcOlVcVKQLo3-MAqTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2B5%2BBoba%2BFett%2527s%2BSlave%2BI%2B3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To unify the series, each vehicles also comes with a single piece of the Death Star that - when combined with the rest of the vehicles in this line - allows you to build a surprisingly hefty model of this technological terror. With the first wave in hand, my battle station is now 5/9ths of the way complete.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxgef1TzpgQ/Xh6sSokiRpI/AAAAAAAAM_Y/s6Trn3O8wCsHEjnjV1x8pibvBFgyQerwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2BDeath%2BStar%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxgef1TzpgQ/Xh6sSokiRpI/AAAAAAAAM_Y/s6Trn3O8wCsHEjnjV1x8pibvBFgyQerwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2BDeath%2BStar%2B1.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unG4R3GaTRo/Xh6sSmh3_SI/AAAAAAAAM_c/jmI4K2nB3VQI0YKMU3HBnnCmXGu__rn1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2BDeath%2BStar%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unG4R3GaTRo/Xh6sSmh3_SI/AAAAAAAAM_c/jmI4K2nB3VQI0YKMU3HBnnCmXGu__rn1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Star%2BWars%2BHot%2BWheels%2BCommemorative%2BSeries%2BDeath%2BStar%2B2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The inclusion of this bonus Death Star provides additional impetus to collect the full line of these vehicles - and that's what I'll be trying to do over the coming weeks (and months). Wave 1 was really only available via limited online retailers here in Australia, and Wave 2 (covering episodes VI through IX) is proving even scarcer. I do love the challenge of the hunt however, so stay tuned for updates!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-33380474748125024422019-12-24T11:11:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:09.873+10:00Lego 75245 2019 Advent Calendar<div style="text-align: justify;">After making excuses for many years, I finally decided to splurge on a Lego Star Wars advent calendar this holiday season. Having just finished my 24th day of tiny builds, I'm now left with only one question: Why didn't I do this a long time ago?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvXzuVHxfVs/Xh6rTRvAkDI/AAAAAAAAM-E/SiYTSFXbBOIZEJ5hXWOX-QHr-mfOdF75ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75245%2B2019%2BStar%2BWars%2BAdvent%2BCalendar%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvXzuVHxfVs/Xh6rTRvAkDI/AAAAAAAAM-E/SiYTSFXbBOIZEJ5hXWOX-QHr-mfOdF75ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Lego%2B75245%2B2019%2BStar%2BWars%2BAdvent%2BCalendar%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMJzsua0Bhk/Xh6rTAv0smI/AAAAAAAAM-A/fpBRytOvnK0WZ8GYG5ORCdCpGLaWDl1ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75245%2B2019%2BStar%2BWars%2BAdvent%2BCalendar%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1455" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMJzsua0Bhk/Xh6rTAv0smI/AAAAAAAAM-A/fpBRytOvnK0WZ8GYG5ORCdCpGLaWDl1ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Lego%2B75245%2B2019%2BStar%2BWars%2BAdvent%2BCalendar%2B2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1hDjjdH8eU/Xh6rTMIUsNI/AAAAAAAAM98/pjo0C_cMJeMBWwPkOUNxX9iudtaQgq83gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lego%2B75245%2B2019%2BStar%2BWars%2BAdvent%2BCalendar%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1hDjjdH8eU/Xh6rTMIUsNI/AAAAAAAAM98/pjo0C_cMJeMBWwPkOUNxX9iudtaQgq83gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Lego%2B75245%2B2019%2BStar%2BWars%2BAdvent%2BCalendar%2B3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In short, these calendars are a phenomenal amount of fun. I mean, who doesn't want to wake up each morning to a mystery Lego build? They also provide amazing bang for your buck. While prices varied by retailer, I was able to nab mine from Kmart for only $34.00AU ($36.19NZ). This year's calendar contained seven minifigures (ten, if you count the mynock, gonk droid, and porg). That's the kind of minifigure count you usually only see on sets north of $150. On top of this, you get nine miniature vehicles, three micro-scale pieces of terrain, and a couple of buildable accessories for your minifigures. These builds come from throughout the filmic saga, and provide a nice representation of both heroes and villains (as shown above).<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Granted, there isn't an enormous amount of thematic linkage between the different builds - but the point here is to give you a wide variety of builds from across the enormous breadth of the franchise. Ultimately, it's been a great way to inject some variety into my Lego collection, and I'm sure I'll be picking up each future calendar from here on out!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-53128501641755337042019-12-14T20:38:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:10.035+10:00Hallmark Keepsake Lego C-3PO Christmas Tree Ornament<div style="text-align: justify;">It's become something of a tradition to receive a new Star Wars Hallmark Keepsake Christmas tree ornament from my parents each birthday. This year, it was a Lego C-3PO - released to mark the 20th anniversary of Lego's Star Wars line (has it really been that long?!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JFvIaLoX94/XfdQURHxA2I/AAAAAAAAM78/YXCH-ZnxagI4QAZWRlp9NH_j5rsBU0VpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Hallmark%2BLego%2BC-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JFvIaLoX94/XfdQURHxA2I/AAAAAAAAM78/YXCH-ZnxagI4QAZWRlp9NH_j5rsBU0VpACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Hallmark%2BLego%2BC-004.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eNEC8sW6NM8/XfdQUb-lz4I/AAAAAAAAM74/_teW8C3jgssB9Wyvz_ary2Yy1BfSRn51wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Hallmark%2BLego%2BC-005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eNEC8sW6NM8/XfdQUb-lz4I/AAAAAAAAM74/_teW8C3jgssB9Wyvz_ary2Yy1BfSRn51wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Hallmark%2BLego%2BC-005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Threepio is the latest in a line of Lego Star Wars characters that have been immortalised as ornaments (including the Lego Darth Vader I received from my parents some years ago). He's sculpted with Hallmark's usual stunning attention to detail, and will make a great addition to <a href="https://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2014/12/tis-season-for-star-wars.html">my growing collection of Keepsake ornaments</a>!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-36516329371710995102019-12-13T17:11:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:10.197+10:00Solo Dice Prop Replica<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm an absolute sucker for any sort of in-universe Star Wars item. Sadly, Lucasfilm doesn't license a whole lot of these items (weapon and helmet replicas being the one exception). It should come as no surprise, then, that I've been pining for a pair of golden sabacc dice ever since seeing <i>Solo</i>. Unfortunately they never showed up in my neck of the woods, and an attempt to buy a pair online earlier this year fell through.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmeU0pgsVsU/XfcfYpmh_vI/AAAAAAAAM7Y/1rigienc848MLw_3h4_SyinCxi9Wv9FvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Solo%2BDice%2BProp%2BReplica.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmeU0pgsVsU/XfcfYpmh_vI/AAAAAAAAM7Y/1rigienc848MLw_3h4_SyinCxi9Wv9FvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Solo%2BDice%2BProp%2BReplica.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enter my awesome wife - who managed to track down a pair for my birthday last week. They're a fantastic little trinket made from a sturdy metal that carries a surprising heft. They've also been hit with a wash that gives them that signature "used universe" Star Wars feel. For now they're adorning our Christmas tree, but I suppose that - come the New Year - I'll have to get started on finding a suitable starship cockpit from which to hang them...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-66933103767339543752019-11-23T16:07:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:10.361+10:00More Loose Legacy Collection and Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Figures<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been rather quiet on the collecting front since <i><a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/10/triple-force-friday.html">Triple Force Friday</a></i>. During the lull, I've turned my attention back towards filling gaps in my collection of super-articulated 3 3/4" Original Trilogy figures. Last week I was finally able to remedy two glaring omissions: <i>The Legacy Collection </i>BD34 Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi and <i>The Vintage Collection </i>VC27 Wicket.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yojE7cC0EqE/Xdi-apaoRLI/AAAAAAAAM5I/X9wBXOeiPAc9GQcGpWp_1yrKtOexmE_XACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BLegacy%2BCollection%2BBD34%2BBen%2B%2528Obi-Wan%2529%2BKenobi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yojE7cC0EqE/Xdi-apaoRLI/AAAAAAAAM5I/X9wBXOeiPAc9GQcGpWp_1yrKtOexmE_XACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BLegacy%2BCollection%2BBD34%2BBen%2B%2528Obi-Wan%2529%2BKenobi.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpNgikA6JK4/Xdi-a2KaiXI/AAAAAAAAM5M/xyon5C276rQ1CYh82zFhDMbwOYSWOxPCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC27%2BWicket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpNgikA6JK4/Xdi-a2KaiXI/AAAAAAAAM5M/xyon5C276rQ1CYh82zFhDMbwOYSWOxPCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC27%2BWicket.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Released in 2008 and 2010 respectively, these figures still represent the definitive version of each of these characters. As such, they now tend to go for a pretty penny on the secondary market. Fortunately, I happened to chance across both at close to their original RRP - a great deal for a great pair of figures!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-63417374881527498072019-10-21T19:30:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:10.544+10:00The Rise of Skywalker Theatrical Trailer Released<div style="text-align: justify;">After weeks of rumours about its impending release, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qn_spdM5Zg">the full (and final) theatrical trailer for <i>The Rise of Skywalker</i></a> premiered today during Monday Night Football. You can check it out below:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Qn_spdM5Zg" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The internet is already rife with endless analyses of this two-and-a-half minutes of footage, but I think its best to let a trailer this good speak for itself. One thing's for certain, though - it absolutely nails the poignancy of this movie not only being the last film in the sequel trilogy, but also the final chapter of the decade-spanning Skywalker Saga. I'm not ashamed to admit it had both my wife and I shedding a few tears.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What are your thoughts on the theatrical trailer for <i>The Rise of Skywalker</i>? Be sure to let us know via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/relicsoftheforce">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/Archon_Revuge">Twitter</a>, or by sending an email to <a href="mailto:relicsoftheforce@gmail.com">relicsoftheforce@gmail.com</a>!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-77306431067048814802019-10-13T12:51:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:10.706+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Exclusive Luke Skywalker and Yoda Figures Found<div style="text-align: justify;">Along with a <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-hunt-is-on-vintage-collection-3-34.html">smattering of new <i>Vintage Collection</i> <i>Rise of Skywalker</i> figures</a> on <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/search/label/Star%20Wars%20Events">Triple Force Friday</a>, Hasbro has continued churning out updated versions of several older <i>Vintage Collection</i> figures. Among these are a new Yavin Ceremony Luke Skywalker exclusive to Walmart and a Dagobah Luke and Yoda exclusive to Target. It's unclear when - if ever - these figures will turn up on Australian shores, so I was rapt to be able to nab the trio on the secondary market for less than RRP.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-QknC-o_ZQ/Xdi-zDN6fxI/AAAAAAAAM5c/wS_qkhRCV-IXReoG8m50L9T0gJxPBTS9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC151%2BLuke%2BSkywalker%2B%2528Yavin%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-QknC-o_ZQ/Xdi-zDN6fxI/AAAAAAAAM5c/wS_qkhRCV-IXReoG8m50L9T0gJxPBTS9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC151%2BLuke%2BSkywalker%2B%2528Yavin%2529.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDY4sKcP824/Xdi-yy-SIJI/AAAAAAAAM5Y/tE4QVC7-hektk5SKyhj_2lJ4b4jJ6-JCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BCave%2Bof%2BEvil%2B3%2BPack%2BDagobah%2BLuke%2BSkywalker%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDY4sKcP824/Xdi-yy-SIJI/AAAAAAAAM5Y/tE4QVC7-hektk5SKyhj_2lJ4b4jJ6-JCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BCave%2Bof%2BEvil%2B3%2BPack%2BDagobah%2BLuke%2BSkywalker%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4A07Mwb1Kg/XiEvBs-FPCI/AAAAAAAANCQ/h4n41JZ56yQxHko_vq2QM7_GwXv7lXM5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4A07Mwb1Kg/XiEvBs-FPCI/AAAAAAAANCQ/h4n41JZ56yQxHko_vq2QM7_GwXv7lXM5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_3447.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Walmart exclusive VC151 Luke Skywalker (Yavin) is a repaint and Photo Real update of <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2013/08/black-series-03-anakin-skywalker-05.html">the <i>Black Series</i> #5 Luke Skywalker I picked up in Houston back in 2013</a>. The Dagobah Luke and Yoda are similar updates to <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2014/09/black-series-21-luke-skywalker-and-22.html">the <i>Black Series </i>#21 Luke Skywalker #22 Yoda from 2014</a>. Luke has again been given the Photo Real treatment, while Yoda has received additional articulation and a new (more accurate) head sculpt. These two figures come in a Target exclusive "Cave of Evil" three pack - though I have no interest in the third (Vader with Luke's face), so I was incredibly happy to be able to pick up the Luke and Yoda on their own.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">While some might grumble about the arms on the Dagobah Luke, this really doesn't bother me. They make perfect sense once you pair him with Yoda and his backpack.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrbna3hU5xs/XiEvH5lQjUI/AAAAAAAANCU/hjDcDM8A5CIoDh6EkLTkboyTvU6gZ2leQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrbna3hU5xs/XiEvH5lQjUI/AAAAAAAANCU/hjDcDM8A5CIoDh6EkLTkboyTvU6gZ2leQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_3445.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As far as I'm concerned, all three figures are excellent improvements on a trio of already great sculpts - giving us definitive versions of Yoda and of Luke in these two iconic outfits.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-9979801967785143582019-10-06T20:47:00.000+11:002021-04-20T19:52:10.869+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Tatooine Skiff Found<div style="text-align: justify;">I usually tend to focus on smaller-scale releases from the <a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/search/label/Micro%20Machines%20and%20Action%20Fleet"><i>Micro Machines</i> and <i>Action Fleet</i> lines</a> when adding vehicles to my collection. That being said, I do occasionally pick up some of the more exciting 3 3/4" vehicles - particularly where they provide interesting ways to enhance the display of my figures. The brand new <i>Vintage Collection</i> Tatooine Skiff ticked those boxes and more.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqWDckKuhNw/XaLZD-JvUXI/AAAAAAAAM3E/EzQWg7YgkQ8gAPv6s_wcsvAD0Q2NTVkEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BTatooine%2BSkiff%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqWDckKuhNw/XaLZD-JvUXI/AAAAAAAAM3E/EzQWg7YgkQ8gAPv6s_wcsvAD0Q2NTVkEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BTatooine%2BSkiff%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT2UXxn8abg/XaLZEIalRxI/AAAAAAAAM3M/UzJGaUOxxP0rxi4H5mZYWXSUDTUaQpjOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BTatooine%2BSkiff%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT2UXxn8abg/XaLZEIalRxI/AAAAAAAAM3M/UzJGaUOxxP0rxi4H5mZYWXSUDTUaQpjOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BTatooine%2BSkiff%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Given the spartan distribution of previous <i>Vintage Collection </i>vehicles in this part of the world, I wasn't entirely sure if we'd even see the Tatooine Skiff in my neck of the woods. Fortunately, EB Games put the Skiff up for preorder back in August, and stock arrived just in time for <i><a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/10/triple-force-friday.html">Triple Force Friday</a></i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Retailing for $80.00AU ($85.58NZ), the Tatooine Skiff gives you an enormous amount of bang for your buck. Replete with features, and treated to a gorgeous weathered paint job, this vehicle is a worthy successor to the previous - and only - sculpt of the skiff that debuted all the way back in 1985.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBo46sJMuRSovQ2aQQCaTkRyRWnLgoZEXp_oPna3DKprt0QcMLPLSo5KUnhysGu7qcgdXWvgv8t_Ib_99fzsH3BcuVhYrUuDrx7JalgVpTIvAht3BN9YyWGvJkbG2KyYcgmPY0LOsLwgJ/s1600/The+Vintage+Collection+Tatooine+Skiff+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBo46sJMuRSovQ2aQQCaTkRyRWnLgoZEXp_oPna3DKprt0QcMLPLSo5KUnhysGu7qcgdXWvgv8t_Ib_99fzsH3BcuVhYrUuDrx7JalgVpTIvAht3BN9YyWGvJkbG2KyYcgmPY0LOsLwgJ/s320/The+Vintage+Collection+Tatooine+Skiff+3.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPwZcVsJlgI/XaLZFt0uLsI/AAAAAAAAM3Q/FnuOnzlwjVAzm2RMEXT7Ah4qv8LIK7ANACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BTatooine%2BSkiff%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPwZcVsJlgI/XaLZFt0uLsI/AAAAAAAAM3Q/FnuOnzlwjVAzm2RMEXT7Ah4qv8LIK7ANACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BTatooine%2BSkiff%2B4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So where do we start? All of the necessary elements are there, including ball-jointed steering vanes, swivel control handles, and a retractable boarding 'plank'. But the skiff goes further than this, including a number of features not seen on-screen. There are eight weapon clips for assorted electrostaffs and vibro-axes, along with an opening weapons storage compartment in the centre of the vehicle. Additional storage can be found under the removable forward deckplate, along with some exquisite engine detailing under similar deckplates in the rear.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFjl_FO166Y/XaLZFnLhPoI/AAAAAAAAM3U/0d3x0_fYnBkR3-Mz63H9m3Xvmg8Wi0TBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BTatooine%2BSkiff%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFjl_FO166Y/XaLZFnLhPoI/AAAAAAAAM3U/0d3x0_fYnBkR3-Mz63H9m3Xvmg8Wi0TBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BTatooine%2BSkiff%2B5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hasbro's smartest addition, however - and the very thing that lifts this from a simple toy to a premium display piece - is the inclusion of a stand. Two transparent pillars mounted on a piece of sculpted sand dune hold the skiff aloft. But it gets better. The mounting points on the skiff hinge, allowing the vehicle to tip precariously just as when Lando fell overboard. Swap out the standard railing for the included 'battle-damaged' railing, and you can perfectly recreate this exact scene from <i>Return of the Jedi</i>.<br /><br />Vehicle releases from the <i>Vintage Collection</i> line rarely fail to disappoint, and the Tatooine Skiff is no exception. There's really nothing more we could have asked for from a 3 3/4" version of this iconic vehicle!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3997434565859312997.post-1040922182208457482019-10-05T16:02:00.000+10:002021-04-20T19:52:11.033+10:00The Hunt Is On - The Vintage Collection 3 3/4" Wave 9 Figures Found<div style="text-align: justify;">With <i>The Rise of Skywalker</i> receiving no dedicated 3 3/4" line, the <i>Vintage Collection</i> is now our exclusive source of action figures in the classic scale. Fortunately, Wave 9 of this rebooted line hit (some) stores on <i><a href="http://relicsoftheforce.blogspot.com/2019/10/triple-force-friday.html">Triple Force Friday</a></i>, giving us a phenomenal quintet of characters from the final film in the Skywalker saga.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQTp4oGNM7M/XZrYY-jNLSI/AAAAAAAAM1A/8KE15PlRpM0bVLAbarZfaMBqKU_pAPWIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC155%2BKnight%2Bof%2BRen%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQTp4oGNM7M/XZrYY-jNLSI/AAAAAAAAM1A/8KE15PlRpM0bVLAbarZfaMBqKU_pAPWIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC155%2BKnight%2Bof%2BRen%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TiVHPjtHww/XZrYY5QZahI/AAAAAAAAM08/Hhqe3ASslJo8xiZY-hKgsOMO_9gY-obJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC156%2BRey%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TiVHPjtHww/XZrYY5QZahI/AAAAAAAAM08/Hhqe3ASslJo8xiZY-hKgsOMO_9gY-obJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC156%2BRey%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byr2jzbNCL4/XZrYZImH0lI/AAAAAAAAM1E/ROOniwUDul4j4FIt6oxNEwJ2pokyo54qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC157%2BZorii%2BBliss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byr2jzbNCL4/XZrYZImH0lI/AAAAAAAAM1E/ROOniwUDul4j4FIt6oxNEwJ2pokyo54qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC157%2BZorii%2BBliss.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye07baYmqe0/XZrYaqk1JDI/AAAAAAAAM1I/v99wmnjjyh8QXaXIai9WoU6J58L9TbDlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC159%2BSith%2BJet%2BTrooper%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye07baYmqe0/XZrYaqk1JDI/AAAAAAAAM1I/v99wmnjjyh8QXaXIai9WoU6J58L9TbDlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC159%2BSith%2BJet%2BTrooper%2B1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUND4ywUB_s/XZrYbFiWr8I/AAAAAAAAM1M/FgnoZJKkOf4kxYcpv6jIs7HdEyzWCWV8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC160%2BPoe%2BDameron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUND4ywUB_s/XZrYbFiWr8I/AAAAAAAAM1M/FgnoZJKkOf4kxYcpv6jIs7HdEyzWCWV8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC160%2BPoe%2BDameron.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While quantity may be lacking (the number of 3/4" figures hitting stores for a new Star Wars product launch will usually be well in to the double digits), the quality certainly isn't. With continually improving super-articulation and the advent of Photo Real faces, each wave of <i>Vintage Collection</i> figures seems to be surpassing the quality of its predecessors. The same trend continues with this wave.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a name='more'></a>First up is the Knight of Ren, a character (or, rather, one of <i>six</i> similarly named characters) that most of us have been dying to add to our collection ever since 2015's <i>The Force Awakens</i>. After such a long wait, it's satisfying to see that this figure has been given the love and care it truly deserves - from the muddy weathering to the finely picked out detailing on its armour and included (vibro-?) ax. Most pleasingly, Hasbro opted to sculpt the soft goods in rubber, a decision which allows this Knight of Ren to maintain its dynamic silhouette. While fabric detailing can be nice, it's still largely hit-and-miss - often looking stiff and unwieldy at this scale (see, for example, <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/2012Hasbro/VC96_DARTH_MALGUS/VC96_DARTH_MALGUS-13.jpg">Darth Malgus</a>).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpWalFALfKs/XaFm4oaTzUI/AAAAAAAAM2g/P6fNjexomywbU6wCOOHp35of6rCl6DF-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC155%2BKnight%2Bof%2BRen%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpWalFALfKs/XaFm4oaTzUI/AAAAAAAAM2g/P6fNjexomywbU6wCOOHp35of6rCl6DF-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC155%2BKnight%2Bof%2BRen%2B2.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciIXnPmF8Hs/XaFm4sXFSQI/AAAAAAAAM2c/pkRLqMsG2Og-DNYe56GD6h5bd711XvurgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC156%2BRey%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciIXnPmF8Hs/XaFm4sXFSQI/AAAAAAAAM2c/pkRLqMsG2Og-DNYe56GD6h5bd711XvurgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC156%2BRey%2B2.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Irr-M-vhrgM/XaFm4ucIYFI/AAAAAAAAM2Y/dhoUWNf1I9c40BGxGbvP3ODte2NyYRYVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC157%2BZorii%2BBliss%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Irr-M-vhrgM/XaFm4ucIYFI/AAAAAAAAM2Y/dhoUWNf1I9c40BGxGbvP3ODte2NyYRYVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC157%2BZorii%2BBliss%2B2.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ug0zUsxSL9M/XaFm5nBFGKI/AAAAAAAAM2k/64uEuZWfXUk-Is5Uph16VTdbmxfTCWmcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC159%2BSith%2BJet%2BTrooper%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ug0zUsxSL9M/XaFm5nBFGKI/AAAAAAAAM2k/64uEuZWfXUk-Is5Uph16VTdbmxfTCWmcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC159%2BSith%2BJet%2BTrooper%2B2.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqnJMpLxlo0/XaFm6IFN9PI/AAAAAAAAM2o/xrh1y-h59sgXnETgNlF9j-DpoRbGmYBqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC160%2BPoe%2BDameron%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqnJMpLxlo0/XaFm6IFN9PI/AAAAAAAAM2o/xrh1y-h59sgXnETgNlF9j-DpoRbGmYBqACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/The%2BVintage%2BCollection%2BVC160%2BPoe%2BDameron%2B2.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next is Rey. Coming with a comprehensive collection of accessories (a satchel, her blaster pistol, her staff, and both ignited and unignited versions of her lightsaber) and featuring a phenomenally accurate Photo Real face treatment, this Rey is easily the most perfect rendition of this character at this scale.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">More mysterious is Zorii Bliss; a character about whom we still know very little. Still, one thing is clear: her look is both iconic and straight-up Star Wars. Zorri comes with two beautifully detailed - almost flintlock-like - blaster pistols and a pair of working holsters.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Sith Jet Trooper is another figure whose role in the saga is yet to be revealed. Nevertheless, he makes a fantastic addition to the collection of any trooper completionist like myself. His bulked-up weaponry and integrated jetpack make him stand out from previous designs, while still drawing strongly from a heritage that includes the <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/VC118-First-Order-Stormtrooper-The-Vintage-Collection.asp">First Order Stormtrooper</a>, <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/VC138-Elite-Praetorian-Guard-The-Vintage-Collection.asp">Praetorian Guard</a>, and even the <a href="http://www.rebelscum.com/VC126-Imperial-Assault-Tank-Driver-The-Vintage-Collection.asp">Imperial Assault Tank Driver</a>. He comes with two different blasters, and the same holster 'clip' that we've seen on other First Order troopers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Poe is the sole repack within this wave - though labelling him as such doesn't really do him justice. He first debuted in the Walmart-exclusive <i>Black Series</i> line back in 2015, meaning that for many people (especially those outside the US) this rerelease represents the first attainable version of a super-articulated Poe. He's also had quite the makeover since 2015 - with a brand new paint app and a Photo Real face treatment that much better matches the appearance of Oscar Isaac. Poe comes packed with a removable helmet, his standard-issue sidearm, and a working holster.<br /><br />All up, this is a great first dabble in 3 3/4" <i>The Rise of Skywalker</i> characters. But a Star Wars saga film - let alone the <i>final</i> film in the series - needs more coverage than this. Let's just hope that there are far more characters on their way!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0