Lego 30276 First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter Mini Building Set

One Lego mini building set I missed on its initial release was the First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter. In a stroke of luck, I came across a bunch of these sets on clearance at Target this week for only $1.98US ($2.89NZ).

Once again, Lego have hit the ball out of the park on this sculpt. The easily-recognisable silhouette of the TIE Fighter is there, while the cockpit antenna and addition of cogs to the wing struts clearly denote the features that distinguish the 'Special Forces' variant of the starfighter. I love the asymmetrical splash of red (also a signature of the SF TIE), and the printed cockpit window puts this leaps and bounds ahead of previous Lego mini versions of this ship. My only real citicism is in regards to the colouring. The wings of the SF TIE are supposed to be a stark white, while on this model, Lego have opted instead for a standard light grey. It's a minor innacuracy, but one that seems as though it could have been easily remedied.

All-in-all, this set will make a great companion to both the Lego mini Poe's X-Wing and Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle I've added to my collection over recent months.

Pocketmodel TCG Imperial Power-Up Pack

Among the basket of Easter goodies given to me by my girlfriend was a real blast-from-the-past - an Imperial Power-Up Pack for the Star Wars Pocketmodel TCG game.

I first came across the Pocketmodel line back in 2012, when - only a couple of weeks after first moving to Houston - I found a number of the Order 66 and Ground Assault game packs on clearance at Target. Each pack contained 4 to 8 random vehicles that (along with the included micro dice and game cards) could be used to play a table-top strategy game.

Instead of containing a randomised assortment of miniatures, this Imperial Power-Up pack comes with a specific force comprising the Star Destroyer Executor; Darth Vader's Imperial Shuttle, four TIE Fighters, and - to ensure you have some foes for target practice - two X-Wing Starfighters. Also included are a pair of dice and 30 game cards. The vehicles come as sheets of punch-out plastic pieces that assemble much like those old glow-in-the-dark dinosaur skeletons we loved as kids. What's really impressive is how authentic these simply-constructed models end up looking on the table-top. Ships like the TIE fighter are relatively easy to portray in this medium, but it's clear that a lot of thought has gone into how to best represent more complex designs like the Imperial Shuttle (my favourite vehicle from this pack).

I've yet to give the game mechanics a try, but once I have I'll be sure to add my thoughts here - so stay tuned for updates!

Star Wars Rebels Season 4 Trailer Released

This morning's Star Wars Rebels panel saw the release of the trailer for the fourth - and now confirmed final - season of the show. You can check it out below:

While I've had nothing but praise for Rebels from the outset, I'm not hugely disappointed that it'll soon be coming to an end. We all knew that the show would have to stop short of the original trilogy- and with the events of Rogue One and A New Hope only months away, it makes sense that there's not a whole lot more for the show to explore. Further, Rebels has always been a show fueled by character development, and it's clear that every member of the Ghost crew is now bearing down on the final few chapters of their own personal arcs.

The trailer itself shows that Rebels continues to be the glue binding the Star Wars galaxy together. Featuring a number of as-yet unseen elements from the original trilogy (X-Wings!) and a swath of head-nods to Rogue One, the final season of Rebels looks as though it will complete its task of beautifully stitching the original and prequel trilogies together.

What are your thoughts on this trailer for the final season of Star Wars Rebels? Be sure to let us know via Facebook or Twitter, or by sending an email to relicsoftheforce@gmail.com!

The Last Jedi Teaser Trailer Released

As most fans predicted, this morning's The Last Jedi panel at Star Wars Celebration saw the release of the very first teaser trailer for the film - and our first glimpse at the next installment in the Star Wars saga. You can check it out below!

It's hard to get any strong sense of the film from just these disparate shots, but that (as my girlfriend sagely noted) is the whole point of a teaser trailer. From the looks of things, The Last Jedi will have a very different aesthetic to previous Star Wars films - featuring some stunningly unique visual elements unlike anything else we've seen in the galaxy before. Fans will also be happy that Luke looks to be playing a much larger role in this film than in The Force Awakens (though that really isn't saying much). It's also great to see the return of the much-underused Captain Phasma. Here's hoping that this film will give her a chance to truly shine.

What are your thoughts on the teaser trailer for The Last Jedi? Be sure to let us know via Facebook or Twitter, or by sending an email to relicsoftheforce@gmail.com!

The Hunt Is On - Rogue One 3 3/4" "Jedha Revolt" Pack Found

The Rogue One 3 3/4" Jedha Revolt Pack has been a long time coming. First announced back in 2016, it's yet to hit most brick-and-mortar stores. Recently, however, it turned up in the online Hasbro Toyshop - and with a 20%-off voucher with e-mail sign-up bringing the price of the set down from $24.99US to $19.99US, it was impossible to say no.

The real attraction of this set is that it's our first (and currently only) way of obtaining the characters of Saw Gerrera, Edrio Two Tubes, and the Imperial Hovertank Pilot. Edrio and the Pilot are both fantastic figures, making up for a lack of articulation with some excellent tooling and a great paintjob. But what really makes this set is Saw Gerrera. I'll just go ahead and say it: this might very well be the best-looking figure Hasbro have released since making the transition back to 5-points-of-articulation (and yes, that includes the full Force Awakens line). The figure bears an uncanny resemblance to Forest Whitaker, and the detail on his outfit is absolutely superb. From the separately molded cape and breathing tubes, to the working holster at his hip - this is 3 3/4" sculpting at its finest.

Each figure is packed with a single screen-used side-arm, while Saw also comes with his staff. The fourth character - Jyn Erso (Jedha) - is, unfortunately, a straight repack of the single-carded figure from Wave 2. But $24.99US (or $19.99US if you can manage to get the Hasbro Shop discount) is still great value for the just the three new figures, working out at only a few cents more per figure than what you would pay if they were released on single cards. Granted, there are no bonus oversized action-feature weapons as are usually included, but for most collectors - myself included - this'll be no real loss.

Rogue One Target Exclusive Blu-Ray and DVD Set

Yesterday saw the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on Blu-Ray and DVD. As reported back in February, there were a multitude of options for purchasing the film. After some careful consideration, I opted to pre-order Target's exclusive 5-disc set. It arrived in the mail today, and I'm absolutely rapt with it!

The set contains the film on Blu-Ray, 3D Blu-Ray, and DVD, as well as an additional Blu-Ray disc featuring the full bevy of bonus features, and a DVD containing two documentaries exclusive to the Target release - "Inside the Creature Shop" and "Digital Storytelling". The best part, however, is the presentation. The set comes with five interchangeable images of different members of the Rogue One cast that allows you to personalise the front cover of the box. The inner case is also decorated with two gorgeous images from Scarif. and the whole things slips inside a clear protective cover etched with the Death Star schematics.

I'm currently without access to a Blu-Ray player - so haven't had a chance to review the special features yet - but my thoughts will be added here as soon as I do. It's worth noting, however, that the list of special features doesn't include any deleted scenes. As with the Force Awakens Blu-Ray, any trailers for the film are also conspicuously absent. 

At $29.99US ($43.24NZ), it's fantastic value - being the same price as Best Buy's exclusive which comes without the additional DVD of bonus content.

[UPDATE 09/04/2017: Unfortunately, the Target exclusive set is now out of stock.] 

Lego BB-8 Keyring

In addition to my miniature U-Wing model, I also picked up this BB-8 keyring for $4.99US ($7.09) while at Florida Legoland.

Lego now have a range of minifigure keyrings available in their stores, but you'll be hard-pressed to find one more adorable than this!

Lego 30496 U-Wing Fighter Mini Building Set

While at Legoland Florida, I picked up a Lego mini building set for $4.99US ($7.09NZ) that I'm yet to see available anywhere else: the 30496 U-Wing Fighter.

The U-Wing is the latest in a line of bagged miniature vehicles that I've become incredibly fond of. Small, affordable, and simple to assemble, these sets still pack an enormous amount of detail into very few parts. The U-Wing Fighter is no different. It's a great representation of the ship made famous by Rogue One - accurately capturing a number of distinctive features, right down to the open troop bay on the underside. My only real disappointment is that the wings are fixed in the forward position. Previous Lego mini sets have managed to capture some great moving features (like the opening S-foils on Poe's X-Wing, and the lowering boarding ramp on Kylo Ren's Comand Shuttle), and there are certainly Lego pieces available that could have made rotating wings a reality without greatly increasing the part count. In fact, that modification is most likely one I'll make in the near future - so stay tuned for updates!

Visiting the Legoland Star Wars Display (Winter Haven, FL)

Last week my girlfriend and I took a trip down to Florida, and while we were there I managed to tick something off my bucket-list that's been on there for a very long time - a trip to Legoland! Along with tiny versions of locations such as New York, Las Vegas, Kennedy Space Center, and Daytona International Speedway, there's also an entire section of the park dedicated to Star Wars.

As well as three life-size statues of R2-D2, Darth Maul, and Darth Vader, there are miniature dioramas depicting scenes from Naboo, Geonosis, Christophsis, Kashyyyk, Mustafar, Tatooine, Hoth, and Endor.

The dioramas depict a variety of events from the first six Star Wars films and The Clone Wars animated series. As yet, there's nothing from any of the Disney-era properties (Star Wars Rebels, The Force Awakens, or Rogue One), but I imagine these exhibits take a lot of time, planning, and park space to be developed.

The level of intricacy in each of these displays is breathtaking. The longer you look, the more details you find yourself noticing. Some displays also include interactive features that, with the push of a button, cause a tiny animation (like the dancing cantina band) to occur. If you happen to find yourself in Florida, it - and the rest of the park - are well worth a visit!

Funko Pop! #91 Captain Phasma (Chrome) Bobblehead

Well, as expected, it happened - and my Funko Pop! K-2SO now has a friend in the form of Captain Phasma. In fact, my girlfriend's brother is entirely to blame, as he very kindly surprised me with this latest addition last weekend.

This isn't any ordinary Funko Phasma either, it's the Smuggler's Bounty exclusive, which - unlike the standard version - comes with a chrome-plated finish. It's an embellishment that not even the 3 3/4" or 6" Hasbro versions of this character received, and it's what really makes this adorable figure (ahem) 'pop'. Like others in this line, Phasma features a wobbling bobble-head and a removable display stand.

Fortunately, you needn't be a subscriber to Smuggler's Bounty to get your hands on of these figures. At the time of writing, Amazon.com has her in stock - but you will pay a premium price: $24.99US ($35.60NZ), compared with $12.99US ($18.50NZ) for the standard Phasma.

The Hunt Is On - The Force Awakens 3 3/4" 2-Packs Found

The release of Force Awakens figures sort of fizzled out in New Zealand, with the last wave of characters barely seeing the light of day in stores. While the single-carded figures I'm after from wave 7 (namely, Admiral Ackbar and Tasu Leech) are still proving elusive, I have managed to track down the two final 2-packs on my huntlist: Sidon Ithano and First Mate Quiggold, and Snap Wexley and First Order Snowtrooper Officer for $14.95US ($20.79NZ) each.

While the Snowtrooper Officer is a minor repaint of the Commander figure that came with the First Order Snowspeeder (his pauldron now being black instead of orange), the other three figures across these two packs are all character debuts. Least impressive is Snap, who unfortunately suffers from the same 'banana visor' we saw on Poe and Ello in earlier waves. He does come with a working holster, however - and he's a welcome addition to those of us who are desperate to add more Resistance pilots to our collection.

Nevertheless, the real boons here are Sidon and Quiggold. I'm not usually one for alien figures, but these two are simply phenomenal. Hasbro have done an excellent job recreating their on-screen appearances, and an incredibly tidy paint job (including a nice glossy sheen to Sidon's helmet) ensures that none of those fine finely sculpted details goes to waste. Quiggold is unarmed (unless you choose to utilise the ridiculously oversized cannon included in the pack), but Sidon comes with a blaster rifle and a removable cape. Set in fantastic neutral poses, this pair of pirates look great standing side-by-side.

Rogue One Coming to Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD on April 4th

StarWars.com has confirmed that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be released on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD on April 4th. You can watch the in-home trailer (containing some spoilers) below.

The film will be available on Digital HD from March 24th, with the Blu-Ray and DVD versions hitting shelves on April 4th here in the USA. The 2-disc Blu-Ray will come with a range of bonus features, including:

• A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.
• Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen.
• Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.
• K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.
• Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.
• Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects.
• The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary… and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time. 
• Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.
• The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of Star Wars: A New Hope – as well as one of her most memorable foes­ – back to the screen.
• Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.
• Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect Rogue One to the Star Wars universe.

If you're in the US, there are also a number of retailer exclusives to choose from. Walmart will have a 3-disc set (combining the Blu-Ray and DVD) for $24.96US, Best Buy will have a 4-disc steelbook which also includes the Blu-Ray 3D for $29.99US, and Target will have a 5-disc set which adds an additional DVD of exclusive content for $27.99.

Principal Photography Begins On Han Solo Film

Today, StarWars.com today announced that principal photography has begun on the as-yet untitled Han Solo standalone film. The announcement was accompanied by a photograph of the core cast and crew in a very familiar location.

Clockwise from bottom left: co-director Christopher Miller, Woody Harrelson, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca, co-director Phil Lord, and Donald Glover. Image courtesy of StarWars.com.

While the cast was no secret, the big (though hardly surprising) reveal in this image is the confirmation that Chewbacca will be playing a role in the story. The article also identified May 25th 2018 as the release date for the film, marking a departure from Disney's run of December Star Wars releases. This also means we'll see the Han Solo film in cinemas a mere five months after the release of Episode VIII. That's a damn fast turnaround, and it does resurrect the concern of us suffering a little Star Wars-fatigue.

What are your thoughts on this announcement? Be sure to let us know via Facebook or Twitter, or by sending an email to relicsoftheforce@gmail.com!