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 NEWS UPDATE! APRIL 2nd 2003
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VEGA TRANSPORTS IS BACK ON-LINE! THE NEW LOOK AUSTRALIAN STAR WARS HELMET SECTION IS NOW FINALLY ON-LINE! CHECK OUT THE NEW PICTURES! JUST ABOUT ALL HELMETS HAVE EXTRA PICTURES TO VIEW MORE DETAIL. WE WILL ALSO HAVE A FEW STAR WARS HELMETS FOR AUCTION ON eBay.com.au very soon!. Once that is on-line links for those Helmets at Auction will be listed and linked from the Helmet site section making it very easy for buyers wanting a direct link.

 WITH EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING ON WE WILL AS TIME ALLOWS ALSO TRY AND FACE-LIFT SOME OF THE OTHER SECTIONS OUR SITE AS WELL TRY AND UPDATE A FEW OTHER THINGS AS WELL... MORE SOON!!!!

 NEWS UPDATE! MARCH 31st 2003
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VEGA TRANSPORTS IS BACK ON-LINE! PREVIEWS FOR 2003 will begin in the next few weeks, our news section is up-to date and if you have had problems contacting us, we suggest you read the following news section now. Mega New Sales will begin soon. NEW AUCTIONS on eBay.com.au will follow very shortly! The new looking Australian Star Wars Helmets Site Section is almost complete. It has undergone almost an entire new face-lift, the first time in just over three years to the date! and we think you'll all enjoy it! New sounds and Pictures will be featured for your viewing excitement! click back in a few days for the new up dated look!

Also email should be back to normal within the next few days as well! The latest news section here will be updated as time allows over the next few days also!

NEWS UPDATE! FEBRUARY 24th 2002
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VEGA TRANSPORTS WILL BE BACK ON-LINE AS SOON AS PC PROBLEMS ARE COMPLETELY FIXED!

NEWS UPDATE! JANUARY 15th 2003
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THE VEGA TRANSPORTS WEB-SITE WILL BE CLOSED DOWN UNTILL THE NORTH-EAST BUSHFIRE CRISIS IN VICTORIA AUSTRALIA IS UNDER CONTROL, WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE DELAYS OVER SUMMER!

NEWS UPDATE! DECEMBER 28th 2002
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 GRAB A POST CHRISTMAS BARGAIN BY EMAIL  TODAY!

NEWS UPDATE! DECEMBER 18th 2002
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THE HUGE SALE IS ON NOW: INCLUDES ALL IN STOCK ITEMS! CHECK OUT THE BEST TOYS AND THE BEST PRICES TODAY. THIS SALES PAGE WILL BE UP-DATED INTO THE NEW YEAR!! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

NEWS UPDATE! NOVEMBER 25th 2002
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OUR SUPER STAR WARS CHRISTMAS AUCTIONS HAVE BEGUN! YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO SEE SOMETHING LISTED YOU DON'T HAVE! MOST STARTING PRICES ARE BETWEEN 10-50% OFF NORMAL RETAIL PRICING! THE AUCTIONS ARE ON-LINE FOR 2-WEEKS ONLY! ALL ITEMS ARE IN HAND FOR PRE-XMAS DELIVERY (GUARANTEED!) CHECK IT OUT THERE IS A TON OF RARE STUFF LISTED. LATEST RELEASES WILL BE ON-LINE FROM TOMORROW! DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE!

NEWS UPDATE! NOVEMBER 23rd 2002
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The "C-SYSTEM RETURNS" to Vega Transports. After a 5 year abscence and back by Popular demand, we are relaunching the C- Grade System. The Grading system will help you better understand the collector grade terminology that we first introduced to Australia in early 1991. Demand for this system has been growing since 1999, when Star Wars toys in the '95 POTF2 range were beginning to climb in pricing and collectors started requesting Packaging Grades for more items. The Grading system will begin to appear next to items we list and more importantly be once again used for auctions. If you are new to the "C-System" or have never heard of it? Then we invite you to check it out and see our updated version of it!

NEWS UPDATE! NOVEMBER 23rd 2002
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Star Wars Disneyland Star Tours the ride, Exclusive figures and previews will be on-line soon, we will have previews of what Star Tours is and the Exclusive figures that are only available at Disneyland theme parks around the world.

NEWS UPDATE! NOVEMBER 22nd 2002
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The Interactive R2-D2's are in stock for an extremely limited time only, these are $350.00ea and we won't be getting anymore this year once they are sold out! Check out our New Auctions Tomorrow as we will have one available on sold.com.au.

 NEWS UPDATE! NOVEMBER 11th 2002
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COMING SOON IN THE NEXT 2 WEEKS WILL BE OUR MASSIVE SUPER STAR WARS AUCTIONS WHICH WILL BE ON SOLD.COM.AU. An entire listing of our best stock will be up for Christmas Grabs including Rare Figures from POTF2 to Episode One. Some Prices will be at NEARLY 50% OFF STARTING PRICES. Join Our Email listing for Notification. Also Coming Soon will be the "C Grading System Section", which will help you better understand the Collecting Terminology.

NEWS UPDATE! SEPTEMBER 20th 2002
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The September Sales Page is up to date. The Australian Star Wars Helmet pages are now fully up to date with new pricing and now with new international guide pricing as well, just making it that one step easier for our international buyers. Vega Transports will have a few special auctions and return to sold.com.au in October! If your interested in finding out when we list these join our email subs listing for news when that happens. Latest U.S stocks have been slightly delayed, however we should be seeing the latest stuff shortly.

NEWS UPDATE! AUGUST 24th 2002
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New Previews are finally on-line, these include the extremely rare saga series: Commander Jorg Sacul (X-Wing Fighter Pilot) better known to fans and die-hard collectors as the George Lucas Figure! A full section has been created explaining the U.S one time only convention exclusive, character background bio and pictures of the figure that some people never knew existed. The Jorg Sacul preview also gives more info about the Saga Series including the rare backdrops include some characters. The exclusive Star Wars Vehicle Previews section has been up-dated also with the new Saga Series Luke's X-Wing Fighter 2-pk with exclusive Dagobah R2-D2, Pictures of the 2-foot long exclusive vehicle include every side angle, version info and vehicle features, which include this being the first X-Wing Fighter ever made which lets you play with R2-D2 like never before! You can place R2-D2 in and out of the X-Wing Droid Compartment! (September is coming with another new sale).

NEWS UPDATE! AUGUST 6th 2002
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The August Star Wars Sale has now begun. Check out the latest sale with some of the best prices for Action Figures. We are pleased to report we also have some rare electronic R2-D2's available for $40ea.  We also have some Saga series dropped to $15ea and also now have Anakin Hanger Duel's, Master Yoda's and more Count Dooku's available. Some qty's are low, so get in early. There is also more POTJ (Power Of The Jedi) Figures which have arrived from the U.S and please be warned that once some of these characters go, the prices may never be the same again. The best time to buy is now, as most POTJ Figures are becoming to hard to locate and the U.S exchange rate is mounting the prices, which makes it too hard to get them into stock. More T.I.E Bombers and Snowspeeders are here too. Check it all out. Remember Click the text for Pics in the listing.

NEWS UPDATE! AUGUST 6th 2002
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Vega Transports will be receiving extremely limited stock of the new 16-18" Inch Interactive R2-D2 late this month. For further information see below in this section for features. Prices will be high as there will only be about x200 units arriving in Australia. Hasbro will not be releasing a large number due to the price of these droids. ((When we say x200, we mean only x200 for the entire country!)) These will be collectable as they won't be in large numbers either in the U.S.A. Anyone who believes these will be everywhere are totally mistaken and we are extremely lucky to be able to offer these at all. Prices will be released closer to the release date. This will be one of the best collectables ever made for Star Wars in years. Further to this, we will also be getting the extremely rare Jorg Sacul (George Lucas) 25th Anniversary Saga Series: Celebration Convention 2 (U.S.A) Action Figure, depending on the U.S exchange rate these may be auctioned due to prices $300+.

NEWS UPDATE! AUGUST 6th 2002
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 LATEST NEWS FLASH: AUGUST 6th 2002:
AUSTRALIAN STAR WARS HELMETS: All prices will rise by $30-$50 on each Star Wars Helmet on September 1st 2002. All prices are current until that time. A detailed email is available and will be sent out within the week, if you wish to be informed please email us. Again all prices will rise at that time. It is now the best time to buy! Don't wait til the price rise on Sept 1st, Order now!

NEWS UPDATE! JULY 23rd 2002
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 LATEST NEWS FLASH: JULY 23rd 2002:
AUSTRALIAN STAR WARS HELMETS: All prices will rise by $30-$50 on each Helmet on September 1st 2002. All prices are current until that time. A detailed email will be sent out over the next week, if you wish to be informed please email us. Again all prices will rise at that time. It is now the best time to buy! Don't wait til the price rise, Order now!

NEWS UPDATE! JULY 10th 2002
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Brand New Pictures have been added! Check out the new pictures to your left right now, The New July Star Wars Sale is now on. check out some of the best prices for Star Wars stuff, again this is not auctions, these are straight out sales directly from us. We will have newer previews of end of year Star Wars Figures very soon. Yes it's official Hasbro will continue to make less figures over the next 6 months. They will continue to down size production on figures making some characters e.g R2-D2 Saga Series very rare. Some thought Hasbro would lift production numbers to cater for collectors and parents alike going completely nuts over not being able to find some characters. Hasbro will continue to make less production numbers and the market will not be flooded like Episode One in 1999. Hasbro have made less product numbers so '99 would not be repeated, however they have slightly underestimated the market, but will not change there current course they are sailing. There will be some 1st series Background insert figures shipping in newest assortments but is true that the background insert figures were cancelled early in production. There will not be any new characters shipping with inserts. The Background Insert figures are the ones to collect, this means any of them (stress any!) with the background insert card are rare and have become collectables already. Insert figures shipping in current assortments are figures left over from the 1st waves of figures and are not still being produced. Again Any SAGA SERIES Figure with Background insert are Very RARE! BUY THEM ALL NOW BEFORE THEY ARE GONE FOREVER. Prices have begun to climb in the U.S and Australia will be next!

NEWS UPDATE! JUNE 24th 2002
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Brand New Pictures have been added! Check out the new pictures to your left right now. All new figures previewed will be available for sale shortly. We are currently up-dating for a new sales listing which will include some figures which after they have sold-out won't be back in stock at the same price. All new 2002 Saga series figures have been under produced and some figures will not be available in a lot of areas and some characters will not be returning in newer assortments. The 2002 Figures are most likely the best collectable figures Hasbro have ever made, all characters are in high demand making the entire series even harder to find. Over the next few months we will be previewing the brand new Imperial Shuttle Tydirium, 25th Anniversary Luke's Landspeeder, 25th Anniversary Luke's X-Wing Fighter and 2003's Jawa Sand Crawler! More Soon..

NEWS UPDATE! JUNE 6th 2002
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NEW Star Wars Specials Sale section is still available:

After a short delay, the 2002 POTJ VEHICLES HAVE BEEN UP-DATED! THERE IS ALL NEW PICTURES OF THE TIE BOMBER & SNOWSPEEDER ON-LINE WITH HEAPS OF BIG PICTURES!  STAR WARS EPISODE TWO FIGURES WILL BE ARRIVING IN NEW ASSORTMENT VERY SOON, AS SOON AS WE GET NEW CHARACTERS IN STOCK, NEW PICTURES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO VIEW ON-LINE. REMEMBER THE EPISODE 2 SERIES NOW FALLS UNDER "THE SAGA SERIES" BANNER. TO VIEW ALL FIGURES AND VEHICLES FROM EPISODE 2 CLICK HERE.

NEWS UPDATE! MAY 12th 2002
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NEW Star Wars Specials Sale section is finally available:

After a short delay, the Star Wars Sale Specials are finally on-line. This is directly from us, these are not auctions and have nothing to do with an auction site, the listing is available for on or off line viewing. The listing is available to download in Excel format ('95 to Xp Compatible) and is user friendly, if you have any problems at all please email us and a SPECIAL TEXT VERSION will be sent to you.  Again The 'May' Specials have began, this listing features our entire in-stock Star Wars listing which includes: Star Wars Episode 2 (EP2), Episode One (EP1) , Power Of The Jedi (POTJ), Power Of The Force 2 (POTF2), Orange Green Deluxe, Mail-aways, Vehicles, Beasts, 12" Dolls and a whole lot more etc! Check out the Bargains and the listing will be kept up to date! Figures start from $10ea and special figure sets are available once again. Pictures are available for any items, so please email us. Our Special ordering info is also on-line, buy from us directly today! Don't miss the Specials!

NEWS UPDATE! MAY 3rd 2002
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MORE NEW EPISODE 2 TOYS ARE HERE! (SPOILERS!):

Finally added to this section Previews of brand new figures. More will follow shortly. see left menu bar and click on the pics for larger previews. New POTJ Vehicles will be available by late May. The Exclusive At-St Scout Walker 3pk section has been up-dated, click here for extra pictures. Star Wars Episode 2 Toys are for sale click here, The Special sales Listing has been delayed and should be on-line with 2-weeks. more soon.

  NEWS UPDATE! APRIL 23rd 2002
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NEW STAR WARS EPISODE 2 TOYS ARE AVAILABLE! (SPOILERS!):

Star Wars Episode 2 Toys have arrived! Click Here for our new selling page and previewed pictures of things to come over the following weeks and months ahead. Action figures start from $15ea and we do have the Rare Background card insert figures available also! Check out the Pictures! And Buy the toys directly from us today! A Special Sales listing is coming soon. The Electronic R2-D2 shown here has 2 different major variations already and the little blue droid is already rare with only x1 shipping per case assortment, buy them if you see them! The 2nd figure about to be very popular is the Super Battle Droid which is also only shipping x1 per case so far. More previews will be added here soon.

NEWS UPDATE! MARCH 5th 2002
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TOY FAIR HASBRO’S STAR WARS 2002: (SPOILERS!):

The U.S International 2002 Toy Fair has rocked around for yet another year. This year sees some more massive editions to heaps of Toy lines which I’ll start to preview properly very soon. I have continued the Toy Fair saga for you again this month..

New York was the place to be during mid February with the 99th Toy Fair unveiling some of the most incredible and amazingly detailed toys becoming available for you all this year. Hasbro U.S unlike their ’99 disaster unleashed one of the largest displays in recent years of their continuing Star Wars range. Just about all characters, vehicles, Playsets and assorted toys were visible, despite the rumours that they would barely have anything and that the display would be showcased like Episode One in ’99. Big surprises will be available to collect in Australia by April, with the Sneak Preview Series really starting the 2002 Star Wars franchise. If you have been following our previews of Star Wars over the past few months you’ll notice a lot of so called rumoured toys we talked about are indeed confirmed and true. With a lot of information leaked to the internet before Christmas Hasbro has been under increased pressure to release a heap of news early which spawned a massive Toy Fair appearance. The Picture we showed of the new Star Wars blue card Art-Work at the end of last year which was also leaked to the Internet is true! The New Art Work, like it or not is coming your way in April and the cards bubbles will also be different, larger and almost like an older Batman type bubble. The first of the new Star Wars Episode 2 Figures to make the common collector go broke by the end of the year include: Anakin Skywalker (Coruscant Chase), Anakin Skywalker (Outland Disguise), Anakin Skywalker (Hanger Duel), Battle Droid (Arena Battle), Boba Fett, C-3PO, Captain Typho, Clone Trooper, Count Dooku (Dark Lord), Darth Tyrannous, Emperor's Royal Guard, Geonosian Warrior, Geonosian Warrior (Winged), Jango Fett (flamethrower), Jango Fett (Kamino Escape), Kit Fisto, Lumina Unduh, Mace Windu, Nikto (Jedi Knight), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Coruscant Chase), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Pilot), Plo Koon (Arena Battle), Queen Amidala (Arena Escape), Queen Amidala (Outland Disguise), R2-D2 (Coruscant Sentry), R3-T7, Saesee Tin (Arena Battle), Senator Jar Jar Binks, Senator Orn Free Ta, Shaak Ti, Super Battle Droid, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Tusken Raider (female with child), Yoda (Jedi Master) and Zam Wesell amongst others to follow.

An Awesome new feature for Jedi Knight action figures: Jedi figures will come fully-articulated and come equipped with dynamic, animated "Force" features plus a wide array of accessories in 2002. Each Jedi figure comes equipped with a magnet in its hand, allowing it to use "The Force" to summon and hold a Lightsaber. The Lightsaber hilts are being moulded in thin metal, which means they look even more accurate to the film and will be attracted to the magnets embedded in the hands of the appropriate figures. From Toy Fair’s first-hand accounts it seems the magnets aren't especially obtrusive, especially if the figure is holding a weapon. Other accessories, like the blaster rifle and Obi-Wan's sentry droid, also have magnetic pieces for additional play value. This feature will be most welcomed by people who can’t get their figures to hold weapons and it’s a big Hasbro 2002 attraction. Another feature long over due which some believe is the Lightsaber sword flashes. Basically this little feature is a moulded Lightsaber flare, which pens onto a Jedi Knight’s Saber blade to simulate Jedi duelling action, available with just about all Jedi figures. Some Standard characters will have a simular feature for blasters and blaster rifles.

Not too many figures from the previous sagas were shown at New York. Classic Figures heading for the toy shelves this year include: Teebo, Ephant Mon, R4-M9, BoShek, Djas Puhr (Episode 4 Cantina), Han Solo (Endor Assault), Chewbacca with C-3PO pull-apart backpack (Bespin Escape), a set of 2 different Endor Rebel Soldiers were present, which could be a 2-pack.

Episode Two: Attack of The Clones: Playset, Vehicle, and Beasts confirmed for release are: Anakin's Speeder, Arena Battle Playset (This massive Playset, surely a centrepiece to any Episode II themed display, is currently expected to sell for around $80+. Jango Fett's Slave I, Jedi Starfighter, Republic Gunship, Zam's Speeder, Acklay (Beast), a Cat like creature, Reek (Beast). Finally confirmed and seen for the first time at Toy Fair was The Republic Gunship; Episode 2’s Clone army's most powerful war machine is the Republic Gunship. This dynamic bird of battle is packed with firing laser cannons, a deployable troop platform, opening canopy, grappling hook, and rotating wing blasters. Hold the handle on top for action-packed battles! Holds Action Figures not included. The Battle Arena Playset: Recreate the Star Wars battle scenes with all of your action figures, beasts, and vehicles in this new Episode 2 Playset. One side of the Playset is an ominous arena, where many a prey has fallen victim to the deadly beasts within. On the other side is the factory where the legions of Battle Droids and Super Battle Droids are produced. Figures not included sold separately.

R2-D2 INTERACTIVE ASTROMECH DROID: For more than 25 years, one of everyone's favourite characters has been R2-D2, the loveable, feisty and heroic droid. Later this year, Hasbro will bring R2-D2 to life for every collector to own! The Interactive R2-D2 will be an 18-inch version packed with all the spunk and charm that made the droid so famous. The Interactive R2-D2: answers to your call and obeys your commands. Equipped with innovative speech recognition technology, infrared scanning technology and even a working sonar for navigation! The Interactive R2-D2 will recognize 40 spoken phrases! Plays six exciting games and sings five tunes. It even has a retractable arm that lets it hold a 12-ounce beverage, hell it may even hold Beer! Ask R2 to dance, and it dances the Twist to the theme from the bar scene in the original Star Wars. Ask R2 if it remembers Darth Vader, and it starts to shake and squeal with fear. The Interactive R2-D2 also plays hide and seek and will be the closest Toy to the real thing ever available! The Interactive R2-D2 will be available later this year and is already the most anticipated toy event of 2002!

Star Wars “Unleased Figure Series”: New for later 2002, each of these highly-detailed, 7-inch action figures are an artistic interpretation of a key Star Wars hero or villain in battle poses. Characters to include in this series will be: Anakin Skywalker, Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Jango Fett and Padme Amidala.

12 Inch Doll Series 2002: The new Episode 2 Attack of the Clones 12-inch figures come dressed in uniforms that the characters wear in the movie and are equipped with unique accessories. The first wave features Anakin Skywalker, Ben Kenobi, Clone Trooper and Super Trooper.

Episode 2 Electronic 12 Inch Series 2002: features electronic lights and sounds and speaks with the character's voice, characters appearing include: Anakin Skywalker, Darth Tyrannous, Jango Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jango Fett features an electronic jetpack that lights up and makes additional blaster, firing missile, and jetpack sounds. Episode 2 Ultimate Series Jango Fett: This highly-detailed, 12-inch Jango Fett action figure has removable armour and helmet, a spring-loaded backpack that launches a projectile, and a heap of awesome accessories needed for bounty hunters.

Classic Trilogy 12” Dolls for 2002 include Dengar, Imperial Officer (grey) and Zuckuss. The Lego Star Wars collection continues on into 2002 with up to 17 stunning new products, including models based on the classic Star Wars saga, Episode 1 and the May premiere of Episode 2. Faithful Star Wars Lego enthusiasts and Collectors alike will appreciate a one-foot scale model of the ever popular Yoda, made from over 1,000 Lego bricks: Products to be available in 2002 include: Jedi Duel, Tusken Raider Encounter, Bounty Hunter Pursuit, Jedi Starfighter, Jango Fett's Slave I, Republic Gunship, Yoda, Jango Fett (Technic), Super Battle Droid (Technic) amongst others. Micro Machine’s Action Fleet returns in 2002 with Classic re-issued vehicles to expand the original line in new packaging as well. The Vehicles to become available will be the: Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, Millennium Falcon (a dirtier version) and Luke’s X-Wing Fighter (a dirtier version). (this article was first published in Collectormania March 2002 © ® Justin Smith.)

NEWS UPDATE! JANUARY 31th 2001
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STAR WARS 2002: COLLECTORS DESTINY (SPOILERS!)

Happy New Year Everyone! As like last month, please treat what you read as rumour; everything is subject to change or cancellation at any time. If you don’t want to read “spoilers” before the opening of the movie, I suggest you turn the page now.

With 2002 now dawning and Star Wars Episode Two “Attack Of The Clones” on the horizon for May 16th, the gaps in the

Apparent media blackouts are beginning to show. Whilst the following information is starting to show up on the internet, a lot of this news came to our attention right on Christmas. Since then Hasbro have had to start previewing characters, vehicles, toys and miscellaneous much earlier than you would expect. Last Issue’s release schedule is starting to show up confirmed in bits and pieces. Overall Hasbro’s pre-Toy Fair (Later this month in the U.S) toy listing, forecasts a total of 55 standard action figures, which starts to fall in line with last months tentative listing showcasing some of the movie’s primary characters. The Vehicles are all confirmed with extra info below, however the most interesting news this month is the confirmed Episode Two “Prequel Preview Figures” shipping their way Australia bound for a late March to April release. There is a confirmed number of five being: A Droid, Jango Fett, Shaak TI (Jedi Master), Stormtrooper and everyone’s soon to be favourite female bounty hunter Zamm Wessell! The Preview figures will be shipping in their own assortment, whilst no official mail away figures have been announced at this time.                

Hasbro Confirm Episode Two Deluxe Figures: Characters to include are: Jango Fett (comes with an electronic backpack,

Blaster pistols and a bazooka that can launch a missile) the best feature of Jango Fett is the ability to assemble and arrange his armour. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Count Dooku each come with a Force-flipping base which allows them to flip into combat. Mace Windu (with Battle Droid 2pk) can use his Force Powers Attack to launch projectiles and blast apart a battle droid. There will be a 2nd Deluxe Figure series entitled Creatures Assortment, but details won’t be released until Toy Fair.

                        The most exciting new preview seen here for the first time is the first wave of "Collection 1 and Collection 2" basic standard figures from Episode Two: (Note these are officially now confirmed!) Collection 1: features Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Collection 2: features include: Jedi Master Shaak Ti, Captain Typho (Padmé's head of security), Boba Fett (young), and a Tusken Raider female 2pk (with Tusken child). Episode Two’s 3 3/4" scale figures feature unique accessories and authentically detailed sculpts utilizing the new real scan technology which was launched by other major manufactures onto the market a year ago, Hasbro will build upon the success of this technology, which was used in their Star Wars Power of the Jedi line last year.

                        Vehicles listed last month have been officially confirmed. Previews of these have come out sooner than expected. The Republic Cruiser Vehicle/Playset has been modified and is now called the Republic Ship Troop Transport Vehicle. Details on this should follow next month. AIR SPEEDERS: or Speeder Assortment: The Episode Two Air Speeders have been announced to be Anakin Skywalker's Speeder and Zam Wessell's Speeder. Both of these highly detailed Speeders feature a special crash-and-bash mechanism that allows the front of the Speeders to crumple and recreate battle damage. A small trigger easily restores the Speeder to its original form. This type of feature was once used in the original Empire Strikes Back line in 1980 for the Micro range, however the scale is Figure size and the format has changed. These Speeders are also just the Vehicles and not 2pks with figures that people might have also hoped for. Anakin's Speeder will fit two figures and Zam Wessell's will fit one.

                        ATTACK BEAST Assortments: there is going to be 2 assortments of Attack Beasts for Episode Two. One of these will be a Reek and Acklay: the Reek a powerful looking creature set to debut in Episode Two has electronic sounds and a thrashing attack action that can be activated by pushing its belly. When you hit its dorsel horn, the Reek releases a wailing cry. The Beasts in Episode Two will be a lot better detailed than Episode 1 and will be much more appealing with action and sounds then ones which were before.

                        SLAVE ONE FEATURES: Slave One is slightly different in design compared to its original 80’s and 90’s style. The ship’s shell shape is basically the same but has been updated to appear in Episode Two. The ship features a cockpit that can hold three action figures. A button on the back of the ship will open a hatch on the front that reveals a rail gun type multi-missile launcher which can fire 4 spring loaded missiles. On the back of the ship there are racks that hold 4 additional missiles. While the rotating laser cannon turrets on the sides click when moved. The colour of the vehicle is much sharper and falls into line with Jango Fett’s armour colour scheme. Figures will be sold separately and the vehicle is not a 2pk like many would have liked.

                        JEDI FIGHTER FEATURES: the Jedi Knight Starfighter making its Star Wars debut in Episode Two will be packed with features. The Starfighter is a unique wedge-shaped vehicle and is very different from previous Star Wars designs. It is authentically designed and detailed in its flight mode directly from the movie. The Jedi Starfighter also features a secret release button that converts the ship from flight to fighter mode (Almost a Hasbro Transformer). When in fighter mode, the Ship has an array of weapons and can fire two spring loaded missiles, the R2 Unit’s head on the side also moves. The canopy of the ship opens and can hold one figure (it fits most) and inside there is an adjustable headrest for different figure types. The Starfighter also comes equipped with a retractable landing gear and figures are also sold separately. It also appears the news of the Jedi Symbol is true. The Imperial Logo that we used to know solely as the Empires will be first used as the Jedi’s in Episode Two. It’s not yet known if this will be explained in the movie? Apparently the Empire takes the Logo as a sign of power when they begin their rule across the galaxy sometime down the road.

NEWS UPDATE! DECEMBER 18th 2001
SEE MORE STAR WARS NEWS BY CLICKING HERE!

STAR WARS INTO 2002: EPISODE TWO: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (SPOILERS!)

Season Greetings!! Australia and New Zealand prepare for May 16^th 2002, Star Wars Episode Two: Attack of the Clones is coming! LucasFilm have officially announced the release date and it’s the same day for a large portion of the world, including the U.S.A. Currently it’s a surprising twist, with Australia and New Zealand likely to be the first in the world to see it, a few hours ahead of the United States.

From here on in there are Spoilers, so if you don’t want to know turn the page now.

                        There is to be No pre-sells or pre-orders of Star Wars Episode Two merchandise until April 22^nd 2002 (U.S). Toy Fair U.S.A in February 02 and Toy Fair Australia in March 02 will be as tightly guarded as ever. If you thought Toy Fair in 1999 was bad enough with every single company involved at the time with Episode One’s merchandise locked away behind either blacked out curtains or makeshift dark rooms, Episode Two will have the same treatment. Some sources believe the security may actually be much tighter this time round and that LucasFilm will keep a media blackout for as long as they can. The only real media that seems likely to continue with updates is from the official Star Wars web-site http://www.starwars.com.au. The problem with this attention locked in solely on their web-site could lead to disinformation, so again treat everything as rumour until it all happens at movie time in late May. LucasFilm have been known to change their story at the drop of a hat, for this reason also, the merchandising will be locked away for as long as possible. The Picture of the possible Episode Two Action Figure packaging which has been floating around on the internet for the past 3 month’s, is now on the Official Hasbro web site, this is only a prototype mock-up to gather ideas and really stir the fans up a bit! The finalised packaging may not even be present at Toy Fair from what some Hasbro guys in the states believe. As far as the on-shelf date goes, retailers will be able to announce the merchandise on March 26^th 2002 with very strict guidelines. However Hasbro will not provide the names of characters prior to the on-shelf American date April 22^nd 2002. Australia may finally see the products hopefully within a couple of days or a week after this date. There also appears to be confusion again as to whether or not a world-wide release date (for the toys) will actually be April 22^nd 2002, this will be known (hopefully) within weeks after Toy Fair. This information is coming via LucasFilm and Hasbro are under very strict guidelines, which may also result in not every 1^st wave product being visible at Toy Fair. It is currently also rumoured that all Power of the Jedi figures will fall under a new banner, which will be used for Episode Two Packaging as well, however this won’t be officially confirmed until Toy Fair. Currently Hasbro have other Star Wars Products scheduled for assortments containing Episode Two Figures.

    A few very reliable sources (which helped me bring you the news in ’99) have compared lists and I’ve compiled them for you. Whilst the following is an accurate representation of 2002, not all you will see here is officially confirmed by Hasbro due to LucasFilm trying to keep a media blackout for as long as possible.  Whilst I am unable to officially confirm the following, some of these products will be made within the coming months ahead. Please treat what you read as rumour; everything is subject to change or cancellation at any time. If you don’t want to read “spoilers” before the opening of the movie, I suggest you turn the page now.

 

                      Rumoured Characters for the 2002 merchandising machine: (Note some of these are only under consideration at this time). Achk Med-Beq, Anakin Skywalker (Freighter), Anakin Skywalker (Jedi Knight), Anakin Skywalker (Coruscant Chase), Bail Organa, Barriss Offee,  Battle Droid (Blue), Ben Kenobi (Jedi Master), Ben Kenobi (Coruscant Chase), Beru Whitesun, Boba Fett (Kamino), C-3PO (Tatooine), Captain Typho (Pilot), Chancellor Palpatine, Cordé, Count Dooku, Darth Sidious, Dexter Jettster, Droid (Arena), Ki-Adi-Mundi (New), Geonosian Warrior, Hermione Bagwa, Jango Fett, Jango Fett (Kamino), Jar Jar Binks, Jawas (2-Pack), Jocasta Nu, Kit Fisto, Lieutenant Faytonni, Luminara Unduli, Mace Windu (Jedi Master), Owen Lars, Padmé Amidala (Arena), Padmé Amidala (Senator), Padmé Amidala (Gown), Passel Argente, Plo Koon (Jedi Master), R2-D2, R5-D4, Shaak-Ti, Sly Moore, Super Battledroid, Super Trooper, Taun We, Tusken Raider Female with Child, Wat Tamber, Watto, Yoda (Jedi Master) and Zam Wessell. Star Wars Episode Two Preview Figure Assortment (5 products are listed as “to be determined”) around $15.00ea. 25th Anniversary Star Wars Celebration Multi-Pack Figures: Set 1: Luke and Leia. Set 2: Han and Chewbacca. Set 3: Obi Wan Ben Kenobi and Darth Vader, these will be priced for around $25-$45ea. 12" Bounty Hunter Assortment 2: Dengar, Zuckuss, Leia Boushh, Lando Skiff Guard (listed as a maybe only), priced for between $60-$80ea.

Episode Two Basic Figure Assortment will have Collection’s 1 and 2 with 13 figures scheduled for each wave to start off with, prices look likely around $15-$17.00ea. One of the first previews of the New Episode Two Figures, Anakin Skywalker, shows some of the great detail which will show up on the new characters in 2002. The new real-scan technology will be utilized by Hasbro which in turn will bring you better detail. This technology has started to appear in the new Power of the Jedi figures, so you need not worry about them looking like some Episode One characters.

Deluxe Figure Assortment for over $25ea includes a possible number of 4. The Attack Beast Assortment should be 2-4 with retail around $40ea plus. Gen-Y figure Assortment has 4 characters around $35-$40ea. Electronic Super Figure Assortment should be 2-4 characters. Episode Two 12” Doll Assortment will come in 2 waves, the basic will start with 3 the 2^nd wave will be an Ultimate line with between 2-4 characters. Episode Two Vehicles: There will be 2 Speeder Vehicle figure 2pks, a Star-fighter, Villian Vehicle and a Republic Cruiser Vehicle/Playset. There will be at least 1 to 2 Action figure Playsets and one of these could possibly be the Jedi Counsel Chamber. Other products will include the Episode Two Role Play Lightsaber Assortments. There will be a basic and an Electronic Lightsaber series and the strong reports indicate up to 4 basic series lightsaber’s including: Blue, Green, Red and Purple! One of the most interesting reported interactive toys for Episode Two is supposed to be titled “My Own Robot” which may actually be R2-D2. Again please keep in mind this is not official yet and is subject to change without notice. You may notice other characters not from Episode Two mixed into some assortments in 2002, because Hasbro will continue to make "classic" characters while doing newer Episode Two figures. These Characters will also include characters from the 25^th Anniversary Series.

 

All prices associated to this listing are projected Australian retail prices, most are accurate but still unconfirmed. All Products may not be available in Australia or worldwide, this is currently being debated by toy chain giants and distributors. Even exclusives for 2002 are still currently up in the air with Hasbro under increased pressure for exclusives solely for one off major retail outlets in the U.S.A only, which may lead to other parts of the world including Australia either being fully supplied or not at all with some products. Debates will still be going on until Toy Fair in Australia, meaning: whether or not we’ll be getting every single product released for the entire market, or have exclusives for Toys R’ Us, K-Mart, Target or Myer only. This situation will hopefully be sorted out either very soon or at the latest by 2003?

Click Here For Star Wars POWER OF THE JEDI 2001

Click Here For Star Wars POWER OF THE JEDI Toy Fair 2001 Previews!