Coming out of San Diego Comic Con, there was a rumor swirling that JJ Abrams was dropping out Episode VII.  For several reasons, we were skeptical and decided not to post information about it.  In the event that you heard this rumor, you will be happy to know that it has been debunked.

Our own Darth Mire had an interesting find at this local Walmart.  It’s likely a return, but bizarre nonetheless.

Did you ever wonder what a ranking list of the best figures from The Vintage Collection would look like? Wonder no more. We have been invited by Jedi Temple Archives to be part of the panel for their “A Digested Look at The Vintage Collection” special report alongside many other fan sites to rank what figures from this collection are the absolute cream of the crop. We also are joined by three special guests from the Hasbro Star Wars team which makes this an unprecedented event. See what figures made the final ranking and compare the panel’s picks and how they differ next to the Hasbro team’s choices. The Special Report also gives warm tribute to The Vintage Collection in a general retrospective manner. There are even some special “gifts” for readers to take away from it.

Our friends at Jedi Temple Archives have teased something as coming soon (8 AM tomorrow morning).  Based on the font selected, I’d have to guess it’s Vintage Collection related which is how I’ve categorized this,

They staff here at Bantha Skull has been discussing what was shown by Hasbro at San Diego Comic Con 2013 and we have the following wrap-up report:

Dear Hasbro,

Please be forewarned that if your Angry Birds presentation at Toy Fair 2014 lasts more than 60 seconds, I will organize a mass walk out.  While I can appreciate that this is apparently a great success for you, know that most collectors are not your audience.  Most collectors would sooner set fire to an Angry Bird toy than purchase it.  Fan sites will use our resources to promote this product within reason out of gratitude to the access you grant us, but please appreciate that this has limits.  Also please be aware of how divisive this particular product is with the collector community and don’t waste our time with things that engender nerd rage.

Respectfully and sincerely,
Chris Swanski
One of your biggest and most loyal fans of the action figure line

The Vintage Collection Slave I is now listed on Amazon for $70.36 down from $99.99.  If you didn’t order before, now is the time.  If you’re like me and pre-ordered, you need to check your order status.  In a first for me on Amazon, my pre-order price did not automatically adjust in accordance with their pre-order price guarantee.  But after a polite two minute chat with Amazon customer service, I received a price adjustment.

Update: Now it’s down to a normal American price of $69.99.

Not to be outdone, our friends at Galactic Hunter have the bases covered too.

Can’t make it to San Diego (like us) or are a hopeless agoraphobe? No worries.  Rebelscum is cranking out the galleries from the floor at San Diego Comic Con 2013.

Arnie from Star Wars Action News drops some news that will be sure to interest our European readership (and we genuinely have some!).

At Star Wars Celebration Europe 2 the most rare items won’t be on the show floor, they’ll only be available AFTER DARK.  The CE2 Collecting Track is excited to announce Collecting After Dark, a Star Wars Collector’s Swap Meet where fans from across the globe can come to trade their Star Wars goods.  Bring your items to sell or trade or add some new stuff to your collection.  From new to vintage, rare prototypes and more, you never know what you’ll find After Dark!  So join us Saturday, July 27, 11:00 PM at the Atlantic Congress Hotel, just half a mile from the convention center. 

The Swap Meet at Star Wars Celebration VI was the spot for collectors to obtain new gems, so don’t miss out in Collecting After Dark at CE2!

Tired of looking at Black Series repacks and retools and characters that have been done to death?  Well Volerk C once again has your cure.  He’s posted the other three new figures from wave 2.  Head over to check out Mara Jade, Pablo-Jill and Luminara Unduli. 

This is all grand, but SDCC better show a new OT figure or I’m going to spit.

Vokerc of Star Wars Figuren has posted visual confirmation of the upcoming Black Series Stormtrooper.  It’s number 13 in the collection, but number 1 in your hearts.

UPDATE:  They added a pic of the 41st Elite Corps Clone Trooper and Episode II R2-D2

For your reading and viewing pleasure, check out our review and full gallery of TBS6 - Darth Maul

Volkerc continues to break news left and right.  I honestly forgot this was coming in the Vintage Collection.  This is getting expensive.

A friendly reminder that the Keepsake Ornament Premiere is tomorrow, July 13th, at your local Hallmark Gold Crown store.  In addition to the limited edition Leia in Boussh disguise ornament pictured below, there is also the very cool At Jabba’s Mercy ornament as well as two other Return of the Jedi themed ornaments.  Unlike Habro, it’s clear that Hallmark has the decency to honor the thirtieth anniversary of ROTJ.