In addition, an exclusive look at Star Wars: The Acolyte, the upcoming Disney+ series set during the High Republic era, will be part of The Phantom Menace screenings. Finally, those attending will receive a special limited edition poster. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, March 22, at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.
We would be honored if you would join us for this rare opportunity to see Star Wars as it was intended: on the big screen!
This has been a hard few weeks for Star Wars actors. Michael Culver, who played Captain Needa in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, has passed away at the age of 85.
Culver’s agent, Thomas Bowington talked with Skynews today about the actor, and had this to say…
“The part in Star Wars was one of the smallest parts he ever played and became one of the biggest in his life. “He belonged to the backbone of the nation, he wasn’t a star like a Michael Caine, but everything he did was always never less than excellent. “He always delivered. He was one of those classic English character actors who could play anything. “He was really old school, always on time, always committed, always prepared. Totally a professional. The drama was always on stage and on the screen only.” Mr Bowington also touched on Mr Culver’s passion for politics and said that had he not started out in acting, influenced by his father – the late stage actor Ronald Culver – he could have ended up as a politician
In the film, Captain Needa is seen briefly aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Devastator, serving as an officer in the Imperial Navy. Despite his limited role, his distinctive uniform and stern demeanor have made him a memorable figure among fans of the franchise.
Although Captain Needa’s backstory is not explored in detail within the films, his character has been further developed in various expanded universe materials, including novels, comics, and other media. These additional sources provide glimpses into his past and motivations, adding depth to his character and enriching the overall Star Wars mythos.
We at Outer Rim News send our condolences to the family of Michael Culver.
If you are in to high-end Star Wars collecting, then Regal Robot is about to destroy your wallet, but make your Star Wars room even “cooler” than you thought it could be!
Check out all the information about this one from Regal Robot below…
Our new static prop replica of the Wampa™ puppetis the latest addition to our Star Wars™ Archive Collection, a continuation and expansion of our work creating authentic replicas with impeccable lineage.
During the making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ some shots of the Wampa™ were made with a costumed actor, however, the dramatic first close-ups of the creature when it attacks Luke on his Tauntaun were actually achieved with a puppet crafted by legendary creature maker, Phil Tippett!
This new static resin and mixed media bust is a faithful replica of that puppet and was created with a highly detailed laser scan and extensive, hands-on research of the original prop artifact used in the film.
Along with a Signature Edition of just 125 pieces, each of which comes with a plaque hand-signed by Tippett… we’re also offering a very special Legacy Edition which goes beyond a signature edition to provide each owner with a truly unique work-of-art.
Limited to just 100 pieces, each replica in the Legacy Edition will include a premium expanded plaque including a one-of-a-kind Wampa scene sketch hand-drawn by Tippett!
At approximately 13” tall x 19.25” wide (including the oak wood display base), each Wampa is 100% made in the U.S.A. Each resin replica in this edition is meticulously hand assembled and hand painted by the artists in our New York studio, making each a unique tribute to the artistry involved behind the scenes of our favorite films! They’re further enhanced with hand-applied fur, hand-laid hair, custom glass eyes, and the same fur treatment used in the film’s production to simulate ice.
Do not miss this extraordinary opportunity to bring home not just an authentic replica, but also an original work of art with a direct connection to the artists that inspire us!
The Signature Edition will be priced at $2499 and the Legacy Edition $2999. Both editions will be available to order on 2/20/24 at Noon EST.
Will you be adding this one to your collection? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
When Seth Watkins, creative director at Funko, develops a new design style for a collectibles line, he almost always starts with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca. Even if those characters aren’t on the release slate.
“They each present very different challenges: facial likeness, hands and clothing, hard surfaces and details, and how to stylize hair and fur. I must have drawn these guys a thousand times in a hundred different styles!” he tells StarWars.com. “With these three characters you can answer almost all the questions that need addressing for any other character from any other license.”
It looks like that exercise will finally pay off in a more direct way for Funko’s SODA line, as the galaxy far, far away is set to join the vinyl figure-in-a-can series. First up are two Star Wars icons — including one who isn’t part of Watkins’ design warmups — in Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett, both inspired by their looks in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. You can get a first look below before the figures arrive this month.
Star Wars Boba Fett Vinyl Soda Figure
Your favorite character is joining Funko’s Vinyl Soda line! This Star Wars Boba Fett Vinyl Soda Figure measures approximately 4 1/4-inches tall. Packaged inside a collectible soda can, it includes a “POG” shaped collector card. The limited edition item even includes a chase figure to hunt and collect!
Surprise! Surprise! This very special item might have limited variants randomly inserted throughout the production run. If extra lucky, you could potentially receive one of these highly sought-after ultra-rare collectibles when you order this item! Please note that we cannot accept requests for specific variants upon ordering, nor can we accept returns of opened items. And the item you receive may be slightly different from the standard edition pictured. Some attached images may include a picture of the prized variant.
In case you didn’t know: What is a “chase variant” and why is it so special? Well, variants are slightly different productions made in limited number and inserted into the standard production run. Kind of like a golden ticket, you just never know when you might receive one! These variants are often called chase items because they’re the versions that the most enthusiastic collectors are always chasing after to get. When you purchase multiple units, it can increase your chance of landing one of these popular treasures.
Star Wars Luke Skywalker Vinyl Soda Figure
This Star Wars Luke Skywalker Vinyl Soda Figure measures approximately 4 1/4-inches tall. Packaged inside a collectible soda can, it includes a “POG” shaped collector card. The limited edition item even includes a chase figure to hunt and collect!
Surprise! Surprise! This very special item might have limited variants randomly inserted throughout the production run. If extra lucky, you could potentially receive one of these highly sought-after ultra-rare collectibles when you order this item! Please note that we cannot accept requests for specific variants upon ordering, nor can we accept returns of opened items. And the item you receive may be slightly different from the standard edition pictured. Some attached images may include a picture of the prized variant.
Any/All links on this page are affiliate links of which Outer Rim News receives a small commission from sales, but the price of the item(s) are always the same for you.
About Funko:
Funko was originally conceived by Mike Becker and founded by Frank Malone as a bobbleheads company in 1998 and sold in 2005 to its CEO, Brian Mariotti, who significantly expanded the firm’s licensed lines. In addition to selling millions of its Wacky Wobblers, Funko has delighted the world with a broad range of playable and collectible merchandise that includes such diverse items as plush, Pop! Vinyl figures, vehicles, mugs, water bottles, key chains, lanyards, USB drives, lamps, and headphones inspired by a vast number of films, TV shows, video games, and more.
Hasbro and Amazon sort of stealthy unveiled a brand new Retro Collection exclusive. The new Amazon Exclusive Star Wars Retro Collection Special Bounty Hunters 2-Pack Dengar & IG-88. The 2-pack is priced at $27.99 and is currently up for pre-order with a December 1, 2022 release date.
You can check out all the details below!
Dengar is an effective bounty hunter preferring firepower and destruction to finesse and style. IG-88 is a chrome war droid turned bounty hunter who answered the call to capture the Millennium Falcon. Kids and collectors alike can imagine the biggest battles and missions in the Star Wars saga with figures from Star Wars Retro Collection! With exquisite features and decoration, this series embodies the quality and realism that Star Wars devotees love. Star Wars Retro Collection includes figures from the 40-plus-year legacy of the Star Wars Galaxy, including movies and live-action series. (Additional products each sold separately. Subject to availability.) The 3.75-inch-scale Retro Collection figure is detailed to look like the Dengar and IG-88 (Bounty Hunter) characters from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes classic movie, featuring design and detailing inspired by 1970s Star Wars figures.
Star Wars Retro Collection Special Bounty Hunters 2-Pack Dengar & IG-88
Note: If you purchase one of the awesome products featured above, we may earn a small commission from the retailer. Thank you for your support.
About Hasbro:
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for all children, fans, and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS.
The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute.
In Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Darth Vader attempted to convert Luke Skywalker™ to the dark side by luring the young Skywalker into a trap in the Cloud City of Bespin. In the midst of a fierce lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces the startling revelation that the evil Vader is in fact his father, Anakin Skywalker…
In celebrating Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th anniversary, Hot Toys is excited to introduce a series of throwback collectibles based on this iconic film! Today, Hot Toys is pleased to re-introduce the highly popular 1/6th scale Darth Vader Collectible Figure with a specially designed retro style packaging!
The highly-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted featuring a skillfully crafted Darth Vader helmet with complex interior mechanical details and the back of Lord Vader’s battle damaged head, highly detailed Darth Vader armor and sophisticatedly tailored body suit, LED light-up chest panel and belt, an LED light-up lightsaber, and a Cloud City theme diorama figure base!
Embrace the 40 year legacy of this cinematic masterpiece and don’t miss out on this stunning Darth Vader collectible figure for your The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Collection!
The 1/6th scale Darth Vader™ Collectible Figure (The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Collection) specially features:
Authentic and detailed likeness of Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
Specially crafted helmet with detachable outer helmet to reveal the back of Darth Vader’s battle damaged head
Specialized body with over 30 points of articulations
Approximately 35 cm tall
Nine (9) pieces of interchangeable gloved hands including:
One (1) pair of lightsaber holding hands
One (1) pair of hands for holding belt boxes
Four (4) pieces of gesture hands
One (1) piece of Force-using right hand
Special package design with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary logo
Costume:
One (1) Darth Vader armor and suit
One (1) black cape
One (1) chest panel with LED light-up function (red light, battery operated)
One (1) system function belt with LED light-up function (white light, battery operated)
One (1) pair of black boots
Weapons:
One (1) LED-lighted red lightsaber (red light, battery operated)
One (1) lightsaber hilt
One (1) red-colored lightsaber blade in motion (attachable to the hilt)
Accessory:
A Cloud City theme LED-lighted diorama figure base (yellow light, battery operated)
Artists:
Head Sculpted by GOX & Viva Lai
Head Painted by JC. Hong
Head Art Directed by JC. Hong
Release date: Approximately Q3 – Q4, 2020
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different **Battery included for collectible figure, button cells are required **Batteries are not included for the diorama figure base, 3A batteries (3 pieces) are required **Product details are subject to change without further notice
Based in Hong Kong, Hot Toys Limited is a production company specializing in sixth scale collectible figures featuring actual likenesses of film based characters including Batman, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Avengers,and more. Sideshow Collectibles is the official distributor of Hot Toys figures in the US, North and South America, Europe, Australia and select Asian countries.
LEGO will be offering the 40333 Battle of Hoth – 20th Anniversary Edition set to LEGO.com visitors on May the Fourth (actually between May 3rd – 6th, but you get the picture), that purchase at least $75 worth of qualifying LEGO product.
This set features 195 pieces in an artfully smaller scale than we normally see from LEGO. However, it is a little something they cooked up to show appreciation to fans who visit them and make purchases during the specified time frame. The set comes with a base, shield generator, two Snowspeeders and an AT-AT walker.
For the most part, if you wanted to build this set without purchasing, if it is like other LEGO sets, you will be able to find the instructions at the LEGO Customer Service portal soon. Just a quick glance reveals that the only two parts you will not be able to purchase (without buying this set), would be the printed front face of the AT-AT, and the 20th Anniversary plate on the front of the base.
Check out the official images provided below.
LEGO Battle of Hoth – 20th Anniversary Edition (Box Front)
LEGO Battle of Hoth – 20th Anniversary Edition (Box Back)
LEGO Battle of Hoth – 20th Anniversary Edition (Build Front)
LEGO Battle of Hoth – 20th Anniversary Edition (Box Top)
About LEGO:
LEGO is a line of building toys manufactured by the Lego Group, a privately held company based in Denmark. The company’s flagship product, commonly referred to as “LEGO bricks,” consists of colorful interlocking plastic bricks and an accompanying array of gears, mini-figures, and various other parts. There are other LEGO pieces that can be assembled and connected in many ways to construct such objects as vehicles, buildings, and even working robots.
Last week Hasbro Pulse opened voting for their upcoming The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary 6″ Black Series figure. This figure would be chosen by the fans through a series of voting rounds, with the top 10 figures being put up for a final vote on Hasbro Pulse’s Instagram page.
The final ten figures included:
Lobot
2-1B
Hoth Rebel Soldier
Willrow Hood (Bespin guy with an ice cream maker)
Wedge Antilles
Princess Leia (Bespin)
Luke Skywalker (Dagobah)
Ugnaught
Imperial Probe Droid
FX-7
I voted for Willrow Hood, but the ultimate choice went to #7 on the list, Luke Skywalker (Dagobah). Sorry Willrow, but you and your ice cream maker will make it one day. Check out the official Instagram post with the winner below!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_qODbFbK1/
About Hasbro:
Collectors and fans of every kind appreciate the eye for quality that can be found in Hasbro toys and collectibles. That’s why we at Entertainment Earth are proud of the selection of Hasbro products that we bring you every day. As one of the premier toy makers of all time, their toy lines have only gotten better over the years. If you’re looking for Star Wars, Transformers, or Marvel, you’ll find a great selection of Hasbro action figures right here. And if action figures aren’t your thing, then don’t worry, because that’s just the beginning of what Hasbro has to offer. This is one company that considers everyone their audience. From the greatest board games to some of the world’s favorite Hasbro dolls, including the Baby Alive line, we’ve assembled a great selection.
Hasbro Pulse has posted the top 10 finalist for inclusion in their voting process to determine the Star Wars: The Black Series 6″ figure that will get made for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary, on their official Instagram page.
You can currently cast your vote for one of the following:
Lobot
2-1B
Hoth Rebel Soldier
Willrow Hood (Bespin guy with an ice cream maker)
Wedge Antilles
Princess Leia (Bespin)
Luke Skywalker (Dagobah)
Ugnaught
Imperial Probe Droid
FX-7
Voting should remain open until Friday, March 8. You can currently click here to place your vote for the figure you would like to see made.
About Hasbro:
Collectors and fans of every kind appreciate the eye for quality that can be found in Hasbro toys and collectibles. That’s why we at Entertainment Earth are proud of the selection of Hasbro products that we bring you every day. As one of the premier toy makers of all time, their toy lines have only gotten better over the years. If you’re looking for Star Wars, Transformers, or Marvel, you’ll find a great selection of Hasbro action figures right here. And if action figures aren’t your thing, then don’t worry, because that’s just the beginning of what Hasbro has to offer. This is one company that considers everyone their audience. From the greatest board games to some of the world’s favorite Hasbro dolls, including the Baby Alive line, we’ve assembled a great selection.
IDW Publishing is doing a fantastic job with their Star Wars license, providing a young audience with unique stories and and more youthful take on a galaxy far, far away. Wednesday, you will have the opportunity to purchase a new version of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes back, when IDW releases their young audience take on the film in comic book format.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Graphic Novel by IDW Publishing
The book like most comic book adaptations of movies, faithfully follows the film with some of the less important scenes cut for length. My issue with all film adaptations is how quick things move from scene to scene. It doesn’t give the book time to pull you in. This book suffers from some of those same issues, but this is Star Wars so I can’t complain too much, especially when it is so beautiful to look at.
In my opinion the books strength comes in the form of its fantastic artwork. The character designs are faithful to the actors in the film, giving the art an almost caricature type feel. For instance in the image below you can look at General Rieekan and actually see actor Bruce Boa. The art takes Boa’s most prominent features (nose, brow) and exaggerates it to give it that caricature feel.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Graphic Novel by IDW Publishing
The caricature look, hits well on most characters in the book, with a couple of misses. In fact I love it so much that I feel like the artwork alone will be enough to pull in reader in, but I understand that art is very subjective. Art alone is not enough to make this a successful book.
Writer Alessandro Ferrari takes the film and does a great job slicing and dicing the story up, into a tale fit for 80 pages of sequential art. Ferrari takes great care in keeping key character moments (such as Han and Leia’s emotional argument in the hallways of Echo Base) that are important to characters arcs for the entire trilogy.
One sacrifice that had to be made was the entire first meeting between Luke and Yoda. In the film, this was a humorous first look at the Jedi Master that was secretly testing Luke from the first moment they met. Yoda’s offbeat wackiness in the film, setup a nice surprise moment for Luke, that is totally missing from the book. While it wasn’t overly important for the purpose of this adaptation, it was one of my favorite memories from the film.
The book skips over this scene entirely and instead gives us Luke standing on his sinking X-Wing fighter turning to see Yoda, and then it is off to Jedi training for him. There are several instances like this throughout the graphic novel, but it is entirely understandable why sacrifices had to be made.
Ultimately, this book is about giving young readers a chance to read about Star Wars, or introduce them to a movie that holds a special place in many people’s hearts. It is easily digestible (took me about 15 minutes to read), so a younger reader should be able to get through it in about 30 minutes or so.
This would also be a great opportunity for parents to read to their kids. The story along with the images should captivate most kids and help their imaginations run wild with excitement.
While it had to sacrifice some scenes for sake of page count, this book is an awesome take on my favorite film in the sage Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Check out all the details below, and go pick up a copy for yourself and your kids this Wednesday at your local comic shop!
The Smuggler’s Bounty Star Wars Jabba’s Skiff box has officially closed, and you can expect them to start showing up on doorsteps soon. Since that box has officially closed, it is time for Funko to announce their next box. The new box is sure to be a favorite of fans of The Empire Strikes Back!. Get ready to welcome the Smuggler’s Bounty Dagobah box.
Take a trip to the Sluis sector of the Outer Rim territories with the Dagobah Star Wars Smuggler’s Bounty box. Stroll across the planet’s swamp-covered surface, pay a visit to Jedi Grand Master Yoga or watch Luke Skywalker grow stronger in the force but make sure to avoid the swamp slugs.
You can currently pre-order this box exclusively at Amazon.com! What do you expect to be in the box? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
Each box costs just $29.99. Contents include:
Box contents change with every theme and may not include a t-shirt
3 to 6 collectibles in every box, including an exclusive vinyl Pop!
Different Star Wars characters featured in every bi-monthly box
Thoughtfully curated boxes by fans for fans
Limited to 3 boxes per customer.
Note: If you purchase one of the awesome products featured above, we earn a small commission from the retailer. Thank you for your support.
About Funko:
Funko was originally conceived by Mike Becker and founded by Frank Malone as a bobbleheads company in 1998 and sold in 2005 to its CEO, Brian Mariotti, who significantly expanded the firm’s licensed lines. In addition to selling millions of its Wacky Wobblers, Funko has delighted the world with a broad range of playable and collectible merchandise that includes such diverse items as plush, Pop! Vinyl figures, vehicles, mugs, water bottles, key chains, lanyards, USB drives, lamps, and headphones inspired by a vast number of films, TV shows, video games, and more.
Disney’s Vinylmation Series 4 Star Wars figures is based on characters from Star Wars Episode IV: The Empire Strikes Back. Each box contains one random figure figure from the series, including rare variants. In this particular box, I pulled a Luke Skywalker in Hoth outfit. Checkout the images below for a detailed look at the figure.
UPC / Barcode: 463877887462 MSRP: $12.95 Release Date: May 2014
Star Wars Disney Vinylmations
Star Wars Disney Vinylmations are a popular line of collectible vinyl figures produced by Disney, blending the magic of the Star Wars universe with the signature Mickey Mouse-shaped design of Vinylmation. These 3-inch and 9-inch figures are creatively crafted, featuring iconic Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and even droids like R2-D2 and BB-8, all reimagined within the distinctive Mickey silhouette. Released in themed series and often available as blind boxes, these collectibles are highly sought after by both Disney and Star Wars enthusiasts for their artistic designs and limited-edition releases. Over the years, special series have been introduced to celebrate various movies, anniversaries, and events, making them a unique fusion of two beloved franchises. Whether displayed in collections or traded among fans, Star Wars Vinylmations remain a testament to the enduring legacy of the galaxy far, far away.
