droolicious : star wars

Star Wars: The Essential Atlas Arriving in August

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Your kids know the planets well enough to make the jump to hyperspace in their sleep, but how well do they understand the geography, astronomy and political lines behind the Star Wars universe? When Star Wars: The Essential Atlas arrives in mid-August, it should help to fill in any such blanks -- because, you know, you've got to study something when school lets out.

Covering the most obscure corners of the Star Wars canon (as well as the big, famous adventures we all know and love), Star Wars: The Essential Atlas fills its 256 pages with maps, charts, data and facts galore on everything from the films to their book, comic and video-game spinoffs. Admittedly, I haven't actually seen a copy yet, but if Father's Day were a few months later, I know what'd be topping my list.

Preoder yours -- I mean your kids' -- copy now for $19.80 from Amazon, and save 34% off the $30 list price.

Darth Vader Bust Bank: Ominous Theme Music Not Included

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

There's no dark side to saving money -- well, okay, when you're plugging your loose change into a Darth Vader bust bank, maybe there is. Featuring a detachable lightsaber blade, the 10.75" high Sith lord is ready to be your personal savings & loan representative. Just pull the plug on the bank's underside when you want to make a withdrawal, but proceed with caution, young Jedi: Vader doesn't take kindly to frivolous spending.

$15 from ThinkGeek.

Star Wars Organic T-Shirts Use Force Power to Plant Trees

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

This environmentally aware Darth Vader tee ($22.50) is just one of the cheeky Star Wars "organic" designs Zazzle is promoting in advance of Earth Day, but the real green action behind the shirts comes after you've exited the store. For every Star Wars shirt you buy, Zazzle will plant a tree via American Forests. Just enter code PLANTATREE09 at checkout, and don't forget: These come in grown-up sizes, too.

Star Wars Force FX Lightsaber: a Gift Fit for Luke Skywalker

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Unlike the lightsaber USB desk lamp we featured the other day, the Star Wars Force FX Lightsaber is ready for battle -- and it's got way more realistic (fictionally speaking) features than those plastic versions you're probably used to seeing.

Of course, it's also 100 bucks, so your call whether the kids have earned the right to experience those familiar hums, crashes and glows in movie-style accuracy.

$99.99 from ThinkGeek.

Tauntaun Sleeping Bag: And I Thought They Felt Cozy On The Outside

Chris Ford — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT

April Fool's Day has come and gone, and in it's wake we might just have the coolest kid's product I've ever seen. Too bad it's fake (for now at least).

Apparently every April Fool's Day online nerd product purveyor ThinkGeek comes out with a list of fake products, and at the top of the list this year was this fake sleeping bag for kids in the shape of a Tauntaun from The Empire Strikes Back. For those that don't remember (and at the risk of letting my geek-flag fly) - the Tauntaun is what Han Solo puts the nearly frozen Luke Skywalker in to keep him warm over night. While they're on the ice planet Hoth. After the Tauntaun dies from exhaustion. Before the Empire finds them.

Well, this idea has had such a tremendous positive response, ThinkGeek is now taking names from interested buyers in the hopes that they can one day bring this to market. I for one am sure hoping they do.

(Oh, and if you haven't noticed yet, check out the pattern of the lining).

Tauntaun Sleeping Bag, ThinkGeek.com (via The Consumerist).

Got $3,500 and a Star Wars Fixation? Relive Your Childhood Here

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Being the father of three Star Wars-obsessed boys, I'll always regret giving away my own Episode IV-VI action figures before the kids came along. And while I'm not suggesting a $3,500 toy purchase is particularly sane in any economy, if you've got the loot and are similarly nostalgic, this complete set of vintage Star Wars figures has your disposable income written all over it.

My personal favorites from The Empire Strikes Back are pictured here, but the 79-piece set also includes complete lots for A New Hope and Return of the Jedi, all graded AFA 85 (near-mint, for those of you not down with toy-collector lingo) and ready for your shelf.

Give into your nostalgia and figure out a payment plan at Brian's Toys. [Wookiee-sized hat tip to Uncrate]

First Look: Star Wars Starfighter Kites

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Sailing a kite through the park is probably the last thing on your mind this time of year, but that's OK: These Star Wars Starfighter Kites from JAKKS Pacific (which, between you and me, kinda look like they'd fold on the actual jump to hyperspace) won't hit stores until early April.

Beautifully detailed, the ships are ready for you and the kids to stage the climactic Death Star battle: Choose wisely, young Skywalker, from Luke's X-Wing, Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, or Han and Chewie's Millennium Falcon -- and may the wind force be with you.

$39.99 (preorder) from ThinkGeek.

Because We All Have $430 to Drop On a Clone Trooper Helmet

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Couldn't score one of those elusive Clone Trooper Helmet toys at Christmastime? Blow it out of the water with this limited-edition fiberglass Attack of the Clones Clone Captain Helmet, up now for preorder at StarWarsShop.com. Sure, it'll cost you $400 more than the plastic toy those commoners are wearing, but you'll be one of just 400 geeks worldwide to have one. [eFx Collectibles]

Mind-Controlled Games: The Force May Be With You This Fall

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:30:00 GMT

You won't be able to whack it with a lightsaber (yet), but when Uncle Milton Industries' Jedi Force Trainer hits stores this fall, you will be able to use the toy to flex your real-life Star Wars muscles. And you literally won't need to lift a finger to do it.

To play, you strap on a wireless headset that transmits to the toy's remote tower and converts your brain waves into action (much like a grade-school version of an EEG). Eventually, just like Luke Skywalker did under Obi-Wan and Yoda's tutelage, you learn to harness the "force" within your noggin enough to make the tower's sphere move up and down inside its clear plastic tube. Sounds fun, if only for a moment -- we imagine the novelty could wear off rather quickly.

Mattel also plans to roll out its version of the same technology in an upcoming game called Mind Flex. In this one, however, you focus your brain waves on a tiny fan that moves a ball through a tabletop obstacle course. Look for it this fall, priced at around $80, while the Jedi Force Trainer is estimated to come in somewhere between $90 and $100.

Both games are the latest announcements in what seems to be a growing mind-control gaming trend -- check out Engadget's coverage of the similar (if higher-tech) gizmos Mindset and Epoc for the skinny on those. [USA Today, Engadget]

Ultimate Sled for the Star Wars-Loving Kid

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT

It may not take your kids into hyperspace, but this Millennium Falcon sled will make 'em the envy of their Star Wars-loving friends. Recommended for ages 6 and up -- and as of now only available for preorders.

$34.99 from Amazon.

Star Wars Clone Trooper Helmet Still Flying Off Shelves

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Getting little kids to go nuts over talking Star Wars merchandise is like shooting fish in a barrel, but there are a few good reasons Hasbro's Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet is topping so many "hot toy" lists this season.

For one, it's durable -- so much so that your littlest Clone may reel from the sheer weight when he or she dons the thing. But if you've experienced either the lesser Clone helmets that cover just kids' faces or the cheapo, rubber-band-backed Halloween masks that always seem to break within minutes, you'll understand why bulk makes the difference.

Once you get the helmet adjusted -- and for anyone under 10, unless they've got an especially large noggin, you'll need to work with the fittings a bit -- the voice-changing feature adds a nice bit of realism to the experience. If you're familiar with The Clone Wars, you'll realize the term "voice-changing" is a bit of a stretch, but from a kid's perspective, the walkie-talkie-style effects that leave them sounding like Commander Cody and his comrades will invite hours of imaginative play.

$30.93 (regularly $36.99) from Amazon.

LEGO MagnaGuard Starfighter No Longer Just a Clone Wars Extra

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:04:00 GMT

The actual MagnaGuard Starfighter, which transports General Grievous' ultra-nasty Magna Droids around the Star Wars galaxy, is a bit player at best in the Clone Wars series. But LEGO's version of the ship, a 431-piece creation aimed at ages 8 and up, officially bumps the MagnaGuard Starfighter into A-list territory.

The set includes two Magna Droid minifigures (pictured), whose shapes, capes and electronic-Q-Tip-styled weapons allow for nice twists on the typical minifig (even droid minifig) design. As for the MagnaGuard Starfighter itself, it has several cool features -- hidden missiles, a flip-open cockpit, and pop-up launchers on either side -- that'll allow the kids to do more than simply set the ship on a shelf for display when they're done building it.

Primarily because of the number of pieces and the somewhat advanced wing assemblies, the ship can be a little daunting for inexperienced builders to put together. If your kids are old pros at building mid-sized LEGO vehicles, however, they should have no trouble completing this one without Mom's or Dad's help.

$44.99 from the LEGO Shop.

Stop Wars: The Tee

Erin Behan — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:22:00 GMT

Given the popularity of my Star Wars election post, I thought Droolicious readers might equally appreciate this riff on Star Wars, the Stop Wars T-shirt from Clothing of the American Mind. As befits a T-shirt worn to stop wars, a portion of the proceeds go to stop wars and is made in a sweatshop-free environment, printed with soy ink in a solar powered facility on 100 percent organic cotton. Available in 2T, 2T and 6T at Nimli for $32.

At Last, Kids Can Embrace the Dark Side of Their Toast

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:30:00 GMT

While it's never easy to get kids to embrace overdone toast, this Star Wars toaster at least gives you a reason to scorch the old breakfast staple. Bread goes in light but comes out on the Dark Side, thanks to a burner that imprints Darth Vader's mug on each slice.

$54.99 from the Star Wars Shop [Via Gizmo Groove]

An Election Kids Can Get Behind

Erin Behan — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:27:00 GMT

Sure your kid is already sporting an Obama or McCain tee, but there's some more election goodies any kid can get behind: The Star Wars election. The geekier among us (aka those at Comic-Con) probably already knew about this. But those who didn't go (like me) are probably amused to know that some rather well designed paraphanelia for Yoda, Ackbar, Leia and more are all on sale at Zazzle for $4 each. Adults can have fun with the Zazzle tees, but they only come in big sizes (says a little something about who this stuff is really for ...) Save some money when you buy in bulk.

Mark Ecko Star Wars Hoodies' Force Unleashed

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:04:00 GMT

If you like the idea of Marc Ecko's Star Wars Collection but feel a little too old to be seen walking around in Marc Ecko clothing, these hoodies should be just the incentive you need to give in: As un-Ecko-like as they are totally Ecko-like, both the Real Storm Trooper Hoodie ($98, left) and Boba Fett For Real Hoodie ($98, right) somehow manage to be nerdy, cool, ironic and deadly serious all at once. Plus, what other clothing can you and the kid both wear simultaneously (they're available in sizes small through XXXL) without inspiring passers-by to roll their eyes?

Unfortunately, both hoodies are currently too popular to be available online until Nov. 30. You can check at either Macy's or an Ecko retail store to see if they're not yet sold out in your area, though. Sure, they're pricey, but when you consider how well they double as Halloween costumes, it cushions the blow a little.

Spike, Barbie, TAG and Gazillion-Selling New Star Wars Game Top TRU's 2008 Hot List

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:50:00 GMT

Toys"R"Us today rolled out its annual Hot Holiday Toys shopping guide, and though we're not sure of the exact scientific process the company used to nail down its picks for this season, the list is looking pretty much like we'd expect: Star Wars, Barbie, LeapFrog and robots of various stripes.

Fisher-Price's big honkin' animatronic beast Spike the Ultra Dinosaur ($139.99; pictured above) heads up this year's list, even if today he doesn't seem to be available online. Check back, though, because Toys"R"Us is throwing in a "buy two, get a third free" deal on all Imaginext (the series for which Spike is the alpha male) toys bought through its site.

Ditto on that deal for Barbie toys: Throw Princess Liana ($24.99) here into your online cart, add a friend, and you can pick up a third Barbie free.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed ($49.99), the Clone Wars-clobberin' new adventure that's already sold 1.5 million copies since its release Sept. 16, may not be aimed at the littler gamers in your family, but if you or your older kids haven't yet wielded your Force-lightning as Vader's Secret Apprentice, we guarantee you'll want a copy this season.

And finally, our old friend TAG ($49.99), the newly launched reading system (complete with accompanying book series) from LeapFrog that's like a virtual phonics teacher/video game in pen form, is kicking much behind in the learning-toy category. It's pictured above in a pink version, but if you're looking to go more gender-neutral, there's a green counterpart.

This, of course, is just the start of Toys"R"Us' list this season -- hit up Hot Holiday Toys for a look at everything your little ones will be demanding come December, and in the meantime, let's start talking: Drop us a note in the comments about your own picks for the best toys of '08.

$18K Darth Vader Statue 'Most Impressive,' Indeed

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:04:00 GMT

What to get for the Star Wars kid who has everything? Well, assuming you've got $18,000 that won't be going toward Junior's first semester at Jedi Academy, you could plunk down for this ultra-limited-edition Darth Vader bronze statue by artist and Star Wars superfan Lawrence Noble. Limited to 30 individually numbered pieces worldwide, this 1:2 scale (45") monument to the Sith Lord is the same piece visitors to Lucasfilm headquarters at the Presidio would see upon entering the lobby of the company's Building A.

Standing close to 4 feet tall and weighing in at around 150 pounds, each Vader statue also features its own individualized patina -- although for the price, we'd also like to be able to crack it open to find actor David Prowse inside.

Learn more at StarWarsShop.com.

Retrolicious: Original Star Wars Bedding

Erin Behan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:28:00 GMT

You Star Wars fans will recognize the original vintage pattern in this recently released bedding from Pottery Barn Kids ($14-$109). Yes, despite the inherent nerdiness of Star Wars bedding, it's kinda cool to think that your kids could be sleeping on the same sheets you loved to death (you don't have to tell them you took 'em to college with you). The sheets feature the beloved characters from "Star Wars: A New Hope" including Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO and are printed on soft cotton.

And, if you're in the market for an update to your own Star Wars sheets (this is the summer of the man-child, after all), rest assured that they come in queen size ($109), in addition to full ($89) and twin ($59).

7 Days of Educational Toys: LeapFrog Didj

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:04:00 GMT

It's being promoted as an educational device rather than a Nintendo competitor, but one look at LeapFrog's new Didj Custom Gaming System makes it pretty clear this gadget is aiming to knock that DS Lite out of your grade-schooler's hands.

LeapFrog has traditionally been known for going lighter on graphics, but the Didj makes improvements both visually and educationally: Kids used to higher-end handheld gizmos will feel right at home with the system's high-resolution visuals, and the games' learning functions also aim to keep Mom and Dad in on the experience.

Though there's no wireless element, the Didj's computer connectivity (via an included USB cable) allows you to keep a short leash on how and what your kids are playing. You can choose the math and spelling skills you'd like the games to focus on, create custom spelling lists so Junior can practice for upcoming tests, and go online to track the kids' progress.

The LeapFrog Didj is $89.99, with accessories and games -- including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Indiana Jones, Nancy Drew and SpongeBob Squarepants -- starting at $23.99 each. Visit the LeapFrog store to stock up, and if you buy two or more games before Aug. 31, enter promo code FL8DJA at checkout to knock $10 off your order.

Hot C3P0 action. Turn Your Kid Into a Droid

SunnyChanel — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:43:00 GMT

In second grade, I dressed as Princess Leia for Halloween, one of my first crushes was on Han Solo and I wanted a Wookiee as a family pet. So you might deduce that, yes, I have a big old soft spot for all things Star Wars. When I spied this shirt that can transform my little one into a child/C3P0 hybrid, I knew I had to have it. It goes by the simple name “the Robot Vest”, is 100% cotton, has a distressed finish and comes from a company from the UK called Stardust (It goes for ten pounds which would be twenty dollars and twenty five cents using todays exchange rate.). May the force be with you.

Toy Fair '08: LEGO

editors — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:00:00 GMT

LEGO opened its doors to show us what’s new and exciting, and the company that turned 50 this year just can’t seem to grow up. Pictured above is the newest Duplo set for your smallest LEGO-lovers. The super cute Dino Valley set comes with minifigures dressed in little fur pelts. Other accoutrements in this scene from the ancient world(s) include a hieroglyphic block and mom and baby triceratops. For the older kids and collectors, LEGO is releasing its new Indiana Jones set in conjunction with the much-anticipated movie.

Another exciting development for you hard core ~~geeks~~ collectors, the Star Wars set that coincides with the animated Star Wars TV show coming in August. You saw it here first. Unless you were at the Toy Fair. - April Peveteaux

Got 30+ Snow Days to Kill? Pick Up a LEGO Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:03:00 GMT

If your kids are as LEGO-mad as mine, they've had this 5,195-piece Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon on their wish list for weeks; and, really, considering the thing costs $500, it probably pushes many of our gift-buying limits. If, however, you've got room in the budget and are looking for a 3D alternative to the old thousand-piece puzzle, this beast (the largest LEGO set ever made!) will keep you and the kids occupied for many a snow day.

The nearly three-foot-long Falcon is marked for ages 16 and up, but let's face it: If you've ever struggled to build even smaller sets with your kids, you already know most LEGOs should be labeled similarly. (Heck, knowing a set is secretly meant for you is half the fun of buying it.) It also includes Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia minifigures (pictured below), all of whom can sit in the built-to-scale interior, as well as a removable cockpit cover, working landing gear, an extendable boarding ramp, rotating turrets and radar dishes, and a display card with detailed specifications on Solo and Chewie's famous smuggling ship.

Just be sure you find a place to display the Falcon once it's built: Within five minutes of finishing my son's similarly epic LEGO Star Destroyer this Christmas, I practically wept as the little dude tried to fly the thing and joyfully undid several days' worth of my labor.

Swiss Hot-Steam Humidifier Saves Space, Looks Out of This World

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:03:00 GMT

Here's one for the space-age nursery: Looking like it fell out of the Jawas' Sandcrawler in Star Wars, this compact Swiss humidifier ($100) cooks water to a bacteria-killing level before releasing its healing steam into your room. You can adjust steam (up to two gallons per day) as well as power output (150 to 300 watts), and the handy LED reminder light lets you know when it's time to refill. (If only the cheapo brand in my son's room did the same; turns out the thing's been running on empty since yesterday.) Also available in silver, it measures 10.25" high by 14.25" in diameter to fit nicely atop a nightstand or dresser.

Weird Japanese Kitchen Gadget Lets R2-D2 Dribble Into Your Cup

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:02:00 GMT

Japanese gadget store Strapya World has the best unintentionally funny marketing copy ever, as the site's description of its upcoming R2-D2 Soy Sauce Bottle ($18.47 now; ships in December) makes abundantly unclear: "Ever dreamed to go space journy with your R2?? Unfortunately, such a dream can't be true at the moment. But now this tiny R2D2 can serve you Soy Sauce by your one-hand little move." Well, yeah! But if soy-spitting robots aren't your thing, don't worry: You can also fill R2 with Quik to put a Star Wars-style twist on your kids' chocolate milk, or juice up your morning coffee with syrup from a galaxy far, far away.