Jul30
Star Wars news has been plenty over the past year, with announcements about the latest live-action trilogy directed by J.J. Abrams and the new 3D-animated TV series, Star Wars Rebels, releasing later this year. In order to please eager fans, there was a number of Star Wars-related announcements, exclusives, screenings, and more at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.
One of the biggest Star Wars showings at SDCC this year was the exclusive screening of the first hour-long episode of Star Wars Rebels. The episode, which will air on the Disney Channel this fall, follows the tale of insurgents and their fight against the Galactic Empire, and was accompanied at the SDCC screening by a panel hosted by the executive producers and stars of the show.
Also announced at SDCC is a trio of brand-new comics from Marvel, based on the original Star Wars trilogy! The first comic, simply titled Star Wars, will retell the battle between Luke, Leia, and Han against Darth Vader after the events of Episode IV. The second comic, Star Wars: Darth Vader, will shift perspectives to Vader himself as he attempts to regain control of his forces after his loss in Episode IV. Finally, a five-issue miniseries titled Star Wars: Princess Leia, will focus on the princess and her ordeals throughout the trilogy. These comics are set to begin releasing in January 2015, and will continue throughout the year.
Hot Wheels also partnered up with Star Wars this year to reveal their new line of vehicles and play sets based on the iconic franchise. In order to celebrate the occasion, Hot Wheels even commissioned a life-size, fully operational version of their first vehicle in the series, the Darth Vader Car, which was on display at the event. Other small-scale Hot Wheels vehicles shown off at the event include Chewbacca, R2D2, Luke, Yoda, and a Clone Trooper.
Hasbro’s popular Star Wars Black Series 6″ figures also saw a number of exciting announcements at SDCC. Alongside the appearance of the SDCC-exclusive Jabba the Hutt figure in the Black Series, five brand-new releases in the Black Series were announced and shown at the event: Deluxe Han & Tauntaun set, Luke and Wampa set, TIE Pilot, Han Solo Storm Trooper, and Bounty Hunter Bossk! All of these figures will continue the Black Series trend of releasing screen-accurate renditions of favorite Star Wars characters, with a high amount of articulation and detail.
Sideshow Collectibles also had a number of new and upcoming releases at their booth, in a wide variety of scales and sizes. Ranging from classics like R2-D2 and the Scout Trooper with his Speeder Bike, there were a few surprises such as the new 1:5 scale statues based on the original Star Wars concept art by artist Ralph McQuarrie. There were even life-size statues at the event, showing off characters like Darth Vader, Yoda, Boba Fett, and Han Solo in carbonite!
With so many exciting releases to come for Star Wars, from movies and comics to collectibles, it’s a great time to be a Star Wars fan!
Tags: Black Series, comic book, Exclusive, Hot Wheels, San Diego Comic Con 2014, SDCC, SDCC 2014, Star Wars, Star Wars Rebels, statue, Toy