Fight like a Jedi at Comic-Con

24 MAY 2016

Here's an event that separates the nerds from the imposters: Underground Lightsaber Fighters Battle. Yes, it's just what it sounds like: "ULF is San Diego's largest monthly Lightsaber gathering. Every month we hold a tournament for serious fighters and provide a fun place for the whole family and all Star Wars fans to enjoy themselves."

They are holding an epic battle on Saturday night, 23 July, during SDCC in Balboa Park - and yes, you as a Comic-Con attendee are invited to attend. It's free to spectate, but there is an entry fee for the official tournament; however if you just want to fight someone with your light saber, you're encouraged to do that in a non-official capacity as well. Which sounds like a fun Saturday night, if your energy isn't zonked by then after several days of SDCC.

Signups begin in July. If you're interested in fighting, be aware that you'll need more than just a light saber - their page specifies having head and mouth guards, gloves, shoes and groin protectors. Safety first, especially when it comes to Sith lords.

Hello, Stormtroopers

11 JUNE 2015



Remember a few weeks back when photos of a Stormtrooper from China appeared and everyone debated whether it was real or not? Now we have definitively real images of real toys - which Entertainment Weekly misguidedly calls "playthings" - and while they're not offering the A-list toys yet, these are more than enough to get us riled up.

                                                          All images courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

 

An 81-pieced Lego's First Order Stormtrooper. Bad news: this is for display only at SDCC. You can't buy it until the first day of 2016. But the Lego booth will have a life-sized version, so there's one good Star Wars photo op.

Then we have a Stormtrooper-inspired Hot Wheels toy. And no, you're not too old to race this around the floor of your hotel room.

Then we have this pretty thing: a First Order Stormtrooper in SDCC-exclusive packaging, which of course makes it five times as cool as the regular packaging it'll have in stores.


I think we can all tell that the Star Wars collectibles alone are going to empty our wallets next month.

Stars Wars is ready to dazzle you at Comic-Con

10 JUNE 2015

Virtual reality duels with Yoda. Sneak peeks at The Force Awakens and new collectibles. Impersonating Darth Maul. We finally know what Star Wars beauty is coming our way in a few weeks and it all looks incredible.

Clear your Comic-Con Friday and be ready for the Force to awaken.


Star Wars Panels

Obviously the big one is the Hall H panel with JJ Abrams and "special guests" on Friday. You'll get a "special look" - as in, footage that will probably have everyone on the edge of their seats.

We'll also have a two-part Star Wars Publishing panel in room 7AB from 10 am - noon. "New Star Wars retellings for a younger generation of fans."

Following that at noon in the same room, we'll have Hasbro Star Wars - a panel that hints at "a special product reveal."

That's followed with a Star Wars Collectibles Update at 1 pm and then Industrial Light and Magic 40th anniversary panel at 2 pm. We're still in 7 AB for this one.

We'll also get a Disney Infinity 3.0 edition panel.


Disney and Star Wars Activities

"For the first time, Star Wars joins forces with characters from across The Walt Disney Company in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition – the next chapter in the best-selling hybrid toy/video game series." That means you can visit the Disney Infinity Pop-Up Shop, located in the Gaslamp District, and play as Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul or other Star Wars characters.

 

 

You can also enter the “Disney Infinity Only in the Toy Box” mediated reality experience, where you'll virtually enter the Toy Box and interact with Disney Infinity characters "such as engaging in lightsaber duels with Darth Vader or Yoda." You get a customized photo and video with your chosen character. 

 

They'll also have a Toy Box TV Live Edition webcast on Twitch featuring new announcements, surprise guests, contests with prizes, and exclusive giveaways. 

 

 

And this isn't everything. More Star Wars announcement will roll out over the next days and weeks. How excited are you?

 

 

Want to win an autographed Star Wars photo?

2 JUNE 2015

Of course you do. It was signed by the original 1977 stars - that would be Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Peter Mayhew - and it's worth 1,000. But of course the coolness of it is what matters. It's a Star Wars photo signed by Chewbacca's hairy paw! And the signatures have been certified authentic by PSA - which, if you didn't know, is the world's largest trading card, autograph and memorabilia authentication, grading and certification service.

You can enter the contest online now. The drawing will happen at PSA booth #5617 at San Diego Comic-Con. You don't have to be present for the drawing, but you'll want to swing by the booth anyhow since you'll get a free PSA-certified Star Wars trading card and a complimentary special edition of SMR magazine with stories about Star Wars collectibles. Authentication experts will also be at the show every day to provide autograph certification services.

 

 

Pro-tip - while the official programming will start being published in late June, now is a good time to start making a list of all the booths & vendors you want to visit. Sometimes you see a collectible or gizmo that is so up your alley you're convinced you'll remember it once you're there - but in fact the Exhibit Hall tends to blow all months-old information right out of your mind with its bombast and glory. Even if you're not a list person, it's a good idea to track somehow the announcements and products that matter to you.

Star Wars Breakfast returns

26 MAY 2015




Now this feels like San Diego Comic-Con.  Star Wars Action News and Rancho Obi-Wan are bringing you the 5th annual Star Wars Breakfast at Comic-Con. 

You can't just roll up to this; you have to buy a ticket and and those tickets will go fast. Within a week of ticket sales closing, you'll get an email with your confirmation number - which you'll need to bring to the breakfast check-in. "If you forget your number the day of the event, you will be asked to step out of the line and allowed to check in after all guests with their confirmation numbers have been granted entry." Yes, it's that formal.

But it's worth it. Door prizes will be handed out, Star Wars fandom will reach a fever pitch over your omelets and mimosas, and a memorable time will be had by all. How do I know this? Because it's a super popular event and everyone loves it - and of all years, this is the year to go.

What: Star Wars Breakfast

When: Friday, 10 July at 7:30 am

Where: Edgewater Grill in Seaport Village

Cost: $40 - $15 is a donation to Rancho Obi-Wan paid in advance and $25 is for the actual breakfast, which you'll pay that morning to Edgewater Grill


First-timers, this is not far at all from the convention center. So even if 7:30 sounds a little early, consider going - this could end up being one of your favorite events if you're a serious Star Wars lover.

Be a dog's hero at Comic Con

9 JULY 2009

If your Comic Con fantasies involving meeting Darth Vader and saving shelter animals, clear your calendar for Friday evening. The Hotel Indigo is hosting the Petco Star Wars Day Yappy Hour on 19 July. 

You can get a look at Petco's upcoming launch of their exclusive Star Wars Pet Fans collection of pet toys and apparel, mingle with Darth Vader, Chewbacca and other favorites, and help adoptable shelter dogs from the San Diego Humane Society find forever homes. 

Both you AND your dog are invited to experience:

• The Star Wars Photo Experience for people and pets
• Movie caricatures drawn of both of you
• Complimentary treats and giveaways
• A chance to win items from Petco's Star Wars Pet Fans collection.

Anyone dressed in Stars Wars finery gets a complimentary cocktail. The humans do, anyway - I'm assuming dogs dressed in Slave Leia costumes get extra treats.

Where: Hotel Indigo at 509 9th Ave.

When: Friday, July 19 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.