CLASSIC STAR WARS TOY RETURN FOR MAY THE FOURTH

Darth Vader Helmet

Toy giant Hasbro have announced an absolute Death Star’s worth of new toys for the discerning Star Wars fan.

The new range kicks off with the Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Vader Premium Electronic Helmet . Described as a roleplay item, this helmet comes with a stand for when you’re not wearing it. (Such as when you pop to the shops). It includes iconic ventilation sounds and everything clicks together via magnets.

 

Speaking of roleplay items, the Star Wars: The Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi Force Fx Elite Lightsaber combines advanced LEDs and entertainment-inspired lightsaber sound effects

The real metal hilt features design and deco based on OBI-WAN KENOBI’s iconic Lightsaber featured in the STAR WARS: OBI-WAN KENOBI series. Use the switch and button on the hilt to activate entertainment-inspired sound effects, progressive ignition, battle clash effect, duel effect, and battle sequence mode.

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Old school fans may want to check out the Star Wars:Retro Collection Star Wars: A New Hope Collectible Multipack  

 Inspired by the original 1970s Kenner STAR WARS action figures, this STAR WARS: RETRO COLLECTION STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE COLLECTIBLE MULTIPACK is inspired by the characters in the classic movie, STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE. The multipack features 3.75-inch-scale Retro Collection figures from iconic Star Wars characters like a Stormtrooper, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and Han Solo. Fans and collectors can display these figures, with five points of articulation, in their action figure and vehicle collection. Includes 6 figures and 6 entertainment-inspired accessories.

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Fans of The Mandalorian (and cool robots) may want to check out the Star Wars: The Black Series 6-Inch New Republic Security Droid Figure .

The New Republic used these security droids for protection and combat, including aboard high-security correctional transports like the one the Mandalorian boarded in an effort to rescue the prisoner Qin. 

 Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring poseable head, arms, and legs, as well as premium deco, in their collection. This STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES figure comes with 1 entertainment-inspired accessory. Available for pre-order 5/5 at 6pm BST at Hasbro Pulse UK and all good collector sites. 

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All of these fine toys are available for pre-order now via HASBRO Pulse.

Frank Miller Launches Publishing Banner With New SIN CITY Comic

Frank Miller Presents publishing banner logo

Comic creator Frank Miller is launching his very own publishing banner, simply named Frank Miller Presents; after decades working at DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and more, the writer-artist behind The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City and 300 will serve as president and editor-in-chief of the company, with the goal of creating a line of comics that both captures Miller’s distinctive style and showcases work from a range of talents, THR reports.

Ronin comic artwork by Frank Miller, new launch at Frank Miller Presents

Frank Miller Presents will launch with a new Sin City western comic titled Sin City 1858, a return to the sci-fi samurai Ronin with a six-issue sequel, and two new, original works – Pandora and Ancient Enemies. Dan DiDio, former co-publisher of DC for ten years, has also boarded the venture and will serve as publisher.

As Miller announced in a statement, “investing in artists and the future of comics has always been my one true passion and creative calling. Dan, Silenn [Thomas, COO of FMP] and I couldn’t be more proud to be launching Frank Miller Presents, which will serve as fertile ground for storytellers and new creations. Our focus for this publishing company is to cultivate a fellowship of artists and writers to mentor, collaborate and push forward not only each other but the art form as well.”

The comics are expected to hit the market later this year, both in physical form and digitally.

 

BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES Gets Release Date

Prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes to focus on young Snow. Donald Sutherland stars as 'President Snow' in THE HUNGER GAMES.

The George R. R. Martin novel-sounding Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has an official release date.

The adaptation of the 2020 prequel novel will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who previously helmed the franchise’s Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part One and Mockingjay Part Two. It is now slated to arrive in cinemas on November 17th, 2023.

The announcement came during the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon and was accompanied by a minute-long teaser. The synopsis for the film reads: “In this return to The Hunger Games, years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he is chosen to be a mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.” Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set 64 years prior to the events of Hunger Games, and will explore not only Snow’s origins, but also the early years of the Games.

The screenplay is written by Michael Arndt and Michael Lesslie. The film is still in pre-production, so no casting has yet been announced – now with a confirmed release date however, fans can expect more information to trickle in over the next few months.