What's Better Than Star Wars & Babies?... Uh, Nothing!

JKAGear.com just put out a fantastic article yesterday with baby pics that have a Star Wars theme.  I wanted to share it with the #Forcestrong Network and give you all a warm and fuzzy ;)

They’re innocence and charm is beyond what words can possibly describe. You’d think there would be no better way to capture the purity of a child. That is until Echo Photography and like-minded individuals got the idea to knit Star Wars baby clothing and putting it to work in their photo shoots. These children not only will brighten up your day, but will send joy throughout the galaxy far, far away. These images capture more than just the innocence of sleeping babies, but will also captivate any viewer with their Star Wars theme. Nerd parents everywhere can rejoice, and take note that these are all completely handmade pieces that they can do at home.

Should you want to take on the venture of making these tiny outfits there are how to videos online, and even some YouTube tutorials on how to knit these wonderful pieces of art. The baby photography has captured the internet by storm, and will steal your heart and bring it to a place where Wookiees roam and Jedi rebel against the Evil Empire. I for one will have to enlist some help in making mine for my young padawan and possibly get some professional pictures of my very own.

Source:  See full article >> JKAGear.com

(Spoilers) LEGO Star Wars Shines Light On BB-8's Beeps, Whistles, & More

LEGO Star Wars just came out with a new commercial and in it we hear what BB-8 will actually sound like.  I know we've had trailers and teasers with some noise from the little droid but they only recently decided/revealed his final 'voice'.

From Slashfilm.com: (Spoilers Below)

As you hear in the commercial (via StarWars7News.com), the droid has much more of a whistle sound than the usual beeps and hums that we’ve heard from astromech droids like R2-D2 before. And if you compare the sounds in the commercial to those made during the Celebration appearance earlier this year, there’s a distinct difference. The droid sounds super adorable, and I cant wait to hear how he interacts and shows emotion and expresses himself like R2-D2.
But the question is, why is BB-8 running from Kylo Ren and First Order Stormtroopers in this commercial? Well, we likely know the answer, but if you want to be in the dark for the movie, then don’t read below for fear of spoilers!
Thanks to some of the details revealed on the toys, we know that BB-8 belongs to Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), not REy (Daisy Ridley) as some had assumed. And early on in the film, Dameron comes into possession of Luke/Anakin’s old lightsaber on Jakku and hides it in BB-8.
Therefore, if Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order Stormtroopers are looking for the lightsaber, it would stand to reason that BB-8 is likely on the run from the bad guys to avoid being captured. Presumably, the droid escapes the bad guys, but ends up getting captured by some kind of scavenger, and that’s how Rey comes into contact with the droid (as we’ve seen in a previously released photo). And that’s how Rey ends up in possession of the lightsaber, though as we’ve seen, Finn (John Boyega) ends up using it at some point.

So what do you think of BB-8?  Do you have anything to add to the 'spoilers'? What do you think of these theories? Sound off in comments or in our FB group.

If you are interested in writing for the Forcestrong Network then contact me. -Travis

Artist Spotlight: Outpouring Comics, VODA, Inheritance, And More

My personal piece of Outpouring Comics.
I bought this at WV Pop Con and had it signed by everyone :)

Outpouring Comics started as a couple of friends Role Playing together and creating stories while in college. These stories evolved and two of the Role Players eventually went on to start their own universes, characters, and stories. Both creators brought in a small group to assist in creation and expansion of their universes before bringing any comic to readers eyes. In June 2012 the two universes merged together to bring about the creation of Outpouring Comics.

Jon Miller, CEO.
I met Jon and talked for a long time last weekend.
Very down to earth guy, and someone who you can tell would be fun to hang out with!

Outpouring Comics made their first public appearance debut at Asbury Park Comic Con in April 2014 with the comic VODA #1. It's now on the 3rd issue, you can find them all here.

VODA (Valley of Death Alliance) follows Deadeye as he forms the villainous group and then they exact their revenge on society, the government, and anyone else they can find that have wronged them over the years

Outpouring Comics is one of the fastest growing independent comic book publishers in the industry. They have recently acquired the award winning horror comic book Inheritance!

Stop by the website for more details

If you would like to have your own 'Artist Spotlight' on this blog and across the entire #Forcestrong Network then contact me today.  Each one is customized for your needs. Thanks for stopping by, comment below or visit our group.  -Travis

What Did We Learn From Today's New Trailer?

Forcestrong Editorial:

So I'm sure you've seen the new trailer, if not click below to watch it.

Ok, so let's analyze a little:  Finn is finally shown 'officially' with a lightsaber.  I, for one, tried to tell everyone this after the D23 poster (see below).  I heard every excuse as to why he may have a saber... Can we now agree that he is the Jedi in this flick?  I think so...  It also looks like he's the one who confronts Kylo Ren, wouldn't you say?  Answer in comments or on our FB group.

Ok let's analyze the D23 poster a little more now:  It would appear obvious to me that Han and Finn are on the same team (same side of the poster) and that Kylo is the obvious 'bad guy'.  Now, Rey is the mystery, in my mind.  She's smack dab in the middle of the poster (in between the light and dark side).  My theory is that she will be the "Vader" type character of this trilogy (all my own theories).  Hear me out.  I can see her 'finding' the force, then falling, then coming back for redemption before the end of the trilogy.  And... is it just me or are her eyes black in the above poster?

Sound off in the comments or on our FB group.  Share with your friends and give us your opinion!

The Force Awakens teaser

My Force Strong Fans!!! There has been an awakening, A new Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser has been released! #ForceStrong~#LeAnnaUniverse
Posted by The Force Is Strong With This Page on Thursday, August 27, 2015

Add Your Memories To Star Wars Now!

How would you like to be immortalized as part of the Star Wars galaxy? LucasFilm has partnered up with Target to do just that! Together they have created ShareTheForce.

ShareTheForce is an ever expanding database full of Star Wars fan memories that are uploaded by individuals. They can be a combination of images, phrases, or both. You can use one of the provided templates for text, or delete it and put your own message. Character space is limited so keep your message short or a part of it will get cut off.

Depending on what key words you use, the site will place you in a specific star system within the galaxy. For example, if you use phrases like "Darth" or variations of "Imperial" or "Empire", you might get placed in the Galactic Empire or Darth Vader systems. Using phrases like "Jedi" or "Force" might get you into the Yoda system, and so on.

The systems include Yoda, C3P0, R2D2, Jabba, Dueling Sabers, X-Wings/TIE Fighters, Darth Vader, Stormtoopers, Boba Fett & more!

Although your memory may be placed in one system, you are free to roam other systems and view other people's memories across the galaxy.

Each memory gets it's own specific set of coordinates that you can enter to revisit any time. Once you upload a memory, you will have the option to download a coordinates certificate. The coordinates make it easier to revisit your memories, otherwise you'll have to hunt them down, which is not that bad as you'll get to see others along the way.You can also share those coordinates with friends all over social media!

I've already placed some of my memories to share with you. Most of mine ended up in the Galactic Empire system, while a couple of them made it into the main Star Wars System.

Click HERE to go to the galaxy hub and then enter either of the following coordinates to see my memories. While there, you can click on other memories that are located nearby.

Coordinates:
X:218 Y:840 Z:786

X:661 Y:108 Z:793

X:661 Y: 81  Z:797

From the same galaxy hub, you can click the "+" button to add your own memories! There is no limit as to how many uploads you can have!


ONCE ALL ENTRIES ARE SUBMITTED, LUCASFILM WILL ARCHIVE THEM ALL AND MAKE THEM ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE! 

THERE IS NO DEADLINE CURRENTLY SET, BUT I'M SURE THAT WILL CHANGE. SO IF I WERE YOU I WOULDN'T WAIT!

Check out the video & pictures below:

The main Galaxy hub with coordinate input field & new memory button.

Just outside the Imperial system. Other systems can be seen in the distance.

My memory, along with other fan memories nearby. You can visit them
by clicking the white way point on each memory.

My memory. When you zoom in, it will show whatever I have
written as well as the coordinates and a share button.

For more awesome Star Wars fun, news and entertainment, be sure to visit our FB page and join our FB group!

Source:Adage

Disney To Unwrap 15 Star Wars Toys Ahead of Force Friday

It's a well known fact by now that at the stroke of midnight signifying the end of September 3rd and the beginning of September 4th, toy retailers are going to swing their doors open for countless consumers who would have been waiting all night to get their hands on all the new Star Wars toys from various manufacturers.

What wasn't known until just recently, is that Disney plans to have a GLOBAL UNBOXING EVENT ahead of Force Friday.

This event will take place on September 3rd and be telecast across the world!

UPDATE: Thanks to additional information on StarWars.com, we now know that this will be an 18 hour event. The live stream will be broadcast on the official Star Wars YouTube channel. A YouTube personality will unbox one toy per location.

Schedule posted below:

As you can see above, the first item will be unwrapped in Sydney, Australia, and from there it's a globe-trotting adventure across 13 additional locations including before finaly coming to an end at location 15: LucasFilm Studios in San Francisco, CA.

Funko Toys coming out Sept. 4th!  Forcestrong Original Meme.

The end of the event will signal the beginning of Force Friday when all the toy stores open up their doors to the waiting masses!

Fans are being encouraged to document their experiences and post them online with the hashtag #ForceFriday.

We also encourage you all to post your experiences to our Facebook Page & Facebook Group where we plan on featuring them in a future article! You can use the hashtag #Forcestrong or #ForceFriday. Thanks and share with your friends!



Source: Engadget
Updates: StarWars.com

The Force Is Strong With Thomson Holidays Online Live Chat

In light of the recent data security breach experienced by British travel service Thomson Holiday in which 500 customers had their travel information accidentally revealed, it's nice to hear of a positive experience by one customer on a different matter.

Millie Barton was scheduled to fly out to Greece on vacation and was wondering if her Star Wars suitcase was qualified as a carry-on. She reached out to a customer service rep using the live chat option, where she was greeted by "AJ". What was to be a regular conversation turned into witty banter full of Star Wars references that was shared on Facebook over 3,100 times!

You can see Millie's conversation below:

We hope Millie had a wonderful time in Greece!

Do you have a personal Star Wars experience you'd like to share? Head over to our FB page and FB group for plenty of Star Wars action!

Source: Mirror.co.uk

Moff Tarkin Returns For Rogue One

In what is surely a very controversial move, Star Wars Rogue One will feature Grand Moff Tarkin. Why is this contraversial you ask? Simple.This isn't a look alike actor or an actor with prosthetic facial make up.....it's a full on CGI rendering of Peter Cushing!

A source on the set has revealed that "This is one of the most complex and costly CGI recreations ever". Obviously it would make sense that Moff Tarkin would be around, as he oversaw the construction of the Death Star, but there is also a new angle being introduced to us...

Contrary to what Revenge of the Sith showed us, apparently Moff Tarkin had a pivotal roll in the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. An idea that was never relayed in ROTS, as it was portrayed as a decision by Palpatine alone.

The source goes further and discusses the fact that in A New Hope Peter Cushing was always stationary in his scenes so there is not footage, edited or otherwise, showing what Moff Tarkin's feet look like or how he walked. "They are going through hours and hours of old footage from the horror movies to recreate his legs and feet to produce realistic movements. It is eerie to see someone who has been dead for so long come to life on a screen."

I'm sure some of you will share my sentiments below about this, as Cushing was an amazing actor, and Moff Tarkin was a very unique character that no one could have portrayed as well as Peter Cushing:

This is DANGEROUS territory. In order to preserve the character, they'll have to go above and beyond any CGI project that has been attempted. Not only that, but they'll have to find one hell of a voice actor to fill in for all the dialogue, or face some serious backlash from the fan base.

One person who comes to mind for bringing Tarkin's voice to the screen is Stephen Stanton. He voiced a younger Tarkin in Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series as well as in the new Star Wars Rebels TV series, and I think he could pull off an older version very well.

A side by side of Stephen Stanton & Tarkin from The Clone Wars

Stephen Stanton in costume as a young Tarkin

What do you think of this new development? Do you think Disney will pull this off, or will they put the first mark of imperfection in the return of Star Wars to the big screen?

You can bet there will be discussions about this all over the fan-verse, so why not get in on the action and be a part of one of the largest Star Wars communities on Facebook! Join our FB Group and like our FB page for all sorts of Star Wars news, fun, and all around fandom!

Source: The Guardian

The Skies Are Getting Even Friendlier... For Forcestrong Fans

New R2-D2 and BB-8 Planes

From CNN:

In the latest corporate tie-in to build buzz for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," ANA, Japan's largest airline, announced Tuesday that two more planes will be decorated with characters from the films.

The new "Star Wars"-themed vessels will join the previously announced R2-D2 ANA jet, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bearing the beloved droid's likeness, scheduled to go into service on international routes this fall.

The new "Star Wars" ANA jet will feature R2-D2 on the outside of a Boeing 767-300 with his buddy BB-8, a new droid from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." For now, it is scheduled to start flying domestic Japanese routes in November.

Disney to open 'Star Wars' theme parks

Another vessel, a Boeing 777-300ER featuring the roly-poly BB-8, is scheduled to start serving international routes between Japan and North America in March.

And for the first time ever, these planes will feature all 6 Star Wars movies as the 'in-flight entertainment'!  That in itself should get you in the air ;)

Do you think this is just a temporary fade to push The Force Awakens movie or could it be here to stay?  Sound off on our FB group and make sure you like our page.

Artist Spotlight: Brandon Harrelson aka AirforceB

Completed Kylo Ren piece. Colored pencils on black paper.

Brandon retired from the US Air Force, October 2014 after 20 years of service to our county. That same month he enrolled in the Art Institute of Seattle. Initially he wasn’t sure what path to follow, at first it was Game Art and Design. However, he realized he "didn’t know enough about the gaming world" so he started in Animation and Media Arts.  

After a few quarters he didn’t like the technical side of animating so now he's moving towards concept art. He was able to speak to a concept artist that’s worked on Guardians of the Galaxy and Iron Man 3 and he liked the work Brandon was doing. Brandon had a dream to work in the movie business using his talents and working behind the scenes.  

Stick to your dreams and you can do anything! While he's going to school his awesome wife, Megan, is at home taking care of the kids and supporting him through school.

Enjoy some of his select pieces and contact his page for more.

Warlock character from Destiny.

Ezra Bridger from Star Wars Rebels...looks like another series.

One of my personal favorites  -T

The Forcestrong Network loves shining light on the little guy, artists, authors, fanfic, original content, and more. Contact the page if you are interested in having your own Artist Spotlight here and on my page and group. -T

Kylo Ren: 6 Revelations Raise More Questions

From the first glimpse we got of him as a cloaked character hiking through a snow filled forest with his back to us.....and that loud crackle of a lightsaber spewing raw energy, we were all hooked. We wanted to know "who IS that?"

As time went on, we got to see the face of the actor. Then the mask. Oh that mask....it reminded us of the ancient Sith Acolytes, Darth Revan, and to some extent even Darth Vader. 

Debates about whether or not the cross guard saber was cool or smart faded away as they were replaced with conversations and questions about who Kylo Ren is. Some wondering if he was related to the Skywalker line, or perhaps tracing back to Emperor Palpatine as a clone.

The problem is that with every tidbit that is revealed, more questions arise, adding more mystery to the character. Whether this is by chance or is something orchestrated is irrelevant, because we can all agree that it makes the character that much more intriguing.

Entertainment Weekly spoke with J.J.Abrams to try to get a better understanding of the character, and while some revelations were made...new questions arose that the director would not (thankfully) answer.

Straight from J.J. Abrams, here are 6 things we now know about Kylo Ren:

• He is allied with the First Order. (okay, so that was an obvious fact, but still...)

• He's aware of what happened before his birth (The downfall of Darth Vader), and it plays a major role in the story.

• The movie will explain the origin of his mask...where it came from. (In real life, the design was chosen as a nod to Darth Vader when costume designers were throwing around ideas)

• The cross guard saber was constructed by Kylo himself, without any guidance. It is "as dangerous and as fierce and as ragged as the character" Abrams says. (Okay, but he HAD to have a source for reference, right? That source remains a mystery)

• He might be the anti-Luke of this trilogy. Kylo possibly rose from obscurity, and made his own way. However unlike Luke, his path lead him down a darker road. Abrams said "As you see in storytelling, and no doubt the best of Star Wars, these are tales in which an everyperson has to step up. And I think that what makes Ren so unique is that he isn't as fully formed as when we meet a character such as Darth Vader, and I think that there are two sides to the force.Both sides, agruably, would see themselves as the hero of their story, and I think that applies here".

• Kylo Ren isn't his real name....at least, not the name he was born with. (Wait, what?!? That's not his real name?? Dammit Abrams! Why do you torment us so?!?)

Be sure to join our mailing list for weekly updates on our trending articles. Also check out or FB page and FB group for all things Star Wars!

MTFBWY!

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Disneyland Unveils Star Wars & Marvel Expansion Plans

As if we didn't already know this was going to happen, Disneyland unveiled plans to expand it's attractions to include Star Wars and Marvel. We've all suspected for some time that this would happen, and the recent announcement of a 3 parcel purchase in Anaheim, CA by Disney only strengthened this suspicion. 

Well, Disney Imagineers unveiled concept art and overhead mapping of how they will set forth in making all this magic happen.

Concept art of the common area when entering the Star Wars section at Disneyland CA

Based on the images below, the Star Wars themed area will be in Disneyland, while the Marvel area will be at their California Adventure park. Looks like those park hopper tickets are going to be a necessity if you want to see both "lands".

As you can see in the image above, Disney will be taking a chunk of Frontier land and combine it with 2 of the parcels to expand the north end of the park into the Star Wars themed area. Most of the rides will be inside structures, so you can expect to see Star Tours moved from Tomorrowland into the new section as well. Disney imagineers are sworn to secrecy via disclaimers and contracts as designs will incorporate plots points, locations and characters from all the Star Wars movies. The design phase is going on at a secret location in Glendale, CA.

D23 Expo UPDATE: Disney announced that among the attractions in the new Star Wars theme area, guests will experience flying the Millennium Falcon, and being in the midst of a battle between The First Order and the Resistance.

The Marvel themed area (photo below) will incorporate the 3rd parcel and a good chunk of one of their cast member parking lots located behind the Tower of Terror at Disneyland's California Adventure Park.

It is said that both new "lands" will rely on "trackless car" attractions, but may also include conventional roller coaster style rides as well. To those unfamiliar with the term "trackless car", think Universal Studios Transformer style attractions, but themed for Marvel & Star Wars. The new areas will also include shows, and of course....themed merchandise!

Naturally, both new additions are going to affect the parking situation, so the engineers will have to come up with new parking solutions for the influx of guests as well as the loss of parking real estate from California Adventure. I wouldn't be surprised if they incorporate subterranean parking structures or even a few new multi-level parking structures over their existing single level lots.

Be sure to check back regularly for future updates about this story, and while your at it like and join our FB page and FB group for instant updates about all things Star Wars!

Source: TheMarySue.com

Jawa Sandcrawler Comes To Life!

What's cooler than a Lego Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler? How about a Lego Star Wars Sandcrawler that actually moves!

That's just what two die hard Star Wars and Lego fanatics did! Jarren Harkema and Calvin Hartley of Grand Rapids, Michigan began their friendship at a Lego Robotics Club. Putting their knowledge and love of Lego & Star Wars together, they custom built a Jawa Sandcrawler.

The official Lego Sandcrawler is dwarfed by this 3 foot, 28 pound, 10,000 piece custom build. Using Lego bricks, Lego Technic pieces and other electrical components, they built a working model that has independently powered tracks and powered ramp, Jawa elevator, droid lift and conveyor belt systems.

Jarren Harkema with the Sandcrawler

They premiered their creation at Brickworld Chicago 2015. Sure the color scheme is off, but it is very cool none the less!

Check out the video below of Jarren & Calvin talking about their experience with this build.

Be sure to stop by our Facebook page and give us a like, and if you'd like to be a part of a fantastic group of Star Wars fans, join our Facebook group as well!

Source: TheBitBag

First Look At 'The Force Awakens' Funkos

Why is 3PO's arm red?  Nice Saber!

From Funko Pop Checklist:

The Force Awakens toys are starting to pop (pun intended) up across the web.  Here's some of our favorites from Funko!  Enjoy the #Forcestrong commentary attached to each pic ;)

Will this be the one offered in the new SW crates?

This is my favorite, by far!  -T

How does Chewie look even younger?

What no last name... ;)

Looking a lot like a Skywalker :)

You mean more Hoth is coming?

Nice gun, hope it comes with sights...

Stay tuned to this blog for more when toys come on the market in September! Until then get all of your favorite from Amazon here.

To discuss further stop by our FB group.  Make sure you like our page also!

New Ships Land In Fantasy Flight's X-Wing Miniatures Game

Fantasy Flight's widely popular table top battle game  Star Wars X-Wing  is getting yet another infusion of fresh cards and ships. This marks the eighth wave of ships to be added to the game.

Here are the new expansion packs:

The Ghost:

The Ghost expansion pack brings the new EU into the fold! The ships in this set are the Ghost, the Phantom and the Inquisitor's TIE Advanced Prototype from Star Wars Rebels.

The Phantom can either be taken into battle with fighters, or docked alongside the Ghost. There are new pilot cards with this expansion, which include Hera, Ezra, Kanan, and others as well. The TIE Advanced Prototype stats include faster engines, folding wings and a tracking missile launcher. The Ghost expansion comes with 5 ships cards (including one for the Inquisitor), as well as all the necessary tokens to add the ships to the game.

The Punishing One:

The Punishing One expansion mainly focuses on the Scum & Villainy faction. This includes the bounty Hunter Dengar and his ship (The Punishing One), and the Mist Hunter, piloted by the bounty hunter Zuckuss & 4-LOM which boasts cloaking ability. This expansion also includes it's first Imperial faction large-base turret by way of an Imperial Assault Carrier.

Check out the images below for a detailed look at the ships and cards!

The Ghost & Phantom and all the accompanying cards.

The Inquisitor's Adv. TIE Prototype and all the accompanying cards.

Dengar's ship The Punishing One and all the accompanying cards.

Zuckuss & 4-LOM's ship the Mist Hunter and all the accompanying cards.

The Imperial large-base turret Imperial Assault Carrier and all the accompanying ships & cards.

If you haven't played this table top game for 2 but would like to start, you can find a core set and all the current expansions on Amazon.

Already own a fleet? Join our Facebook group & post some pix! Don't forget to visit and like our Facebook page that started it all!

Source: Escapist Magazine, FantasyFlightGames