Hype for Star Wars: The Force Awakens certainly isn’t limited to North America. Japan has its share of fans and some pretty swanky merchandise, too. Two such pieces of merchandise come to us by way of Kotobukiya, producers of the ARTFX+ figure line (and the cutesy Cu-Poche line, among others). The ARTFX+ series are pre-painted statues that you can assemble without glue. Just snap the parts into place and you are good to go.

phasma

The first figure is Captain Phasma. Standing at almost eight inches (1/10th scale), this statue is reinforced by magnets in her feet that add stability when paired with the included metal base. Plasma is also armed with her blaster from the film. Interchangeable arm parts allow for two different poses. The Captain Phasma ARTFX+ statue is available for pre-order now, priced at US$69.99. The figure is scheduled to ship in April 2016.

troopersingle

The second figure is the Imperial First Order Storm Trooper, the soldiers under Captain Phasma’s command. Like Phasma, this statue is 1/10th scale but stands a little over seven inches tall rather than their Captain’s eight. The Storm Trooper is packaged with a blaster and three different shoulder pauldrons: black, white, and red. It also comes with a metal base similar to Phasma’s, to match the magnets in its feet. The Imperial First Order Storm Trooper ARTFX+ statue is available to pre-order now for US$54.99. It is also scheduled to ship in April 2016.

Are you planning on pre-ordering either (or both) of these figures? What characters would you like to see next? Post your thoughts in the comments but please avoid spoiling as much as possible.

Many tried and failed getting into Hall H this year. Fortunately, have pics and videos to make it feel as if you made it in!

The first highlight of the panel the introduction of Babajo!

https://youtu.be/FMAI-wPE9Aw

https://twitter.com/jake_108/status/619672021669023744

https://twitter.com/jake_108/status/619669131684524033

https://twitter.com/jake_108/status/619669915201441793

Perhaps the best moment of the panel was when Harrison Ford was introduced to Hall H:

https://youtu.be/Aunc8v0VGF4

The panel didn’t shed much light on the film’s story, but you can get a behind the scenes look here. Still, the panel did not end with a reveal of The First Order’s headquarters: Starkiller Base. But before you leave, check out the gallery below!

Thats right folks. We have a hard, DAY specific release date for the upcoming 7th film in the saga. That date, announced today is

DECEMBER 18th, 2015!

The official press release is as follows:

With pre-production in full-swing, a confirmed release date of December 18, 2015, has been set for Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII.

 

“We’re very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.

 

Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams (Super 8Mission: Impossible IIIStar Trek) and is being scripted by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost ArkThe Empire Strikes BackReturn of the Jedi). Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, with Tommy Harper (Mission: Impossible – Ghost ProtocolJack RyanStar Trek Into Darkness) and Jason McGatlin (Tintin,War of the Worlds) serving as executive producers. John Williams is returning to score Star Wars: Episode VII.

 

Shooting is scheduled to begin spring 2014 at Pinewood Studios.

You can color me excited!