Sith Rules: An Interview with Drew Karpyshyn

In the New York Times bestseller Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, author Drew Karpyshyn painted a gripping portrait of a young man's journey from innocence to evil. That man was Darth Bane, a twisted genius whose iron will, fierce ambition, and strength in the dark side of the Force made him a natural leader among the Sith -- until his radical embrace of an all-but-forgotten wisdom drove him to destroy his own order... and create it anew from the ashes. As the last surviving Sith, Darth Bane promulgated a harsh new directive: the Rule of Two.

What happened next is the subject of the new Bane novel, Darth Bane: Rule of Two (out in hardcover from Del Rey Books on December 26th, 2007). Bane is ready to put his policy into action, and he thinks he has found the key element that will make his triumph complete: a student to train in the ways of the dark side. Though she is young, Zannah possesses an instinctive link to the dark side that rivals his own. With his guidance, she will become essential in his quest to destroy the Jedi and dominate the galaxy.

There is one who is determined to stop Darth Bane: Johun Othone, Padawan to Jedi Master Lord Hoth, who died at Bane's hands in the last great Sith War. Though the rest of the Jedi scoff at him, Johun's belief that there are surviving Sith on the loose is unshakable.

The full interview with author Drew Karpyshyn, courtesy of Del Rey Books can be found at StarWars.com

Force Unleashed Figures Now at GoldenAgeToys.com

GoldenAgeToys.com has just posted the first wave seven all-new Force Unleashed action figures, which are being offered in a case assortment along with five previously-released figures. Here's the breakdown:

Imperial EVO Trooper ("Environmental" Trooper): Trained to survive the galaxy's most treacherous weather conditions, the EVO trooper is equipped with enhanced armor, which is capable of dealing with hazards such as extreme heat, acid rivers, and lightning. Each EVO trooper's FA-3 flechette launcher fires lethal shards of metal capable of hitting multiple targets.

Imperial Jumptrooper: Equipped with a jetpack, the Imperial jumptrooper bursts through the air in short spurts. His long-range rail detonator goes beyond standard Imperial-issued weaponry, effectively eliminating all enemy targets from any vantage point. As the Emperor extends his iron-fist rule, jumptroopers join Imperial forces from Outer Rim planets like Felucia to more central symbols of Palpatine's galactic dominance...like the Death Star.

(Battle-Damaged) Darth Vader: A fierce battle with the newfound Rebel Alliance aboard the Death Star has pushed Darth Vader to the brink of defeat. Beaten and broken, the Dark Lord of the Sith is the closest he's come to death since Obi-Wan Kenobi defeated him on the burning shores of Mustafar.

Juno Eclipse: Imperial captain of the Rogue Shadow, Juno Eclipse was personally appointed by Darth Vader to pilot his Secret Apprentice throughout the galaxy. Beneath her deep blue eyes and beautiful face, Juno hides a haunted past filled with death and sorrow. However, her adventures with Vader's Apprentice lead to an entirely unexpected direction: Love.

Master Rahm Kota: Master Rahm Kota's lack of faith in the clone troopers during the Clone Wars allowed the Jedi general to escape Order 66. After many years in exile, Kota has grown tired of hiding and attempts to lure Darth Vader into a trap. The result is an unexpected encounter with Vader's Secret Apprentice.

Maris Brood: During the aftermath of Order 66, Padawan Maris Brood was discovered by Jedi Master Shaak Ti and joined her in exile on Felucia. Now having lived on the planet for many years, Maris continues to feel the Force flow throughout its forests of bizarre wilderness and its plant-like natives. But when she is violently separated from her Master, Maris' impetuous, angry nature leaves her vulnerable to the influence of the dark side.

Emperor's Shadow Guard: As the secret bodyguards of the Emperor, the Shadow Guards are Force-sensitive warriors who possess even more power than Palpatine's renowned and feared Imperial Royal Guard. Fighting with the skill of a Jedi, each Shadow Guard wields a lightsaber lance to lead elite Imperial commandos into battle.

Other figures included in the case pack of 12 include (without the collector coin):Biggs Darklighter, C-3PO, Anakin Spirit, Clone Trooper, and Jango Fett with Poncho.
Click here to order yours today!

PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT”

ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT,” EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASY ADVENTURE EPIC

NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS

PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON “THE HOBBIT”

Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, December 18, 2007) Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM); Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly announced today that they have entered into the following series of agreements:

* MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel to “The Hobbit.” New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.

* Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on “The Hobbit.” New Line will manage the production of the films, which will be shot simultaneously.

* Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) Trilogy.

Said Peter Jackson, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”

“Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making ‘The Hobbit,’” said Sloan, MGM’s Chairman and CEO. “Now that we are all in agreement on ‘The Hobbit,’ we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film.”

Bob Shaye, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO comments, “We are very pleased we have been able to resolve our differences, and that Peter and Fran will be actively and creatively involved with ‘The Hobbit’ movies. We know they will bring the same passion, care and talent to these films that they so ably accomplished with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy.”

“Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” notes Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO. “We’re delighted he’s back for ‘The Hobbit’ films and that the Tolkien saga will continue with his imprint. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Harry Sloan, who has been instrumental in helping us reach our new accord.”

The two “Hobbit” films – “The Hobbit” and its sequel – are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of “The Hobbit” release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.

The Oscar-winning, critically-acclaimed LOTR Trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box-office. In 2003, “Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the eleven categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The Trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

For more information about “The Hobbit” films, please visit www.TheHobbitBlog.com.

About New Line Cinema Corporation:

Celebrating its 40th anniversary year, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line’s Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX).

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Peter Jackson/Wingnut Films:

Peter Jackson is one of the world’s most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (with fellow Academy Award winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award nominations and 17 Academy Awards. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film Heavenly Creatures. Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of King Kong which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards. Currently, Jackson is directing an adaptation of The Lovely Bones, from the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge.

Celebrate the True Season of Caring and Sharing THis Christmas

How do you tell a child.......even though they’ve been good all year......that they won't be receiving a present this year? It happens, right in your own town, and could be right next door. There are a lot of families struggling to make ends meet, putting food on the table is tough enough, let alone Christmas presents.

That's where you come in. There are lots of programs designed to make sure that every child has a present to open on Christmas morning. In the Kitchener-Waterloo area, one of those programs is Santa's Anonymous. If you aren't sure of a program in your area, contact your local Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters.

While you are doing your Christmas shopping this season, buy a new toy for a less fortunate boy or girl and drop it at any drop-off location. You can purchase a toy online at GoldenAgeToys.com and we will drop it off on your behalf. It will make its way into the hands of a less fortunate child on Christmas morning. You'll have a made a child's Christmas dream come true somewhere in your city.

If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, click here.