Luke Judge

To help raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, eFX Inc. and the 501st TK Project will auction off one of the most unique Star Wars collectibles ever created in a special online auction that will begin at noon (Eastern time) today.

On its own, eFX?s limited edition replica stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, is a sought-after collectible, but the version eFX will auction to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation features more than a dozen signatures from the talented cast and crew of the original Star Wars Trilogy, making it one of the most rare Star Wars collectibles ever offered to fans. to view the helmet and place a bid, visit eBay.com/stormtrooper.

The helmet features signatures from Star Wars creator George Lucas; actors Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Frank Oz, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Billy Dee Williams, Jeremy Bulloch and Warwick Davis; Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back producer Gary Kurtz; director, the late Irvin Kershner (The Empire Strikes Back); screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (Empire and Return of the Jedi); and composer John Williams.

?The helmet traveled more than 25,000 miles ? from Southern California to Skywalker Ranch to London and New York and many places in between to be signed, and it?s an amazing sight to behold,? said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc., who spearheaded the efforts to collect the autographs.

The auction will be held in conjunction with the 501st Legion, an organization created by Star Wars fans that helps raise awareness of local charity needs and efforts, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

this eFX stormtrooper helmet can also be viewed online at eFX?s website, efxcollectibles.com, and the 501st TK Project website, 501sttkproject.com.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS? and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm ltd. and/or its affiliates.?TM & ? Lucasfilm ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

expanded Universe Toys creator george lucas, lawrence kasdan, star wars collectibles, star wars trilogy, warwick davis

One University of the Ozarks staff member is turning his friends,family and a few strangers into unique action figures.

Jesse Weiss, an associate professor of sociology and environmentalstudies at the university, is creating memorable action figures ofhis co-workers, family members, friends and others. The 33-year-oldhusband of Holli Weiss is crafting his creations by assemblingdifferent parts of wrestling action figures and other replicas into”new” figures.

“It started, I guess, when I took one figure apart; I did that justto see if I could,” he said with a laugh. “I had this idea that Iwould take apart these figures and make people and characters thatthe series didn’t make.”

One of Weiss’ earliest creations involved making a smaller versionof Rick Neice, president of the university. Weiss took aprofessional wrestling figure from the “Classic Superstars” series,reassembled a few parts and carefully applied paint to create afigure of Neice.

“The one of Rick Neice, it still sits in the box,” said a smilingWeiss, a Nebraska native who earned his doctorate in sociology fromUtah State University. “And I’ve made figures of two other(colleagues) here, Don Lee and Sean Coleman.”

Weiss had an easy time creating a figure of his father.

“My father has a distinct look – kind of a bald head and whitebeard – so that wasn’t too hard to do,” he said. “I’ve also madefigures of my brothers, so it’s fun.”

Most likely, Weiss’ desire to create action figures stemmed fromhis childhood love of assembling models and collecting G.I. Joefigures and toys from the original “Star Wars” trilogy. When askedif he wanted to create his own brand of celebrity, musical andsuperhero figures, Weiss shyly shrugged.

“I think I’m more interested in making people that I know – peoplewho really exist,” he said with a smile. “I did do one for a tattooartist in northwest Arkansas, Billy Club, and what’s ironic is, hisfather was a professional wrestler. His father was the Great JohnL.”

Weiss has created a couple of action figures based on students, andhe’s even sold a few online.

“There’s not a lot you can’t make, with having spare parts andall,” he said. “You can do modifications with paint and you can usea Dremel tool, which is a small, spinning tool with a sander. I usea clay that hardens when you heat it, and you can use that forhair, facial hair or a type of clothing style.”

Usually, Weiss can finish a figure in two days.

“It really doesn’t take that long to create one because, basically,you’re just waiting on the paint to dry,” he said with a laugh.”You can do the final touches and all, and you can be finished in acouple of days.”

Weiss looks at his artistic outlet as a hobby that’s balancedbetween his university duties, family time and bonding withfriends.

“I probably only do four or five figures, then I’ll wait a fewmonths, and then do some more,” he said. “It’s more of a relaxationthing for me. It’s a fun thing to be creative.”

Unlike some artists, Weiss isn’t looking to sustain his family onthe sales of his figures, which he creates from a three-drawer caseat the kitchen table.

“If I do ever charge, it’s only if I have to order spare parts,” hesaid. “If I do something that sells, it might be for something like$30 a figure.”

Weiss shares tips and photos of his creations onwfigs.proboards.com

expanded Universe Toys classic superstars, don lee, johnl

———————MACROSS SALE – 40% OFF———————-

Save 40% on all in-stock imported Macross items – everything must go! Wehave a wide variety of valkyries from Bandai and Yamato as well as somevarious figures and accessories from Japan. Get yours now beforeeverything sells out.

————-NEW PREORDERS————-

BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM SERIES 01 ACTION FIGURES – DC DIRECTThe first set of figures from this great game will include Batman, Jokerwith Scarface, Harley Quinn and the Scarecrow. We’ve got the set of 4figures listed at $64.99 ($11 off MSRP), and singles are available ofScarecrow and Joker as well.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu … egory=6634

ASSASSIN’S CREED 2 FIGURES – NECAEzio from “Assassin’s Creed 2″ is on his way as a new action figure. NECAis releasing him in his white cloak and black cloak versions, and you canget the set of two for $29.99, or pick your favorite single at $15.99each.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … +Series+01

DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS SERIES 15 REVEALED!We’ve finally got the OK to list out the contents of DCUC Series 15. Thisassortment includes Martian Manhunter, Jemm, Starman (Classic & JackKnight versions), Classic OMAC, Raven, Golden Pharaoh and Sinestro CorpsBatman, along with Validus as the CnC figure for the wave. We’ve got themlisted as a set of 8 (including both Starman figures) for $119.99; if youalso want the Martian Manhunter alien head variant you can opt for the setof 9 at $134.99. We’ve also got two different case assortments of 10,priced at $139.99 each (neither contains all of the CnC pieces for thewave); finally, we’ve got singles of all but the Martian Manhunter variantlisted, priced at $16.99 each.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu … egory=6305

SUPER ROBOT CHOGOKIN – MAZINGER, GREAT MAZINGER, WEAPONS SET, ALTEISENBandai has created a new line, mixing the poseability of the Robot Spiritsline with the die-cast content of the Soul of Chogokin line. The SuperRobot Chogokin line will measure about 5″ tall, and the first releasesincludes Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, a Mazinger Accessory Set and SuperRobot Wars Alteisen – check out the robots and prices at the link.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu … egory=6676

IRON MAN 2 – 1/6 SCALE WAR MACHINE FINE ART STATUEThis statue of Iron Man’s ally War Machine stands at 1/6 scale and makes agreat team with the Iron Man Mark VI Fine Art Statue. We have it listedat $104.99, saving you $15 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

RODDENBERRY STAR TREK PROP REPLICAS – TOS, TNG, DS9, VOYAGER, ENTERPRISE,MOVIESA wide variety of replicas and accessories from the various Star Trekshows and movies has been listed. Roddenberry is producing such items ascostumes costume patterns, prop replicas like weapons and scanners,medical equipment replicas, flags, prints, pins and much more. Check outthese great prelica pieces and add your favorites to your collection.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu … ompany=958

DISNEY STATUES – FULL ENESCO STATUE & FIGURINE LINEUPWe’ve just partnered with Enesco to list a wide variety of their Disneystatues and figurines. From Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty and Peter Pan toBrer Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast and Finding Nemo, we’ve got somethingfor everyone – be sure to check out all the new pieces at the link.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=386

MARVEL SELECT JUGGERNAUT – REGULAR, SETJuggernaut is this month’s Marvel Select figure, and we’ve got him listedsingly at $17.99, or as a set with his Helmetless variant for $39.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … Juggernaut

TUSKEN RAIDER ON BANTHA STATUE – GENTLE GIANTGentle Giant is producing a statue of a Tusken Raider riding on a Bantha.This piece measures 12″ tall by 18″ wide and is listed at $224.99, savingyou $25 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

NICK FURY SHIELD ID SET REPLICA, PISTOL PROP REPLICAMuseum Replicas is releasing two Nick Fury prop replicas. Nick’s SHIELDID set comes with a Nick Fury ID as well as a blank one to fill in yourown name and picture and is priced at $38.99, while his SHIELD Pistolincludes sounds and lights and is listed at $169.99, saving you $25 offthe MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … m+Replicas

EPIC WEAPONS: DANTE’S INFERNO, DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS LETTER OPENEREpic Weapons is releasing a number of new letter opene4rs. From DragonAge: Origins comes a Grey Warden sword and a Darkspawn Greatsword (each at7″ long), while Dante’s Inferno gives us the 8.5″ Scythe replica. The twosword replicas are priced at $14.99 each, with the Scythe at $16.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … ic+Weapons

RETURN TO WONDERLAND ALICE 1/6 SCALE STATUEThis statue is sculpted from fan-favorite Billy Tucci’s art, and showsAlice with her friend the Caterpillar. This statue stands 13.5″ tall andwe have it listed at $179.99, saving you $20 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

STAR WARS FIGRIN D’AN MINI BUST – GENTLE GIANTThe leader of the Modal Nodes is being given his own mini bust, sculptedwith his Kloo Horn. This piece is 1/6 scale and is priced at $53.99 $6off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

HARRY POTTER – PROFESSOR TRELAWNEY MINI BUSTHogwart’s Divination Professor is on her way, courtesy of Gentle Giant’snew bust. This is 1/6 scale and includes her glasses and crystal ball,and we have it listed at $53.99, $6 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

HEROES OF THE DCU BLACKEST NIGHT – GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN BUSTThis Green Lantern Hal Jordan bust is the first in a new line of “BlackestNight” busts, celebrating DC’s latest event. Hal stands 6.25″ tall and islisted at $59.99, saving you $10 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

BLACKEST NIGHT PORTFOLIO SET #1This set includes 12 8″ x 10″ prints of cover art from various BlackestNight issues. This set is priced at $27.99, $2 off the MSRP – check outthe pics and list and the link.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

DC DIRECT – KILLZONE SERIES 01 – SET, SINGLESThe popular game Killzone has spawned its first wave of figures. Series 1includes the Helghast Sniper and the Helghast Assault Infantry, and thesefigures are available singly for $16.99, or as a set of two for $31.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … h=killzone

BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE – TONY DANIEL VERSIONThis new Batman statue by artist Tony Daniel shows the Caped Crusadertouching down on a rooftop, rope in hand. This listed at $69.99, savingyou $10 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

MINIMATES CARRY CASEDiamond Select is releasing a carry case for transporting your Minimates.Each case appears to have two trays, each of which can hold 18 Minimates,and the case is priced at $17.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

DANGER ROOM SESSION – DEADPOOL FINE ART STATUEX-Men ally Deadpool get’s put through his paces n this secone Danger RoomSession statue. This piece shows Deadpool with both blades ready, and islisted at $179.99, which saves you $25 off of the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

COVER GIRLS OF THE DCU SUPERGIRL STATUEThis 11.75″ statue of Supergirl is designed by Adam Hughes, and shows theGirl of Steel in a classic look. We have this statue priced at $84.99,saving you $15 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

AKIRA – TETSUO ACTION DOLLMedicom & Bandai are partnered in the Project BM line, and the latestrelease will be Tetsuo from “Akira.” This kid-turned-power-mad-god issculpted straight from the anime, and is priced at $189.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

AME-COMI HEROINE MINI FIGURES SERIES 01 – SET, SINGLESThe Ame-Comi ladies will now be available in a smaller 5″ size. Series 1includes Harley Quinn, Batgirl and Poison Ivy, and you can pick up the setof 3 for $39.99, or you can get singles of Batgirl and Harley at $13.99each.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … ini+figure

DEAD CELL – JADE VAN HELSING 1/6 SCALE FIGURETriad’s newest Dead Cell figure is Jade Van helsing, descendant of theoriginal vampire hunter. Jade comes laden with weapons and accessories,and is listed at $114.99, $5 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

TRIAD TOYS FIREFIGHT TRIARAMAThis new 1/6 scale display base is perfect for military and sci-fifigures, and shows a pile of spent shells, skulls and debris. Thisdisplay is listed at $47.99, and should arrive in the 3rd Quarter of thisyear.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

IRON MAN 2 – HOT TOYS BLACK WIDOWHot Toys’ latest Iron Man 2 figure is the Black Widow. This figureincludes a Scarlett Johansson head sculpt as well as a number of clothingand accessory pieces. This figure is listed at $169.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

DOCTOR WHO – ELEVENTH DOCTOR’S SONIC SCREWDRIVER WITH SCREWDRIVER FEATUREThis new version of the Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver can do something nonebefore has been able to do – be used as a screwdriver. Yes, this versioncomes with double-ended tips for Small, Medium & Large screws, with flat &phillips heads on alternate sides. This new piece is listed at $29.99,and should arrive this August.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

DOCTOR WHO – LEVITATING TARDISFinally – a levitating TARDIS for the desk. This gadget uses magnets tokeep the TARDIS suspended in mid-air spinning like on the show, and wehave it listed at $35.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

STAR TREK: THE WRATH OF KHAN COMMUNICATORThis new replica from the second Star Trek movie has flashing lights andphrases from Admiral Kirk, Spock, Khan, and Uhura, as well as theauthentic communicator chirp SFX. It has three modes – Voice Chip Mode,Screaming Kirk Mode, and Hail/Call-Back function, and is listed at $35.99,saving you $9 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

MARVELMAN CLASSIC PREMIERE HARDCOVER – 2 COVERSThis new collection goes back to the 1950′s and reprints MARVELMAN #25-34,before his dark revival in the 80′s. Don’t miss out on comic history -pick up this book with either cover, priced at $29.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … =Marvelman

MEAT PLUSH PILLOWSDKE is bringing a number of new plush meat items. We’ve got the HambonePlush in 10″ and 19″ sizes at $25.99 & $49.99 respectively, the Shapin’Bacon 15″ at $17.99, the Porky Chop 10″ & 17″ plushes at $21.99 & $42.99respectively, and the Stuff Boeuf T-Bone Steak 8.5″ & 17″ plushes at$19.99 & $39.99, respectively.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=2357

1:1 LIFE SIZE BRUCE LEE BUSTMartial arts master Bruce Lee is coming in the form of a life-sized bust.Limited to 500 pieces worldwide, this bust is an excellent likeness and ispriced at $599.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

BRAVEHEART CLOTHING & ACCESSORIESMuseum Replicas is releasing a number of costume replicas from”Braveheart.” We have William Wallace’s Vambrace at $44.99, shirt in S/Mor L/XL at $66.99 each, leather helmet at $84.99, Great Kilt & belt set inS/M or L/XL at $159.99, Brigandine in S/M or L/XL at $229.99, Baldric at$62.99, and Princess Isabelle’s Gown in Small, Medium , Large or ExtraLarge, at $209.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=2275

PSYLOCKE COMIQUETTEThis statue stands 17″ tall and shows Psylocke in her purple uniform,leaning with a sheathed sword over her shoulder. This piece is listed at$254.99, $10 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

STAR WARS BACK BUDDIES – CHEWBACCA, C-3P0 BESPIN, R2-D2New Star Wars Back Buddies have been announced. These pieces allow you totake your Star Wars pals wherever you go, and they can even carry yourstuff. We’ve got Darth Vader, R2-D2 and Chewbacca listed at $44.99-$49.99each, with the exclusive Bespin C-3P0 Back Buddy at $89.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … BACK+BUDDY

ZOIDS – REVOLTECH BLADE LIGER, GENO BREAKERTwo implacable enemies from the Zoids universe are on their way inRevoltech form. Blade Liger is on his way in July, priced at $59.99; hisnemesis the Geno Breaker is to arrive in September, priced at $69.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … +REVOLTECH

SENGOKU BASARA REVOLTECHTow new Sengoku Basara characters are getting the Revoltech treatment.Mitsunari Ishida and Ieyasu Tokugawa are each up for pre-order, priced at$29.99 per figure.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … +REVOLTECH

LUPIN III REVOLTECHLupin and his nemesis Zenigata are also getting Revoltech figures, and wehave their pre-orders up, priced at $29.99 each.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … +REVOLTECH

S.I.C. KAMEN RIDER DEN-O STRIKE FORM EXCLUSIVEThis new Japanese-exclusive Kamen Rider figure comes with a sword, and islisted at $149.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

MARVEL SELECT MAGNETO SET – REGULAR & HELMETLESSLast month we listed the new Marvel Select Magneto figure, and this monthwe’ve added the set of two – the regular version and the Helmetlessvariant. Pick up your set of Magnetos when they come in, priced at $39.99for the pair.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

STAR WARS WICKET THE EWOK 11″ TALKING PLUSHWicket is now coming home in the form of a huggable 11″ plush talkingfigure. Give him a squeeze and get a “jub jub” in return! We have wicketpriced at $29.99, and he should be arriving this August.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

RIPPLE JUNCTION T-SHIRTSWe’ve listed a number of new t-shirts from Ripple Junction. We’ve gotshirts from licenses like Reservoir Dogs, Planet of the Apes, Roadhouse,Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Die Hard, Red Dawn, the Princess Bride, ArrestedDevelopment, The Naked Gun, Revenge of the Nerds, How I Met Your Mother,Doctor Who, the Spirit, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Eastbound & Down -check out all the new shirts under the menus at the link.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/comp … 7&browse=1

————NEW ARRIVALS————

WAREHOUSE FIND – SIDESHOW, HOT TOYS, MORE – 100+ ITEMSThis giant list is full of items from Sideshow, Hot Toys, Fewture andmore, at discounted prices to due our special purchase. Check out thefigures, like the 12″ Sideshow Star Wars figures, Hot Toys MovieMasterpieces of various lines, model kits, statues, prop replicas andmore.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=5011

LIVING DEAD DOLLS PRESENTS BEETLEJUICEThis 10″ figure of the Ghost with the Most has arrived from Mezco.Beetlejuice comes dressed in his signature striped suit, and he is listedat $27.99, $4 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS SERIES 13 SINGLESWe’re still waiting on some of the Wave 13 figures (arriving Monday!), butin the meanwhile, we’ve got singles available for Superboy and Cyclotronat $16.99 each, along with previous figures like Power Girl, green Arrow,Superman and Nightwing. Check out the menus and pick your favorites.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=1504

ROBOT VINYL COLLECTION #4 – 1/100 SCALE ZENTRAEDI HEAVY ARTILLERYBATTLEPODThis new Macross-type piece stands about 10″ tall and is a great armybuilder for your Valkyries to take on. We have this version of theBattlepod listed at $26.99, $3 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

1940′S CAPTAIN AMERICA SHIELD REPLICAThis 1/6 scale replica of Cap’s classic WWII shield is die-cast and is5.5″ tall. It comes with its own display case/base and is listed at$19.99, saving you $15 off the MSRP.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

MARVEL SUPERHERO SQUAD 2010 SERIES 1 PLAYSETSThe three new Superhero Squad playsets have arrived. This first waveincludes Super Hero City wth Spider-Man & Iron Man, the Danger Room withWolverine & Sabretooth, and Doom’s Castle with Iron Man & Doctor Doom.Each set is priced at $22.99, and they’re ready to go.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/sear … ayset+2010

LITTLEST PET SHOP COLLECTIBLE PETS 2010 SERIES B1, B2, B3 – CASES, SINGLESThree waves of LPS Collectible Series b pets have arrived. We have SeriesB1, B2, and B3 cases available at $29.99 each, along with singles like theHippo & Ostrich, the Cocker Spaniel and the Sea Turtle, priced at $6.99eachbigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu … egory=4967

LITTLEST PET SHOP POSTCARD PETS SERIES 02 (CASE & SINGLES), 03 (SINGLES),ULTIMATE SERIES 01 SETA number of Postcard Pet assortments have also arrived. We’ve got theSeries 2 Case of 8 available at $54.99, along with singles of Series 1-3,priced at $3.99 – $12.99 each. Finally, we’ve received the Pet Three-Packand Safari Three-Packs from the Ultimate Postcard Pet Series 1, with eachset priced at $19.99.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu … egory=5076

TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED MICROBOTS COLLECTION – RANDOM SINGLEThis gashapon assortment has arrived, although it appears to have gonethrough some changes. The lineup now consists of Optimus Prime, Prowl,Ratchet, Bumblebee & Bulkhead, with Starscream along for the ride, too.We’ve got them listed as random singles at $2.49 each, but we’ll try toget you a good assortment if you order more than one.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod … ode=retail

expanded Universe Toys case assortments, pharaoh, scarecrow, valkyries

Zachary, age 8

Liz is a 29-year-old single mom living in Missouri with her SO and two kids: Zachary, 8, and Liberty, 5.

Zachary is on the autism spectrum — and so is Liz. “I think one of the biggest misconceptions about autism, is that it only affects children,” she says. “It’s so often taken from that perspective.”

Here, Liz shares what it’s like to be the mom of a child on the autism spectrum — and to be on it herself.

expanded Universe Toys autism spectrum, misconceptions, perspective, single mom