SO WHERE WOULD I GO IF I WANT TO SEE HOW STORMTROOPERS HOLD THEIR JUNK IN PLACE?

Glad you asked my young Padawan. Just visit The Star Wars Collectors Archive. In under 3.5 parsecs you can view pretty much any collectible piece associated with the STAR WARS universe. My favorite being a 1979 Stormtrooper cod piece. Oops, my bad, this is a cod piece for a Hoth Stormtrooper from EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Big difference. 

What’s so special about this item? This is one of the only Stormtrooper crotch cups made for the movie, but was never used. So it is still untrimmed. For those keeping score at home it was molded at Elstree Studios. Not sure how much it’s worth, but the owner Gus Lopez lent it out for the Star Wars Magic of Myth 2002 exhibit in Sydney, Australia. 

FYI...I'd give my right arm to sniff it.

NERD BLING: THE WINTER COLLECTION

by Graphic-Guy (NWM Staff Writer)

If you’ve been to any sort of Comic-Con (yes, there’s more than one) you know that some people don’t just attend – they live it. Cosplayers. Larpers. Stormtroopers. All transform into ornate characters of fantasy as soon as they walk through the doors, pay the $29.95, grab a tote bag and get their hand stamped (if they need to leave). One such quadrant of the galaxy that was prime target for showing off (and purchasing) this type of nerd gear was at Seattle’s Emerald City Comicon this past weekend. Sadly, by NOT attending you missed out on some incredible, nerd-tacular treasures such as…

Moljinr – The Hammer of Thor Replica ($350 @ Superherotimes.com)

18” accurate, aluminum-based replica (includes etched quote)

handle wrapped in genuine glove leather

includes museum quality, acrylic display case

Only 1,000 pieces created

Battlestar Galactica Viper Pilots Wings pin ($8.99 @ eCrater.com)

1 ½” high

Replica pin of the rebooted series

Made of a cloisonne metal alloy in a gold tone

Atari - Joystick Belt Buckle ($24 @ oldglory.com)
Brushed, glossy finish
Includes company logo
Red enamel used for button

Jem and the Holograms silver Necklace ($8 @ eCrater.com)

Oval rhodium pendant

Graphic covered with clear plastic element that renders it indestructible

Pendant measures 3.4cm x 2.8cm

24 inch ball chain

GIMME A BEER, WITH NO ANCHOVIES!

So you’re out with the guys and knocked down a bunch of brews. Of course by the end of the night the unavoidable hits you – THE MUNCHIES! Well thanks to master homebrewers Tom and Athena Seefurth, one swig of their ale will satisfy both cravings – MAMMA MIA! PIZZA BEER. Ok, so maybe it wouldn’t exactly take the place of that hot, greasy slice. What you do get is a honey golden beer with hints of basil, tomato, oregano, basil, garlic – and no chance of scorching the roof of your mouth. Pairs perfectly with a pepperoni and cheese slice to go.

NWM tip: Chill before serving.

GROWN MEN CAN APPRECIATE COMIC CON!

By grown men, I’d say the late 30s range. Honestly, I think we all have a “what the F am I doing, goof off” pass ‘til at least 42. Actually, with this economy, I’d push it to 64. So yes, in my opinion, it’s ok, to ogle the cosplay girls. Get pumped for the press conference panel for the latest installment of Battlestar-LOST. Or, totally lose it at the site of a 10 second trailer glimpse of any Fandom movie.

I read somewhere that LA is bidding for next year's con. To that I say an emphatic – "REALLY?" Last time a checked LA has a zillion studios, a winning basketball team and not 1, but 18 Apple Stores. What does San Diego have? An In & Out Burger and a zoo. Pretty lopsided if you ask me. Let the Diego-ians have this one thing. Keep their economy afloat in this troubled time. I'm sure that's what the Governator would want.