NOTE: At the bottom of this page are full size high resolution photos.
In what has been heralded as the "Imperial cruiser of Star Wars
conventions", the Sci-Fi Expo was
held this past weekend at the
Shreveport Exhibition Hall. Home to over 100 exhibitors and merchants
such as Ultarama and Yestertoys, the Expo marked the
first time since Toy Fair that Hasbro had taken their wares on the road.
The main attraction at the event
was the impressive Hasbro booth, hosted by Brand Manager Paul
Palmer, veteran designer Mark Boudreax and Audrey DeSimone from
Hasbro Corporate Communications. The display showed off a bit
of what Hasbro has in store for the coming fall, as well as answer fan
and collectors' questions. Lucky show attendees were able to pick up an
official and limited Hasbro "Power of the
Jedi Tour" pin. This was the first of three pins commemorating the Power
of the Jedi Tour - one for each stop on the tour (Shreveport this past
weekend, San Diego ComicCon this July, and Chicago's Wizard World in
August).
Hasbro Q & A: Mark Boudreaux and Audrey DeSimone had a nice Q & A session after which the
POTJ Tour pins were handed out. Badges, tickets or wristbands were punched
to ensure pins were given out fairly to fans.
Amanaman: On display behind the action figures were presentation boards showing
off the Duros development, as well as the progress on fans' choice
#2 Amanaman. All the pieces you see in the right hand Amanaman board will come
with Amanaman.
The Figure Group From The Show
Darth Vader; Emperor's Wrath: Appearing for the first time in the Power of the Jedi Tour, Hasbro
showed off the upcoming Darth Vader: Emperor's Wrath action figure.
Modeled after the Dark Lord's appearance near the end of Return of the
Jedi, this version of Vader features a translucent body revealing Anakin
Skywalker's skeletal structure. The effect is quite impressive and best
appreciated up close.
Han Solo; Death Star Escape: Also shown for the first time, Han Solo: Death Star Escape, capturing
the character in his daring escape from the Empire's ultimate weapon.
The figure features a terrific new head sculpt and articulation capable
of achieving two very distinct poses. In one position the figure can be
posed holding his Imperial blaster with two hands. The other pose
captures the character as he was fleeing Stormtroopers, running with
blaster held behind his back.
Luke X-Wing Pilot, New Sculpt: Hasbro also showed off their re-sculpted Luke X-wing pilot.
This time around the figure will offer a movie accurate sculpt from A
New Hope and a removable helmet. Finally, for the first time since Toy
Fair 2000, Shmi Skywalker rounds out the Hasbro's standard action figure
exhibit.
12" Luke and Speederbike: Utilizing the awesome Speederbike model from last year's Scout Trooper
set, Hasbro and Target will offer the Action Collection 12" Luke Endor
with Speederbike later this year.

Tie Interceptor: The Toys 'R' Us exclusive TIE Interceptor was in attendance, offering an
updated take on the vintage mold, and comes complete with a more
articulated TIE Pilot.
Tie Bomber: The Wal-Mart exclusive Bomber marks the first original
vehicle produced from Hasbro Direct. The model features an entirely new
body, while using existing solar panels from the Darth Vader TIE
Fighter. Those attending the show will have the unique opportunity to
see some of the development steps in the TIE Bomber lifecycle, including
injection molds for various bomber parts, and a multi-colored TIE bomber
test-shot.
"Hoth Peril Snowspeeder": The Hoth Peril Snowspeeder set, while using the existing mold, offers an
entirely new deco and not one but two new action figures, Luke and Dak.
This ship will look spectacular on display - the cardboard "crashed"
environment is some of the best vehicle packaging we've seen.

B-Wing: While not entirely new, the B-Wing also made an appearance.
Next Action Collection Trio: It's been months since we first saw
these three at the Dallas Import Toy Fair, but they were also shown.
Ultarama Display: Mort Simpson and Matt Mellott where on hand to show off their cool Ultarama
diorama display stands. With a show special of just $20.00 for the stand and
a set of backgrounds, business was good.
Very large photos (not reduced in size)
Tie Interceptor Box Front
Tie Interceptor Box Back
Tie Interceptor Box Window Detail
Tie Interceptor Front Right
Tie Interceptor Front Right Again
Tie Interceptor Back
B-Wing Box Front
B-Wing Box Corner
B-Wing Sullustan Pilot Detail
B-Wing Box Back
Snowspeeder Window Detail
Snowspeeder Box Front Right
Snowspeeder Box Right
Snowspeeder Box Left
Tie Bomber Box Front
Tie Bomber Box Front Again
Tie Bomber Box Left
Tie Bomber Box Back
Emperor's Wrath Vader Card
Emperor's Wrath Vader Torso Detail
Han Solo Death Star Escape Card
Shmi Card
Luke Skywalker X-Wing Card
12" Luke Speederbike Box
12" Luke Speederbike (loose)
12" Death Star Droid
12" Death Star Trooper
12" Han Stormtrooper
Amanaman Board
Amanaman 2nd Board
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