Today let's look at the slick Yellow R8-Series Astromech Droid  which feels  more like it came from the 1970s or 1980s than a lot of the more recent designs.  With no big "eye" it's a little unsettling at first, but it makes good use of the R7 torso to bring about a new, exclusive, and hard-to-find experience.

Bet on Black? Black is the new Black? Black is Back? Hasbro officially announces their new ultra awesome 6 inch scale super articulated action figures geared towards the adult collector: The Black Series. Photos and more after the jump!

This week on The Clone Wars: All those boring corruption-on-Mandalore episodes act as backstory to the highly-entertaining "Shades of Reason." While not as overstuffed and crazy as last week's installment, you probably get more Mandlorian armored action than you've ever seen in a single televised installment of the show plus a major change in the Mandalorian political hierarchy. (It's entertaining, I promise.) More after the break.

Let's talk about Clone Trooper Mixer, a dark blue box Toys R Us exclusive which may well be at a store near you still.  One of two troopers, this one was packaged with a killer droid and for the price wasn't at all bad.  (Especially at 2012-2013 price points.)  Should you track it down?

After lots of chatter here (and in the Q&A column over the last few months... or years) the USA Today has a story you may wish to read.   Hasbro unveils 'Star Wars' Black Series action figures introduces the new, 6-inch SRP $19.99 action figure line.  Each boxed figure has exceedingly wonderful sculpting and mass when compared to their vintage counterparts.

It's Lumat! Last made in 1984, this was, at the time, what I thought to be one of the last figures Kenner did (POTF didn't hit big in my neighborhood.)  Armed with a spear, bow, arrows, and hood, this is a nice figure with a lot of gear.  Did you get yours?  It's time to buy! 

What's new in Q&A this week? Let's talk New Versions of Luke Skywalker because why not. And how about the Vintage Figure Remake List, or at least my take on it as of this week? Sure, why not? Let's also talk Statues and mention that credit card thing I didn't read about until yesterday, because that's the kind of citizen I am. Read on!

All lens flare diatribes aside, J.J. Abrams seems like the best choice to helm and direct the sequel trilogy. If you think about it, the Star Trek reboot in terms of tone, dialogue, pace, and atmosphere, was closer to a classic Star Wars film. You can easily see the same dynamic between Kirk, Spock, and Uhura as you would with Luke, Han, and Leia. 

Dark Horse releases their April 2013 solicitations spotlighting more exciting titles, most especially Star Wars #4, which will feature a special Star Wars #1 sketch variant cover!

From our sponsors at Brian's Toys: The Sideshow Sixth Scale Bossk and Gentle Giant Emperor ROTJ (Exclusive) mini bust are due to arrive next week at Brian's Toys! Lock in your pre-orders now so they ship right away.  New from Hasbro are 12" Anakin and Clone Trooper action figures and are available for pre-order. 

From our sponsors at BigBadToyStore.com: The new Star Wars 12" series featuring Anakin and Clone Trooper are now on pre-order. Also on pre-order are the latest from Gentle Giant, including the awesome Darth Malgus Minibust and Vintage Jumbo Bossk!

While I keep hitting "refresh" waiting for the Todd Glass Show to update, why don't you read about the 2012 Vintage Collection Weequay figure?  The 1983 original was good, the 1997 remake was magnificent, so the 2012 version must be perfection right? 

UPDATE: Yup, it's official.

A few articles from around the web (The Wrap, Total Film, Deadline Hollywood) are indicating that J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Super 8) is set to direct the next Star Wars film.  It's worth noting he denied involvement previously, but hey, Michael Dorn once said Worf probably wouldn't be coming to Deep Space 9 so remember: everyone in Hollywood is a filthy liar.  Or this is just one more stupid rumor we're all going to be denying in the morning.

At this time Disney, Lucasfilm, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Abrams, Mr. Solo, and Mr. Peanut have failed to provide an official denial or confirmation.   You can probably expect one of the two by lunchtime on Friday.

Ad: Entertainment Earth added new pre-orders this week. What's more, there's a Free Shipping offer on the site! Check out new Star Wars 12-Inch Action Figures, Iron Man 3 Mini-Muggs and Marvel Legends, plus Masters of the Universe Pop! Vinyl Figures!  Check them all out after the jump, and be sure to click through for pricing and availability.