I’m just gonna come out with it–I love Star Wars, and any paraphernalia related to the films. I have 2 toy lightsabers [1 Anakin; 1 Obi-won] and have gifted a Yoda, Dooku, and another Obi-won to my closest friends…so technically, I have bought them all! I also have an old cardboard lightsaber that a good friend of mine painted–but none were nothing compared to this Master Replicas Force FX Saber.
As you can see, that item is beautiful but really expensive. Plus, a big part of Jedi training is learning how to do things by yourself. So, there was only one solution left: I had to build my own.
I read a lot of websites, but wasn’t quite sure where to start. I enlisted the help of someone known on the forums as Novastar…and was glad to find out that he was relatively local. Matthew Carrauddo from The Cutting Edge was kind enough to stop by popSiren and show me how it was done. Then, I spent some time building one on my own. Want to see how it turned out? Check this out, padawans (and stick around for the bloopers at the end, pretty funny)!
If you want to know how exactly to build it and get a list of materials, see the show notes here. Now for some pointers:
1. Take Matthew’s advice; Try to get a narrow tube
I learned that bigger is not always better. Because my tube was 2″ in diameter, I had to get larger parts to accommodate it. However, finding a cost efficient thin LED Flashlight would have been even tougher if I went with the thinner sink part. Pick your battle, I suppose.
2. Use light parts, your arms will thank you!
I ended up using plumbing parts because of my large and in charge tube. Sink parts are much, much, lighter making it easier to maneuver the saber. Although, I gotta say that my guns look pretty good after toting that bad boy around for a few days :)
3. Be patient and keep focus
Building lightsabers can take some time. Understanding how it all comes together, and tweaking it for yourself can be frustrating and time consuming. Also know that this will not be your last lightsaber.
On that last note, I have to say that it’s a bit of an obsession. I want one thats even more realistic, and with noise. I’ll be tooling away in my workshop, and I’ll keep you posted on what becomes with this project. Try it out, and show me what you make!
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of going to Wondercon, the little sister of Comicon. As always, there were wonderful forums with sneak peeks of upcoming media.
When I heard that there was going to be a panel on the new animated series, The Spectacular Spider-Man, I was more than ecstatic. I was a huge fan of the 1994 Spider-Man animated cartoon [watch here]. The way that it was drawn, the voice acting, and dialog was impeccable. I also am a huge fan of the comic book, so having a new cartoon from Marvel was just what the doc [Connors] ordered. The not so Spectacular Spider-Man
Much to my dismay, I was dead wrong. The animation was sub-par and looked similar to the way Digimon was drawn. Peter Parker now has a mole [which, coincidentally, the artist “cheeks” possesses] and looks like he is five-years-old. The jokes were bad and lacking wit, while the storyline was scattered and unfocused. The only upside to The Spectacular Spider-Man was the voice acting of Josh Keaton as Parker/Spidey. He sounds quite similar to Christopher Daniel Barnes, who was the voice of my favorite web-slinger circa ‘94.
After that letdown, I was quite skeptical walking into the Justice League: New Frontier film by DC. Surprisingly, I was absolutely blown away by the animation, motion effects, voice acting, concept and writing. DC seems to know what they are doing with their comic properties; The New Frontier is aimed at the older demographic who are hardcore comic book fans. Marvel seems to be chasing the Pokemon pipsqueaks, while forgetting those of us who have grown up following Spidey.
DC takes animated media to a new frontier
Justice League: The New Frontier is worth buying on DVD and I look forward for more from the DC franchise. It’s available On-Demand starting today, and I would strongly suggest it as a comic book movie must see. If you would like to watch The Spectacular Spider-Man and weigh in with your own judgment, check it out on March 8 on the Kids WB.
Posted on February 26th, 2008 by neha | 7 Comments »
*There may be spoilers in this article…read at your own risk*
Last night I watched Cloverfield, a movie that was supposed to be the next Blair Witch Project. The only problem with such a concept is that once you have seen BWP, there is much less wonder left to first person accounts of the supernatural, or in this case, extraterrestrial.
Let’s start with the casting. There was not one character I related with, making me care less if any of them were victim to E.T. gone bad. Everyone seemed like an actor in a traditional movie, but with just really cruddy camera work. Also, if I were in a life threatening situation, I would most likely leave the camera behind and save my ass. Just a thought.
Ah, then there was the anticipated monster. Was that creature supposed to be frightening? It looked like a cross between Predator and a turd, making it almost laughable to see the terror. The U.S. armed forces seemed inadequate, and I really hope we would have better strategy when Mr.Hanky’s oversized cousin would attack Manhattan.
I just got home from picking up the coolest DVD case ever. The actual film inside of it has some good moments–but the packaging is out of this world. What else could it be but Transformers!!!
While looking online today, I noticed that most retailers had the standard Transformers on DVD and HDDVD, but two stores had a little more. Best Buy was offering two little toys with their 2-disc DVD. Unfortunately, the toys looked more Happy-Meal-esque rather than something that is proudly displayed alongside your original Optimus Prime circa 1985.
Target, however, had something much more applicable–a DVD case that actually transforms into a 15″ Optimus Prime! It’s not available on the website, so you may actually have to saunter into your local Target to get it. Please be assured that it is so worth it. As an added bonus, the DVD comes with a mini Transformer comic book and a special decoder to use on Target’s Transformers website. Check out the slideshow and get the “all spark” of DVD packages, people!!
p.s. Those are not my hands--totally my brothers. Man hands would be very unfortunate!
Posted on October 18th, 2007 by neha | 7 Comments »
Tivo and most DVR technologies have been around for many years, but I have yet to indulge in this functional piece of equipment.
This is a big admission considering that I am relatively tech savvy and do fancy gizmos. I really don’t mind spending a good amount of cash when it comes to gadgetry, and know that DVRs plus the service isn’t that much more then I currently pay for cable. But now, I’m questioning whether or not to take the leap…
First off, to get a DVR, it seems that you have to have digital cable. Believe it or not, I don’t even have that. My family and I have had the same cable service for years now and have never really felt the need to upgrade. My father still records his weekend cultural programs on VHS, and I continue to rush home to watch a number of programs. We have had no problem living in the dark ages of television thus far.
In the busy lives that we all lead, I still think it’s fun to have a show to look forward to and not on demand.
I am a huge Star Wars fan, and enjoy Family Guy. This past Sunday, I happened to catch the hour-long Family Guy dedicated to Star Wars. Seeing the worlds of two of my faves meld together was a wonderful experience.
Not that I encourage pirated videos, but if you get on to You Tube fast enough, you can watch the entire episode [In parts, of course]. Check ‘em out quick because you know how those big networks love to hastily yank their content off the internets.
Mmm Jabba Griffin likey Princess L!
Who knew Louis would be such a great Princess Leia or Peter, a natural Han Solo? With the original musical score, and real film footage, I give this episode an A+. Way to go, Family Guy!
Posted on September 25th, 2007 by neha | 5 Comments »
For those of you that haven’t visited my Twitter page lately [note: Buster Wallpaper], you may not be aware of my obsession with Arrested Development. I know it’s canceled, but it is still one of the most brilliant programs on modern television…dare I say ever!
I am currently re-watching season one, and laughing my butt off. Have you ever wondered where you can find a great glossary incorporating the lingo de Bluths? Check out the Bluthcyclopedia. Go out there and get some good old fashioned Caged Wisdom (Lucille: “Why is there a piece of a shoe on your head?)!!
Posted on August 13th, 2007 by neha | 3 Comments »
