For a January release in 2002, there will be eight sets; six 'SYSTEM' and two TECHNIC. You may have to look twice when you find them on the shelves, as they'll be in new packaging. We'll have more to say as time goes on, but here's something else you didn't know - two of the more inexpensive sets are meant to go together. LEGO is using the modular concept here - and you'll find it in two of the more expensive sets as well. So in pairs, four of the six 'SYSTEM' sets work together to create a specific scene.

These ewok minifigs - are they pieces? regular sized minifigs? While they are indeed minifigs, the more appropriate term might be "mini" minifigs - they are definately of a smaller scale compared to a regular minifig.

Ahhhhhh. Here's the low-down.

7 Star Wars System sets for Janurary.

7119 Twin-Pod Cloud Car
117 pieces, $9.99 � Lobot minifig
Soar among the clouds of Bespin. The cybernetically-enhanced Lobot is your guide in this super-sleek vehicle. (Understand why I've been running those Lando polls now?)

7139 Ewok Attack
119 pieces, $12.99 � Scout Trooper, Stormtrooper and (2) Ewok minifigs
The Ewoks team up with the Rebels to fight off the Imperial troops. The Battle of Endor is under way! Use the catapult to shoot rocks at the stormtroopers but look out for the biker scout! Fly the Ewok hang glider and drop the rock with damaging precision. (There may be another interesting element in here as well - more on that later)

Story Tellers:
(This is what they are calling the 'modular' sets - I am unsure if this will end up making a variation in packaging).
The Final Duel: (Return of the Jedi)
Captured, but not defeated, Luke Skywalker is being escorted to Emperor Palpatine, who waits in the Death Star's throne room. Just when it seems the Emperor will achieve his ultimate victory, a spectacular lightsaber duel leads to an unexpected turn of events, and the Emperor is finally defeated at the hands of Darth Vader. The Empire draws its final gasp - the Rebel Alliance has triumphed!

7200 Final Duel I
29 pieces, $6.99 � Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader minifigs
Sitting in his throne room, Emperor Palpatine awaits Luke Skywalker's arrival. The Emperor's plan will soon be complete. Along with Darth Vader, he will bring Luke over to the dark side. But Luke Skywalker has a plan of his own!

7201 Final Duel II
23 pieces, $6.99 � Luke Skywalker, Imperial Officer and Stormtrooper minifigs
Luke Skywalker surrenders himself to the dark side and is escorted to Darth Vader by an Imperial officer and stormtrooper. Can Luke save his father or is it too late for him to even save himself? (Two sets now with Stormies).

Jedi Defense: (The Phantom Menace)
Obi -Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn are in pursuit of the Neimoidians aboard a Trade Federation battleship. The Jedi must endure a series heroic battles with droidekas and battle droids before they can capture the Trade Federation leaders.

7203 Jedi Defense I
58 pieces, $6.99 � Obi-Wan Kenobi and (2) Destroyer Droid minifigs
On the bridge of the Trade Federation battleship, Obi-Wan Kenobi faces a fearsome charge of destroyer droids and must hold them off with his lightsaber. Can Obi-Wan hold up against the awesome firepower of the shielded droidekas?

7204 Jedi Defense II
52 pieces, $6.99 � Qui-Gon Jinn, Command Battle Droid and Security Battle Droid minifigs
Qui-Gon Jinn tries to melt his way through the locked door using his lightsaber. A battle droid commander and security battle droid are no match for the experienced Jedi Master, but can he hold off the rest of the overpowering army? (Note that LEGO has now made all four Battle Droid variations).

7194 Ultimate Collectors Series Yoda
1075 pieces, $99.99
You can build the ultimate Jedi Master with the new Ultimate Collectors Series Yoda model. The finished model stands 14 inches tall and has great detail. (Some more on this set: note that the piece count is around 25% more than the Target Stores 'Guess the Bricks' model - while it is the same height, it will be much more detailed. It will have color variations from the contest model as well - the flesh green is lighter and some of the clothing is a different shade as well. Initially in the States this set will be a Shop@Home exclusive - overseas will have it immediately at retail, then around the time of the EpII release it will be made available in the States at retail as well).

[ October 15, 2001: Message edited by: MIB ]