We waited outside our hotel for half an hour for the shuttle bus, but by the time it appeared we knew we didn't have much hope of making it to the Gentle Giant Ltd queue in time. and we didn't. We arrived to find the queue already capped but M&K were in it so we wished them luck and sodded off to the Kotobukiya panel instead. I won't go into the details of the panel as Hugh is dying to report on all the cool stuff happening, however I do feel the need to mention the wicked looking ROYAL GUARD statue coming out later in the year!!!! After the panel finished we tried to get in to the Star Wars Robot Chicken sneak preview with Seth Green and Matt Senreich but we were quite rudely informed that our VIP passes counted for nothing here and that we would have to join the queue outside (which went round in circles several times before stretching off over the horizon and into the sunset). Our egos torn to shreds we turned around and skulked pitifully away. to be herded into a corner by a Scouttrouper shouting at us 'Hold up! You two over there, stop!'. 'Oh no, now what have we done?'. I was beginning to feel really guilty about my whole life when the Scouttrooper asked. 'How long have you had these droids?' And then the lightbulb clicked on. of course, the Droid Hunt, had forgotten all about it - phew! I was so relieved that I wasn't about to be escorted off the premises that I just happily started to unclip my badge and hand it over. Hugh, being slightly more with it (and possibly less wracked with guilt) countered with a snappy, if unoriginal, 'they're for sale if you want them'. The Scouttrooper dutifully informed us that he would have to confiscate them but his Imperial Officer friend at least did us the courtesy of giving us raffle tickets in exchange (unfortunately they weren't winning ones!)
So panic over, we headed in to the artists area to check out what was available. and got stuck in there for hours chatting away to numerous artists and buying far too much of their stuff!

We were even fortunate enough to get a (deep breath) "Lord Vader's Persuasion of the Outer Rim World to Join the Imperial Alliance" print by Dave Dorman. He had sold out of his limited edition run already by Saturday. He drew a wicked Royal Guard remarque on the bottom of ours (he loved the Home of the Clones t-shirt so we're sending him one in exchange!)

We then went back to see if Tem really had run out of clean clothes and were delighted to see that he was busy signing autographs in his new Home of the Clones/Reel Collectibles t-shirt - what a star! Being the puny wimp that he is the XL was a touch large on him so we offered to exchange it for a L the next day. So here's the photo that you've been waiting for Callum...

We had arranged to meet the lovely Bonnie from Acme Archives that afternoon so we headed over to see her. Acme are one of our favourite suppliers, thanks to the service and support we get from them - they rock! We spent ages at the Acme stand discussing all sorts of stuff, including the possibility of a Reel Collectibles exclusive Acme piece. We also met Peter and James, two of the artists who put together the character keys and giclees, who signed all relevant pieces that we had ordered (yes, we had a suitcase full of stock waiting for us there, beautifully packaged by Bonnie).
Saturday evening was the 501st photo shoot. The main stairs were cleared ready and we took our position. All non-501st were ushered away but we managed to successfully answer all 501st related questions when interrogated so were allowed to stay in the forefront, we even got handed Imperial Officer Gregor's camera to 'go crazy' with. Unfortunately whoever was in charge then decided to do all the photos downstairs where nobody could see! I got herded into an 'out-of-costume 501st member' area ready to go and join the photo when called. but they seemingly forgot to call us! There were heaps of fans standing by hoping to take photos but they weren't allowed anywhere near, which was a real shame and a huge disappointment. We did get to see Jay Laga'aia shoot past in his Captain Typho outfit though. He joined the photo before heading off to introduce Carrie Fisher at the aptly named 'Evening with Carrie Fisher'. This was a ticketed event which Matt & Kristy had the forethought to purchase tickets for. We, being the skinflints that we are, merely got to take a quick snap of Captain Typho on stage through the doors as they closed in our faces.
By the time we got 'home' that night we were starving. and all food establishments had closed (even Subway!) After phoning everybody in Downtown LA our helpful receptionist sent us off on a mission to the Pantry, apparently open 24 hours. We walked a couple of blocks to get there but it was well worth it, even though it was absolutely packed with other CIV attendees. Great food, fast service, a free loaf of bread - just what we needed. and enough leftovers to have for lunch the next day too!