May 25, 1977. Do you know where you were on that fateful day? No? Possibly? For most Millennials (at least, those who managed to escape their cribs and toddled past preschool), they do. It is a day most revered…when, on the desert planet of Tatooine, a boy’s dream (and destiny) to become a Jedi (like his father) is finally realized, sparking the flames of fanaticism for a Galaxy Far, Far Away… that continues to burn to this day. George Lucas’ epic Star Wars: A New Hope premiered that day, laying the groundwork for a cinematic space opera that would inspire a world of fandom, three prequels, and two sequels, with a seventh installment helmed by J.J. Abrams slated for December 2015 — Star Wars: The Force Awakens — continuing the saga that left us yearning since Return of the Jedi in 1983.

Now, with anticipation brewing to the boiling point for the much ballyhooed theatrical release on the 18^th of December, you don’t need to tap into the Force to foresee the merchandising blitz that The Force Awakens will be (and already is) generating. In fact, GTM isn’t balking. Just check out our ‘Games Section’ for the first wave of The Force Awakens-centric goodies forthcoming and guaranteed to warp their way onto retailer’s shelves in the month’s to come leading up to (and beyond) the premiere.

If that’s not reason enough (and, frankly, I don’t know what is) to dive deep into the pages of this issue of GTM, Fantasy Flight shifts into hyper-drive with an overview of the Eighth Wave of starship expansions — including the Imperial Assault Carrier — for the Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game! Plus, there’s web-slinging with The Amazing Spider-Man for WizKids’ Marvel Dice Masters, spelunking in the Old World with Fantasy Flight's Warhammer Quest: The Adventure Card Game, and vampire hunting with Pelgrane Press’ The Dracula Dossier!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve double-parked the Death Star and want to avoid being ticketed for violating airspace — the Sith Lord hates that.

And, visit Game Trade Magazine's (GTM) Facebook page and join in the fun!

Bringing you the future of gaming - one month at a time - GTM (Game Trade Magazine) is your one-stop monthly resource for the latest, up-to-the-minute product information in the world of games and hobby supplies! Packed with reviews, previews, product excerpts, exclusive scenarios, giveaways and collectible inserts from your favorite games and manufacturers, there’s no better source to feed your gaming needs!

GTM #188 is shipping to arrive in your store this week, and we encourage you to pass copies along to your gaming customers and hobby enthusiasts. And, point them (and your browser) to GTM's virtual hideaway at: www.gametrademagazine.com!