Some time ago, QMx mentioned an interesting project in the works: a large and detailed Serenity model. It promised to be insanely detailed and screen accurate, and I was kinda interested in a “some day” way.

Guess what they’re working on…

You can follow the progress at the just-launched Firefly Ship Works Ltd site, www.fireflyshipworks.com. Think of it as a progress diary, posting updates and sneak peeks at the ship as it’s crafted. There is no price or ship date available here (and per their policy there won’t be one until they have product in sight, keep an eye on the QMx newsletter for those details) but you’ll be able to see the amount of care and detail the designers are putting in. This will be our ship. It will be big. It will be beautiful. And it will make visitors to your house go “oooh.”

A few hints already dropped, in comments and other places: there will be working lights (including chaser lights to simulate the engine), and they’re looking at possibilities like a removable primary buffer panel.

More details as I get ‘em. Go check out the site and let ‘em know you’re out there.

New at the Prop Store of London - Zoe’s outfit from the bank heist scene.

This fantastic costume was worn by Zoe (Gina Torres) in the bank heist scenes near the beginning of the film and afterwards onboard Serenity. It consists of a pair of grey/beige trousers (labelled St. Zoe) and pink coloured long sleeved top (labelled ‘Zoe’). The labelling of ‘stunt’ and NOT ‘stunt dbl’ may denote Gina wearing the costume whilst performing a stunt, though this can not be confirmed

PatchesNPins had Ariel patches before, but never one sized for the cap. Until now.

They now have one that’s 2.75″x2.5″, just right for your noggin. Originally they had planned for the shoulder patch to serve, but it didn’t quite work. 

If you’ve already bought the 5 patch set, they’ll be sending you one of these free of charge. How cool is that?

Here’s your chance to own the actual axe River used in the final Reaver battle!

Well, one of the actual ones. I already told you about the metal “hero” one, but now you can own one of the slightly-cheaper rubber stunt ones. Blood included, at no extra charge.

The prop is made from rubber and River can be seen using this Reaver weapon in the fight scene with the Reavers near the end of the film. It is also the same style of weapon that River can be seen holding on the UK poster & DVD cover. It comes framed and glazed in a fantastic suede effect laser cut mount board with the movie logo and two movie stills. The display measures approx. 76cm x 46cm (30″ x 18″).

New at the Prop Store of London: Mr. Universe’s jacket. Sword-hole-free!

The top worn by Mr Universe (David Krumholtz) in the sci-fi adventure Serenity. The character can be seen wearing this costume when the Operative kills him and Mal later finds his body. The zip up top is purple and lilac (no size marked). Comes with a costumiers label detailing character, actor and scenes.

From Dark Horse:

Joss Whedon (W), Brett Matthews (W), Will Conrad (P), Michelle Madsen (C), and Jo Chen (Cover)

On sale Oct 29
FC, 80 pages
$9.95
TPB, 6″ x 9″

Serenity: Better Days follows everyone’s favorite space cowboys in a thrilling, action-packed adventure, where Mal and his crew take on a heist that promises a big payoff. But when one of Serenity’s crew is taken captive and tortured, the gang must put their enduring differences aside and work together to save one of their own, even if it may mean losing the cash prize of a lifetime.
Joss Whedon returns to the world of his blockbuster film Serenity, reuniting with Brett Matthews and Will Conrad, his collaborators on the bestselling 2005 series Those Left Behind.

- Collects Serenity: Better Days #1-3.

No cover yet, I’ll keep you posted. Preorder it from TFAW for 20% off!

Lookie, lookie here. In the August solicitations, Dark Horse lists a laser-engraved lucite Serenity ornament.

Joss Wheden’s blockbuster Serenity continues to capture the attention of fans of fantastic adventure. Dark Horse is pleased to support the “browncoats” with the next in our series of Serenity themed ornaments.

We have scanned the Serenity ship and using the wonders of modern science, crafted it as a wire frame 3D image inside a 4″ x 4″ clear lucite cube. This process has allowed us to acheive an unprecedented level of accurate detail.

We are adding a mechanism of ribbon that can be glued to the cube for hanging display, but as with most ofther “tombstone”-style collectibles, it may be best displayed sitting on a window sill or over a small LED light base. The LED light, commonly available on the open market, is NOT a part of the package.

That last part sounds kinda defensive, but otherwise it looks good. 4″x4″, clear lucite. Coming Oct. 8, $16.99 (preorder it from TFAW for 20% off!)

It’s out and for sale: a signed and numbered lithograph of the Worlds of the Alliance, created by Serenity graphic designer Geoffrey Mandel. Order it from TFAW.com or directly from QMx.

Worlds of the Alliance was created by designer Geoffrey Mandel for the classroom scene in the movie Serenity, but was never used because the final set for that scene had no walls. However, Mr. Mandel was still required to create this most authoritative and comprehensive guide to the planets of the ‘Verse yet produced, which was reviewed and approved by director/writer Joss Whedon himself.

When we first saw this fabulous piece of artwork and ‘Verse lore, we just didn’t think it was fair that Browncoats would never get a chance to see, much less own a copy. That’s why we arranged with Universal and Mr. Mandel this opportunity for you to own one of only 1,000 27″x19″ lithographic art prints of the Worlds of the Alliance, hand-signed and numbered by Mr. Mandel himself, for just $39.95.

QMx has a bit more of the backstory from Geoff, and it’s worth checking out.

The latest in Kids Need to Read auctions to benefit underfunded schools and libraries is this hard-to-find dogtag from Quantum Mechanix, signed by KNtR buddy Nathan Fillion.

You can’t understand the character of Malcolm Reynolds without understanding the Battle of Serenity Valley where the Independents held out against unbelievable odds. Kids Need to Read Charity Auctions is giving you a chance to own a memento of the experience that shaped this burdened, complex man – a Sgt. Malcolm Reynolds dog tag signed by Nathan Fillion, the actor who brought him to life with such conviction and depth. This is a fantastic reminder of one of the most intriguing and compelling of all Joss Whedon’s characters.

The dog tag is brand new, made of high-quality metal plate with enamel and measures approximately 5 cm x 2.5 cm. A black rubber silencer and chain is included.

The auction starts now and ends May 9th. Good luck!

That Costume Girl present her detailed explanation of how to create award-winning Ariel EMT uniforms, complete with badges and ID card.

In a three-part series, TCG shows you what materials to gather, how to put it all together — with pictures of the process — and graphics files for the patches and card to download and modify for yourself.

And remember, if you don’t feel like doing it all yourself, Patches N Pins has some patches they’d be willing to help you with.