George Bowman of Buford feels the Force. He may not be performing mind tricks like a Jedi from the “Star Wars” universe, but Bowman gets blasts of forceful fan energy on a daily basis.
As a sales associate at ThinkGeek, Mall of Georgia’s brick-and-mortar answer to the popular nerd-friendly shopping website, Bowman trades in “Star Wars” merch, from toys to apparel to housewares. With “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” arriving in theaters this week, fans have been commemorating the occasion, swooping in the store like X-Wing fighters in the Death Star trenches.
“We’re seeing ‘Star Wars’ everywhere these days,” Bowman said while walking past a life-size mannequin of Darth Vader, keeping a watchful eye from the storefront window. “It’s on the rise again, and customers are getting excited.”
Ever since the original film’s release nearly 40 years ago, “Star Wars” fans have sought out ways to enthusiastically celebrate the series with the inextinguishable passion of a glowing lightsaber. They don costumes, throw “Star Wars” bashes and collect mountains of memorabilia. Now as Disney promises a new “Star Wars” film annually for the foreseeable future, the intergalactic party feels almost as infinite as space itself.
Looking for ways to go rogue and ring in the release of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”? Whether you want to shop, play games or rub armor with screen-accurate costumers, the force of “Star Wars” binds fans together.
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ThinkGeek
When “Star Wars” fans enter ThinkGeek, they’re encouraged to battle it out with high-end lightsabers or try on a Stormtrooper helmet. ThinkGeek’s massive amount of “Star Wars” inventory — they also specialize in superheroes, video game characters and other nerd-tastic properties — runs the galactic gamut. Death Star waffle irons, R2-D2 popcorn makers and Yoda Tiki mugs just scratch the planetary surface. While the store stocks items also found at ThinkGeek.com, the in-the-flesh version carries “Star Wars” items you won’t see on its site, including Hasbro action figures and more.
3333 Buford Drive N.E., Buford. 678-546-4133, thinkgeek.com.
Battle & Brew
Like aliens at the space cantina in “Star Wars,” fans 18 and older often geek out at this foodie-centric eatery and bar. For a fee, guests access an arsenal of console and PC games, including the popular “Star Wars Battlefront” for PlayStation 4. Special events, including “Star Wars” cosplay nights, land on the calendar. At 8 p.m. each Wednesday, test your “Star Wars” and other nerdy knowledge for Geek Trivia. And “Star Wars”-themed cocktails, including Banthas Milk, sometimes hit the menu.
5920 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 678-560-1500,battleandbrew.com.
Aurora Cineplex
On Dec. 16, “Rogue One” moviegoers get a live bonus feature in the form of screen-worthy costumers patrolling this theater. Don’t be surprised to see Stormtroopers, bounty hunters and even Darth Vader himself milling about. These characters and more come courtesy of the Georgia Garrison of the 501st Legion, an international group of hardcore “Star Wars” costumers who make personal appearances for charity. Fans of all ages would likely gush at the opportunity to hang with their favorite “Star Wars” denizens. Fully charge your smartphone for photo ops.
6-9 p.m. Dec. 16. 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell. 770-518-0977, auroracineplex.com.
Galactic Quest
This comic book store’s Buford location hosts a special “Star Wars” Extravaganza in celebration of “Rogue One.” Games, a costume contest with prizes, fan film screenings and more highlight the afternoon. Nick Palermo of Creative Vision VFX gives a special visual effects demonstration at 2 p.m. The folks behind Joelanta and The Great Atlanta Toy Convention host a “Star Wars” swap meet from 1-4 p.m. And “Star Wars” experts will be on site to appraise toy collections.
1 p.m. Dec. 17. 4264 Sudderth Road N.E., Buford. 770-614-4804, galacticquest.com.
Disney Store
Atlanta-area Disney Store locations, already packed to the gills with “Rogue One” and other “Star Wars” merchandise, roll out a trio of Premium Elite Series action figures on the opening day of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” These 12-inch figures — Jyn Erso, Director Krennic and an Imperial Death Trooper — feature cloth costumes and multiple points of articulation.
Locations including Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. 770-350-9790, disneystore.com.
The Wasteland Gaming
Wasteland hosts a special X-Wing Tournament for fans of the popular “Star Wars” X-Wing Miniatures tabletop game. Players are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. A portion of tournament admission ($15) benefits the nonprofit Bert’s Big Adventure. Wasteland promises “Star Wars” raffles, giveaways and more.
2 p.m. Dec. 17. 3700 Satellite Blvd., Suite 7B, Duluth. 770-921-5511, thewastelandgaming.com.
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