Female sci-fi fans, and those buying presents for the fangirl in their life, will find the perfect geeky gifts from Her Universe this holiday season. New York,

SAN DIEGO and SAN FRANCISCO, Sept.

By FRAZIER MOORE of The Associated Press Tough times! War rages on, with shrinking numbers of good guys left to fight for freedom and restore peace. And, all happening in a galaxy that definitely isn't close, close by.

The new animated U.S. television series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" is to debut next month, Cartoon Network announced Tuesday. Episodes are to premiere Friday nights, starting Oct. 3, on Cartoon Network and Cartoon Network HD.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, the first weekly television series from Lucasfilm Animation, premieres on Cartoon Network Friday, October 3 at 9 p.m. (ET, PT) with a special one-hour presentation that anchors the Network's all-new night of fantasy, action and adventure.