STAR WARS : GENERATION SKYWALKER

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 25

The Modern Way returns after a long break as Stuart, Dan, Jez and Peter discuss all that has been happening in the world of Modern Collecting over several months whilst they've been away.

From Black Series and The Vintage Collection to Haslab and Epic Hero Series, the team settle in to discuss what they've missed.  As well as discussing the most beautiful Leia Tiki which all the team have acquired.

Stuart shares his love of Conquerors Challenges and their new Star Wars challenges, pretty sure by the end of it we've reeled in Jez.

Plenty of modern discussion as the team gets back into their groove.

Enjoy the show!

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 22 : PICKING UP THE PIECES

Those Old Fossils Episode 22 Vintage Star Wars collecting podcast is now live. Picking up the Pieces!

Massive thanks to Lee Bullock and Mark Daniels for joining Jez, Dan and Peter with hosting duties for this episode. It was wonderful to have these seasoned collectors enrich our discussion. Along with talking about their top purchases over the last 6 months the lads discuss the state of the vintage collecting market in 2024, including tales of how the most recent Echo Live and Farthest From events worked out for everyone.

Dan gives his analysis of Star Wars Tracker provided loose figure prices over the years and discovers some interesting climbers and fallers. Can you guess what they are?

In addition to the hosting team of 5, the lads are also joined by 5 guests, first of all Clint Garniss and Mike Freeman join Jez to talk all about their exciting ‘May the North be with You’ Canadian collecting convention, which sounds absolutely brilliant. Jared Cope, creator and owner of the much talked about Star Wars Tracker pops in to explain all about this fantastic platform which is so much more than just a brilliant price guide. Finally, Nick and Olly Dykes drop on by to talk all about their exciting new venture ‘Oberon Auctions’ which has its first vintage toy collecting auction this week with some outstanding pieces including carded Power of the Force Yak Face and Anakin, plus a sweet 30 back Palitoy Luke X Wing. For their first auction they have some absolutely awesome examples.

Thanks to everyone for the prompts to get another one out!  We all hugely appreciate the support and encouragement. This has been our first ‘round table collecting show’ since Craig Spivey passed away.  Master Luke Skywalker was right though, no one is ever truly gone….

THE BARRY GINGELL INTERVIEW - LIVE FROM FARTHEST FROM

This episode features our interview with Barry Gingell.

Barry worked as a Graphic Designer on both seasons of Andor, he also appeared on screen in the series as rebel Anto Kreegyr.  He is a massive Star Wars fan and provides an enthusiastic insight into the series, sharing details of his involvement and many of the hidden Easter eggs.

This was recorded in front of a live audience at the Farthest From Xmas Dinner on Saturday 9th December 2023, when Barry joined Jez on stage as part of the Generation Skywalker take over of the event.

This show is also available on our YouTube channel, with the video recorded of the interview.

Enjoy the Show!

We Are Generation Skywalker!

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : GUIDE TO PALITOY : PART 3

Welcome to the third instalment in our trilogy of Those Old Fossils Specials, in which we celebrate Palitoy and the Star Wars products they released between 1983 and 1985.

Dan returns! Pete returns ! And guest hosts Jon Aves and Dave Tree return! As we continue to move through the eighties and into the era of The Return of the Jedi. Dave opens with an overview of what was happening behind the scenes at Palitoy in 1983, then gives us a breakdown of Palitoy’s mail away offers that year. Then the team works their way through the Star Wars toys Palitoy released during that period. Pete takes us through the vehicles, creature and play-sets and Jon takes us through the figures and the various card backs.

Dave sets the record straight with the story of the sheet of uncut Trilogo cards he uncovered. And no, they weren’t use to wrap meat!!!

As well as the items Palitoy released, we also look at the Kenner toys that didn’t make it to the U.K. and finish by discussing the end of the Palitoy brand in 1985.

Along the way the hosts all share memories of the toys from their childhood and as adult collectors.

Enjoy the show.

We Are Generation Skywalker!

THE PHANTOM MENACE COMMENTARY

2024 marks 25 years since the release of The Phantom Menace.  

Just in time for May the 4th, Generation Skywalker delivers its commentary episode for this land mark movie, described by Stuart as 'the greatest movie ever made'!

So tee up Disney+ or your DVD player, or even your VHS with Episode One, and join Stuart, Dan and Jez, as they take a walk down memory lane for an irreverent deep dive into the first part of the Prequel Trilogy.

 

CRAIG SPIVEY : A CELEBRATION

Earlier this year, Craig Spivey, our dear friend and fellow Generation Skywalker host sadly passed away.  Peter, Jez, Stuart and Dan are joined by our old friend Mark Daniels, in a show dedicated to celebrating Craig.

The team share personal memories of Craig, discussing Craig's Star Wars fandom along the way and the many adventures it led him on.  The team cover how Craig has influenced their own collections, as well as the wider collecting community, and talk the body of work Craig created with Generation Skywalker and the legacy of content he has left for us to continue to enjoy.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : GUIDE TO PALITOY : PART 2

The best thing that ever happened, is about to happen again!

Welcome to the second in our trilogy of Those Old Fossils specials, where we celebrate Palitoy and the Star Wars products they released between 1980 and 1982.

Dan is back! Pete is back! Craig is back! And guest hosts Jon Aves and Dave Tree are back! As we move into the early eighties and the era of The Empire Strikes Back.

Dave opens, with an overview of what was happening behind the scenes at Palitoy in 1980, then gives us an breakdown of Palitoy’s Boba Fett mail away offer, as well as an insight into the psychology used by toy makers with these kinds of offers.

Then the team works their way through the Star Wars toys Palitoy released between 80 and 82. Jon discusses the trials and tribulations of collecting 30, 41 and 45 backs, and Dave shares his passion for Palitoy’s Bounty Hunter Offer.

Craig drops in again to tell us about the Palitoy items that went beyond the toys and covers the advertising and point-of-sale materials the company continued to deploy to sell us those wonderful toys.

As well as the items Palitoy released, we also cover the Kenner toys that didn’t make it to the U.K. Along the way the hosts all share memories of the toys from their youth and as adult collectors.

It’s wall to wall Palitoy talk, and we would be honoured if you would join us.

A LOOK AT AHSOKA : SEASON 1

Join Dan, Jez and Craig for a re-watch and in-depth spoiler-filled review of all eight episodes of Ahsoka.

So much more than just a 'live action Rebels season 5', we explore the back story, the characters, this season's arc and all of the implications for Star Wars going forward.

Cross referencing Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB ratings with our own social media polls, gives episode some wider context, even if the team doesn't agree on every single detail.

It was a thrill to see some of these characters brought to live action for the first time, but who were the hits and misses?

Which scenes sizzled?

What left us colder than a Dathomiri witch's reanimated body part?

And which other long-running franchise did the art direction put Craig in mind of?

Listen along and let us know your thoughts.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS SPECIAL : DARKSIDE ALLIANCE

Join Jez for this very special episode of Those Old Fossils (Vintage Star Wars Collecting), as he interviews Gaz Bond and Tony Kai from the Darkside Alliance – one of the most successful Facebook pages dedicated to selling vintage Star Wars toys and figures.  

Jez quizzes Gaz and Tony on how the Darkside Alliance came to be and how they constantly seem to source a never ending supply of vintage goodness, so if you ever wondered how to set up and run a hugely successful selling page this is the episode for you!  Gaz and Tony spill the beans in a very open and insightful way.

Never underestimate the power of the Darkside!

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : GUIDE TO PALITOY : PART 1

Welcome to the first of a planned trilogy of Those Old Fossils specials, where we celebrate Palitoy and the Star Wars products they released in 1978 and 1979.

Join Dan and Pete, along with guest hosts Jon Aves and Dave Tree as we step back in time to the late 1970’s, for a Death Star-sized slice of nostalgia, UK style. Dave sets the scene and helps us understand the landscape of the UK toy industry in 1977 and provides context to the lengths Palitoy had to go to, to convince retailers to stock their Star Wars line ahead of the movies December release.

Then the team work their way through the Star Wars toys Palitoy released in 78 and 79 and explore changes made to a number of the items for the UK. market. They gush over the Palitoy Death Star and try to find answers for long standing mysteries around some aspects of the range from those initial years.

As well as the items Palitoy did release, we also cover the Kenner items that didn’t make to the great British shores during those years. Craig also drops in to tell us all about the early Palitoy items that went beyond the toys and covers the advertising and point-of-sale materials the company deployed to sell us those wonderful toys. Along the way they share memories of the toys from their youth and as adult collectors.

It’s a Palitoy extravaganza we hope you can join us for.

RANDOM HOUSE WORD PUZZLES ORIGINAL ART BY KEN BARR

What happens when four vintage art fans decide to pool their resources to bid for 29 pieces of original Star Wars artwork in a high profile auction?

Craig and Kimberley are joined by Will and Robin Arnold – not only to discuss Propstore, art collector William Plumb and artist Ken Barr – but to sit and review each piece ‘in person’ for the first time.

These hand drawn originals, including characters, vehicles and scenarios from the first three movies, were created to illustrate Random House’s 1984 'Star Wars Word Puzzles' book, and make for a quirky, yet stunning spread of images.

If you think some of these big auction lots are out of your reach, this story might make you think again.

(This podcast is also available as an image-rich video here.)

FARTHEST FROM CHRISTMAS 2023 PREVIEW

This Christmas, Farthest From is all set to be the best yet.

Why? Well, give this a listen and get the lowdown from Mr All The Cool Stuff himself, Dave Tree.

As one of the longest-standing Star Wars shows in the UK, it's only fitting that events like this take a lightspeed jump every once in a while, and what better time to introduce some exciting new features than the festive season? So, as well as the usual Family Fun Day on the Saturday and the Retro Toy Show on the Sunday, Dave is cramming a lot more in the whole weekend.

But it's the Christmas Extravanza that's set to pop off with a two-course meal with all the seasonal trimmings, special Star Wars beer from Rebellion Beer Co. on tap, free gifts, entertainment throughout and your chance to meet the very special guest of the event – Pablo Hidalgo – Lucasfilm Author and Star Wars Lore Advisor who will be on hand to sign his new book, Dawn of the Rebellion – A Visual Guide.

The Saturday night will also feature room sales for the first time – an opportunity for anyone attending to set up stall upstairs at the venue. And who knows what treasure that might shake loose?

All this, plus more dealers, live tattooing, a local accommodation partner with plenty of space and transport...

Generation Skywalker will be there with bells on.

The event takes place on 9th–10th December in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. Find out more and book your tickets here.

THE COMMITTEE : VINTAGE RETURN OF THE JEDI TOYS

As part of our series of shows looking at Return of the Jedi, the committee has reconvened to decide the top 10 tie-in toys from the early 80s.

So, join Stu, Jez, Craig, Pete and respected toy expert and commentator Dave Tree for the rundown, as we cover all the classics, alongside a few more unusual items.

Will Chewbacca’s Bandolier make the list? Will the Huffy Speeder Bike take the lead? Let us know what we missed!

Listen to the full debate here, then check out the Top 10 video on YouTube.

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 24

Get ready for Ahsoka and join the full Generation Skywalker crew for a run down of all the Star Wars exclusives and and announcements from San Diego Comic Con – including a closer look at the new Haslab Ghost crowdfunder, the latest from The Vintage Collection, Black Series and and Retro collections.

We explore the new Geeki Tikis x Shag collaboration, look at fresh Lego sets, discuss the new Artisan Edition Anakin Hot Toy and take a peak at the latest releases from Gentle Giant, Iron Studios and Jazzwares.

And you can find out what Jez thinks to his first ever Hot Toy as he unboxes his Bespin Luke live on the show!

RETURN OF THE JEDI COMMENTARY

When is it OK to talk all the way though a movie? When it's one of Generation Skywalker's occasional series of commentary shows.

40 years ago we were all enjoying the 'Summer of Jedi', so now's the perfect time to join Dan, Jez, Craig and Pete as they sit and re-watch the film and share their recollections, reactions and behind the scenes trivia in real time.

Where were you in '83? Did the Emperor creep you out? What did you expect to see under Vader's mask? Did you find the Ewoks adorable or annoying?

Listen along or watch the video version of this show over on our YouTube channel.

 

 

RETRACING TRAILERS : PART 3 : THE SEQUEL TRILOGY

'Chewie, we’re home.’

As trailer moments go, it was a moment that got everyone 'in the feels'. But what else did the sequel trailers get right?

And what did they get wrong?

It's almost 10 years since the first teaser dropped for The Force Awakens, and it's getting on for 2 years since our last Retracing Trailers show. Now, the team are back to cast a critical eye and reminisce about when they saw some of these for the first time.

So, join Jez, Craig, Dan and Pete for some hot takes in a deep dive that covers teasers, international trailers and TV spots, and leaves no stone unlevitated.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 21 : THE END OF THE LINE

What happens when a popular toy line starts to wane? In this episode we are joined by two collectors with a keen interest in the unique ways vintage figures were packaged for the clearance aisles. Gary Smith (almost certainly owner of the best Palitoy Star Wars collection in the world) joins Jez to discuss his collection of miscards and how these were 'intentional mistakes' to get rid of old stock. And Thorsten Greth pops in to discuss German Power of the Force three-packs and the recent addition of an amazing wild find to his collection.

Jez also takes a closer look at one of the forums that really helped to build the community prior to the Facebook takeover. Will other social platforms ultimately spell the end of the line for Star Wars Forum UK? We don’t think so.

In other news, Dan is on hand to highlight key lots from some recent big hitting auctions, the team go over the Vintage Figure of the Year poll, and Craig reports on his special access visit to UK Graders and his experience filming with the Leicester Vintage & Old Toyshop Toys crew.

MY PALITOY STORY : BOB BRECHIN & BRIAN HICKEY

With less than a week to go on their Kickstarter campaign, former toy designer Bob Brechin and art director Brian Hickey join Dan, Craig and Pete to discuss 'My Palitoy Life'.

10 years in the making, the book charts the rise and fall of one of the most iconic toy manufacturers of the 20th Century and creators of some of the most sought after vintage Star Wars playsets in the world.

And this is your opportunity to hear directly from the writer and designer about how the book came be, the meticulous work that has gone into it and what's in store for everyone who backs the project.

Bob and his team's contribution to so many childhoods is immeasureable and the Palitoy story is one that needs to be told.

Pledge your support here:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/brianthehick/my-palitoy-story

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 23

 

Dan, Jez, Craig and Pete go for gold in an episode of The Modern Way covering a whole array of shiny, new Star Wars collectibles from the last few months.

The team discuss their own recent purchases and what nuggets they know about Disney's future plans for TV shows and movies, before digging in to review all the new releases and announcements from Hasbro, Hot Toys, Lego, Gentle Giant and Jazwares.

 

Whether you are a Black Series die-hard or a Hot Toys dabbler, there's lots to admire in this latest round-up, but it's two ostentatious Vader pieces from Iron Studios and Lladro that come close to stealing the show.

 

So, join four collectors as they discuss over 50 new items and discover what might be the next centrepiece to your collection. This is the Modern Way.

STAR WARS CELEBRATION EUROPE 2023 REVISITED

Stuart, Craig, Jez and Pete return from the shenanigans of this years Star Wars Celebration in London and relive some of their stand out moments.

From Craig's double panel presentation on Sunday to the Craft Beer show event he was truly a busy boy.  Whilst Jez, with his alter ego 'The Running Stormtrooper', tells the tale of his Celebration running 100km whilst raising money for two children's charities, and what a tale, exceeding fundraising expectations and ending his Celebration in a way he never would have dreamt of, this tale alone is worth listening in for.

The team also discuss swag, panels, cosplay, guests, evening entertainment, marriage proposals and everything in-between as they revisit this years Celebration!

Enjoy the show!

GENERATION SKYWALKER’S GUIDE TO CELEBRATION EUROPE 2023

Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 is upon us, and the team at Generation Skywalker are getting very excited.

So excited in fact that they've done a guide to things they wouldn't want to miss, from panels and art to evening entertainment and running in a booth, we've got it covered here.

Listen in, enjoy the show, and we'll see you in London in just a few days.

FREAK OUUUUTTTTT!!!!!

THE COMMITTEE : VADER’S FINEST

Few movie villains have appeared in as many classic scenes as Darth Vader, but which of his countless moments across the films, TV shows, comics and novels do the Generation Skywalker team consider to be his best?

Join Stu, Craig, Dan and Pete as they debate their picks here or (if you can do without hearing what happened to the Imperial nurse who fell in love with the Dark Lord) head straight to the video on YouTube or TikTok to watch our final Top 10. 

#CANTINA : A PRODUCER, A ROCKSTAR AND A STAR WARS NERD

Generation Skywalker brings you a fun and uplifting roundtable.

With #Cantina2 on the horizon as the must-attend event at this year's Star Wars Celebration, Stuart and Jez sit down with Martin Keeler, film director/producer/writer Jed Shepherd and Mark Hamilton from rock band Ash to talk about the event that the three of them are putting together.

We look at the success of the first Cantina in 2016 and some of what to expect this time around, but this roundtable is much more than that, with tales from Mark of playing the wrap party of Episode 1 and a wonderful collecting tale of contacting Toymaster shops and clearing up left over stock. Jed pitches a Star Wars TV show, discusses 'Slashed' and tells us all about Chris Martin's curd joke. There's just so much on here to enjoy, from Martin's Zuveum to the mystery Porg at #Cantina1.

Get your tickets for #Cantina2, this is an event not to be missed.

(Released as part of Star Wars Podcast Day 2023 #StarWarsPodcastDay2023 #SWPD2023)

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 20 : VINTAGE COLLECTING 101

As well as a full review of collecting in 2022 and a look forward into 2023, this packed episode of Those Old Fossils has three exclusives:

The first being a brilliant real-time talk through the fascinating Toltoys auction which took place in New Zealand, thanks to David Phillips. Then we have Peter interviewing Chuck Lang regarding the imminent Morphy auction and finally we give one more exclusive which is so hot we won't even write it here!

The perfect vintage collecting episode to listen to before the Morphy auction, on your way to Echo Live or simply because you need that vintage collecting fix in your life, with the entire Generation Skywalker crew.

THE 100th SHOW

The 100th edition of Generation Skywalker and do we have an absolute epic show to bring you.

Leaning on our slogan, 'All eras. All passions. All Star Wars', Generation Skywalker has reached out to the furthest corners of the galaxy to bring you 100 stories from 100 Star Wars fans, from all areas of Star Wars. Cosplayers to toy collectors. Authors to childhood memories. Every tale has its own charm and needs to be heard, and we're delighted to be able to give these stories that platform.

It's our longest show to date, and can't imagine that changing in the foreseeable future. Dip in and out, or listen in one sitting, however you consume we're sure you'll agree that this one will warm the cockles.

Many thanks to all of the following for participating in this show;

4th_Moon_Toys * Jamie Acott * Immy Allinson * Jez Allinson * Jules Allinson * Paula Allinson * Mark Andrews * Robin Arnold * Will Arnold * Jon Aves * Mark Baker * Ollie Ball * Criz Bee * Becca Benjamin * Karl Bentley * Blue Harvest Toys * Robin Bocra * Bob Brechin * Brandon - Beeline Creative * David Brott * Daniel Burgess * James Burns * Jules Burt * Scott Cato * Steve Clark * Michael Cooper * Jared Cope * Darth Elvis * David DeMarchis * Carl Dennis * Josie Eclipse * Dean Edwards * Dallas Ewen * Stephane Faucourt * Corey Galal * Lee Gray * Lee Gregory * Molly Hale * Harrison * Jordan Harvey * Michael Havens * Darren Hayman * Kirsty Hillyer * Travis Hoffman * Mark Howard * Caesar V Jacquez * Paul James * Nayrand Kavura * Martin Keeler * Shawn Kemple * Steven King * Alistair Kirkland * Stefan Kluth * Satine Kryze * Jason Langendorfer * Christopher James Leddy * Peter Lee * Gus Lopez * Chris Malbon * Chris Mann * Jonathan McElwain * John Jackson Miller * Mark Mulcaster * Mark Newbold * Ed Newbon * Allan Norris * Kimberley Owen * Michael Peter * Alan Quigley * David Quinn * Daz Quinn * John Paul Ragusa * David Reader * Zia Rezvi * Ron Salvatore * Matthew Schoenfelder * Nick Shear * Amy Sjoberg * Colin Simpson * Claire Skinner * Hetty Skinner * Stuart Skinner * Toby Skinner * Jason Smith * Craig Spivey * Ted Spivey * Mark Spriggs * Star Wars Sessions * James Steven * Jake Stevens * Aldona Talarczyk * Milan Tanaskovic * Drew Tegg * David Thomas * Rob Thomas * Rob Thompson * Geoff Tilley * Julian Tittershill * Lee Towersey * David Tree * Ian Trussler * Tim Veekhoven * Lee Ward

And Thank You to our listeners and viewers who continue to watch, listen and support.

We truly appreciate it.

Enjoy the show.