GENERATION SKYWALKER: A STAR WARS PODCAST

Generation Skywalker returns with a deep dive into one of the most nostalgic Star Wars toy lines of the modern era – Hasbro’s Retro Collection!

Join Stuart and Dan as they look back at the entire Retro Collection range of 115 figures and counting, from its debut in 2019 through to the latest wave in 2026. Inspired by the vintage Kenner line, the Retro Collection has both delighted and frustrated collectors with vintage-style figures and card backs with a healthy dose of nostalgia—that hasn’t always hit the mark.

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the line from its beginnings to today. Our favourite waves, figures and card backs. The releases we think Hasbro absolutely nailed as well as the figures, design choices and decisions that left us scratching our head. Plus where we’d love to see the line go next.

We also dip into the Generation Skywalker archives to revisit a segment from Craig Spivey, who takes a very dim view of the Retro Collection card backs. Craig tears into their terrible design, the awful faux wear, the nasty big red sticker and the incredible amount of unnecessary text crammed on to the reverse of the card back- in 26 different languages.

Whether you’ve been collecting since Wave 1 or are just discovering the Retro Collection, this episode is packed with nostalgia, opinions and plenty of Star Wars collecting chat. 

In this month’s Those Old Fossils, Palitoy Pete, Martin, and Dan turn their attention to one of Kenner’s most iconic vintage Star Wars releases — the Jabba the Hutt Playset.

The team also takes a closer look at Bib Fortuna, Jabba’s loyal Twi’lek majordomo, exploring the character’s role in Star Wars and the story behind his classic Kenner figure.

Jez drops in throughout the show to share his thoughts on both items, while Ron Salvatore delivers an impassioned deep dive into Jabba, discussing every aspect of the playset — from original concepts and prototypes to the question: is Jabba the Hutt actually an action figure? This sparks a lively debate amongst the team.

Mark Andrews joins Dan to share his passion for Bib Fortuna and also reveals that Frank’s Mews Baggie Guide has found a new home on the Variant Villains website — and is better than ever.
From one of Kenner’s greatest playsets to one of Jabba’s most recognisable allies, this episode is packed with collecting stories, expert insights, in our continuing celebration of the vintage Star Wars collecting hobby.

Every journey has a beginning……

Bantha Tracking is an audio journey through the earliest official Star Wars fan publications.

Each episode brings an original issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter, Bantha Tracks to life, presenting an audio edition and hosts exploring its articles, news, interviews, rumours and behind-the-scenes stories in discussion.

Beginning this episode with the very first Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter from early 1978, we’ll follow the publication issue by issue as it evolves into Bantha Tracks and beyond, experiencing Star Wars as fans did at the time—waiting for the next film, discovering new characters, and learning the latest news directly from Lucasfilm.

Whether you’re a lifelong Star Wars fan, a collector of vintage memorabilia, or simply fascinated by the history of the franchise, Bantha Tracking offers a unique opportunity to rediscover these rare publications as they were originally read—and now, heard—one issue at a time.

Join Dan, Jez and some bloke called Alan as we begin the trail with Newsletter  Volume 1, Number 1

Continuing our recent focus on vintage Star Wars figures whose characters have appeared in The Mandalorian, the Generation Skywalker team turns its attention to one of the most unusual and memorable releases in the Kenner line — Amanaman.

With The Mandalorian and Grogu now in cinemas and members of Amanaman’s species making an appearance in the film, there has never been a better time to revisit this bizarre figure.

This month, Palitoy Pete, Martin, and Dan are joined by Mark Mulcaster from Fantha Tracks to discuss The Mandalorian and Grogu, sharing their thoughts on the film before taking a deep dive into the history of Amanaman, his place in the vintage line, and why this strange denizen of Jabba’s Palace remains one of the most distinctive and sought-after figures among collectors.

Mark Andrew fron Variant Villans drops in and this time with Amanaman focus collector Ed Newborn to discuss the figure.

And Ron Salvatore from the SWCA returns to the show to share his insights into the character and the figure’s place within the wider history of Star Wars collecting.

From the latest Star Wars film to one of most iconic oddities in Kenner's line, this episode is packed with discussion,   vintage collecting passion and AMANAMANAMAMAMAN

Things go completely off the rails for a very special one-off episode of The Committee… because for the first time ever, we’re stepping away from Star Wars!

The team assembled for a day out to see The Mandalorian & Grogu, and after several hours of enthusiastic “refreshments,” the Committee somehow decided it was a good idea to record a live debate from Dan’s back garden to determine the official Generation Skywalker Top 10 80’s Movies.

Joining the chaos are special guests Jon Aves, Wendy Williams, and Dan’s wife Emma, as we battle through questionable choices, passionate arguments, nostalgia overload, and varying levels of intoxication to decide which films truly deserve a place on the list.

From sci-fi classics and action legends to cult favourites and guilty pleasures, no movie is safe. Will your favourites make the cut? Will the rankings make any sense? Will anyone still be coherent by the end? There’s only one way to find out.

Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and enjoy the  first… and possibly last… non-Star Wars episode of The Committee!

On this episode of Generation Skywalker’s The Modern Way, Stuart and Dan dive into the latest wave of Star Wars toy and collectible announcements

We kick things off with a look at the newest promotional tie-ins as The Mandalorian and Grogu marketing machine kicks into hyperspace., including Burger King giveaways, Robinsons squash and Walkers Crisps collaborations that are bringing Star Wars to supermarkets and fast-food counters everywhere.

Then we break down the latest announcements from Hasbro, including the eye-watering $600 Ultimate Grogu animatronic, plus new reveals from Hot Toys and LEGO. We also revisit the May the 4th Geeki Tikis preorders and discuss which collectibles are must-haves — and which might be better left in carbonite.

If you’re into collecting the modern Star Wars lines, this is the episode for you.

In the latest episode of Those Old Fossils, Palitoy Pete, Martin, and Dan turn their attention to one of the most memorable droids in the vintage Kenner line – the ever-popular R5-D4.

Following last month’s focus on Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight, the team continue celebrating characters who have appeared in The Mandalorian series, once again tying our figure focus  to the excitement surrounding the upcoming release of The Mandalorian and Grogu, arriving in cinemas in less than a week.

The episode opens with a look at the recent Vectis and C&T auctions, as the team discuss standout lots, surprising results, and notable sales, before turning their attention to the upcoming Oberon auction and sharing the items they’ll be watching most closely. The discussion also touches on GENERATION SKYWALKER’S Vintage Figure of the Year competition, which has been running across Facebook and Instagram since late March, and concludes on 22nd May, with the team reviewing recent results and predicting the remaining matchups.

Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive (SWCA) joins the main discussion once again, bringing his trademark insight and expertise as the group explore the history, appeal, and collecting nuances of this classic Kenner release. https://theswca.com/

Elsewhere in the episode, Mark Andrews from Variant Villains has bought alongside R5-D4 focus collector Nick Eppinga, taking a deeper look at the figure’s variations — including the ever-fascinating “Red Bar” version. https://www.variantvillain.com/characters/sw/r5-d4/

Despite originally appearing only briefly in A New Hope, R5-D4 has become one of the most recognisable and beloved droids in the vintage line.

Packed with collecting insight, nostalgia, hobby chat, and passionate discussion, this episode is another deep dive into the vintage galaxy far, far away.

Join us as we celebrate the little red astromech whose bad motivator changed Star Wars history forever.

It’s May the 4th, and Generation Skywalker is throwing our second ever Geeki Tiki Party!

We’re joined by special guest Brandon Giraldez, founder of Beeline Creative—the masterminds behind Geeki Tiki—as we celebrate not only Star Wars Day, but also the 10th anniversary of Geeki Tiki. Brandon arrives with a punch bowl full of surprises, revealing a wave of brand-new Star Wars Geeki Tiki mugs exclusively on Generation Skywalker you won’t want to miss.

The team also unveils the official Generation Skywalker Top 10 Star Wars Geeki Tikis, following on from last week’s committee episode- Will Brandon agree with our choices?

We also revisit our very first Tiki Party from December 2022 to see if any of our original mug pitches have made their way into development… and of course, we couldn’t resist pitching Brandon a few brand-new ideas while we had him!

And no tiki celebration would be complete without raising a glass to Craig—the man who first introduced Generation Skywalker to the wonderful world of Geeki Tiki in our early days.

So grab your favourite Tiki mug, pour yourself something tropical, and join us for a Star Wars Day celebration like no other.

Cheers—and May the 4th be with you!

*******EPISODE UPDATE********
Earlier this week, we dropped this show as a  Mystery committee… now the secret’s out 👀 It’s true title:

THE COMMITTEE: TOP 10 GEEKI TIKIS

Things get seriously tropical as the team debates Generation Skywalker’s  TOP 10 Star Wars Geeki Tikis 🍹

But there’s a twist… this is just the warm-up. These picks are all leading to our tiki party on May 4th, where we’ll present our final list to Brandon Giraldez, owner of @beelinecreative — the masterminds behind the iconic Geeki Tikis themselves 👀

Expect strong opinions, bold choices, and a few controversial takes as we try to lock in the ultimate top 10 before facing the man who made them!

Plus, we throwing in a classic segment from an early episode of The Modern Way, where Craig first shared the history of Tiki as well as Geeki Tikis themselves  to the crew- and set this whole thing in motion 🌊

So get warmed up for our Tiki Party episode dropping May 4th, featuring new exclusive product reveals from Brandon you won’t hear about anywhere else.

In this episode of Those Old Fossils, Dan, Jez, Palitoy Pete, and Martin Woodgate turn their attention to one of the most iconic figures in the entire vintage Kenner range – the legendary Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight.

The team take a deep dive into the history, design, and collecting appeal of this classic figure, exploring everything from production details and accessories to the subtle variations that continue to fascinate collectors decades later. As always, no rock is left unturned in the pursuit of vintage Star Wars knowledge.

We are once again joined by Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive (SWCA) and Mark Andrews from Variant Villains, who both share their expert insight and deep knowledge of the figure. Together, they help unpack the nuances, myths, and facts surrounding this enduring favourite from the Kenner line.

The team also look back at the most recent Echo Base Live event, sharing their experiences, highlights, and what made this year’s gathering so memorable for collectors.

In addition, the discussion turns to the ongoing “Vintage Action Figure of the Year” tournament, currently running across Instagram and Facebook, as the community continues to vote and debate their favourite figures from the vintage line.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey into vintage Star Wars toys, this episode is packed with insight, nostalgia, and passionate discussion from a team who live and breathe the hobby.

Join us as we celebrate one of the most iconic figures ever released in the vintage galaxy far, far away.

In this episode, we step back in time to the Summer 2023 Farthest From, for a recently re-discovered recording we made at the event featuring Bob Brechin.

Taking to the stage, Bob shares the fascinating story of Palitoy — from its inception in the early 20th-century through to its eventual decline — and reflects on his own time working on the company’s design team.

He discusses Palitoy’s ambitious efforts to bring Kenner’s Star Wars line to the UK during the 1970s and 80s, along with his creative role in developing the iconic Palitoy Death Star playset.

Packed with first-hand insight and behind-the-scenes stories, Bob’s talk offers a rare glimpse inside one of Britain’s most beloved toy companies at the height of the Star Wars phenomenon.

On this episode of Those Old Fossil, Dan and Palitoy Pete head back to the frozen battlefields of Hoth to take a deep dive into one of the most iconic figures from the vintage line – the Hoth Stormtrooper. Joining the discussion is special guest Martin Woodgate once angain, along with Mark Andrews from Variant Villains to help explore the many variations and quirks collectors love about this classic figure.

As always, we’re also joined by Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive (SWCA) for his regular expert roundup, bringing historical insight and expert knowledge to the table.

Together the team covers all facets of the Hoth Stormtrooper, from production details and packaging to the fascinating and often misunderstood grey limbs variant that continues to intrigue collectors today. Along the way, Dan also delivers history lesson on Germany’s Yps comic, and teams discuss its unique cross over with vintage Star Wars.

Whether you’re a seasoned vintage collector or just love the history behind Kenner’s classic line, this episode is packed with discussion, insight, and plenty of snowy nostalgia.

Join us as we explore one of the coolest troopers in the vintage galaxy.

In the lead-up to the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu, the Generation Skywalker team are finally turning their attention to The Mandalorian. Over the next three months, we’ll releasing a series shows dissecting all three seasons of the groundbreaking Star Wars series.

In this opening episode, Stu, Jez, Dan, and special guest Martin Woodgate explore the build-up to the show’s debut in November 2019. We discuss the development of the series, the revolutionary StageCraft technology used to bring it to life, the buzz from the Celebration panel, and how we coped in the UK without access to Disney+ until March the following year.

We then dive into Chapter 1, sharing our thoughts of the episode,- including our initial reactions on first viewing, the music, the standout characters and performances, the storytelling, and of course, the unforgettable final reveal of Grogu (aka “Baby Yoda”).

Join us as we begin our deep dive into the series that launched Star Wars on television. THIS IS THE WAY.

In Episode 32 of Those Old Fossils, we march back to Hoth to take a deep dive into two vintage Kenner figures: The AT-AT Commander and The Imperial Commander — two toys that many collectors argue are both General Maximilian Veers.

Joining us once again is Martin Woodgate as guest host, bringing his sharp vintage insight back to the mic. We’re also thrilled to welcome back two absolute legends of the collecting community:

Ron Salvatore from the SWCA (Star Wars Collectors Archive), returns offering his expert knowledge and insight on the AT-AT Commander. 

Mark Andrew from Variant Villains, diving into production quirks, figure variations, and those subtle details that make vintage collecting endlessly fascinating.

We kick off the episode with a look 2 auctions that took place since our last episode and spotlight some of the standout vintage Star Wars lots. We then set to work uncovering all there is to know  about the two Imperial figures who might just be one and the same character. 

The shield is down, you may start your landing. 

In this episode, Dan sits down with Johnny Goose, a Star Wars collector who’s been at it since the mid-1990s and has built an astonishing collection along the way. Johnny’s focus spans five distinct vintage figure runs, anchored by a truly most impressive centrepiece: an extensive lineup of carded Darth Vader figures, alongside a dazzling array of Vader-related items from beyond the toy aisle.

Johnny takes us back to his earliest Star Wars memories as a child in the early 1980s — from seeing a double bill of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back with his nan and two bumper Christmases in ’82 and ’83 packed with Star Wars toys.

From there, he charts his collecting journey: rediscovering his childhood toys in the mid-’90s, finding his way into online collecting communities in more recent years, and attending seven back-to-back Echo Base Live events.

Join us for a virtual tour of Johnny’s collection as he talks through his figure focuses, favourite pieces, passions, and collecting habits.

Is Johnny Goose his real name? Will he reveal his latest swag for the upcoming Echo Base Live in March? And why is there a yo-yo in the show art?

🎧 Listen now to find out.

Those Old Fossils are back for their first episode of 2026 to talk more vintage Star Wars collectables. In this show we are taking look at the AT-AT driver and his vehicle-  the mighty All-Terrain Armoured-Transport. 

The full team are joined by AT-AT Driver focus collector Martin Woodgate for the duration of the show and he shares his knowledge and valuable information about the figure through out. 

Mark Andrews from Variant Villains also drops in to provide some variant insights on the figure as only he can.

It’s bumper episode fitting for this pair of titans from the vintage Star Wars line. 

That’s a Wrap!

In a quick ice breaker, Dan, Peter and Stu excitedly sell their ideas of the perfect Star Wars New Year’s Eve Party to Jez. One of them harps on about Twi’leks, one needs some naughty chemicals to assist with a rave at Mon Mothma’s  and Dan wants to spend New Year’s at Canto Bight from the Last Jedi!  Then in this end of year special the lads  take a look back at the Star Wars highlights of 2025, covering events, Disney+ shows, some collecting high points and their favourite podcast episodes of the 35 that have been produced! This section is a cracking taster menu of the best of 2025. 
They’ll also be briefly looking towards 2026 and making a few podcast promises. Peter promises a new series of shows, Jez promises a new series of shows, Dan promises to continue with the awesome Those Old Fossils and Stu briefly quits, then promises a new series of shows! 
You won’t want to miss this light hearted reflection of 365 days worth of Star Wars fandom. The boys have been busy!!

In this special episode of The Modern Way, the hosts travel back ten years to the launch of The Force Awakens - not through box office numbers or plot twist, but through the toys that defined a new era of Star Wars fandom.  

From midnight Force Friday hauls to shelves packed with Rey, Kylo Ren, BB-8, and Stormtroopers in fresh white armor, this toy special explores how The Force Awakens reignited the magic of collecting for longtime fans and a whole new generation of kids.

A decade later, generation Skywalker asks what those toys meant then, how they've aged now, and what they reveal about nostalgia, hype and the legacy of Star Wars.  Whether you were tearing open the blister packs in 2015 and enjoying the pack in accessories, or discovering these figures years later, this episode is a reflection on this line - ten years on.  And just how good the line is, is not lost on the team...

...will Jez make a TFA purchase????

Enjoy the show.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this episode of Generation Skywalker cues up the film for a full commentary, where we discuss the story, characters, music, callbacks, and the lasting legacy of the movie that reintroduced Star Wars to a new generation.

Whether you’re watching along with us or just listening for the conversation, this anniversary drop is packed with nostalgia, thoughtful discussion, and a few laughs as we revisit the film that launched the sequel trilogy.

Sync up the movie, press play on the podcast, and celebrate ten years of The Force Awakens with us.

The Generation Committee assembles to kick off a series of shows in December celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Force Awakens.

In this episode we break down the very best moments from Star Wars: The Force Awaken, for which we are thrilled to welcome back guest host Mark Spriggs.

As always, tensions rise when it’s time to vote… and yes, it’s Jez who causes controversy when the decision doesn’t go his way. (At this point, would it even be Committee if he didn’t?)

Join us for laughs, lively debate, and a nostalgia-packed look at one of the most iconic modern entries in the Star Wars saga

Those Old Fossils are back to talk more vintage Star Wars toyd and memorabilia in the final part of the Bounty Hunter Capture Pod where we take one last look at Boba Fett.

The team open the episode discussing their recent trip to Sandown race course for the Barry Potter toy show and a  Saturday of vintage toy shopping and auction pick-ups.

Then, after the previous 2 episodes where we looked at the prototype, and then the production versions of the 3 3/4” version of the Boba Fett action figure, in this episode we learn all there is to know about the large size action figure of Boba Fett, for which Ron Salvatore from the SWCA provides us bumper sized briefing from The Rebel Alliance.

We also take a look at Slave 1, and in a jumbo size Craig’s Corner the team pick their favourite beyond the toys items featuring the greatest bounty hunter in the galaxy!!!

So join us to talk Empire Strikes Back bounty hunters. One. Last. Time.

Need help buying a Christmas gift for that Star Wars fanatic in your life and don't know what to get?  Fear not, Stuart, Jez and Dan return to make your task easier with this festive available gift guide.

The boys look at a host of areas of Star Wars, discussing Hot Toys, Lego, The Vintage Collection, The Retro Collection, The Black Series and a host of other items, whether you're looking for stocking fillers or main gifts, this guide has you covered.

As well as the guide the team also discuss several recent items in modern Star Wars collecting, as they look at the recent Lego Death Star, the Haslab project getting backed late and the beautiful Han Bespin Hot Toy.

There is something for everyone in this fun filled festive Star Wars guide.

Enjoy the show!!!

“This is the story of Star Wars. You can read along with me in your book. You will know it is time to turn the page when you hear Artoo-Detoo beep like this…”

Jez loved the Rainbow/Buena Vista Star Wars read along stories as a kid. Who didn’t?  In this special look back episode, Jez is joined by Dan who has never listened to these before the recording, and Dave Tree who took the lads up on the invitation to record a show but had no idea what he was in for. 

This episode is a treat for all Star Wars fans as the lads play all 3 Original Trilogy stories and share their observations. For you as a listener, it’s sure to be a great insight into life as a Star Wars fan growing up in the early 80s, or a fantastic nostalgia trip down memory lane! 

They did it!  The shield is down! Let’s go!!

Let’s begin now:

He’s the galaxy’s most notorious bounty hunter — and one of the most iconic action figures ever released. In this episode of Generation Skywalker, we dive jetpack-first into the history, legends and lasting impact of the vintage Star Wars Boba Fett figure.

We kick things off with our review of the latest Echo Base Live, which took place in Redditch on 11/10/2025 — the finds, the atmosphere, and highlights from the UK’s premier vintage collecting event.

Then the hunt begins.

Guest host Mark Andrews from Variant Villains joins the team as we track down all there is to know about Fett. We round off our rocket-firing prototype discussion with a look at recent auction activity, before shifting focus to the production figure itself. From figure varians and cardbacks, to country-specific quirks, we examine why this single figure became the ultimate target in the vintage Star Wars collecting .

Plus, we sit down with Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive to chat about his latest Boba Fett blog and his take on the figure.

Expect insider knowledge, market insights, personal memories — and the kind of Fett-focused passion only Generation Skywalker can deliver.

Strap in, target locked — and no disintegrations!

It’s one of the most talked-about action figures in Star Wars history — the mysterious, mythical rocket-firing Boba Fett.

In the first episode of our three-part deep dive into vintage Boba Fett action figures, Jez has 2 separate interviews with 2 ‘Top Men’ regarding Rocket Firing Fetts, Chris Georgoulias from the Star Wars Collectors Archive and Brian Rachfal, ‘an obtainer of rare antiquities’, and one of the most respected experts in the Rocket Firing Fett world. 

Chris brilliantly explains the timeline of the figure from its initial concept through development and testing to its eventual demise.  Chris clearly knows his stuff and puts the myths to bed.

After this Jez speaks with Brian, who very kindly explains all about hunting, owing, selling and assisting buyers/sellers in this fascinating world of Star Wars prototypes. It truly is a brilliant interview. 

Join us and explore the origins, the myths, and the magic behind Kenner’s infamous rocket-firing prototype — the figure that never made it to store shelves but went on to become the true holy grail of vintage Star Wars collecting.

From early Kenner kit bashed concepts and prototypes  to the truth behind the reasons for removing rocket firing feature, this episode uncovers the evolution of the rocket-firing Fett — and why it continues to captivate fans and collectors over four decades later.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love Star Wars history, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.