STAR WARS : GENERATION SKYWALKER

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.

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 22

The new year is upon us, but first it’s time to put 2022 to bed with a look back at the best and worst of the key Star Wars toylines from the last 12 months.

Join Stu, Dan, Jez, Craig and new boy, Pete, as they run down their hits and misses from The Vintage Collection, Black Series, Hot Toys and Lego and discuss where they’re at in their own modern collecting journeys.

For Stu, it's been a busy year picking up bargains and being unable to resist the lure of new Hot Toy releases – Dan’s new Vader focus has informed his modern collecting, though he proves there’s plenty of room for new characters alongside his growing collection of OT sixth scale – Jez remains on the look-out for new TVC carded figures to add to his 'one of every’ logo run – Craig is still convinced there’s some solid logic to his ad-hoc modern purchases – and we get to delve into Pete’s love of Lego and The Vintage Collection as the boys start their campaign to get him to buy his first Hot Toy.

With so much new Star Wars output to look forward to in 2023, the team also offer up their hopes for the latest line-up of TV shows, fan events, books and collectible releases. Regardless of passions, tastes and opinion – we are all in for a busy Star Wars year.

THE COMMITTEE : ORIGINAL TRILOGY PUT-DOWNS

Put-downs, clap-backs and witty retorts… the original trilogy is full of them, and the Generation Skywalker Committee has reconvened to determine the most cutting lines and sharpest deliveries in a show packed full of Star Wars sass from classic characters and one line wonders.

Listen to Stu, Jez, Dan and special guest Ian Trussler debate the long list here, or head straight to the video on YouTube or TikTok to watch our final Top 10.  

Laugh it up, Fuzzballs.

GEEKI TIKIS CHRISTMAS PARTY

It's the Generation Skywalker Christmas party, and you're invited to join us as we drink cocktails and talk Tiki with Beeline Creative CEO and Geeki Tikis Big Kahuna – Brandon Giraldez.

So grab yourself a ceramic mug inspired by the romance and glamour of the South Sea Islands, mix up your favourite tipple and pull up a chair as we hear how Brandon's love for Tiki and pop culture has led to one of the most creative and stylish product partnerships in Lucasfilm's portfolio.

It's a lively and engaging four-way chat that gives some fascinating insights into the history and workings of Beeline, the design process of the Star Wars line, artist collaborations with Shag, Eric Tan and Paul Briggs, future plans, plus of course a few sneak peeks and exclusive reveals!

Find out how Jez, Dan and Craig's pitches for new mugs go down and watch live unboxings of some of the gifts Tiki Santa left under our tree this year (And make sure stay right through to the very end to see if Stu eventually makes it to the party.)

Massive thanks to Brandon for his time, candour and for bringing his signature enthusiasm to this very special seasonal show.

Mele Kalikimaka!

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 21

Catch-up on all things modern, as the team review the pick of the latest releases from our favourite Star Wars brands. 

We’ve got toys from Hasbro, Jazzwares, ShopDisney and Hot Toys – models and statues from Kotobukiya, Gentle Giant, Iron Studios, Funko and Regal Robot – all kinds of great new Star Wars product by everyone from Geeki Tikis to Columbia – plus, this month our small business spotlight lands on Crystal Art Buddies and Nerdmatters. 

So, if you want the lowdown on the latest Grogu snowglobes, Clone Wars parkas and original trilogy Christmas tree ornaments, you’re in the right place! 

Join Stu, Jez, Dan and Craig as they discuss how their modern collecting tastes have developed over the past year, and find out what items from these current releases may (or may not) find a home on their shelves. 

What will you be adding to your wants list in 2023?

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 19 : PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA : PART 2

Hello what have we here?

You're in for another treat, the Generation Skywalker crew have just dropped the second part of the Princess Leia Special, 'Those Old Fossils Episode 19 : Princess Leia Part 2'.

That's right, two Vintage Star Wars collecting podcast episodes in the same week (2 x 2 hr. shows, rather than a mammoth 4hr show)!

Hot on the heels of Episode 18 we bring you even more Leia Organa magic and a large sprinkling of Leia Bespin and Leia Endor.

The show jumps straight in with another brilliant interview with the ever friendly Bruce White.  Bruce has a truly wonderful collection of Princess Leia Vintage collectables from carded figures and Proofs to some fascinating Beyond the Toys merchandise.  Bruce also introduces Jez to Carrie Fisher's staring role on Saturday Night Live... Obi-Wan Kenobi, Obi-Wan Kenobi (if you know, you know).

Joined once again by our resident expert from the Star Wars Collectors Archive, Ron Salvatore gives a fascinating insight into the origins of Leia Organa in Bespin Gown, which leads to a really interesting fact on Blue Snaggletooth and Bossk.  He also drops hints about what Leia card art "brings out the Lando in him"!

Mark Andrews and Jamie Acott from the Variant Villains give us a great rundown of Leia Endor variations.  A really interesting insight into the world of variations which is explained in a really digestible format.  These guys really know their stuff with regards to the figures and the accessories.

This show is rounded off with an amusing rapid fire round which is far from rapid!  Download and enjoy this 2 hour podcast dedicated to your first love.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 18 : PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA : PART 1

Who is she? She's beautiful. She is Princess Leia, and she is so amazing we've dedicated a whole show to her, in fact we wanted to afford her the attention she rightfully deserved therefore this is the first of 2 shows dedicated to our Princess from a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

For Episode 18 of Those Old Fossils, the gang are joined by David DeMarchis, owner of an incredible vintage Star Wars collection with some extremely choice Leia pieces: Check out his R2/Leia miscard, some 'hair routing samples' which are like something you've never seen before and his 12" Leia Bespin box flat, seriously this collection is mind blowing!

Plus, Jez is joined by the vintage collector everyone thinks of when you say 'Princess Leia': Bruce White. Jez and Bruce chatted for so long, we've put the first half (focused mainly on the character and Carrie Fisher) in this episode and the second part of the interview (vintage collecting) on the next show!

Bruce's enthusiasm and love of both Leia and Carrie is infectious, and he shares some incredible stories and insights including how he has been kissed by Carrie twice and she gifted him a very special 'Intimate Inflatable Love Piggy' as a thank you!

Once again, the Variant Villains are back with some seriously impressive knowledge on Leia Organa variations and drop some cape information that might make you wish you hadn't binned that suspicious 'repro' cape that you once bought!

The show is sewn together by Stuart and Craig who share stories of when they met Carrie Fisher and what the Princess means to them.

Download and enjoy this 2-hour podcast dedicated to your first love!

THE COMMITTEE : LIGHTSABER DUELS

Lightsaber fights are a unique highlight of any Star Wars story and over the last 45 years we have seen showdowns between every light and darkside heavyweight across movies, animated shows and, more recently live action TV.

In this show, the Generation Skywalker Committee has gathered, along with special guest Ian Trussler, to determine the all-time Top 10 duels.

Looking at battles from the original trilogy, prequels, sequels and TV shows, we cast our net wide for worthy combatants before voting to decide the final 10.

Did your favourites make the list?

Delve into this audio debate then watch the Top 10 video here.

THE COMMITTEE : TOYS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE IN 1977

The Committee has reconvened to decide the Top 10 toys that Kenner should have made between 1977 and 1979.

 

Listen in as Stu, Craig, Jez and guests Marc Hockley and Peter Lee debate their choices. Will anyone big up Biggs? Does Porkins squeeze into the rankings? Who on the team will toast Uncle and Owen and Beru ?

 

Enjoy the discussion then watch the the Top 10 video on YouTube and TikTok.

Agree or disagree with our choices?

Let us know.

LETRASET STATIONERY ORIGINAL ARTWORK DISCOVERY

If ever there were Star Wars items Craig and Mark dreamed of turning up, it would be these. 

Join them for this special one-off sofa chat as they discuss the pre-production find of their lives – from stumbling on an auction listing that seemed too good to be true and building a war chest, to some tense phone bidding and ultimately taking delivery of some of the most amazing original Star Wars artwork of the vintage era.

It's a candid conversation that explores how connected they are to these items on more levels than just childhood nostalgia, and an opportunity for you to hear about the artwork in more detail.

This represents a landmark discovery for the hobby and a very personal achievement for two incredibly passionate collectors. Some things are meant to be.

There's a video version of this episode you can watch here.

And for a more in-depth look at the pieces with lots of added insight from the world of graphic design and print production in the late 20th century, check out the blog that accompanies this video here.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 17 : THE EMPEROR, HIS DIGNITARY AND HIS ROYAL GUARD

Those Old Fossils in back with another absolutely stellar episode, packed with nothing but pure vintage goodness.

Thanks to the knowledge and help of Daryl Whitlow, Chris Moorehead, Ron Salvatore, Mark Andrews, Mark Baker, Jamie Acott and Will Mellish, the Generation Skywalker boys take a deep dive on the Emperor, his Dignitary and his Royal Guard.

Ron journeys into the realm of the 'Bald Emperor' prototype and throne room options whilst also declaring his disdain for any name other than 'The Emperor', don't call him Palpatine and don't even dream of saying Sheev!

Jez gets Daryl up at 7am to learn all about his passion for The Emperor and later chats with Chris about his fantastic ERG collection, you won't want to miss either interview.

Stuart also announces his undying love for the Imperial Dignitary and appears to be well on his way to becoming the seminal Imp Dig Focus Collector.

The Variant Villains give us the downlow on variant options for all 3 figures and the episode is completed with Stu, Craig and Dan finding a whole mix of Beyond the Toys wonders.

It's a feast of greatness covering Imperial badness. It's Sith Hot!

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 20

It’s time to hang out, chat modern Star Wars, and let Stu, Dan and Craig be your guides through all the hottest news and announcements from Hasbro, Hot Toys, Lego, Regal Robot, Gentle Giant and many more.

 

We discuss the latest developments at Hasbro Pulse and what that might mean to independent retailers, catch up with the highlights from D23 and Hasbro Pulse Con and have a little reminisce about Toys R Us, in light of their recent online relaunch in the UK.

 

Things take festive turn with a look at some of the best Star Wars holiday offerings for this year and some recommendations of the best Star Wars advent calendars for you to get ordering before December.

 

From high-end replicas, to pocket money novelties – there’s something for every modern collector.