STAR WARS : GENERATION SKYWALKER

BOOK MONTH 2021 : PROLOGUE

Book Month is back! And here's your primer for the next few weeks of shows, videos and blog posts. Join Stu, Jez, Dan and Craig for a quick look back on what went down last year and a run down of what's in store for October.  

 

To get us in the mood, the team discuss what they have been reading over the past year, each bring one of their all-time favourite Star Wars books to the table and Craig launches our new Legends Expanded Universe knock-out competition.  

 

The autumn is here and it's time to curl up with some good Star Wars book chat.

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 13

The Modern Way is back with a round up of new products that reads like a 'who's who' of contemporary Star Wars licence holders – Hasbro, Hot Toys, Lego, Funko, Gentle Giant, Kotobukiya, GeekiTikis, Regal Robot and even a joyful look at Dr Squatch soaps.

 

We also discuss Haslab, with a look at their previous efforts, whilst breaking down their latest Star Wars offering. Fair to say, that the Rancor doesn't quite get the loving from the Generation Skywalker team that the Razor Crest got on its announcement. And seeing as we are all such experts, we give Haslab some pointers on things they could explore in the future.

 

As well as all this, we offer our own hot takes on the Slave 1 name change and finish with look at the UK indie music legend who has turned his hand to Star Wars art.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 10

Those Old Fossils returns to Generation Skywalker with all things vintage – no gimmicks, no games – just straight into the good stuff.

 

The  team cover the return of 'Echo Base Live', after 22 months with no events or conventions. And what an event it turned out to be!

 

Jez  brings up two areas of collecting to discuss, thanks to two recent  purchases, as we examine both four-packs and Tsukuda M.O.C.s – and  that's just for starters – the crew also look at the recent Vectis  auction and why the Palitoy 45a Power Droid was so desirable, Adam Buxton's charity auction of his 'as seen on screen' vintage Jabba prompts a deeper look at all the Star Wars toys that have appeared on TV and in movies, and we marvel at the 'carboot sale find of dreams'.

 

All this plus the origins of the term 'chicken walker' – where else do you find vintage content this good?

RETRACING TRAILERS : PART 2 : THE PREQUEL TRILOGY

If there was a shortcut to a Star Wars master's degree, this episode could be the primary dissertation and a really enlightening and enjoyable one at that.  

 

Take your seats with the Generation Skywalker crew as they conduct a deep dive analysis of the Prequel trailers from the very first teaser for The Phantom Menace, to the hidden ‘mystery’ trailer for Attack Of The Clones and the arguably show-all spoiler trailer for Revenge Of The Sith.  

 

Add in a selection of fan-made trailers and you have the full set. Jez is joined by Grant, Craig, Stu and Dan to dissect the trailers and give everyone a new hope for the prequels. This will make you want to rewatch them all! Seriously.

COME, LET ME GET YOU SOMETHING : STAR WARS BEER : ROUND 2

It's time for another beer show, and our drinks expert Kimberley is back from the bar with another round for us all to try.  

 

Featuring Star Wars-themed beers from S43, Full Circle, Fallen Acorn, Northern Monk, J Wakefield and new offerings from Brew York and Original Stormtrooper Beer, there’s plenty for the team to sniff, taste and appraise as they collectively discuss the Mos Eisley Cantina and its various appearances in toys and other media through the years.  

 

It's a big old Generation Skywalker extended family get together, with the regular team joined by Lee Bullock, Marc Hockley, Emma Burgess and Stu’s son Toby.  

 

Recorded live in Stuart’s garden, what the recording occasionally lacks in clarity, it makes up for in good vibes.

RETRACING TRAILERS : PART 1 : THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY

Jez guides the team through a look-back at the cinema trailers of the Original Trilogy, in the first of a three-part series exploring how the promotion of the Star Wars saga has changed through the years.  

 

From the cheese fests of the 70s, through to the current trailers on Disney+ – we start our journey with a palette-cleansing sample of big movie trailers from 1977, before moving on to the very first Star Wars  teaser.  

 

Join us as we discuss how the art of the trailer has grown from editing a few clips with some stand-in music and a voiceover, to the kind of thing that has halls full of people crying real tears at Star Wars Celebration.

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 12

From Mandalorian pinball machines to Aztec-inspired Bobas – as Star Wars merch continues to come thick and fast, we explore all the latest announcements from Hasbro, Hot Toys, Funko and many more – including a special peek at what went down on the GeekiTikis May the 4th Livestream.  

 

The team discuss what they’ve been buying and offer up some in-hand reviews of the Mando Retro Collection and the Tantive IV corridor, we take a look back at the Gentle Giant jumbo vintage figures and give a shout out to Misao Soaps & Candles – the independent makers we are  championing with our competition this month.  

 

Jez’s trip to the framers inspires a more in-depth showcase of Mark’s  creative work, we discuss the #TimeforTonnika campaign and Stu unearths a decade old copy of SFX magazine which features a very fresh-faced member of the Generation Skywalker team.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 9

Join Stuart, Mark, Craig and guest host Marc Hockley for a packed vintage show.

 

The boys celebrate the life of John Kellerman and look at the impact his book 'Star Wars Vintage Action Figures' had on our hobby. We also review some of the choice lots from the David Prowse Estate Auction taking place on May 4th.

 

The team share some collecting stories, one of which features the unique perspective of Ali Martin, whose chance discovery of a rare Helix item led him into the world of high-end vintage collectibles.

 

After last month's movie-led loose line-up, Craig returns to examine just how accurate Kenner's accessory allocations were. The team also breakdown the last 17, with a close look at each figure and an exploration of prices and how they've risen vastly over the years. Is the £2.5k that is often offered as the going price on social media accurate?

 

We also take a look back at Episode 8 of Those Old Fossils and explain where we will be taking the reproduction conversation next.

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 11

Stuart, Dan, Grant and Jez settle in for this month's 'The Modern Way’.

 

As usual, there are lots of new announcements, so join us for closer looks at the new Black Series comic-inspired figures, The Vintage Collection, Lego and the latest GeekiTikis rumours, as well as a big old love-fest for the new Hot Toys releases of Boba Fett and Bo Katan.

 

Since the last show, Gina Carano has been fired from her role in The Mandalorian, so we take stock of the latest prices of Cara Dune merchandise, explore the Hasbro Pulse UK news with regards to their Fan Fest on April 9th and also what the company is considering to reduce the amount of plastic they use to package toys.

 

Dan takes us through his recent blog on Micro Machines, as the boys reminisce about the 90s and Galoob's part in the Star Wars Universe (and yes we are aware it is Galoob, even though the author of the blog often refers to them as Galoop!).

 

As well as all this, we have potato tent pegs, Formula One predictions, toys in the Star Wars movies and a wonderful Rey print from the brilliant Nerd Head Designs, which you could win by heading over to the We Are Generation Skywalker community page on Facebook.

THE 11 YEAR OLD VINTAGE COLLECTOR INTERVIEW

As older collectors, we sometimes wonder where the next generation of  vintage obsessives will come from.  

 

Meet 11 year old Seth and hear how a chance encounter with a Rebel Commando in an old toy box set him and his dad, Richard, on a path to complete a loose run.  

 

It's been an online, locked-down journey of discovery for Seth and is proving an enjoyable nostalgia trip for Rich too. Though, with both of them being brand new to the hobby, there have been the inevitable mis-steps along the way.   

 

It's enlightening to hear such fresh perspectives on collecting, as Seth chats about repros, grading, the Dagobah playset and his indifference  towards Jar Jar Binks and animated Clones. This boy has a vintage head  on his young shoulders.  

 

Along with some choice reminiscences from Rich and reflections on Craig’s attempts to spark the collecting bug in his own children, it's an interview that will strike a chord with anyone whose parent/child bond has been strengthened by a shared love of old Star Wars toys.

THE FIRST 12 (MONTHS)

It’s our one year anniversary and to celebrate our 'first 12' months, you’re invited to party with us as we look back on a jam-packed year of  fascinating stories, enthusiastic debates and in-depth showcases. 

 

As well as all our best bits, we lift the lid on the whole Generation Skywalker project, with an informal look behind the scenes of everything  we do, why we do it and what we plan to do next.  

 

And with contributions from over 20 fans and collectors, it’s a great overview if you are new to us – and a fun look back, if you have been with us from the start. 

 

Most of all it’s a big 'thank you' to anyone who has clicked and  listened since we got things off the ground last spring. We really appreciate it.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 8

Repros in the vintage toy hobby are always a hot topic. Stuart, Craig and Mark are joined by special guest Lee Bullock to discuss the issue.

 

Retroblasting's, Michael French, recently posted a video defending the use of reproduction items and attacking the anti-repro groups. All four of our hosts sit firmly in the anti-repro camp, BUT do the repro supporting members of the hobby have a point?

 

The team take the main points from the video and discuss them in depth. What damage do reproductions do? Were they more accepted in the earlier days of the hobby? Is there a place for any reproduction part in the hobby? Could the Facebook groups do more with regards to finding some middle ground? Is it time to change our opinions? 

 

Does the conversation change their stance?  

You'll have to listen in.

 

But that's not all, as Craig has come up with an original way to display his loose collection and he goes through it bit by bit. Is it a cool way to display? Or has he lost the plot?

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 10

Now the dust has settled on the second season of The Mandalorian, the boys take some time to revisit the toys from the show. They look at what we've already received, then discuss their hopes for what we could see in the future.

 

We also take a look at a poll that ran across several collector Facebook groups and what the general thoughts are from  the community.

 

The team recap all the recent Lucasfilm announcements and predict the impact that so many projects will have  on the world of toys. Will we see a flooded market place with just main characters? Are background characters now a thing of the past?

 

As well as all this, we look at the recent announcements from Black Series, Hot Toys, Gentle Giant, Toy Box and Funko, as Mark falls head over heels in in love with the newly announced Valentine Pops.

THE END OF THE RUNNING STORMTROOPER (The Running Stormtrooper Podcast)

As promised Jez and Stu are back for the final Running Stormtrooper podcast. Did he complete the 1000 miles in armour in 2020 challenge for Make-A-Wish and Spread-A-Smile charities? Or was the final push of 143.5 miles in 20 days just too much?

 

You’ll have to tune in! Regardless of the outcome, here are the  highlights of the year-long challenge including wthe time he stopped a 747 'Jumbo Jet' in it’s tracks and when a BBC presenter admits live on air that she was getting ‘a little bit sweaty’ when interviewing Jez.

 

The lads are joined by Steve Buckley of the UK Garrison, who takes us  back to 2015 and explains the origins of the UKG and wider community support for this crazy project, he also fills us in on what the UK Garrison have been up to this year.

 

This one is slightly longer than usual but there is a lot to cram in, after all – it's time for the Stormtrooper to end.

 

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/therunningstormtrooperproject

https://linktr.ee/Stormtrooper_Run

https://www.myrace.run/race/stay-on-target/

 

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 9 : 2020 REVIEW

It's the final show of 2020 and what better way to end the year than to review all the highs and lows from the world of modern Star Wars collecting.

 

Stuart, Craig, Grant and Daniel take us through the 2020 releases for The Black Series, The Vintage Collection, Hot Toys, Lego and much more besides – but were our hits and misses the same as yours?

 

Join us to close out this dreadful year and welcome in a new one full of hope (and toys!)

THE ZIA REZVI INTERVIEW

Generation Skywalker are delighted to welcome Zia Rezvi to the show to discuss his collecting habits and history.

 

Zia sits down with Stuart to explore what he calls his 'three phases of collecting'.  

 

Phase 1 (1977–1983) – books, magazines, scrapbook, trading cards and stickers. Phase 2 (1994–2005) – Topps trading cards, vintage and modern. Phase 3 (2011–present) – Vintage Toy Collecting.  

 

The pair also discuss Zia's background – from seeing the movie in Belgium on release, to his five favourite runs in his collection. Some beautiful items and some wonderful tales.

HE’S THE BRAINS, SWEETHEART! : TRIVIAL PURSUIT

Back during May's episode of 'Those Old Fossils', Jez made the statement: "Give me a quiz on the original trilogy movies and I'd pan the lot of you".

 

And so here we are to see if his arrogant boast can be backed up.

 

Jez takes on Craig, Grant and guest Marc Hockley as they go head-to-head in Classic Original Trilogy Trivial Pursuit.  

 

Join in and answer the questions before they do and see how you get on.

 

Will Jez deliver? Will Grant send that email to Parker Brothers? Will Craig answer a question with something other than 'Princess Leia'? Is Marc Hockley really there to make up the numbers (according to Jez)?

 

Listen in and find out.

 

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 7

Grant, Mark, Craig and Stuart settle down to discuss vintage Star Wars with a focus on the state of the hobby at the end of a horrendous 2020.

 

With the pandemic hitting hard, unemployment on the rise and uncertainty around when all this will end, the team admit that they all thought the hobby would take a battering over the year, but with prices spiralling out of control, how wrong they were.

 

The boys look back at some of the stand-out auctions from 2020 – from C&T Auctions early lockdown Palitoy-heavy sale, through to the final ever Astons auction – delving into the highlights and looking at some of the insane prices certain items went for. 

 

Are current market values actually sustainable? It's a hot topic that gets some great discussion flowing.

THE STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL REACTION COMMENTARY

Following on from our Holiday Special 'Special', Dan, Craig, Stuart and Jez get together to watch the Holiday Special in it's entirety. 

 

What new insights and observations will they offer up?  

 

At the time of recording, none of them have watched it for many years (apart from Jez who made his wife watch it just 24 hours before!) and we're inviting you to listen along to their reactions as they happen.  

 

There's even a little bit of post show analysis as they each give it a rating out of ten. Will there be high scores all round? Or will there be detractors?  

 

The perfect companion to SHOW 030.

THE STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL ’SPECIAL’

"It makes us smile, but only because we are laughing at the utter horror. We laugh to avoid the pain." – Mark Beall  

 

"Words have not been invented to describe how bad it is." – Alex Carter

 

We could go on, but is The Star Wars Holiday Special really as bad as its reputation? Jez, Craig and Stuart to try to answer that question as they look into variety shows of the time, the plot, the music, the cast, crew and much more.

 

The boys also draw up their own Holiday Specials for a post-Force Awakens Disney release – Will Poe and BB-8 deliver salt from Crait to the Resistance to save Christmas Dinner? Will the 60 minute makeover team be able to rebuild Maz's castle? Will Han Solo's send off be as crazy as Ackmena using a conga to clear a Cantina? Listen in and decide for yourselves.

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 8

Continuing our run of shows for the festive season, Generation Skywalker brings you the latest edition of 'The Modern Way'.

 

Once again the team covers all the latest announcements, as we see yet more reveals for the Black Series and Vintage Collection lines – though the majority of this month's love is directed at the Hot Toys Tusken Raider and the four new Episode One Tiki Mugs.

 

Keeping with a seasonal theme, we delve into the world of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments and discuss our favourite ever Christmas related figures, along with a look forward to what we're hoping to see in 2021.

COME, LET ME GET YOU SOMETHING : STAR WARS BEER : THE FIRST ROUND

Beer and Star Wars – they are more connected than you might think. Welcome to the first ever Generation Skywalker Beer Show.

 

Stuart, Craig, Jez, Dan and Mark are joined by beer expert Kimberley Owen, who takes us through a tasting of five Star Wars themed beers from Moor Beer, Tiny Rebel, Brew York and Original Stormtrooper breweries. She really knows her stuff and takes the boys out of their comfort zones, as she teaches them how to appreciate what they are drinking. We learned a lot, you might too.

 

Between drinks, Craig takes us through his latest blog post, which looks at drinking culture as portayed in the movies, TV shows and expanded universe, as well as a tour of Star Wars-themed beers from around the world, while the team suggests suitable ways of storing, serving and enjoying your beers.

GIFT? WHAT GIFT? : 2020 CHRISTMAS PRESENT GUIDE

Need help with what to buy the Star Wars fan in your life? Generation Skywalker kicks off its festive schedule with this helpful guide for parents and partners.

 

Breaking things down into to five age ranges - Pre-school (up to 5), Primary (6-10), Teenage/Secondary (11-16) and Adult (17+) – Stuart, Craig, Dan and Mark give you suggestions of items that are readily available this Christmas, plus where you can purchase them and what you can expect to pay.

From this year's hottest toys, to creative gifts sourced from small, independent businesses – there really is something for everyone in this fun and inspiring guide.  

THE MODERN WAY : EPISODE 7

Hover Pram. That's the word of the month on this Modern Way. 

 

Stuart, Craig, Mark and Dan are joined by founding Generation Skywalker member Grant Criddle, as he is welcomed back to hosting duties.

 

It's a Mandalorian and Phantom Menace feast this month, as the team look at the latest update on the Haslab Razor Crest, the Mandalorian Retro Collection line and many other announcements.

 

The team also celebrate The Phantom Menace trailer – released 22 years ago this month – with a trip down memory lane to discuss all the hype, toys and merchandise from around the release of Episode One.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 6 : THE ISLAND OF DR MODESTO

Our 2020 Halloween Special takes a break from the usual format, with a look at an element of Star Wars that always puts Craig in mind of the famous HG Wells book (and subsequent movies adaptations) ‘The Island of Doctor Moreau’.

 

Written in 1896, it's very early science fiction horror story telling the tale of a man trapped on the island home of a mad scientist who creates human-like hybrid beings by experimenting on humans and animals.

 

But how does all that relate to Star Wars? We are thinking, of course, of George Lucas’s fascination in creating alien races by taking earth-bound animals and turning them into human-like beasts.

 

So looking at things in that (rather grim) context we explore some of the creatures of Star Wars, while reimagining Lucas as a mad scientist surrounded by his creations.