STAR WARS : GENERATION SKYWALKER

GIFT? WHAT GIFT? : 2021 CHRISTMAS PRESENT GUIDE

Buying Christmas gifts for the Star Wars fan in your life gets harder each year, so here's the team to help make the task easier this festive season.

Breaking the guide down into four age ranges – Pre-School (up to 5), Primary (6-11), Teenage/Secondary (11-17) and Adult (17+) we are offering up give three main gift ideas (over £25), three stocking fillers (under £25) and a left field item, whilst also revealing the best places to purchase things and the current price you'd expect to pay.

Although the team do get a litte distracted with a nostalgia trip over video rental shops and the Kays and Argos catalogues.

From the hottest gifts on the market to creative fun items – there is something for everyone in this fun filled festive Star Wars guide.

THOSE OLD FOSSILS : EPISODE 11

This episode of Those Old Fossils takes some deep dives into specific  topics – Grant looks at focus collecting, with reference to his own TIE  Fighter Pilot focus, Jez explores the vintage Droid Factories and their legacy, Craig's new blog has made him very nerdy about Look-In magazines, and Mark runs through the evolution of Star Wars Palitoy ads of the 70s and 80s. 

 

It’s a packed show that also takes time to discuss Mark’s recent  appearance on Toyshop On Tour, Jez raises the confusing issue of historical toy line classification and we have a little look at our plans for December’s Farthest From.

THE DARREN HAYMAN INTERVIEW

Songwriter, musician and artist Darren Hayman sits down with Craig to talk about how the re-discovery of his childhood Star Wars figures has inspired a new set of paintings, some tentative steps into collecting and his first ever attendance at a Comic Con. 

 

From his beginnings with much-loved indie band, Hefner, to a solo career that has seen him bring his enquiring mind and unique creative perspective to everything from open air swimming pools to the Essex witch trials, Darren’s latest project sees him tapping into the magic of vintage Star Wars. 

 

Join us for a tale of action figures loved, lost and found again, Darren's memories of experiencing Star Wars in the UK in the mid 70s, his thoughts on the success of The Mandalorian, and discover how he is adapting his painting style to produce work that not only captures the look of his old figures, but their spirit too. 

 

It's work made with acrylics and a lot of love.

BOOK MONTH 2021 : EPILOGUE

Join Stu, Craig and Jez as they look back on all the highlights of Book Month 2021, which this year featured Becca Benjamin, Brian Cameron, Mark Mulcaster and Stephane Faucourt.

 

Has a month of shows focused on Star Wars literature influenced the team? What has Stu been buying? What has Jez got on his reading list? Just how much sex and violence is portrayed on Craig’s new Shadows of the Empire trading cards?   

 

The  answers are all here, plus there’s a blow-by-blow recap of our Eulogising Legends knockout competition, exploring which Legends  characters you think are worth bringing back into future Star Wars movies, TV shows, books and comics. 

 

Things get tense and friendships are tested as Craig reveals the ultimate winner of the nail-biting final.

THE MODERN WAY 14 : THE TOYS OF THE EXPANDED UNIVERSE

This edition of The Modern Way celebrates the crossover of modern Star Wars toys and literature.

 

The boys get together to count down a top ten of figures inspired by the books and comics from the Star Wars galaxy, including a nostalgic look back at the Shadows of the Empire line from the 90s.

 

From Mouse  and Princess Leia in her areobics wear, to the heavy metal stylings of  Nom Anor, it's a fun look at some of the more obscure toys from the modern era. Join in and see exactly which figures got the team all excited and straight onto eBay.

THE STEPHANE FAUCOURT INTERVIEW

Stephane joins Generation Skywalker during Book Month to discuss his stunningly beautiful new book, 'The Legendary Advertisements 1978-1985' which looks at Star Wars advertisements during the vintage era, and covers everything from toys through to Milky Way chocolate bars.  

 

Stephane gives us an insight into where the idea from the book came from, through to its completion and we also also discuss his previous books and working relationship with co-author Yann Leroux.

THE GERALD HOME INTERVIEW

From one Squid Head to Another – a truly endearing interview.

 

The Star Wars community was saddened this week to learn of the passing of one of the friendliest actors in the franchise, Gerald Home who is best known for playing the ROTJ character Squid Head. Gerald always had time for the fans, would greet everyone with the biggest of smiles and was clearly happy to share his stories and experiences. 

 

In 2015, he was kind enough to be interviewed by Jez’s son Leo who was 9 years old and had been given the nickname Squid Head by Jez several years before! 

 

This interview beautifully encapsulates Gerald’s involvement with the fans. Even though the sound quality isn’t the best, the GS crew feel that the Star Wars community would love to listen to this interview. 

THE AFTERMATH TRILOGY

The Aftermath books tell the 'official' story  of what happened after Return of the Jedi. And for Book Month 2021, we've invited Mark Mulcaster and Brian Cameron from Fantha Tracks to  join Stuart and Craig to take a closer look at the trilogy.
 

From the general story arc  and key characters, to the cover designs and the initial reaction of fans and  detractors – it’s a series of books that divided opinion at the time, but how do they stand up six years and three sequel films later?

THE BECCA BENJAMIN INTERVIEW

Stuart and Jez chat with Becca Benjamin – host of 'Tarkin's Top Shelf' and 'Kanata's Castle' podcasts.

 

Becca is one of the busiest people in the community – whether it's podcasting, writing reviews, penning articles or titling artwork, Becca has always got a project on the go.  

 

Her passion for Star Wars and especially the books and  literature really comes across in this interview as we discuss her background and the areas that inspire her the most.

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.