GENERATION SKYWALKER: A STAR WARS PODCAST

"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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

The  constant announcement of modern collectibles over the last couple of months has made for another show, jam packed with all the latest toy  news.

 

And  it's all here, including the the amazing Haslab Razor Crest, the latest  Vintage Collection and Black Series releases, Hot Toys, Funko Pops, Force FX Lightsabers, Polaroid cameras and the Regal Robot Rancor statue. 

 

With certain items in hand, the team also review the Lego Cantina, Black Series Heroes of Endor set, Black Series Armorer and the latest Wampa release.

 

Dan takes us through his love of Steel Books, in reference to his blog post here and the boys also choose their favourite Chewbacca action figures through the ages.

As a busy book month for the Generation Skywalker team draws to a close, the lads get together to discuss their highlights from an action packed month. They delve into their favourite moments and shows, whilst revealing that it has whet all their appetites as their love of the books is reignited. 

Craig also takes us through the 'confronting covers' competition which has been running over our social media during the entire month of September, revealing the winning book art. We also hear why each member made the choices they made, and the winner of our big book bundle competition is revealed, is it you?

Those Old Fossils returns with an in-depth look at the Early Bird certificate and kit and Jez springs a different opinion on why Kenner may have released a cardboard certificate for children's Christmas presents in 1977.

 

Craig takes us through his latest purchase-inspired blog post, as he delves into the wonderful world of Pen-a-Poster, and a super rare unproduced piece.

 

A recent Palitoy Landspeeder find with an ultra rare Boba Fett sticker is also up for discussion, which prompts Dan to present his favourite five toy stickers from the vintage era.

The team continues their look at books, with a deep dive into collecting guides.

 

There are so many collecting books out there – from outdated price guides and encyclopedias, through to volumes on some very niche areas of the hobby – there really is something for every collector.

 

The boys look at what makes a good collecting guide and discuss some of the standout authors, while each bringing three books to the table.

 

Discover the guides that had an impact on them through the years, along with the ones that are just among their favourites.

The Modern Way is back with an announcement-heavy show as Stuart, Craig, Mark and Dan dissect all the latest news from the world of modern collecting.

 

Is the Tantive IV playset is better than the Freezing Chamber set? Have a listen and find out. 

 

The Mission Fleet toys have just hit UK shelves and we give our full and frank opinions on the range.  

 

Plus we discuss all the latest Black Series, Vintage Collection, Funko Pop and Hot Toys news, as well as taking a look at the new Lego Mos Eisley Cantina, which has got the team frothing at the mouth. In a good way.

Extra special guest, Stephen J Sansweet, joins Stuart and Dan to delve into the many books he has written.

 

Head of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm for 15 years, Stephen was author or co-author of 18 books, 16 of which were Star Wars books.  

 

From Concept To Screen To Collectible was the catalyst book for the Star Wars collecting hobby and impacted everyone who purchased it back in 1992. Since then, he has released action figure guides, poster books, encyclopedias, vaults, price guides, scrapbooks and quote books. And take it from us, every one of them is a must in any Star Wars library.

 

We discuss the impact of both From Concept To Screen To Collectible and The Tomart's Guide in depth, as well as looking at Steve's other literary works. This is a fascinating insight into a much loved pioneer of our hobby and an essential listen for any collector.

Joining Craig and Stuart as part of Generation Skywalker's book month, is Star Wars fanatic, blogger and podcaster Richard Hutchinson.

 

Rich is a huge Expanded Universe fan and chooses his five favourite EU books and why they mean the most to him, as well as explaining why he is so invested in the literature of Star Wars.

 

The chat covers a wide cross section of novels and is ideal for anyone looking to dip their toe in Star Wars Legends, as well as those wanting to revisit these stories.

It's five years after Return of the Jedi: the Rebel Alliance has destroyed the Death Star, defeated Darth Vader and the Emperor, and driven the remnants of the old Imperial Starfleet to a distant corner of the galaxy. Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting Jedi twins. And Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of Jedi  Knights.

 

In 1991, Star Wars burst back into fans' lives with the release of the Timothy Zahn novel, Heir To The Empire, which began the start of a trilogy of books, affectionately known as 'The Thrawn Trilogy'.  

 

Stuart and Craig are joined by Mark Mulcaster and Mark Newbold to discuss this books and the impact they had on the Star Wars Universe. Join us as we reminisce about characters old and new, a plot which perhaps should have been the sequel trilogy on screen and just how much these books changed the Star Wars landscape.

We invite you to embrace the written word this September, as we bring you Generation Skywalker's 'book month'.

 

On this prologue show Jez, Craig, Dan and Stuart introduce what's to come and how we plan to celebrate the vast array of books in the Star Wars universe. And to kick off a busy month of podcasting, each host has brought in their favourite book to discuss with the rest of the class.

 

Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin...

Generation Skywalker urges you to listen to this very special, standalone episode, which we're delighted to be part of.

 

Since February, Jez and Stuart have been producing a short (35-50 minute) monthly Running Stormtrooper Podcast. An easy listening, fresh podcast aimed at sharing some positivity and hopefully some fun. It's family friendly and of interest to everyone; runners, Star Wars fans, would-be charity fundraisers or people bored of negativity and in need of a new hope.

 

Their latest episode is so good it needs to be listened to by as many people as possible. You'll hear near the end exactly how important this is and we're sure that you'll agree that we've done the right thing by sharing this with you.

There were some real 'hits' and 'misses' discussed in this month's modern roundtable.

 

Though one thing that's unanimously loved is Geeki Tiki, as Craig takes us through the history of tiki and how we ended up with Star Wars themed tiki mugs and other apparel. It's loved so much there's even a live purchase during the topic.

 

Though the love doesn't quite extend to the new Vintage Collection Carbon Freezing Chamber, which leaves everyone cold!

 

We also take a look at the Hyper Real figures and Han Bespin sculpts through the years, as well as discussing the new announcements for Black Series, Vintage Collection, Galaxy's Edge-inspired toys and the beautiful Hot Wheels Dagobah X-Wing. 

The second part of the six-part diecast series sees Stuart joined by Josh Blake to discuss the Micro Collection from 1982.

 

Josh's knowledge on the subject makes for a fascinating listen as he takes us through a whole host of topics, from his love for preproduction items to production pieces and unproduced items, as well as customs and scandals.  

 

Check out Josh's Micro Collection Facebook page and join in the conversation.

 

With top runner Stephen Savory, guest starring in this bumper episode, the team cover a lot of ground in the latest vintage roundtable.
 

Up for discussion this month are pack-in toy catalogues and paperwork – including a look at Yehuda Kleinman's excellent write-up on the SWCA and a debate around whether a boxed toy is complete without the papery bits?
 

The team also discuss the aftermath of Toy Toni and Baggiegate and what effect such scandals have on the market.

 

Repro peddlers 'The Fans Strike Back' are also put under the microscope and the boys highlight the Star Wars toys from their youth that left them confused.

 

Coming in at two hours, it's our biggest show yet, so dive in and let us know what you think.

The third edition of 'The Modern Way' sees the team settle down to discuss the new packaging for the Black Series 6" line, while Mark's latest purchase of a Black Series Boba Fett helmet sparks a look at the entire helmet range.

 

They also close out the Probe Droid discussion which has been rolling ever since we started our modern roundtable.

 

Stuart is also joined by Christopher Cooke to look at The Vintage Collection petition which is gathering pace, check out the link here to find out more.
 

As well as all this, the team look at all the new announcements since the last show, and also delve into the history of Princess Leia Organa figures as they all pick their favourite adaptations of her in her white gown.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back with a look at the enduring appeal of Boba Fett and an inspiring Hoth diorama coffee table.

 

And while lockdown continues to see high prices, the team delve into the recent Vectis auction and explore the latest Facebook fad – 'Deal or No Deal' sales pages.

 

Plus Craig takes us through his latest blog post, as he explains why he feels the term 'oddball' is derogatory to some areas of Star Wars collecting.

 

All this, plus much more, including Jez announcing his favourite part of ESB is Endor!

Esteemed collector, Ross Barr takes us through his vintage collection in just five items.  

 

He brings some fantastic, beautifully displayed treasures to the table and the final piece – a loose Darth Vader with frosting – comes with an incredible back story.  

 

The interview also covers his involvement with Collector Archive Services, his amazing collection room and even other toy lines, including Masters of the Universe and GI Joe.

In this month's episode, the boys give some love to some of the toys Mark Boudreaux designed as he announces his retirement.
 

New York Toy Fair seems a lifetime ago, but we check out the announcements from there, as well as further reveals from Hasbro. Mark gives his honest opinion on the Carbonized Black Series Fett on the way – not sure he'll be investing in that one.
 

As well as all this, we take a look at the second wave in the Retro line and explore the best General Grievous figures released of the cyborg so far.

With everyone across the globe in different levels of lockdown, the team discuss various ways to spend time with your collections in isolation. 

 

They look at the Star Wars Palitoy Facebook group's recent Top 5 thread, alongside a discussion around the Palitoy items sold recently by C&T Auctions.

 

After a great blog post over on the Star Wars Collectors Archive by Ron Salvatore, the team look at the Argentinian Pepsi promotion and recent fake sticker discovery.

 

And they begin their drive to discover and showcase collectors working with limited space to create kick-ass displays.

In 2017 Helix released a 40th Anniversary Star Wars range to celebrate their line from back in 1977 – and Craig, Mark and Grant Criddle played a big part.

 

This podcast takes you through the journey of how the 40th Anniversary range came to be – from connecting with Helix through a Twitter post, to the release and promotion of the line. 

 

But that is only half the story. Join Mark and Craig as they relive this great story of fan passion and where it can lead.