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 gi...
Oct 08, 2021•27 min•Ep. 52
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?...
Oct 06, 2021•51 min•Ep. 51
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.
Oct 03, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 50
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 cur...
Oct 01, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 49
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 anno...
Sep 23, 2021•2 hr 18 min•Ep. 48
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...
Sep 07, 2021•2 hr 27 min•Ep. 47
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 ...
Aug 23, 2021•2 hr 38 min•Ep. 46
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 Sky...
Aug 05, 2021•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 45
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...
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 44
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...
May 29, 2021•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 43
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 c...
May 03, 2021•2 hr 49 min•Ep. 42
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...
Apr 06, 2021•2 hr 28 min•Ep. 41
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...
Mar 25, 2021•48 min•Ep. 40
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 ...
Mar 14, 2021•2 hr 27 min•Ep. 39
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? ...
Feb 14, 2021•2 hr 26 min•Ep. 38
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 w...
Feb 03, 2021•2 hr•Ep. 37
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’ wh...
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 36
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!)
Dec 31, 2020•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 35
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 ru...
Dec 28, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 34
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 ...
Dec 24, 2020•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 33
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 Pa...
Dec 22, 2020•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 32
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 ther...
Dec 18, 2020•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 31
"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 Dis...
Dec 13, 2020•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 30
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 ...
Dec 10, 2020•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 29
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 mig...
Dec 06, 2020•2 hr 31 min•Ep. 28
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 g...
Dec 01, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 27
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 la...
Nov 14, 2020•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 26
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, ...
Oct 31, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 25
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 late...
Oct 11, 2020•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 24
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 ...
Sep 30, 2020•48 min•Ep. 23
