WHAT WE DO

Seth's set so far, his stunning Collector Displays cabinet and rare footage of two 6-year-olds smashing figures around a 44 year old cardboard Death Star – it's all here to illustrate some great insights into what it is like to start out collecting vintage in 2021.

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.

All the best bits from 38 shows, condensed into a handy two and a half hours. 

If you only ever watch one of our shows, watch this one.

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.

A faithful reproduction of Show 038, although you can tell it's not the original, because this one is a video and comes with lots of pictures and footage.

Never let it be said that Generation Skywalker doesn't cater for the pro-video / anti-audio members of our audience, as much as it does the pro-audio / anti-video listeners.

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?

All the chat with all the pics.

See what we've been buying and watch along as we discuss all the new Lucasfilm projects, the latest product announcements and all the toys released on the back of both seasons of the Mandalorian.

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.

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.

(Unavailable as an enhanced video version.)

One of our most image-packed enhanced podcasts to date.

Covering all the releases from our favourite Star Wars licence holders this year – we've sourced the best quality images we can and collated them all here for you.

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!)

Watch along as you listen to this great interview with collector, Zia Rezvi. 

This enhanced version of Ep 34 features high resolution scans of his original scrapbooks and MOC runs that have to be seen to be believed.

Go deeper into our Christmas gift guide with this bumper production, filled with images, videos and on-screen links and prices.

We can't help you 'try before you buy', but this is the next best thing.

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.  

With so many versions of The Mandalorian and The Child being announced in every scale, it can be hard to keep track of what's what. 

Watch along as we discuss all the latest releases and check out some cool old footage from 1999 too.

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.

The enhanced visual version of our Island of Dr Modesto Halloween Special.

If you are not fully up to speed with the physical differences between the Cantrosians and the Catumans, or the Nazzar and the Sivreni, then this is the version to check out.

Though it's worth it for a look at Mark's sketch of 'Gibbonfella' alone.

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 Island of Dr Modesto’, if you will...

See all the latest items as we discuss them in this enhanced version of our modern roundtable.

In an episode so full of new releases, this visual video will help you better understand the distinction between your Carbonised Caras and your Credit Collection ones.

It's the podcast your Amazon Echo Show was made for.

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.

Want to judge the Confronting Covers, as we discuss their relative merits in minute detail? 

Of course you do!

Click the link below to see and hear how the tournament unfolded, along with other highlights from the last month.

As a busy book month for the Generation Skywalker team draws to a close, the lads get together to discuss the highlights from an action-packed few weeks.  

Craig also takes us through the Confronting Covers competition, which has been running over our social media during the entire month of September. Hear how the shortlist was drawn up, who championed which cover and why each member of the team made the choices they did.

Not only is the winning cover announced, but also which listener will be receiving our big prize bundle of books. 

Is it you?

What, with Early Bird baggie types, different sticker styles and a close look at colour-in posters, this episode of Those Old Fossils is a very visual affair.

If you want to see the items we're discussing in glorious colour, this is the link to click.

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.  

(Check out the blog post to go along with the audio below)

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.

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.

(Unavailable as an enhanced video version.)

If our 14th podcast was a feast for the ears, this enhanced version is a feast for your ears and your eyes. 

Lots of pictures, lots of video clips and lots of love have gone into its creation. 

Please enjoy.

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. 

One of our most comprehensive and detailed enhanced podcasts to date.

Honestly, this is like 'Everything you wanted to know about the Micro Collection but were afraid to ask.'

Buckle up for a couple of hours of indepth diecast goodness.

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.

Our fourth vintage roundtable in a fully watchable format. Where we talk about an item, you'll see it on screen. 

These really are turning into a halfway house between podcast and documentary. Maybe Nextflix will commission a 12 part series.

Or maybe not.

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 modern collecting roundtable, jam-packed with imagery and video clips to bring the content to life.

Probots, the new Black Series packaging and helmet range, all the latest releases, plus a look at the team's picks for the best ever Leia figure – it's all here.

Well, it's all on YouTube.

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.

Over an hour and a half of vintage chat, cram-packed with accompanying imagery and video clips.

Episode III of Those Old Fossils is loosely themed around The Empire Strikes Back with a look at some amazing ESB dioramas and a discussion around Boba Fett's lasting appeal to fans and collectors. There's even a little quiz based on the film's most popular toys.

You can also see highlights from recent auctions and have a look at what items have caught the team's eye on the 'Deal or No Deal' Facebook pages.

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!

When a top collector sums up his collection in five items, you want to see them right? 

This enhanced version of our interview with Ross Barr gives you plenty of opportunity to look over the five key pieces (and a couple more besides) as he and Stuart chat through the items and the stories behind them.

As corridors go, they don't come more iconic, but what does Dan think to the new Hasbro Tantive IV playset?

Join Grant as he 'unenvelopes' some paperwork from the production of Episode 1.

Dan's Hot Toys Boba Fett has arrived. Here he is with all the facts. No disinformations.

Craig videos the progress of his first custom. Find out if it has a good End(or) not?

The Falcon lands at Craig's pad.

Craig reckons Geeki Tiki punch bowls are where it's at (-AT).

The is the way Dan(dalorian) Burgess opens his toys.

Greetings, Exalted One. Stuart welcomes a new tiki mug to his collection.

Dan gets tanked up.

Dan locks his S-foils in attack position and launches into his latest delivery.

Craig digs into the SDCC 2020 exclusive Black Series Heroes of Endor boxset. And what a box it is!

A quick unboxing of the new Lego Mos Eisley Cantina with @craftbeerpinup, accompanied by a special pour of the Mos Eisley Catharina beer by Brew York.

When it comes to checking market value, there's only one resource – Star Wars Tracker is the ultimate price guide and portfolio management service for collectors of Vintage Star Wars action figures.

Love our amazing intro and outro music? 

We're indebted to Samuel Kim for allowing us to use his interpretation of the Star Wars theme. Please visit his site to discover more epic and cinematic music.

How do you tell a geniune vintage action figure accessory from a fake one? The Imperial Gunnery is a good place to start. Go for the unrivalled weapon variation guides, stay for the vibrant online community.

Lots of detail accompanied by stunning imagery – www.jedibusiness.com is an invaluable online database containing every vintage and modern action figure ever made by Kenner/Hasbro. 

The original and most detailed Star Wars collecting database on the web. Whether you are looking for Uzays or underoos, it'll be on The Archive.

The place to go for all things Hot Toys – news, reviews, checklists and discussions on all the figures produced for Star Wars and beyond.