Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #57: "Battle on Bespin" with Mark Newbold (Fantha Tracks) - who has a special attachment to this issue. Originally released on December 15, 1981, Battle on Bespin follows Lando Calrissian as he faaaaaaallls rapidly towards the planet Bespin, having been thrown off Cloud City by Imperial Captain Treece in the last issue. Lobot and Lando find themselves among a village of disgruntled, excitable Ugnaughts hell-bent on getting the best possible camera footage for their "Action Tidings" live news program. Later Luke Skywalker and Shira Brie look for their friend on Cloud City only to be cornered by Imperial troops. How will they get out of this? Join us as we unpack the story, art, and legacy of this issue. Issue 57: Battle on Bespin Release date: December 15th, 1981 Written by David Michelinie, Louise Jones, Walt Simonson Artwork by Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer Coloring by Glynis Wein Cover Art Walt Simonson Today in Star Wars History - January 6, 1977 Happy 49th Birthday to  Genevieve O'Reily. Genevieve joined the Star Wars universe as Mon Mothma in the deleted scenes in Revenge of the Sith but reprised the role as her animated self in Rebels. Then came back for Rogue One, Andor, and Ahsoka. We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute! Contact Us Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Join us every week on YouTube for a behind-the-scenes look at our show. Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

It's our annual year-end wrap-up spectacular!! We take a look back at 2025 - this year's conversation is packed with personal fandom highlights, expectations that were met (and wildly exceeded), and a few things that didn't quite live up to the hype. As always, the real joy of these episodes is revisiting the moments that made the year special—and it was even better doing it with friends. We were thrilled to welcome Bobby Robertson from Rebel Scum Con and Jenn Diz from the Disneyholics Podcast to share their own 2025 standouts and pop-culture takeaways. From conventions to theme parks, 2025 was a huge year for fandom experiences. We all attended a BRAND NEW theme park - Epic Universe!  Also, Rebel Scum Con stood out for its sense of community and the unmatched joy of staying right at the host hotel. We also dove into Universal's FanFest Nights, where the Back to the Future immersive experience completely stole the show, even for devoted Star Trek fans. On the screen, we debated what was overrated and underrated like Skeleton Crew, Fallout and Thunderbolts*. As we wrapped up the year, we reflected on what 2025 meant on a personal level: the shows we binged, the films that moved us, and the lessons we'd pass along to our younger selves. What lesson would you tell your 16-year-old self? Looking ahead to 2026, we're setting our sights on hosting even more convention panels, expanding our trivia game shows, and finally unveiling a very exciting, top-secret Star Wars project coming this fall. We can't wait to see where the next year takes us. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

Join us as we continue celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Force Awakens with a holiday-themed trip back to December 2015! In this episode, we dig into the audio archives to relive THE FORCE AWAKENS Global Press Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring cast and filmmakers including Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Kathleen Kennedy, and J.J. Abrams, with standout moments moderated by Mindy Kaling. We also revisit the Chinese Theatre forecourt, sharing original audio recorded straight from the line with friends like Matt Baird, Emelia Lindgren, Obi-Shawn Crosby, and highlights that capture how Star Wars fandom and "lining up" culture evolved between the prequel and sequel eras.  We wrap up with a look back at THE FORCE AWAKENS itself—our first reactions and how it holds up ten years later. Have you watched it recently? Let us know what you thought! SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

"There has been an awakening - have you felt it?" We kick off our 10th anniversary celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens by traveling back 10 years to the excitement and anticipation of 2015. We're joined by TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX line-organizer Ric Peralta of LiningUp.net and actor Dee Tails, who appeared in the film as the always-smiling Cratinus in Maz Kanata's castle. Together, we reminisce about the anticipation surrounding Disney's first Star Wars sequel and how The Force Awakens became a defining moment for modern Star Wars fandom and forged lifelong friendships along the way. This is Part 1 of our celebration, with more premiere and press event memories coming next week. Our conversation dives into our weeks spent camping outside the TCL Chinese Theatre and the electric energy leading up to opening night. Ric discusses lining up traditions and surprise celebrity encounters during The Force Awakens line in Hollywood. Dee shares behind-the-scenes stories straight from Maz Kanata's castle - including the impact of J.J. Abram's direction and seeing Harrison Ford as Han Solo.  We also share Skywalker memories—from camping out at the TCL Chinese Theatre and meeting BB-8 in person, to celebrating birthdays, first family Star Wars screenings, and the emotional impact of that opening night. Looking back ten years later, The Force Awakens still holds a special place in our hearts—not just for the film itself, but for the friendships and community that grew out of that unforgettable release. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!

We take a nostalgic trip back to the Walt Disney Company Investor Day in December 2020—one of the biggest reveal events in recent Star Wars history. That day, Lucasfilm unveiled a galaxy's worth of upcoming Star Wars projects, from new series to feature films. Now that a few years have passed, it's time to look back with clear eyes and ask: What actually happened to all those announcements? In this episode, we break down every Star Wars project revealed that day and explore which ones successfully launched, which ones quietly faded away, and which are still somewhere in hyperspace limbo.  Do you remember your reaction to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, Rangers of the New Republic, and Rogue Squadron? It's a fun mix of reflection, industry insight, and fan speculation as we revisit that ambitious roadmap and evaluate how things have played out across Disney+, Lucasfilm, and the wider Star Wars universe. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

It's time to embrace our witchy obsession as we review Wicked: For Good, the long-awaited second chapter of Elphaba and Glinda's story! Sarah is joined by Julie Gildersleeve, Courtney Turckel, and Kelly Turckel; we head to Oz together for a spoiler-filled discussion of how this film expands on the stage musical while weaving more tightly into the events of The Wizard of Oz. With Elphaba in exile and Glinda rising as the "Good" face of the Wizard's regime, the story explores friendship, perception, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be seen as "wicked" or "good." We break down the emotional weight of the film — from Glinda's heartbreaking loneliness beneath her bubbly public persona, to Elphaba's fierce determination to protect the animals and expose the truth. We also dive into standout musical moments, including the heart-breaking "For Good," the haunting "No Good Deed," the introspective "The Girl in the Bubble," and the love song "As Long As You're Mine." The vocals, cinematography, and performances (especially Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo) are nothing short of stunning. We also explore the tragic origins of the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow, calling out the storytelling hidden in the costume design and emotional consequences of each character's transformation. But more than anything, this group of girlfriends dives into the heart of the story — Elphaba and Glinda — and how their friendship, and ours, has been changed for good. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

Happy Life Day! A Celebration of the Star Wars Holiday Special It's that time of year again — Life Day is here! We're giving thanks to Lucasfilm and CBS for blessing us with the wonderful Star Wars Holiday Special. This episode, we're celebrating in true Life Day fashion — by diving into the Holiday Special and exploring how it connects to the larger Star Wars universe in our own creative and humorous way. How did Mermeia influence the Clone Wars? How did Ackmena go from Naboo handmaiden to Halcyon bartender and end up working at the Cantina? Joining us is fellow Holiday Special enthusiast Tom Spina from Regal Robot, who brings behind-the-scenes insight and expertise to the iconic Cantina sequence. If you think you know these creatures, hang onto your gloved hooves and repainted masks!  And for a Holiday Special update: starting November 17th, Chewbacca at Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland will be donning his Life Day red robe! If you want that perfect photo with the red-robed Wookiee, don't wait — it's only available for a limited time! We'll go over all the details, plus food and merchandise, in the episode. So grab your glowing orbs, gather your clan, and join us for a joyful celebration of the weirdest, most wonderful piece of Star Wars history ever made. Show Links The Richard Pryor Show - Star Wars Bar (1977) New Regal Robot Indiana Jones Collectibles 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

The Creature From the Black Lagoon trilogy just celebrated its 70th Anniversary, so what better time to dive into this influential classic horror series than Halloween? Our guest, Gary Gerani—Topps trading cards editor and co-writer of Pumpkinhead—joins us to share his memories of seeing The Creature from the Black Lagoon for the first time, his insights into the enduring appeal of the Gill Man, and why this Universal monster continues to captivate audiences seven decades later. We kick things off with an overview of the Universal Horror legacy, then explore each film in the Creature from the Black Lagoon trilogy, complete with fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories. And here's a teaser: do you know which future A-list actor and director got his start in the sequel Revenge of the Creature? Go ahead—make his day and tune in to find out! To pick up Gary Gerani's Card King Chronicle books, visit: 👉Fantastic Press Store For more classic horror, check out our Frankenstein episode 488. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #56: "Coffin in the Clouds" — and we've been saving this one for the Halloween season for more than one reason. Originally released on November 24, 1981, Coffin in the Clouds follows Lando Calrissian as he returns to a mysteriously deserted Cloud City after the events of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Joining us for this eerie adventure is Star Wars artist and our good friend Jason W. Christman, who helps us unpack the story, art, and legacy of this issue. Issue 56: Coffin in the Clouds Release date: November 24th, 1981 Written by David Michelinie, Louise Simonson, Walt Simonson Artwork: Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer Coloring by Glynis Wein Cover Art Walt Simonson Synopsis: Lando Calrissian returns to Cloud City only to find that it has been completely abandoned. He soon discovers Imperial bombtroopers arriving to disarm a series of bombs left behind by disgruntled Ugnaught workers.  Lobot who was critically damaged by the Ugnaughts has been reprogrammed to destroy anyone who enters the city including Lando Calrissian. With the help of Imperial Captain Treece, they have to disarm the bombs and THE LOBOT! Today in Star Wars History - September 21, 1956 Happy 69th Birthday to our forever princess, Carrie Fisher, born on this day, October 21, 1956. Today we're celebrating her incredible legacy by sharing our favorite films and books that showcase her wit, talent, and unforgettable spirit. We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute! Contact Us Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Join us every week on YouTube for a behind-the-scenes look at our show. Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

We've been looking forward to experiencing Universal Orlando's brand-new Epic Universe: Dark Universe for well over a year, and finally we made it! Walking through the fog into Darkmoor Village felt like stepping inside a classic monster movie. We rode Curse of the Werewolf and were blown away by Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. There's a reason all the vloggers keep praising this attraction. We also share our thoughts on food, merchandise, characters, and atmosphere. Meeting the NEW Bride and Frankenstein in person was the perfect ending to an unforgettable visit. Next, we joined our friend Tati Perez for a wet and wild time at Halloween Horror Nights Orlando, where ten haunted mazes awaited us—and nonstop Florida rain. But hey - it's a story! We each share our Top 3 horror mazes. Five Nights at Freddy's topped our list with its creepy animatronics, while others impressed with their artistic environments. Between mazes, we wandered through eerie "Scare Zones" like The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane, where trick-or-treaters slowly turned into feral cats under glowing jack-o'-lanterns. What's not to love about spooky season!! There are 4 other "lands" or "portals' at Epic Universe, but to keep to our Halloween theme, we focued on Dark Universe in this episode. To hear more about our entire trip, including our Skywalking Meet-up, Ministry of Magic attraction, and How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Burke, watch our Livestream dated 10/13. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. TODAY in Star Wars History 10/12/1982 43 years ago - Del Rey published The Jedi Master's Quizbook by 11-year-old Rusty Miller (now Matthew). Contained 425 questions and answers about Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back; original manuscript had 631 questions. Rusty was inspired by a Tolkien trivia book and created one for Star Wars, which had not been done before. George Lucas personally supported the project after initial hesitation from Lucasfilm. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

We're joined by legendary author Barbara Hambly, whom we met at Legacy Expo: A Star Wars Expanded Universe convention in Burbank (Sept 13–14). After seeing her on a panel hosted by Star Warsologies' Melissa Miller, we couldn't resist inviting her on—what was meant to be a quick chat turned into a full conversation. Barbara shares stories from writing Children of the Jedi, Planet of Twilight, and her beloved short stories in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina and Tales from Jabba's Palace—and even answers fan-favorite questions about Luke Skywalker's love life. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. TODAY in Star Wars History 9/28/2023 9/28/2023 - 2 years ago The Galactic Starcruiser takes its last voyage. The Star Wars-themed hotel experience closes after opening March 1, 2022 and we were very sad. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

We're thrilled to welcome author (and good friend) Thomas Riddle to the podcast as he shares insights from his inspiring new book, Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth. What happens when teachers borrow imagineering principles—immersive storytelling, worldbuilding, and design—and bring them into the classroom? Could this be the key to unlocking deeper engagement and curiosity in students? Thomas makes a compelling case that this approach is tantalizingly possible. Blending lessons from both classroom practice and immersive design, Imagineering Education offers educators a practical framework for transforming schools into places of wonder, creativity, and authentic connection. In our conversation, we explore not only the powerful ideas in his book, but also our own public school experiences and the state of education in the U.S. today. It's a fascinating discussion you won't want to miss. Check out Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth here: Amazon link. TODAY in Star Wars History 9/22/2025 We're recording today from Long Beach, CA, on September 22, 2025—a date that's sure to be remembered in Star Wars history. Why? Because it marks the debut of the second trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu (yes, the second one—not the first!). SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

Just when we thought we found all the actors who've played Darth Vader, another emerges. Tom Bewley was the first actor to portray the Dark Lord of the Sith on screen after Return of the Jedi. He appeared in the Frank Oz-directed 1985 film, The Indian in the Cupboard. In his very first podcast interview, Tom opens up with never-before-heard stories from behind the mask. He shares what it was like stepping into Vader's boots for The Indian in the Cupboard, his duel with the Energizer Bunny in a now-legendary commercial, memories from the Star Wars 10th Anniversary convention preshow with George Lucas, and plenty more surprises. TODAY in Star Wars History 9/16/1977 48 years ago... ABC aired The Making of Star Wars as Told by C-3PO and R2-D2, an hour-long special hosted by R2-D2 and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO. Coming in the same month as Donny & Marie, Richard Pryor, and Saturday morning Star Wars previews, the special stood out by placing R2 and 3PO in a futuristic Star Wars setting to share behind-the-scenes stories. It was a clever move—fans didn't have to wait for The Empire Strikes Back to get "new" Star Wars, all thanks to Charlie Lippincott's promotional vision. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

Have you, like us, been eagerly awaiting the Star Wars Marvel comics issue that introduces the telepathic, energy-eating Hoojibs?Join us and our special guests in a breakdown of Marvel's 1981 comic Star Wars #55: "Plif!" — one of the most beloved issues from the original Marvel Star Wars run. You can also listen and read along in 1983's read-along record Planet of the Hoojibs Read Along Storybook. Recorded live from Rebel Scum Con, this special presentation features special guests Anna Graves (voice of Duchess Satine Kryze in The Clone Wars) and Jeff Caffrey (VCN Network), who bring the story to life with dramatic flair.  Don't worry if you don't have the comic — the vibrant art by Walt Simonson and Tom Palmer will be projected for all to enjoy. Today in Star Wars History - September 7, 1985 Happy 40th Anniversary to Ewoks and Droids! Both animated series premiered on September 7, 1985, as The Ewoks and Droids Adventure Hour on ABC-TV. We've even had executive producer Miki Herman on the show to dive into their creation — including that unforgettable Ewoks theme by Taj Mahal! 🖖 And a special shoutout to Star Trek, celebrating 59 years since the debut of the original series (September 8, 1966)! #55 "PLIF!" Release Date: October 20, 1981 Writer: David Michelinie Art: Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer Cover: Walt Simonson Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter Princess Leia leads a Rebel survey team to the forest planet Arbra, hoping to establish a new base after evacuating Hoth. There, they meet the Hoojibs—small, telepathic creatures who feed on electricity and accidentally drain the Rebels' power. Their leader, Plif, reveals they've been displaced by a monstrous creature called the Slivilith. To reclaim the cave and power crystals, the Rebels and Hoojibs must join forces. We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute! Contact Us Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Join us every week on YouTube for a behind-the-scenes look at our show. We also bring you to Disneyland, Red Carpet Events and Theme Park Openings. Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!SaveSave

In Part 4 of our Rebel Scum Con experience, we go behind the scenes with MORE talented artists who gave life to a few of our favorite Star Wars characters. We sat down with Toby Philpott, one of the puppeteers behind the massive Jabba the Hutt. From controlling Jabba's grotesque expressions to (maybe?) licking Princess Leia, his stories from the set are not only fascinating but filled with tips and tricks for any aspiring puppeteers out there. Next up, Femi Taylor, who played the ill-fated (but always fabulous) Oola, shares her experience on the set of RETURN OF THE JEDI. She dives into what it was like returning to the role years later and how the character still connects with fans today.. And if that wasn't cool enough, Howie Weed gives us a detailed look at his time inside the suit of the terrifying Wampa, and shares his experience with George Lucas directing! Howie even drops a hint or two about the Wampa's survival odds after that little run-in with Luke Skywalker. Each guest was incredibly generous with their time and insights, offering a mix of behind-the-scenes stories, performance techniques, and even a dash of "what if" when it comes to the fate of their characters. We couldn't get enough. Each interview is also available separately on our YouTube channel—subscribe here. Rebel Scum Con, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we are sharing ALL that content, so look up episode 525 to and 526 for more interviews. TODAY in Star Wars History 9/2/2014 11 years ago... Star Wars: A New Dawn, written by John Jackson Miller with a foreword by Dave Filoni, was released by Del Rey. Serving as a prequel to Star Wars Rebels, it holds the distinction of being the very first novel in the official new Star Wars canon. We celebrated the book's 10th anniversary back in episode 481—well worth a listen if you missed it! SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

The Rebel Scum Con fun continues! In this episode, we're serving up double Wedge and a dash of Watto for your Star Wars enjoyment.   First up, we're honored to be joined by Denis Lawson, the legendary actor who portrayed Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy and returned in The Rise of Skywalker. He shares stories from set and reflects on Mark Hamill's hug in the galaxy far, far away.   But wait—there's more Wedge to go around! We're also joined by David Ankrum, the voice of Wedge in A New Hope, who helped bring the iconic pilot to life. And did you know Wedge makes a subtle appearance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story? We'll reveal exactly where to hear him.   And it wouldn't be a proper celebration without a visit from one of the galaxy's most unforgettable hustlers—Watto himself! Andy Secombe, who voiced the junk dealer in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, stops by for a spirited game of Chance. And no surprise, there's a bit of funny business going on. Sorry, Watto!   Rebel Scum Con, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we are sharing ALL that content, so look up episode 525 to and 526 for more interviews.   TODAY in Star Wars History 8/25/1977   48 years ago today... Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca graced the cover of Rolling Stone—Star Wars had officially gone mainstream.   Inside, the feature article "The Force Behind George Lucas" gave fans a behind-the-scenes look. For the first time, Lucas dropped a bombshell: Darth Vader once lost a duel with Ben Kenobi and was knocked into a volcanic pit. (Sound familiar, prequel fans?)   And in another first, Lucas revealed the voice behind the Dark Lord himself—James Earl Jones.   A legendary moment in Star Wars history, captured in print!   Here's our Skywalking episode all about it.   SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland   Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.   If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!   Never Land on Alderaan!

Are you ready to hear from some great Star Wars artists? At Rebel Scum Con, we had the amazing opportunity to connect with four talented artists who are not only passionate about Star Wars, but also masters of their craft. These creators opened up about their inspirations, creative journeys, and the unique processes behind their work. Each artist also gave us a personal tour of their booth, offering a closer look at the artwork that brings the galaxy far, far away to life. You'll hear directly from:   Jason W. Christman – known for his bold, graphic style and minimalist takes on iconic Star Wars moments.   Brian DeGuire – blending classic design with an in-universe propaganda twist.   Tom Hodges – known for his Star Wars Universe Park Map, well before the announcement of Galaxy's Edge.   Spencer Brinkerhoff III – bringing a playful and vibrant approach to the Star Wars universe with his imaginative illustrations and entrepreneurial spirit.   The convention, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we are sharing ALL that content, so look up episode 525 to hear from some Star Wars actors.   TODAY in Star Wars History 8/17/2024   A rocket-firing J-slot Boba Fett action figure recently sold at a Goldin auction for an astonishing $1.34 million, setting a new record. This 1979 Kenner figure now holds the title of the most expensive toy—and the priciest Star Wars collectible sold that isn't a movie prop. It surpassed the previous high mark of $525,000, which was set just the prior May by an L-slot rocket-firing Boba Fett figure.   SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland   Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.   If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!   Never Land on Alderaan!

We just got back from the 2nd annual Rebel Scum Con in Frisco, TX, and had an absolute blast! This was the most productive convention we've ever been to! Not only did we host two panels, but we also had the opportunity to speak with many Star Wars alumni, from actors to artists.    The convention, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event, which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we will share ALL that content, so in this episode you'll hear from:   Omid Abtahi (Dr. Pershing in THE MANDALORIAN) Eric Walker (the original Mace in THE EWOK ADVENTURE films) Dermot Crowley (General Madine in RETURN OF THE JEDI)   TODAY in Star Wars History 8/12/1980   Once Upon A Galaxy: A Journal of the Making of The Empire Strikes Back, by Alan Arnold, is published by Del Rey.This paperback book includes a journal into the day-to-day making of The Empire Strikes Back, interviews with the cast and crew, and behind-the-scenes photos.       SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland   Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.   If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!   Never Land on Alderaan!

Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time at San-Diego Comic-Con: GEORGE LUCAS!!!!   On Sunday 7/27/2025, George Lucas along with Lucasfilm's senior vice president and executive design director Doug Chiang and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro were guests at a highly anticipated panel highlighting the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art! The panel was expertly moderated by Queen Latifah.   Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be the world's first institution dedicated to the exploration of narrative art, celebrating illustrated storytelling across eras and cultures, from ancient cave drawings and children's book illustrations to comic books and digital media.     The panel marked one of the most talked about and widely attended sessions in Comic-Con history, drawing over 6,000 on the final day of the convention. And we were there! We will play and discuss favorite quotes from each of the panelists, and give our opinions on the panel.   View the Full Panel:   https://youtu.be/thPBnvot9mg   2019's Lucas Museum Panel at SDCC:   https://youtu.be/jJinqNK20DQ   TODAY in Star Wars History 7/30/2017   Happy Mark Hamill Day! A ceremony is held as a residential street in San Diego, CA is dedicated in honor of Mark Hamill. Mark Hamill lived in the neighborhood on Castleton Drive (aka Mark Hamill Drive.)     SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland   Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.   If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!   Never Land on Alderaan!

The next big Star Wars convention is just around the corner. We go behind-the-scenes and reveal what we are doing at Rebel Scum Con! This year marks the 2nd annual RSC held August 8-10th, 2025 in Frisco, TX, and we have convention coordinators Ken Tucky and Bobby Roberston on to get us hyped. Even if you're not attending, this episode has plenty of fun Star Wars discussions.   We discuss the special guests including the first U.S. appearance of Kyle Soller (Syril in Andor), Robert Emms aka #HotLonniSummer (Lonni in Andor), The Sackhoff Show with Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan in The Mandalorian), and more guests from Andor.    Our friends at The Virtual Cantina Network are putting on Boonta Eve with Star Wars Live Band and Karaoke on the first night of the convention - August 8th, where we will also be selling our books. Tickets are available now.   Episode discussion links: Rebel Scum Con Boonta Eve details "You Rebel Scum" actor Barrie Holland interview   TODAY in Star Wars History 7/5/2017   Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Bob Chapek, reveals the official name of the new Star Wars land at Disney's D23 Expo as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.     SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland   Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.   If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!   Never Land on Alderaan!