There's no doubt about it. The force is alive and kicking at the home of Mick "Fett" Pylak, Australia's number one Star Wars collector. Not only has he amassed what is arguably the largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia, he is also a member of another type of force - the police force. Who better to chat all things Star Wars than with the country's biggest Star Wars fanatic? 

What makes you Australia’s biggest Star Wars fan?

I have been collecting since the late 90's and my collection includes all things Star Wars, including a full-size Pod Racer in my backyard, various life-size Star Wars statues such as Han Solo in Carbonite, Star Wars arcade machines, busts, posters, statues, space ships and vehicles, comics, trading cards, store display items, prop replicas, modern and vintage figures, etc. I have a passion for vintage figures and have acquired over 10,000 loose vintage figures! I also wear my screen-accurate Star Wars costumes to launches and promo events, such as Boba Fett, Jango Fett, Stormtrooper, Admiral Ackbar and other popular Star Wars characters. But my claim to Star Wars fame would have to be my Aussie Vader costume, complete with Australian flag cape, beer can belt and didgeridoo lightsaber. This is my costume of choice when I travel overseas to attend international events. May the Force be with you, mate!

What is it about Star Wars that makes you so fanatical?

My first memories of Star Wars are of Return of the Jedi, where I can still remember leaving the cinema with my Dad in absolute excitement. Like all the other kids I had a humble collection of Star Wars figures and would play with them all the time, recreating various scenes from the movies. But it wasn't until the release of the Special Edition movies in the late 90's when my love for Star Wars was reignited and I began my journey as a young Padawan collector. Twenty years later, I now see myself as a Master Jedi collector and my love and passion for Star Wars continues to grow, especially with Disney steering the Star Wars franchise forward into hyperspace with all the new upcoming movies! It's a great time to be a Star Wars fan!

[Pictured, above: Mick wears the Unisex Darth Vader hoodie]

Which character is your favourite and why?

My favourite character would have to be Boba Fett. He only had short screen time in the original movies but his mysterious background only increased his popularity amongst fans. As a kid watching Return of the Jedi for the first time, seeing Boba Fett fly with his jet pack and battle against Luke Skywalker, using blasters, snaring cables and a flame thrower from his wrist, I was instantly hooked! Just like Boba Fett, I also see myself as Bounty Hunter of such, hunting for rare vintage Star Wars figures hidden and packed away in attics and garages.

How much do you think you’ve invested in Star Wars memorabilia over the years?

I could never put a price on how much I've spent. It's just a part of my everyday life. But it is nice to see that the value of Star Wars memorabilia continues to grow and some of my individual items are now worth more than a small car! What’s your most prized item? That's easy. My 6-month-old baby, Leia :) But I also own a rare Master Replicas Studio Scale Signature Edition Millennium Falcon signed by the man himself, Harrison Ford. It's a museum quality replica of the Studio Scale model of the Falcon they used during filming. It's quite large, complete with mirrored base and the minor details are absolutely astonishing! I also focus on collecting rare Australian released Star Wars vintage figures and have built an army of 20 Toltoys Vinyl Caped Jawas! Uttini!

How do you store all your memorabilia?

The majority of my collection fills my five-bedroom house. I try and use all the available wall space and it's now at the stage where it becomes a mission to try and display all the new acquisition, and there are always plenty of those! One day, I hope to invest in a warehouse where I can display my collection in full and release all those additional figures and collectibles currently hidden in their carbonite storage boxes.

[Pictured, above: Mick's bub wears Zippy in 'The Force' print]

What’s your most cherished Star Wars moment?

I have been fortunate to meet most of the Star Wars actors at conventions, including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams and Anthony Daniels. But my most cherished moment would have to be chatting to the original Star Wars princess, Carrie Fisher, and laughing about my Aussie Vader costume. She was also kind enough to sign a photo of us together with "Help me Aussie Vader, you're my only hope".

What’s your favourite out of the all the films and why?

The majority of Star Wars fans will tell you that The Empire Strikes Back is the best Star Wars movie. But I think that the best film is that which brings the most joy and memories to each individual fan. For me that would have to be Return of the Jedi. It features the best characters, such as Boba Fett, Jabba the Hut, Admiral Ackbar and we get to see Luke Skywalker as a fully trained Jedi and, who doesn't love the Ewoks? It was the first movie I watched and the reason why I am the Star Wars fanatic today!

Explore and shop the Bonds x Star Wars range here.