Collector?...more like hoarder...

Unfortunately (or fortunately), this is only part of the collection while others are stacked behind me or in boxes.
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I sit on that fine line...that line between compulsiveness and hobbyist when it comes to material things around me. Those who meet me and observe my actions, probably lean one way or the other, but those that really know me, understand it's not an addiction; but rather, my physical link to nostalgia. I have, in some way, collected things in the past, from slinkys, to movies, to computers, and even homework (yup, I still have boxes of things in my shed labeled, "elementary school work" and "memories 1993" - my only defense is that it is AT LEAST very organized). The only thing I've found consistent in my collecting, were the action figures.

So yes, I sit on that fine line and I don't mind it because when it comes to my action figures, they've always been a part of me. I grew up playing with them. They taught my brother and I how to be creative, use our imagination, and enjoy each other's company without fighting over _____you fill in the blank______. They survived the move from home to home...to home (despite a few boxes getting lost) and do for me what Woody and Buzz Lightyear do for Toy Story. For that, I thank them and continue to add to their gang.

A favorite t-shirt of mine by powerpig on Teefury.com.
Can you name all of the figures?

Not convinced? I'm sure we could debate on it, but let's just call it an appreciation for the things that I have (and have kept, whether on purpose or by accident)...buuuuut, if you see me next week on A&E's Hoarders, we'll know for sure ;-).

My collection is miniscule compared to the hobbyists who have been doing this for years. I wish I could be like them and buy at first impulse, but my bills remind me otherwise. I only started collecting consistently in the past 4-5 years and engulfing myself in their universes, while making friends and building a good network of fellow collectors as well. Transformers and TMNT are usually on the top of my list, followed by He-Man MOTU, Gobots, M.A.S.K. and Ewoks (yup, Ewoks is about the only thing that I'll make time for in the Star Wars universe...I know, everyone wants to shoot those little fur balls, but they remind me of my old, childhood dog...rest in peace Ki-Ki). My shelves / floor / (oh man, I need to make some more room) are showcasing most of the toys that I really like (i.e. Transformers, M.A.S.K., TMNT, Voltron, etc.). Most of the older ones are still sitting in a couple of boxes in the shed, and every few months, I like to go out there and dig through it and...yes...bask in the aroma of nostalgia.

Like most collectors, I usually buy 2 - one to open and one to keep mint (or as mint as one can). Most people ask me if I actually play with them and usually they mean, "play with them like when I was a kid." Sadly, the answer is no. Every once in awhile, my friend's kids will come over and we'll set up a battle scene and perform through it, but on regular days, they sit and stare at me. However, it's not unusual for me to have a Transformers in my hand because it's my rubiks cube...my baoding balls...my stress reliever or if I'm "wired in"...my thinking cap. Again, for that, I thank them and continue to add to their gang.

I would love to document each figure I have and maybe I will, but for now, it will have to be just random photos, videos, and this page alone. Thanks for reading and learning about this vice in my life. I hope to see you at the next comic-con and as always, happy action figure hunting!

A Little fun with the Ikea Pilbo Coffee Table

New photo quality. I'll try it next time with macro shots to get better closeups.

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Please keep it clean and be nice. I don't want to have to pre-approve everything. Thanks!

Collection Photos and/or Related...

Toy Story...Sequel #20...