Chris Tanski is a 35-year-old husband and father, and is a self professed “pop culture fiend,” who tries to keep up to date on all the comings and goings in the world of popular culture. Chris manages to pay the bills and fund his collecting addiction by being a first assistant manager at a major movie theater chain in Rochester, New York. He was kind enough to share his amazing collection with us, so please silence your cell phones and enjoy the show.
How did your collection start? What was the first item in your collection?
My collection(s) started when I was a kid. I managed to pretty much hang on to all my important toys from my childhood–mainly my original Star Wars figures. Sadly, they are not MOC.
Approximately how many items are in your collection?
Too many to count! I collect Indiana Jones, Freddy Krueger, WWF/WWE wrestling, The Simpsons, and many other movie and tv properties.
Do you have a favorite item in your collection?
My most favorite items are usually the ones I paid the most for to add to my collection — a Powers of the Force Yak Face direct from England, a MOC Indiana Jones Truck from the Kenner series, the 12-inch Indiana Jones from Kenner, and my Matchbox Talking Freddy Krueger.
How do you store/display your collection?
I know this is blasphemous, but I open most of my toys and display them on many, many shelves. For my original Star Wars figures I have some awesome action figure display cases.
Is there a “holy grail” item that you would love to add to your collection?
The Clash of the Titans Krakken and Pegusus figures. I have the action figures but I need those two to complete my Clash collection
Do you have a favorite collecting story or experience?
I remember waiting in line for many hours to get the Star Wars Episode I figures. We were towards the front of the line, so we got first dibs on all the new stuff. Who knew the movie would eventually disappoint?
Do you have any advice for new collectors who are just starting a collection?
Pace yourself. Make sure you have the funds to support your habit (hobby) and also make sure you have enough room to display it. I am still trying to figure out how I should set up my basement with all my things.
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A huge thanks to Chris, for giving us a peek at his collection. If you have a Clash of the Titans Kraken you want to sell, just send me a note and I will be sure to pass the info along to him (wink, wink), otherwise you can find him directly on Twitter @P0LISHPHEN0M (the O’s are zeroes). Chris also writes for one of my favorite new websites, www.underscoopfire.com, and contributes a movie review podcast for the site. It’s a place for children of the 80’s, so I think it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy it.
If you are a collector and would like to share your passion with other like-minded collectors, just fill out our collector profile form.
(All photos are the property of Chris Tanski)
Brian says
Hey Chris, thanks for sending in your pictures and profile, and also thanks for letting me know that there are action figures for Thundarr the Barbarian!
So, you are a high level muckety muck for a movie theater chain? That means you might have access to movie posters and displays, right? hmmm. I know someone who collects those. 😉
kngfu says
I love these profiles, and can’t wait to see more.
Brian says
Yeah, me too! So when are we going to see your collection here??? 😉
kngfu says
I have some of my stuff displayed in the men’s room (small bathroom in the laundry room) so it doesn;t make for the most exciting display. But i can shot some pics of my stuff and you can decide.
Brian says
LOL I’m always up for a creative display of one’s collection!
Will says
Those Star Wars cases are gorgeous!
jboypacman says
What a amazing collection! Am glad i was able to get a look at it.
adam selway says
are you selling any star wars can you email pics and prices
bj says
hey mail me on facebook bjstorm or on twitter @billymiller2 i have some star wars figures etc. i have been tying to get rid of ill trade for wwe figures or anything really
bj says
this is a cool display love ur wwe display bro great work
Kirk says
It almost looks like (but I can’t tell for sure) he has his collection/room lit with flourescent lights (the long tube bulbs). I hope I’m mistaken, but if I’m not, for the good of the collection and the items future owners, I’d replace them with regular non-UV lights. Flourescent light, like most lights in department stores, wil eventually FADE THE COLOR OUT OF YOUR FIGURES/CARDBACKS/BOXES. I’ve seen this firsthand with other folks collections, including local collectibles stores in Pittsburgh (Eides and Groovy) who use these lights and their long term stock starts to fade of color. It’s tragic and doesn’t take long to occur. It’s like keeping your items out in the sun- it won’t happen as rapidly, but it does fade the color out and will impact the value greatly in the future. I don’t even buy collectibles and carded/boxed toys if they look even a little faded. Good luck with your collection and hope you can minimize the damage.
ed says
you would love my freddy collection and my airbrushed freddy hood. email me if u want to see pictures, 🙂