When I hit the yard sales and antique shops, I don’t really have a specific list of items I’m hoping to find, but I do have specific categories. Granted, I tend to stray from that list fairly often, but when it comes to things I really want to add to my collection, they tend to fall into the following categories…
Vintage Super Heroes
I focus mainly on collecting iconic characters — Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, and the Hulk. The variety of items that were created for these characters is endless, so I try to limit myself to buying items that were produced before the mid-80’s. This makes the hunt a little more difficult and keeps me from having a boatload of 1989 Batman merchandise clogging the shelves (though I do love those toys!).
Space-themed Items
Anything with a bubble-headed astronaut is going to catch my eye and, like with most things I collect, the older, the better. I don’t have a huge collection of space toys, mainly because they can be really expensive, but I am always happy when I stumble across something from the days of the great space race.
Damn Dirty Apes
There’s nothing better than an ape toy. Whether it’s King Kong, or Planet of the Apes, a good monkey is always going to catch my eye.
Pop Culture Hot Wheels
These are one of my newer obsessions. I’ve never been a huge diecast fan, but when you make a car that is based on a movie or TV show, I want it. I still don’t know what I’m going to do with these things but I think a large diorama would be pretty great. The added advantage of these cars is that they are one of the few items I can find on store shelves today.
Consider this the “short list,” because I always seem to find things that don’t fit into these categories. I’m not the only one with a list though. Be sure to check out the rest of the League of Extraordinary Bloggers this week to find out what they’re looking for, and maybe you can even make a trade!
Must have been awesome being a kid during the space race! Any chance you’re heading to the toy show in Delaware on the 13? Some good digging potential 😉
Yeah, I’ve always said I was born 20 years late. I love all those toys from the 50’s and 60’s.
Delaware is a hike and a half for me, but I know the show you’re talking about. I am planning on hitting up the York PA show. That one’s not too far from you — you going to that one?
First I’ve heard of it. What’s it called?
It’s the York Toy Extravaganza, on Dec. 1: http://www.yorkexpo.com/events_schedule.htm#december
I’ve gone the last two years and had a lot of fun. Not too much MOC stuff, but you never know!
Sounds cool. I’m planning on driving out to Steel City Con the following weekend. If I end up doing the York show I’ll let you know. That would be an epic start to December! Michael Biehn is gonna be at Steel City! “Don’t any of ya have the guts to fight for blood!?!” 😉