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Cool and Collected

Collecting pop culture toys, comics, and collectibles collections

December 5, 2013 By Brian 35 Comments

I’m putting out a Bounty for this Hunter, and more…

Christmas is fast-approaching, and this is the time of year when we dog-ear and circle items on page after page of the Sears wish list catalog mom brought home from the mall, right? Well, maybe that’s not how it works anymore, but I do fondly remember those days. Now, it’s a bunch of scrolling and clicking and BAM! there’s your list all neat and tidy.

Making a wish list as a collector is vital. Everyone knows you like Star Wars, so they buy you any piece of dreck the third world is able to produce. You wanted a Sideshow exclusive Bossk, but you get an Angry Bird Darth Vader instead. If you don’t make a list with VERY SPECIFIC details, you are probably going to be let down by those well-meaning family and friends.

I’ve pretty much relegated my wish list to books on Amazon. I love a good collector book, and they’re easy to buy. Buying a vintage Mego action figure, sealed on the card is not something for the novice. (“$300 for a toy!!! I can get a 300 Angry Birds for him for that price.”) So, for my family and friends, the wish list is simple and straightforward — books and DVDs all tidy and neat in the Amazon wishlist. But for me as a collector, I have plenty of items that I am going to have to hunt down for myself…

Star Wars Black 6″ Boba Fett

star wars black boba fettOkay, I hate to admit it but I am getting sucked into action figures for the first time in 25 years. It started innocently enough, by picking up a cool-looking Darth Maul at Target. And then that R2 was really ย fun, so I had to have him. And those Sandtroopers, whoa. Stop! Now, there’s a Boba Fett figure out there. Of course, he can’t be found on any shelves, but ebay is clogged with them. I want one! I am itching to photograph these guys over the Christmas break. Oh, and I also need a Han Solo.

I really do enjoy the hunting and trading aspect of collecting, so rather than just going to Amazon or eBay, I’d rather connect with someone who found this guy in the store and got an extra. I know you’re out there. I’ve got toys to trade, let’s make a deal.

Hot Wheels

hot wheels collection

After a recent trip to Wal-Mart, I found a great selection of Hot Wheels vehicles and ended up with a dozen in my cart. I got home and put them in the drawer I have been using to store my other Hot Wheels cars, and realized that the drawer was full. How did this happen? When did I become a Hot Wheels collector?! How can a guy resist this things? They’re $0.97! What else can you buy for less than a dollar these days? I really do try to limit my selection to pop culture vehicles, but there are just so many great vehicles, an extra one usually finds its way home with me. Now, it’s getting bad, because I want older cars that are no longer on the shelf. and I want the variant cardbacks in addition to the loose cars. I’ve been trolling ebay for them. They’re still cheap, but shipping charges make them not so cheap.

On my list, I am adding Hot Wheels Batmobiles. Heck, I’ll even veer into Johnny Lightning, Ertl, Corgi, and any other diecast manufacturers. I’m no purist.

Batman and Robin 1966 Classics figures

batmobileclassic1966

I totally blame my friend Todd for this one. He told me how he had recently picked up the Batmobile from this series and said it was huge and amazing. Well, I had been avoiding it for the huge aspect — both the size and the price — but then I hit Toys R Us with a coupon in hand and there it was. I already have a couple of Batman figures from the line, but now I need a Robin. I don’t want to buy the two pack for Robin, but that Batmobile needs a sidekick.

One of the main reasons I wanted this Batmobile is because I wanted to see Boba Fett and Han cruising around in it. I am really digging this larger scale. If they start making vehicles for that SWB line, we’re all going to need to purchase storage units.

Damn, Dirty Apes

apes toy collection

I love the monkeys — no, not THE Monkees — simians in cinema, King Kong, Dr. Zaius, Cornelius — those monkeys. It’s always fun to add a new ape to the collection, so if Santa put one of those under the tree, I would be really surprised!

12-cent comics

12 cent comics

Here’s another item I can’t get enough of lately. I love the old comic covers with their beefy line art and bold colors. I don’t really care about the story inside, I just like to look at the covers and place them on the shelf among the other items in my collection. An old 12-cent Hulk cover beats anything done since the 80’s. I used to be a hardcore comic collector many, many years ago. Now I am more of an art collector, if that makes sense. I don’t buy these for their story lines, I buy them because I like the way the look. I can’t afford original cover art, I’m no condition-snob, and the character and subject matter is not even a priority to me — these things are simply fun to collect.

Help me Internet, you’re my only hope. I can’t trust my wife or kids to place any of these items under my tree this Christmas. if you have any of these items and have seen something here on the site that would make for a fun Christmas swap, let’s make some Christmas magic together!

(This week, the League of Extraordinary Bloggers is writing about their own Christmas lists, so be sure to check them out!)

Oh, and here’s my gift to youโ€ฆ a Christmas Giveaway!

he-man she-ra christmas sweater

The awesome folks of 80stees.com have offered up possibly the most amazing Christmas sweater ever produced to one lucky reader of this post. All you have to do is add a comment below to enter for a chance to win the He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Sweater. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you. This contest is open to people with U.S. addresses over the age of 18 only. I will stop taking entries on 11pm on December 12, 2013.

So, add a comment below (what’s on your Christmas list?), and you may be sporting this awesome sweater on Christmas morning. It would be a Christmas miracle!

UPDATE: The contest is closed. Congratulations to our winner: Michael Wirth!

Filed Under: Pop Culture League Tagged With: Batman, Christmas, hot Wheels, Star Wars

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cody says

    December 5, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Sweet Shirt!

    Also right there with you on vintage comic covers.

    Reply
  2. Jeremy says

    December 5, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    I don’t know if anyone else has noticed these, but within the past few weeks, I have been noticing new 12 inch Star Wars figures, at all places, Walgreens. I have seen Darth Vader, a prequel Storm Trooper, and Anakin,. They seem pretty basic, but at only $6.99, you can’t beat that price. I haven’t bought one yet because I have been holding out for a Boba Fett. Has anyone else seen this line at their local drugstores? Do they have a Fett figure?

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 5, 2013 at 4:46 pm

      I guess I need to go to Walgreens today. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  3. GeekChunks says

    December 5, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    Oh. My. Sweater.
    I’d wear it in the summer too. Sweaty and stinky? Yes. Weird? Maybe.

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 9:53 pm

      Not weird at all.

      Reply
  4. WishItWas1984 says

    December 5, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    My Christmas List is either too rare or too expensive for anyone I know to get me anything. lol You have the insane (and insanely expensive) vintage Star Wars figure case from FigureDisplay.com, as well as an operating vintage Tomytronic Bowling Wrist Watch (don’t ask, only child), and every missing vintage Star Wars figure that I need. I wouldn’t mind a complete Death Star Space Station or X-Wing either….

    Speaking of Darth Vader figures. What I REALLY would like, but it doesn’t exist, is a 7 Foot Tall Darth Vader. Sure one of those multi-thousand dollar replicas are great, but they’ve got this cool but cheap 31″ version at Toys R Us. Why can’t they just expand that by a factor of 3?! I’ll pay $100 for that amazing monstrosity.

    Oh and I too would love a 6″ Boba Fett. Thanks to the lovely army of scalpers across the nation, they are holding them all hostage on eBay like you said for over $30…and that’s loose. Hopefully next year the madness will go away and I can get one for $20. Why didn’t they do 6″ like this when I had the room for them? Now I’ll just have a lonely Luke and Boba.

    Oh and that sweater is the bees knees. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 5, 2013 at 6:27 pm

      Great list! I remember that bowling watch! ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  5. Yoko McCann says

    December 5, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    Great list! Have you seen the Funko Pop Batmobile? I have almost bought that She-Ra/He-Man Christmas sweater so many times but never pulled the trigger, but I love it so much.

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 9:55 pm

      I’ve seen it, but have so far avoided to pull of Funko toys (for the most part). It’s a great shirt, so maybe your lucky day will come soon! ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  6. Michael Wirth says

    December 5, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    About the only thing I want for Christmas is the Ghostbusters light-up firehouse from Diamond.

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 9:56 pm

      That would look great in any Christmas village display!

      Reply
  7. The Goodwill Geek says

    December 5, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    Brian, I’m right there with you on the whole Hotwheels thing. I was NOT planning on becoming a collector… but then when I found out they were doing cars like the Ecto 1 and Mystery Machine? All bets were off. I prefer not to collect loose cars at all, and to instead keep them in their packaging on the wall, and I too only stick to the pop-culture cars… but that’s been enough to get 18+ actual Hotwheel brand cars in my cave taking up wallspace. And that’s not even counting the set of Toys R Us exclusive Monster 500 cars I decided I had to have a complete set of… And the Dracula Mater from the Pixar Cars line I just found at Target… OR the shelf of loose cars that have come from every property imaginable including Archie, the Jetsons, BAtman, Smurfs, Shirttalls, Fraggles, Sesame Street, and coming from sources such as fast food premiums, Applause and Hallmark.

    I feel like I’m just sort of obsessive about it now.

    Anyway… sign me up for that shirt!

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 9:56 pm

      A kindred spirit. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  8. John Gaither says

    December 5, 2013 at 10:59 pm

    Herbie! Too awesome seeing the Lovebug in Hot Wheel form now where is Speed Buggy and the Wacky Racers?

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 9:57 pm

      The list goes on and on, full of all the possibilities.

      Reply
  9. Pop Rewind (@PopRewindOnline) says

    December 6, 2013 at 12:21 am

    Okay, I guess those Christmas sweaters from 80stees are on my list… my husband and I got matching TMNT ones last year for his family’s dinner and they were a big hit. He picked up the He-Man and She-Ra one for himself as well. Looks like he’s getting me the Jem one this year, muaahaha! (not an entry into the contest since I’m a pesky Canadian!)

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 9:59 pm

      Sorry Lindsey, we’ll get you next time. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  10. matt k (nerd cantina) says

    December 6, 2013 at 12:40 am

    This year I went with the eBay wish list. We’ll see!

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 9:59 pm

      Good luck! Unfortunately, I’m the only one around here who seems to know what eBay is.

      Reply
  11. Joe S says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:31 am

    My wish list now includes those sweater/sweatshirts and some more shelf space to display my favorite things!

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 10:00 pm

      Cross those fingers! ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  12. Mason says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:03 pm

    Man, you’re not kidding about needing a detailed list! I often wind up with Mega Blocks and Best Lock wannabe LEGO sets because I just tell everyone I want LEGO. Sometimes I actually get a legit LEGO set, but I’m trying to get away from the new stuff and stick with the classic retired sets. All I want for Christmas this year is a LEGO Classic Pirates ship, any one of them. I NEED one for my bookshelf!

    Speaking of needs, I need one of those MOTU sweaters! Our boiler is on the fritz and we’re freezing our butts off in Salt Lake City with below zero weather!

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 10:00 pm

      Megabloks — the scourge of all LEGO fans.

      Sending some warm wishes your way!

      Reply
  13. hobgoblin238 says

    December 7, 2013 at 12:43 am

    Being a JW for 20 years and recently leaving….I would LOVE my first Christmas sweater! I have nothing of Christmas anything. Only a few DVDS now. Rudolph, Emmett Otter’s Jugband Christmas, and Christmas Carol with George C. Scott.

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 10:01 pm

      Well, this should certainly be the outfit you wear as you break into the holiday revelry!

      Reply
  14. Kevin Hellions says

    December 9, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    I’m sitting here watching the He-Man She-Ra Christmas Special. And it’s so cold. A sweater would sure warm me up.

    Reply
  15. Mike Bollinger says

    December 9, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    I’ve also recently found my way back into Star Wars figures. Though for the time being I’m limiting myself to Astromech Droids. They’re so many!

    Who would turn down 12ยข comic books? They’re great. I’ve found myself getting in Marvels’ old Where Creatures Roam and Where Monsters Dwell recently. Can’t beat those Silver Age giant monster covers!

    And as for vintage Christmas wishes, I recently remembered the old Tomy Mighty Men & Monster Maker set I had as a kid. Remember those? If not, you should check one out. So much fun!

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 10:06 pm

      Oh wow, I had to google that one and then an absolute nostalgia bomb went off. I loved those drawing kits as a kid. I think I had a super hero version but maybe it was the mighty men set. Whew, what a great memory. Thanks for that ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  16. Stacey Rader says

    December 9, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    Santa’s bringing me a Castle Grayskull this Christmas, and it would make for some keen Christmas morning pics if I had this sweater!

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 9, 2013 at 10:07 pm

      It most certainly would. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  17. Matt says

    December 9, 2013 at 10:57 pm

    That’s an awesome sweatshirt!

    Reply
  18. Michael Hay says

    December 13, 2013 at 12:07 am

    Those sweaters are just like the He-Man Christmas Special. They are so wrong that they are so right!

    My Christmas list for Santa is to bring me an original Faker as he is the only vintage MOTU figure I’m still chasing. But if Santa struggles with that one I would be more than happy with some shelving units to house my ever growing collection of retro toys in my office/man cave!

    Reply
    • Brian says

      December 13, 2013 at 12:25 am

      A collector can never have enough shelves. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Pop Rewind โ€” The League: Christmas Wish Lists says:
    December 6, 2013 at 4:44 am

    […] Cool & Collected has a sweet list and a festive giveaway! […]

    Reply
  2. The League: Christmas Wishes. | Team Hellions says:
    December 9, 2013 at 7:43 am

    […] https://www.coolandcollected.com/im-putting-out-a-bounty-for-this-hunter-and-more/ […]

    Reply

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