I’ve been remiss in not posting to the League of late, but I had to jump in on this week’s topic. As we jump into convention and toy show season, it’s time to revisit those lists we collectors make. You know the lists–the list of wants, the list of friends’ wants, and *the* list. The last list consists of things you want so badly but know you’ll never find, or at least find at a reasonable price. These are the things that keep you awake at night. So Brian of Cool and Collected asked the question:
We all collect something. What is a holy grail item you hope to find at a flea market, toy show, or comic convention? What else do you collect?
So I’ll start with the second question first. What do I collect? To revisit the cliche, what don’t I collect? My house is a veritable toy and comic museum, with comic racks on the wall in my living room, Megos in my china cabinet, and walls throughout the house covered with shelves of old and new toys (from antiques to designer vinyl) and art from our travels and friends we’ve made. I adore being surrounded by my plastic friends. My main collections are Mego, designer vinyl, old crappy dinosaurs/monsters (think Imperial or Dor Mei), weird knock-offs, skeleton/skull toys, LEGO, and sword and sorcery type toys (think Blackstar, Masters of the Universe, Dungeons and Dragons, and various bootlegs/knock-offs). I love going to the flea market or local toy show and finding something cool to add to the collection. I’ve been lucky the past year–I’ve been able to add some real grail items to my collection: a LEGO Death Star, complete Mego Wonder Woman 12″ (both versions), Mego Conan, Speclatron Dethlor, and a Conan Jewel Thief. But still, there are toys out there that elude me.
First up is Mego Nubia. Now, this lovely lady isn’t hard to find, but she is pricey. She was produced by Mego to be a “super foe” for Wondy, as she was supposed to be on the show. Sadly, the world never got to see Nubia on the small screen, but she was available on store shelves. I’ve wanted one of these ever since I read her first appearance in the comics. She’s basically another Wonder Woman, but she’s armored and carries a sword. (Yes, we’ve seen Wondy wield some steel in more recent years, but this was back in the ’70s.) Most Nubias that pop up on eBay nowadays are boxed, so I’m guessing she didn’t fly off the shelves. (Hence why I would love to snag a time machine and head to the local toy store.) Someday I will have a Nubia of my own, but for now, my Mego Wonder Woman has no one to fight.
Here’s Nubia’s commercial appearance: Mego Wonder Woman Commercial
Second is a version of a toy I already own. I love Ghost World. It is one of my favorite comics, one of my favorite movies, and the toys I own are among my favorite vinyl toys. I have the Little Enid Press Pop doll, but it’s not enough. I want the punk version, which has green hair.
(Image via MWCtoys.com)
Years ago, before I really got into toys and collecting comics again, I ran across a Little Enid in a store. I was in college and taking a trip with my parents, and I fell in love with the little doll with the green hair. I recognized the name, Enid, from Ghost World (I had just bought the movie at a previously viewed tape sale at Blockbuster), and I wanted it. I asked the lady how much she was, and she said something like 15 or 20 dollars. Not knowing about vinyl toys, I thought that was expensive (or at least I thought my parents would think it was expensive), so I passed. Let me tell you, gentle readers, I kick myself to this day for that. But what can I say? I wasn’t as in the know as I am now. The thing about Enid is, it’s not that she is particularly expensive. It’s just that those who own her don’t want to let her go, so she’s hard to find.
The last one is more of a general category than one particular toy–knock-offs. I love knock-off toys, whether they are Masters of the Universe scale knock-offs like Nightmare Warriors, or Mego knock-offs like Tomland toys. It’s hilarious how much more expensive these cheap imitations of our favorite toys can be.
(Image via Plaid Stallions)
So as you’re out and about this summer, if you see any of these items, hit me up. And tell us in the comments–what are you searching for?
Check out these links from fellow League members:
- Ashley at Life with Fandom is searching for a palatial home on Eternia.
- Jeff at Siftin’ needs one more hero.
- Eric at Toyriffic is on a quest for Godzilla’s foe.
Stacey Rader
Editor-In-Chief
