Tips For Collecting, Restoring, and Protecting Vintage Toys and Ephemera - Batcave Toy Room

Marvel or DC?

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 31 May 2012 06:19:00 +0000

My nephews, like me, love everything Super Hero related and my oldest daughter is getting to be right up there with the boys. I still think the love this stuff is in the genes. Like me, my 7 year old nephew, River, is an equal opportunity comic book super hero fan and proudly wanted to share this with me and I thought I would share it with you. So what are you, a Marvel or a DC?

The Dark Knight Rises Toys Found at Target

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 30 May 2012 06:16:00 +0000

I find it increasingly hard to focus primarily on vintage toys for my toy collection. There are so many cool toys these days, I have been considering concentrating on a modern series of toys. Something like collecting the updated vintage addition of Star Wars toys, but even the new Batman toys are extremely appealing to me. Especially, The Dark Knight Rises toys that are starting to surface.

Looks like like Batman may have different specialized Bat-suits in The Dark Knight Rises.

This Target exclusive Battle For Gotham City was this close from leaving the store with me. I absolutely love the Catwoman figure.

This Attack Armor Bat-Pod looks like a lot of fun. I might need to make space for Dark Knight Rises section in The Batcave Toy Room. Juices are flowing. Stay tuned.

Are You Still Collecting Toys Or Not?

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 29 May 2012 06:35:00 +0000

Is the Millennium Falcon the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy? Is Batman really Bruce Wayne? Is The Avengers currently the #1 comic book based movie of all time? Then yes, I am still collecting toys. I haven't had much time to post about my toy collecting exploits, but here's a look at what I have picked up over the past few months.

I finally completed my Retro Action DC Super Heroes collection, with the exception of the Hal Jordan Green Lantern from wave 1, but here's a look at Shazam, Black Adam, Darkseid, and Martian Manhunter. This was the last release from Mattel for these figures before they cancelled the line that is reminiscent to my beloved Mego's. I am hoping that they will do a Matty Collector exclusive from time to time like they did with Green Arrow.

I picked up the Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Set , the predecessor to the awesome AT-AT that Kenner released the year after this playset was put on the market. It was almost in perfect shape. I still have my original in my possession, but it looks like the Rebels did a number on it and I decided to get one in better condition. The box looks like the day it came off the toy shelf 32 years ago.

I loved the book 'From Alfred to Zowie' as a kid and for $5 bucks with free shipping off eBay it was a no brainer. It's been great reading this book with my oldest daughter. Especially, since she learned her ABCs a few months ago and shares the love of Batman like her Daddy.

I also picked up this Batman bicycle reflector that once sported my Schwinn along with a Superman version as a child. I still have my original Superman reflector, but like the 'From Alfred to Zowie' book, among other toys, they had made their way to the dump when my Dad had cleaned out the garage one day years ago. I picked up the reflector with a couple other Batman items pictured here and for $3.95 it was deal I couldn't pass up.

I have also wanted to post for months now, my Legacy Edition Catman score from the comment of the month from Action Figure Blues that I won back in October. Check out Big Daddy Darth's win of Catwoman from his recent comment of the month win.

I hope that helps give everyone get their toy collecting fix for now. More to come...

The Dark Knight Rises Has A Secret...

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 26 May 2012 17:58:00 +0000

A secret poster that is. Recently Warner Brothers released the latest movie posters for The Dark Knight Rises, but one was left in the shadows. Only by entering a secret code on the official site were you able to view this little gem and now you can see it at The Batcave Toy Room. I think it captures the love hate relationship between Batman and Catwoman perfectly. We're getting closer. I can't wait to see this movie.

via (Batman-News.com)

Image Of The Day: Weaning Robin From The Teet

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:31:00 +0000

Sometimes you just have to let go.

Fire Is Definitely Rising In The New Dark Knight Rises Poster

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:47:00 +0000

We are less than two months away from the premiere of latest installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise, The Dark Knight Rises. Recently we saw what probably be will the last updated trailer for the film and now we get to see the latest and greatest poster. It is very similar to the first version of The Dark Knight Rises teaser poster and is now bringing this film series full circle. I think this poster looks pretty sweet and wish I had room to hang in the toy room. Is any one else planning on playing hooky like I am when The Dark Knight Rises on July 20?

Green Arrow Set To Premiere This Fall on The CW: Watch The Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:10:00 +0000

I followed Smallville religiously for ten years and had hoped for Wonder Woman or the Hulk, which were in the works at the time of Smallville's end, to fill the void. There was even a Dick Grayson series planned at one time, but again no dice. Now, finally, another comic book character comes to the small screen...Green Arrow.

The series will not be a spin off of Smallville, nor will it star Justin Hartley as The Emerald Archer. The series was picked up by The CW on May 11, 2012 and is expected to premiere this fall. The series will simply be called "Arrow" and will air Wednesday's at 8pm and is set to premiere in October 2012.

Check out the trailer below. I think the new series looks awesome. Very Dark Knight like and action packed. What does everyone else think?

My Excuse For Not Posting Many Toys Lately

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:47:00 +0000

My life isn't quite has hectic as Wonder Woman and The Flash's appears above, but pretty close. At the moment, family is coming first for me right now and I haven't been able to post much about my toy collection. The good news is, The Batcave Toy Room, the actual toy room, not the blog, is almost finished. Pics and more toy articles are coming soon.

When Gods...Walk Among Men: A Justice League Movie Poster

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:25:00 +0000

I wish Warner Brothers would get it right. Maybe one day.

via (Geekologie)

Blockbusters Like The Avengers Are A Toy Collectors Dream

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:29:00 +0000

I decided to give myself a day off this past Friday and did some toy browsing while I was out and about. I am a vintage toy kind of guy, but I always like to see what's out there in the way of modern toys. Every now and then something catches my and I have to pick it up.

Like all the other Marvel movies that have been released the past few years, I have loved them all and The Avengers has been no different. Warner Brothers and DC Comics are really missing the boat by not following Marvels business model. Not only is Warner Brothers and DC missing all the cash from the movie ticket sales, but from the looks of things, toy sales too.

Toy R Us had an awesome display representing The Avengers. I really wish I had room to do a display like this in the toy room.

Target didn't have quite as impressive display. It was more of a mini version, but not bad considering the pegs were nearly bare. They must have been doing something right. Not sure if Target received a limited quantity of action figures or if they were selling like hotcakes.

I really enjoyed Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk and I am looking forward to hopefully seeing more of him as the Hulk. He has been signed for 6 movies by the way. This cool cut out was hanging from the ceiling at Target. I'd love to pick up these displays. Has anyone ever looked into get store displays like these direct from the retailer?

Looks like there are a lot of cool toys out there and if you are in the market for Avengers toys just follow the Hulk's foot steps to this abundance of Marvel goodness.

Did You Get Your Free Comic Book Today?

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:05:00 +0000

I did. Why? Today is National Free Comic Book day. So run down to your local comic book store and get yours today. I visited my favorite comic store, MaximuM Comics, where they always make mine MaximuM. Store owner Jay Bosworth, is living my dream and owns not one, but two stores in the Las Vegas area. A rare feet for comic book stores, having two successful locations in the same town.

I was able to select three comics on the house and I decided on a Star Wars issue, a Justice League, and The Avengers. Not to be forgot, Cinco de Mayo, the other holiday celebrated today, Jay gave out free tacos to celebrate that day as well. There were plenty of Cosplayers there too. Stormtroopers, Jedi's, Jango Fett's, and more. Oh, my!

So free comics and free lunch. How could the day be any better? Oh, wait. it does get better. I am going to see The Avengers tonight. Why can't everyday be like today?

A Fire Will Rise in The Dark Knight Rises

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 01 May 2012 05:58:00 +0000

Although I am looking forward to seeing The Avengers this weekend,I am even more excited for the July 20 release of the last Christopher Nolan directed Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. Anyone else as excited as I am?

Robot Chicken to Air DC Comics Special

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 05:56:00 +0000

I have always enjoyed Robot Chicken's Star Wars specials and I think their latest DC Comic Special will be no different. Especially, since they will no doubtedly be done with two of my favorite types of toys, vintage Mego World's Greatest Super Heroes and Retro Action DC Super Heroes action figures.

FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:

Creators/Executive Producers Seth Green and Matthew Senreich combine one of Adult Swim's highest-rated original shows with DC Comics most popular characters.

First they tantalized you with three Emmy®-nominated Robot Chicken Star Wars specials, now Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, in partnership with DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, bring you the awesomeness of the DC Comics universe of characters as only Robot Chicken can, with amazing guest stars and the stop-motion sketch comedy you've come to love after five seasons of the popular Adult Swim series.

The all-star cast includes Green as Batman, Robin and the put-upon Aquaman, Paul Reubens as The Riddler, Neil Patrick Harris as Two-Face, Alfred Molina as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion as the Green Lantern, Megan Fox as Lois Lane, Breckin Meyer as Superman, plus Abe Benrubi, Alex Borstein, Clare Grant, Tara Strong, Senreich, Tom Root, and Zeb Wells.

Green said, "Having been raised on DC Comics and the Super Friends vs. Legion of Doom, it's exciting to tell a whole Robot Chicken story within this awesome universe." Senreich adds, "We've been working with Geoff Johns for over 15 years, so playing together on this special only made it more fun to work in the worlds we all love so dearly."

The Robot Chicken DC Comics Special airs this Fall and features many Robot Chicken favorites including the Robot Chicken Nerd, the Humping Robot, Composite Santa, and the Mad Scientist who will be joined by the DC characters to poke fun at those with the most impressive powers and the lesser ones who can't really be called superheroes.

"Working with Seth and Matthew and the rest of the Robot Chicken crew has always been nothing short of insanity over the years. DC, Warner Bros. Animation and Adult Swim together? How could anyone resist?" said Geoff Johns, DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer.

Dick Clark Dips His Dipthong on Batman's Second Season

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:00:00 +0000

You're Going to Need a Bigger Toy Room...

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 15:40:00 +0000

I am almost done with the Batcave Toy Rooms reorganization, which I will be posting pictures of soon. However, disappointingly, I am not able to display my collection of vintage and modern toys in the manner I had hoped. I simply do not have the space with everything limited to mostly one room. It is what it is, but building the world's greatest Star Wars, World's Greatest Super Hero, and Super Powesr Collection is definitely going to require more space. Display wise anyway, but check out the video below, this is for sure more of what I had in mind in way displaying my collection. My wife is super cool, but not cool enough to let me toy out the entire house.

Michael Sherrin's New Site Might Just be Home of the World's Greatest Toy Collection

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 06:34:00 +0000

It's my dream to build the world's greatest toy collection, but toy collector Michael Sherrin might have beat me to it.Check out his new action figure website . I think this is really going to be cool and lot of fun to help collectors build their toy collections.

From the press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Largest Action Figure Collection Database Launches with 55,000 Toys, Powerful API and Social Features

Chicago, Illinois - April 3, 2012 -Mint Condition Collection launches today as the largest free database for action figure collectors and enthusiasts to catalog their collections, track their want list, trade with collectors, and share their passion with plastic lovers from around the world. Best of all, all new users who register will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

With more than 55,000 action figures, statues, playsets, and vehicles, Mint Condition Collection (http://MintConditionCollection.com/) launches the largest and easiest to use action figure database on the internet. By joining, members can utilize “ToyPI”, Mint Condition Collection’s application program interface (API), which provides access to more than 20 datapoints. Automatically add related action figures to your blog posts or create specialized checklists for your website using ToyPI.

Mint Condition Collection offers the best action figure collection system available, built specifically for action figure collector’s needs. Features include:
Contribute to the wiki-style database, adding and updating any toy or custom action figure
Showcase your collection display in image or video galleries
Tag toys with personal information, like quantity, location, and condition
Trade and send messages to collectors
Rate and write reviews (or post video reviews) of all toys
Earn Collector Points and Collectible Badge achievements to show off your collecting skills
Share your collection on your personal website with provided Javascript code
Take your collection anywhere by exporting it as an Excel file
Experience Mint Condition Collection for free

“I built Mint Condition Collection because just playing with my action figures wasn’t fulfilling enough,” says founder Michael Sherrin. “I wanted to share them, rate them, and track them. Action figures, like most things, are best when played with others.”

Mint Condition Collection was developed because no collection tool catered to the needs of action figure collectors. Michael Sherrin designed a system that is easy to use and robust in its features, while always remaining free and open.

“Some collection tools want you to pay for basic features, while others fail to account for unique action figure collecting quirks, like tracking custom action figures or allowing you to add only one figure from a two-pack,” says Sherrin. “Mint Condition Collection makes tracking your action figure collection fun and simple.”

About Mint Condition Collection
Mint Condition Collection (http://MintConditionCollection.com/) provides the largest free database for action figure collectors and enthusiasts. Founder Michael Sherrin has worked as a web developer for more than a decade, and he has published more than 100 articles on comic books, entertainment, and technology. He is currently an MBA candidate at the Kellogg School of Management. He owns more than 600 action figures and 10,000 comic books. You can view his collection at http://mintconditioncollection.com/collection/prodigeek.

Please refer all press inquiries to Michael Sherrin at msherrin@mintconditioncollection.com or call 646-961-3483.

For media downloads, please visit our press page at http://mintconditioncollection.com/press

I've Created a Monster

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

I've been diligently working on reorganizing The Batcave Toy Room and I am just about half way done. I am intending to give a big push over the next few days and wrap things up. It's been great seeing toys that have been sentenced to their plastic storage bins and finding a place for them and this has been the biggest challenge. Finding a place for all my toys is like putting together a giant puzzle. Part of my problem is space because I want everything to be visible and I am beginning to think that I may have to double up with some items, which will obscure the full view other toys on display. This will probably be alleviated as I continue to shuffle items around and finish the toy room, but we will see as things move along. Don't worry though, I intend to do post on every single toy in the room. Play with you all again soon.

I am Officially a Member of the Tribe...Let the Recuiting Begin

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Not a tribe really, but a group of toy collectors known as The Dork Horde. The ingenious, Reis O'Brien, via his blog Lair of the Dork Horde, has began putting together the most powerful forces of geekdom ever assembled. According to Reis, The Dork Horde is intended as a sort of hub for fellow like-minded bloggers.

I think this is the coolest idea and feel it will grow into something huge and become well known in the world of geekdom. I am excited to be a part of the ground floor and look forward to watching this group grow. Whether you are a toy blogger or you blog about all that is geek, this group might just be for you.

What You Need to Join:

A blog or website that celebrates and promotes some aspect of geekdom (for example: comics, toys, gaming, movies, books, sci-fi, fantasy TV, etc.). This website/blog needs to be rather substantial. In other words, The Dork Horde don't want people to just start up a free blog just to join and then never post anything on it.

What Reis Needs From You:

A picture of yourself in a black hood wearing a black mask (this is our uniform; part superhero, part secret society). It's cool if you make the mask out of black paper or even Photoshopping it on (as long as it looks cool.).
A link to your blog.
What aspects of geekdom/fandom are you an ambassador of? You can choose from: comics, toys, movies, books, TV, gaming (any other specializations may be accepted on a case by case basis).

So far, the group contains the authors of some of my most favorite toy blogs. Members to date include: Reis O'Brien (Lair of the Dork Horde), Colin "The Boy Wonder" (Super-Duper Toy Box), Jboy Pacman (Revenge from the Cosmic Ark), Brian Adams (Cool & Collected), Jon K. (Jon's Random Acts of Geekery), Dan (The Toy Museum), Ron R. (Ron's Random Stuff), Tom Freak (Freak Studios), and Kevin Hellions (Teamhellions.com) and of course myself, John (The Batcave Toy Room).

So, email your photo (remember, black hood, black eye-mask), blog/website link, and list of what areas your blog covers to reisobrien(at)gmail(dot)com, with the words DORK HORDE MEMBERSHIP in the subject line.

While I am thinking about it, where the heck is BubbaShelby in all this?

Loving Star Wars and Super Heroes Must Run in the Genes

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000

It was my nephew's 4th birthday this past weekend and he is a chip off the old block, as evidenced by the Star Wars haul pictured above. Last year he had a Batman themed party that was as fun as this years Star Wars party.

His older seven year old cousin is into it all too. Star Wars, Batman, Indiana Jones, just like me. These two little Younglings remind my so much of myself, it amazes me. Of course they cover the newer toys as I am more of a vintage toy kind of guy, but these two collectors in training run right for the Batcave Toy Room every time they come over my place. They love Uncle John's vintage toys. I know it just kills them not being able to open and play with everything.

To top it all off we had this ultra cool Darth Vader helmet birthday cake. Cake Boss eat your heart out.

Tickets for Batman Live go on Sale March 23, 2012 in Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Gotham comes to Las Vegas! I've been looking forward to Batman Live ever since I caught wind of it over at Bat-Blog.com. I had kind of forgotten about it for awhile, but now it is not only coming to the United States, but my hometown of Las Vegas.

I actually have my oldest daughter to thank for the reminder as while she was in the doctor's waiting room with my super cool, but non-geek wife, she began yelling at the TV, "Look mama, look, Batman!" My wife then promptly texted and me let me know it was coming to town.

So this October I will be taking my wife, eldest daughter, my nephew and two nieces to see Batman in action live. Can't wait.

I'll Take What's Behind Curtain #1, John

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000

I've been working away on the reorganization of The Batcave Toy Room. In doing that, I've been pulling all my toys out of their storage bins and diligently finding a place for everything. However, I know once everything is out, every square inch of the toy room is going to be used, which means, where are any new acquisitions going? I will cross that bridge when I get to it, but once everything is in its place, I will be doing things differently.

First off, I will be finishing all of my restoration projects. Secondly, I will be looking to fill the gaps in my Star Wars, Mego World's Greatest Super Heroes, and Super Powers Collection. Brian from Cool and Collected posted a heads up on an auction at Hake's for an awesome carded Super Powers Collection action figures up for bid. I might seriously need to give that one a shot. Thirdly, I will on the look out for beloved toys from my childhood i.e. Kenner Six Million Dollar Man, multiple Remco Batman items, etc., that are no longer in my collection, but need to be back in it. Of course, I will post my findings, challenges, and success with everyone.

I am expecting to be back on schedule real soon. I am looking forward to getting back in action. Thanks for sticking around.

Video: Frank Gorshin Sings The Riddler on the Dean Martin Show

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:02:00 +0000

I have found a lot of Batman fans don't know that Frank Gorshin, TVs Riddler, was actually an impressionist. Here he can be seen with his twist on the Batman TV series. Having not only guest villains, but having guest actors playing Batman and Robin on weekly basis. He also sings his hit song The Riddler. It's cool to see him portraying The Prince of Puzzlers outside the series.

Bless My Dust Pan...The Batcave Toy Room is Naked

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Well gang I am officially a Daddy again. Not that I stopped being a Daddy, but now I am a Daddy of two fantastic little girls. My fellow toy blogger Eric, AKA BubbaShelby of Toyriffic, reminded me not too long ago to get as much sleep as I can and boy he wasn't kidding. Actually, it's really not that bad. My youngest is only getting up once a night for a bottle. So, it's a piece of cake.

In preparation for the new arrival, we did a lot of re-organizing and cleaning up at our home and doing the same for The Batcave Toy Room has been no different. I never seem to be satisfied with my room full of toys and always find myself frustrated with the layout. So, I decided to start at square one during my clean up and I think I finally have it the way I want it.

Readers always ask to see more of the toy room itself, but I never reveal much of it. Mainly because it constantly evolving, but I kind of like keeping it shrouded in mystery much like the Dark Knight's Batcave itself. However, my schedule is beginning to get back to normal and I have been attempting to put a post up now and then and check out what my fellow bloggers are up to lately. I hope to back up to speed by the end of the month with pics of the Batcave Toy Room, a darn video post already, and other fun stuff. See you again soon.

News: First Look at the New Lone Ranger and Tonto

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I loved my Gabriel Lone Ranger and Tonto action figures as a kid, not to mention the old movie serials, but here's a first look at Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer (his name sounds like baking soda) as the masked man and his faithful companion. What does everyone think?

(via Comingsoon)

Jedi Training Ball, The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

It's really just a bead hanging from a piece of string, but hey, what do want for 1978 toy technology? My Millenium Falcon was my first Star Wars toy aside from my Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot) action figure and I have been restoring the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy for quite sometime. The only missing piece of the puzzle is the Jedi Training Ball.

My original was lost years ago and I don't know how as I guarded mine like a junkyard dog, but some how it vanished. One of my childhood chums probably swiped it, as everyone I know as lost the tiny blue orb.

I've been hesitant buying a replacement as I don't know how to determine an original from a reproduction and have consider just picking up one at a bead store. However, I have been watching eBay for possible originals and went ahead and placed a bid on the above pictured version. From the looks of it in the pic, I actually felt comfortable enough to think that this might have an original.

I ended up outbid in the end and was not willing to go to high in price without knowing for sure if it was an original or not. Should I just pick up a bead that looks pretty close or go for a possible original? Does anyone know how to tell the difference between an original from reproduction?