Welcome to the DCCollectors collection spotlight, where we showcase one of your DC-themed collections! Whether it is a fan just starting out with a small collection, to some of the largest collections in the world, there is always something you can learn from looking at other’s collections. You might find a new way to display something, or maybe even see something you did not know existed!
Today’s focus is on the collection of Neil Cole. Neil’s collection focuses on The Man of Steel. Neil’s passion for Superman led to this massive collection and the creation of his fansite the Superman Super Site! You can tell by the massive size of the collection that Neil is a die-hard fan of DC Comics!
Check out more about Neil’s collection below!
DCCollectors: How did you get into collecting Superman toys and what was your first Superman toy/collectible?
Neil Cole: My first Superman collectible was the black-bagged collectors edition of Superman #75 which, of course, was the Death of Superman issue. Not being at all familiar with what was happening at the time in the Superman comics, I just happened to luckily stop by my local comic book store the day the issue released.
Several years later in 1998, I decided to launch a website all about the Man of Steel called the Superman Super Site. Having the website definitely resulted in a passion to collect Superman memorabilia and, 22 years later, that passion lives on.
DCCollectors: How many pieces are in your collection?
Neil Cole: I have over 2,000 pieces in the collection ranging from vintage collectibles to more modern day statues and toys. The collection is confined to one room which was originally supposed to be a home theater but, as you can see in the pictures, has been taken over by the collection.
DCCollectors: If you could only choose one item to keep, which one would it be?
Neil Cole: That is a tough question. I know it would have to be one of the vintage items, but choosing which one would be quite difficult. Most likely it would result in a toss up between my George Reeves Superman cape-swatch or my “Superman of Metropolis” certificate signed by Superman co-creators Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and actor Kirk Alyn who starred as the Man of Steel in the 1940’s Superman movie serials.
DCCollectors: What is the one Superman item that you really want to add to your collection?
Neil Cole: The holy grail of Superman collectibles is an original copy of “Action Comics #1” and I would certainly love to obtain a copy some day to add to my complete collection of reprinted issues of the comic.
Hopefully I will stumble upon a copy hidden away in someone’s attic or the wall of a home being remodeled. It’s happened on more than one occasion so anything is possible.
DCCollectors: What piece of advice do you have for those just starting their collections?
Neil Cole: Always be on the lookout for a Superman themed collectible, but don’t go into debt doing so. Start small and build up your collection over time instead of trying to purchase every last item you see with an “S” shield on it.
While Ebay seems like an easy route to take, it’s more fun to hunt for items at places like thrift stores and antique shops. You never know what you may find and, as I’ve experienced, you’ll get much better deals than you will online or at auction.
DCCollectors: Do you have an interesting story regarding the collection, such as meeting someone famous while shopping for your toys, or a super deal you got on something? Something along those lines.
Neil Cole: Once I started obtaining promotional items from movies and television shows, I developed a desire to have them signed by the actors tied to each item, which has resulted in meeting such actors as Brandon Routh, Dean Cain, Margot Kidder, Erica Durance, Helen Slater, Jack O’Halloran, Sarah Douglas, and Marc McClure just to name a few.
In addition, although not autographed, one treasured item in my collection is a photo my wife and I had taken with actor Henry Cavill whom we had the honor of meeting at the after party for the NYC World Premiere of “Man of Steel” back in 2013.
Check out the gallery below, for a more in-depth look at the collection of Neil Cole!
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