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 Kristi Grabow. Kristi’s love of the character Wonder Woman knows no bounds. In fact, this collector will be opening up a Wonder Woman dedicated museum soon!
Check out more about Kristi’s collection below!
DCCOLLECTORS: How did you get into collecting Wonder Woman toys and what was your first Wonder Woman toy/collectible?
Kristi Grabow: My first Wonder Woman toy was a 2003 Barbie that my mom purchased for me at KB Toys. At the time I loved watching the Justice League animated series and reruns of Super Friends. I started collecting after my husband encouraged me. He saw how happy I would get talking about the history of Wonder Woman and that happiness returned whenever I got a new item. She’s a strong character that has helped me get through a lot of hurdles in my life.
DCCOLLECTORS: How many pieces are in your collection?
Kristi Grabow: I have roughly 500 pieces in my collection last I checked. My husband might argue that it’s more! He’s my biggest supporter in collecting.
DCCOLLECTORS: If you could only choose one item to keep, which one would it be and why?
Kristi Grabow: One item I would choose to keep would be my signed 1987 George Perez poster that has all of his art from Challenge of The Gods. As a wedding present in 2019, my husband worked with a comic broker to get my poster to Mr. Perez at Dragon Con in Atlanta. The broker told us he said, “I haven’t seen one of these in a long time.” It took several minutes before Mr. Perez decided the perfect place to sign it. His books have meant so much to me that I cried when I heard the story.
DCCOLLECTORS: What is the one Wonder Woman item that you want to add to your collection?
Kristi Grabow: One item I would want to add to my collection would be a 1970s Wonder Woman Telephone. It’s a corded phone that has Wonder Woman standing on the base with her hands on her hips. There was one on eBay back in October 2019 with a red base for $2200 that I wasn’t able to purchase at the time mint in box. One day I’ll find one.
DCCOLLECTORS: There is a huge Wonder Woman medal hanging next to the bed. What is that from?
Kristi Grabow: That large medal is from the 2018 Inaugural Wonder Woman Run Series. I wasn’t able to attend the race due to injury, so I purchased the medal after. This year the race is virtual. I signed up and received another medal from the series and completed a 5k at home.
DCCOLLECTORS: I hear that a new museum is in your future, tell me a bit about that.
Kristi Grabow: I am so excited that in the future I will be opening a Wonder Woman museum! Currently we live in Connecticut, but we’ll be moving to a home in South Carolina with many acres of land. On our property we will have a building solely for the museum space. Fans/Guests who wish to visit are only asked to make a $5 or more per person donation directly to The Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital as admission. Once we receive confirmation of donation for the party, they can visit the space. I do not want to profit off of the museum, but share my love of Wonder Woman with others while helping whomever we can. There have also been talks with other collectors who may want to contribute items to the museum at that time. I’d love to feature a “Wall of Amazons” where names of contributors could be displayed.
DCCOLLECTORS: What piece of advice do you have for those just starting their collections?
Kristi Grabow: The advice I give to those just starting their collections is to have fun! Collecting is supposed to be fun. I have met some wonderful (pun intended) people through collecting who just want to share what makes them happy with others. Don’t get down on yourself when you miss out on an item. Especially in the state of the world now, just enjoy.
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?
Kristi Grabow: In 2019, my then fiance, nephew and I attended Terrificon, Connecticut’s Comic Con at Mohegan Sun Casino. I was lucky enough to meet and receive signatures from Wonder Woman comic artists Jose Delbo, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Colleen Doran, Joe Staton and Chris Marrinan. Joe Staton stands out to me most because we commissioned him on day 1 for a Wonder Woman piece. On day 2, we went back to see him and his lovely wife at his table. He not only drew Wonder Woman as requested, but addressed it to me. The day prior we had discussed with him how we were getting married the following month. To my surprise he took out a Wonder Woman print and wrote well wishes for myself and my fiance. Someone at Terrificon referred to Mr. Staton as “everyone’s grandpa.” I hope he doesn’t take offense to that because he was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. It was lovely to meet all of those artists, show them my collection and express how much their work has meant to me.
The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow 
The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow 
The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow 
The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow 
The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow The Wonder Woman Collection of Kristi Grabow
If you would like to share your collection with DCCollectors’ readers, please visit the Contact Us page, and drop me a line! I would love to feature your DC toy collection here at DCCollectors.com!
