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 Alex English. Alex has a fantastic collection of Batman related collectibles, that is extremely well displayed. He also has a great story boot! I love it when there is as much care taken with the display aspect as well as the number of items in a collection.
Check out more about Alex’s collection below!
DCCollectors: How did you get into collecting Batman memorabilia and what was your first Batman toy/collectible?
Alex English: I was exposed to Batman 1966 and Adam West’s “White Knight” Batman portrayal, as well as the 1989 Tim Burton/Michael Keaton, but it was 1992’s Batman the Animated Series which hooked me and was my gateway into toys and collecting. Looking back, it was probably the Animated Series Batmobile which was my first toy/collectible. Then it really hit when I decided not to open any of my Hot Wheels Batmobiles, probably in my late teens.
DCCollectors: How many pieces are in your collection?
Alex English: Looking at my inventory, I have between 3-4k pieces, which I don’t even have everything displayed! Of course, I’m counting individual Heroclix Figures, Keychains, Pens, Pez, and coins.
DCCollectors: If you could only choose one item to keep, which one would it be and why?
Alex English: My Batman Piggy Bank. It’s not the flashiest item in my collection, but it means the most to me to be honest. My wife picked it up for me when I was recovering from a rough surgery back in 2013. What it meant to me was when she saw it at the store, she immediately thought I would love it. Having someone see something Batman-related and thinking of me is pretty much the ultimate satisfaction for any fan.
DCCollectors: If price did not matter, what is the one Batman item that you want to add to your collection?
Alex English: Maybe I can’t dream too big, but I would adore the Batman Sanity diorama by David Finch & XM Studios. That seems attainable someday. However, if it was even for sale, I would kill for the 1989 Batmobile (fully restored and running of course)!
DCCollectors: Tell me a bit about the art prints hanging over the Batman 1989 ERTL and Toy Biz stuff.
Alex English: They are a beautiful set created by an artist I came by at Washington DC’s Comic Convention “Awesome-Con”. The medieval/stained glass feel of the art really stuck out to me. Just the incredible amount of creativity bringing the Trinity in that style made for something I could not pass up. As much as I enjoy comic book art, the fan (and professional) artists who put their own spin on the properties is what is most endearing to me.
DCCollectors: Where did you get the display cases for the Dorbz?
Alex English: That’s a shot glass case from Michaels. That really only works for the Batman ones because they all have the same shape. When you get into the villains and you have 1989 Joker with his hat or Harley with her Bells, you can’t fit them in there.
DCCollectors: What piece of advice do you have for those just starting their collections?
Alex English: Do not be afraid to bring your stuff out of the box. I see a lot of people who collect Pops who keep them in-box, but I think that does a disservice to the sculptors who worked on them over at Funko. There are also all manner of ways to display action figures that will look so much better out of box.
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?
Alex English: Having my New 52 Batman Pop signed by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, and Jonathan Glapion at Awesome-Con 2018 was easily one of the best moments. That or meeting Kevin Conroy (voice of Batman from The Animated Series) and having him sign a figure for me as well as The Mask of the Phantasm DVD. I was so absolutely starstruck that all I could manage was “You’re Batman…” in a very uncharacteristic stammer.
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!
