Toy Collector: Juan Vermaak

Interview with Toy Collector: Juan Vermaak!

Welcome to my Seventh interview segment, where a collector answers 13 short questions. The same questions will be given to every collector appearing in this segment.

I’m really excited to welcome South African Masters of the Universe Collector, Juan Vermaak onto the blog.

 

MOTU!: Before we start with the magic 13 questions, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Juan: Well, I grew up in the East Rand. After school, I went into the family business. Been doing it ever since, and I enjoy every moment. Amongst my hobby of collecting, I also enjoy biking, gaming and spending time with my family.

MOTU!: 1. What inspired you to collect?

Juan: I think it is something that has come along since my childhood. I’ve always loved action figures and it takes me back to being a kid again. I have always been a MOTU fan, so when Mattel started with the classics line back in 2008, that got me back into collecting on a more serious note.

 

MOTU!: 2. How long have you been collecting?

Juan: Since about 2006

MOTU!: 3. What do you collect?

Juan: Mostly MOTUC, but also Marvel Legends, Mortal Kombat, WWE figures, Statues, and whatever I find appealing at the time.

 

MOTU!: 4. What’s your grail and favourite piece in your collection?

Juan: I would have to say Scareglow. I have always loved the look of the figure and the fact that it glows in the dark is awesome.

 

MOTU!: 5. What collectors inspire you?

Juan: There are so many but to mention a few, Dewald van Tonder, Daniel Dixon, Marc Welgemoed, and Cobus Potgieter. I have also made some amazing friends with some of them through the years of collecting.

MOTU!: 6. What is your most embarrassing moment as a collector?

Juan: I can’t recall of any embarrassing moments, But I will keep you posted if any do arise.

MOTU!: 7. What is your favourite MOTU Filmation or 200x Series Episode or MOTU Mini Comic and why?

Juan: “The Power of Grayskull” from the 200x cartoon must be my favourite episode. I have always loved the 200x cartoon. I think this specific episode because of King Grayskull’s sacrifice he made to protect his kingdom.

MOTU!: 8. What would you change about the collecting community?

Juan: The fact that some guys sometimes ask ridiculous prices on their figures making it almost impossible to complete your collection or make it worthwhile buying the figure, instead guys should put decent pricing on their figures, one can not expect to get rich overnight.

MOTU!: 9. Forums or Facebook groups?

Juan: Facebook groups.

MOTU!: 10. What MOTU character do you most resemble?

Juan: If I really have to pick one that mostly resembles me, I would have to say Prince Adam.

MOTU!: 11. Is there one thing that collectors may not know about you?

Juan: No I don’t think so.

MOTU!: 12. I notice that a lot of collectors also collect comics (myself included). What do you think is the common factor that draws some people to both of these hobbies?

Juan: I think for me, it’s when you read a comic book, for those precious few minutes it takes you away to a place where you can actually believe in what happens in the story. The way good always prevails over evil, and what’s better then reading a comic book and just looking at you’re figures after a good story. If that makes any sense.

MOTU!: 13. And finally, what is it about the hobby that has kept you collecting for all of these years?

Juan: There’s always something new coming out at comic book conventions, so it makes it almost impossible to stop collecting.

MOTU!: Well thank you so much for joining me today Juan. It has been an immense pleasure and I’m sure my readers will enjoy reading your answers as much as I have!

Juan: Thank you for having me.


 

Who will inherit my MOTU Collection when I die?

More often than not, I have collectors over who buys figures from me or even just friends dropping by for a visit. Once they have seen my MOTU collection there are normally some questions.

I thought it would be a good idea to share some of these questions and answers with you on my block.

I was asked the below interesting question by one of my friends. He wanted to know:

Who will inherit my MOTU Collection when I die?

A very relevant question and one that we don’t think off very often.

I can think of four options:

1. The obvious choice for me would be that my son will inherent my MOTU Collection one day. He is 6 years old now and he shows a lot of interest in MOTU. The 1987 MOTU Movie is one of his favourite movies and I always have to explain to him what the origin of each character is and how they relate to each other.

2. The second option will be that my MOTU Collection be sold and the funds raised in the sale will be placed in an Investment Account and this will go towards my son’s tertiary education one day.

3. The third option is that my whole collection go’s to a Toy Museum to be displayed and the rich history of Masters of the Universe be explained to generations to come. I am actually not even sure if there is a Toy Museum in South Africa.

4. The fourth option is that a current MOTU Collector inherits my MOTU Collection. This is not my favourite option and not one that will be explored by me or my family.

The above question really got me thinking and hopefully you guys will also start thinking what you will do with your collection one day.

Toy Collector: Tom Ace

Interview with Toy Collector: Tom Ace

Welcome to my Sixth interview segment, where a collector answers 13 short questions. The same questions will be given to every collector appearing in this segment.

I’m really excited to welcome American Masters of the Universe Collector, Tom Ace onto the blog.

 

MOTU!: Before we start with the magic 13 questions, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Tom: I was born in 1982, and Masters of the Universe toys were the first toys i remember playing with. I had a lot of the figures, some vehicles and of course Castle Grayskull and Snake Mountain. Currently I work in the IT field, and also have a graphics business making signs, decals, logos, wraps and many other things. I have 3 kids and I'm proud to say that they are growing up appreciating MoTu and other fine 80's properties like Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters and SheRa. They also have a fairly good 80's toy collection that they love playing with.

MOTU!: 1. What inspired you to collect?

Tom: I was at my cousin's house several years ago and he was throwing away a few boxes of his old toys. When I saw they were HeMan toys I instantly had a ton of memories come back to me and I told him I'd take them. I got SyKlone, Grizzlor, Hordak, Buzz-Off, Mantenna and Stinkor. None were complete but I didn't care. It was just cool to see those things again!

MOTU!: 2. How long have you been collecting?

Tom: Once I stopped playing with my toys in the 80's and 90's they all got sold at yard sales, or donated to Goodwill. The only things I have from my childhood are my baseball cards. A little over 4 years ago was when I got those 6 incomplete figures from my cousin, and that started it all. I found their weapons to complete each one, then started buying the other figures I had as a kid. Once I had all the figures, vehicles and playsets, I started collecting all of the merchandise, and that's what I mainly look for today. There were so many things made with the MoTu logo on them, that I doubt anyone could ever have every piece that was produced. I still see things that I didn't even know existed, so that keeps the collecting fun and exciting still.

MOTU!: 3. What do you collect?

Tom: I mainly collect MoTu. I used to have fairly large Transformers, Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters and Star Wars collections, but decided that MoTu was always my first love, so I sold off all of that stuff and went all in with MoTu. I love all the figures and toys, but the MoTu merchandise and odd ball pieces are what I love collecting the most.

MOTU!: 4. What’s your grail and favourite piece in your collection?

Tom: That's a tough question! I have a few favorites. HeMan Power Tester, HeMan Telephone (which I use daily at work!) Skeletor on Snake Mountain Toothbrush Holder, and both the of MoTu Big Wheel bikes. 

MOTU!: 5. What collectors inspire you?

Tom: When I first started collecting and joined some Facebook groups, there was this guy who everyone talked about. (Joe Amato) He was/is THE MoTu guy. So I started asking him a million questions about toys or merchandise pieces or anything else MoTu related that I hadn't heard of, or that I was looking for. It seemed like every time I found something unique I would send him a picture, and he would say that he had that piece, and he's had it since childhood. He has a giant collection, and almost all of it was from his childhood. That's pretty cool to hang on to that stuff all those years. There's several other collectors that have inspired me as well and helped me find some rare items. It's fun to see other people's collections because someone always has that one piece that you've been dying to get but haven't found yet. Keeps me motivated to stay on the hunt!

MOTU!: 6. What is your most embarrassing moment as a collector?

Tom: When I first started collecting I found a bunch of vintage (so I thought) cardbacks and boxes. I had just got them all displayed and was feeling pretty good, until someone pointed out that they were all from the commemorative series. I didn't even know there was a commemorative series at that time, so I was totally disappointed. I didn't spend too much money on them though so that was a good thing.

MOTU!: 7. What is your favourite MOTU Filmation or 200x Series Episode or MOTU Mini Comic and why?

Tom: I'm an old school guy. I only like the original stuff. That's what I grew up with, and that's what I have memories of, so that is all I focus on. The New Adventures (which is totally digusting) and 200x have never piqued my interest. As for my favorite filmation epidsode... I would say it would be "The Dragon's Gift." I thought Granamyr was so cool as a kid and always wished they made a toy figure of him back then.

MOTU!: 8. What would you change about the collecting community?

Tom: I'm not sure what I'd change really. I think the collecting community is pretty good. Especially with all of the great Facebook groups. It's nice to meet other collectors and help eachother out whenever possible. Especially meeting people from other countries. There is so much MoTu merchandise that other countries had that USA didn't, so it's nice to have contacts all over the world to help find items you never knew about.

MOTU!: 9. Forums or Facebook groups?

Tom: Facebook groups for sure. Forums are like going back in time. Facebook groups and messages are so much quicker and user friendly. It's nice to ask a question, or share a new item and have instant feedback.

MOTU!: 10. What MOTU character do you most resemble?

Tom: Ha, never thought about that... I guess I most resemble Blade because of the shaved head. 

MOTU!: 11. Is there one thing that collectors may not know about you?

Tom: Most of my Facebook friends know this I think, but I only collect loose items. It kills me to see toys stuck in their packages, or in a sealed acrylic case. If I do find something that is sealed, I open it as soon as I get it. I love seeing these old toys in action. Especially with the merchandise stuff. I love seeing the phonograph in action, or listening to HeMan rhyme about brushing teeth. I always keep the boxes in great shape, but I just can't leave anything sealed! Sometimes it decreases the value, but I don't collect for an investment. I collect because all of this stuff brings back great memories for me. As a kid I never imagined of keeping a toy in it's box, and I'm still like that today. Where's the fun in that?!

MOTU!: 12. I notice that a lot of collectors also collect comics (myself included). What do you think is the common factor that draws some people to both of these hobbies?

Tom: I'm not too sure about that. I've never collected comics myself. I would think that for most people who collect a toyline, it's fun being able to read stories about their favorite figures in action. I have a few MoTu comics and story books that I read to my kids. It's fun seeing them re-create what we just read with their toys. If you really want to appreciate toys or comics or whatever, share them with kids. They don't care what things are worth or how rare something is, they just want to play with them as nature intended.

MOTU!: 13. And finally, what is it about the hobby that has kept you collecting for all of these years?

Tom: What keeps me collecting is the thrill of the hunt. With MoTu merchandise, there is no end. I still see things that I never knew existed so that keeps it exciting. If I see an item online somewhere, or in someone's collection, and I don't have it, then I put that on my list and start searching.

MOTU!: Well thank you so much for joining me today Tom. It has been an immense pleasure and I’m sure my readers will enjoy reading your answers as much as I have!

Tom: Thank you very much for thinking of me to interview!



 

Super7 Reveals Club Grayskull and Collectors Choice MOTU Classics at SDCC 2017

So as you know by now, the big news from SDCC 2017 was that Super7 revealed their new Masters of the Universe Club Grayskull (Filmation) and Masters of the Universe Collectors Choice Classic Figures.

The following figures were revealed:

Club Grayskull Sorceress
Club Grayskull Tung Lashor
Club Grayskull Mer-Man
Club Grayskull Man-E-Faces (No Figure at SDCC)
Collectors Choice Wrap Trap (AKA Horde Mummy)
Collectors Choice Dylamug
Collectors Choice Karg
Collectors Choice Granita (No Figure at SDCC)

Let's take a look at each Figure:

Club Grayskull Sorceress:

Club Grayskull Tung Lashor:

Tung Lashor Jetpack

Club Grayskull Mer-Man:

Sword

Staff

Collectors Choice Wrap Trap:

Accessories

Collectors Choice Dylamug:

Dylamug Blast

Collectors Choice Karg:

Karg Gun

Vintage Filmation Figures:

Filmation She-Ra
Filmation Hordak
Filmation He-Man
Filmation Skeletor

Pixel Dan takes a look at all the MOTU Reveals from Super7:

Final Thoughts:

This is a fantastic SDCC 2017 for Super7 and Masters of the Universe. Great reveals!!!  Every single figure is a winner and just love them all!!!

My personal favourite is Karg!!!!

I am so glad that we are getting this figure. You can basically say its a 87 MOTU Movie 30th Anniversary Figure!!!

Super7 - Take my money!!!!

Pics from He-Man.Org

The MOTU Classics Ultimate Collection

Let’s take a closer look at the Masters of the Universe Ultimate Addition Figures and Card backs.

Art was done by Axel Gimenez and colors was done by Val Staples (Vintage Style) and Jason Moore.

He-Man:

Unboxing Ultimate He-Man:

Check out the great pics that was posted on Die Welt Meister - Magazin FB Page!!! 

Die Welt der Meister - Magazin

Teela:

Ram Man:

Skeletor:

Faker:

 

TheArtalex has posted two videos of the MOTUC Ultimate Edition figures from Super7:

 

 

Collecting MOTU – Mint on Card (MOC) or Not Carded and Loose

So very often, I have collectors over that buys figures from me, or even just friends that visits and normally there are some questions they ask me regarding my MOTU Collection.

I decided it would be a very nice idea to answer some of these questions on my Blog.

One of the questions that is often asked:

Why do I collect and display my MOTU Collection loose and not carded (MOC)?

One of the biggest arguments when it comes to collecting and displaying action figures is whether or not they should be carded, or in their original packaging, or loose and set up in themed displays, complete with accessories such as vehicles, weapons and furnishings.

The first thing is that you as a collector must decide what you want from your collection. Meaning that how, are you as a collector going to get the fullest joy from your collection?

Secondly, no one should dictate to you how a collector should collect.

In my case, I made the decision that I want to display my MOTU Figures loose and the reasons are:

1. I want to be able to touch them and enjoy the wonderful sculpting that went into each figure

2. I want to display them and pose them differently, with different accessories, etc.

3. Remember every time you rearrange, dust or clean your figures, it will be the only time that you will have a chance to, “play” with your figures.

4. Play value and Sentimental value is very important to me.

5. As far as resale value, surprisingly, the value does not depreciate a great deal as long as the item is mint and complete with all the accessories it came with. Some figures loose that had low production runs will always have high value, even if they are loose, but complete. Here I am referring to MOTU Figures like Shadow Weaver, Fisto etc.

6. Displaying my figures loose also enables me to make use of less storage space.

To me collecting MOTU has always been a hobby for me and I love to free the toys from their package. I would not say I play with my toys but I certainly get enjoyment from holding the actual item in my hand and seeing what it can do.

No matter which type of action figures you decide to collect, this is a hobby that is really fun and rewarding. The more figures you add to your collection, the more fun and addicting collecting becomes. The only problem you are going to have is finding enough money to keep adding to your collections, and finding the space to display everything.

Come on, admit it. Deep down inside, you really want to play with your action figures.

Toy Customizer: Joe Amato

Interview with Toy Customizer: Joe Amato

 

Toy customizing has quickly become an ever-increasing hobby thanks to adult-collector toy lines, and the slow pace at which they release new product. There’s nothing stopping you from creating your very own ideal action figure. Today we are talking with a guy who goes by the name of Joe Amato from Joe Amato Custom Creations.

Joe Amato will make you any custom action figure you can think of. Original characters, Masters of the Universe, TMNT, Star Wars, DC, Marvel, or anything else!

MOTU!: Hi Joe and thanks for taking time out to do this interview with me. Ever since I saw your custom work, I became an instant fan. You have made some awesome customs over the years and your work is just getting better and better.

Joe: Thank you for asking me to be part of this interview! And I really appreciate the compliments I have a lot to learn still, and try to improve with each custom I do.

MOTU!: So Joe, how did you get started doing action figure customs?

Joe: I seen a custom on EBAY of a figure that was never released for the vintage 80’s Masters of the Universe line, and I wanted to try and make a figure that I always wanted as well, but never got back then. From there, it just snowballed and I had people ask me to make them figures as well.



Battle Damaged Faker



MOTU!: How long have you been customizing figures?

Joe: I have been customizing for just around 7 years.



Loyal Subjects Anti-Eternia He-Man, Slime Pit He-Man & Battle Damaged Faker



MOTU!: You do a lot of sculpting on your figures, not just the same old repaints seen elsewhere. What materials do you generally use to "make the magic happen"?

Joe: You find some materials work better for different parts, whether it be sculpting a face, hair, armor, etc. But using anything from Green Stuff, Apoxy Sculpt, or even Super Sculpey can get the job done.



Clawdeen



MOTU!: Your paint jobs are very well done. Can you tell us a little on your technique for getting a sweet paintjob that gets past the pesky joint rub problem?

Joe: Thank you! As for the pesky joint rub, alight sanding of that area can usually take care of that problem most of the time.

 

Mini Comic Trap Jaw

MOTU!: Any horror stories of something gone horribly wrong?

Joe: When I first started doing customs and trying to figure how to “secure” figures in the custom packaging, I had a custom break during shipping. Since then I use a new technique to guarantee the figure will stay secure in it’s custom card back without moving.

 

Crossover Custom Thundarr The Barbarian

MOTU!: On the opposite end of blood loss, what has been your favorite custom to date? Not necessarily your favorite character, but one that just turned out exactly, or better, than you planned.

Joe: My favorite custom project was working on a couple that was getting married, and wanted me to make a custom action figure of their significant other. The best part was she did not know I was making a custom action figure of her, and he did not know I was making a custom action figure of him. Then when they were exchanging gifts, they gave each other the surprise of their life!

 

New Adventures of He-Man - PrinceAdam

MOTU!: Do you have upcoming MOTUC customs that you're excited to be working on, or planning out?

Joe: I am working on some Thundercat customs that I cannot wait to finish up, along with customs for the people who pledged for the Power of Grayskull Documentary!



Thunderian Battle Cat-Man

MOTU!: Where can people see more of your work? Also, what is the best way for someone to get in touch with you for commissions?

Joe: You can view my work on my Facebook Page at Joe Amato Custom Creations - www.facebook.com/Joe-Amato-Custom-Creations

For custom work, you contact me at: mijafre@sbcglobal.net

 

Slime Pit He-Man

MOTU!: Thanks Joe, great talking with you! We look forward to seeing more sweet new customs from you during 2017.

Joe: Thank you for letting me be part of this great Q & A! And 2017 will be a great year!

 

Super-Mario