Collector's Spotlight Vol. 13

Welcome back to Collector Spotlight - a regularly irregular interview with a fellow Mezco collector where we get all up in their articulation, ask what's what and who's who, and learn more about how they pose, play, and display.

In this volume of Collector Spotlight, we're heading down south to the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia, where we meet Michael (@panic_room_toys), a dedicated collector with a knack for horror. Be warned - these shelves are cursed with geeky goodness! 🔪

Scroll on to see some scary-good photography and get to know Michael a little better. Bonus points if you can guess the number of figures on his collection!

Q: What got you interested in toy photography?
A: I wanted to start using practical effects (dirt, water, fire, etc). So I started watching Sir Dork's toy photography tutorials on YouTube where I learned the basics of camera settings and practical effects. I also have a room full of action figures so it seemed like the next step once I was satisfied with my collection.

Q: What aspect of collecting do you enjoy the most?
A: It feels great to walk into my collection room and know that everything in it belongs to me. Haha!

Q: When did your journey into collecting begin, and what was the very first figure you recall actively seeking out to add to your collection?
A: I had tons of toys growing up but started collecting after I saw Puppet Master. I had to have all those Full Moon Toys Puppet Master figures so I got everyone off eBay. After that, I started getting into the McFarlane Movie Maniac and Mezco horror figures. It took off from there.

Q: Which toys from your collection do you believe would form the ultimate all-star team?
A: Freddy, Jason, Leatherface, and Michael Myers would be on the all-star team. They would be based in Florida as the Sarasota Slashers.

Q: How has your view of toy collecting changed over time? Have you acquired any new insights or lessons along the way?
A: I kept everything in the box at first. I was a hard-core MOC collector. This changed when I started doing toy photography. Now, if I want to shoot a figure and it's still in the box I rip it right out and throw away the packaging. Enjoy these figures out of the box and don't worry about making money one day on your collection

Q: If you had to describe the feeling of discovering a new addition to your collection, what would it be?
A: It's a high for sure. The feeling of finding that rare figure after weeks of hunting is a thrill. I get the same feeling in my stomach as I do when going downhill on a rollercoaster.

Q: What criteria do you use when selecting which toys to showcase in your photography?
A: I focus almost entirely on horror toy photography and feature my favorite icons. I have been a lifelong horror movie fan so creating these scenes and making these things come to life is really fun for me.

Q: If you found yourself stranded on a desert island and could bring only one toy from your collection, which one would you choose, and what makes it the perfect companion for survival?
A: The Mezco one 12 Freddy Krueger. I love the articulation of this figure and all the heads keep it fresh with so many posing possibilities. On top of that, knowing he can scare off people in their dreams adds an extra layer of thrill!

Q: What part of the photography process do you enjoy the most?
A: Creating the initial pose is my favorite aspect. It's the part of the process where I get to play with toys.

Q: What's a recent movie that you really enjoyed?
A: I watched "Late Night with the Devil" the other night and really loved it. The talk show setting really made it feel real to me. Great acting and an epic ending!

Q: Whom would you be interested in featuring in an upcoming Collector Spotlight?
A: @1313campbloodave, Derek creates some incredible practical gore effects with a very unique and vibrant style

Q: Is there any guidance you'd like to share with new collectors?
A: Here's a piece of advice: Don't hesitate to enjoy your figures outside of their packaging. Let them free!

Want to be featured in the next Collector Spotlight? Be sure to tag us in photos of your collection on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!