Collector's Spotlight Vol. 20 (@theguywiththedolls)
Welcome back to Collector Spotlight - a regularly irregular interview with a fellow Mezco collector where we get all up in their articulation, poke, and prod at their shelves, and learn more about how they pose, play, and display.
We’re heading to Brooklyn to shine the spotlight on Adam (@theguywiththedolls), a collector and photographer with a deep love for comics, hip-hop, and highly articulated figures. Adam’s collection reflects his NYC roots, blending superhero icons, fighting game legends, and anime classics into dynamic, eye-catching shots. Whether he’s capturing the perfect pose or putting a fresh spin on a diorama setup, his passion for the craft makes every photo a standout 📸🗽✨
Q: What sparked your journey into toy photography?
A: D-Amazing made me do it. Made. Me. Send help.
Q: When did your collecting journey begin, and what was the first figure you set out to find?
A: I always had a lot of toys as a kid, and I recall looking for a really good base form Goku. I started collecting again when I was about 18 (I'm 30 now), and I sought out a DC Universe Classics Batman.
Q: What makes a toy stand out as the perfect subject for your photography?
A: It's usually whatever I get that's either new, I've had for a while that I can't seem to put down that I find to be very fun, or something that has a bit of media hype because I know it'll be a little trendy, and I like going with the flow!
Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring just one toy from your collection, which would you choose?
A: Honestly I wouldn't, the figure would melt down due to extreme heat conditions and humidity? Probably something super poseable, like a Mafex Spider-Man, I seem to photograph that one a LOT.
Q: How has your approach to toy collecting changed over time? Any key insights or lessons you've picked up along the way?
A: I used to think the things I obtain I'd possess for years to come, but I'm never truly attached to a figure because the technology is ever evolving, and advancing. Now if I don't touch something after a long while I simply sell it, and invest into something new. I used to splurge and buy everything but nowadays I'm very picky and particular, and only get what I really enjoy.
Q: What is your grail figure?
A: It would have to be Mezco's Biggie. Never thought I'd have one let alone two.
Q: Do you focus on collecting certain themes or types of toys? If so, what draws you to them?
A: Yes! I really enjoy superhero stuff because I grew up on comic books. Fighting game stuff because I grew up with that too, it's an inevitable part of NYC culture! Anything rap related because I'm a hip-hop-head, and anime/tokusatsu figures because I'm a byproduct of the 90s. I also look for highly articulated figures because they add a lot of possibilities to toy photos, but I also shoot static figures if I can't find something articulated. A welcome challenge nonetheless.
Q: Which One:12 Collective figure is your favorite, and what makes it stand out to you?
A: It's a toss up between Vapor(Rumble Society) and the new classic Spider-Man. I love the Mezco Hoodz line, being a kid from the projects in Brooklyn (aka the hood) I feel represented. I also love that nostalgic graffiti culture that it encapsulates. That Spider-Man is just exactly what I want from a Spidey figure! From the props to the stitching!
Q: Have there been any toy-related events or milestones in your life that are particularly meaningful to you?
A: Besides weekly visits to Toys-R-Us (RIP), recently working NYCC and MegaCon with Mezco was a big deal to me, got to see the other side of the toy world and it was really eye opening.
Q: If your toy collection came to life, which one do you think would be the most mischievous or adventurous?
A: Doctor Doom would seek never ending power.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being a collector? Is it the thrill of the hunt, the stories behind each piece, or something else that keeps you coming back for more?
A: Just having representations of things that brings me joy. I also love the rich history of toys!
Q: If you had to assemble an all-star team from your collection, which toys would make the cut, and what would you name their team?
A: Jada Toys Dhalsim, Mezco Mr. Fantastic, Jada Toys Deejay, S.H. Figuarts Kinnikuman, Mezco Spiderman, Storm Collectibles Zangief, Mezco Superman, and Marvel Legends Venom. They'd be called The Articulators. Boooo.
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