Collector's Spotlight Vol. 21 (optimus.krime)

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.

This time, we’re heading to British Columbia to shine the spotlight on Kris (@optimus.krime), a collector with a sharp eye for soft goods, dynamic photography, and the ever-changing nature of the hobby. From customizing iconic characters to capturing striking shots, Kris’s approach is all about creativity, patience, and a little bit of mischief. Let’s dive in! 🎭📸

Q: What sparked your interest in toy photography, and how did you turn that spark into a creative passion?
A: It started with sharing my collection on Instagram & eventually coming across accounts like @sgtbananas, @the_imperial_grunt, & @blksrs, just to name a few. The rest as they say, is history.

Q: What’s the part of collecting that really fuels your passion, and keeps you coming back for more?
A: Connecting with other like-minded collectors. Being able to share the passion for this hobby has been so fun & I've been blessed to make a lot of good friends along the way.

Q: What part of capturing your shots do you enjoy the most, and why does it stand out for you?
A: The entire process is quite enjoyable for me. It's a great creative outlet & allows me to just focus & completely envelop myself in something I love to do. It's especially satisfying when an image comes out as good as the one you have in your mind's eye, if not better.

Q: If your collection’s toys had to team up for an epic mission, who would make the cut, and what would you call their squad?
A: I'd have to go with Atticus Doom, Doc Nocturnal & of course Gomez. Hard to imagine a situation they wouldn't be able to work through. Let's call them "The Unstoppables".

Q: If you could show your childhood self one toy from your collection today, which one would blow their mind the most?
A: Probably the Mezco TMNT figures. I remember having so many of the Playmates figures when I was young. The evolution from then to now is really something special that I know would have gone crazy for.

Q: If you could sum up the feeling of adding a new piece to your collection in one word, what would it be?
A: Potential. New additions to the collection have so much opportunity to create art & tell new stories.

Q: How has your approach to toy collecting changed over time? Any valuable lessons or insights you've picked up along the way?
A: I've become much more disciplined with what I collect, plus I'm keeping myself restricted to a manageable space. Otherwise, it would be far too easy to have the toys take over my home. Over the years I've learned to resist the FOMO with new releases that have community hype surrounding them. You can always buy it later if you change your mind, although you may end up a secondary market sucka!

Q: Who’s your ultimate superhero and what makes them stand out for you?
A: Spider-Man. He feels more relatable to the average person, having everyday struggles on top of his duties as a hero. Plus, he's got some pretty awesome super powers!

Q: Which One:12 Collective figure is your top pick, and what makes it your favorite?
A: Vapor all day. He's such a fun, versatile character that you can really put into any situation. Plus, he's got some real skater vibes (in my opinion), so he's my go-to, especially for skateboarding shots.

Q: What's the one figure that's your ultimate grail, no matter the brand?
A: Right now, It's definitely the Hot Toys Darth Maul 2.0

Q: Do you gravitate towards any particular themes or types of toys in your collection? What draws you to them?
A: My 1/6 Collection is strictly Star Wars (for now) & I've really come to prefer having soft goods on all of my 1/12 scale figures. The One:12 Collective has been perfect for that reason. They just photograph so well & really bump the realism to another level.

Q: Got any tips for newcomers diving into the world of collecting?
A: Collect the things that make you happy. Take time to enjoy your toys. Jump into the community & make some friends, there's a whole lot more of us out there!

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