Collector's Spotlight Vol. 23 (@realm_of

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 Parlin, New Jersey to shine the spotlight on Francisco (@realm_of_toys89) —a lifelong collector with a soft spot for wrestling figs, prototype gems, and the unmatched chaos of Gomez on the loose. From custom paint jobs to flea market finds, his collection is fueled by passion, creativity, and pure excitement. Let’s dive in. 🛠️📸🕷️

Q: Can you tell us about a project that really tested your skills as a customizer?
A: I’ve recently fully painted a Batmobile vehicle and added dry brushing to make it look battle-damaged.

Q: Ever found something amazing where you least expected it?
A: I have a few cool prototype action figures I’ve purchased over the years from yard sales and flea markets. I wouldn’t have expected to find stuff like that.

Q: If you could recruit any fictional character to join the collector world, who would it be?
A: I’d go with Iron Man Tony Stark, he would totally have an insane collection on display.

Q: What song would be the perfect anthem for your collection?
A: I would say “Worlds Apart” by Journey, that song always gets me pumped. 😂

Q: What’s your usual approach when deciding which toy to shoot next?
A: Whatever sparks my interest and gets me excited throughout the week is usually what I plan on photographing and creating a cool scene for.

Q: Do you tend to stick to one toy theme, or is your collection all over the place?
A: I collect a bit of everything from all toy lines, but wrestling has always been one of the highlighted themes I’ve collected throughout the years.

Q: Have any collector events or moments really stood out to you over the years?
A: Being able to attend toy shows throughout the year with good friends, it’s always a fun experience to be around like-minded people who share the same passion as myself.

Q: If one figure in your collection came to life, who would stir up the most trouble?
A: I’d totally have to go with my main man Gomez, I could totally see all the mischief he would get into in his adventures.

Q: You can only take one figure to a desert island, what’s your pick?
A: If I had to keep one figure, it would be Hazard Squad Bodega Gomez. That figure has always been my all-time favorite.

Q: How has your approach to collecting changed as time has gone on?
A: Over the years, I’ve learned to be patient and collect quality over quantity, and buy what you love.

Q: What figure would make your childhood self lose their mind?
A: I would have to say Void Cadet Gomez and the Vortex Strike Suit, it’s so detailed, if I saw that lit up with Gomez inside as a kid, I would’ve played with that for years!

Q: What sparked your interest in toy photography in the first place?
A: Over the pandemic, I watched videos by D Amazing and always loved how he posed his figures at the end of every video; it inspired me to learn how to do the same.

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