Collector's Spotlight Vol. 29 (@sime_on_toast)

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 kicking off 2026 by shining the spotlight on Simon, a collector and toy photographer based in Texas. Known for his eye for atmosphere, love of original IP, and hands-on creativity, Simon’s collection is built less around chasing trends and more around telling stories—one frame at a time.

From challenging customs to community connections, Simon’s approach to collecting is thoughtful, deliberate, and full of personality. Let’s dive in.

Q: When you’re choosing a figure to photograph, what makes it stand out as “the one”?
A: I tend to gravitate toward figures with soft goods because toy photography is such a macro-focused art form, and they help the figures feel life-size. I also really prefer figures with multiple head sculpts and interchangeable hands, which is why Mezco figures make up such a large portion of my collection.

Q: Are there certain types of characters or worlds you find yourself collecting more than others?
A: Licensing-wise, I really enjoy things like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Batman, along with a lot of other comic and anime characters. That said, I collect primarily for photography, and many of those stories have already been told. That’s why I lean toward Rumble Society and other original IP—it gives me the freedom to tell my own stories.

Q: What’s one customization or restoration project that really pushed your skills?
A: I recently made a Mythic Legions Shovel Knight that was fairly challenging. Finding all the right parts was one thing, but color matching and painting ended up being a whole other hill to climb. I was super happy with the final result though.

Q: Which part of the photography process do you enjoy the most?
A: My favorite part is definitely the setup. I love figuring out how to execute poses and scenarios within the limitations of articulation and general physics, and then adding small details to help the photo feel as real as possible.

Q: If your entire collection suddenly came to life, who would cause the most chaos?
A: Beetlejuice, bar none. He would be the most devious, with the PSCC as a close second.

Q: If you could only bring one figure with you to a deserted island, which would it be?
A: Which one has the most leather I could boil down to eat? All kidding aside, I’d choose Doc Nocturnal 2.0. The first iteration was great, but the second version went all out and turned him into one of the coolest figures around.

Q: How has your approach to collecting changed since you first started?
A: I’ve gone through a few different phases. At first, I bought everything that looked cool, which got overwhelming fast. Then I focused on figures with great accessories for photography, which helped, but I was still buying too much. Now I try to stick to properties and companies I really enjoy and avoid chasing the newest, shiniest thing. I don’t need every Malibu Stacy, even if this one has a new hat.

Q: If you had to describe the feeling of adding something new to your collection in one word, what would it be?
A: Refreshing.

Q: Is there a superhero that’s always had a special place in your collection?
A: The Rocketeer. He has an amazing design and he fights Nazis. What’s not to love?

Q: Which figure do you think your childhood self would be the most excited to see today?
A: Probably my Mezco or Hot Toys 1989 Batman. I loved that movie so much growing up, so having a photo-accurate representation of Michael Keaton in my collection is still unbelievable.

Q: What keeps you invested in collecting beyond just the figures themselves?
A: The community, without a doubt. I’ve made lifelong friends through collecting and toy photography. On the surface, it might sound a little absurd, but I’m incredibly grateful for those connections.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just getting into the hobby?
A: First, learn more about the size of the companies you’re buying from so you can better judge availability and urgency. Second, don’t pay scalper prices—if it’s meant to be, the figure will find you. Third, find your community and make some friends. And finally, if it’s Rumble Society, buy now and think later.

Want to be featured next month? Be sure to tag us in your best Mezco photos on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.