Collector's Spotlight Vol. 30 (@gbalda)
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 month, we’re shining the spotlight on Gabriel, a toy collector and photographer based in New York, NY. Known for his inventive storytelling and hands-on custom work, Gabriel turns his collection into miniature worlds full of humor, nostalgia, and creativity. Let’s dive in!
Q: What inspired you to get into toy collecting and photography?
A: Sideshow hosted a contest in 2019 called Collect a Day May, where participants photographed toys every day throughout May. That’s where I started. I was blown away by some of the entries and began researching how to reach that level. I’m still researching and experimenting today, and the rest is history.
Q: What’s the toughest custom or restoration project you’ve taken on?
A: A friend invited me to collaborate on a toy photography project featuring the Ninja Turtles, Krang, and the Party Wagon. I initially planned to customize a van, but eventually decided to build Krang at proper scale. That led to three intense weeks of work, building Krang and part of his android body from scratch using plastic bottles, Sculpey air-dry clay, medical supplies, and recycled materials. I was thrilled with the result, especially in the final shot alongside my favorite Ninja Turtles, the Mezco versions.
Q: If a fictional character could become a toy collector like you, who would you choose and why?
A: The obvious answer is Marvel’s The Collector, but since he’s already a collector, I’d pick DC’s The Question. Imagine all that obsession and critical thinking focused on toy collecting—the conspiracy theories, the strategies to secure exclusives. We’d be unstoppable.
Q: How do you choose which figures to feature in your photos?
A: It varies. Sometimes I have a story in mind and pick characters that fit best, iterating until it feels right. For example, in a shot with Robin lifting the Fantasticar, the first idea had the Batmobile and Batman instead. Other times, I center the shot around specific characters and add props or figures that either complement the main story or create smaller secondary narratives.
Q: Are there any figures in your collection with a particularly unique story behind them?
A: As a kid, I loved a board game from CEFA called La Maldición del Templo Cristal. It had a 3D board with unlicensed characters like Indiana Jones. Years later, I recreated it in 1:12 scale after finding scans of the original game. I’ve only used it twice for photography, but it’s a piece I absolutely treasure.
Q: Do you focus on certain themes or types of toys when collecting?
A: I mainly collect 1:12 scale figures because they let me tell compelling stories. Some are nostalgic, like Masters of the Universe; others are for sculpting and paint appreciation, and some just make me smile. I also have a few 1:6 figures, but their size makes world-building tricky in my tiny apartment.
Q: If your toys came to life, which one would get into the most trouble?
A: Definitely the Pink Skulls Chaos Club. They’re not truly bad—they look out for each other while causing chaos. Trouble seems to find them, and secretly, they’re Ghost Rider fans.
Q: How has collecting changed for you over the years?
A: Initially, I cared a lot about complete collections and canon. Now, I focus on what makes me happy and allows me to tell stories. I still handle figures carefully, but I’m okay customizing them, even if it reduces value. The main lesson: do what makes you happy—you only live once.
Q: If you had to sum up the feeling of finding a new figure in one word, what would it be?
A: Intriguing. I’m always excited to see what stories we’ll create together, even if I have an idea in mind already.
Q: Who’s your favorite character to collect or photograph, and why?
A: Not technically a superhero, but Harley Quinn. She feels authentic—dangerous yet sincere. Her origin and redemption arc are fascinating, and capturing Batman herself is brilliant. Mad Love hooked me on the character, and Batman: The Animated Series remains one of the best shows ever.
Q: When did you first start collecting, and what was your first figure?
A: My earliest memory is Masters of the Universe figures as a kid. I loved arranging them to interact with each other. My first adult collection was McFarlane’s Six Faces of Madness—depicting historical figures symbolically. I still keep them in their blisters.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just getting into collecting?
A: This hobby should bring joy. Collect what you love, enjoy what you already have, and let others enjoy their collections too. Be kind, respectful, and try to leave the world a little better than you found it.
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