Collector's Spotlight Vol. 35 (@epykk_dyzastur)
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.
Based in Japan, Brandon combines a lifelong love of action figures with a passion for toy photography. Whether he's crafting ambitious moon landing shots with Gomez, hunting down rare Transformers, or perfecting the lighting in every scene, his creativity shines through every photo. Get to know the collector behind the camera in this week's Collector Spotlight!
Q: What first got you into collecting, and what was the first figure you remember chasing down?
A: I first started collecting Gundam back in 2000, but I lost all of those in a move from Japan to the US. I started collecting again in 2018 with Transformers Masterpiece MP-39 Sunstreaker.
Q: How did you discover toy photography?
A: I discovered the hobby on Instagram during COVID in early 2019. I had already loved snapping pictures of my Transformers, but I never knew there was a dedicated hobby for toy photography.
Q: What's been your most challenging photography setup?
A: One of the most challenging shots I ever did was with Void Cadet Gomez and the Vortex Strike Suit. I wanted to portray Gomez jumping around on the moon in the VSS, but the mech was about as big as the TV I was using for the background. I also hadn't really thought about how I would suspend the VSS in midair, but a couple of coat hangers and a phone charging cord did the trick.
Q: When you're planning a shoot, what inspires you the most?
A: I've been a huge TMNT fan since the cartoon debuted in 1987, so most of my photos revolve around TMNT. But I'm often inspired by music or whatever cool poses I can get any of my toys into.
Q: What's your favorite part of the photography process?
A: Figuring out the lighting. It makes me dig deep and really appreciate the work other photographers and videographers create.
Q: Is there a figure in your collection that's especially rare or unique?
A: I have an Amazing Yamaguchi 019EX (Shiny Color Ver.) All Might that is so rare that many people don't know it exists.
Q: If you could only save one figure from your collection, which would it be?
A: I'd want my FansToys "FM-02 Margh" Ultra Magnus. It's basically three toys in one, and it reminds me of the original toy from the '80s that my late aunt got me for my birthday.
Q: Has collecting changed the way you think about buying new figures?
A: I've learned that just because something looks awesome doesn't mean I need it. I try to keep things that mean something special to me when I hold them, or at least they have to be highly compatible with the rest of my collection.
Q: What One:12 Collective figure stands above the rest for you?
A: My favorite is the OG Punisher. He's so cool and has an "I'm better than your other toys" kind of look about him.
Q: What's your current grail figure?
A: Street Gomez. I don't have him, but I've truly always wanted him. Someday... it will be mine!
Q: Was there a memorable moment in the hobby that really stood out to you?
A: The first and only time I ever went to Comic-Con was SDCC 2024. I met D Amazing, WorkMoreOrLess, Emanuel "Toy Paige," MadHatter, and many other great people! I'm looking forward to my next Comic-Con.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who's just starting their collection?
A: Take time to relax and actually enjoy your toys! Many of us get caught up in endless purchasing and pointing out a toy's shortcomings because we feel like it's our hard-earned money we're throwing away. I think we forget what it was like to simply admire our toys when we were kids.
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