Collector's Spotlight Vol. 38 (@emerald_knight_photos)

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.

From childhood toy hunts with his dad to building a collection of his own, John has been a collector since the ’80s. His passion eventually grew into toy photography, combining two of his favorite hobbies and giving him a creative way to bring his collection to life. Today, his shelves span sword and sorcery, superheroes, sci-fi, and plenty of Saturday morning nostalgia. We caught up with John to talk collecting, photography, childhood favorites, and the figures that mean the most to him.

Q: Your collection goes all the way back to childhood. What’s the first figure you remember really wanting?
A: I suppose I’ve been a collector since childhood. I grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, during the peak of Star Wars, MOTU, G.I. Joe, and Transformers. However, the one figure that I remember wanting was a Real Ghostbusters figure from Kenner. After I got a bad cut on my head while playing with my older sister, my dad picked one up for me and had it waiting for me when I got out of the hospital.

Q: Your dad was a collector, too. Did he ever share any collecting tricks or stories with you?
A: Yes! My dad, a fellow collector, shared several tricks with me during toy hunts. One of these tricks involved hiding figures at Target in different departments, such as the towel section, and then returning to collect them when he could afford them. One of the figures he acquired this way was a Bo Jackson Raiders Starting Lineup figure, which I still have to this day.

Q: You collect across a lot of different worlds. What kinds of toys tend to catch your attention?
A: My favorite themes vary from sword and sorcery, superheroes, sci-fi, and Saturday morning nostalgia. Like my childhood, I collect pretty much anything that falls into those categories, with some outliers.

Q: When did collecting become more than just collecting for you, and lead you into toy photography?
A: I started during the pandemic. I noticed on Instagram and toy-collecting groups that toy photography was a thing, and I always wanted a creative arts career. I had some background in film and television production, and when I started toy photography, it allowed me to use the skills I learned to showcase my collection and combine two of my favorite hobbies: toy collecting and photography.

Q: When you’re behind the camera, what part of creating a shot do you enjoy the most?
A: I enjoy all aspects of setting up a photo, but my favorite part is the initial setup and lighting. I love experimenting with lighting and trying out different setups. You can do so much with lighting and really change the mood in your photos.

Q: What usually sparks an idea for a photo? Is it a character, a story, a movie, or something else?
A: It really depends on what mood I’m in. A lot of times, if I watch a show or a movie, it may inspire me to use specific figures to shoot. Sometimes music, especially movie scores, can get me into a particular mood.

Q: You took home first place in the photography contest at Joefest 2025. What did that win mean to you?
A: At Joefest 2025, I won the grand prize in the photography contest. It was my first time winning first place in anything. They presented me with a trophy, and I finally received my first-place blue ribbon. Since it was for my toy photography, it made it even more special because I had put a lot of effort and love into the pictures I take.

Q: Is there a figure in your collection that takes you straight back to being a kid?
A: It would have to be my vintage He-Man figure from my childhood. He was one of the first toys I remember playing with as a kid. He’d remind me to stay hopeful and never give up, even when things look impossible.

Q: And which figure would your childhood self be completely jealous of?
A: It would have to be the Mezco Power Rangers set. As a kid, I always wanted a full set of Power Rangers but never got them. They were extremely hard to get, and I was getting to the age where my parents were telling me to stop playing with toys. My childhood self would be so jealous that I have them now.

Q: Your collection has evolved quite a bit over the years. Has the way you look at the toys themselves changed, too?
A: Being a collector since the ’80s as a kid to now as an adult, I think I take more consideration into what goes into creating these amazing figures. Some people don’t realize the hard work it takes to produce a product that brings so much joy to individuals. From the sculpting to the paint apps and the articulation, I truly appreciate the people behind the scenes who bring everything together.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being a collector beyond the toys themselves?
A: Honestly, it’s the community that has made this journey so rewarding. Growing up, I only knew my dad as a collector. As I’ve grown older, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible collectors who have become wonderful friends. Whenever I attend a toy convention, I always have someone to connect with and share my passion for collecting with. Although my dad is no longer with us, I know he would be incredibly proud of me and the incredible group of friends I’ve made through my love for toy collecting, as well as the work I have been able to do with my photography.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their collection, what would you tell them?
A: Try to stay within a budget since it can be a slippery slope, especially with so many companies creating so many great figures. But first and foremost, just have fun and don’t let outside forces deter you if collecting brings you joy.

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