John Mikulich

1- What do you Collect?
I collect mostly Marvel figures, but I have some DC, and whatever independents that peaked my interest.

2- When and how did you start Collecting and what keeps you going?
I started collecting in 1994, and then I started collecting comics again (for the second time). Then I realized I would have no home to put them in if I didn't choose between the two, so I chose the figures. What keeps me going is my goal to have every Marvel character immortalized in plastic.

3- Why do you Collect what you Collect?
I started reading comics when I was 7, and it got me through some tough times. I collect the figures because they remind me of good times, and because in recent years, especially in the case of Marvel Legends, they absolutely rock!

4- When did you begin to display your Collection?
It was about 3 years ago, that's when I seriously started displaying the collection as a whole. Before that, I only had a little area to display them.

5- How do you get your inspiration to organize and display your Collection?
Every time I get a new set or even a new piece, it is hard now to find space for it, but sometimes you have to dig down deep, find that hole, and fill it.

6- Do you "Collect 'em all", or just the ones you like?
Marvel Legends, got to have 'em all, the rest is piece by piece.

7- Do you have a favorite character that you Collect?
Captain America is my absolute favorite, because he is part of the greatest team of super heroes ever, The Avengers.

8- Which item in your Collection would you say is your absolute favorite and why?
I would have to say my favorite is the 12" Marvel Legends Icons Captain America, masked or unmasked. This figure has so much detail, and the poseability is great, and it is of Captain America, of course.

9- How much do you spend a month on your Collection?
I used to spend about $100.00 a month, but in the last year , Toy Biz has been killing me.

10- Which item was the most difficult to obtain?
The one I had the hardest time finding, at a reasonable price, was the blue suited Ghost Rider from Marvel Legends Series 7.

11- What is the oldest item you own and the one with the most value?
I only started collecting in '94, so that's probably the oldest pieces I have, but as far as value, I open a lot of my stuff , because they are action figures, and I want to see some action.

12- What is your "Holy Grail"?
I have the Stealth Iron Man from series 1 of Marvel Legends, and believe me when I say many people are on the quest for that grail.

13- What inspires your to purchase an item to add to your Collection?
It doesn't take much inspiration, believe me. The stuff they are putting out now is so good, I can't help myself.

14- Customizing figures and statues has become very big, have you ever purchased a custom figure or statue and have you ever tried making one?
I have lots of customs I have done myself, I have even sold some, but I never bought one. Most of the ones I did for my collection have been replaced by manufactured figures.

15- Where do you make most of your purchases from?
Ebay, of course.

16- How does your partner (wife/girlfriend/husband/boyfriend) feel about your collection?
My wife is supportive of my addiction to a certain point.

17- Do you ever get hassled about being a toy collector?
Only by my wife, when the credit card statements come in.

18- What will happen to your collection after you've passed away?
I'm taking it with me.

19- Is your collection insured?
No

20- What is missing from your collection that you hope to one day acquire?
Every Marvel action figure I do not have.

21- What toy did you have as a kid that you most wish you had kept or, at least, kept in good condition for your collection?
I used to have all the 3 inch heroes made back in the 70's, made by DC and Marvel. I listened to everyone who said I was too old to have them, and I got rid of them.

22- If you needed to raise cash quick, would you consider selling (some of) your collection? If so, what would you NEVER sell?
I have sold parts of my collection to buy other things, and some for other reasons. I would have to say my Marvel Legends Collection is what would have the hardest time parting with.

23- What is the usual reaction when people see your collection?
Usually, wow! Then they ask me if my wife gets mad about it.

24- Do you attend conventions for some of your purchases? could you tell us about that?
Sorry, I have never been to a convention.

25- Most collectors today go on what they call a toy run, do you participate in that as well? And what are your favorite spots? Tell us about your routine.
I hit Wal-Mart every morning before work and ToysRUs & Target on the weekend.

26- How do you decide what to take out of the package and what stays sealed?
I have no real guidelines, usually, if it is still in the package, I don't have anywhere to display it outside the package. I have over 1000 action figures now, and it is hard to display that may in and out of the package.

27- At what stage do you think your collection will be at 10 years from now, do you think you would have grown tired of it?
I think ten years from now, it will have swelled beyond the restraint of my basement, and no, I don't think I will get tired of it, as I have collected now for over 12 years.

28- What advice would you give someone who just started a collection?
Don't get impatient or frustrated when you can't find that certain piece, they will come in time. Now if I could only listen to my own preaching.