Click on the picture to see this Collection!! Name: Kevin Arndt Location: Pennsylvania

1- What is it that you collect?
Japanese Toys, Mainly Godzilla & Ultraman

2- What was it that brought you to collecting? And what is that keeps you going?
I grew up in a family that collecting old tin toys, so I was some what born with the passion. My son keeps me going. He is 5 years old and is interested in the collection as much as I am if not more.

3- When did you start collecting?
I have been collecting things all my life but I just started collecting Japanese toys about a year and a half ago.

4- Why (what you collect) example: Batman, Star Wars, Transformers, etc…?
I collect Godzilla/Ultraman due to the fact I loved them when I was a kid.

5- When did you start displaying them?
My display started the day I purchased my first figure. Growing up in a family where toys have been displayed as far back as I can remember, it was just a natural.

6- How do you get your inspiration to organize and display your collection?
The inspiration was more driven by my son. He liked to see everything we had, so you could’nt just put them in a box or in the back of a closet.

7- Do you have a favorite character(s) you collect?
I would have to say Jet Jaguar and Ultraman.

8- Which item in your collection would you say is your absolute favorite and why?
I would say my favorite figure is the Godzilla Super Final Premium. Bigger is better.

9- Which item was the most difficult to obtain? And which one is your prized possession?
The Super Final Premium was the hardest to find. It was sought after by all the collectors, so you did not see it in the market place much.

10- What is the oldest item you own? and the one with the most value?
I have a couple Ultraman toys from the late 60’s. I would say the Super Final Premium is among the figures that has the most value. When it comes to value in this field of collecting it is harder then most due to the fact there isn’t enough books or price guides.

11- What inspires you to purchase an item to add to your collection?
The look of the toy. I don’t care if there was 2 million made if I like it I buy it.

12- Customizing figures and statues has become very big, have you ever purchased a custom figure or statue and have you ever tried making one?
No.

13- What do you think of the custom Craze?
I think it will eventually hurt the collecting seen. It will truly dilute those toys that are one of a kind or limited production.

14- Where do you make most of your purchases from? ebay seems to be a favorite with collectors these days, are you an ebayholic?
EBAY!!!!

15- Is your collection insured?
Sadly, my collection is not insured.

16- What is missing from your collection that you hope to one day acquire?
There was a Godzilla Super Premium made. It is the exact same mold as the Super Final Premium but it is green instead of Godzilla’s Meltdown version.

17- What is the usual reaction when people see your collection?
WOW! I did not know there was toys like this available.

18- Do you attend conventions for some of your purchases? Could you tell us about that?
I have gone to Godzilla Festivals as well as toy shows.

19- Most collectors today go on what they call a toy run, do you participate in that as well? And what are your favorite spots? Do you have a routine?
Yes I do go on toy runs. When I find a store within my tri-state area I will make a trip.

20- How do you decide what to take out of the package and what stays sealed?
If the package can be opened without damaging it, I will take it out.

21- 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 would like to think in 10 years my collection would be ten times bigger, but the reality of it is, my past history says I will have moved on to something else.

22- What advice would you give someone who just started a collection?
KNOWLEDGE, KNOWLEDGE, KNOWLEDGE….. If you don’t educate yourself about what your are going to collect you will get burned!