Click on the picture to see this Collection!! Name: Mark Mamanta Location: San Fransisco Bay Area

1- What is it that you collect?
Star Wars mostly, Mcfarlanes,Anime,Movie, Female figs, if it's unique and catches my eyes, then that's what I'll collect.

2- What was it that brought you to collecting? And what is that keeps you going?
I've always collected stuff as long as I can remember. I've only started seriously collecting a few years back. With my Toy collection, what keeps me going is the "Hunt" the thrill of finding that one item at a yard sale etc. or not having to pay an arm and a leg everyone else is paying for that one particular fig.

3- When did you start collecting?
I'm what you would call a late starter. Star Wars had got me started and after watching Return of the Jedi on VHS did I say to myself;" hey, I can build some of those scenes" and what started off as a Diorama hobby ended up launching off my collection.

4- Why (what you collect) example:Batman, Star Wars, Transformers, etc…?
As an Artist, the Diorama thing was just an extension for my creativity, and I was really impressed by the details and work that went behind each and every Star Wars movie. Along with other Conceptual and sci fi genres.

5- When did you start displaying them?
About 5 years ago. I would always run out of room to display my ever growing collection...then we bought a huge house 5brdrm 2 bath with a three car garage...well, that three car garage soon turned into a small Star Wars and Toy Misc Figs Museum!

6- How do you get your inspiration to organize and display your collection?
Again, my collection is but another Extension to express my Art.

7- Do you have a favorite character(s) you collect?
I really don't have a favorite per se since the latest aquisition to my collection will be my fave piece until the next new item...lol

8- Which item in your collection would you say is your absolute favorite and why?
Vader...Definitely Darth Vader. Vader epitomizes what a bad guy truly is. Complex, Angry, and one who has had his happiness stripped away from him!..lol
And now the world must pay!!...LOL

9- Which item was the most difficult to obtain? And which one is your prized possession?
My 12" Manga Spawn. I know it's not a hard item to get, but at the time it was impossible to get anywhere! So one day I ended up finding one 300 miles away on a trip at a TRU there was one left on the aisle floor in front of the wheels of my shopping cart. Go figure...yep, to this day it is my Fave piece.

10- What is the oldest item you own? and the one with the most value?
Die cast metal truck 1938 being my oldest and my 1977 Vintage and complete loose in near mint condition Darth Vader.

11- What inspires you to purchase an item to add to your collection?
Definitely the "Hunt" for key pieces and finding them. The fun is in the hunt and the obsession too devine.

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?
All the time, this is what started off my need to collect. Artistically speaking, of course....lol.

13- What do you think of the custom Craze?
I think it's great for Collectors and the toy Industry. I tell ya...it's a happy circle!

14- Where do you make most of your purchases from? ebay seems to be a favorite with collectors these days, are you an ebayholic?
Online friends and collectors from the United States, Canada ad the rest of the world. Online networking is where I get the mass majority of my collection from. I shop and sell at ebay too...ebayholic? c'mon, I'm in denial remember?..lol

15- Is your collection insured?
I'm not rich if that's what you're askin...lol.

No, unfortunately, But I am comfortable with the fact of easy come easy go, that some things in life are just inevitable and unavoidable no matter what you do.

16- What is missing from your collection that you hope to one day acquire?
George Lucas's Warehouse of course. lol..At the moment I am seeking to aquire a Kotobikyu 12" Darth Vader. I know, it's ashame I don't have one yet.

17- What is the usual reaction when people see your collection?
They're usually blown away by it. And all the children just love them! Which is another reason why I Collect....haha, it inspires others to do the same...I'm so evil!...lol

18- Do you attend conventions for some of your purchases? could you tell us about that?
You know, I've always want to but my schedule and work hasn't allowed for it yet...But I'm working to attend the next one...it is a dream I have.

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?
You know I do but don't have a set routine. Outside of your Wally world,TRU,Target etc runs I go to the wild places like Flea Markets and yard sales, yes, even Goodwills..outside of that...it's all about your online networking!

20- How do you decide what to take out of the package and what stays sealed?
I usually just bust them out. Where's the Art if you can't feature them. Of course I have Carded Figures of some key items as well.

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 don't know. Depends where I'll be financially then, but like everything else, my collection in itself is a financial investment. But all that I have regardless, my kids will inherit them all.

22- What advice would you give someone who just started a collection?
Unless you're already rich...be prepared to be broke alot! So always choose wisely as to what you will be investing in...because the act of collecting itself can be addicting as any other drug can be addicting. Otherwise, all I have to say is if you are collecting...Man, Just have Fun!! Be Wise...and have you're Fun too.