Collector Spotlight #2: Nerdherder88 (Jonathan)

The 2nd edition of the TazAlGhul Collector Spotlight has finally arrived! Huge thanks to Jonathan @nerdherder88 for taking the time to really dive in and give us some great insight on his collection as well as the story behind it all. Like I said in Spotlight #1 one of my main reasons for firing up this blog is to bring the collectors, designers and artists closer together and tell some of their incredible stories. Everyone has a different story to tell and I want to hear them all! Now let's get on with it ... Collector Spotlight #2 here we go!

Collector Spotlight #2
@nerdherder88

When did you start collecting?

I've been collecting Hot Wheels with my dad since before I could walk. I don't really collect them like I used to, but I still pick some up every once in a while. I also still look at them almost every time I go through a store's toy section.

-

T- This is actually exactly how I started collecting too! Was pretty awesome to hear this because back in the day my mom had me collecting Hot Wheels and Nascars and my walls were covered in them all. RIP Dale Earnhardt - had about 2,000 of his cars all over my room haha. 

What inspired you to start your collections?

Fandom. You watch something on TV, read it in a book, or see it in a movie. Then you see that something that you enjoyed came to life as a toy, something you can own and hold in your hand. whether you open it and play with it or just keep it in a box and set it up in a shelf, every time you see it you remember how you connected with it.

- 

T - It is pretty crazy how no matter how long ago you got a collector piece it will always bring you back to a certain memory every time you look at it. Pretty awesome way of keeping a sort of time capsule of memories. 

What's your favorite collectible item? POPs, Dorbz, Mystery minis, Statues, comics etc. ?

That's a hard one. I know at first glance most would assume Funkos. I don't think I have 1 favorite in particular. I really like the DC Artists Alley line and unfortunately DC's action figure stuff hasn't been great lately. For the price those are really good quality. I do enjoy Marvel Legends, but not a fan of the price. I used to get more of them, but Funkos are cheaper and easier to display. I love comics, especially the art. I wish I had that art skill, but I don't so I'll just enjoy what others create.

What's your favorite shopping spot?

Honestly, it's at home. I work from home and most stores, other than Walmart, are about 30-45 minutes away.

Marvel, DC, GOT or DGAF you love it all?

I generally like it all except for Anime, never really got into that.

T - Haha, sorry anime ...

What's your favorite part of collecting?

Being able to look around my office/nerd room and see my favorite characters or moments from the things I love. Being able to support the thing I love and hope that they can continue/grow. Of course there is also that rush you get from finding a Hot Wheels super, Funko Chase, or just rare item in general in the wild at retail price.

​T - Amen to that!

Where are you from and where has collecting taken you? (Events/cons you might have been to, places you've gone to grow your collective)

I am from Central Arkansas. My collecting has allowed me to meet new people and make new friends via Instagram and Facebook> I have started going to local cons over the last few years. Cons have allowed me to meet some comic creators (Neal Adams, Phil Hester, and Tom Lyle) and get Funkos/comics signed. I've picked up some toys and comics from cons as well.

What's your favorite collectible item that you own?

Another tough question. First thing that comes to mind is my Moon Knight First Appearance, Werewolf By Night 32. The other would be the Toy Tokyo Metallic Green Ranger Funko that I got signed by Jason David Frank at a con last year. I waited all day due to the weather and flight delays, but it was worth it. 

T- That Moon Knight is some Fiiiiiire! What an awesome piece & I hope that bad boy is front and center of your nerd room at all times! haha

Favorite comic book you've ever read?

I have multiple favorites:
Watchmen - DC: The New Frontier - Hellboy Weird Tales - Slott/Alred Silver Surfer Omnibus - Saga - Maximum Minimum Wage

Thank You!!

Huge thanks to Jonathan for doing this and going deep into his story and collecting past. So sweet hearing about how each piece means something different for you and take you back to some amazing memories. I'm also wicked jealous of your office setup thats for sure! haha. Stoked to have connected with another awesome fellow collector and hope to meet many more down the line. For anyone who would like to give him a follow and see his collection on the regular then give @nerdherder88 a follow.

If anybody would like to be featured in a collectors spotlight please shoot me an email through the contact form or just simply comment on this blog post and I'll make sure to reach out to you. Would love to see more and more collectors reach out so your collection and journey can be shared with everyone. Click the button below for a quick jump to the contact page.

ALSO - Don't Forget! If you'd like to become an AlGhul member to earn discounts on anything in the shot ... YES that includes the collectibles ... just click the "MEMBER" section in the menu above or the button below. Monthly freebees and even cash money! Cheers to all the collectors out there and I hope to hear from many more of you soon.
Thanks again Jonathan! 

I want to be the next spotlight!