John Arturo - When did you start collecting and how did you get into the hobby?
rescueguitarist - I was born in '87, so the '89 film has always been a part of my life. Batman Begins re-ignited my interest in comics, so I started buying them again when that movie came out. But it really kicked in a little over a year ago when I got a new job and my income started allowing more purchases.
John Arturo - It looks like Batman is the focal point of your collection. What makes Batman your favorite character?
rescueguitarist - Probably his versatility. In the hands of the proper creative teams he can be this dark film noir type character, over-the-top camp, or he can be made to convincingly beat up Superman. That and he's successfully crossed over into so many mediums, especially in the last 5 years or so.
John Arturo - Do you collect anything else?
rescueguitarist - Other than guitar gear, not currently. As time goes on I'd like to add some Green Lantern stuff to the mix.
John Arturo - What is your favorite collectibles company?
rescueguitarist - I think DC Direct has some nice affordable pieces. Sideshow Collectibles makes great items too, but so far they're a little out of my reach.
John Arturo - What is your favorite part of collecting?
rescueguitarist - Just watching it grow, and hunting around on eBay and in stores for good deals. It's a lot of fun to dream and plan for what I want next.
John Arturo - What is the key thing you look for in an item you want to add to your collection?
rescueguitarist - I'm not terribly concerned with how collectible something is or its resale value; not everything I buy has to be mint or worth several hundred dollars. I like unique pieces that catch my eye, or just fun items I come across that would be cool to have.
John Arturo - What is your favorite movie?
rescueguitarist - I honestly think the "Mask of the Phantasm" animated movie is the best on-screen representation of the Batman character. As far as other CBM's, the Dark Knight, Kick Ass, Captain America, and Scott Pilgrim are some of my favorites.
John Arturo - What is your favorite piece from your collection?
rescueguitarist - Different things for different reasons. I love my Shakespeare Batcave switch bust, just because it's a freakin cool piece, but some of my favorites have more personal touches, like the cheap Six Flags Batman cape my friends made me wear at my bachelor party, or the picture of the Batman groom's cake my parents had made for my wedding. Things mean more when there's some personal feeling or memory attached to it.
John Arturo - What are some items you are most looking forward to adding to your collection?
rescueguitarist - I can't get enough comics, so always more of those. I also want to find a really good Batarang someday,as well as more statues and busts.
John Arturo - Finally, what is your favorite aspect of ComicBookMovie.com?
rescueguitarist - The wealth of information you can find, and seeing people with similar interests debate (sometimes in absurd ways) over characters I've loved my whole life.
Here is a new site I would like to pimp since this week's article is focused on Batman. Check out a site that has been up for a few years now in some form or another
DC Collectors. The place for all of your DC Comics news!
If you have a collection (don't worry about the size, it could be 4-5 items and that is still a collection right?) and want me to showcase it on the site, then shoot me an email by clicking the "Contact Me" link here. I will shoot you a few questions to answer to go along with the images and once a week we will showcase a users collection on here.