The sands of summer

As we begin to wrap our "ode to summer" posts this week, we focus on the one thing you will always find if you spend a summer day at the beach: sand. And to be honest there is but one character that comes to mind when we think of sand - and that's Spidey's long-time enemy, Flint Marko AKA The Sandman. (Not to be confused with Neil Gaiman's creation, who we decided not to get involved in these summer themed postings, for obvious reasons.)

Here are some great Marvel's Sandman collectibles...

Amazing Spider-Man #303 (1988)

The Amazing Spider-Man #303 by Marvel Comics

We are huge Todd McFarlane fans over here at CollecTwins, and his run on Spider-Man changed the industry. This is one of the best Sandman covers out there.

Marvel Infinite Series Variant Sandman Figure by Hasbro (2015)

Marvel's Sandman Variant Figure by Hasbro

This all-sand variant version of Sandman stands at 3.75" tall and can be tracked down at your local toy store, on Amazon or eBay for about $15 or less.

Sandman Mini-Bust by Bowen Designs (2005)

Sandman Mini-Bust by Bowen Designs

BD's Mini-Bust line is bar-none in the business, and this Sandman bust is pretty darn nice. Limited to 3000 pieces and sculpted by The Kucharek Brothers.  Find one on eBay for about $60.

Sandman Statue by Bowen Designs (2010)

Sandman Statue by Bowen Designs

Another beautiful statue thanks to Bowen Designs. Stands 16" tall and also sculpted by The Kucharek Brothers. Limited to only 700 and much harder to track down than the Mini-Bust. If you find one on eBay, it may run you upwards of $400.

Join us tomorrow as we go into movie mode for Top 10 Friday with our Top 10 "Summer" movies...

The waves of summer

Now that summer is officially here, we are spending this week looking at some characters and collectibles that remind us of this fantastic season. Yesterday we examined the "sun of summer" (an ode to the final episode of "Game of Thrones" season 6, "The Winds of Winter"), while today we'll focus on the "waves of summer" -- characters who get their kicks by being in (or being made of) water.

If these next few months stay as hot as they've started, we expect plenty of people to take a page from these characters and cool off thanks to a dip in the ocean, a splash in the pool, or just a nice cool glass of H2O.

Sub-Mariner #1 (1968)

Sub-Mariner #1 by Marvel Comics

When asked about oceanic superheroes, most people think of DC's Aquaman. But Marvel has its own deep sea do-gooder in Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner (although, to be fair, Namor has played the villain role in the past as well, especially in relation to the Fantastic Four). And what many people don't realize is that Namor actually preceded Aquaman (Namor first appeared in 1939, Aquaman in 1941). Our favorite Namor comic is still this classic gem from 1968. Ranges in price depending on grade, but $100-$200 is the average.

Hydro-Man bust, Bowen Designs (2012)

Hydro-Man bust by Bowen Designs

This water-logged Spider-Man villain got busted by Bowen Designs back in 2012, and the sculpt turned out beautifully. The Hydro-Man bust stands 9" tall and is limited to only 750 pieces. He goes for upwards of $225 on eBay (if you can find one).

Aquaman Super Powers figure, Kenner (1984)

Aquaman Super Powers figure by Kenner

We've said it before that we are big fans of some of the action figure lines that were released in the 1980s (Masters of the Universe, G.I. Joe, etc.). Case in point -- Kenner's Super Powers figures. Here we get Aquaman, complete with his signature trident and a mini comic book. Aquaman is one of the more popular releases from Kenner and can go for $150-$200, minimum.

The sun of summer

As Game of Thrones season 6 came to a thunderous close on Sunday with "The Winds of Winter" episode, I was reminded that we just hit the official start to summer. Summer is such a great season for collectors, possibly because as collectors we are often nostalgic and who wouldn't be nostalgic for summers of our youth? No school, slip n' slide, summer camp and some of the most fun movies of the year. Summer is definitely a favorite season.

And it is a hot one so far this year out in California, so as we celebrate the start of summer, here are a few hot collectibles to keep us in the summer mood...

Firestorm the Nuclear Man #1 (1978)

Firestorm #1 by DC Comics

The first appearance of Firestorm, which melded Ronnie Raymond with Martin Stein, this book has nothing but potential to get hotter over the years. An ungraded copy in decent condition you can get on eBay right now often for $40 or less.

GI Joe Blowtorch Figure by Hasbro (1984)

GI Joe Blowtorch figure by Hasbro

The Joe's resident flamethrower. Pictured is the first release in 1984, often called peach-card for the peach colored file card on the back - later releases had a block lettering of GI Joe on the front and grey file card on the back. A sealed '84 Blowtorch will run you a good $300 if you can find one in decent condition on eBay or at a toy show.

Human Torch Statue by Bowen Designs (2013)

Human Torch Statue by Bowen Designs

Our favorite of the three full-size (1/6 scale) statues Bowen Designs did of the true hot-head Johnny Storm. Goes for about $200 on eBay these days.

Game of Thrones Monday: Judgment Day

(WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for season 6, episode 10 of "Game of Thrones" entitled "The Winds of Winter," so if you haven't watched it already, please skip ahead to the collectibles. Now, on to our last recap this season!)

Season six of "Game of Thrones" ended with an emerald bang Sunday night. Rather than face trial, Cersei Lannister masterminds a plot that would start with the murder of Grand Maester Pycelle (brutally stabbed to death by extras from the cast of "Oliver!") and end when dozens of wildfire-filled barrels under the Sept of Baelor go ka-blooey, killing the High Sparrow and his Faith Militant followers, Kevan Lannister (Cersei's uncle), three key members of the powerful Tyrell family (Loras, Mace and Margaery) and hundreds of innocent King's Landing citizens. After witnessing the carnage, King Tommen (Cersei was certain her last living son was not in the Sept at the time of the explosion) takes a swan dive out of the balcony window. Not unlike what "The Mad King" Aerys Targaryen threatened before Jaime Lannister killed him all those years before, Cersei elects to "burn them all" instead of face justice for her transgressions. When we last see Cersei, she is being anointed Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and taking a seat on the Iron Throne while Jaime -- having just returned from Riverrun -- looks on disapprovingly. Cersei's reign will likely be a short one, however, as enemies approach from all directions, and the Lannisters are severely outnumbered. This episode reminded viewers that despite all of the Joffreys and Ramsays and Waifs of the GOT world, it doesn't get more villainous than Cersei Lannister.

Emilia Clarke and Peter Dinklage in "Game of Thrones"

In Meereen, Daenerys has a fantastic heart-to-heart with Tyrion. He pledges his unending loyalty to her, and she appoints him Hand of the Queen, even giving him his own "Hand" pin (this one silver rather than the gold version used in King's Landing). Tyrion has come full circle -- he has a second chance to be the Hand, this time for someone worthy and capable of ruling the Seven Kingdoms. Questions about whether or not Daenerys should be considered a "villain" can be put to rest now that Cersei has cemented her place atop Evildoer Mountain. It's pretty clear now that only two people should truly be considered for rulership of the Seven Kingdoms -- Daenerys and Jon Snow (we'll get to Jon in a minute). Others will certainly try to squirm their way onto the Iron Throne (Littlefinger admits to wanting to rule alongside Sansa), but only Daenerys and Jon have legitimate claims.

One of the episode's most applaudable moments comes when Walder Frey sits alone in his hall, wondering where all his numbskull kids have gotten off to. Walder, of course, is the patriarch of the slimy Frey family and the man responsible for the Red Wedding and the cowardly murder of Robb and Catelyn Stark, among others. A young servant girl brings Walder a pie as he asks about the whereabouts of his children. "They're right here," she continues to say, finally revealing that the Freys have been butchered and literally cooked into the pie. The girl then pulls off a mask and we discover it is none other than Arya Stark. Arya cuts Walder's throat and makes sure he knows his death is at the hands of a Stark. "The last thing you're going to see is a Stark staring down at you as you die," Arya says. Three full seasons after the Red Wedding, and we finally get some comeuppance for the creepy Freys. Arya is the great x-factor in the GOT world -- as ambitious would-be rulers like Daenerys and Cersei muster armies and cross oceans, Arya traverses the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike at those who have wronged her family.

And the long-standing fan theory of R+L=J (that Jon Snow's true parents are Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark) was finally proven true as Bran flashed back again to the Tower of Joy, where a young Ned Stark finds his sister, Lyanna, dying after child birth. Ned promises Lyanna that he will look after her son, Jon. So we now know that Jon is part Targaryen, part Stark. Jon would make one heckuva good king, but Daenerys would make a good queen, too. We're curious who will end up on the Iron Throne when all is said and done (could they possibly rule together? Stranger things have happened). It is also revealed that winter is no longer coming -- it's here.

The show runners have stated that there are likely two short seasons of "Game of Thrones" left (perhaps seven episodes per season), and it seems clear we're heading toward the final confrontations -- Daenerys and her allies against the Lannisters in King's Landing, and the White Walkers against, well, everyone, starting in the north. George R.R. Martin has written five exceptional books (with the sixth, "The Winds of Winter," on the way) and HBO has adapted those books beautifully. It will be something of a bummer when the series finally ends, but what an amazing series in has been. We're sure the ending, when it does arrive, will be well worth the wait. Season 7 of "Game of Thrones" is expected to drop next April (ish), and we'll be back with our weekly recaps then. Now, on to one last look at some GOT collectibles. Valar Morghulis!

Helm of Loras Tyrell, HBO

Helm of Loras Tyrell, HBO

This detailed replica of Loras Tyrell's stylized helm is limited to 1,000 pieces and is made of wearable fiberglass. The impressive collectible includes a wooden stand with the sigil of House Tyrell. The helm is still available on the HBO website for $250.

"Wildfire" print, Fernando Reza/Spoke Art

"Wildfire" print by Fernando Reza/Spoke Art

Part of Spoke Art's recent "Lord of the Thrones" show, this print by artist Fernando Reza gives wildfire something of a Parisian flair. The fine art lithograph measures 24"x36" and is signed and numbered by Reza. Super affordable at only $20 ($220 if you want it framed), but will likely sell out and rise in value quickly. Look out for Reza's accompanying pieces, "Milk of the Poppy" and "Valyrian Steel."

"Game of Thrones" Map and Map Marker set, Dark Horse

Map and Map Marker set by Dark Horse

The board is set and the pieces are moving. As the final conflicts approach, get a lay of the land with this map and marker set from Dark Horse. The map is made of cloth and measures 50"x35.5" and comes with six markers representing House Stark, House Lannister, House Greyjoy, House Tyrell, House Martell and House Frey. It goes for about $200 on the Dark Horse website.

As always, we're a bit sad to see this season of "Game of Thrones" come to an end. But fans should be thrilled with the way the season played out and have plenty to look forward to in the next couple of years. Share your thoughts about this season of "Game of Thrones" in the Comments section below, and come back tomorrow for more from the CollecTwins!

Top 10 Friday... Films for Father's Day

We culminate our ode to Dads this week with a look at our Top 10 Films for Father's Day -- our favorite movies with fatherhood as a major theme. There are a wealth of great dad-related films out there and we couldn't possibly mention them all, so take this list as strictly opinion.

Marlin and Nemo in "Finding Nemo"

First though, here are a few more Father's Day-friendly collectibles you may want to hunt for.

King Randor Masters of the Universe figure, Mattel (1986)

King Randor figure by Mattel

He-Man's dad, King Randor, who some fans will remember from the classic Filmation cartoon, was produced as a figure in the popular Masters of the Universe line from Mattel back in the mid-'80s. He's on the rare side, but can be snagged on eBay for about $125-$150.

Peter Griffin Pop! Vinyl, Funko (2015)

Peter Griffin Pop! Vinyl by Funko

The ridiculous (and hilarious) father from "Family Guy" pops to life, thanks again to Funko. You can find Peter, along with the rest of the FG cast, online or at a local comic shop.

Darth Vader and Son deluxe maquette, Gentle Giant/Chronicle Books (2014)

Darth Vader and Son maquette by Gentle Giant

This playful sculpture from Gentle Giant was produced for Chronicle Books in honor of author Jeffrey Brown's "Darth Vader and son" book series. The maquette comes with a special edition 16-page book, but is sold out and difficult to find. Can go for upwards of $250 on eBay.

OK folks, on to our...

Top 10 Films for Father's Day

10. Vice Versa (1988)

"Vice Versa"

A father and son swap bodies in this 1980s comedy starring Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage. Easily confused with the 1987 Dudley Moore/Kirk Cameron comedy "Like Father Like Son."

9. Definitely, Maybe (2008)

"Definitely, Maybe"

Poltical strategist Ryan Reynolds opens up to his young daughter about his past relationships. The terrific cast also includes Abigail Breslin, Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Banks and Kevin Kline.

8. Father of the Bride (1991)

"Father of the Bride"

Steve Martin and Diane Keaton headline this comedy about a father struggling with his daughter's impending nuptials.

7. In the Name of the Father (1993)

"In the Name of the Father"

Daniel Day-Lewis is brilliant (I know, shocker) in director Jim Sheridan's compelling drama about a father (Pete Postlethwaite) and son (Day-Lewis) falsely accused and wrongly imprisoned for an IRA bombing in London.

6. Three Men and a Baby (1987)

"Three Men and a Baby"

Live-it-up bachelors Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg are thrown a curveball when a baby ends up on their doorstep. The popular comedy was surprisingly directed by Leonard Nimoy of "Star Trek" fame.

5. A Bronx Tale (1993)

"A Bronx Tale"

Dubious father Robert De Niro gets defensive when his son is befriended by mobster Chazz Palminteri in 1960s Bronx. De Niro also directs.

4. Mr. Mom (1983)

"Mr. Mom"

One of Michael Keaton's earliest roles saw him as a learn-on-the-job, stay-at-home dad in this clever comedy. The screenplay was written by the legendary John Hughes ("The Breakfast Club").

3. Finding Nemo (2003)

"Finding Nemo"

A father searches shore to shore for his fish-napped son in Pixar's groundbreaking animated comedy. The vocal cast includes Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres and Willem Dafoe.

2. The Godfather (1972)

"The Godfather"

Marlon Brando is the patriarch of a powerful crime family in director Francis Ford Coppola's Oscar-winning drama. Widely considered one of the best films ever made, "The Godfather" also stars Al Pacino, James Caan and Diane Keaton.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

"To Kill a Mockingbird"

Classic adaptation of Harper Lee's novel features father/attorney Atticus Finch fighting for his children and an innocent man's civil rights in the south. Gregory Peck earned an Oscar for his portrayal of Finch, one of the most noble fathers you will ever find in film or literature.

Which movies did we miss? Let us know in the Comments section below. See you all Monday for our final "Game of Thrones" recap of the season. Have a great weekend!

Fathers of comics: Magneto

Of all of the fathers in comic books, the most famous may well be Magneto, mostly because of who his kids are. Namely Pietro and Wanda Maximoff - Quicksilver and The Scarlet Witch (and of course there is still the possibility that Polaris is an offspring of Magneto too).

Although Erik Lehnsherr was probably not the best father-figure growing up, he sure passed on a lot of talents to his children.

Here are some great Magneto collectibles...

X-Men #112 (1978)

X-Men #112

A great cover that has Magneto doing what he does best - making life difficult for the X-Men.
(If you want to track down Magneto's first appearance you'll have to splurge for it in 1963's X-Men #1)

Marvel Select Magneto Figure by Diamond Select Toys (2011)

Marvel Select Magneto Figure by Diamond Select Toys

This highly detailed figure looms large at 7" tall and includes a base of conquered x-artifacts. Can be found on Amazon and elsewhere for about $25.

Marvel Legends Infinite Series Magneto Figure by Hasbro (2014)

Marvel Legends Infinite Series Magneto Figure

This Marvel Legends Infinite Series X-Men line was exclusive to Toys "R" Us and can be tricky to track down, especially the master of magnetism. If you can find a sealed one on eBay or at a toy show it may cost you upwards of $200 right now.

Magneto Statue by Bowen Designs (2006)

Magneto Statue by Bowen Designs

BD did two Magneto statues, and this pose is our personal favorite of the two (although the action version is pretty nice too).
This version came out first and was limited to 2000 pieces.  Goes for around $300 on eBay.

Big belated thanks to all the great Dads out there!

See y'all tomorrow for Top 10 Friday!

Fathers of comics: Odin

Also known as the "All-Father," Odin's roots are in the annals of Norse mythology. Of course, Marvel Comics brought the Norse god into mainstream pop culture when it introduced Odin's hammer-wielding son, Thor (also drawn from Norse mythology), way back in the pages of Journey Into Mystery #83 (1962).

Odin

Odin himself first appeared two issues later, in Journey Into Mystery #85. Odin was portrayed by Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins in "Thor" (2011) and "Thor: The Dark World" (2013), and he will reprise the roll in next year's "Thor: Ragnarok." Here are some collectible goodies for the all-wise Odin fans out there.

Journey Into Mystery #122 (1965) and Thor #294 (1980)

Journey Into Mystery #122 and Thor #294

These two key issues present the All-Father in all his glory. Journey Into Mystery #122 is one of Odin's early cover appearances, while Thor #294 is Odin's origin story. The former is more rare and valuable.

Odin Pop! Vinyl, Funko

Odin Pop! Vinyl by Funko

Even Odin earned Funko's Pop! Vinyl treatment with this movie-based version. Track him down online.

Odin statue, Bowen Designs (2008)

Odin statue by Bowen Designs

Bowen Designs released this beautiful, museum-style statue back in 2008 and it quickly sold out. But you can find the resin statue -- which measures over 19" tall and was limited to only 1,500 pieces -- on eBay. Bowen also released a "faux bronze" version, as well as an Odin mini bust.

Come back tomorrow for more from the CollecTwins!

Fathers of comics: Jor-El

To belatedly celebrate Father's Day we're posting on some of comics famous Fathers. Today, it's Superman's daddy, Jor-El. Although Jor-El was lost with Krypton's destruction, his message found his way to Superman in comics and in film. Portrayed first on film by Marlon Brando in the incomparable Superman: The Movie, and later in fine fashion by Russell Crowe in Man of Steel, Jor-El has always been the quintessential father figure.

Here are some cool Jor-El collectibles.

Jor-El's First Appearance, More Fun Comics #101 (1945)

More Fun Comics #101

You will not find this issue cheaply or easily, a key comic from the Golden Age of DC.

Superman #146 (1961)

Superman #146

A great Superman origin issue that tells the story of Jor-El and Superman's send off from Krypton. An ungraded copy in decent shape will set you back about $80 on eBay or at a comic shop.

Jor-El Statue by DC Direct (2013)

Jor-El statue by DC Direct

This 1:6 scale statue of Jor-El as seen in Man of Steel is mostly sold out online but not hard to find on eBay. Will run you about $100 or so.

Mego Pocket Superheroes 3.75" Jor-El Figure (1979)

Pocket Super Heroes Jor-El Figure by Mego

These great Mego figures were the size of GI Joes and Star Wars figures. More action figure and less doll than the original Megos. A carded Jor-El goes for about $60 on eBay if you can find one.

Game of Thrones Monday: Reckoning

(WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for "Game of Thrones" season 6, episode 9 entitled "Battle of the Bastards," so if you haven't watched it yet, please skip ahead to the collectibles. Now, on to our weekly recap!)

We're going to keep this recap brief, as this season of "Game of Thrones" winds down. Episode 9 was one of the most exciting and action-packed episodes of "Game" yet and included a fulfilling (and, for the dogs, just plain filling) end to the evil that has been Ramsay Bolton. "Battle of the Bastards" focused on two large battles -- Daenarys Targaryen and her followers versus the attacking masters in Meereen, and the battle for Winterfell between the Starks (Jon Snow and Sansa Stark) and the Boltons. Suffice it to say, both battles were extremely captivating. Daenarys loosed her dragons and Dothraki army on the masters and the murderous Sons of the Harpy, respectively, and cemented her position as ruler of Meereen, and, essentially Queen in the East (with her sights still set on ruling all of the Seven Kingdoms). Daenarys also made a pact with Yara and Theon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands (the dynamic between Daenarys and Yara was especially fun to watch) as she sets her sights on Westeros.

Kit Harrington in "Game of Thrones"

The Starks attack on Winterfell was brutal and visceral, and Rickon Stark and Jon's giant pal Wun-Wun were killed in the scrum (Rickon early on by the vile Ramsay Bolton and Wun-Wun later -- again at Bolton's hand -- in the battle's final moments). Jon was impressive during the conflict and again proved his mettle on the battlefield. When the odds were stacked against them, Jon and his Wildling supporters were saved by Littlefinger and the Knights of the Vale, as the Knights arrived just in time to quash Ramsay's army.

Jon beating the snuff out of Ramsay was cathartic, in a way, as the villain finally paid the price for his many transgressions. And Ramsay met an ironic and all-too-fitting fate when his dogs (his "loyal beasts," as he calls them) made Ramsay their dinner while Sansa watched on with satisfaction. The Starks have now returned to their rightful rulership of Winterfell -- but guess what folks? Winter is still coming.

Only one more episode of "Game" left this season! Now, on to more GOT collectibles.

Grey Worm Pop! Vinyl by Funko

Grey Worm Pop! Vinyl by Funko

Daenarys' unsullied champion gets the Pop! treatment, courtesy of Funko. You can find Grey Worm online or at a local comic shop.

Sansa Stark figure by Dark Horse

Sansa Stark figure by Dark Horse

This fantastic figure from Dark Horse presents Sansa as the no-nonsense leader she has become. Find Sansa through the Dark Horse website.

Winterfell Desktop Statue by Factory Entertainment

Winterfell Desktop Statue by Factory Entertainment

 Factory Entertainment wows again with this beautifully detailed desktop sculpture of Winterfell. Track one down on eBay or other online outlets. See you all tomorrow for more from the CollecTwins!!

Top 10 Friday... Boxing Movies

We have been reflecting this week on the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali. As we think of his influence in sports, the civil rights movement and American history as a whole - we segue into boxing and it's influence on popular culture. Boxing has changed so much over the years, especially of late with the introduction of MMA, but there was a time when boxing was the thing. THE thing, all you watched, waited up for, talked about... boxing at one time fully ruled the sports world.

So in memory of Muhammad Ali, our Top 10 Friday today will be boxing movies, of which there are quite a few incredible entries. Before we get to our picks though, here are some awesome collectibles from the boxing world.

Rocky Balboa Statue by Schomberg Studios/Sideshow Collectibles (2014)

Rocky statue by Schomberg Studios/Sideshow Collectibles

This re-creation in resin of the famous Rocky statue stands 12" tall and is currently available at www.sideshowtoy.com  for about $125

Mike Tyson 1/6 scale figure by Storm Collectibles (2015)

Mike Tyson figure by Storm Collectibles

This highly detailed figure originally had a price of about $240 and came with a slew of cool accessories. Sold out but can be tracked down on eBay.

Muhammad Ali Timeless Legends Starting Lineup Figure by Kenner (1998)

Muhammad Ali Starting Lineup Figure (Red Trunks) by Kenner

The Starting Lineup wave of sports figures in the '90s left a little to be desired in the detail department, but they sure picked the right subjects. Including this great Muhammad Ali figure. Two versions were available, one with white trunks and one with red trunks. A sealed figure will run you about $40 on eBay right now.

Raging Bull screen print by Joshua Budich/Spoke Art (2013)

Raging Bull Screen Print by Joshua Budich

Another great piece from Joshua Budich as part of Spoke Art Gallery's Scorsese tribute in 2013. The glow in the dark version is still available on the Spoke Art website. Signed and numbered out of 50.

Now, onto our...

Top 10 Boxing Movies!

10. The Boxer

9. Ali

8. Rocky III

7. When We Were Kings

6. Creed

5. Cinderella Man

4. Rocky II

3. Million Dollar Baby

2. Rocky

1. Raging Bull

See y'all next week as the GOT season starts ramping up to a close and we celebrate Father's Day belatedly!