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.