Top 10 Friday... Looney Tunes Characters!

After we celebrated Bugs Bunny's bday this week, we decided to carry good ol' Bugs into our Top 10 this Friday by doing a list of our Top 10 Looney Tunes Characters.

Of course these lists are always IOHO, so feel free to post comments on what we've missed or how we mucked it up!

But before we get to our list this week, let's check out some way cool Looney Tunes collectibles!

Tweety Statue WB Store (1997)

Tweety Statue by WB

The Warner Bros. store released two versions of this fantastic statue of everyone's favorite canary, one 11" and one giant 17" version. You can find them on eBay in the $50-$150 range depending on size.

Porky Pig Figure by Tyco (1994)

Porky Pig Figurine by Tyco

Tyco released a bunch of Looney Tunes as small figurines back in the early '90s. You can get Porky still sealed on the card for around $10 on eBay or at a toy show.

What's Opera Doc? Screen Print by Mondo/Tom Whalen (2012)

What's Opera Doc? Screen Print by Mondo/Tom Whalen

Mondo released two versions of this great 18x24 screen print thanks to artist Tom Whalen back in 2012. The main run is limited to 270 numbered prints and the variant is limited to just 90 prints. They go for around $100-$200 on eBay depending on version.

Looney Tunes Comics #3 by Dell (1942)

Looney Tunes Comics #3

These old Dell issues of Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies are very scarce and date back to the early '40s. This is a favorite cover of ours and features some early versions of the Tunes most famous characters. You'll have to shell out a few grand to get one in decent shape though...

Now, onto our...
Top 10 Looney Tunes Characters!

10. Yosemite Sam

9. Elmer Fudd

8. Speedy Gonzales

7. The Road Runner

6. The Tasmanian Devil

5. Marvin the Martian

4. Tweety

3. Porky Pig

2. Daffy Duck

1. Bug Bunny

Heres to a great weekend ahead of collectible hunting, Elmer Fudd style! Join us next week here at CollecTwins as we get ready all week long for Suicide Squad!

Chasing Storm Shadow

We grew up in the 1980s and have an affinity for the Saturday morning and weekday afternoon cartoons that were so popular during that time -- He-Man, G.I. Joe, Thundercats and so on. We've discussed various collectibles from those properties in the past and will continue to explore them in the future, as there are a wealth of great collectibles based on '80s fare. But today, we'll take a minute to zero in on one of my personal favorite characters from G.I. Joe -- Storm Shadow, Cobra's ninja assassin and the longtime rival of G.I. Joe's silent commando, Snake Eyes.

Storm Shadow is mostly known as a Cobra agent, but the fighter -- recognized for his white garb and ninja weaponry -- joined the Joe team for a time as well. Storm Shadow has gone on to become one of the most popular G.I. Joe characters ever and has appeared in the original cartoon, movies and numerous action figure incarnations. With a hurricane of Storm Shadow collectibles to choose from, here are some of our favorites.

Storm Shadow statue, Sideshow Collectibles (2012)

Storm Shadow statue by Sideshow Collectibles

This beautiful statue from Sideshow is long sold out and limited to only 350 pieces. The polystone statue stands 20" tall, features interchangeable heads and includes Storm Shadow's iconic weaponry. You can track one down on the secondary market for about $400.

Storm Shadow screenprint, Rhys Cooper/Acidfree Gallery (2013)

Storm Shadow screenprint by Rhys Cooper/Acidfree Gallery

This 12"x36" screenprint from artist extraordinaire Rhys Cooper for Acidfree Gallery is limited to only 100 pieces. The impressive print is still available through the Acidfree Gallery website and is super affordable at only $25 ($40 for the limited variant). Get one while you can.

G.I. Joe #42, Marvel Comics (1985)

G.I. Joe #42 by Marvel Comics

This issue marks the first time Storm Shadow prominently appeared on the cover of the Marvel series. Check out issues #38 (Destro and Storm Shadow) and #52 (Storm Shadow and Quick Kick) for other terrific SS covers. Issue #42 goes for an easy $10 or less.

Storm Shadow figure, Hasbro (1984)

Storm Shadow figure by Hasbro

The original. This was the first Storm Shadow figure ever released by Hasbro, and it quickly became one of the action-figure line's most sought after figures. Tracking down a mint, unopened Storm Shadow on the original pink card these days is very difficult and can go for over $1,000. 

Toon back in tomorrow for our weekly Top 10!

What's Up Doc?

On this day, July 27th, back in 1940, one of the most important cartoon characters of all time made his "official" debut in "A Wild Hare."

Yep, today is Bugs Bunny's 76th birthday! In honor of the wascally wabbit, here are some fun Bugs Bunny collectibles!

Large Feature Comic #8 by Dell (1942)

Large Feature Comic #8

The first comic book devoted to Bugs. Rare and yes, expensive. Copies in decent shape are difficult to track down and can go for upwards of $3000.

Bugs Bunny 8" WB Collector's Guild Porcelain Statue (1997)

Bugs Bunny WB Collector's Guild Statue

This vintage take on Bugs was released as part of a pack that included a COA and pin. Can be tracked down on eBay for around $100.

Bug Bunny Mini Bust by Grand Jester Studios (2015)

Bugs Bunny Mini Bust by Grand Jester Studios

Grand Jester has done some great mini busts lately, including this fantastic rendition of Bugs from the famous "What's Opera Doc?" episode. Goes for about $70.

Talking Bugs Bunny Figure by Tyco (1993)

Talking Bugs Bunny Figure by Tyco

About 25 years ago Tyco came out with this Bugs figure that talked when you pushed buttons on his back. One still in the box in working condition will run you a good $50 on eBay.

That's all for today, folks. Happy Birthday Bugs!

Pop! Culture, Part 1

On this blog we've shed light on a variety of both rare and common collectibles, from comic books and posters to statues and action figures. A fairly recent introduction into the pop culture world has been Seattle-based manufacturer Funko, which has been producing some of the genre's most popular and collectible figures.     

For this post, we'll take a brief look at Funko's Pop! Vinyl line -- the black-eyed vinyl figures that have become a mainstay in comic book shops and at comic conventions, not to mention popular retailers like Hot Topic and Barnes & Noble. Here's a look at three personal favorites.

Rancor Pop! Vinyl triple pack

Rancor Pop! Vinyl triple pack by Funko

This three-pack from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" features the Rancor monster, Luke Skywalker and Slave Oola. Of the ones mentioned today, this is the most recent and affordable, and can be found online or at a toy show for about $40.

Genie Pop! Vinyl

Genie Pop! Vinyl by Funko

This retired (and very rare) pop presents the Genie from Disney's Aladdin. The piece became even more collectible following the death of Robin Williams. It can go for over $150 on the secondary market, and the rarer metallic Comic Con exclusive can fetch upwards of $350.

Purple Haze Pop! Vinyl

Purple Haze Pop! Vinyl by Funko

This early pop done in the likeness of Jimi Hendrix (though without his name, one assumes for legal reasons) is one of the hardest to track down. It goes for $200-$250. Keep your eye out for the limited edition Chase Metallic version.

Expect to see plenty more Pop! on this blog, and check back with us tomorrow for more insights from the CollecTwins.

Tell 'Em Steve Dave!

With Kevin Smith's latest film project "Yoga Hosers" hitting select theaters this Friday, we thought why not spend today paying homage to one of independent film and comic's strongest voices.

When "Clerks" made it's rounds back in 1994 most people knew they were watching something unique and hilarious, but few could see it leading to Bluntman and Chronic, the come-uppance of Ben Affleck or a reality show about a comic book store. But that's what it did.
In honor of "Yoga Hosers" here are some cool Kevin Smith collectibles...

Oni Double Feature #1 by Oni Press (1998)

One Double Feature #1

Kevin Smith forays into comic books with his story (and introduction to the medium) of Jay and Silent Bob. You can track it down for around $5.

Jay and Silent Bob 20th Anniversary Select Action Figures by Diamond Select (2014)

Jay and Silent Bob Action Figures by Diamond Select

Diamond Select Toys released this great figure set a little over a year ago. Comes with a back drop of the good 'ol convenience store. Goes for about $35 for the set if you can track it down.

Silent Bob Cold Cast Statue by Graphitti Designs (2002)

Silent Bob Statue by Graphitti Designs

This faux bronze take on Kevin Smith's iconic character from Clerks, Mallrats and of course Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (personal favorite) was sculpted by Clete Shields and limited to 1500 pieces. Still available (as of this post) on the Graphitti Designs website for $95.

Clerks Screen Print by Tim Doyle (2011)

Clerks Screen Print by Tim Doyle

Tim Doyle did this fantastic screen print to celebrate a screening of Clerks in Austin back in 2011. Difficult to track down these days. The regular version was limited to 325 numbered prints and there was a variant with a shorter run of 125.

See y'all tomorrow for more collectible action!

Top 10 Friday... Star Trek characters

Here we are again for our Top 10 Friday, a weekly staple here on CollecTwins. Today marks the opening of "Star Trek Beyond" and we've spent the entire week discussing some key Star Trek characters and their respective collectibles. The Star Trek universe is vast and dynamic, but we've tried to pin down the top 10 characters from the Trek world.

We will add some more Star trek collectibles soon, but for now here is our...

Top 10 Star Trek characters

10) Nyota Uhura

Nichelle Nichols as Nyota Uhura

9) Q

John de Lancie as Q

8) Worf

Michael Dorn as Worf

7) Montgomery Scott ("Scotty")

James Doohan as Scotty

6) Data

Brent Spiner as Data

5) Dr. Leonard McCoy

DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy

4) Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard

3) Khan

Ricardo Montalban as Khan

2) Mr. Spock

Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock

1) Captain Kirk

William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk

Star Trek week: Kirk

I don't know that many other actors are as synonymous with a character they portrayed as William Shatner is with Captain James T. Kirk. Chris Pine has done an awesome job as the "new" Kirk in the current incarnation of the Star Trek franchise, but as Prince would put it, nothing compares to you, Shatner.

William Shatner as James T. Kirk

Here are some great Captain Kirk collectibles.

Star Trek #38 by Gold Key (1967)

Star Trek #38 by Gold Key

A great Kirk cover as he's left to fend for himself, gladiator style. You can get a decent copy on eBay for less than $20.

Captain Kirk Figure (Fan Expo Canada Exclusive) by Art Asylum (2006)

Captain Kirk Figure by Art Asylum

This great figure was released in 2006 as an exclusive to attendees of Fan Expo Canada and is not easy to find. It will run you a good $70 if you can track one down on eBay.

The Enemy Within Screen Print by David Moscati/Hero Complex Gallery (2015)

The Enemy Within Screen Print by David Moscati/Hero Complex Gallery

In honor of one of the great Captain Kirk episodes of all time, this 16x20 screen print is limited to just 40 numbered prints and can still by purchased for $35 on the Hero Complex gallery website (as of this post).

Captain Kirk 1:4 Scale Statue by Hollywood Collectibles Group (2012)

Captain Kirk Statue by Hollywood Collectibles Group

Hollywood Collectibles Group has been producing some pretty nice statues for a while now. That includes this 1:4 scale Kirk that was limited to 750 pieces. Can be found on eBay and elsewhere for close to $300.

See y'all tomorrow for Top 10 Friday and the opening of "Star Trek Beyond."

Star Trek week: Spock

Actors Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy have brought the stoic Vulcan, Mr. Spock, to life in their own unique ways. Quinto has held the mantle since 2009's "Star Trek" film while Nimoy made the character famous in the original television series and numerous feature films. Nimoy even appeared as an elder Spock in the 2009 "Trek" before he passed away in 2015.

Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in "Star Trek"

The character is most known for acting on logic rather than emotion, a Vulcan trait, as well as his leadership and battle skills. So for the Vulcan in all of us, here's a look at some Spock goodies.

One:12 Collective Mr. Spock figure, Mezco Toyz

One:12 Collective Mr. Spock figure by Mezco Toyz

This 1:12 scale figure from Mezco Toyz showcases Mr. Spock in all his logical glory. This version of Spock features real fabric clothing, interchangeable heads and hands, numerous articulation points, a display base and stand, and deluxe packaging. You can find it on the Mezco Toyz website for about $70 (plus shipping).

Mirror Universe Spock Previews Exclusive Pop! Vinyl, Funko 

Previews Exclusive Pop! Vinyl Mirror Universe Spock by Funko

This retired Previews Exclusive Pop! Vinyl from Funko presents the "evil" Mr. Spock from the classic "Mirror Universe" Star Trek storyline. You can get MU Spock for about $15-$20.

Star Trek #1, Gold Key (1967)

Star Trek #1 by Gold Key

Though there were several iterations of Star Trek comic books produced by Marvel and DC, the oldest is this series from Gold Key that debuted in 1967. This issue ranges in value depending on condition, and can go from about $150 to upwards of $1,200 if CGC graded.

Beam on back tomorrow for more Star Trek tidbits from the CollecTwins! "Star Trek Beyond" opens July 22.