Pure imagination: Willy Wonka

Movie fans the world over were burning candles this week when it was announced that comedic actor Gene Wilder had passed away (Aug. 29, 2016). Wilder brought unmeasurable zest and unique charm to every single role. Perhaps his most famous turn was that of Willy Wonka in 1971's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."

Wilder's riveting performance as Wonka is unforgettable and iconic. We'll take a look at some of Wilder's best films this Friday with our weekly Top 10 list. But for now, let's get a glimpse at some tantalizing Wonka collectibles.

Willy Wonka Pop! Vinyl, Funko

Willy Wonka Pop! Vinyl by Funko

Willy gets the Pop! treatment from Funko. Expect this retired Pop! to continue to rise in value following the announcement of Wilder's death. You can track one down on the secondary market or at a comic show for about $25-$40, and keep an eye out for the rest of the Wonka crew.

Willy Wonka Vinyl Idolz, Funko

Willy Wonka Vinyl Idolz by Funko

Funko has released several Vinyl Idolz figures, including this cartoonish version of Willy Wonka. Goes for about $20 in stores and on the secondary market.

Willy Wonka screen print, Mondo/Jason Edmiston

Willy Wonka screen print by Jason Edmiston

This beautiful print by artist Jason Edmiston (who has been mentioned previously on this blog) was done for Edmiston's "A Rogues Gallery" show for Mondo in 2013. The limited-edition print is exceedingly rare these days and can go for more than $400 on the secondary market -- if you can find one.

Magic is green: Matt Wagner's Mage

As we delve into some of our favorite non-mainstream comic titles, Matt Wagner's Mage is one that we can't help but touch on.

Mage features the relatable hero of Kevin Matchstick in a King Arthur update where a world of magic and creatures inhabits our own. The creative writing and brilliant artwork of Matt Wagner makes Mage one of our favorite titles off the beaten path.
Here are some great Mage collectibles.

Mage: The Hero Discovered #1 by Comico (1984) 

Mage: The Hero Discovered #1 by Comico

Mage first appeared in the #1 issue of his first 15-issue run thanks to Comico in the mid-'80s. A great series full of twists and turns, this issue will run you a measly $15 or so on eBay.

Mage: The Hero Defined #1 by Image Comics (1997)

Mage: The Hero Defined #1 by Image Comics

Matt Wagner upped his game for the next 15-issue run of Mage. This series is one of our favorites, featuring spell-binding story telling and great artwork yet again. The #1 issue goes for about $5 on eBay.

Mage figure by Graphitti Designs (1998)

Kevin Matchstick action figure by Graphitti Designs

Graphitti Designs did this large, 8" tall action figure of Kevin Matchstick back in 1998 with a cloth trench coat. Goes for about $20 on eBay.

Mage Statue by Bowen Designs (1998)

Mage statue by Bowen Designs

In one of Randy Bowen's earlier statues, he does an incredible job with the pose and sculpt of Kevin Matchstick with his all-powerful baseball bat raised high. Limited to 1000 pieces. You can track one down on eBay sometimes for around $150.

That's all for today! More tomorrow collectible lovers!

Down in the Valley: Jeff Smith's Bone

Every so often a comic book series comes along that bends genres and breaks new ground. That was what happened in 1991 when writer/artist Jeff Smith introduced the world to his unique creation, Bone. The brilliant series brought three Charles Schulz-esque cartoon cousins into an epic fantasy world that would make J.R.R. Tolkien grin.

Bone was first published in '91 by Cartoon Books before shifting to Image Comics with issue #21 (the series returned to Cartoon Books for the final 27 issues). Bone earned a wealth of Eisner and Harvey Awards and has built a loyal fan base. Let's take a peek at some choice Bone collectibles.

Bone #1 First Printing, Cartoon Books (1991)

Bone #1 (First Printing) by Cartoon Books

This indie issue started it all. Bone #1 was re-printed several times (the title in variant colors, depending on printing), but the first printing (red title) is the most coveted and valuable. Tough to track down these days and can go for well over $500, depending on grade.

Bone One Volume Limited Edition Hardcover, Cartoon Books (2004)

Bone One Volume Limited Edition Hardcover by Cartoon Books

Cartoon Books put out this gorgeous one volume edition in 2004. The gold-trimmed book is limited to 2,000 and includes a signed and numbered bookplate. Uncommon and goes for more than $600 on the secondary market.

Fone Bone figure, ReSaurus (1998)

Fone Bone figure by ReSaurus

ReSaurus released a handful of Bone figures in the late '90s, including this version of Fone Bone. Here Fone comes with the lovable Bartleby and some accessories. Track him down on the secondary market for about $30-$50, and keep an eye out for the other ReSaurus Bone figures (the 12" Kingdok figure is especially impressive).

Red Dragon statue, Graphitti Desgins (1996)

Red Dragon statue by Graphitti Designs

An early offering from master sculptor Randy Bowen was this cold-cast statue of Bone's soft-spoken protector, Red Dragon. The 12" statue is limited to 2,000 pieces. The leaf-bug Ted sits perched atop Red Dragon's finger. The statue goes for about $200-$250 on the secondary market.

Swing back by tomorrow for more from the CollecTwins!

The rise of Serpentor!

After posting on GI Joe's arch-villain Cobra Commander this week, we thought why not extend the Joe love to Thursday and post on the villain that came out of nowhere to leapfrog Cobra Commander on the Cobra food chain... Cobra's Emperor, Serpentor!

Serpentor was one of the key additions to the second season of the GI Joe cartoon, and back in the '80s, every boy (and some girls!) wanted Serpentor and his chariot in their ever-growing collection of Joes (including us).
Here are some not-to-be-missed Serpentor collectibles...

GI Joe #49 by Marvel Comics (1986)

GI Joe #49 by Marvel Comics

The issue that introduced us to the evil emperor, a key book in the run. You can get one on eBay for the low price of around $5 or less.

25th Anniversary Serpentor figure by Hasbro (2007)

25th Anniversary Serpentor figure by Hasbro

Hasbro did it right when they released the 25th anniversary Joe set of figures and pulled out some nostalgia magic in the packaging. Serpentor is extra desirable due to the fact the original release was boxed with the chariot and not on the card as so many other Joes. Here Hasbro gave you the chance at a more traditionally carded Serpentor. The better news? It goes for less than $20 on eBay these days.

Serpentor mini bust by Palisades (2004)

Serpentor mini bust by Palisades

Palisades Toys did a great group of mini busts and some statues of the Joes a while back. Serpentor was an exclusive, limited to 300 pieces, and is the most expensive and hardest to track down of the busts. Goes for about $150 when you can find one.

Serpentor and Air Chariot figure set by Hasbro (1986)

Serpentor and Air Chariot figure set by Hasbro

The original release of the Cobra Emperor. A sealed box Serpentor is hard to come by, but do show up on eBay occasionally for around $250.

We'll be off tomorrow, but swing on back Monday for more from the CollecTwins!

Crown royal: Captain Britain

Captain America might be the most famous, but the star-spangled Avenger is hardly the only captain throughout pop culture and comics. There have been several Captain Marvels (including one from DC Comics, the hero more commonly known as Shazam), a Captain Planet, a Captain Atom, and one of our personal favorites, Captain Britain. There are plenty of other captains soaring around the comic-book and pop-culture worlds, but we'll focus this post on the British fellow.

Brian Braddock, aka Captain Britain, was created in 1976 by writer Chris Claremont and artist Herb Trimpe, though the character was popularized thanks in large part to British artist Alan Davis. Davis worked alongside his fellow Brit, award-winning writer Alan Moore, for a wealth of memorable Captain Britain stories before teaming with Claremont for the Excalibur series, an X-Men offshoot. Brian Braddock's twin sister is none other than Psylocke, a notable member of the X-Men who made her cinematic debut in this year's "X-Men: Apocalypse." Here are some terrific Captain Britain collectibles.

Captain Britain #1 (1976) and Marvel Team-Up #65 (1978)

Captain Britain #1 by Marvel Comics UK

Marvel Team-Up #65 by Marvel Comics

Arguably the two most important issues for any Captain Britain fan. Captain Britain #1 was released in the United Kingdom under the Marvel UK umbrella and is the character's first official appearance, while Marvel Team-Up #65 was Captain Britain's first U.S. appearance (for all us yanks). Captain Britain #1 is the more valuable (and rarer) of the two and can go for upwards of $350, while you can snag Marvel Team-Up #65 for closer to $50-$100, depending on grade. It's notable that Captain Britain didn't have many appearances in his original lion-emblam costume and is more known for his red, white and blue outfit.

Captain Britain Marvel Legends figure, Toy Biz (2006)

Captain Britain Marvel Legends figure by Toy Biz

This early Marvel Legends release by Toy Biz was part of the exclusive Giant Man series. The 6" figure features more than 30 points of articulation and includes a comic book. You can find one on the secondary market for about $40-$60.

Captain Britain statue, Bowen Designs (2011)

Captain Britain statue by Bowen Designs

As we've noted time and again on CollecTwins, Bowen Designs remains the gold standard for Marvel statues despite its recent dormancy. The company released this museum-style statue in 2011 after already producing two striking Captain Britain busts (both also worth getting). The statue was sculpted by Mark Newman, stands 16" tall and is limited to just 700 produced. Goes for $250-$300 on the secondary market.

Hail Cobra Commander!

One of our all-time favorite franchises is bar-none, GI Joe. GI Joe created an unforgettable mural of colorful characters, and the never-ending battle between GI Joe and Cobra was one of the best tit for tat back and forths we are likely to ever see between two groups in pop culture.

At the helm of one of these groups was Cobra Commander, a somewhat childish, always terrible boss to work for mystery of a leader - with a knack for putting up a hissy fit and somehow being scary at the same time.
In honor of good ol' CC, here are some of his finest collectibles...

Cobra Commander Screen Print by Rhys Cooper/Acid Free Gallery (2013)

Cobra Commander screen print by Rhys Cooper/Acid Free Gallery

Australian artist extraordinaire Rhys Cooper created this 12x36 print of Cobra Commander back in 2013 and you can still pick it up (as of this post) on the Acid Free Gallery website for $30. Limited to 100 numbered prints (the grey variant edition is limited to 55 but is sold out).

Hooded Cobra Commander mail-away by Hasbro (1984)

Cobra Commander mail-away by Hasbro

This hooded figure of Cobra Commander was one of the earliest of the GI Joe mail-away figures. You can still find a sealed-baggy figure on eBay for around $100.

Cobra Commander Diorama by Sideshow Collectibles (2012)

Cobra Commander Diorama by Sideshow Collectibles

This statue came as a regular and an exclusive (the exclusive featured a switch-out hooded head for display). One of the finest of the GI Joe dioramas put out by Sideshow. You can get one on eBay for around $350. Limited edition of 500.

Cobra Commander figure by Hasbro (1983)

Cobra Commander figure by Hasbro

One of the hottest of all carded GI Joe figures. This will run you a good $500 or more on eBay for one in decent condition. That's if you can find one - they're scarce.

See you all tomorrow for more collectible goodness!

It's all about The Game

Professional wrestling has its own hold on pop culture thanks to the colorful characters often found in sports entertainment. With names like The Ultimate Warrior, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and Andre the Giant, wrestlers deserve their own pop-culture spotlight. From time to time here on CollecTwins we'll take a minute to focus on professional wrestling. Case in point is today's post, which takes a collectors' eye view on one of WWE's most successful wrestlers, Triple H, also known as "The Game."

Paul Levesque, aka Triple H, was born in New Hampshire in 1969. He rose to prominence in the WWE as a member of D-Generation X, but soon became one of the predominant singles wrestlers in WWE history. Triple H is currently an executive with WWE and has been married to Stephanie McMahon since 2003. Here are some Triple H collectibles worth pinning down.

Triple H WWE Icon Series statue, McFarlane Toys

Triple H statue by McFarlane Toys

This impressive resin statue of Triple H was released by the always-reliable McFarlane Toys as part of the WWE Icon Series. The limited edition statue stands over 18" tall and includes an authentic piece of ring canvas from the Triple H vs. The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar triple-threat match from August 2002. The statue fetches anywhere from $300-$450 on the secondary market, but it's getting more difficult to find.

Triple H Pop! Vinyl, Funko

Triple H Pop! Vinyl by Funko

Triple H gets the Pop! Vinyl treatment courtesy of Funko. This pop of Hunter Hearst Helmsley is retired but can be snagged on the secondary market for about $10.

Triple H Elite Collection Best of PPV figure, Mattel

Triple H Elite Collection figure by Mattel

This Toys R Us exclusive version of Triple H was released by Mattel as part of the "Best of Pay-Per-View" collection. The figure features numerous articulation points and has become fairly rare. You can snag one on the secondary market for $60-$90.

Come back tomorrow for more from the CollecTwins!

Top 10 Friday... Modern Day Gladiators

Happy Friday, readers! Here on CollecTwins we like to end each work week and roll easy into the weekend with a Top 10 list. Today we're thinking a bit outside the arena while honoring the gladiator theme we've been covering this week. In a world rife with modern day gladiators from sports and entertainment, we've narrowed down our Top 10.

Before we unleash the list, here are a few more gladiatorial goodies.

Contest of Champions #1-3, Marvel Comics (1982)

Contest of Champions #1 by Marvel Comics

Contest of Champions #2 by Marvel Comics

Contest of Champions #3 by Marvel Comics

This three-issue limited series from Mark Gruenwald, John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton pit various Marvel superheroes against one another in a cosmic throwdown. Captain America, Wolverine, Black Panther, Daredevil and Iron Fist were only a few of the characters involved. Still super affordable at $30-$50 for the entire series ungraded.

Spartacus statue, ARH Studios

Spartacus statue by ARH Studios

This fierce 1/4 scale statue (19" tall) from ARH Studios presents a bloody Spartacus with shield, sword and removable helmet (and the severed hand of his foe on the base). The extremely limited statue is tough to find and can go for more than $750.

Maximus' Helmet, Factory X

Maximus' Helmet by Factory X

Maximus' unique helmet from the Oscar-winning Ridley Scott film comes to life for collectors thanks to Factory X. The dramatic prop replica features a wooden display stand. Finding one on the secondary market isn't easy and will likely set you back more than $500. There is also a more affordable (and hard-to-find) miniature version.

OK folks, on to our...

Top 10 Modern Day Gladiators

10. Jason Statham

Jason Statham

Actor and martial artist.

9. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Dwayne Johnson

Professional wrestler and actor.

8. Jim Brown

Jim Brown

Professional football player and actor.

7. Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor

Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.

6. Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey

MMA fighter and actress.

5. Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson

Professional boxer.

4. Walter Payton

Walter Payton

Professional football player.

3. Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar

Professional wrestler and MMA fighter.

2. Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali

Professional boxer.

1. Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee

Martial artist and actor.

Let us know which modern day gladiators would be on your Top 10 list in the comments below. Have a great weekend!

Steel and saw... Marvel's Gladiator (II)

Marvel's Daredevil has a plethora of villains that want a piece of the vigilante, and none is more intent on Daredevil's demise than our fourth Gladiator of the week, Melvin Potter aka Gladiator. Technically the first of Marvel's "Gladiators" (we posted on the Shi'ar Guard on Monday), it seems only appropriate that as we near the end of this week's arena-inspired posts, we spend a little time with good ol' Melvin Potter.

We've now seen Melvin in Netflix' hit Daredevil series (as played by Matt Gerald), and it seems like only a matter of time before the helmet and saws come out and the lunatic from Daredevil's comic series comes to screen life.
Before that, here are some great Gladiator collectibles.

Gladiator's First Appearance, Daredevil #18 (1966)

Daredevil #18 by Marvel Comics

A must-have for fans of Gladiator, and one of the fantastic first-appearance cover rarities. Goes for about $50 or more on eBay or at a con depending on grade.

Iron Man #7 and #8 (1968)

Iron Man #7 by Marvel Comics

Iron Man #8 by Marvel Comics

A pair of key Gladiator issues with great covers and are early in the character's development as he goes up against ol' shell head. A little cheaper than his first appearance at around $40 each for decent ungraded copies.

Gladiator mini bust by Bowen Designs (2007)

Gladiator mini bust by Bowen Designs

Yes, Bowen again, with a great mini bust of Melvin Potter ready to rumble. Limited to 1500 pieces. It goes for around $65 on eBay these days.

Gladiator statue by Bowen Designs (2012)

Gladiator statue by Bowen Designs

The full size version that just goes perfectly with a Daredevil display. Limited to 350 pieces. You can track one down on eBay for around $240.

See everyone tomorrow for our Top 10 Friday, arena style!