Ghostbusters week: Slimer

With the re-boot (or is it a sequel...?) of the classic Ghostbusters hitting theaters this week, we're spending time to reflect on the original flick, one of our favorite comedies of all time. We can safely say we've seen Ghostbusters dozens of times. A lot of people have, in fact. It's a great, super entertaining flick that you can watch over and over. The new film opening Friday has big shoes to fill, we'll have to wait to see how close they come.

For this week though, let's scan to the past and check out some of the awesome collectibles the Ghostbusters franchise has left us with so far. We'll start with everyone's favorite spud: Slimer.

Ghostbusters 25th Anniversary Slimer Statue by Solid Thought (2010)

Slimer statue by Solid Thought

This great rendition of Slimer hovering over the Ghostbusters logo was offered in an Amazon exclusive bundle and on it's own. Sold out now but can be tracked down on eBay for around $75.

Slimer Premium Motion Statue by Factory Entertainment (2015)

Slimer Premium Motion Statue by Factory Entertainment

This statue from Factory Entertainment bobbles and is still available through their website for $29.99

Slimer Pop! Vinyl by Funko (2014)

Slimer Pop! Vinyl by Funko

One of our favorite Pop! Vinyls so far. Find it online for around $10.

Slimer Screen Print by Jason Edmiston (2014)

Slimer Screen Print by Jason Edmiston

Part of Gallery 1988's Ghostbusters tribute art show, Jason Edmiston paints another masterpiece in everyone's favorite hot dog loving ghost. You can still get an AP screen print on his website for $40.

See y'all tomorrow for more Ghostbusters goodness!

Top 10 Friday... Films for the 4th of July

Putting together a good Top 10 list for holiday-friendly movies is no easy task, unless we're talking about Christmas or Halloween, in which case there are plenty to choose from. You want a good mix of light and heavy fare. Here we've tried to cobble together a diverse group of flicks you could watch on Independence Day to get that good ol' patriotic vibe.

First things first, here's one final batch of patriotic collectibles.

U.S. Agent bust, Bowen Designs (2001)

U.S. Agent bust by Bowen Designs

This early Bowen Designs release was limited to 5,000 pieces. You can track one down on the secondary market for about $40-$50.

Uncle Sam #1, DC/Vertigo (1997)

Uncle Sam #1 by DC/Vertigo

The art from the incomparable Alex Ross alone makes this cool Vertigo release from the late '90s worth picking up. Find it online or at your local shop for under $10.

Apollo Creed Pop! Vinyl, Funko (2012)

Apollo Creed Pop! Vinyl by Funko

This retired (vaulted) Pop! Vinyl from Funko isn't easy to find and can go for upwards of $80.

OK readers, on to our

Top 10 Films for the 4th of July

10. Patriot Games (1992)

Patriot Games

Thriller based on the Tom Clancy novel stars Harrison Ford, Anne Archer and Sean Bean. Directed by Phillip Noyce.

9. Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump

Feel-good Oscar winner stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Gary Sinise. Directed by Robert Zemeckis.

8. Glory (1989)

Glory

Civil War drama stars Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman. Directed by Edward Zwick.

7. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving Private Ryan

Powerful World War II film stars Tom Hanks, Matt Damon and Edward Burns. Directed by Steven Spielberg.

6. The Patriot (2000)

The Patriot

Revolutionary War drama stars Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger and Jason Isaacs. Directed by Roland Emmerich.

5. Independence Day (1996)

Independence Day

Sci-if actioner stars Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman. Directed by Roland Emmerich.

4. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Captain America: The First Avenger

Superhero adventure stars Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving and Hayley Atwell. Directed by Joe Johnston.

3. Born of the Fourth of July (1989)

Born on the Fourth of July

Biographical drama stars Tom Cruise, Raymond J. Barry and Carolina Kava. Directed by Oliver Stone.

2. Rocky IV (1985)

Rocky IV

Boxing drama stars Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire and Dolph Lundgren. Directed by Sylvester Stallone.

1. Miracle (2004)

Miracle

Olympic charmer stars Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson and Nathan West. Directed by Gavin O'Connor.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Let us know your favorite 4th films in the Comments section below. See you all Monday for more from the CollecTwins!

Independence week: Captain America

The best for last... Cap, one of our all-time favorite characters, embodies patriotism and the American spirit. He is by far one of the most iconic superheroes that has been, and continues to strive nearly 80 years after his creation. He has also left a long list of great collectibles in his wake, and we are sure to re-visit him down the road one way or another.

For now, this post-Independence Day 2016, here are a few of our personal favorite Captain America collectibles.

Captain America #100 by Marvel Comics (1968)

Captain America #100

Cap's "first" silver-age issue which followed his return from the ice in Avengers and some solo-storytelling in Tales of Suspense. One of the most key issues for good ole' Steve Rogers fans. One in decent shape can fetch upwards of $200 on eBay.

Captain America #332 by Marvel Comics (1987)

Captain America #332

This might not be the most patriotic issue, but it is my favorite Cap cover done by the one and only Mike Zeck, and was part of a run of Captain America that helped re-define the character. Another must-have for Cap fans. You can get a decent copy on eBay for $20 or less.

Captain America Statue (Metallic) by Bowen Designs (2009)

Captain America Metallic Statue by Bowen Designs

Yes, Bowen Designs again. Because the statues are that good. No other statue producer we believe has gotten the likeness so right. This rare metallic version was a website exclusive. It stands 14" high and was limited to 1165 pieces. Goes for about $300 on eBay.

Captain America Secret Wars Figure by Mattel (1984)

Captain America Secret wars Figure by Mattel

We loved the Secret Wars line by Mattel from '84. Aside from this great Cap figure there was Wolverine, Baron Zemo and Hobgoblin to name a few of the more unique offerings. A sealed Cap can run you $100 or more on eBay (if the card is in good shape...)

See you all tomorrow for Top 10 Friday!

Independence week: Iron Patriot

The Iron Man armor has undergone a wealth of modifications over the years. Tony Stark has designed a plethora of models for varrying scenarios. There's the Hulkbuster armor, the Stealth armor, the Undersea armor and, yes, a special armor to inspire that patriot in all of us.

Iron Patriot

To be fair, the Iron Patriot armor was first donned by Norman Osborn (aka The Green Goblin), but the duds have since been worn by different characters, most notably Tony's very own man-at-arms, Col. James Rhodes. Here are a few star-spangled Iron Patriot collectibles.

Dark Avengers #1, Marvel Comics (2009)

Dark Avengers #1 by Marvel Comics

This key issue marks the first appearance of the Iron Patriot armor. Worth snagging for any I.P. fan. You should be able to find a copy on eBay or at your local comic shop for under $20.

Marvel Legends Lt. Col. James Rhodes figure, Hasbro (2012)

Marvel Legends Lt. Col. James Rhodes figure by Hasbro

Hasbro's Marvel Legends line is consistently good and expansive. This release presents Rhodes sporting the Iron Patriot armor. The figure can be found for the $30-$40 range.

Iron Patriot maquette, Sideshow (2013)

Iron Patriot maquette by Sideshow

This 1:4 scale maquette was produced by Sideshow Collectibles and Legacy Effects in conjunction with the 2013 film "Iron Man 3." The sculpture is 22" tall, features an arsenal of cool additions (such as light-up elements and bonus portraits) and is limited to 3,500 pieces. Goes for $399 on the Sideshow website.

Iron Patriot statue, Bowen Designs (2013)

Iron Patriot statue by Bowen Designs

Another top-notch release from Bowen Designs, here Iron Patriot stands 13.5" tall and is limited to a low run of just 700 pieces. Sculpted by the always impressive Kucharek Brothers. Goes for about $175-$225 on the secondary market.

See you all tomorrow as we wind down Indepedence week with the biggest of them all.

Independence week: Sgt. Slaughter

It is hard to go patriotic without mentioning GI Joe - in our opinion one of the very best toy lines that ever has been, and a fantastic cartoon too. Oh, they also have done comics and a couple of not-so-well received movies, among many other things.
But GI Joe is A Real American Hero, and today we're posting on arguably the Joe's most patriotic member, pro wrestler Sgt. Slaughter.

Sgt. Slaughter was one of the first figures I can remember that went from being a real person into a toy line and cartoon of made up characters like the Joes. And it was a huge hit.
Here are some great Sgt. Slaughter collectibles.

GI Joe Sgt. Slaughter Mail-Away Figure by Hasbro (1986)

GI Joe Sgt. Slaughter mail-away figure by Hasbro

Mail-aways were one of the best parts of action figure collecting in the mid '80s, and Sgt. Slaughter was by far one of the most sought after. You can occasionally find one still sealed in his bag on eBay or at a toy show, but it will send you back $100 or more.

GI Joe Sgt. Slaughter Slaughter's Marauders Figure by Hasbro (1989)

GI Joe Sgt. Slaughter Slaughter's Marauders figure by Hasbro

When Hasbro decided to release a carded Sgt. Slaughter they did it as part of "Slaughter's Marauders" and released some new characters with him. A Sgt. Slaughter from '89 carded will cost you about $120-ish if you can track one down on eBay or at a toy show.

GI Joe #48 by Marvel Comics (1986)

GI Joe #48 by Marvel Comics

The first appearance in comic book form of Sgt. Slaughter as he goes up against Zartan. Classic Mike Zeck cover. Easy to find on eBay or at a comic book store for often less than $5.

Sgt. Slaughter WWF Figure by Hasbro (1991)

WWF Sgt. Slaughter figure by Hasbro

This fantastic line of WWF (back before it became WWE) figures by Hasbro included some of the classic wrestlers of the late '80s, Sgt. Slaughter included. A carded Sgt. Slaughter may run you close to $100 at a toy show or on eBay.

That's it for today kids, but more patriotic collectibles on the horizon all week long!

Independence week: Major Victory/Vance Astro

Happy 4th of July, collectors! In honor of Independence Day, we're going to take some time this week to look at a few patriotic do-gooders and their respective collectibles. First one up -- Major Victory, aka Vance Astro of the original Guardians of the Galaxy. Astro's superhero arc stretches decades as he first appeared alongside the futuristic Guardians before showing up as a young man with the New Warriors and Avengers.

Major Victory/Vance Astro

As comic history goes, Astro grew up as an admirer of Captain America, and in the Marvel future timeline, Astro would acquire Cap's iconic shield and don the moniker "Major Victory." Here's a look at some red, white and blue Vance Astro collectibles.

Marvel Superheroes #18 (1967) and Guardians of the Galaxy #20 (1991), Marvel

Marvel Superheroes #18 by Marvel

Guardians of the Galaxy #20 by Marvel

These two key issues should be must-haves for Astro fans. Marvel Superheroes #18 -- the first appearance of the original Guardians of the Galaxy -- is the tougher and far more expensive find. Guardians of the Galaxy #20 sees Vance getting Captain America's shield and officially becoming Major Victory.

Marvel Infinite Series Two Pack Shield-Wielding Heroes, Hasbro (2015)

Marvel Legends Infinite Series Shield-Wielding Heroes figures by Hasbro

Another terrific action figure combo from Hasbro brings together Vance and Sam Wilson (Falcon playing the part of Captain America) in this Secret Wars two-pack.

Major Victory bust, Bowen Designs (2010)

Major Victory bust by Bowen Designs

This beautiful, highly limited bust was released by Bowen Designs in 2010. Only 200 pieces were produced. Can go for upwards of $400 on eBay.

See you all tomorrow for more Independence fun!

Top 10 Friday... "Summer" Movies

This week we've wrapped up the most recent GoT season, and ushered in summer with posts on some of our favorite Fire, water and Sand characters. And today we'll change direction slightly away from summer themed comic characters and their collectibles to summer themed movies and some cool collectibles that go with them. Before our Top 10 this week, here are those aforementioned collectibles...

Jason Voorhees Reaction Figure by Super 7/Funko (2015)

Jason Voorhees ReAction Figure by Super 7/Funko

One of our favorite lines of late has definitely been Funko and Super 7's ReAction figures. They've covered a lot of really cool licenses and made them into Kenner-esque action figures for the adult collector. Jason, the killer from Crystal Lake, is hard to pass up at about $15 or less online.

Jaws - Orca Attack Premium Motion Statue by Factory Entertainment (2015)

Jaws - Orca Attack Premium Motion Statue by Factory Entertainment

Factory Entertainment keeps coming out with cool stuff. Shake this statue to watch Jaws go after the Orca. $69.99 on the Factory Entertainment website.

Dazed and Confused Screen Print by David Welker (2014)

Dazed and Confused Screen Print by David Welker

This rare poster came in a few versions when it was released by Bottleneck gallery in 2014. The white version was limited to 60 signed and numbered prints and will run you upwards of $200 these days, that's if you can find one on eBay.

Now, onto the...

Top 10 "Summer" Movies

10. The Great Outdoors

9. Wet Hot American Summer

8. Friday the 13th

7. Summer School

6. Weekend at Bernie's

5. The Endless Summer

4. Stand By Me

3. The Graduate

2. Dazed and Confused

1. Jaws

See y'all next week as we go patriotic!