Cross Another Item Off The Want List

I could watch this GIF for hours.

As you can probably tell by the GIF above, this is yet another Batman post. I'm also guess you also probably realized the addition has something to do with the 1966 Batman show. Well, you would be partly right on that one.

Back in 1966, due to the success of the T.V series, companies were releasing anything and everything with Batman's likeness on it. From lunchboxes to loafs of bread. From super duper large plastic Batman cowls to rings. Trading cards, ice cream, comics (Natch), orange and fruit punch drinks, toys of varying types. Anything and everything had Batman's likeness on it, which us collectors pay top dollar for these days on eBay and through various auctions. Thankfully, I didn't have to pay top dollar for this newest addition to the Batman wing of the House Of Swag.

That's right kiddies. Mikey's scored himself a 1966 Batman Soakie bottle. This is an item I had been wanting for quite sometime and I finally scored a pretty decent bottle, condition-wise for a fraction of what I have seen these go for previously.

Soakie bubble bath bottles have been around sing the 1950's, but their heyday was in the 1960's when they had licences to characters like Batman, Superman, The Beatles, Bugs Bunny, Disney, Universal Monsters among others. The bottle was shaped like the character and the head screwed off allowing you to pour the bubble bath. This was the work of a genius as the kid got a new toy, but parents got the kids to take their baths without any hassles from them. It was a win win situation. These bottles can now bring in some decent coin.

Thankfully, the one I purchased was in pretty decent condition. This bottle can probably use a warm cloth as there seems to be some dust on his face.

This the where the bottle has some problems. There is paint loss right under the cape and a bit as well as on his lower abdomen and leg. But the emblem is in perfect condition. Go figure.

If I knew nothing of this bottle, I could tell it was from 1966 as it says so right on the bottom.

The back of the head has some scratches, but that's about it. No paint loss on the back, which is terrific.

For a figure that is nearly 50 years old, I am very happy with the condition of this bottle, He is going to look great with the other vintage Batman merchandise I have been able to pick up this year. I can't wait until I am able to display everything.

There are still some stuff on my Batman want list, but it's great I was able to get this crossed of said want list and who knows? Maybe I can add another item before the year is out. But even if I don't I think I did pretty good this year.

For those who aren't familiar with Soakies, here is a vintage commercial selling them to the unsuspecting masses.

I love these vintage commercials.

Toy Show Days Make Me Want To Jump In My Yellow Submarine

Today was the monthly toy show in greater Wayne, NJ. I was going to hunt down some goodies to add to the ole' House Of Swag and I was really looking forward to it. My buddy, George had the idea to go and we agreed to meet really early Sunday morning and head over to shift through bins filled with toys, tables displayed with gems and shelves showing off...well, you get the idea here.

Now, I usually don't discuss the journey to said event in my blogs, but because of the title of this entry, I feel compelled to explain myself.

George and I met up at the appointed time at the appointed place and hit the road. After a stop at the bank and gas station, we found ourselves in New Jersey pretty quickly, thanks to my buddy's GPS with the voice of Mr. T guiding us along with a well placed insult here and there. I got comfortable and figured we would be at the toy show in no time at all.

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

The Mikey Curse. I'm back, jerky!

Ah yes, my nemesis was back with a vengeance. The curse that loves to throw curveballs at me when I think I have it easy and it was Clayton Kershaw today.

When we hit New Jersey, the sky's literately opened up and down came the torrential downpours. The rain was God awful. at one point, we couldn't see the road ahead of us and had to really slow down. At one point, the rain got so bad that we got off the Garden State Parkway and drove through Paramus looking for a spot to hang out and wait out the rain.

Of course, Paramus's businesses are closed on Sunday's, so as the curse laughed it's ass off, we carried on until the rain finally let up and we were back on the road. We made our destination, no worse for the wear, but already on edge thanks to the impromptu tsunami we drove through. But once we got in, game faces were on. We were shopping and if I can survive that rain, then I could survive the dude wearing the stained Dr. Who t-shirt, blocking the aisle, preventing me from passing.

The toy show had a little bit of everything. Vintage, contemporary, Star Wars, Super Heroes, TV Show Toys, Sci-Fi, DVD's, banks,comic books, and then some. The show was held in one decent sized room and had a pretty good turn out. People were there just buying up a storm and I wanted to get in on the action. As with every show, there was bargains to be had and there was dealers who was overpricing their wares. One table was selling an Avengers Hulk figure for $50.00, which is laughable.

Some real nice stuff on this table. As far as I know, that can of soda was not for sale.

As much as I would have killed to have those Beatles figures, this was one of those overpriced tables, so I didn't ask what he was asking for them. One day, they will be mine. Oh yes, they will be mine.

So, what did I get?

Glad you asked.

My first pick up of the day. I went in to the show with a game plan of Batman, Spider-Man, any affordable Beatles and if I could find it, that LJN Roddy Piper figure. As soon as I walked in, George spotted a table selling vintage paperbacks and found this one for me. I have been wanting this 1966 paperback novelization of the TV series for a while and $5.00 later, I finally had one.

Another table had a box of 1.00 items and after looking through the box, I came away with this late 80's, early 90's Batman Pez dispenser.

Another vintage Batman item I have been wanting for a while. I know the lithography on this cup could have been better, but since it's 47 years old I could live with it. Plus, at $ 5.00, I could sleep better at night. Of course, after walking a little further, I saw the same cup, in pristine condition. I heard the Mikey curse laugh at me again and call me a moron.

At one table, I bought a few items.

I can never pass up anything Simpsons and at $1.00 a piece, they were coming home with me.

If I could say I have buyers remorse over anything I picked up today, it was over this vintage Batman item.

Not exactly in the very best condition. Again, it was a Bat-item I wanted for a while, so I pulled the trigger on it, figuring I could clean it up a bit when I got home. What I failed to realize until I got back in the car was there was a small, broken off piece behind the right ear. The curse strikes again.

I also got this neat mint carded Spider-Man bendie figure from the same dealer. Probably, along with the Batman paperback, one of my favorite pick ups of the day. I had paired this with the vintage Batman squirt gun and got a great deal for both which made me agree before I even throughly looked at the squirt gun. Oh well, I can display it in a way that no one will ever know until I can get an upgrade. Shhhhhhhhhh.

The day didn't end there. After getting lost in North Jersey trying to get back (The Curse representing!) and making it back to Westchester, we made Toys R Us the final stop of our day and I was able to pick up these goodies.

If there are three things I love in this world, it's Batman, the Batmobile and candy. This little guy has all three so I happily bought it. I will be eating the candy as I do not want any unwelcome bugs in the House Of Swag.

My final purchase was this Captain Action base figure. You long time readers might remember I bought the Spider-Man costume and accessories last year and had needed a Capt. Action figure to display it. The figure had been $39.99 for the longest time. So when I saw it today at $16.00, I grabbed it and I can throw on the Spidey outfit and display it once I have my shelving up.

I gotta tell you guys, it's been a while since I had a toy haul like the one I had today and it was sweet. The next few months will be a bit tough to have another haul with birthdays, weddings, holidays and a trip out to California upcoming. But if I can add a piece here and there, then I should be content until I can go off on another crazed toy hauling kind of day.

Curse be dammed!

Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na Bobble-Heads!

I love bobble-heads. Other than action figures, bobble-heads are among my favorite figurines to collect. I usually collect sports bobbles. I have about 25 Yankees bobble-heads, maybe 7 Jets a few Devils and 2 Knicks. I do have a few non sports bobbles as I can say I have a Captain America, Hulk, a couple of Iron Men and the Monkees bobble-heads in my collection.

When the announcement came that we would be getting 1966 Batman goodies, I never thought that bobble-heads would be among the stuff that is being made available. Then I saw the mock ups for some of the bobbles and I got really excited. When I saw the pictures, I knew I would be adding these to my Batman collection.

Wacky Wobblers released a set of bobble-heads featuring Batman, Robin, Joker and Catwoman, who is not pictured. I love the look of these bobble-head figures. Not too silly looking as some bobble-heads tend to be. I had heard these were already out in stores, but I haven't had any luck in finding them.

As you can see, there is also a contaminated cowl Batman from a Mad Hatter episode. This one is a hard one to find. If you do find one for retail, go play Powerball.

I have stated my unmitigated affections for POP Vinyl figures on many an occasion. When I heard POP was releasing a set, I knew I would be getting them. I just never imagined how cool these would look. This figure looks fantastic and I cannot wait to get my hands on them. They won't be released until October so I will have to wait a while.

Of course, I will be picking up the Batman/Batmobile combo as well. Not sure if this is the final product or just a prototype. I guess we will find out come October.

Big thanks to AFI for releasing pictures of this double bobble-head of Batman and Robin, climbing up the side of a building. This bobble-head set can be displayed on a shelf, flat like above or can be hung up on a wall, which would look pretty cool. This will also be released in October so for now I will just have drool all over my keyboard until it's release.

Would you guys believe I do not have a Batman bobble-head in my collection? Even I find that amazing and sad. I need to rectify that ASAP. I have seen some pretty sweet Batman bobble-heads, like the one from the Dark Knight and the blue suit DC Direct Batman. Those 2, along with the ones shown above pretty much guarantee a bad ass Batman bobble-head collection.

More 1966 Batman Toy News And Pictures

With this weekend's exciting news that our stores and collections will be flooded with 1966 Batman toys from Mattel, even more pictures have been released and it seems that Mattel won't be the only company releasing 1966 Batman related goodies. Plus, more pictures have been released of the Mattel toys from 2013 Toy Fair, which was held here in NYC. Every year I wish I could be lucky enough to attend. I guess I'm lucky I wasn't in attendance. I would have been arrested for trying to walk off with everything. 

I stress that these are not photo's I have taken. I have found these photos online (Google rules). If any of them are yours, I would be more than happy to give you the credit you deserve for taking these awesome pictures.

First the Mattel toys

Here is what the blister card will look like. I'm drooling already.

Here is the box that Batman and Robin will come in. I'm an opener, but with a box like this, it makes it hard for me to want to open. it. Love that it has them walking up the side of the building. Wonder if there will be an opening for you to stick a figure out of the window, like when a special, unannounced guest star would in the show. By the way, Robin is only available in this box set.

 

Speak of the devil. "Holy Diablo, Batman!"

This cracked me up when I saw it. Yes, I have to have this too. I'm wondering if this is part of a 2 pack with The Joker in bathing suit. 

In case you were wondering, The Joker figure will indeed have Cesar Romero's mustache under the make up like in the TV Series. 

Oh, The Batmobile I showed the other day is exclusive to Toys R Us.

I posted this on my Facebook page. Yes, I realize they are Ken and Barbie dressed as Batman and Catwoman, circa 1966, but I don't care. I want them! I have the Barbie Batgirl figure already, (yeah, I said it. I own a Barbie), so these will fit right in with her. 

Looks like NECA will be releasing mini Batman figures. Here is a pic of the Batmobile that will accompany it. Sweet!

I love Funko Pop figures. I have a couple in my collection. Unfortunately, none of them are of the Batman. While I had planned on changing that this year, it looks like I will be adding some more Pop Figures to the want list. Check out the 1966 Batman line. What I am really drooling over is the Batman/Batmobile Pop. Pretty sneaky Funko for sneaking these beauties on me. 

There will also be Ensemble model kits made available from Moebius Models. There will be 6 models on Batcave rocks. When all are assembled will form the Bat Symbol. 

I will probably pass up on these for 2 reasons. I am not very good at assembling model kits and I want to pick up the other stuff more. Especially these other NECA 

An 18" Batman figure. From what I read, this will have interchangeable hands and, most importantly, will be UNDER 100.00. Yeah, I will be buying this one. Sorry Hot Toys. I believe there is a toy site that already has this for pre-order. 

Here's a close up of the face. Pretty good likeness on it. I haven't seen the Hot Toys Adam West yet, but I'm more than OK with this figure for my Bat-collection. 

NECA will also be releasing a Michael Keaton 1989 Batman as well. Not sure if this one will be under 100.00 as well. If it is, I will be grabbing it. I can't afford the Hot Toys version, so this will be a more than suitable option.

Guys, I've got to say, I haven't been this geeked out in a long time. I cannot wait until this stuff is released. I'm hoping it will be trickled out over the course of the year so that I won't put myself in the poor house trying to pick up all of this stuff...more so than I already am. I told John from the Batcave Toy Room on Facebook so much for concentrating on vintage alone this year. He told me that it took 47 years to get the licensing for this stuff. It is vintage!

I like the way he thinks.

Restoration Projects: Are They Worth It?

One of my holy grails is the 1966s Captain Action Batman figure. As any collector knows, this particular figure is a pretty expensive piece. Now, each time I see one on ebay, the drool I release almost short circuits my keyboard. It's dangerous for me to look at them on ebay. And God forbid I see one at a toy show. I become transfixed and my buddy George has to drag me away, usually kicking and screaming. It's an embarrassment to both he and I...mostly him.

Here is the problem my fellow geeks; I cannot afford this glorious piece. Like most of you, I have bills to pay and that's where the bulk of my dollars go. Whatever is left over is usually enough for work expenses and my leisure time as well as any purchases I make. Now, since I have vowed to concentrate on vintage pieces this year it should clear up some cash for the goodies such as this. Unless the modern piece is really cool or I can get it at a great price, I will more than likely pass on it.

Looking at prices for this on ebay over the past few months, I have noticed this usually finishes anywhere from 100.00-300.00. If I have a hankering for Raman noodles, I could probably swing 100.00. But those finish at that price few and far between. But while looking at the figures I noticed that sellers also sell the pieces to the figure separate, which gave me an idea.

What if I start picking up the pieces and just build the figure that way? Seems like a pretty good idea.I can add pieces when I get the money and over time I should have the figure I want. I actually got the idea for this from my buddy John over at the Batcave Toy Room, which you can read here: http://www.batcavetoyroom.com/  He restores Star Wars toys, so I thought maybe I can do the same thing with this Captain Action figure.

Then I start to notice a few things:

A-The pieces can go for a pretty steep price. I've been watching a few and some finished at 30.00 and over. I'm currently watching a bat-a-rang and it's at 46.00 with 21 hours to go. That piece alone could finish near 60.00.

B-Some of the pieces are not in the best condition. I mean, that's expected with age. These pieces are 47 years old. You really can't expect mint condition, but some of these sellers sell the pieces in horrible shape and that's a shame. If I had customizing skills, I could probably work with it, but I don't. I failed finger painting in kindergarden.

C-I would have to buy the original Captain Action Figure as well. I sometimes forget that the Batman figure is actually a Captain Action figure. Batman was sold as a suit for him to wear. I have seen, on average, the Captain Action figure go for around 120.00 alone. Heck, a modern Captain Action figure goes for about 40.00 and I don't want to pay that. I need one for my Spider-Man that was released last year.

So, going this route, I might actually pay more for the figure than one that is completed on ebay. By how much is the question. If I do thrifty shopping, maybe I can find the pieces at a good price, but there's no guarantee that will happen. I'm sure other collectors will have the same idea (especially after reading this, lol).

Knowing this, I wonder if restoring a vintage toy like this is the way to go. I think it could be. You have the thrill of the chase when looking for the accessories and pieces needed for the figure. Then there is the satisfaction of a completed figure in your collection. Hard work always pays off, right?

So, I guess the answer to that is really up to the person buying. Would you rather pay the money to have a completed figure or spend time and possibly more money to build the figure yourself with pieces you find on ebay and take the time to make sure the figure looks as good as you want it. Either way, you'll end up with a vintage figure that will look awesome on a shelf.

Holy Trading Cards Batman!

I don't really have any vintage Batman pieces from the 1960's, especially from that magic Bat-Year of 1966 when the T.V show debuted and everyone went Bat-GaGa, especially the merchandising. Seems like there was everything Bat related that year. If you could slap a Bat on the title, then chances were you were selling it. Bat Shirts? Done. Bat Bread? Sold. Bat Toliets? Um.... you get the idea.

However, I do own a few cards from the 1966 Topps Batman sets. I stumbled on them during visits to sports card shows. I usually find them sold as singles for 1-2 dollars a pop. Anytime I find them, I buy them. I know trying to buy a complete set of these cards would cost me a pretty Bat penny. Plus, I love the chase. The hunting of these cards and try to complete this set reminds me when I would buy packs of baseball cards and try to complete the sets. Call me old fashioned, but, to me, it's more satisfying and gratificating completing a set and being able to slam that binder cover closed when completed.

I don't know much about these cards other than there were multiple sets released. A black bat, a blue bat and a red bat set. Some sets had a red back, some had a blue back. Others had a puzzle back. I have even heard of there being multiple puzzle backs. iye, yi. yi. Trying to complete these sets may make me grey, but I'm willing to look like Old Man Winter to get this done.

Here are the cards I do own:

This one is in worse shape than any of the others I own. I will keep it for now until I can upgrade it.

Love how he has green eyebrows here. Looks like the Rock.

Too bad this mask wasn't on the show. Julie Newmar wearing this would have looked puuuuuuurrrrfect. I'm sorry.

Is it me or does Robin look sleepy?

 

Gulliver's Travels, staring the Caped Crusader.

 

The Penguin's so smooth. Fighting Batman with an umbrella AND smoking a cigarette. Smooth Criminal.

 

 

I've always wondred, does Robin wear chain mail shorts?

Ghost Rider's pissed.

See Batman, Liberace's got nothing on me. Ho, ho, ho. Ha, Ha, Ha.

I have yet to pick up the Laffs Batman cards and I see those at the card shows as well. I will grab some eventually. I just want to grab a few more of these cards before I start another set. By the way, if any one has any more info on these cards they can share, it would be greatly appreciated.

This is a set that will be a thrill for me to try and complete. I love vintage cards and I love Batman. 2 of my passions rolled into one. The Hobby Gods have smiled upon me. Hopefully, there will be more cards for me to add to my collection at the card show I'm hitting up tomorrow. I will post new additions, if any, tomorrow. Check back then.

Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.