Haven for action figure collectibles
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to get your hands on a superhero collectible, be it Marvel or DC. Or maybe the Ninja Turtles are your cup of tea,(indeed how could anyone resist Michael Angelo’s energetic Cowabunga?). Or maybe you’re not a superhero kind of person, but model cars excite you more. This week we take a look at ‘Collectique’ a store designed to bring you the best of your childhood fantasy collectibles.
Tharindu
Pix by Athula Devapriya
Collectique is a toys, hobbies and comic book store, which has been in operation since April 2017. Located at No. 437, Pagoda Road, Kotte, the shop is one that is hard to miss, owing to the Batman silhouette, that stands guard atop the building.
Of course, unless you’re loaded, you’d probably have to sell a limb to get at some of the store’s more expensive products. But the beauty of ‘Collectique’ is that they cater to a wide consumer base. So if you cannot purchase a large lifelike figure of Batman, you’d still be able to walk away with something cool.
Tharindu Wickramarachchi, the manager, is the first to greet us at the door. He starts by taking us on a small tour of the shop. Our first stop is by the side of a limited edition ‘Arkham Knight’ created by Prime Studio 1.
The statue, which is made out of plaster and is inclusive of two detachable heads, is valued at almost Rs. 175,000. Tharindu explains that this is one of 1000 statues which are available in the world today, and quickly adds that this one has already been sold.
Standing next to Batman is the unlikely combination of Captain America. We find out that XM Studios had made a limited edition 500 statues, exclusively for Simply Toys. Valued at approximately Rs.134,000, the statue stands tall next to a ‘Jean Grey’ format statue by Sideshow.
Our first question is, why would one pay so much for a statue, (although our answer seemed to be egged on to the fine finesse of the figures) to this Tharindu replies that their customers are mostly collectors. And since these statues are limited edition it’s price increases by each day. People are willing to buy these figures, because they know that even if they have no use for it anymore, they can always sell it for a higher price.
Pointing to Captain America he tells us that when the statue first came out it was valued at Rs.115,000. But now it’s increased to Rs.134,000.
“We also offer our customer the service of reselling it, if they want us to,” he adds.
As we move past an almost lifelike statue of ‘Iron Fist’, we find ourselves looking upon a colourful painting of Wolverine and the Incredible Hulk. “That’s the work of a local artist,” Tharindu is quick to mention, adding that the shop offers several paintings of your choice by the same artist, the prices of which range from Rs.6000- Rs.14,000.
The store’s action figure collection is our next stop.
Tharindu explains that when it comes to action figures, the brand ‘Hot Toys’ is the best. He grabs a ‘Thor’ action figure off the shelf and shows it to us. ‘Thor’ comes inclusive of several detachable arms, Mjolnir (his hammer) and a stand.This was priced at Rs. 35,000. Sitting next to Thor’ we notice ‘Iron Man’. He comes with a Miss Pepper and a detachable Iron Man suit, which could be fitted onto Miss Pepper.
Collectique also showcases a Ninja Turtles corner, which include 1/6 scale action figures of all four turtles, priced at Rs. 35,000 each.”
The shop however does not only stick to Superheros, rather they also offer several Tin Tin and Asterix products. Aside from these, if you’re not really into such items, the store also offers a wide collection of model automobiles, which range from some of the best brands such as CMC, to Hot Wheels.
Tharindu explains that what’s unique about the CMC model, is that it comes inclusive of leather seats, spare wheels and a miniature tool kit. Of course these models are priced at Rs. 80,000. But if you’re looking for something a little within your budget, you’d probably want to stick to Hot Wheels.
Overall the beauty of Collectique, is that it features a little something for every collector. If you’re not really into action figures, statues of superheroes or even posters and model automobiles, one could even get a customized bean bag, or even a Marvel t shirt or comic book.
For more details you could checkout their Facebook page ‘Collectique’ or website at http://www.toyssl.com/. They also offer an exciting membership programme, which comes inclusive of several discounts and offers.
