Video dealing with Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection and Toy and Action Figure Museum

[Mark A.]

I've mentioned the Museum and the O.C.C. in the past, and now, thanks to Todd Kent, director/producer of The Comic Book Literacy Documentary , we have a video "snippet" about both. For those interested, you can see the video here (http://fourcolorcommentary.blogspot.com/2007/01/toy-and-action-figure-museumocc-video.html). You can also check out the museum site here (http://www.actionfiguremuseum.com/).

[hondobrode]

Or not.

I try not to be negative, but the museum is one of the most hideous things I've ever experienced. Violated and ripped-off are just two terms that come to mind after having left it.

There is practically no history or consistency. It's mostly mounds of 90's toys.

Really horrible.

ugh

Too bad such a sterling opportunity is mismatched with such an garbled and incomplete mish mash of garishly colored molded plastic.

Painful upon reflection.

Young children would probably like it.

[Mark A.]

I try not to be negative

Gee, is it fair to ask how hard you try?

A couple of things to you may or may not know:

The museum is less than 18 months old, and will no doubt improve as time goes by.

It is also largely dependent on donations. That means someone has to GIVE those vintage action figures to the museum in order for it to have them. Curator Kevin Stark has donated (or loaned - I'm not sure) much of his multi-thousand piece collection.

Also, two of the Hall of Fame entries are the original 12-inch G.I. Joe action figure series, as well as the iconic Captain Action figures, first seen in the 60's. Clearly, these are vintage toy displays, so, yes, there is some history. Maybe you missed them while you were there.

Lastly, there are also displays dealing with the various production stages of action figures, as well as annual visits from sculptors in the biz who come to demonstrate their art form.

Most people who have visited the museum have recognized and appreciated these attractions.

Thanks for your comments.

[Mark A.]

Of course, that's not to mention the Star Wars figures hanging on the wall, the He-Man figures on the floor and the Super Powers and Secret War figures, all from the '80's, that can be found in various places. You really can't make a "no history" argument, but, seeing as how you missed many of these, you might be able to make the argument that they are not well-displayed.

[hondobrode]

I said I * try * not to be negative. I knew when I wrote it that my posting would be largely negative because there was very little I felt worth praising. The billboards off of the interstate were attention getting and the fact that Pauls Valley gets behind the museum is impressive, but the actual museum itself is very amateurish IMO. Except for the two vintage G.I. Joe's and I think I recall a couple of early Barbie's, there was practically no history going back any further than the 80's. Ideal's Captain Action ? ANY Mego 8" action figures ? Micronauts ? ROM the Space Knight ? None of this pieces were there, were mentioned, or even pictured. To call this haphazard a museum is very wrong IMO. An exhibit ----- ok. A series of not very well assembled exhibits with no history of the progression of superhero toys / action figures / collectibles over the last 70 years. No history of how the market has changed, the collector market has emerged, company histories and background information, etc.

I really wanted to like it. Maybe down the road more of these issues will be addressed in a polished, professional way that gives more dignity to the industry.

[Kirk G]

Hondobrode,
Do you have anything that you could contribute to help the museum in this regard?
(Just thinking aloud, as I begin to review my tax situation and where I can contribute itemized deductions, etc...):D

[hondobrode]

Unfortunately I don't. I had some action figures and similar collectibles years ago but they were lost in a flood. I haven't gotten any since. Now I just collect comics, comic art, and Magic : the Gathering.

I am looking at donating some of my comics as a tax write off after I inventory my collection later.