About Me
First things first: I am not the guy who writes those fantasy and Star Wars novels. So don't e-mail me asking why I killed Chewbacca.
I was born in West Point, New York on May 23, 1975. I continue to reside in New York's Hudson Valley, which is approximately one hour north of New York City. I attended Tufts and Purchase colleges, and recently graduated with a BA in Art History. I am currently working at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
I began seriously collecting Star Wars toys in 1994 when illness and some time off from school caused me to go looking for a hobby. I had collected Kenner's action figures as a child (have a gander at my Nostalgia page), and I've always loved the Star Wars films, so I took to the hobby naturally and earnestly began trying to complete my collection of loose figures. Almost immediately, I discovered the internet and its vast range of web sites and newsgroups. And through these forums came friendships and collecting contacts that are still thriving today.
I began co-editing the Archive in 1997. In addition, I've published a few articles on collecting, in publications such as The Star Wars Collector, Star Wars Galaxy Collector and Collectors Universe.
Of course, in the time since I began collecting, my interests and level of involvement in the hobby have grown exponentially. These days, I'm primarily interested in Kenner items that were not released commercially, such as store displays, retailer catalogs and Toy Fair promotional items.
I also have a major interest in pre-production or prototype items. In particular, I enjoy prototypes that exhibit a high level of craftsmanship, such as original art, sculptings and hand-made patterns. But I don't limit myself-- I'm always looking for new and interesting prototype items to add to my collection. Don't hesitate to email me if you have anything for sale that fits these descriptions. In particular, I'm looking for several Kenner store displays, including the "Collect all 41" action figure hanger, long Boba Fett action figure header card and Star Wars "Toy Galaxy" header card.
Other interests of mine include music (I like all kinds, from Blues, to '60s pop, to punk rock), baseball (Yankees fan), art and movies. I'm really a movie junky. Not surprisingly, Star Wars is the first film I can remember seeing.
In general, I love discussing the hobby and I'm always interested in hearing from collectors. Feel free to email me, particularly if you have questions about the information included in this archive or something to add to it.
Photo Gallery - Collecting Friends and Events
These photos are from our last East Coast collectors meeting. On the weekend of August 12 and 13, 2000, myself and a bunch of friends got together at Todd Chamberlain's place outside of Philadelphia, went to 6 Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, visited Mike Mensinger's place in Delaware and then hit my place in New York. It was tons of fun. It was also downright tiring.
Friday Night at Todd's Place
Clockwise from bottom left: Todd Chamberlain, Erik Janniche, Andy Loney, Chris Georgoulias, James Gallo
Friday Night at Todd's Place
Left to Right: Chris G. and James Gallo
Friday Night at Todd's Place
Left to Right: Erik Janniche and Andy Loney
Sunday at My Place
Clockwise from bottom left: Chris G. Joseph Yglesias, Rob Johnson, Mike Mensinger, Andy Loney, Derek Litton, Juwanna Mojimbo, Juwanna's SO Anne-Marie, Todd Chamberlain, James Gallo
Sunday at My Place
Clockwise from bottom left: Mike Mensinger, Andy Loney, Derek Litton, Juwanna Mojimbo, Todd Chamberlain
Sunday at My Place
Clockwise from bottom left: Jon Peck, Anne-Marie, James Gallo, Joe Yglesias, Chris G.
Sunday at My Place
Left to Right on Couch: Jon Peck, Todd Chamberlain, Mike Mensinger
Background, Left to Right: Andy Loney, Anonymous
Sunday at My Place
Front, Left to Right: Chris G., Me
Middle, Left to Right: James Gallo, Jon Peck, Joe Yglesias, Juwanna Mojimbo, Anonymous
Back, Left to Right: Rob Johnson, Todd Chamberlain, Rob Amantea, Derek Litton, Andy Loney, Mike Mensinger, Nick Stathis
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