Now that we're nearing the end of 2019 and indeed, the decade, I've been thinking about the collectibles I've obtained this year as well as what I'd like to add in the coming year.
2019 has been a fantastic year for me as a collector. I started collecting Buffy things back in 2014 but I had a bit of a hiatus from 2017-2018. I hadn't stopped loving the show or anything like that (as if!) but there were other things that took precedence: new job, studies and just life in general. But, I did add some fantastic additions this year that I can honestly say I've wanted for years.
My favourite addition has to be the Buffy Photocards by Inkworks. I first became acquainted with the Photocards series in 2015 when a friend generously sent me a bunch of packets of them. I loved the idea of having a photo album with my favourite era of Buffy (seasons 1-3) and thought it was such a cool concept. In around February or so of this year, I managed to get a really good price on the complete set with the binder, foil cards and even a promo card. If you want to see more of it, follow the link above!
Another thing I'm really pleased with is that I now almost have all of the roleplay guides. I've been thirsting over them for even longer than I did the Photocards! I was able to get four for a fantastic deal and am hoping to add the remainder to my collection in 2020. I also intend on going further in-depth with them and writing a post detailing their features.
I'm also over the moon to have started my Buffy puzzle collection. This was one of two puzzles I purchased, but this is my personal favourite since I think it looks so badass.
With Charmed, I really only started collecting in the summer of 2018 so almost everything in my collection was acquired this year. That means that narrowing this down is extremely difficult. I was lucky enough to get my hands on some truly one-of-a-kind goodies, strike some phenomenal deals and of course, begin chronicling everything.
I absolutely could not separate these 3 autograph cards by Inkworks. Getting the original power of three used to be a dream of mine and now it's actually a reality! It's made even more special by the fact that Shannen's autograph card was a birthday gift from my parents. My mum painstakingly sourced it and it's one of my favourite things I own, period! If you know me, you'll know that I'm a big fan of Shannen outside of Charmed, from her iconic role in Beverly Hills 90210 to Heathers, so anything featuring Prue is a big plus.
By extension, I'm still in awe over the Season One Inkworks binder. A binder, it doesn't sound particularly impressive; but, if you know anything about the Season One Inkworks set, you'll know that it's no small feat to find one of these in mint condition (which mine is). The binder also contained the base set, all of the chase cards, most of the promo cards and 3 autographs (Shannen, T.W. King and David Carradine). The purchase worked out well since although I already had the base set, chases and promos, I was missing the latter two autographs. I would have paid the price I did for the binder alone so as far as I was concerned, getting those other two autos with it was excellent and now I have some spares to sell on or ideally, trade.
Rounding off my Season 1 set was this unopened hobby box. For me, having a box is a great addition to a set; it might not be on the checklist, but it all counts as far as I'm concerned. I love anything relating to season 1 of Charmed and this set is unique in that it's the only Charmed set to actually feature a season rather than a more anarchic formula. These hobby boxes are considered the rarest. Since I already have all the cards and plenty surplus, mine will stay sealed.
In terms of collecting goals, here's my somewhat loose list for 2020. Sometimes other things pop up and goals change, but these are all things I've consistently wanted for a while and I'm hoping to get some of the following:
Buffy
Rittenhouse Archives cards, particularly an Alyson Hannigan autograph and the metal character plates
Merlin Stickers complete set
The remaining RPG books
Charmed
Rose McGowan autograph card from the Power of Three set (then I'll have the power of four!)
Prescott Manor tarot cards
More Pieceworks cards for the Connections set, it's the set I'm next closest to completing. I'm always looking for more Charmed cards, though!
Finally, I wanted to thank everybody for reading my blog, visiting my site and hanging out on my Facebook page. Despite this being a niche hobby, I've been lucky enough to meet some truly lovely people through fan groups and sites. I wish you all the very best for 2020, the coming decade and beyond!
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