Toy-Pix: A Candid New Take on Collectibles

Collecting toys can be a tricky hobby.

While an action figure may appear to be the bee's knees in blister, what happens when you open it? Will it break apart upon release? Can it do the Electric Boogaloo?

Toy enthusiast Michael Crawford relates to these concerns.

"When you're spending $50, $100 or more - and even just ten bucks - on something you have to order online, seeing the thoughts of another collector can be extremely important."

Debuting in 2000, his "Review of the Week" column (www.mwctoys.com) has entertained and educated curious web browsers and die-hard fans alike for years. Even the toy industry has taken notice to his praise and criticism.

"I've worked with many companies over the years, from Playmates to Palisades to Sideshow and others, providing my own personal take on what they do well, and what they could do better, always looking to make a difference in the overall quality of the product."

2006 and enter Toy-Pix, Michael Crawford's candid new take on collectibles. Recognizing toys as art and taking a cue from current convention signing trends, Toy-Pix combines the two in an exciting new format.

Crawford elaborates, "The artists that create the busts, action figures and statues - which are truly the pop art of our generation - are becoming more and more recognized by the collecting community. Much like other artists, be they comic book or film, their fans have started to collect their autographs. But autographing the packaging of a toy means carrying that toy to a convention, and then keeping it unopened back home. That's where Toy-Pix come in."

Capturing the hottest action figures and collectibles on an 8×10 photo, Toy-Pix tops off each limited-editon glossy with an authentic signature of an artist close to the project. A certificate of authenticity and unique artist bio on the back assures each to be the real McCoy. In addition, proceeds of each purchase goto a children’s charity of the artists choosing.

"The charitable donations are the result of the fantastic generosity of these talented artists," states Michael Crawford. "I'm hoping that Toy-Pix will bring benefits all around - to the collectors who can get autographs they might not otherwise have access to, to the artists in the form of even more exposure on their body of work, and to the kids who benefit from the donations."

Toy-Pix can be found on the web at www.toy-pix.com, including current offerings and newsletter details.