Hello there, welcome to Tales to Astonish!

This site is to provide [primarily] Dutch fans with news and information about Star Wars- and superhero-related Lego, 12″ figures and collectibles. Even though there already are a lot of sites out there about any of these subjects, yet I feel there’s a demand for it. Especially Dutch based. While news and pricewatches may be localized, reviews and opinions are for every fan from around the world! That’s why I’ll write this blog in English. To find, share and interact with other like-minded.

So what’s my origin story?
First and foremost, I am what people call a ‘fanboy‘. Luckily for me and people around me,  I’m an open-minded one and not too biased. My love lies with Star Wars and superheroes and I’m susceptible  to other Scifi and fantasy franchises. That’s my secret power! ;)

I’ve been reading and collecting comics nearly as long as I can remember. Collecting toys really began with the first waves of 3.75″ figures G.I.Joe and Transformers toys back in the eighties.  While I was a kid, I wanted to have  them all. Mostly because we couldn’t afford them. And what we couldn’t have, we build with Lego. When I was 8 years old, I build Optimus Prime in Lego, which, by-the-way, could transform from robot into a truck, just like in the animated series. <Geek moment! My apologies.> Lego has passed on to my brothers and me from my father, so we had no shortage of bricks.

For quite some time I managed to collect superheroes only through their stories in comics until the first Raimi’s Spider-man movies. I bought one 6″ action figure of Spider-man and before I knew it, I had half of the Marvel Legends series in my showcase.

The secret origin of the blog
My collections are not what you would call ‘focused’  I have from everything a little something. So after quite a few trials and tribulations I decided to be more selective with the stuff I collect. That’s the first goal of this site. To review and share about what I like. Take a step back and look at it again to see if I really want it. I would like to think it would help other collectors too.
For the Dutch readers I’ll try to provide information on where to find stuff, for how much and where they can find the discounts.
As of late I discovered te awe of the 12″ figures or 1/6 scale figures. I never liked the format as it was to close to Barbie in matter of size and quality. And boys don’t play with dolls. Then I got acquainted with Machiko, the She-Predator from Hot Toys. I fell in love and thus she became the first 12″ figure in my collection.
With a few Star Wars exceptions, because of the high price tag, I try to focus my 1/6 scale figures only to ‘realistic’ movie superheroes.

These are exciting times for fanboys and -girls alike. With more Comicbook movies coming out and the improving quality and details on toys, movies and games.

These are Tales to Astonish!

- MarvelousRoland