THE HUNT
BEYOND
The Rock Father and The Toy Hunter discuss collectibles going mainstream, and why tracking a gem is about much more than the flip. by James Zahn, senior editor From Starlog to Star Wars, Jordan Hembrough spent the last few decades immersed in fandoms on all fronts. The owner of Hollywood Heroes Gallery in Westwood, New Jersey, Hembrough maintains an ever-changing inventory of vintage and modern toys and collectibles, evolving with the industry as consumer tastes and desires change. He hit the national stage as “The Toy Hunter,” traveling the country in search of elusive toys for celebrity clients over the course of three seasons on the Travel Channel. While the series lives on in reruns worldwide, Hembrough still travels in search of something bigger—making connections between people and toys, and finding stories that continue to inspire. Like many kids of a certain age, Hembrough was inspired by George Lucas’ original Star Wars back in 1977—a first step into a larger world that went far beyond the film,
and one that would include more products and spin-offs than anyone could have imagined at the time. From action figures and vehicles in the Kenner Star Wars collection, to bedding, food, and housewares—fans could buy anything with the Star Wars name on it, and it was all collectible. Hembrough’s passion for The Force eventually led to his career and, decades later, it has come full circle. Last fall, Hembrough worked with Lucasfilm as host and producer of the new digital series Our Star Wars Stories. The show took an intimate look into the personal lives of individual Star Wars fans and their families, showing how the franchise continues to inspire. A five-person crew trekked across the U.S., shooting the first five-episode season in just 11 days. Pop Insider: Our Star Wars Stories really touched a lot of people. What’s the outlook for season two? Jordan Hembrough Hembrough: We had an incredible time producing the first season, and it was very well received by fans. Everyone is on board for another season, and we all want to do one. It’s just figuring out timing and logistics right now. PI: How has collecting changed over the past five years? JH: I think what we are seeing now is that people are more open to items being collectibles. It’s not a term that many people don’t understand anymore. Toy companies have done such an incredible job with their marketing of “collect them all!” that even people not regularly engaged in the collectible market are actively seeking out complete sets of toys or figures. Furthermore, collectible toys, statues, and replica props have started to enter the zeitgeist of television.
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Star Wars and Marvel figures are in high demand this year, Hembrough says. Many collectors seek high-end collectibles, such these Hot Toy figures. Pictured (left to right): Star Wars Princess Leia Bespin Sixth Scale Figure, Star Wars Darth Vader Sixth Scale Figure, and Black Panther Shuri Sixth Scale Figure.
44 | Issue No. 2 | THE POP INSIDER