Discussions around memorabilia and collectibles typically center on the “old faithful’s… of the hobby: cards, autographs and game-used equipment. While these get the large piece of the spotlight, they are far from the sole players in the game…
Not the mainstream, but the oddballs. Not a negative label by any stretch, but rather an endearing one from where I sit! These off the beaten path type of items that are very collectible, fun additions to our array of treasures may not get the love, but deserve more attention than they get. In the spirit of being the change you want to see, lets jump on the oddball bandwagon and spread some love their way!
Shall we?
Alex Ovechkin MacFarlane Figure (Series 26)
Quality design, accessible price point, fantastic visual pop. While the ‘90’s had brought attempts at generating a viable market for hockey figurines, it wasn’t until the entry of Oilers part-owner (at the time) Todd MacFarlane that a total package alternative was available. MacFarlane, of Spawn comic book fame, aiming to produce reasonably realistic looking representations of the players he was a fan of, created a partnership with the NHLPA to produce MacFarlane Sports Picks. The inaugural 12 player set released in 2000, featuring NHLPA logos on the jerseys, turned heads, and saw the NHL come on board for the remaining releases.
Between 2001 and 2014, 33 series of players were released, including close to 500 figures across base sets, collector level limited productions, and “chase… variations (e.g., home vs away jerseys; design variations). Additionally, legends series were produced (eight series covering 45 players) as well as various multi-player sets (e.g., 2005 & 2010 Team Canada sets; Two and three player offerings) between 2002 and 2009. Tonnes of offerings with huge eye-appeal for the discerning collector.
Today’s sample, Alex Ovechkin, comes from Series 26 and was his fifth inclusion in the MacFarlane releases. Right off the bat one can appreciate what is brought to the table with these offerings!
What isn’t there to say about this piece of work? This is all about detail. Where others may opt for the easy on-ice stance, this screams motion. Jumping off the bench and into the play brings an energy that plain vanilla postures just cannot. It paints a mental picture that brings one into memories of watching the dude play with an intensity few can. The inclusion of the boards with bench door in which the figure can be displayed is both functional and stupidly cool in its inclusion, and makes showing this thing off extra simplistic.
While the attention to accurate equipment is certainly met at the most introductory level (hey the correct colour and logo placements on the jersey!), these items got leaps and bounds beyond. We see all the secondary colouring, striping and patching has been included, while increasingly individualized aspects are also attended to (e.g., proper helmet/shield; stick brand; yellow skate laces) a la what one would expect of a mini-Ovie.
Looking closer we can appreciate the pieces adding to the kinetics of this statue in motion. The jersey doesn’t sit on this Hall of Famer, but rather flows around him and the race to the ice plays out. The creases in the fingers of the gloves as the stick is gripped. The texture of the socks, and the shape of the skate pushing out from underneath. They are complete additions to the overall vibe that could have easily been left aside for simplicities sake. Yet they weren’t, which makes it some cool looking!
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Do you have a piece of treasured memorabilia that has a great story behind it? Let me know and you can be featured in an article. Doesn't matter how big or small the piece is, how valuable it may be, or whether it's a common item or more oddball. If you think it has a story, contact me via the information below and we'll chat. In the meantime, check out some previous "Display Case" articles via the links below to see what others have submitted in the past... ______________________________________________________________________
Shawn Gates
shawn.gates@hockeybuzz.com
Facebook: ShawnMcShawn _________________________________________________________________________
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