Go figure- doctor’s super collection

THERE is something different about the doctor’s rooms at Greenwood Park general practitioner, Dr Mags Moodley’s practice. The walls are lined with rows of action figures from an extensive collection that pays tribute to the heroes of the comic world.

“I’m a comic fanatic. I have about 1000 action figures and about 500 are here at my practice,” said the doctor.

His collection also boasts 7000 comics and graphic novels, some signed by Stan Lee and George Lucas.

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The comic book fanatic has been building up his collection for 20 years. His most expensive piece is a Star Wars figurine made of vynyl. The piece set Dr Moodlely back R18000- it is signed by George Lucas.

“Most of my expensive items have been collected at the various comic conventions I’ve attended all over the world. I’ve been to New York, Mumbai, London and fortunately, this year in September, South Africa is hosting it’s second comic convention. Mid Town Comics in New York is like the Mecca for comic fans, it’s my favourite comic store in the world,” he said.

His impressive collection also features famous figures from Marvell and DC comics.

“From the age of five or six years old, Batman was my favourite comic hero. He is such a complicated character. Besides being a hero, he’s also an anti-hero. He’s always troubled, so that makes him more human. And he doesn’t have super powers like Superman or Wonder Woman. He is actually human, but much stronger,” he said.

If he could choose one super power, Moodley would choose to have the power of a Jedi Master.

“I think human ‘super heroes’ come in all forms. Doctors are seen as special in the community, but there are other people that are equally special. My top of the list of special people in the community is teachers- they are actually the real super heroes,” he added.

He also sees comic heroes being put to work in saving the practice of reading.
“The problem today is that libraries are empty and people don’t read any more. Comics offer an avenue for youth to read and develop their imagination. Once they develop a love of reading comics, they start reading novels and come back to the culture of reading. As a stimulatory thing for youngsters, it’s excellent,” he said.

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And there is a moral to the story as well said Moodley.
“Most comics have a hero and an anti hero, so they do teach youngsters good morals. Star Wars, for example, really taught people about the need to examine our lives. One of the most famous sayings from Star wars is about how fear and hate leads to anger and anger leads to darkness. This encourages people to question their values- that in itself is a good thing because when people start to question, they start to learn,” he said.

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