Figurine collection is a real Marvel
At present, he has 100 figurines on display, and many more in storage.
For many, the pages of a comic book are home.
Within their bright covers, you can find realistic stories of love, overcoming the odds, the course of justice and even redemption.
Until recently, comic books were for geeks alone.
Quinton Boucher is one those self-proclaimed nerds, a man whose room bears testament to a passion for fictional world of comics.
“I was a nerd before it was cool,” he quipped.
Since his childhood, Quinton was a fan of comic book heroes.
His first favourite was Spider-Man, the title assumed by Peter Parker after being bitten by a radioactive spider.
“He is a nerd but takes up the hero mantle often.”
About eight years ago, Quinton began collecting handmade lead figurines of heroes and villains from the Marvel universe.
At present, he has 100 figurines on display, and many more in storage.
“I prefer Marvel because D.C. Characters all seem to have a chip on their shoulder. Many Marvel heroes didn’t have a choice in their powers.”
Quinton’s favourite figurines are those of Colossus, Hulk, Deadpool and Ghost Rider.
“Hulk, because he was intelligent with a strong alter ego, Colossus for being a gentleman and also powerful, Ghost Rider because he deals a lot with the theme of redemption, and Deadpool because he also had cancer.”
Some of the lead figurines weigh as much as three kilogrammes, and cost anything from R110 to over R200 apiece.
Quinton’s models of Kingpin, Thanos and Colossus were most costly.
“It was money well-spent,” he explained. “It’s a true passion of mine, and I’m only missing a few from the collection.”
In addition to the figurines, Quinton also gained knowledge on the Marvel universe, as well as useful trivia on real-life adaptations.
Comic books also taught him the value of living a good life, and understanding limitations.
“In the Marvel universe, there are many heroes who also have weaknesses. For each hero, there is an equal and opposite villain. In comic books, if you make bad choices, you end up paying for it eventually.”
