From After-School Duels to Grown-Up Collecting
For many 90s kids, after school wasn’t just about heading home or kicking a football. The real excitement was swapping, battling, and showing off trading cards at playgrounds and void decks.
And that’s exactly how Shawn’s collecting story began, with Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Duel Masters cards at the heart of his childhood afternoons.
Unfortunately, like most childhood hobbies, card collecting eventually took a back seat as exams and school life took over. But once adulthood rolled around and disposble income came into play, it became far too easy for Shawn to rekindle those childhood passions.
Two Dragons That Stood the Test of Time
Even after leaving the game behind, a few treasured pieces managed to survive the years: a 2004 Bolshack Dragon from Duel Masters’ Base Set and a 2000 Japanese Blue-Eyes White Dragon from Yu-Gi-Oh!.
Of the two, the Bolshack Dragon holds the most meaning. It wasn’t just any regular card; it was Shawn’s partner in countless duels with school friends back in the day.
Now slabbed and sealed, it serves as a lasting reminder of the battles and bonds that defined his childhood.
Houndoom Hunting in Japan
Shawn’s collecting journey has many stories, but a memorable one revolves around his attempt to complete a full Japanese Houndoom master set.
In particular, one elusive card kept passing him by: the 2003 Gift Box Houndoom from the Latias & Latios half deck.
Unable to track it down online or locally, he pinned his hopes on a June 2025 trip to Japan, only to find shop after shop in Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Nakano stocked with nothing but modern singles.
Just as he was starting to get disheartened, he wandered into a small store in Ikebukuro. There, tucked away in a display case, was the very card he had been chasing. Without hesitation, he bought it on the spot, and even shook the shop employee’s hand in pure ecstasy.
Collecting with Patience and Purpose
For Shawn, collecting isn’t just about securing grails, but about doing it smartly. He avoids chasing entire sets on release day, knowing that singles usually cool in price after the initial hype, often making them more affordable a month or two later.
Planning ahead, pacing himself, and consistently price-checking online have become his guiding rules. Above all, he believes collecting should never come at the expense of everyday needs.
When it comes to collecting, it's important to plan the budget, and spend within your means. Always do your research on online marketplaces to price check!
Genuine Friendships Forged in Cards
Beyond the slabs, singles and figurines, the hobby has given him something even more valuable: community.
Reentering the TCG world has brought new friendships with like-minded people who share the same excitement when a binder flips to reveal a hidden gem.
He often reflects that, if not for collecting, he wouldn’t have met so many amazing friends, and he remains eager to share his knowledge of Yu-Gi-Oh! and Duel Masters with aspiring newbies or returning collectors!
Connect With Shawn And Follow His Collecting Journey!
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